The last one standing is standing plenty tall this March. Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern is hosting an incredible three weeks of Celtic celebrations this month, with live Irish music every single night March 1-19 in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
The last remaining Irish pub in downtown, Mary Margaret’s is already a favorite for traditional Irish food and drink as well as regularly-shceduled Irish music, but the happy haunt is kicking things up a notch with St. Paddy’s around the corner. In addition to nightly Irish performances, Mary Margaret’s is also dishing up some incredible Irish food and drink specials, from Guinness lamb stew and corned beef and cabbage, to pints of Smithwicks and the Jameson Irish Whiskey Seven Days to St. Pat’s Countdown.
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Fun fact: even without all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Mary Margaret’s sells the most Guinness Ale per square foot of any bar or restaurant in the state of Florida. Not to mention, Mary Margaret’s is the only place you can get a full traditional Irish breakfast all day every day.
The Mary Margaret’s ownership team (who also has an Irish story of their own) is the same group behind Paddy Fest St. Pete, the massive St. Patrick’s Day festival taking over Williams Park all day on St. Pat’s, Friday, March 17. Read more about that here (and we definitely recommend checking out the VIP package for all-you-can-eat food, an open bar, and private bathrooms.)
Mary Margaret’s cooks up delicious Irish fare
Meanwhile, Mary Margaret’s is a local gem worth celebrating even outside of shamrock-fueled festiveness, though even more so this month. The kitchen pumps out what is truly some of the most underrated food in downtown, and they’re doubling down on that action this month with Irish specials from Chef Andy Dolan.
Whether you’re observing Lent or just into fish as a matter of taste, their fried grouper fish and chips are an absolute must. The grouper Reuben comes recommended, as well, and we can’t speak highly enough of the Guinness Burger, featuring Guinness-infused black angus beef, grilled shrooms, Irish cheddar, romaine lettuce and roma tomato on a pretzel bun.
You can also snag more traditional Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, bangers n’ mash, Irish cheddar mac, and even homemade Irish soda bread. Plus, we’re told Chef Andy is breaking out a delicious chicken curry for the St. Pat’s festivities. Of course, we also won’t judge if you just go with a plate of the stout pub poutine.
Mary Margaret’s is a best-in-class Irish pub
Of course, the food and drink aren’t all that makes the pub so special. It truly is just a warm, fun and enjoyable place to spend time. Straddling that perfectly-Irish line of being equal parts laid-back and rowdy, Mary Margaret’s is also downtown’s home for English Premier League games, and during the leadup to St. Patrick’s Day, rugby fans will be able to catch Six Nations on the TVs.
Put it all together, and Mary Margaret’s is downtown St. Pete’s quintessential Irish pub – the place to be all March long for St. Patrick’s Day.
“We’re just excited to have this celebration and we’re proud of what we have going on,” owner Pete Boland said. “It’s really special to walk in here when everyone is singing along. This place is really special, and it makes me really happy to see it. This place makes people happy.”
In an ironic twist (and one that can now be looked upon with a smile since things worked out), Mary Margaret’s grand opening three years ago was originally scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day 2020 – the day everything was shut down at the onset of covid.
Now, with all those years and some tens of thousands of pints of Guinness under their belt, Boland and his team are ready to throw the weeks-long celebration they always dreamed of – nearly an entire month of live music, singing along, watching games, eating hearty food, and washing it down in true Irish fashion with Jameson and Guinness.
Catch high-energy and festive musical acts all month long
Follow Mary Margaret’s on facebook and instagram for updates on live performances, organized by local favorite Cage O’Hanlon. Of note, be on the lookout for the celebrated international act The Byrne Brothers on Thursday, March 16, St. Paddy’s Eve. On Saturday, March 4, The Dropkick Murphy’s are playing at Jannus Live, and Mary Margaret’s is hosting a pre- and post-party with Brendon Nolan rocking the pub from the fireplace stage.
For the week leading up to St. Pat’s, be sure to stop in for the Jameson 7 Ways for 7 Dollars Countdown, as each day serves up a different Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktail or specialty for only $7.
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