Six ways to kick off St. Patrick's Day in NYC

Swing the Teapot is a homey neighborhood cafe in Floral Park, Long Island serving up Irish specialties for breakfast and lunch. It’s one of the best traditional Irish breakfasts around, tasty and sustaining. With an extensive list of amazing teas, a morning meal here will set you up for a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day.

While this Financial District spot is best known for its much-lauded cocktail menu, the food menu is not to be missed. For a hearty Irish meal to start your day, the brunch menu features beans on toast, corned beef hash and a full Irish breakfast that makes for a worthy St. Patrick’s Day feast.

Serving patrons since 1895, Molly’s prides itself on being the “most traditional” Irish bar in New York. A shebeen is an unlicensed drinking establishment, but Molly’s is legit from the beer to the eats. Traditional dishes such as pub sausage and mashed potatoes or fish and chips made with fresh cod fillets. The brunch menu includes a full Irish breakfast, corned beef hash and eggs and shepherd’s pie.

Connolly’s offers the classic Irish pub experience in two locations: Times Square and 47th Street. Both are great options to grab a bite near the parade. You’ll find friendly staff and well-made pub grub. Both locations open early, so stop in for a pint and a shepherd’s pie before you head out to the festivities. 

This pub in the Bronx is a showcase for Irish culture, from music and theater to poetry and comedy, not to mention classic Irish fare. Fuel up with bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, beef stew or “Irish Mac ‘n Cheese” with bacon. If the spirit moves you beyond St. Patrick’s Day, definitely visit again throughout the year for a full slate of Irish entertainment.

Sunnyside in Queens is home to this Irish and British grocery chock full of imports, prepared foods and a classic butcher. For a portable St. Patrick’s Day option, look no further than the Irish breakfast sandwich. Yes, it’s a full Irish breakfast stuffed into a bun for a handheld version of the hearty meal. If you’d rather enjoy at home, pick up an Irish breakfast meat pack with sausage, rashers, and white and black pudding to cook for yourself.