You might be surprised to know that, according the the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau and Apartment Guide, Pittsburgh is considered one of America’s most Irish cities: approximately 1/5 of Pittsburgh’s metropolitan population claims Irish heritage.

City-wide celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day will take place in the days leading up to the 17th with bar specials, pop-up dinners, and Irish cuisine galore. If you’re planning to head downtown for the parade, you may want to bundle up — Pittsburgh’s fickle forecast is in full force this year, and it’s likely to feel like winter rather than spring.

If you want to celebrate, but the parade isn’t your thing, we have put together a few local restaurants with St. Patrick’s Day menu options that might be of interest to you.

If you’d rather stay home, we have a few recipes you can whip up at home for a cozy celebration of your own.

Buttermilk Soda Bread with Fennel Pollen

Irish Pub Curried Lamb Stew

St. Patrick’s Day Punch

Carmella’s Plates and Pints

This SouthSide gem serves elevated comfort food inspired by American cuisine and is known for their whiskey bar displaying over 500 bourbons, scotches, and tequilas. Grab your best green garb and head to Carmella’s for St. Patrick's Day celebrations on Saturday, March 11th. Try an IRISH MULE featuring any of their 31 Irish whiskeys to warm your spirit. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Christian James

Christian James, located at the Joinery Hotel, offers global cuisine in downtown Pittsburgh, alongside a robust wine list and warm ambiance. The restaurant is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a special menu available from Friday, March 10th through Sunday, March 18th. Gae-Leek Soup, Irish Stew topped with Cheddar Brulée served with house-made biscuit, Fintan mac Bóchra's Fish and Chips, Saoirse's Shepherd's Pie, and beautifully crafted cocktails such as the Irish Maid and Irish Mule are among their special offerings. Reservations are suggested.

The Commoner

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Kegs & Eggs at The Commoner. Chef Dave Racicot will be adding a few Irish-inspired classics to his regular Brunch menu for parade weekend. Prepare for the Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade with brunch on Saturday, March 11, or enjoy brunch on Sunday, March 12 for post-parade fuel. Guests can expect delicious options like the Traditional Corned Beef or a Commoner brunch classic, Breakfast Hash featuring duck leg cooked in fat, winter vegetables, apple cider glaze, and a fried egg. The Commoner’s legendary bar will be crafting Irish beverages and of course, green beer.

For reservations call (412) 230-4800 or email info@thecommonerpgh.com

Gussy’s Bagels & Pizzeria

Gussy’s Bagels & Pizzeria is located in the heart of Oakland on Fifth Avenue. A hot spot for college students and bagel lovers alike, Gussy’s is conveniently open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch and Thursday-Saturday evenings for pizza pickup or delivery only. One day only, Friday, March 17th, enjoy Gussy’s special Reuben: Corned beef, kraut, swiss, marble rye, and special gussy sauce. visit www.gussysbagels.com for specific hours and location.

“Lunney’s” Eatery (DiAnoia’s)

For one night only, DiAnoia’s Eatery transforms into Lunney’s Eatery. Reserve a spot at “Lunney’s” on Sunday, March 12th from 5-9 for an Irish pop-up family style meal. Why Lunney's, you ask? Many folks don't know that chef Dave is actually only half Italian (shh, don't tell anyone) and you guessed it, the other half is Irish. The moniker is an homage to his mom Eileen's maiden name, Lunney. Feast on favorite family Irish recipes, including corn beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and Dave's grandfather's famous Potato Leek Soup….ohh and lots o' Guinness. Tickets in advance, drinks sold day of the event. Reserve your spot here.

The PA Market

The Strip District’s two-story European-style market has found the pot at the end of the rainbow, and spoiler alert: it’s filled with Irish Whiskey! Thursday, March 16, guests are invited to The PA Market for their Paddy's Day Cocktails class. Have some good craic while mixing up three festive cocktails featuring St. Paddy’s favorite spirit. All participants must be 21+ to attend with a valid photo ID.

From Saturday, March 11 through Thursday, March 17, guests who visit the Top Floor Bar at The PA Market will have the opportunity to order their Irish Implications cocktail; crafted with Jameson Irish Whiskey, pesto melon cordial, lime juice, and garnished with dried prosciutto.

Tickets to the Paddy's Day Cocktails class can be purchased here.

Sienna Mercato

Il Tetto, the roof top bar at downtown’s Sienna Mercato, is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 11th and Friday, March 17th. Heading downtown for the St. Patty’s day parade? Il Tetto is opening early at 11am for post parade celebrations. Special drink offers and giveaways will be offered during both day’s festivities.

Square Cafe

The colorful and inviting East Liberty eatery will be celebrating St. Patrick's day with delicious food and beverage specials all week long. From Tuesday, March 14 through Monday, March 20, the bar will be offering an Irish Mule made with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, ginger beer, lime juice, and mint garnish. Guests can also sip on an Irish Mint Mocha crafted with Irish Cream, peppermint, and dark chocolate. The inclusive cafe will also offer a spirits-free Apple Lime Lemonade Cooler with Granny Smith apples, fresh lime juice, and lemonade. From the Kitchen, enjoy Square’s Corned Beef Benedict constructed with toasted rye bread topped with corned beef, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and hollandaise; served with a side of mixed greens. The cafe will also serve a Salted Caramel Belgian Waffle topped with chopped bacon, brown sugar walnuts, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream.

STORY BY STAR LALIBERTE