St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to treat yourself to some end of winter comfort food and a steaming cup of tea or cocoa (or maybe something stronger). Luckily, Portland has an abundance of Irish pubs and eateries that specialize in simple, delicious fare from the Emerald isle. Here’s our guide to filling your whole family’s bellies, and tipping your glasses, in fine Irish style this March 17th. Read on to find out more.
photo: Wayne G. via Yelp
Raven and Rose
For a meal steeped in history head for one of Portland’s most celebrated restaurants the Raven and Rose. Housed in a beautifully restored historic landmark, the 1883 Ladd Carriage House, the Raven and Rose prides itself on authenticity and innovation and not just in the architecture, their menu has received rave reviews from such heavy hitters as the New York Times and Food and Wine Magazine. Breakfast and lunch offer the widest selection of Irish fare, ranging from steel cut oats to shepherd’s pie (and even rabbit!).
1331 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201
503-222-7673
Online: ravenandrosepdx.com
Paddy’s Bar and Grill
Not to be outdone, Paddy’s Bar and Grill, also located in downtown Portland has been serving Irish fare for over 35 years from inside the historic 1878 Powers Building. They serve a variety of pub grub with an Irish slant (Irish Nachos anyone?) in addition to kid-favorites like mac and cheese. On St. Patrick’s Day this year they will host a tented street party with live music and an attempt to reclaim their 2011 Guinness Book of World Records title for the World’s Largest Irish Coffee. Kids are welcome until 6 pm.
65 SW Yamhill St
Portland, OR 97204
503-224-5626
Online: paddys.com
photo: Paddy’s Bar & Grill via Yelp
TC O’Leary’s
TC O’Leary’s serves one of Portland’s most authentic spreads of Irish comfort food around whiskey-barrel tables, cooked up by the pub’s namesake, Thomas Christopher O’Leary. With an all-Irish menu right down to the brussels sprouts and Irish-cut fries, it’s a classic slice of Ireland using all locally-sourced ingredients, at an affordable price. Little ones welcome until 10 p.m.
2926 NE Alberta St.
Portland, Or
503 477-5969
Online: tcolearys.com
The Leaky Roof
The Leaky Roof bills itself as a gastropub where high-end dining meets neighborhood comfortable, but their generous happy hour menu and kid’s offerings make this still an affordable choice. And since this modest Goose Hollow institution has been serving some of the best corned-beef and stews in the area since 1947, it’s a can’t-miss of Portland cuisine. For a tasty twist on an old favorite that will please the whole family try their Irish Benedict!
1538 SW Jefferson St.
Portland, Or
503-222-3745
Online: theleakyroof.com
Clancy’s Irish Pub
Clancy’s Irish Pub, tucked away in Sherwood’s charming Old Town opened on St. Patrick’s Day in 1988 and is still the place to go for live music and fantastic chowder and chips. Make it a day by pairing a trip out to Clancy’s with a drive through the Tualatin Valley’s scenic wine country. Added bonus: they host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration every year, so check the website for an updated event listing.
16066 SW 1st St.
Sherwood, Or
503- 625-6711
Online: clancyssherwood.com
photo: Sodanie Chea via flickr
Shanahan’s Pub and Grill
Shanahan’s will warn you in advance that if you’re looking for a fine-dining experience, you’ll not find it with them. But if neighborhood casual and arcade games are to your taste and you’re looking for mainly mainstream pub food with a hint of Irish flare, then you’ve found the right spot. In the true Irish spirit though, they welcome all-comers heartily, and with 20 beers on tap and a locally-sourced, from-scratch menu with vegan options, you’re sure to find something for everyone.
209 West McLoughlin Blvd.
Vancouver, Wa
360-735-1440
Online: shanahanspubvancouver.com
Townshend’s Teahouse
No day is considered complete to the Irish without (several) cups of tea. And nothing captures the imagination of kids quite like a tea party. Townshend’s Teahouses, with multiple locations throughout the area are comfortable and kid friendly with just enough old-world, cozy charm to make them the place to go for an Irish-inspired afternoon high-tea. For an authentic cuppa, try their decaf earl grey or rose petal teas.
Locations in Alberta, Division, Montavilla, and Mississippi
503-445-6699
Online: townshendstea.com
Grand Central
If you want the flavors but not the festivities of the holiday, bring it home with a delicious, local, artisanal bread or pastry from Grand Central Baking. With seven locations in the Portland area, there’s sure to be one close to home. Look out for their traditional Irish favorites like soda bread, scones, tea cookies, and bread pudding and call ahead for easy pickup.
Locations in Beaumont, Cedar Mills, Fremont and Mississippi, Hawthorne Blvd., Multnomah Blvd., Sellwood, and Woodstock
Online: grandcentralbakery.com
—Ruby McConnell
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