Where should you go to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? An Irish Bar would be your first choice, although many other Minneapolis and St. Paul pubs and bars are Irish for the day too and are holding St. Patrick's Day events.
Of note - the bars you'll want to visit after the St. Patrick's Day parades in downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. And, the Minneapolis bar that's serving free beer on St. Patrick's Day.
Also free: Metro Transit and other local transit operators would like to help you get home safely after your celebrating - all Metro Transit buses and light rail services are free on St. Patrick's Day from 6 p.m. until the last scheduled services. All routes operated by Metro Transit, the Met Council, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Plymouth Metrolink, except the Northstar line, will be free. Selected bus routes, and the light rail, will have extra services after midnight - check the St. Patrick's Day schedule at MetroTransit.org.
1. Kierans Irish Pub, Minneapolis
This Irish pub is on the route of the Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day parade. Keiran's is a large venue, and they add on a heated tent to pack in all the revelers. Kieran's will open at 9 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day, and their party has live music from noon until 2 a.m. on two stages. $5 cover.
2. O'Gara's, St. Paul
O'Gara's in St. Paul also puts up a tent - this St. Patrick's Day celebration won't fit into their bag alone. Live music, pipers, and the self-proclaimed "World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade" around the bar at 3 p.m.
Free.3. The Liffey, St. Paul
In downtown St. Paul, The Liffey is a popular destination after the St. Paul St. Patrick's Day parade.
4. The Local, Minneapolis
On the route of the Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day parade - sure to to be packed with Irish revelers on St. Patrick's Day. The Local is screening the finals of two fine Irish sports tournaments on St. Patrick's Day morning, the Hurling and Irish Football championships, both games are in the morning.
5. Patrick McGovern's Pub, St. Paul
In downtown St. Paul, Patrick McGovern's is a popular destination after the St. Paul St. Patrick's Day parade. Pat McGoverns offers free parking (actually $10 parking which comes with a $10 voucher that can be spent at the pub, so likely still a good deal), music, and Irish atmosphere.
6. Kip's Pub, St. Louis Park
Kip's invite you to spend your whole St. Patrick's Day with them. The bar opens at 6 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day with family-friendly entertainment and plenty of food in the morning, segueing to excessive green beer consumption in the evening.
7. O'Donovan's, Minneapolis
O'Donovans in downtown Minneapolis is another destination near by the Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day parade. O'Donovans is holding an all-day tent party, with live music from Traveled Ground and The Wild Colonial Bhoys. $5 cover.
8. Merlin's Rest, Minneapolis
Home to a vast selection of whiskey, ideal if you'd like a change from green beer. Don't worry if not - beer is definitely on offer too. There will be Irish food from breakfast and all day, and pipers will be in attendance while you eat your corned beef and potatoes. Merlin's Rest opens at 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day.
9. The Dubliner, St. Paul
Live music from 12 noon until 1 a.m. at this Irish Pub on University Avenue in St. Paul. No cover.
10. First Avenue, Minneapolis
First Avenue's St. Patrick's Day night features the Minnesota Police Pipe Band, followed by local bands E.L.nO, and Hookers $ Blow. $5 advance, $8 at the door.
