You know the drill, Buffalo. For the days surrounding March 17, everyone is Irish, so grab your favorite green attire and celebrate. Pretty much every bar and restaurant has Irish food and drink specials this weekend. Here are a few that serve something a bit extra, too.
St. Patrick’s Parades
Our list has to start with parades, and there are two big ones in Buffalo. The Old Neighborhood Parade is from noon to 2 p.m. March 16 starting at the Valley Community Center (93 Leddy St.) and winding its way through the Old First Ward. Afterward, an Irish hooley is from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Valley Community Center, with music by The Reardon and Garvey Band. There will be corned beef sandwiches, Irish potatoes and pizza for sale. Or head to one of the neighborhood Irish bars such as Gene McCarthy’s/Old First Ward Brewing (73 Hamburg St.) and Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern (555 South Park Ave.). The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is 2 to 4:30 p.m. March 17, traveling down Delaware Avenue from Niagara Square to North Street. Liam T. Knott is the 2024 grand marshal.
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JP Fitzgerald’s, 4236 Clark St., Hamburg.
The big weekend features plenty of music in the bar and dining room to entertain you, whether you’re stopping by for a Guinness or a full meal. From 7 to 10 p.m. March 15, catch Geno McManus in the bar with the Jerry Shea Band in the dining room. At 7 p.m. March 16, McManus and John McCann play in the bar, with The Blarney Bunch in the dining room. On March 17, McManus and McCann return with two sets (noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.), with The Blarney Bunch playing 5 to 9 p.m.
Banshee Irish Pub, 257 Franklin St.
A weekend of parties at this busy Irish bar starts with a St. Patrick’s Day Eve Eve party from 10:30 a.m. to close on March 15. There’s live music, Irish dancers and Irish food (Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, corned beef) and beer. Music starts at noon with Terry Savastano and The Blarney Bunch. A St. Patrick’s Day Party is 1 to 5 p.m. March 15 with beer pong, music and contests. Gerry Dixon starts the music at 2 p.m., with Alexander James at 8 p.m. The $15 entry includes your first drink and benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. On March 17, music is by Kings Highwaymen at 1 p.m. and Captain Tom & the Hooligans at 5 p.m.
Blackthorn Irish Pub, 2134 Seneca St.
There will be plenty of revelry at this South Buffalo mainstay, with corned beef dinners available daily and music by Billy LaRusch and Ron Leisten at 5 p.m. March 15 and 17, and 4:30 p.m. March 16.
Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road.
Here’s another South Buffalo spot that will be overflowing with Irish beer, food, music and dancing. On March 15 (no cover), it opens at 3 p.m. with music by Gerry Dixon, followed at 7 p.m. by 3 Parts Whiskey in the Pub. In the Emerald Room, music is by The Mulligans at 3 p.m. and McCarthyizm at 6:30 p.m.; Irish dancers are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. On March 16, the center opens at noon ($10 admission) for a 17-and-older event with Kevin McCarthy at 1 p.m. and Ryleigh at 6 p.m. in the Pub. In the Emerald Room, it’s The Irish Tweeds at 2:30 p.m. and Setanta at 6:30 p.m., with Irish dancers at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. On March 17 ($10 admission), music is by Kevin Flanagan at 1 p.m. and Steve Harrison at 6 p.m. The Emerald Room has Kilrush at 2 p.m., followed by Himself at 6 p.m. with Irish dancers at 4:30 and 7 p.m.
The Irishman Pub & Eatery, 5601 Main St., Williamsville.
On March 15, enjoy tastings of Irish whiskey with Proper No. Twelve and Resurgence/Black Bird at 6 p.m. The Irish drinking band The Mulligans is traveling in from Erie, Pa., to perform at 7 p.m. On March 16, music is by Mike and Mandy from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by the RiG from 6 to 9 p.m., with a Tullamore Dew Tasting at 6 p.m. For St. Patrick’s Day, music starts with Mike Nowak, followed by Terry Savastano from 1 to 4 p.m. and Rince Na Tiarna Irish Dancers at 4:30 p.m.
Ebenezer Ale House and Rusty Nickel Brewing, 4348 Seneca St., West Seneca.
A Southtowns St. Pats Day Music Festival, from 1 to 10:30 p.m. March 16, has music headlined by Nerds Gone Wild and Strictly Hip, along with food and beer specials, plus a heated beer tent. Also performing are Leroy Townes Band, Undercover and the Greater Buffalo Firefighters Pipes and Drums. There will be NCAA basketball on the big screens. Yankee BBQ and Just Pizza will provide extra food. Tickets are $17 advance, $22 day-of; VIP tix are $75 with five drink tickets, heated VIP patio and more.
O’Brien’s West End Inn, 340 Union St., Hamburg.
In addition to Irish food specials on March 16-17, entertainment is by Finnegan’s Punch at 7 p.m., with bagpipes and drums at 8 p.m. on March 16. The Cian Na Cara Irish Dancers are at 4 p.m. on March 17.
Shamus Restaurant, 98 West Ave., Lockport.
The restaurant hosts its sixth St. Patrick’s Day Party, serving from noon to 9 p.m. March 16 outside and under a heated tent. There will be an Irish bagpiper, step dancers and music by Pocket Change, Working Man String Band and Welcome Distraction. A tent will serve Irish beer and other beverages.
Stockman’s Tavern & Grove, 9870 Transit Road, East Amherst.
How about a St. Patrick’s celebration with a tiki flair? That’s the plan starting at 5 p.m. March 16 at Stockman’s which will open its tiki bar for an event featuring corned beef and cabbage dinners, Reubens, shepherd’s pie and Irish potato soup. Music is by Black N Blues Trio.