Can you believe it was one year ago today that the world ended? Well, maybe it didn’t end, but it sure felt like it did when all of a sudden we were thrown into a state of emergency and lockdown was our new normal. Sadly, last year for many of us, we didn’t get a chance to celebrate our favorite drinking holiday as we had originally planned. But thanks to the Luck of the Irish, we made it and St. Patrick’s Day has come just in time for the reopening of indoor dining and bars! Below is a list of local hot spots offering St. Patty’s Day specials from Irish eats to Shamrock treats.
For those who opt to stay in and enjoy the day from home, I understand and will be following your lead. Here’s a fun cocktail recipe for you to make from the comfort of your own home, AND a recovery cocktail recipe to help with your hangover the next day.
Shamrock Shake (Makes 2):
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 8 drops natural green food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup Good Moo’d Lactose-Free Whole Milk or regular milk
- 1/3 cup Irish cream liqueur
- 1/3 cup Vodka
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Maraschino cherries
- Place ice cream, food coloring, peppermint extract, liquor and milk in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour shake in two serving glasses. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and cherry. Serve.
Evelyn Waugh’s Noonday Reviver (St. Patrick’s Day Recovery Cocktail from Sofitel LA Director of Nightlife Aidan Demarest)
- 1 oz Nolet’s Silver Gin
- 1 bottle of Guinness Beer
- 1 bottle of Ginger Beer
- Turmeric
- Lemon
- In a pint glass, pour ½ shot of Gin. Fill pint halfway with Guinness and top with Ginger Beer. Add a pinch of turmeric and a lemon squeeze.
Portillo’s
Fans of Chicago Street Food restaurant Portillo’s can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a delicious Mint Chocolate Shake, made with a vanilla-mint shake blended with chocolate frosting from their famous Chocolate Cake. Upgrade to a cake shake for an additional $.50. Available through the 31st. Prices and hours vary by location. Buena Park: 8390 La Palma Ave. Buena Park CA 90620 & Moreno Valley: 12840 Day Street, Moreno Valley CA 92553
gLAnce Lobby Bar (J.W. Marriott L.A. Live)
Located in the heart of L.A. Live, the gLAnce Lobby Bar at the J.W. Marriott is the perfect place to spend St. Patrick’s Day. Between their international selection of wines, innovative cocktails, and domestic and international beers, they are serving The Green Bee – a special green cocktail made with matcha, honey, and gin. Available through the 31st. Wednesday, please call for hours; J.W. Marriott – 900 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.742.6855
Mi Piace
Head to Pasadena to enjoy Mi Piace’s special St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails. Start with a Mi Piace Irish Coffee made of Glendalough Irish Whiskey, Five Farms Irish Cream, shot of espresso, house-made whipped cream, and chocolate powder ($12). Then try the Luck of The Irishman comprised of Glendalough Irish Whiskey, Campari, Antica Carpano vermouth and muddled blood orange ($16). For the whiskey drinkers, grab a Shot of Glendalough Irish Whiskey ($10) and toast to St. Patrick’s Day! Wednesday, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.3131
Destroyer
Michelin-starred Chef Jordan Kahn’s minimalist daytime café is bringing back the Taiyaki Box, with a St. Patrick’s Day twist. These traditional Japanese fish-shaped waffles will be stuffed with green pistachio custard topped off with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. Boxes are available for pickup. $30; Wednesday, 9:00 am – 5: 00 pm; 3578 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232; 310.360.3860
The Raymond 1886
The historic cozy Craftsman cottage in Pasadena has everything one needs to ring in this Irish holiday. The Irish Maid cocktail is made of Irish Whisky, mint, cucumber, and simple syrup with a cucumber and mint sprig garnish. Available for Outdoor Dining and Dine-In ($14 – Single Serving), and for Takeout and Delivery ($28 – Two Servings). 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136
Theía
Mykonos-inspired Greek restaurant/lounge is offering 2 festive cocktails to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day. The Father Ted cocktail is made with vodka, Kahlua, fernet, simple syrup, and cold brew and garnished with green banana meringue and grated cinnamon. The Shamrock cocktail is made with Jameson, Amaro Montenegro, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white. Available through the 21st. $15+; Wednesday, 5- 11:00 pm; 8048 W. 3rd. St. Los Angeles CA, 90048; 323.591.0059
STK
Spend St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour at STK. The beloved steakhouse will be serving corned beef sliders served with tater tots for $5, and a Leprechaun Stiletto cocktail for $7. Through the 21st, available for Happy Hour only. Wednesday, 3 – 6:30 pm; 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024; 310.659.3535
Lanea
Lanea Cocktail Bar is serving a Beer & Bourbon Pack (Calidad Beer and a Shot of Jameson) in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Accompany your drinks with their special Green Tacos & Quesadillas served all day long. The pack is available for both outdoor dining, pick up, or take-out through the Fetcha app. $10; Wednesday, 5 – 9:00 pm; 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA, 90401; 424.265.7437
Birdie G’s
This St. Patrick’s Day, you can drink for a good cause at Birdie G’s “Uplifter’s Hour.” For every quarter spent during their version of Happy Hour, the restaurant will donate 5% of sales to the LUNGevity Foundation, the leading private provider of research funding for lung cancer. People can also donate directly to the LUNGevity campaign HERE. $11+; Wednesday, 5 – 6: 00 pm; 2421 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404; 310.310.3616
Playa Provisions
Top Chef Winner Brooke Williamson’s popular beachside neighborhood spot in Playa del Rey, will be offering delicious Pot O’ Gold Cupcakes. Created by Pastry Chef Kristin Feuer, these delightful cupcakes are made with a decadent chocolate cake, housemade vanilla frosting, and topped with a colorful sugar rainbow and edible gold flakes. Wednesday, 7:30 am – 9: 00 pm; 119 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey CA 90293; 310.683.5019
Huckleberry Bakery & Café
Pick up a yummy St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating Kit from Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe. Each kit includes: 4 shortbread shamrocks, organic green icing, plant-based yellow and green sprinkles, Valrhona chocolate pearls and sugar pearls. Through the 21st with at least 24 hours’ notice for curbside pickup. $15; Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm; ; 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90401; 310.451.2311 email catering@huckleberrycafe.com
