Eats, Drinks, Sweets and Events to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2013

BY KAREN YOUNG

The San Fernando Valley will be jumping with Irish Fever on Sunday (as early as 6 a.m.!) with English and Irish pubs, gastropubs, bakeries and restaurants giving a special nod to the Irish patron saint with food, drink, music and lots of green, of course! Some are even making a full weekend of it (click through all links for addresses). Also, check out some choice events that are “worth the drive.” And remember, if you are drinking, don’t drive. Call your local “designated driver program.”

IRISH AND ENGLISH PUBS

Fox and Hounds in Studio City is a favorite place for British ex-pats mixed with locals with no cover charge. Traditional pub fare includes fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and a special for St. Patrick’s Day — Corned Beef and Cabbage— that can be enjoyed inside or outside on the wrap around patio. Open at 6 a.m. for early football matches until 2 a.m. Beer promotions and free swag. Live music with the Red Muffs at 10 p.m. Breakfast is also served all day here, including the English version of the Irish breakfast called The Full Monty. Sixteen beers on tap and more in bottles and cans.

Irelands 32 in Van Nuys will get it going starting at 8 a.m. and will run until 1:30 a.m. Start off the day with a traditional Irish breakfast served until noon– bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, wheaten bread, eggs, baked beans, black and white pudding. Chow down on Corned Beef & Cabbage , Irish Stew and Sandwiches. Guiness, Smithwicks and more are on tap. This pub is a fave with Irish ex-pats and there’s a real Irishman manning the bar. Live music starts at 8:30 a.m. Live music all day with Irish dancers too. $10 cover charge.

Maeve’s Residuals is the sole Irish bar in Studio City—and just for St. Patrick’s Day, they are serving up FREE corned beef and cabbage all day long until it runs out. And of course, there’s also free popcorn from a flowing machine. All drinks are $6. No cover charge, darts, pool and trivia games to the mix and you might just want to settle into one of their comfy sofas early. Open 9 a.m.- 2 a.m.

McG’s Irish Pub & Grill in Chatsworth is running their party from 9 a.m to 2 a.m. They’ll be serving Corned Beef and Cabbage and Irish Reubens all day long. Special beers and whiskeys are being specially brought in for the occasion. Music will be playing all day. No cover.

Pickwicks Pub in Woodland Hills will be open at 11 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. This cozy British pub will be serving Corned Beef and Cabbage and Corned Beef sandwiches served all day long. Gin and drink specials. 14 ales on tap. Live music: Fig begins at 9 p.m. $5 cover charge after 4 p.m.

Robin Hood in Van Nuys opens at 11 a.m. and is low keying it with a special menu of corned beef and cabbage and Irish Stew. There’s no music or extra frivolity, so if you want the food and drink without noise, this is your place.

Timmy Nolan’s in Toluca Lake is throwing an all-day party starting at 8 a.m. at this two level Irish pub and sports bar with two full service bars and dozens of beers on Riverside Drive. They’re serving two dishes only — corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew. Bagpipers will entertain. The juke box will be playing all day long. $5 cover charge after 5 p.m.

White Harte Pub in Woodland Hills is a British pub that’s celebrating all day and all night on March 16 and 17. Enjoy lots of food and fun. Wear green, and ready for photos with instant uploads to Facebook from the photobooth by Silly Booth. The beer garden starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

GASTROPUBS

The Federal Bar in Noho is offering a special St. Patrick’s Day menu with a twist—Irish Nachos, Whiskey Wings, Ploughman’s Platter and Guinness Shepherd’s Pie. For entertainment, there’s Rudy Parris from The Voice at 7 p.m. at Sterlings Upstairs and a St. Patrick’s Day Bash at 10 p.m.with DJ DJ 4TIFY & DJ Sayer.

Ladyface Ale Brasserie in Agoura will have the beer in their award-winning micro-brewery turn green. They’ll also serve Black and Tans made with Old Rasputin and Chesebro, fine Irish and Scotch whiskeys, and Irish-themed dishes Enjoy live Irish folk music on the mountain view patio starting at 2 p.m.

