All the Irish and Irish-at-heart get decked out in green attire, guzzle green beer and eat Irish-American food this St.Patrick’s day.
Like Mardis Gras, St. Patrick’s Day is a holy holiday turned into an excuse to cover oneself in glitter, beads and consume considerable amounts of booze. Even though Memphis hosted its St. Paddy’s Day parade last Saturday, there is still plenty to do Thursday.
Many Live performances with food and drink specials will be offered for the shamrocks supporters around town. Here are some places to check out.
1.) TJ Mulligan’s
TJ Mulligan’s on Kirby road is an Irish pub and bar. I often spend Sunday nights here indulging in mimosa and shooter specials. Open until 3 a.m., Mulligan’s will be a packed party central. Charvey Mac, a solo guitarist will open at 4 p.m. followed by Mike Watkins, a country/ rock ‘n’ roll band performing at 8 p.m. They will serve Irish food specials, like corn beef and cabbage. It may not sound as intriguing as their pizzas, but it’s a delicious traditional Irish-American meal. Back when cheesburgers weren’t on the menu, it was the only meal people could afford at the time. Cabbage and beef has become a staple. Featured drinks like the “The Shamrock Drop†a delicious lemon vodka shooter with a glow-stick inside for all your partying purposes, Guiness beer and Jameson will also be provided specials.
2.) Babalu Tacos
Babalu Tacos and Tapas will have a happy hour 4-6 p.m. The open patio will be great for people watching along Madison Avenue. When you need some food to match the $5 house wines and well drinks you’ve consumed, you can dive into $2 tacos. And if wearing green isn’t enough, try ordering their guacamole that is prepared table side.
3.) LaFayette’s Music Room
LaFayette’s Music Room, next to Babalu, will be open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. This new signature hangout spot in Overton Square anticipates being jam packed Thursday night, featuring live music from two performers in the downstairs main bar area. There is plenty of room to watch with an upstairs balcony and sitting area. For all of you who prefer to stay in one place whileordering drinks, there will be open bars upstairs and downstairs. The outdoor patios will be popular with the predicted warm weather. To get your Irish jig started, there will be $7 green PBR plus a shot of Jameson. If that’s not enough, $8 Irish car bombs and $5 Jameson shots will be offered to those who prefer to get the night started quickly. The upstairs balcony gives guests the optimal view of overlooking the surrounding bars along Madison.
4.) Local Bar and Resturant
If midnight rolls around and you’re still thirsty, Local Bar and Restaurant will accomodate you until 3 a.m. Yearwood & Ford will perform from 6-9 p.m. Local will offer $4 green Michelobs and $5 Jameson shots. Guiness and Wiseacre kegs will be pumping out the beer. I have yet to try any item on the menu that has been less than delicious. They will have specials for the hungry ones.
5.) Tin Roof
Down on Beale Street, Tin Roof will be open 11 to 3 a.m. Roxi Love a three-man rock ‘n’ roll band will perform at 4 p.m. and Chris Hill Band, an all genre band, will close the night out. If you’re on a budget, I would suggest going here. The Roof ’s 32 ounce green beers will only be $5. That means you can basically consume a six-pack of beer for $10.
6.) Silky O’Sullivan’s
Silky O’Sullivan’s, where it is St. Patrick’s Day year round, will be a hot spot to hit. Notorious for their diver buckets, the Irish pub welcomes all who are wanting to make memories that won’t be memorized. Once you’re finished chugging down the gallon concoction, you’re sure to go diving down. You can listen to the live band playing or enjoy duel pianos serenading you while throw-back $8 32 ounce Miller Lites or $7.50 32 ounce Yeungling or Killington. Eat, drink, drank, drunk, and wear green. These popular restaurants and bars are just some of what Memphis has to offer on the shamrock holiday. The surrounding bars on Beale Street like Club 152 and Alfred’s will have their clubs open ready to serve those celebrating the holiday. If you’re one who likes to stay outside and people watch while you glug your pints, Overton Square will be the place for you. Whether it is midtown, downtown or a local bar near you, just make sure to wear green so you don’t get pinched.
