St. Patrick’s Day. March 17th. A Saturday. What to do? Where to go? Who’s in the know? Notable, of course. Here’s our five best bets for the day of ill morals and poor decisions…
St. Party’s Day
This is arguably this biggest St. Patty’s Day event in the city. Hundreds show up, the crowd is ever-rotating – thanks to the one-too-many beers busters – and it’s at a local landmark, the St. Lawrence Market’s north building. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true scene, head here. Ladies be forewarned, high heels are hardly an appropriate selection of footwear considering the lineup…
The Ceili Cottage
A favourite amongst TO’s east end crowd, the Ceili Cottage – owned by the same folks behind Starfish Restaurant – hosts an annual massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration – extra tent space and all – overflowing with Guinness and random Irish folk song sing-a-longs. (They aren’t sanctioned or anything, but guaranteed an old timer or two will start the merry rounds.)
St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Steam Whistle
The bottles are already green and the space a haven for beer drinkers, so it should come as no surprise that Steam Whistle Brewery is hosting its own March 17th celebration. Irish dancers, entertainment by Brogue and Poor Angus, food by the Irish Embassy, and cover proceeds go to the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Society.
St. Patrick’s Day Loft Party at the Burroughes Building
One of our favourite event spaces is becoming a remote emerald isle on Saturday, with music by Conor Cutz, Danny Nagels, Forrest Fires and more. Beer pong, flip cup, and boat race competitions will keep the poor judgment crew occupied, while Micha Kennedy Fries catering will help sop up some of that extra booze in your system. And yes, the upstairs patio is the main attraction.
Brazen Head Pub St. Patrick’s Day
Not a zoned party, however, Brazen Head can be counted on for some exceptional action each year on this holiest of days. They’ve got a special menu for the occasion, so yes indeed, you can grab yourself some sticky toffee pudding and wash it down with a Kilkenny. Bonus: The upstairs patio is a great vibe with a half decent view of Liberty Village.
Photo: Burroughes Building