St. Patrick's Day Places to Play

Ahh, St. Patrick’s Day! The one time of year when we are all suddenly of Irish descent and wholeheartedly observe this day of celebration. Green beer, Irish fare and good friends inhabit pubs and restaurants throughout the country, but a few local spots take things up a notch. Here's the skinny on the where and how this March 17:

O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant of Hartland is a regular stop for many celebrating St. Pat's Day. At the corner of M-59 and Old U.S. 23, O'Malley's will start festivities early Thursday. Doors open at 8 a.m., and WHMI-FM, 93.5, will broadcast live from 10 a.m.-noon. O'Malley's will also offer $1 off drink specials all day and features a selection of more than 13 draft beers.

Local favorites Brent & Jeremy will perform at 11 a.m., with Guinness Girls and Alien Tequila Girls on hand to pass out drinks and party favors. The pub's side patio will be open for smoking. A $5 cover charge starts at 1 p.m.

For those who've had their fill of Irish spirits, the will be on hand from 6 p.m.-midnight to drive you and your car home safely for donations to the department.

On the menu (8-11 a.m.):

• Green eggs and ham
• Corned beef hash and eggs

There will be a limited lunch and dinner menu as well. 

For early risers, Stout Irish Pub, located in downtown Brighton, will open at 7 a.m., serving a full Irish breakfast to coat your stomach before you dive into the plentiful Irish libations. Stout's old Irish atmosphere is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Guinness Girls will be on site throughout the day, and live entertainment from 8 a.m.-2 a.m. will include bagpipes, Irish dancers and music from Larry Conklin, Shawn Walker and Scotty Alexander.

A disc jockey starts at 10 p.m., and girls on swings behind the bar will be tossing out prizes to patrons. Stout's back patio will be open this year, and in case the weather isn't quite warm enough yet, there are patio heaters. 

"It's the weather I love," said Kristy Nicora of Brighton, who celebrates St. Pat's day every year. "It's like the start of spring, it's warmer out, and Stout opens their patio."

On the menu (7-11 a.m.):

• Irish bangers, potato pancakes, Irish soda bread and eggs

Champ's Pub, a longtime local favorite, sits at the corner of Grand River and North Street and has been in business for 30 years. Owner Dave Beauchamp, or "Champ," as his friends know him, said he serves more than 700 to 800 pounds of corned beef and cabbage from of Brighton on Saint Patrick’s Day. 

"Food is a big thing here at Champ's," he said. "We'll have green beer, Irish coffees, Irish beer on tap — but food is what separates us from the other places."

Champs will be open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, and Russ Clement will provide live music from 6 p.m. to closing. Champ's offers 13o-plus beers, including 12 brews on tap. On St. Patrick's Day, the pub will also serve Irish Car Bombs, an energy drink mixed with a shot of Irish whiskey.

On the menu (while supplies last):

• Corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes, roll and butter ($11.95).
• Corned beef sandwich served with chips and a pickle ($8.95).

Editor's note: Watch for Patch Picks: 5 Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Thursday on Brighton and Hartland patches.