March has officially hit us here in NYC, and if you’re like any other American, then chances are you’re already being inundated with questions about your plans for St. Patrick's Day?
Historically speaking, the holiday commemorates the death of the foremost patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Made an official feast day in the 17th century, today’s celebrations include green tinted rivers and Guinness-dedicated drink specials.
Well, if you can’t bear another St. Patrick’s day full of bar hopping, followed by a 72-hour long hangover, then don’t worry because we have you covered.
Here is an unofficial guide for an awesome St. Paddy’s guide guaranteed to help you have a killer
celebration, and wake up in the morning without the killer headache.
Have an Irish Dessert Bake-off
The Irish are known delicious dessert staples that you will enjoy (whether it’s eating or baking). If you’re gonna gain 3 lbs in one day, why not do it with some Irish-style baking, instead of with several shots of Jameson?
Here are some amazing Irish dessert staples you NEED to try:
Super easy prep meets moist, and delicious baking with this classic Irish dessert.
Rich-bodied Stout, or Guinness, is a staple ingredient here, so don’t worry you can still say you still lowkey got your St. Paddy’s day drank on.
Celebrating religious figures or not, do you really even need an excuse to make cupcakes? After call, do we need to remind you about all the delicious Irish coffee spots in NYC?
Well if you wanted an excuse, now you have one; so use it to make some melt-in-your-mouth Irish coffee cupcakes. Plus making any cupcake where coffee is involved always sounds like a delicious idea.
Learn About Irish-American History
The Tenement Musuem (103 Orchard St.)
As a result of the Great Potato Famine, many Irish families immigrated to New York City during the late 19th century. The “Irish Outsider” tour at located in the Lower East Side gives an indepth look into how Irish immigrants lived during the 19th century.
Merchant's House Museum (29 East 4th St.)
The Merchant's House Museum, formerly known as the Old Merchant's House and as the Seabury Tredwell House, is the only nineteenth-century family home in New York City that is still completely intact (inside and out). The East Village time capsule employed a high number Irish immigrants and even offers a tour from the perspective from one of their previous employees, Bridget Murphy.
Both options offer a rich historical view, but if you’re more into spooky spirits, checkout the Merchant house for their St. Patrick’s Day Special Ghost Tour.
Tour NYC’s Little Ireland Districts (Multiple Locations)
Large, loud crowds aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you want to get that outside St. Patrick’s day experience without all the noise, check out the more chill option with Lower Manhattan’s walking tour of the former “Little Ireland” district of the Lower East Side, located between City Hall and Houston Street.
For those afraid to venture further north to check out Little Ireland in Woodlawn Heights. Home to a large Irish and Irish American population, many families have lived in the area for generations creating a pocket of Irish culture.
Attend An All Out Irish Culture Extravaganza At the Irish Culture Center (553 West 51st St.)
Head to the Irish Arts Center located in Manhattan’s Midtown for face painting, tap dancing, crafts, and Irish Tea for a one stop shop for everything St.Patty’s day and Irish culture.
The experience is truly authentic, so if you wanna get the most St. Paddy's Day for your buck (it’s free!), check it out!
Hit Up Some Bomb NYC Irish Pubs
Now we know we said this was a sober guide, but we did add “almost” in there, because a celebration at classic Irish pubs is a sure way to have a memorable time.
Instead of going and ordering your usual draft beer and some mediocre fries, why not try some classic Irish cuisine?
The Dead Rabbit (30 Water St)
The Dead Rabbit is an NYC Irish staple, garnering many awards, including 'Best Bar' multiple years in a row.
Be sure to try their famous butternut squash gnocchi, or lamb shepherd's pie! They don’t take reservations though, so be sure to give yourselves some extra waiting time.
Hartley’s NYC (14 Putnam Ave)
Hartley’s is a cozy, Brooklyn pub that regardless of whether or not you’ve heard of, you’re gonna want to try. Their menu is full of authentic Irish goodies. Stop by for a snack of soda bread with Irish butter and house spiced beef to pair with your stout.