Guide To The Best St. Patrick's Day Spots In Pittsburgh

By Ashley Close

Pittsburgh has a long and rich tradition regarding St. Patrick's Day festivities. Boasting what parade officials claim to be the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the world, the pageant began in 1869. The cultural diversity that helps define the region for 364 days of the year dissolves one Saturday every March. On that day, everyone is Irish. Pittsburgh's 2012 St. Patrick's Day parade will be held on Saturday, March 17 starting at 10am.

Depending on your preference of atmosphere, there are an excess of great Irish pubs and restaurants to choose from when making your post-parade St Patrick's Day parade plans. To recreate that traditional Celtic feel while also stuffing your face with some of the best standard Irish fair around, Claddagh in the South Side Works is a great option. The menu is big, the bar is big, and you will be able to fill yourself up to those Irish Eyes with their seasonal drink and food menus.

For someone craving the atmosphere of a genuine Irish pub without gimmicks, Murphy's Tap Room in Regent Square is the perfect place to spend your St. Patrick's Day. Luckily, the 61b bus route goes straight from Downtown and the parade to Murphy's at Braddock and Hutchinson. Throughout the year, the drink prices are reasonable, and the pool tables in the back, and casual dining make it a cozy neighborhood spot. But, if you pick one day a year to visit Murphy's, it should be St Patrick's Day. The crowd, the live music and dancing, and the green bar make Murphy's the most authentic St. Patrick's Day experience in the city.

Ashley is a native of Pittsburgh with an English degree from Chatham College. She spends her time stalking the New Kids on the Block on Twitter, and making wish lists on e-commerce sites she cannot afford. She also does yoga. Sometimes. You can follow her on Twitter and maybe someday she'll say something interesting.