Beyond Green Beer: St. Patrick's Day Dining

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There will be plenty of St. Patrick's Day shenanigans going on all around town this Thursday. But if you're looking for more than a dyed-green tongue and a chicken tender basket, we've listed a few (slightly) more original offerings below.

Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar
Because nothing says St. Patrick's Day like sushi (what?), all three Azuma locations will be offering their "Crazy Irishman Roll" (salmon, tuna, avocado flash fried in soy paper topped with masago, mayo, spicy mayo, and unagi sauce) at half price. We're not exactly sure why it's called a Crazy Irishman--but it's a $12 roll for $6, so we don't really care.

Brian O' Neill's Traditional Irish Bar
Say "Top 'o the mornin'" on St. Patrick's Day with breakfast or brunch from Brian O'Neill's (8 a.m.-2 p.m.). The brunch menu includes a variety of standard fare as well as more traditional selections like "Irish Breakfast" (fried eggs, fried tomato, black & white pudding, Irish bangers & Irish rashers served with your choice from the bakery). To view the entire menu, click here.

The Bull & Bear Tavern and Eatery
The West Houston watering hole will feature an especially Irished-up menu on March 17, featuring corned beef & cabbage, Irish stew, Guinness stew with Guinness bread, shepherd's pie, Bunratty baby back ribs, Guinness battered fish & chips, roast leg of lamb, and bread pudding for dessert. In addition, Harp, Smithwick's, and George Killian's are on special for $4 a pint throughout the month of March (Guinness is always just $3.50 a pint).

Fox Hollow Gastro Lounge
Celebrate St. Pat's slightly off-Washington Ave. at Fox Hollow. The cozy English pub will be offering a variety of St. Patrick's Day specials throughout the day, including $2 green beer (eek!) from 4 to 6 p.m., $14 buckets of Harp from 6 to 8 p.m., $1 green jello shots, $5 beef and Guinness stew, $6 corned beef paninis, and $5 Jameson shots.

The Goose's Acre Bistro & Irish Pub
Described as "the Woodland's only authentic European pub," Goose Acre Bistro features a variety of traditional dishes as well as some not-so-traditional Irish versions of old favorites (like the "Monte Cristo 'O Brian" or "Irish Nachos"), served seven days a week.

The Harp
"Houston's Friendliest Irish Pub" is serving up steaks, potatoes, sausage, and burgers from noon to 2 a.m. on St. Patty's Day. And oh yes, there will be bagpiping.

Kenneally's Irish Pub
Kenneally's thin crust pizzas, made from scratch daily, are a perfect complement to an Irish car bomb. The "Shamrock Special" is so damn good, you'll wonder why more places don't serve corned beef as a standard topping.

McGonigel's Mucky Duck
The pub USA Today called "One of the Top Ten Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the USA" features live music six nights a week and homemade traditional family recipes from George Crowder's Red Lion Restaurant. On the menu for St. Patrick's Day: Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, "Beef Guinness," and Corned Beef & Cabbage.

Saint Arnold's Brewing Company
The annual Donegal Beard Competition takes place March 17 at 6 p.m. - but unless you enjoy cold beer facials, you'd probably rather watch (see last year's finals here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx94cr9Qt2g) while enjoying Saint Arnold's seasonal favorites. (For those of you without tickets, mark your calendars for next year. This Thursday's event is sold out.)

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