Buying Beer On St. Patrick's Day In Massachusetts

St. Patrick's Day is a big deal in Massachusetts, with celebrations taking place across the state. From parades to pub crawls, there are many ways to enjoy the day. But what about buying beer? Well, Massachusetts alcohol laws are quite restrictive. Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and restaurants and bars can serve from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. during the week. However, it is illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol, and giving alcohol to someone under 21 is also prohibited. So, if you're of legal age and looking to buy a beer on St. Patrick's Day in Massachusetts, you should be able to do so within the specified hours.

St. Patrick's Day parades in Massachusetts

St. Patrick's Day is a beloved occasion in Massachusetts, and the state has several parades to celebrate the day. The state's capital, Boston, hosts a famous St. Patrick's Day parade that has been a prominent part of South Boston's history since 1901. The parade features marching bands and pipe bands from across North America. It starts at the Broadway T Stop and proceeds down West Broadway to East Broadway, East 4th, 5th Street, and around Thomas Park, ending at Andrew Square.

Another well-known parade is held in Holyoke, starting from the former Kmart Plaza and heading north on Northampton Street to Beech Street. The route then turns east on Beech Street to Appleton Street, southeast on Appleton Street to High Street, and finally north on High Street to Hampden Street. Holyoke also hosts a popular road race as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

In addition to Boston and Holyoke, other Massachusetts cities and towns host St. Patrick's Day parades. These include Worcester, Cape Cod (Yarmouth), Scituate, and Abington. The parades usually take place on or around March 17th, with some variations in the schedule from year to year.

Massachusetts offers a variety of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, from parades to special menus in restaurants and pubs, making it a fun and festive time for both residents and visitors alike.

Irish pubs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to many Irish pubs, especially in Boston. Here is a list of some of the best Irish pubs in the state:

The Burren

Located in Davis Square, Somerville, The Burren was founded over 25 years ago by Irish musicians Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello. It has been a bastion for traditional tunes ever since, with nightly music sessions and the occasional comedy set or trivia night. The food menu offers something for everyone, including plenty of vegetarian options.

Tavern at the End of the World

With a name like Tavern at the End of the World, this pub has a lot to live up to. And it delivers. It has solid pub food, over 50 beers on tap, live Irish music, and occasional karaoke. If you're looking for a unique night out, the owners rent out a $1,000-per-night Airbnb upstairs called "The Top of the World."

The Druid

The Druid, located in Inman Square, Cambridge, is known for its fish and chips, mussels, and Irish seafood stew. They also offer a small but mighty draft list and friendly Irish bar staff. The pub is adorned with floating banshees above the bar, adding to its charm. It's the perfect place to while away an afternoon or evening and feel transported to Ireland.

The Plough and Stars

The Plough and Stars has been a fixture in Cambridge since the late 1960s and has been owned by the O'Malley family since the 1970s. It is known for its live music, featuring a variety of genres almost every night, and its hearty pub menu, including a fried fish sandwich. The Ploughshares literary journal was founded here, and it is rumoured that Van Morrison wrote parts of his album Astral Weeks at this pub.

The Dubliner

The Dubliner is a modern Irish restaurant that opened in Boston in 2022. Chef Aidan McGee, a native of Ireland's County Donegal, serves up delicious dishes like Irish seafood chowder, beef and Guinness pies, and dayboat fish and chips. The pub also features weekly live music, creating an atmosphere that whisks you away to Dublin.

Emmets Irish Pub & Restaurant

Emmets, located on Beacon Hill in Boston, is one of the most authentic Irish pubs in the city. It serves up traditional Irish fare, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, and an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Emmets is the ideal spot to enjoy an original Irish pub atmosphere.

Irish food in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, and Boston in particular, is known for its Irish pubs and restaurants, with several offering traditional Irish food and entertainment. Here is a guide to some of the best spots to enjoy Irish food and drinks in the Bay State.

Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern

Mr. Dooley's is a popular Irish bar and restaurant in Boston, known for its good food and drink menu. It is located close to the New England Aquarium and has a packed live music schedule.

Emmets Irish Pub & Restaurant

Emmets is located across from Fenway Park and is a traditional Irish pub. It serves classic Irish dishes such as beef stew, curry chicken, and shepherd's pie. They also host live music, with the last act performing at 9 pm.

O'Hara's Food & Spirits

O'Hara's is a friendly and fairly priced Irish restaurant in Boston. It is a convenient stop if you are visiting Boston College.

Dunn Gaherin's Food & Spirits

Dunn Gaherin's is another Irish restaurant in Boston, known for its fish and chips with eggplant fries.

Corrib Pub and Restaurant

The Corrib is a pair of neighbourhood pubs in Brighton and West Roxbury, known for their cosy atmosphere and roaring fireplace. They offer a full menu of pub grub, including a prime rib special.

The Druid

The Druid is an Inman Square, Cambridge staple, known for its Irish music, friendly bar staff, and floating banshees above the bar. Their menu includes mussels, Irish seafood stew, and fish and chips.

The Dubliner

The Dubliner is a modern Irish restaurant in Boston that opened in 2022. It serves classic Irish dishes with a twist, such as beef and Guinness pies, chicken curry, and dayboat fish and chips. They also have a weekly live music schedule.

