Get a jump on St. Pat's Day with weekend fun, feasts at area pubs and eateries
Among the St. Patrick's Day delights taking place near Hinsdale are special menu items, like Shepherd's Pie in a potato puree at Old Town Pour House in Oak Brook, and a full lineup of cultural performances and live music entertainment all weekend at Irish Times in Brookfield. (photos provided)
It's time to go green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. With March 17 falling mid-week, many local establishments are starting the celebrations early to serve up Irish-themed festivities, live music and traditional food for guests. Here are opportunities nearby to make the most of the occasion:
Party time
• Shamrock Fest
March 13-15 & 17
Palmer Place
56 S. La Grange Road, La Grange
(708) 482-7127
https://www.palmerslagrange.com
This 37th annual celebration will feature Irish dancers, Shannon Rovers Bagpipers and live bands, among other acts. For a full schedule, visit the website listed above.
• St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 13-14
Imperial Oak Brewing
501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs
(708) 330-5096
https://www.imperialoakbrewing.com
Enjoy Irish music, Irish dancers, food trucks and commemorative logo 20-ounce pub pints at this tented event. The Imperial milk stout "Udder Madness" also will return. For a full schedule, visit the website listed above.
• Irish Times
March 13-15 & 17
8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield
(708) 485-8787
Festivities kick off at the pub with an all-you-can-eat fish fry March 13 from 11 a.m. A tent in back will house the action, with Trinity Irish Dancers, bagpipers and lineup of live music performers providing entertainment every day. A Guinness-sponsored promotion will be held at 3 p.m. March 15. For a full schedule, visit the website listed above.
• St. Patty's @ Ballydoyle
March 17
Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant
5157 Main St., Downers Grove
(630) 969-0600
The festivities start at 8 a.m. with a Kegs & Eggs Irish buffet and last well into the night. The McNulty Irish Dancers and bagpiper Mike Courney will perform, along with bands U2 Hype, The Whiskey Brothers and American Rogues. For a full schedule, visit the website listed above.
Irish dining
• Fuller House
March 14
35 E. First St.
(630) 568-5466
https://www.fullerhousebar.com
Diners can choose from the special menu featuring a Reuben, a Rachel, Irish nachos, a corned beef plate and fish & chips. Bagpipers are also scheduled to stop by between noon at 2 p.m.
• Old Town Pour House
March 10-17
8 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
(630) 601-1440
https://www.oldtownpourhouse.com
Say cheers to St. Patrick's Day with twists on Irish classics like corned beef rueben, shepherd's pie and corned beef poutine, paired with Guinness blends. For details, visit the
website listed above.
• Lucille Restaurant
March 15
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-8300
https://www.lucillerestaurant.com
Feel the luck of the Irish at this brunch served in the bistro at Drury Lane. The regular menu will also feature traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, shamrock cookies and specialty drinks such as Irish Manhattans, Guinness, and Irish coffee. Face painting and coloring will be available for young diners. Brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $45, $20 for ages 6-12, $15 for ages 3-5 and free for children 2 and younger. Reservations are required.
Celtic sounds
• Celtic music worship
March 15
Christ Church Butterfield
2S361 Glen Park Road, Lombard
https://www.christchurch.us/butterfield
The church will add traditional Irish music to its professional worship band at its Sunday service. The musicians will also perform Irish tunes following worship. Time: 10:45 a.m.
Family fun
• St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 14
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Catch the luck of the Irish with fun activities for the whole family. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Baldrick's
• Head Shaving for a Cure
March 15
Palmer Place
56 S. La Grange Road, La Grange
(708) 482-7127
https://www.palmerslagrange.com
This event will be held in memory of La Grange's Katie Palermo, who passed away in November 2018 from leukemia. Proceeds support children's cancer research through the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Hours: 4 to 7 p.m.
