According the most reliable online source, Wikipedia, Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland. (I suppose that information is neither shocking nor exceedingly pertinent.) Almost 2,000 years since he walked the earth, he’s become internationally revered as the Patron Saint of the Pint. God love him.
While I am by no means a religious man – in fact, I could barely be considered a man – I, among with countless others, like to recognize March 17th as a holy day where anyone, no matter how far displaced from the Irish, can raise a glass to this Saint who, hundreds of years later, still brings people together to celebrate life and it’s many rich offerings.
Here in Toronto, we’ve many Irish pubs and bars where you can recognize a moment of silence in memory of this great man before washing away your sins with a pint of Guinness. Go forth, and drink thine faces off this St. Patrick’s Day…
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+ Check out our rundown of the best events for St. Patrick’s Day 2013 in Toronto.
Dora Keogh and Allen’s
The duo of Dora Keogh and Allen’s are always great bets for St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto – the former being a more traditional pub style while the latter celebrates the Irish saloons of yore. Nicely tucked side-by-side near Danforth and Broadview, expect these two to play host some rowdy-lite antics on the 17th.
P.J. O’Brien’s and Irish Embassy
These sister establishments always house a great time. P.J. O’Brien’s is a more casually cool and relaxed old school pub, while Irish Embassy elevates the concept with its beautiful digs and more refined fare. Both will be pumpin’ on St. Patty’s Day, so if you’re looking to do a crawl, get in early.
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Bar Volo
While by no means an authentic Irish experience, Bar Volo makes the list thanks to its stellar craft beer selection and rotating casks. For you non-Guinness drinkers out there, this is the spot to #Occupy on the day of debauchery.
Prohibition Gastrohouse
A clear favourite here at VTV, we love Prohibition Gastrohouse for its gourmet grub and Hooch Hours, neither of which dissipates on St. Patrick’s Day.
Bier Markt
With three locations and a beer list that’ll appease the Gods themselves, Bier Markt is always happening on St. Patty’s Day in Toronto. It won’t be that “Irish experience” many of you are searching for, but for those of us not hailing from Emerald Isle, isn’t the 17th just an excuse to party like it’s the first year of uni?
Loose Moose
We recently checked out the updated Loose Moose, and it’s effing rad. We’re guessing that St. Patrick’s Day will see this Toronto bar pumping out the pints – of which there’s over 50 on tap – for the revellers.
McVeigh’s
Favourite watering hole for many in downtown east, McVeigh’s is an authentic Irish pub where it’s always Guinness o’clock. Expect a wraparound line to get in on the Day of the Drunks.
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Grace O’Malley’s
Younguns love good ol’ Gracie, and you can bet they’ll be out in full force on St. Patrick’s Day, taking advantage of O’Malley’s Sundays with $12 jugs and half price apps.
The Drake Hotel
While we’ve yet to see any word on The Drake’s St. Patty’s Day festivities, we’d be shocked if it’s anything but pumping come the 17th.
Fynn’s of Temple Bar
For the early twentysomethings, Fynn’s of Temple Bar will become the temple of shots and pitchers on St. Patty’s Day 2013. Luckily, the space is robust enough to house all the raging college kid hormones, and they’re quick with a mop when needed.
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The Dog’s Bollocks
Dive bar The Dog’s Bollocks is enticing guests with a free shot of Jameson before 2pm for St. Patrick’s Day 2013. Like us, they know how to kick the day off right.
The Galway Arms
The west end’s answer to Irish tradition, The Galway Arms pub will be a local haven for those seeking to don Kiss Me, I’m Irish t-shirts.
Audience Reco: Madison Avenue Pub aka The Maddy
The Maddy not initially making our list was by no means a slight on this stalwart space. After all, hasn’t everyone enjoyed their fair share of raucous nights at this U of T area pub? (It’s just, well, been awhile since anyone here at the office has.) In any case, yes, the Madison is also an awesome venue for St. Patty’s Day for the early twentysomethings, and will feature live music on all floors and green beer for all.
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