St. Patrick’s Day is the one day per year when everyone is Irish, which warrants a celebration. While over in Ireland the holiday isn’t treated as a big deal, here in the U.S. it has become a serious affair for Irish Americans. And all of their friends, of course. Whether it’s a parade in Boston, a legendary stretch of bar hopping in Philadelphia, or where to find quality fish ‘n’ chips in Chicago, here’s the best of St Patricks Day for 2023.
Destinations
For the best of St. Patrick’s day, it’s important to admit that some cities simply do it better than others. Maybe it’s thanks to their heavy Irish populations or just boils down to tradition. There’s one thing we know for sure: if you’re in any of these three cities for the holiday, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Boston
For those looking for the best of St. Patrick’s Day in Boston, there’s a lot to choose from. Here are the highlights.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
In South Boston or Southie, as it is revered by Bostonians, you’ll find a hell of a parade. You’ll also have a front-row seat to the action of the annual 5k road race.
Dropkick Murphy’s at House of Blues
Affectionately known as symbols of both Irish and Boston heritage, what better way to celebrate the holiday than with The Dropkick Murphy’s? Bring your earplugs, though: this metal band gets loud, and so do their fans. Plus, you can hit classic pubs such as Lansdowne at Fenway nearby.
Philadelphia
If 15 seasons of Always Sunny have taught us anything, it’s that Philly is the place to be for a serious pub crawl. Here is the best of St. Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
While there are at least five good bar crawls in Philly to choose from on this special holiday, this one gets you serious access to the best parties in the city. Plus, you’ll get plenty of green swag so you can easily identify your party cohorts.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade in Philly is one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. Where decades of tradition and dancing in the streets go, we follow.
Chicago
Perhaps the best of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is in Chicago. Here’s how to get in on the action.
Chicago River Dyeing and Parade
Chicago gets serious for St. Patrick’s Day – like really serious. As in, dyeing the entirety of the Chicago river green to celebrate that Irish heritage. With over 2 million spectators, the adjacent Parade is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day gathering in the US.
Fish Fry at Basant
For some classic Irish fare to celebrate the best of the holiday, try out the fried fish and chips at Basant. While most cities celebrate with corned beef and cabbage, Chicago is famed for its take on fish fry – which is better bar food anyways.
