by Tom Chambers
Staff Writer
Oh, Danny boy, it’s that time of the year again and who are you to break tradition? St. Patrick’s Day is here. So polish the shoes, practice the Irish accent with this article and hit the town.
Though not a national holiday, America has celebrated St. Patrick’s day since 1737. Every March 17, history and legend come together to embrace a man who spread the word of Christianity and drove the snakes out of Ireland.
While it is true that this escaped slave was an ordained bishop, most pundits say that the legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland is most likely a metaphor for ridding the country of pagans who happened to worship serpent symbols.
That, however, is the past, it is time for the present. The choices of where to go and celebrate are limitless, but many have a strange affliction that requires them to celebrate St. Patrick’s day in an Irish pub, with Irish music, Irish dancing, Irish food and most importantly, Irish beer. For most, green beer will fill that role without complaint.
Glitzy Hollywood offers Dublin’s, an Irish bar off Sunset Boulevard. The doors open at 6 a.m. for those who just cannot wait to have that sunrise sip of their choice of beverage.
However, for those who are planning the cool, late appearance, bring a tent, because those who do not arrive before sundown will be camping out in front of the bar. General Manager Carlos Taylor suggests arriving around 5 p.m. to give oneself a sporting chance at getting into the bar at a decent hour. For information call (323) 656-0100.
Closer to home is Callahan’s in Azusa. While one may not find a pot of gold inside, you won’t need the luck of the Irish to get in.
Irish, in name, this bar is expecting tremendous crowds. The owner has made preparations and set up tents in the parking lots and moved a bar underneath them to compensate expected attendance. The usual green beer, corned beef and cabbage will be served all night long. A casual mood and attire is said to be the norm for this relaxed bar. For information call (626) 334-5532.
For the more adventurous there is McMurphy’s in Pasadena.
Frequent visitors say the whole world is usually at this Irish pub anyway, so St. Patrick’s Day there could look like Noah’s Ark. Getting in could be difficult.
Senior Mike Perez said, “It is a fun, happening place. There is never a dull moment there, with two levels inside, and outside you have an option to hang out and dance.”
“I will be spending my St. Patrick’s Day going to McMurphy’s because number one it is an Irish pub, two, the environment is great, and third, being it is in Pasadena, one has more outlets to find out other sites celebrating the holiday,” said senior Louie Juarez.
Once again going early might trim the wait. When you do get in, bring your patience. If one is lucky enough to get any type of service in under 15 minutes, St. Patrick himself is in a good mood and one should immediately approach that cute person across the bar.
Along with green beer and a traditional Irish menu, bagpipers will be playing throughout the night. Bartender Scott Ector could be helpful in dropping names at the door or getting the elusive quick beer. For more information call (626) 666-1445.
And right around the corner there is a place “where everybody knows your name.” OK, it is not Cheers. But at Heroes there will be about a hundred people sitting around who could be Norm and owner Tony Spencer guarantees people will have a good time. Sounds of Bagpipes will echo while customers fill their mouth with corned beef and cabbage. Spencer offers a large beer selection and even larger portions of food.
“It’s a day to put away the books, gather with friends and have a good time,” said Spencer.
O’Brien’s Pub and Restaurant in Santa Monica will be celebrating this Saturday. The party will commence at 6 a.m. The cost of entrance will be $10. For more information call (310) 396-4725.
For those individuals who would like to celebrate the day with family, Mick Moloney Irish Music and Dance Festival will be at El Camino College. For more information call (310) 379-9725.
There are many more places not covered here that will welcome St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Many more establishments will serve green beer and Irish spirits. Just make sure to wear green to avoid the annoying third grade pinch.
Tom Chambers
