’Tis gonna be one of those weekends in this city that turns the emerald hue just one day out of the entire year. Following are my top 3 picks for watching the parade, a taste of the culture, and a place to relax over a pint or two. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on Friday, March 17th, 2023.
The oldest and largest parade in the world, this green marching machine started in 1762 and has marked a tradition of Irish pride ever since. It still proceeds up 5th Avenue and past the namesake cathedral — however, I recommend a location a little further south. Several of the brigades, musicians, marchers and revelers line up on 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The early festivities as they prepare for their cue is a great deal of fun to watch.
I am very glad to inform you that Neary’s is still in business (since St. Patrick’s Day, 1967) with Jimmy’s family overseeing everything since day one. I’ve written about this very popular and almost hidden Irish gem on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This truly is a place where the Kelly green blends perfectly with the red, white and blue — it’s old New York with a rich history and loving spoonful of deliciousness for today’s generation. Of course I recommend the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage. You can find the hours, location and menu on the link below. If you want to take a gander of my review from 2019, click here.
NOTE: Dress up and behave. Jimmy was always a stickler for both.
I selected this pub for sentimental reasons. I’ve been a city resident for almost 40 years and I currently work at all Broadway theaters. I am an insider. I’ve seen family-owned and small businesses come and unfortunately go as corporate chains move in and take over. It saddens me.
252 West 46th Street is in the heart of the theater district. It once was home to one of my favorite French bistro, Pergola des Artistes, but Covid, the economy, and the current times forced the family out after 50 years in operation — the building remained empty for quite a while. Just a few months ago, I was thrilled to see the sign O’Casey’s Coming Soon on a sandwich board. Yes, the Irish stood up to the plate and saved this sliver of a restaurant. The menu is exactly what you would expect and desire, the prices are reasonable, and its location is far enough away from the neon scene. What to expect here on St. Patrick’s Day, I do not know, but the evening I stopped in it was pleasant and subdued, and the conversation with the mature barman was smart, witty and a skosh full of malarkey as the Irish say.
Enjoy, be safe and slainte!
Photo Credits: P.K Greenfield, Guide Ireland.
