Going ‘green’ is a given on St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of the ‘luck of the Irish,’ explore The San Francisco Examiner’s guide to the merriest Paddy places in the ’hoods:
O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: Brace yourself. This place is like TNT on St. Paddy’s Day. It’s the 16th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration here, after all. Brunch unfolds from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the block party launches at 3 p.m. This year’s musical roundup is robust: Revenant, Lunar Groove, Blue on Green and the Hooks are on hand. But it wouldn’t be a traditional soiree without some Irish dancers; enter the gals from The Whelan Academy of Irish Dance. All that, and plenty of Guinness. Indulge. [622 Green St.; (415) 989-6222, sforeillys.com]
The Abbey Tavern: It could be a long but festive day here. The Abbey opens its doors at 10 a.m. Expect entertainment by 2 p.m., a precursor to more celebration during the evening hours. Things to note: The tavern’s stellar hops and barley are on tap, and the Abbey’s upstairs lounge — which includes pub darts and video games — is inviting to partake in. Best thing that stands out: The bar truly does live up to its “conversationalist” name. The atmosphere, often filled with colorful locals, is always downright inviting — especially on this holiday. It’s one of the finest authentic St. Paddy’s Day celebrations around. [4100 Geary Blvd.; (415) 221-7767, abbeytavern-sf.com]
Royal Exchange: A staple for fun — Irish or otherwise — Royal Exchange has made the corners of Sacramento and Front streets the hopping hot spot on the 17th. The streets are closed off, and the revelry that ensues generates some infectious vibes. Take note of the venue’s express window: You can always grab a quick brew from that. There will be live entertainment all day, beginning with Wonderbread 5. But let’s not forget about the beer here — 32 kinds and a whopping 73 on tap. Don’t forget about this venue’s distinctly original green beer. [301 Sacramento St., (415) 956-1710, royalexchange.com]
Plough & Stars: Be there by 7 p.m. and stay until, ... Well, what happens at the Plough stays there, right? Good news this year: The popular pub, revered for its traditional Irish music, brings Quin, Autumn, Rhodes and Friends into the spotlight. Beyond that, the Guinness here is the rave. [116 Clement St., (415) 751-1122, theploughandstars.com]
Blarney Stone: Fiery and full of Irish spirit, this popular local haunt stands out for its wicked drinks — watch it, they pack a punch unlike any other — but the overall vibe here, from its amusing array of photographs to the bartenders whose personalities shine bright, make this one of the best neighborhood bars around. On St. Patrick’s Day, expect a great mix of neighborhood folk, plenty of drink specials and other surprises that only this Blarney can deliver. [5625 Geary Blvd., (415) 386-9914, blarneystonepubsf.com]
Harrington’s Bar and Grill: “Our regular customers are amplified by the people they bring on this day,” bar owner Michael Harrington notes of the massive celebration that unfolds here. “It’s a very convivial atmosphere, and many customers know one another,” he says. Sounds like a blast to us. Family-run for three generations, you’ll find an impressive selection of beers — try those draught pitchers. Lunch unravels in a couple of sittings (do make reservations) — 11:30 a.m. and then again at 1:30 p.m. Then the bar closes at 4 p.m., reopens at 5 p.m. and it’s all about the entertainment. Ben Hunter and his band Celtic Scandal are on board once again, plus the Whelan-Kennelly Irish Dancers. [45 Front St., (415) 392-7595, harringtonsbarandgrill.com]
