There's always some amount of Guinness-guzzling, corned-beef-eating and jig-dancing going on somewhere in the Tampa Bay area. If you're in the mood to party like it's St. Patrick's Day, memorize the lyrics to “Whiskey in the Jar” and check out one of these Irish-themed pubs.
The Dubliner Irish Pub, in Hyde Park, serves all the usual suspects, from Guinness and Harp to Smithwicks and Stella Artois. Traditional Irish fare is joined by innovative dishes, such as the Irish Nachos constructed from copious amounts of waffle fries, cheese and meat. Found inside an old house, it's a wee bit cramped inside, which makes the sprawling side patio a welcome retreat.
A Celtic hideaway right on Main Street in Dunedin, Flanagan's boasts a cozy atmosphere, a hearty selection of traditional Irish grub and plenty of drink choices. On tap Flanagan's features Guinness, Harp, Bass, Smithwicks and Killians, among others. Try a Strongbow Cider or a pint of Newcastle. Signature dishes include Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips Dinner and Steak and Mushroom Pie. Musicians regularly appearing at the establishment include Wayne Gladney, Noel Cooney and Brendan Nolan.
Located in St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, Lynches Pub and Grub serves up Corned Beef & Cabbage, Cork Cottage Pie, Fish & Chips and a Smoked Irish Salmon Platter that includes egg, tomato, cream cheese, capers & raw onion. Draft beers include Harp Lager, Guinness Stout, Black Smith, Smithwick's Ale, Hefeweizen Wheat and Bare Knuckle Stout. They also serve several imported ciders as well as mixed drinks.
Opened in 2002, MacDinton's Irish Pub, in Tampa, prides itself on dishing out great Irish hospitality without drowning its patrons in an excess of Irish stereotypes and Celtic trappings. The menu includes traditional meals such as Shepherd's Pie, Sausage Rolls and Bangers & Mash, but there are plenty of non-traditional selections to please just about any palate. MacDinton's hosts live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Each year, O'Keefe's Family Tavern and Grille in Clearwater hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parties in Florida. The rest of the year, the establishment is a local favorite, showcasing its award-winning Irish Puffs, filled with corned beef, cabbage and cream cheese; Shepherd's Pie, seasoned ground beef topped with homemade mashed potatoes, baked with cheddar cheese and sweet peas and served with Guinness gravy; and Corned Beef and Cabbage.
