How to Celebrate (Actual) St. Patrick’s Day in Hoboken

March 17th is Lá Fhéile Pádraig—the actual Feast of St. Patrick.

That thing a few weeks ago known as Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day was quite a different animal. While a lot of us spend most of the “St. Patrick’s Season” hunkered down waiting for the storm to pass, the REAL St. Patrick’s Day in Hoboken can be a great occasion to get out and celebrate with friends—whether they’re Irish or not. The winter is over, Spring is a few days away and we could all stand to get out of the house for awhile.

On our side of the river, the added bonus is that the epicenter of all regional belligerence and debauchery on this day has shifted from our shores across the Hudson, where the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes all the glory—and all the hassle that comes with it. Over here, there’s plenty of fun to be had without the headaches.

Carpe Diem (1405 Grand Street) is a phenomenal stop for an authentic Irish Breakfast. Doors open at 11:00, with various specials all day.

House of ‘Que will be open all day for the NCAA games, but will also have live bagpipers and custom Guinness glass engraving. Yes, there will be “green beer,” but at least the BBQ is authentic…

Moran’s has their new kitchen humming along, making it an ideal spot to stop an get cozy for the day.

For dinner, stop by Court Street (61 Sixth Street) for Corned Beef & Cabbage (or a Corned Beef Sandwich if the entree is too daunting). The restaurant opens at 4:30.

The Madison Bar & Grill will feature Corned Beef & Cabbage, Corned Beef Sandwiches and Happy Hour Specials from open to close.

For entertainment, Gold N’ Brown will be bringing the craic agus ceol to Finnegan’s (734 Willow Ave), playing authentic Irish music. The seisún starts at 7 p.m.

The bars along First Street, a.k.a. “Irish Row,” are bound to be bustling. But for one of the best pints of the black stuff on this side of the Atlantic (let alone the Hudson), be sure to stop off at The Nag’s Head (359 First Street). Just don’t ask for a shamrock on top… it’s like putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa.

Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!