Where to Go Out for St. Patrick’s Day

Once a year, no matter our heritage, we imbibe some green beer, corned beef and boiled potatoes. And if you’re really into it, grab your pot of gold, pay homage to the shamrock and go out and sing those traditional Irish tavern songs at some of the following places. After a few hours of merry making, everyone’s motto will be "Kiss me, I’m Irish."

• O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: Traditional Irish music and authentic fare are the staples of this friendly pub in Carlsbad. On St. Patrick’s Day, O’Sullivan’s opens early at 10 a.m. to start the festivities. From 1 to 5 p.m., the Clay Colton Band will be performing Americana and high energy Irish music. Later that evening, starting at 7 p.m., Paddy’s Pig plays what they call curly-tailed, mud-drenched acoustic Irish music. Throughout the day, enjoy O’Sullivan’s special St. Patrick’s Day menu, which includes Bangers & Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Guinness Irish Stew. Wash down with your selection of over 17 beers on tap or from O’Sullivan’s large selection of Irish and Scotch whiskeys. 640 Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 760-729-7234, osullivanscarlsbad.com.
• Belly Up. If you want to do something on St. Patrick’s Day but aren't really into the whole Irish thing, head on over to the Belly Up in Solana Beach to dance the night away. Start off at 5:30 p.m. with the Go Green Happy O’Hour with Atomic Groove, a high-energy dance band that plays everything from the Beatles to Beyonce. Then stay for the St. Paddy’s Day Battle between ’80s dance party with Freeze Frame and ’90s rock with UC Tribute Zoo2, starting at 9 p.m., plus a DJ dance battle led by ManCat and DJ Coda Collins. Cover is $5 for Happy O’Hour and $12 for Battle. 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 858-481-8140, bellyup.com.
• Hennessey’s Tavern. Founded in 1976 by Paul Hennessey in Hermosa Beach, Hennessey’s has grown to several locations, including taverns in La Jolla and Carlsbad. Hennessey’s always has special promotions nightly and offers special drink choices such as the Jameson Irish Whiskey Tasters, three 1-ounce shots for $15, and the Jager Blaster or Cocky Rooster energy drinks. Dine on the Irish Nachos, Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Bread Pudding. Kids have their own menu choices. 2777 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, 760-729-6951, or 7811 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 858-551-8772, hennesseystavern.com.
• St. Paddy’s Day Swim. After a long day and night of St. Patrick’s Day partying, cool down by taking a swim at La Jolla Cove. On the Saturday after St. Patrick’s Day, March 19, the La Jolla Cove Swum Club hosts its annual St. Paddy’s Day Swim starting at 9 a.m. This is a fun, noncompetitive swim to surely wake you up from any partying stupors. lajollacoveswumclub.org.
• Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub & Grill. Hensley’s in Carlsbad will be offering Irish specials all day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will host live music featuring The Wicked Charms and Cuties for a Cause at 8 p.m. But come back on Saturday, March 26, as the Mighty Regis performs as part of its 22 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Tour. The Mighty Regis brings a Celtic punk rock style to traditional Irish folk music. Special guest is Matt Hensley on the accordion. 850 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, 760-434-2660, hensleyspub.com.