March 17 marks the holiday when we all celebrate shamrocks, leprechauns, and everything green. Of course, St. Patrick’s Day was first set in motion by the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland to commemorate Saint Patrick and his missionary work in Ireland, but let’s get down to the important stuff: Where is the best place to get food and green beer? Well, as luck would have it, we just happen to have a bumper list of the 9 best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Delaware.
The annual Wilmington St. Patrick's Day Parade and Post-Parade Hooley is free to all and is held the day before the holiday. The parade begins at noon and runs a few blocks before concluding with a celebration in a large parking area under an enormous tent. Organizers recommend preparing to be outside in March weather, but they also advocate wearing a costume for the Hooley.
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In association with the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Catherine Rooney’s will again be participating in the St. Paddy’s Loop, a collection of restaurants and bars that offer Irish food and drink after the parade festivities have concluded. Stop by for live Irish music, authentic Irish food, homeland hospitality, and plenty of green beer.
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The Kelley Logan House is the self-proclaimed “oldest continuous family-owned Irish bar in the country,” and it has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Days since 1864. Now a National Historic Site, this yearly participant in the St. Paddy’s Loop will offer themed menu items, specials, and prices for the occasion. Plus, this longstanding pub is known for its month-long March drink specials.
Self-proclaimed as one of the “best St. Patrick Day celebrations,” the Pond Bar & Grill boasts three Irish beers on tap, exclusive St. Paddy’s beer flights, and live music. Plus, March Madness will be airing on all of the large-screen TVs, and you will find classic corned beef and cabbage, Rueben sandwiches, Irish hand pies, and plenty of Jameson served all day long.
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Don't miss the annual Milton St. Patrick's Day Parade which kicks off with the Lucky Leprechaun 5K, sponsored by Irish Eyes Pub. This parade is a community event with food and festivities, and the proceeds gathered go to support the Milton Fire Department and the fireworks fund.
River Rock Kitchen is known for its flavorful American fare featuring local ingredients, but on St. Patrick’s Day the kitchen turns into an Irish food producing machine, churning out traditional favorites like the Classic Irish (slow-cooked, house-made corned beef, fingerling potatoes, and braised cabbage) and you’ll also find classic fish and chips and bangers & mash.
Billed as a seafood restaurant and pub, the Starboard becomes an Irish festival venue in its own right for two straight days during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Family-owned-and-operated, the Starboard kicks off the holiday weekend under a massive tent in their private parking lot. Under the tent, you will find access to flowing beer, whiskey shots, and live entertainment.
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Another St. Paddy’s Loop participant, Chelsea's Tavern will be gearing up for this most Irish of holidays by offering what everybody loves best: alcohol. Plus get hearty Irish grub served in a warm and festive atmosphere.
The annual Dover St. Patrick's Day Parade is a chance for residents to show their Irish pride. Participants are asked to wear green shirts, hats, wigs, and the festivities begin at 1 p.m. the day before St. Patrick's Day. The parade is a kid-friendly event and will have plenty of vendors with delicious food!