There comes a time every year when everyone can go a little crazy, drink a pint of green beer, and call themselves “Irish”. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. Where in Rhode Island can you go and celebrate this colorful holiday properly if every bar and restaurant in Rhode Island becomes an “Irish” bar and offer “Irish” treats? Where are the real Irish bars?

If you’re at all familiar with downtown Providence you know that there are a handful of authentic Irish bars. They are very well known and on St. Patrick’s day you can be sure that they will be packed.

Ri-Ra is quite possibly the most authentic Irish bar and restaurant in the state. It offers mainly Irish beers on tap and has a diverse menu of dishes that you would swear are straight from Ireland. Ri-Ra is a fairly decent size but I’m sure it will be packed to capacity, but don’t get discouraged; McFadden’s is only a few minutes away.

Being new in Providence, not many people may have heard of McFadden’s, but it’s worth checking out. Located across the street from 10 Steak and Sushi and down the street from Capriccio’s, McFadden’s still remains in the heart of downtown. Inside, McFadden’s is huge. The ceilings are over 12 feet tall; there are many booths available to sit with tables spread throughout the main floor. There are 3 bars to choose form inside, each one bigger than the other, with a special bar in the Cigar room in the back.

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Another spot that many people might like and that is a change from the larger bars is Murphy’s. Located on a side street in downtown across from the Pro-Jo building Murphy’s can be missed very easily. With a much cozier atmosphere than most bars in providence, this little hidden treasure could be a pleasant change for the coming celebration.

If you don’t live that close to Providence don’t worry, there are plenty of local spots further south that are great. Ward’s Publik House on Post road, on the Warwick/ East Greenwich line, may seem small from the outside, but it offers a whole lot of Irish flavor. Further up on Post road, close to the airport, Shannon’s View invites locals or visitors to experience Irish flavors. Want to be close to the water on St. Paddy’s day? East Greenwich has McKinley’s right on the water, close to the Harbourside, offering its own unique atmosphere. Keep going south and Newport is home to One Pelham East on Brick Alley. One Pelham East will hold you and all your friends and the two large bars will make sure that the green beer will be close all the time.

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Of course there are many other places to go on the 17th and these are just a few hot spots I recommend checking out. Wherever you choose to go this St. Patrick’s Day please make sure that you enjoy yourself and that you do it safely.

Have a pint for me!

For those of you who do not know the true origins and the meanings of this green and gold day, let me explain. St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and driving out the Pagan Druids way back in the 4th century. St. Patrick died on March 17th, and the resulting holiday is to celebrate his achievements.

About the author, Brian Maksymowicz: Brian knows how to have a great time. He's a student at URI's College of Business in his final semester. With four years of college, he's learned Rhode Island's Night Spots. He loves to find new places to visit.

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