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St. Patrick's Day Guide

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Leon's Lounge

1006 McGowan, 713-659-3052

Leon's is a place to drink all year round, so you know they won't go wrong here for this Irish holiday. They're having a grand reopening party, too, so check out the changes and enjoy great drink specials.

Live Sports Cafe 407 Main, 713-228-5483

www.livesportscafe.com

Why just celebrate the Irish one day of the year? This sports cafe will have a three-day St. Paddy's blowout starting on Thursday and ending Saturday. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday. No cover and great drink specials.

McElroy's Pub 3607 S. Sandman, 713-524-2444

Take a step onto the isle in this cozy Irish pub. Packed with tradition, it's sure to offer a genuine St. Patrick's Day experience.

McGonigel's Mucky Duck

2425 Norfolk, 713-528-5999

www.mcgonigels.com

Not many places can say they've been named one of the top ten in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by USA Today, but these guys can. They know how to embrace all of Celtic culture with music, food and, of course, Guinness. Entertainment starts at noon and will include The Irish Session Players, The Celtic Gypsies, O'Maoileidigh Irish Dancers and many more. $15 entry.

The Mezzanine Lounge 2200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150

713-528-6399

www.mezzaninelounge.com

These guys know March isn't just about the Irish, but also about college basketball. Down $1 green beers and watch the games starting at 11 a.m. Stick around for karaoke and live music from the Pasty White Boys. $3 drinks.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

281-FREE-FUN

www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

The Irish aren't known only for their drinking abilities, but also for their dancing. The Trinity Irish Dance Company will give a free performance and show what the little isle knows about fancy footwork. 8 p.m.

O'Malley's Stage Door Pub 2022 Post Office Street, Galveston

409-763-1731

www.mollyspubs.com/omalleys.html

If you can't make it off the island, then head to an authentic Irish pub near the beach. During the last decade, this one has become a favorite for its 100 different beers and full-service deli.

Onion Creek Coffeehouse 3106 White Oak, 713-880-0706

Start your St. Patrick's Day early with this all-day celebration. It isn't just about beer here; there will also be crawfish to eat and other munchies done Houston-style. No cover and beer specials.

Pub Fiction 2303 Smith Street, 713-400-8400

www.pubfiction.com

These guys had so much fun last year that they want to do it again. Join in the fun for the second annual St. Patrick's Day March Madness Blowout. They're roping off the parking lot to present live bands, but will have a DJ inside the bar. Entry is $5 and green beers will be flowin' for $3.50 all day long. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Rocbar Bayou Place, 530 Texas Avenue

713-236-1100

www.myspace.com/rocbartx

The Irish aren't all about singing songs about lost lasses and, um, drinking. You can rock and roll at this St. Paddy's party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Shay McElroy's Irish Pub 909 Texas Avenue

Suite A, 713-223-2444

On this day when everyone is seeing green, you have to stop in a traditional pub. Start the day out at 11 a.m. in a pub that knows all about the Irish.

Sherlock's & Baker St. Pub & Grill Various locations

www.sherlockspub.com

www.bakerstreetpub.com

All locations across Houston will be hosting huge "Who's Your Patty" celebrations today. Expect the green beer to flow and Irish-inspired food at all locations. The largest parking lot event will be held at the Sherlock's located at 10001 Westheimer from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Rat Ranch, Adrenaline and Downcry providing live entertainment

Slainte Irish Pub 509 Main, 713-222-1033

After the parade, head over to this bar to soak in more Irish spirits surrounded by old-world charm.

Slider's Bar 1424 Westheimer, 713-528-2788

www.slidersbar.com

They still claim to have the best daiquiris in town, so why not see what they cook up for St. Pat's? Join special guest "Kermit" for the It's Not Easy Being Green Party. Drink specials all day. No cover. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Springfest

888-U-STOP-IN

www.shopspringtexas.com

Put a little Texas Spring in your Irish celebration at the ninth annual Springfest. Not only will there be beer, but also tasting stations for Texas wine as well as art and food.

St. Patrick Church 1010 35th Street, Galveston Island

409-762-9646

www.saintpatrickgalveston.org

Here's a place to start drinking early, and it'll be okay to have the kids along. There will be green beer, authentic Irish stew for everyone and even attractions for the kids. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a four-leaf clover sticking out from the sand. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Warehouse Live 813 St. Emanuel Street, 713-225-LIVE

www.warehouselive.com

If the idea of drinking green beer doesn't get you out of the house, then head over to catch a great concert with RJD2 instead. Doors open at 8 p.m., show's at 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 18

29th Annual Houston's Great Northwest St. Patrick's Day Parade Wells Fargo Bank, Houston

281-537-9106, www.1960parade.com

If you can't stop the party on Sunday, then head out to Champions Forest for yet another St. Patrick's Day parade. It doesn't start until 2 p.m., so you can be sure to sleep off your hangover and have one more day of being Irish. Last year there were more than 100 entries and 75,000 in attendance, so you can expect to be entertained. The parade route begins at the Wells Fargo parking lot on the corner of Champions Forest Drive and FM 1960 and closes at the corner of FM 1960 and Kuykendahl.

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