St. Patrick's Day: Restaurants, Bars to Check Out

Green beer will be plentiful at area bars this weekend and Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, will make its annual appearance on local restaurant menus. 

That's right, St. Patrick's is right around the corner. The annual holiday that celebrates everything Irish falls on a Sunday this year (March 17). 

With entertainment such as tap-dancing Leprechauns, Irish-inspired music and a book signing by the author of Chicago's Historic Irish Pubs, area bars and restaurants will be getting into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. And helping area residents to do the same. 

Find out what local businesses will be offering. If we missed a business, let us know in the comments section. 

Village Vintner Winery and Brewery

Address: 2380 Esplanade Drive in Algonquin

There will be corned beef and cabbage cooked in the brewery's handcrafted double oak Stout, reuben and corn beef sandwiches, reuben dip and a homemade St. Patty's Stout chocolate cake available at Village Vintner this weekend. On Sunday, the author of Chicago's Historic Irish Pubs, Mike Danahey, will be available at the restaurant from 1 to 3 p.m. for a book signing. The cost of the book is $18.99 and includes a hand-crafted Scottish ale to enjoy during the signing. 

Riverview Restaurant and Tavern

Address: 1320 S. Main St. in Algonquin

The festivities will kick off Friday night at Riverview with live music and on Saturday night, the tavern will host a bar party. Throughout the weekend, the tavern will have green beer on tap as well as $4 Irish whiskey shots, Killian's and Guinness bottles and Irish coffee. The restaurant will serve a corned beef and cabbage dinner, which includes Irish carrots, potatoes and rye bread, for $10.95. The food is available for dine-in, carry-out and delivery. 

Fire Bar & Grill

Address: 435 Angela Lane

Friction will be playing at Fire Bar and Grill on Saturday as part of the bar's St. Patrick's Day Party, which will be celebrated a day early. There is no cover and there will be green drafts and $5 Jameson and Baby Guinness shots available. 

Finn McCool's

Address: 72 N. Williams St

This Irish sports bar in downtown will be going all out this St. Patrick's Day. Finn McCool's St Patrick's Day weekend bash will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and entertainment will include bar-dancing leprechauns and a live bagpipers band. There will be green draft beer on tap as well as $4 green aluminum pints of Miller Lite available as well as $7 Jameson and Ginger Ale drinks and $5 Jameson shots. Shepherd's Pie will be on special Sunday for $6.99. 

Duke's Alehouse

Address: 110 N. Main St. 

Duke's Alehouse will host its St. Patrick's Day Celebration on March 16 and 17. Entertainment on March 16 will include Molly and the Tinker from 12 to 1 p.m., step-dancers from 3 to 4 p.m., Dog 1 Bluegrass from 6 to 8 p.m. and barefoot Fred (a $5 cover) from 10 p.m. to close. Entertainment on March 17 will include Pat Gaughan and LJ Slavin Duo from 12 to 2 p.m., step-dancers from 3 to 4 p.m., Screw City Saints from 6 to 8 p.m. and open mic from 9 p.m. to close. 

The Tracks

Address: 108 West Main St. in Cary

The Tracks will be serving their "famous" corned beef and cabbage with carrots, potatoes and Irish soda bread all day Sunday starting at 11 a.m. There will be green beer and Irish drink specials as well.