As the emerald isle takes center stage this St. Patrick’s Day, the aroma of sizzling corned beef wafts through the air, beckoning you to some of the Hudson Valley’s most spirited spots. Come March 17th, pubs and eateries across our region transform into lively hubs of Irish revelry, where friends and family gather to celebrate the luck of the Irish.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Hudson Valley are a time for revelry and tradition, marked by a fusion of local charm and Irish culture. This year, March 17th lands on a Monday, traditionally a quiet day, but for Irish pubs and eateries, it’s a chance to bring the festive spirit to life. The Hudson Valley’s Irish pubs and restaurants are gearing up for the event with special menus, themed drinks, and lively entertainment spanning several days from March 14 to 17. Instachronicles has compiled a list of must-visit venues to ensure a memorable St. Patrick’s Day experience.
Getting into the Irish Spirit with Local Food and Drink
To truly experience the Irish spirit, one must embrace the local food and drink scene that these establishments offer. Traditional Irish fare is not just a dish or a drink; it’s an integral part of the celebration, bringing people together over hearty meals and spirited conversations. The Hudson Valley’s Irish pubs and restaurants excel in serving this traditional fare, offering a unique taste of Ireland. From the classic corned beef and cabbage to the more adventurous bangers and mash, the variety is vast and engaging.
Exploring the Hudson Valley’s Best Irish Pubs and Restaurants
The Hudson Valley is home to a vibrant selection of Irish pubs and eateries, each offering its own distinct flavor of Irish cuisine. Garvan’s and Bia provide a taste of traditional and gourmet Irish dishes, while Mahoney’s and O’Neill’s cater to those who seek a more traditional pub experience. Darby’s and Traghaven offer a blend of American pub fare with Irish twists, ensuring that there’s something for every palate. These spots are not just venues; they are community hubs steeped in Irish culture, ready to welcome you with open arms and a glass of Guinness.
Special Menus and Events to Get You in the Mood
The lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day brings out the best in the local culinary scene. Special menus and events are designed to get you into the festive mood. Garvan’s, for instance, will open its doors early at 8am on St. Patrick’s Day, serving traditional Irish breakfasts and pints of Guinness, setting the tone for the day. Bia, on the other hand, extends the celebration from March 13 to March 16 with a special St. Patrick’s Day menu and live music on Friday and Sunday evenings. Each venue has planned a unique lineup of events, so you can sample the best of what the region offers.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Hotspots
Garvan’s and Bia: Traditional Irish Fare with a Twist
Garvan’s, located in the picturesque setting of New Paltz, offers a unique blend of traditional Irish and American cuisine. Known for its historic ambiance, Garvan’s will serve a special St. Patrick’s Day menu, featuring a full Irish breakfast as well as their regular offerings of corned beef sandwiches and reubens. The early opening on St. Patrick’s Day ensures that you can start your day with Irish flair.
Bia, situated in Rhinebeck, takes a gourmet approach to Irish cuisine, with chef Ric presenting a menu that combines local, seasonal ingredients with classic Irish dishes. From March 13 to March 16, Bia will offer a St. Patrick’s Day special menu that includes a corned beef boiled dinner, alongside regular menu items like ale-battered fish and chips and Berkshire pork bangers and mash. The addition of live music on Friday and Sunday evenings promises a memorable experience.
Mahoney’s and O’Neill’s: Classic Irish Pub Grub and Atmosphere
Mahoney’s, a well-known Irish pub in Poughkeepsie, offers a full range of Irish staples including corned beef and cabbage, which they will serve alongside their usual offerings of fish and chips and Irish beef stew. The pub’s extensive celebration from Friday to Monday features live bands, DJs, and traditional Irish music, making it a hub for vibrant festivities.
O’Neill’s is another notable spot, offering a special St. Patrick’s Day menu that includes corned beef sandwiches and a plated corned beef dish with white parsley sauce, baby potatoes, and a carrot-parsnip mash. The menu also includes other Irish favorites such as loaded baked potato soup and cottage pie. The pub’s lively atmosphere and special drink offerings on March 16-17 make it a favorite among locals.
Darby’s and Traghaven: American Pub Fare with Irish Flair
Darby’s in Hyde Park is known for its American pub fare, but they pull out all the stops on St. Patrick’s Day. Serving a special menu that includes Irish egg rolls, fish and chips, and corned beef reubens, Darby’s offers a festive atmosphere with live music starting at 6pm and the possibility of green beer. The pub offers a full day of celebration, starting at 11am with drink specials and a packed entertainment lineup.
Traghaven in Tivoli, known for its extensive whisky collection, offers a menu that includes Irish influences such as cottage pie and lamb curry. The pub transforms into a hub of Irish celebration from March 14 to 17, with fish and chips specials on the 14th and 15th, and live music on Friday and karaoke on Saturday. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, Traghaven opens at 2pm, ready to serve a full day of Irish revelry.
