Sip & Savor

Slainte & Ceilidh

(Irish for good health and party)

by Kimberly A. Suta

sláinte – (slant-sha) means “health” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic and is commonly used as a drinking toast

ceili – (hee-lee-ah) the Irish word for social gatherings with food, drink, storytelling, singing, and possibly dancing

Originally a cultural and religious holiday to honor the death of Saint Patrick in 461, the foremost patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day (also appropriately called the Feast of Saint Patrick) has since become a favorite holiday around the globe for its good food, drink.

If you’re looking to “go green” during March, particularly for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, make sure to put these leprechaun-lovin’ restaurants and bars on your list for the most authentically delicious Irish food and drinks

MADDY MCMURPHY’S

Maddy McMurphy’s is an Irish sports bar located only a block away from the historic Alamo. With a giant 160” video screen, several HD TVs, a video wall, deluxe sports programming, and 15 beers on tap, Maddy’s is always a fun place to gather with friends.

Stop in for lunch or dinner and nosh on their soon-to-be-famous

McMurphy’s Meatballs, Reuben All-Star Sandwich, or one of their MV

Pizzas. Their Irish Nachos – potato crisps piled high with housemade corned beef, beer cheese, sour cream, and green onion is a popular Tex-Mex twist. For a more traditional offering, try their Irish Pasties or hand pies stuffed with seasoned ground beef, carrots, peas, and potatoes, baked in a golden-brown pastry crust and served with that oh-so-good brown gravy.

Although, as they claim, every day is St. Paddy’s Day at Maddy McMurphy’s with $3 green beers all day, every day, March 17th here will be like finding what’s at the end of a rainbow!

St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year, but don’t despair San Antonio’s downtown, will make any Irishman feel like it’s a Saturday night ceili.

PAT O’BRIEN’S

It’s often assumed that Pat O’Brien’s is an Irish-themed restaurant and bar because of its name; however, its food is Cajun-Creole focused and was first established in New Orleans in 1933 by a man of Irish descent.

Photos by Kimberly Suta

Still, St. Paddy’s Day happens to be their busiest day of the year, and they don’t mind giving the people what they want - Irishthemed food and drinks. On March 17th and the weekend before the holiday, Pat O’Brien’s, located near Alamo Plaza, will be serving succulent corned beef with cabbage and potatoes as well as a classic Shepard’s Pie and Irish Stew.

Known for their tasty drinks, for St. Paddy’s Day, they will make green Hurricanes and Fuzzy Leprechauns, made with vodka, peach schnapps, blue curacao, pineapple, orange juice, and a Hurricanesyrup, rum-infused cherry.

As the originator of the dueling pianos, they certainly know how to cut loose and celebrate. Throw in some bagpipes, DJ, face painting, and stellar service, and you have an Irish bash for the ages.

WAXY O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB

Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub, located along the River Walk in the heart of downtown, is about as genuinely Irish as you can get. The bar’s interior and exterior were built in Ireland, shipped to San Antonio, and constructed onsite.

The Irish food here is as authentic as the bar itself, with scratch-made traditional dishes, such as a Shepard’s Pie, made with a rich, velvety brown gravy and mashed potatoes so fluffy I felt I was dining amongst the clouds.

Bangers and Mash is a must-try for Irish enthusiasts who know a true banger is made with a very fine grind, and Waxy’s chef does not disappoint. Fish and Chips, Irish Stew, and a classic Reuben Sandwich can also be found at Waxy’s, along with their new Frozen Irish Coffee, tall glass of iced-cold Guinness, or any number of premium spirits. Join them on St. Paddy’s Day for live music performed by a singer direct from Liverpool, all day long or any evening, seven days a week.

DURTY NELLY’S

Continue the raucous good time at Durty Nelly’s with sing-a-longs, great Irish grub, and your favorite Irish brews. Located on the River Walk, this genuine Irish pub has been a staple of San Antonio since 1974. Interestingly, the pub is a replica of the original Durty Nelly’s at Bunratty Castle in Limerick, dating back to 1620.

A popular watering hole for locals and visitors alike, the pub offers a European-style atmosphere with two fireplaces and excellent Irish fare. Offerings include a Grilled Reuben sandwich made with corned beef brisket, as well as Fish and Chips, Leek and Potato Soup, and perhaps not traditional but utterly delicious Krispy Irish Cream Donuts glazed with Bailey’s Irish Crème.

Their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will take place from noon until 1:00 am or until you pass out.

MAD DOGS BRITISH PUB

Next up is Mad Dogs British Pub, also located along the River Walk. Historically, there’s been no love loss between the Irish and the British, but Mad Dogs has nothing but love for all things Irish, especially in March when they serve $4 green beers, $4 margaritas, and $5 Irish beers for St. Paddy’s Day.

They’ll also be featuring a yummy Reuben comprised of housemade corned beef, sauerkraut, 1000 island dressing, and melted Swiss on toasted marble rye. Entertainment will include live music by their incredible house band, Bad Dogs.

Table seating is plentiful indoors, at the two bars, and on the patio overlooking the River Walk. Plus, the Mad Dogs staff wear kilts, so that’s a fun plus. The ambiance is always upbeat, and the music always good making Mad Dogs a sure bet for your Irish ceilidh.

click on this:

DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB

Durtynellyspub.com

MAD DOGS BRITISH PUB

Maddogs.net

MADDY MCMURPHY’S IRISH SPORTS BAR

Maddymcmurphys.com

WAXY O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB

Waxyoconnors.com

WRITER’S BIO

Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, award-winning filmmaker, and publicist for the culinary industry. She’s also the co-creator of Homegrown Chef homegrowncheftv.com, a culinary series and a catering and events company featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats.

03/31/21