There’s a saying that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s a sure bet that most of Warwick’s restaurants and pubs will be a sea of green as folks celebrate one of the community’s favorite holidays! From musical performances and delicious eats and special treats, things will be lively throughout the City.
Two very popular Irish pubs that grow even more festive on St. Patrick’s Day are the Shannon View Inn and O’Rourke’s Bar & Grill! Shannon View’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend specials, offered Friday through Monday, are a corned beef dinner and Bangers and Mashed. Or enjoy something from their everyday menu like Irish spring rolls, Reuben and corned beef sandwiches, and Shepherd’s pie. Either grab a seat inside the quaint pub or head outside under their heated tent and raise a glass with friends! O’Rourke’s has a full weekend lineup of live music on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. On Monday, Dan Lilley & Scatman perform from noon to 4 p.m., and from 4 to 5 p.m. Brett Haskins will be upstairs for “Irish Sessions.” Gary Gromolini caps off the festivities with a performance from 5 to 9 p.m.
For many, a meal involving corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day is a must, and, fortunately, there are many establishments that will help to satisfy those cravings! As you gear up for a full day of celebrating, fill your belly up first at Gel’s Kitchen 2 or the Jefferson Diner, where both of these family-run restaurants offer delicious, homemade corned beef hash as a side to their many hearty breakfast dishes. Or stop by LeFavorite Bakery or Red White & Brew Coffeehouse to pick up a loaf of homemade Irish Soda Bread to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Red White & Brew will also be offering Mint Bombs and specially-decorated cupcakes for sale, along with their regular offerings.
Other locally-owned favorites where you’re sure to find lots of merriment and a corned beef sandwich or boiled dinner – or both – include the Greenwood Inn, Chef's Oakland Beach Diner, Gregg's Restaurant and Tavern, Chelo’s, Johnny’s Chalet, and Dave’s Bar & Grill. Governor Francis Inn has two other additions to their menu – corned beef hash patties and their Shamrock Steak with Guinness Glaze. And, rest assured – if Irish fare isn’t in your plans, all of these fine establishments offer varied menus to suit just about every taste while you celebrate!
Runway 41 Sports Bar will have menu specials and live music from singer/guitarist Seth Salois from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Tavern 12 also has a special menu, including green beer, and live music featuring Kevin Herchen from 5 to 8 p.m. On Sunday, The Trap is planning a lively celebration from noon to 7 p.m. with classic Irish food specials and live music from noon to 3 p.m.
Holidays tend to lend themselves to creative drink options as well. Red White & Brew’s drinks for the month are the Lucky Leprechaun and Who’s your Paddy Latte. The folks at Governor Francis Inn say that their Lucky Clover Mule – a mix of Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and a “touch of magic” – is like finding a pot of gold in every sip! Warwick’s Uno Pizzeria & Grill is offering the “Shenanigan Shake,” featuring Crème de Menthe and Stoli Vanilla vodka blended into an adult-style milkshake, topped with whipped cream, a chocolate gold coin, and a cherry. Those looking for a non-alcohol version can enjoy a milkshake made of ice cream and mint flavor, with the same toppings but with an added drizzle of chocolate for extra pizzazz. Gregg's has a number of specialty drinks, including the intriguing-sounding Fuzzy Leprechaun.
There are also several parades and festivals in neighboring Rhode Island communities on Saturday and Sunday. If you’d like to make it a weekend of celebrating, Warwick’s central location and affordable hotel options make us the perfect place to stay for a festive getaway!
May your pint glass be full and your heart be light! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!