The Local Peasant in Sherman Oaks will be opening early at 11 a.m. with two specials served all day and night— Corned beef and cabbage (slow-cooked champagne corned beef over smashed red potatoes, green onions with loads-O-butter) and Pots of Gold (crispy golden potato skins loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut, melted swiss, a 1,000 and one island dressing and spicy horseradish sauce. There’s also salads, sliders and more. Special drinks from resident mixologist Mark Rocha, include: Peasant Car Bomb (Jameson Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, Espresso stout, cinnamon),Tall Leprechaun (Cucumber and mint mojito), Irish Milkshake (Jameson, Licor 43, milk) — served on the rocks w green whipped cream and green sprinkles).

Mad Bull’s Tavern in Sherman Oaks will be fully decorated and opening at 9 a.m. for breakfast. Starting at 11 a.m. they’ll serve up corned beef, cabbage and potatoes all day long, plus the regular menu. Special drinks include green beer (Bud lite), Irish car bombs, black and tans, angry Leprechaun shots, Jameson will be on special for $5. Bagpipe music will be played all day and word has it that a couple leprechauns may drop by.

Story Tavern in Burbank is an eat pub named after a hardware store that was once owned by Burbank’s first mayor. The bar menu includes 20 varieties of craft beer on tap, accompanied by a selection of craft bottled beer. there’s also 12 wines on tap and four ciders. The food menu consists of seasonal comfort food choices, including burgers, satays, pasta, steak, salads and even root beer floats. They are having a two day celebration on March 16 and 17 with Guinness and O’Hara’s Irish Stout specials; traditional Irish food like Corned Beef & Cabbage and Irish Stew; live traditional Irish music. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on both days of St. Patrick’s weekend.

Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank is celebrating all weekend long starting with specialty Stouts on draft, including:Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Porter, Alesmith Speedway Stout,TAPS Balinese Stout, Bear Republic Big Bear Stout, Firestone Walker Walker’s Reserve Porter, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter and more. Food specials will include: beer bread made from Old 38 Irish stout & Irish butter, chocolate stout pudding, corned beef or vegan seitan with cabbage and red potatoes, and a vegan shepherd’s pie.And on SUNDAY ONLY they will have fresh oysters, shucked on-site by The Oyster Boys (well known favorites at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market) – which will be available for $2 each cash only.

Tuning Fork in Studio City is in a festive mood having soft opened just last week. This gastropub will start the celebration at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a special menu that includes corned beef (of course), Shepherd’s Pie, a Craic (fun) Burger, Reuben Flatbread, Green Eggs and Ham, Toast and Cherry Bomb Cider jam and not-to-be-missed — ”the tune-up” (smoky bacon, eggs, toast, browns, corned beef hash, skillet tomatoes and fried Spam!) Down it all with choice beers from a spectacular craft beer list. (Stay tuned for a review soon in MDF!)

RESTAURANTS

Cafe Fiore in Woodland Hills is going Italia-Irish on Friday, March 15 and Sunday, March 17 with happy hour all day, both days in the bar area.$5 Guiness,$5 Irish Coffee,$7 Irish Car Bombs.

Bone Yard Bistro in Sherman Oaks will offer their regular barbecue menu plus Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas as well as Irish Stout Shepherds Pie. Special drinks are $4 pints of O’Haras Irish Stout, $5 shots of Tullamore Dew. In the mood for bourbon or whiskey? They’ve got one of the largest selections in Los Angeles.

Hamburger Hamlet in Sherman Oaks will have their Famous Green Ale, plus traditional hearty Irish fare. Feast on a special menu of corned beef and cabbage with red potatoes or a corned beef sandwich with coleslaw and chips. Finish of your evening with a slice of Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake.

John O’Groats in Encino will be serving up traditional corned beef and cabbage along along with their regular menu and all day happy hour. And just for St. Patrick’s Day, they are having live music day and night with no cover charge along with drink specials of Guinness and Jamison.

La Frite is Sherman Oaks will be going Franco-Irish serving bottomless green champagne from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Happy hour is from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. with half off all wines and $2 off cocktails and beer. The special dinner is corned beef with cabbage and potato.

Loteria Grill in Studio City, Westlake, Hollywood (and other locations) is going Mexi-Irish and celebrating St. Paddy’s Day for one entire week from March 17-March 24 with a special “Green Menu,” featuring specialties such as Crema de Chile Poblano, Huachinango en Mole Verde, Ensalada Flor de Jamaica (spinach salad with Hibiscus flowers), along with a Jalapeno Margarita, among others.

The Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas will be celebrating with all-day Irish-themed menus, drink specials and live entertainment. Menu specials include patty wraps, reubens, beef & beer stew, and corned beef and cabbage. To pair with the Irish fare, the cantina will be serving up Irish beers on draft, along with cocktail specials featuring Irish whiskey, crèmes and coffees. Bag pipers will entertain diners and the band Mrs. Robinson takes the stage from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. performing a line up of classic rock hits.

The Valley Inn in Sherman Oaks is serving up a traditional Irish feast on Sunday with a choice of Sweet & Sour Cabbage Soup or Fresh Garden Salad with Corned Beef & Cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots. Make it extra sweet with Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake. Enjoy an early celebration with lunch Friday with a choice of corned beef sandwich or a classic grilled reuben. And all weekend long — celebrate in the bar area with Corned Beef and Reuben Sliders ($2), plus special Irish cocktails.

SWEET GREEN AND BAKED TREATS

Big Sugar Bakeshop in Studio City has an array of sweets, including Guinness, mint chip and green velvet cupcakes; green donut muffins and shamrock cookies.

Crumbs in Calabasas has a collection of cupcakes and cookies with an Irish theme — from Shamrock cupcakes to green and black cookies.

Nothing Bundt Cakes in Sherman Oaks has a special cake just for St. Patrick’s Day in the 8 inch, 10 inch, and even the bundtini size. It comes specially wrapped with a gift card.

Starbucks in the Sherman Oaks Galleria is offering a St. Patrick’s Day Exclusive Frappuccino —The Lucky Charm Frappuccino. It tastes just like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Or switch it up with a Green Tea Frappuccino with Java Chip and Peppermint.

Sweet Butter Kitchen in Sherman Oaks has an assortment of lucky sweets in the form of candy, cookies, cupcakes and old time favorites—grasshoppers, shamrock cookies, guiness chocolate cake and more!!

Western Bagel citywide is baking up their traditional green bagels. Be sure to special order in advance if you need a large amount.

And not to be forgotten, the St. Patrick’s Day classic—who can forget the Shamrock Shake at McDonalds?

EVENTS

St. Patrick’s Day Family Event: The Agoura Hills / Calabasas Community Center is holding their free St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 16. The event will take place from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. The celebration will feature live Irish music by Innisfree, entertainment from the Claddagh School of Irish Dancers and the Tribal Caravan of Belly Dancers, food, activities, contests, games and drawings for a number of prizes. Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center. 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas. (818) 880-2993; Fax: (818) 880-2953 www.ahccc.org

L.A. LIVE: This free public event Downtown takes place at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and honors the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival includes, Live Irish Rock Entertainment,Traditional Irish Food, Music & Dance,The Budweiser Clydesdales, Bud Light Beer Garden, Clippers at STAPLES Center, 12:30 p.m. pre- & post-game festivities,Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center, 6:30 p.m. pre-game festivities,LAPD & LAFD Historic Vehicles,Harley-Davidson Ride to L.A. LIVE with hundreds of motorcycles on Chick Hearn Court.

St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival: This Downtown L.A. mega party goes from 6 a.m to 2 a.m. Food, drinks, games and giveaways support the Arthur Guinness Foundation. Featuring legendary tribute bands, including The Potentials, Hollywood U2, Fan Halen, The Police Experience.. Free general admission before 1PM, $8 general admission after 1 p.m. $20 VIP fast pass

One Colorado Pasadena: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Pasadena a day early on March 16 with a little Irish fun. At 3 p.m. watch the Cleary Irish Dance perform several traditional Irish dances followed by a fun, interactive dance lesson. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy music in the Courtyard with Straw Dogs, a tradition-based band with a repertoire that includes traditional Irish and Scottish jigs and reels, Manx and Welsh tunes, original compositions, and some American tunes.

SHAMROCK-N-ROLL at The Playhouse: This community Saint Patrick’s Day concert event in Pasadena will celebrate the opening of ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN on Sunday, March 17 from 1 p.m. – 10 p.m in front of the Pasadena Playhouse. The event will feature an outdoor stage where Dread Zeppelin, Cerny Brothers, Shillaly Brothers and Aquarius will perform free concerts. The Cherry Boom Boom dancers will perform 60s-style dancing in the evening hours. A beer garden, sponsored by Stone Brewing Company, will be selling beer, wine and concessions. There will also be several local food trucks,live music, “Crafty Bingo” (1 p.m.– 5 p.m.), “Adult Crafting Cork Art” (18 and older, $15 admission charge) from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Janis Joplin’s psychedelically painted 1965 365c Porsche Cabriolet will be on display.