We all know about the green beer. And appreciate it we do. But you may need something more traditional (and substantial) to fill the belly on St. Patrick’s Day. Luckily, you are in Las Vegas, where you’ll find several fine establishments with an authentic atmosphere, all willing to help you out. In addition to drinks like Guinness and Jameson, you will find plenty of places channeling Irish dishes.
Two popular dishes at Rí Rá in The Shoppes at Mandalay Place are the corned beef and cabbage, and the Guinness beef stew. The corned beef pulls in the flavors of garlic bay leaf, clove and mustard, and it’s on special this month! You’ll also find McDonnell’s Irish curry, plus Scotch eggs (those sausage-wrapped boiled eggs beloved of expats), chips (hefty fries) and curry. But Rí Rá has authenticity beyond food. The entire bar and restaurant was sourced from old pubs and historic buildings in Las Vegas, restored and shipped here. From 5 p.m. on March 16 and noon on March 17, bands, Irish dancers and pipers keep the mood merry.
At JW Marriott and Rampart Casino, J.C. Wooloughan’s features a special St. Patrick’s Day with items such as beef and Guinness pie, and a beer-battered fish and chips, made with traditional cod. This pub was also shipped over from Ireland, and features multiple snugs and high pub tables curving through the bar. From 1 p.m.-12:30 a.m. March 17, the St. Patrick’s Day Blowout features live bands and drink specials. There is a $10 admission, which includes a shot of Jameson or, yes, green beer.
Over at New York-New York, Nine Fine Irishmen, channels that Irish spirit with a Victorian-inspired bar front and center. Tucked into various corners are snugs and cottage areas, while a two-level patio overlooks the Strip. Although Nine Fine Irishmen offers tasty treats on the patio March 16-17 as part of the resort's Celtic Feis, you can come inside and indulge in Irish bangers and mash, colcannon soup (cabbage, potatoes and leeks, with a topping of Irish bacon) or a savory lamb stew.
Hennessey’s Tavern over on Fremont Street seems willing to put Guinness and Jameson in everything, such as the Jameson’s barbecue sauce that covers a pound of ribs. And a fireplace with cozy chairs makes a good place to sip one of 15 Irish whiskeys while live music plays.
Where else can you go for St. Patrick's fun? Las Vegas favorite McFadden’s just opened its latest incarnation in Town Square Las Vegas, mixing a few Irish favorites with a classic American pub menu. Harp-battered halibut is featured in the fish and chips. The Auld Dubliner, at Lake Las Vegas just a few miles from the Strip, is a charming pub, also imported from Ireland, with good food like bangers and champ and a village-style atmosphere. On March 17, a U2 tribute band plays. Quinn's Irish Pub at Green Valley Ranch hosts a St. Patrick's Day fest with food and drink specials starting at 11 a.m., and live music after 5 p.m.
Fettuccine al pesto con gamberi at Trevi
More places offering St. Patrick’s Day fun, food and drink include Trevi in The Forum Shops at Caesars, which gets green with a fettuccine al pesto con gamberi and pistachio gelato. O’Sheas in The Linq brings back its St. Patty’s Day Block Party with drink specials and entertainment, noon-midnight through March 17. The D and Golden Gate hold a festival with bands and drink specials through the weekend, capping off with the Downtown St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl on Monday. Social House in The Shops at Crystals wraps the weekend on March 16-17 from 5-8 p.m., with Asian-inspired takes on Irish food. In Miracle Mile Shops, PBR Rock Bar & Grill features $5 Irish Car Bombs and $5 green beer. And Margaritaville recognizes the day with themed drinks, like the Irish Boat Drink (concocted with Jameson), perfect with Landshark Lager fish and chips. Even Casa Fuente, the cigar lounge in The Forum Shops, offers green beer and Guinness and Jameson specials.