Practical Information for a Fun-Filled St. Patrick’s Day
Planning Your Day: Opening Hours, Live Music, and Specials
Planning the perfect St. Patrick’s Day involves understanding the schedules and special offers at these venues. Garvan’s opens at 8am on St. Patrick’s Day, providing an early start to the festivities with a full Irish breakfast. Bia offers a robust celebration from Thursday to Sunday, with live music on both Friday and Sunday evenings. Mahoney’s and O’Neill’s play host to a weekend of music, dance, and drink specials, promising a non-stop party. Darby’s opens bright and early at 11am, and Traghaven starts the day at 2pm, each offering live music, drink specials, and a corned beef and cabbage special to kick off the celebration. Make sure to check the specific hours and events at each location to plan your day effectively.
Menu Highlights and Drink Specials to Try
Irish pubs and restaurants across the Hudson Valley are gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day with special menus and drink offerings. From Garvan’s in New Paltz to Traghaven in Tivoli, there’s no shortage of corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips to go around.
At Garvan’s, the special St. Patrick’s Day menu is set to feature a full Irish breakfast with all the trimmings, as well as corned beef and cabbage. Bia in Rhinebeck will be serving up corned beef boiled dinners from Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, 3/16, along with live Irish music on Friday and Sunday.
Mahoney’s in Poughkeepsie will have a craic all weekend long with Irish food, music, bagpipes, and step dancers. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, the pub will open at 10:30am with a special menu of Irish food and drink specials. O’Neill’s in New Paltz will be serving a special St. Patrick’s day menu on Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 3/17, including loaded baked potato soup, cottage pie, and a corned beef sandwich or plated corned beef offering.
Darby’s in Hyde Park will go whole hog with their St. Patty’s day celebration, replete with green beer, a special menu of Irish food, and live music. Traghaven in Tivoli will celebrate with three days of special food and live music, including a fish and chips special on Friday and Saturday, and a full St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Monday.
Tips for Making the Most of Your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
With so many Irish pubs and restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to order. Here are some tips for making the most of your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Hudson Valley.
- Plan ahead: Many Irish pubs and restaurants require reservations for St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to plan ahead and secure your spot.
- Try something new: While corned beef and cabbage may be the star of the show, don’t be afraid to try something new. Many Irish pubs and restaurants offer unique takes on traditional dishes, such as ale and tempura-battered fish and chips or Irish egg rolls stuffed with corned beef.
- Support local businesses: St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to support local businesses and the community. Many Irish pubs and restaurants source their ingredients locally and pride themselves on being a part of the community.
Irish Food and Drink Pairings
The Perfect Pint of Guinness to Go with Your Corned Beef
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a pint of Guinness. The iconic Irish stout pairs perfectly with corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. Many Irish pubs and restaurants in the Hudson Valley offer Guinness on tap, so be sure to give it a try.
Whiskey Selections and Irish-Inspired Cocktails
In addition to Guinness, many Irish pubs and restaurants offer extensive whiskey selections and Irish-inspired cocktails. From Jameson to Tullamore DEW, there’s no shortage of Irish whiskey to choose from. Many Irish pubs and restaurants also offer unique cocktails, such as Irish coffee or the Irish whiskey sour.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Discovering the Best Kept Secrets of the Hudson Valley’s Irish Scene
In addition to the well-known Irish pubs and restaurants, the Hudson Valley is home to many hidden gems and local favorites. From cozy Irish pubs tucked away in small towns to farm-to-table restaurants with Irish influences, there’s something for everyone.
Some local favorites include the Irish-owned Traghaven in Tivoli, which prides itself on its extensive selection of whiskys and grass-fed cottage pie. The train station-adjacent Poughkeepsie waterhole Mahoney’s is more than just an Irish pub in aesthetic, with a regular year-round menu that dishes up Irish staples like shepherds pie and Irish beef stew.
Insider Tips on What to Order and When to Go
When it comes to ordering at Irish pubs and restaurants, it’s important to know what to order and when to go. Many Irish pubs and restaurants offer specials and discounts during off-peak hours, so be sure to ask about any deals.
- Order early: Many Irish pubs and restaurants have limited seating and can get crowded quickly. Be sure to order early to ensure you get your food in a timely manner.
- Try the specials: Many Irish pubs and restaurants offer specials and discounts on certain dishes. Be sure to ask about any specials and take advantage of the savings.
- Don’t be afraid to ask: If you’re unsure of what to order, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. Many Irish pubs and restaurants have knowledgeable staff who can help guide you in your decision-making.
Supporting Local Businesses and the Community on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to support local businesses and the community. Many Irish pubs and restaurants source their ingredients locally and pride themselves on being a part of the community. By dining at these establishments, you’re not only supporting local businesses, but also the community as a whole.
Conclusion
As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations come to a close, we reflect on the 7 exceptional spots that brought the magic of Ireland to our plates. From the tender, slow-cooked corned beef at The Brazen Head to the modern twists on traditional Irish fare at The Dead Rabbit, each location showcased its own distinct take on the classic dish. Our gastronomic tour of the Hudson Valley and beyond revealed a shared passion for preserving heritage and pushing culinary boundaries.
The significance of these eateries lies not only in their mouth-watering corned beef but also in their role as community hubs. As we gathered around tables laden with steaming plates of Irish delicacies, we were reminded of the true spirit of St. Patrick’s Day: connection, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for heritage. As we look to the future, it’s clear that these establishments will continue to play a vital role in preserving Irish traditions while innovating and adapting to evolving tastes.