It’s rare for Cincinnatians to run out of reasons to gather and drink beer on the weekend, but St. Patrick’s Day brings a distinct level of “enthusiasm” to the city — especially when the holiday falls on a Saturday. It would probably be easier to make a guide of places not offering some variation of green drink specials and Irish music, but we made a list anyway for you to map out your St. Patty’s Day game plan.
Bars and Breweries
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant: Start out with the classic Kegs & Eggs, but get there early — the first 100 guests will receive a Molly’s souvenir shirt. Or come late — the party lasts well into the night. There will be three floors of festivities in the pub and the outside tent, including two stages where you can hear the best of the region’s Irish bands. Doors open at 7 a.m.
Arnold’s Bar and Grill: Cincinnati’s oldest bar will feature eight straight hours of live music. That includes the Roving Rogues playing Irish music from 5-8 p.m. and The Part Time Gentleman playing a mix of Americana and Irish music from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Grab a Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s for $5 a pint and Irish Whiskeys, Jameson, Clantarf and Quiet Man for $4 all night. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House: The brewery’s Monroe barrel house will turn its signature offerings green in celebration of the holiday. That means Green 3984 Lager, Green Divergent with Woodruff Syrup, Rivertown Appletini. They’ll also have shamrock necklaces if you’re feeling extra festive. If you’re hungry, you can get house-crafted corned beef & cabbage, Irish stew and more. Doors open at 11 a.m.
The Stretch: If you find yourself downtown, stop in for $3 pints of green beer on tap as well as shot specials. Doors open at noon.
POP Bar: This Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood favorite is keeping it simple with $5 Jameson’s. Doors open at noon.
Mount Adams Pavilion: You can bet Mount Adams will be observing the holiday. Stop by the Pavillion as you bar-hop for $3 green beer, $5 pints of Guinness, $5 Jameson, and music all night (featuring Fuseamania and Ben & Milkshake)! Doors open at noon.
Hightail Mount Adams: Also on the Mount Adams bar-hopping list, but offering a different selection of fun treats. Lucky Charms bar, Jameson Irish Whiskey gift basket giveaway, and leprechaun bombs! Doors open at noon.
Rosedale OTR: Be forewarned: the weather Saturday may be cold and rainy (just like the Irish isles). Warm up at Rosedale with $4 Irish stouts all day long. Doors open at noon.
BIERmarkt: Though it’s not a German holiday, per se, the BIERmarkt is otherwise staying true to its name with special Irish beers including Innis & Gunn Kindred Spirits, Boulder Irish Blessing and Boulevard Irish Red. Doors open at 2 p.m.
The Righteous Room: Get a sneak-preview of your Sunday morning with DJ Hangover. You can get there quicker with some $5 Irish Kiss infusion shot specials and a half-price happy hour from 4-8pm. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Igby's: If you feel like a getting a little fancy with your Irish spirit, head downtown for $7 Jameson Irish Whiskey mules all night long. There will be Irish dancers and a lucky coin pull gives you the chance to win gift cards and drinks. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Non-Bar and Non-Brewery Events
Fountain Square: Cincinnati’s living room will feature live music from Celtic rock bands, face painting, Irish food, green beer and Guinness. Noon-8 p.m.
Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati: This is probably the most appropriate place to be for the holiday. A noon mass will be followed by music, dance, food and drink. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Free for Members with 2018 Member Cards. Mass starts at noon.
Anderson Pavilion at Smale Park: This riverfront jewel is a great option if you’ve got the wee ones in tow. Stop by for live entertainment, rides on Carol Ann’s Carousel, a free root beer bar and other attractions. 1-4 p.m.
Webb's BBQ: This family-owned Newport favorite is offering up Guinness and Smithwick’s, corned beef and cabbage, wings and more along with Irish music. Part of the proceeds will go to the Knights of Columbus to help with the cost of flood repairs. 3-11 p.m.
Blue Ash Recreation Center: Adults 21+ can enjoy food, fun and music by the Monday Night Big Band. Tickets: $15 advance; $18 at door. 6:30-10 p.m.
Pints & Pitties with Adore-A-Bull Rescue: Celebrate Saint Patrick's day and pit bulls at the Moerlein Brewing Company with adult-style carnival games, prizes, raffles, a cornhole tournament and a special keg tapping. Moerlein will donate $1 from each pint sold to the organization, which rescues bully breed dogs and puppies from high-kill shelters . Adoptable dogs will be on site. $25 general admission (includes swag). Noon-4 p.m.
