Despite the white stuff falling, the green must go on

By Jay McKinney

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to find a pub with a twist o’ the green, or at least some special food and drink options that might make one green with envy.

Regardless, enjoy the season as spring approaches.

Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon – Fort Collins

Located in Old Town Fort Collins, Lucky Joe’s is described as a friendly Irish Pub in an Old Western Saloon. With an extensive list of beers, an assortment of cocktail options and a menu with multiple Irish influenced recipes, this place is made for St. Patrick’s Day. In a bar with the distinction of being the best of both worlds (Irish Pub and Western Saloon) the extensive whiskey list is a good place to start.

Finley’s Irish Pub – Denver

Serving the Washington Park neighborhood since 2012, Finley’s is the friendly local pub we all wish for. The signature item is the Finley Burger that has been recognized as one of the best burgers in Denver, but the menu is also revered for the wings, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and the Irish Cuban sandwich. No matter what you choose, pair it with a frothy Guinness or one of the many craft beers offered and you’ll be celebrating the holiday the right way at Finley’s.

Ned and Kelly’s Irish Pub – Littleton

If you choose to do your St. Patrick’s Day bar hopping on the charming streets of downtown Littleton, then make sure to stop by Ned and Kelly’s Irish Pub. The small brick building has the look of a local pub with designated seats for the local patrons. In a downtown neighborhood that has seen expansive sports bars move into the area in recent years, Ned and Kelly’s is a breath of fresh air and will surely be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with plenty of Irish spirit.

Abby’s Irish Pub – Colorado Springs

For those in the Colorado Springs area, celebrate the holiday at Abby’s Irish Pub with one of their layered beers or a St. Paddy’s Day cocktail. If that’s not for you and you’d rather have whiskey on the rocks, make sure to ask the bartender about the whiskey of the week. The pub also has traditional Irish dishes with Guinness mousse and bread pudding for dessert.

From Irish Pubs to Irish Delights

Since the Irish Pubs will likely be a popular destination on St. Patrick’s Day and may reach their COVID-19 capacity quickly, there are plenty of other places to grab a drink and celebrate.

Dry Dock Brewing – Aurora

If the weather doesn’t completely throw a wrench in this weekend’s celebrations, consider visiting Dry Dock Brewing in Aurora for a rather festive St. Patrick’s Day. On March 13, the brewery will be celebrating from 12-4 p.m. with Celtic Steps Irish Dancers performing from 1-2 p.m. followed by Big Paddy playing live Irish rock and roll on the patio from 2-4 p.m. Obviously, one to three feet of potential snow would complicate things, but Dry Dock will still be celebrating with the Irish Red and Pot of Gold Pilsner readily on tap.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom – Denver

Let’s be honest, an Irish Red is much more appropriate than a tasteless offering filled with green food coloring when it comes to celebrating the holiday properly. That’s why Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom has collaborated with sister brand, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery to release its Irish Red, the ShamRocked Red Beer, which will be poured through March 21 in select locations.

The bready aroma with caramel and biscuit notes and a mildly hoppy finish makes this beer great by itself or paired with food. Try the Double Deckeroni Pizza, Chicago Fire Calzone or limited-edition Irish Nachos and you won’t be disappointed.

Chief marketing officer for SPB Hospitality, Josh Kern says, “Our newest limited-edition red is special because it was created from a collaboration with different SPB Hospitality brands. This beer is unique to Old Chicago and we’re excited to have it as part of the Old Chicago Mini Tour, a fan-favorite part of our World Beer Tour and Old Chicago Rewards loyalty program.”

Ironton Distillery – Denver

Head to Ironton Distillery in the RiNo neighborhood and treat yourself to a specialty cocktail. From March 17-21, the distillery will offer three St. Patrick’s Day specials. The Pinch Patrol includes house-made vodka, Ironton Mint Liqueur, Ironton Cacao Liqueur and coconut milk, while the Shamrock Pucker is a mix of Ironton Rye Whiskey, lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Also offered as a holiday special is a lager and green single malt shot.

If you’re still craving Irish-infused beverages after all the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations end, then you may want to consider buying a ticket to Ironton’s Emerald Isle Distiller’s Dinner. On March 24, you can get a four-course dinner with featured cocktail pairings while the head distiller talks about the process of creating unique spirits as you taste them individually. You may want to hurry because advanced tickets are required, and the space is limited.

Thirsty Lion – Denver

The Thirsty Lion Gastropub at Union Station will continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day despite the absence of a massive parade rolling through downtown. The launch of their special menu will run through March 17 and includes Irish favorites like bacon cheddar potato cakes, traditional Scottish eggs, the artisan lamb burger, Irish Shepherd’s Pie and others.

Get an Irish Mule to go with any of the food options and $1 will be donated to the pub’s annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser. And if you visit on March 17, there will be giveaways like bottle openers, key chains, beaded necklaces, t-shirts and more!