This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Patch Picks: St. Patrick's Day Bars

Where to go for the wearin' o' the green

St. Patrick’s Day comes early at the shore. The parades are over, and may have already stashed your green regalia. But don’t throw in the towel just yet – the fun's just beginning! Check out our top picks on where to dine and drink today. 

  • The Draft House, 100 Brighton Ave., Long Branch. The Draft House may be not be an Irish pub, but they’re throwing down like one on St. Patrick’s Day. With doors opening at 7 a.m. and festive green beer on the menu, this spot is only for serious party-goers. Hosted by VH1’s 20 Pack with an appearance by 92.3 Now’s Lil Cee, this celebration is going to be huge. There will be live entertainment all day, including local giants Undisputed, and a variety of DJs. The cherry on top? One lucky winner will take home two round-trip tickets to Ireland.
  • Johnny Mac House of Spirits, 208 Main St., Asbury Park. This Irish-themed pub – still a relative newcomer to the Asbury Park scene – is quite unique, with hand-painted quotes and kitschy décor covering its walls. With an inviting character and an always-friendly staff, you can’t help but feel happy here. Featuring Irish singer/songwriter Steve Reilly, step-dancers, free corned beef sandwiches and raffles and prizes, this is a promising spot for anyone looking to relax, have a Guinness, and meet a few warm faces. 
  • Connolly Station, 715 Main St., Belmar. A staple tavern and restaurant at the Jersey Shore, Connolly Station is the safe route for honoring good ol’ St. Pat. Known for showing off their Irish roots, the pub will be hosting live Celtic music, including bagpipers, all day. They’ll proudly be serving a ton of corned beef (seriously, one ton), and will offer Guinness giveaways. A good pick for laid-back fun. 
  • St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake Heights. Named after a public park in Dublin, Ireland, this upscale spot is about as Irish as you’ll get. Voted best Irish bar in New Jersey on irishbeerfinder.com, one trip here and you’ll understand why. This St. Patrick’s Day the publick house will have one special menu with all the Guinness stew, fish and chips and shepherds pie you can eat. Performing in the afternoon and evening will be The Snakes, playing traditional Irish music with a modern rock flare. 
  • Harrigan’s Pub, 703 Baltimore Blvd., Sea Girt. Smack in the middle of Jersey’s Irish Riviera, Harrigan’s Pub is that down-home, always trusty pub. Attracting an older, low-key clientele, Harrigan’s is Ireland in New Jersey. And as this pub upholds tradition, it would only be proper to celebrate St. Patty’s Day in style. The pub is having a celebration featuring live music from the Bantry Boys, and will be serving corned beef platters and sandwiches, Irish stew, fish and chips and many more of your Irish favorites. 
  • The Irish Rail, NJTransit Station, Manasquan. Located within the NJTransit station in Manasquan, this tiny gem is the sister pub of Connolly Station. Locals know the deal here—great Irish food and drink in an intimate setting. The setting promises to become even more intimate on St. Patrick's Day as live musicians and a a crowd of St. Patrick's drinkers attempt to squeeze in. Bagpipers, corned beef and Guinness giveaways are all planned.
  • Manasquan Beach House, East Main Street, Manasquan. The former O'Neill's is still a great place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, even if it no longer has an Irish name. Irish food specials and drink specials from Miller Lite, Guinness, Smithwicks and Harp plus bagpipers are all scheduled.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?