By Isadora Pennington
What better way to show your love of the Irish than wearing all green and drinking lots of beer? St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest party days of the whole year, and draws huge crowds to pubs around town for a night of debauchery and green-tinted beer.
Irish pubs have been around for nearly a millennia, with the oldest pub in Ireland dating back to the 10th century. Known for their casual and friendly atmosphere, hearty food, flowing drinks, traditional Irish sports and music, the trend of Irish pubs has spread worldwide, and indeed all the way across the pond to Atlanta.
As you plan your holiday festivities consider these awesome local options, or just stop by for a bite and a drink sometime.
Limerick Junction
Four mini grilled sandwiches stuffed with bacon, spinach, tomato and Swiss cheese, $8; a perfect pour of Guinness, $6. 822 N. Highland Ave. NE. limerickjunction.com or (404) 874-7147.
Marlay House
Pub pretzel served with strong pub mustard, $3; Magners cider from Clonmel, Ireland, $6. 426 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. themarlayhouse.com or (404) 270-9950.
Fado
Irish coffee with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey and brown sugar in hot coffee, topped with cream and cinnamon swirls, $8.50; roasted red pepper hummus with feta cheese and mint oil, served with boxy wedges (fried potatoes), $9.95. 933 Peachtree St. NE. fadoirishpub.com or (404) 260-7910.
Elder Tree
Irish cheddar dip – creamy cheese dip with finely chopped cabbage, cream cheese, creme fraiche served with toasted baguettes and topped with green onions, $9; black velvet beer cocktail with Magners cider and Guinness, $5.50. 469 Flat Shoals Ave. eldertreeatl.com or (404) 658-6108.
Ri Ra Irish Pub
Smoked salmon and soda bread with whiskey choice butter and fresh dill, $12. Harp, $5.50. 1080 Peachtree St. NE #1. rira.com or (404) 477-1700.