The Black Rose

The Black Rose is a beautiful and historic Irish pub in Boston, with four decades of experience getting people drunk. They offer live music seven nights a week.

Irish Village

The Irish Village is a homey and decades-old Irish pub in Brighton. They serve Guinness and toasties, which are snacky bites of cheese or ham and cheese on multigrain bread. They also have live music on weekends and Thursday karaoke nights.

J.J. Foley's Cafe

J.J. Foley's is a century-old, family-run Irish pub in Boston. It is known for its solid pub grub and bartenders' charming attire of white shirts and ties.

Tavern at the End of the World

As the name suggests, this pub in Charlestown has it all: solid pub food, over 50 beers on tap, live Irish music, and occasional karaoke. They also offer a $1,000-per-night Airbnb called "The Top of the World" for blowout nights with a group.

The Burren

The Burren is a Davis Square haunt in Somerville, offering live music daily and a variety of food options, including vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like a meatless shepherd's pie.

The Plough and Stars

The Plough and Stars is a historic pub in Cambridge that has been operating since the late 1960s and has been owned by the O'Malley family since the 1970s. It is known for its live music and hearty pub menu, including a fried fish sandwich.

O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar

This popular Worcester pub offers an array of Irish beers and St. Patrick's Day-themed cocktails. They also serve traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, and roast prime rib au jus.

Anna's

With locations in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, and Somerville, Anna's offers a unique twist on Irish food with their corned beef and cabbage burritos, which are available on St. Patrick's Day itself and for pre-order in the days leading up to it.

Irish music in Massachusetts

Irish music is an integral part of Massachusetts' cultural landscape, with a vibrant scene in Boston and beyond. The state boasts a plethora of talented Irish bands, from the energetic Nightside, with their flute, fiddle, and uilleann pipes, to the more traditional Killeeshil, who perform at weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.

Boston's Erin Og and Slainte are also popular Irish-American bands, with the former having shared the stage with legends of Irish music, and the latter featuring a mix of vocalists, acoustic and electric guitars, fiddle, and drums. For those seeking a more intimate setting, pubs like The Druid and The Burren in Inman Square host weekly sessions, with one of the city's best Guinness pours, while The Green Briar in Brighton offers an all-inclusive session with a beginner-friendly "slow session" early in the evening.

Irish music enthusiasts can also find solace in the CCÉ Boston Music School, which offers beginner to advanced group lessons for all ages in Irish Traditional music. The school provides classes for most traditional Irish instruments, including banjo, bodhran, button accordion, and tin whistle, with online Zoom classes also available.

Massachusetts truly embraces its Irish heritage, and its diverse Irish music scene is a testament to that. From lively pub sessions to intimate concerts and educational opportunities, the state offers a rich tapestry of Irish cultural experiences.

Irish entertainment in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to a variety of Irish entertainment options, from lively pubs to traditional music and dance performances. Here are some highlights for Irish entertainment in the state:

Irish Pubs

The Irish pub is a prevalent watering hole in Massachusetts, offering a cosy atmosphere, hearty food, and perfectly poured pints of Guinness. Boston, in particular, boasts numerous historic and authentic Irish pubs. Here are some notable mentions:

• The Burren in Davis Square, Somerville, founded by Irish musicians Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello, features nightly music sessions and a diverse food menu.
• The Banshee, a lively sports bar on Dorchester Avenue, is the official home to several local chapters of international soccer supporters' clubs and a reliable spot to catch rugby. While it doesn't serve traditional Irish cuisine, it offers a cosy atmosphere and a good pour of Guinness.
• The Brendan Behan Pub in Jamaica Plain, Boston, adorned with portraits of Irish authors and political and punk memorabilia, offers an extensive craft beer list, regular food pop-ups, and live Irish music on Saturday evenings.
• Emmets Irish Pub and Restaurant, located across from Fenway Park, is known for its traditional decor, hearty pub fare, and Irish coffee spiked with Irish whiskey. They also host live music events.
• The Druid in Inman Square, Cambridge, offers Irish music sessions, a small but mighty draft list, amicable Irish bar staff, and floating banshees above the bar.
• O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar in Worcester is a popular pub offering St. Patrick's Day-themed cocktails and an array of Irish beers, including Guinness and Magner's Irish Cider. They also serve traditional corned beef and cabbage dinners.

Irish Music and Dance

Massachusetts also hosts a variety of Irish music and dance performances throughout the year, especially around St. Patrick's Day. Some notable examples include:

• The Harper and the Minstrel, a duo from Freetown, Bristol County, that performs enchanting music from the past on over a dozen instruments.
• Face The Music DJs and Booking Agency from Amherst, Hampshire County, provides DJs and bands for private events.
• Celtic and Americana entertainer from Portland, Maine, who performs on the steel drum, guitar, ukulele, and vocals, as well as playing the bagpipes.
• The Celtic All Stars, an award-winning Irish traditional and folk music wedding group from Athy, County Kildare, Ireland.
• The Cape Cod St. Patrick's Day Parade in Yarmouth, which features Irish music and dance as part of the celebrations.
• St. Patrick's Day celebrations in various pubs and restaurants across Massachusetts, including Emmets Pub and Restaurant, OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, and Nathan Bill's Bar & Restaurant, often include live Irish music and dancing.

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