GETTING READY TO don your brightest green and honor Irish culture? Join the merriment this St. Patrick’s Day by trying out one of the region’s favored local pubs to get a taste of what a true Irish celebration feels like! Whether you’re looking for a good drink, mouthwatering dishes, or a little something extra to go along with them, these picks feature everything you could ever want in your festivities this year.
Going for the Guinness
What’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration without a glass of Guinness? Not something I’d want to be a part of, that’s for sure. But with Uisce, one of Bellingham’s most popular Irish
pubs, still in the midst of teasing their reopening, where have you been going to kick back with an ice-cold Guinness? If you haven’t found your perfect stout spot yet, try out mine by taking Fairhaven’s infamous flight of stairs down into Archer Ale House. Try the Guinness they so fittingly boast to customers as served exactly as it should be: from a nitrogen tap, to create the perfect two-part pour every single time. While sipping on your Guinness, or another draft beer from their considerable selection, enjoy a classic Irish pub meal. One of my favorites is their Shepherd’s Pie, a dish consisting of braised lamb and vegetables topped with potatoes duchess and white cheddar. A trip to Archer’s is definitely welcome any day of the week!
Photo Courtesy of Archer Ale House
Borne from Ireland
There’s no need to question how authentic these restaurants are, as they have direct ties to Irish culture, which makes them a perfect place to appreciate St. Patrick’s Day this year! A’Town Bistro was the brainchild of Owner L.M. Libby, who wanted to combine the Irish and French foods she grew up with and add her own personal flair. The result is a modern yet rustic restaurant in downtown Anacortes offering all kinds of cuisine. From a French Onion Soup to the New England derived Clam Chowder, the menu is a clear depiction of Libby’s extensive background. The bistro’s traditional Scotch Egg, a soft poached egg encased in pork sausage on a bed of sauerkraut, pickled red onions, and more, is a fan favorite.
With five restaurants in the greater Seattle area, we’re happy to share that Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub’s northernmost location is in Mount Vernon. Founder and Owner Shawn O’Donnell himself is the grandson of Irish immigrants and has worked hard to preserve the authenticity of his Irish pubs. He has even gone so far as to enlist the help of colloquially named “Irish Johnny,” who was born and raised in Ireland and now works to keep Shawn O’Donnell’s “true to [their] Irish roots.” Their menu features fish and chips, sandwiches, burgers, and Irish Boxties—potato pancakes filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, and more!
Courtesy of Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub
More Than a Pub
Some easy-going pubs feature more than just your typical bar scene. No matter what you’re looking for, here are a couple that are sure to exceed your expectations in other surprising ways!
Go to Glynn’s Shamrock Pub in Bellingham to dine, to drink, or to dabble in your fair share of fun activities. Not only do they have a wide array of options on their menu, but Glynn’s also has pool tables, dart boards, poker, and more off the menu. You can stop by for a friendly game or channel your competitive streak against other pub-goers. Glynn’s is a great
stop anytime but keep an eye out for their events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month! They can often be found raising money to support PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center.
If you’re looking for a dependable pub-like setting that’s also family-friendly, look no further. Coming off a brief off-season break, The White Horse Pub in Eastsound is open again this March, just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! They have a variety of options for Irish pub food, including delectable Irish Potato Skins topped with Dubliner Irish cheese, and beer options on tap that definitely won’t disappoint, while still maintaining their kid-friendly atmosphere (at least until 9 p.m., that is). After the kids are gone, White Horse Pub hosts other adult-centered events, like frequent late-night karaoke sessions for you to sing your heart out.
Photo Courtesy of White Horse Pub
