You get two chances to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.
The likes of the annual St. Patrick's Parade in downtown Atlanta, Lepre-Con 2015 in Midtown, the big block party at Fadó in Buckhead, and Sham Rock and Roll at Meehan's in Sandy Springs are among the activities on tap for Saturday. Then there's a reprise of green day festivities Tuesday for the true March 17 holiday.
However, at many Irish bars around Atlanta, every day is St. Patrick’s Day, as the lore and lure of pub culture bring regulars in for a pint, a sense of community and the fine art of conversation.
Of course, good old-fashioned drinking fun, in the mystic sense the Irish call “craic” (crack), has been fading on both sides of the Atlantic for some time. And, not surprisingly, many Atlanta publicans bemoan its passing, even as they adapt to a world where big screen TVs and smart phones often trump good gossip and bad jokes.
Fred O’Brian, an expat Dubliner and manager at Mac McGee on Canton Street in Roswell, is one who has rolled with the changes.
“I was always one of those people that said Irish pubs are a dime a dozen, and everybody wants to do one,” O’Brian said. “But when I walk into Mac McGee, I feel like I’m at home. It just feels like a proper Irish pub. With a pub, you want a good mixture of people. You want old and young and you want people to mingle. It’s about people having a drink and a chat, and fixing the world’s problems over a pint, you know.”
Colm Reilly, the general manager at Fadó in Buckhead, is from Dublin, too. Reilly’s uncle, Kieran McGill, is the president and CEO of Fadó Pubs, and their family business goes back to McGill’s father, a lifelong Irish publican.
“We like to think we offer an authentic Irish experience at Fado,” Reilly said. “It’s a little different drinking culture in Ireland than it is over here. But we still have plenty of regulars who appreciate the Irish style. We call (longtime bartender) Russell Belcher the Lord Mayor of Buckhead. Russell is always there and has a joke or a story to tell everybody. I think Irish bars are always going to be popular for that reason.”
Reilly’s best advice for having a good time at the pub: “Go in and have a pint, talk to your bartender, and stay off your phone.”
“Craic just means fun, and a good time, and how a place makes you feel when you leave,” O’Brian said. “You want to leave with a good taste in your mouth.”
A TASTE OF IRISH PUBS
Here are five pubs where you can find a bit of Irish flavor on St. Patrick’s Day or any day.
Fadó — The Buckhead Village original made the move to be the anchor of what's become Buckhead Atlanta. Many still miss the old Fadó. But the two-story structure, with its rooftop deck, seems to fit the new neighborhood. And the crowds still come for soccer and rugby, while regulars enjoy the lively bar scene and traditions like the full Irish breakfast with a pint.
279 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta. 404-841-0061, fadoirishpub.com/atlanta.
Johnnie Maccracken's — Johnnie Maccracken's on Marietta Square was once a firehouse. Now it's as much a dive bar as an Irish pub, unapologetic in celebrating its dim lights and well worn decor. Both the Irish-influenced menu and the sprawling beer list offer some pleasant surprises. And friendly servers and lively regulars make it a fun place to hang out.
15 Atlanta St. S.E., Marietta. 678-290-6641, johnniemaccrackens.com.
Mac McGee — Mac McGee opened its first bar in 2010 on Decatur Square. The second opened in 2013 in a stunning, sprawling two-story historic Roswell space. Like Decatur, the Roswell location features classic Irish pub design, a hearty made-from-scratch menu, well-curated beer and whiskey lists, and live music.
936 Canton St., Roswell. 770-518-2866, macmcgeeirishpub.com/roswell.
The Marlay House — The folks who run this expat Irish hangout in beer-centric Decatur also drive the Mobile Marlay food truck, serving up their style of Guinness-battered fish and chips. The well-appointed vintage bar features 20 taps, with craft and seasonal selections, plus a full liquor list with plenty of Irish whiskeys.
426 W. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur. 404- 270-9950, themarlayhouse.com.
Rí Rá Irish Pub — Part of the upscale theme-pub empire of Dubliners David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan, Rí Rá is tucked away in busy Midtown on the back side of Peachtree Street. The salvaged and restored Victorian era materials shipped over from Ireland are authentic, and so is the Irish staff. Pub grub favorites mix with pints and signature cocktails.
1080 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-477-1700, rira.com/atlanta.
ST. PADDY’S DAY PARTIES
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade — On his historic first visit to Atlanta, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has chosen to walk down Peachtree Street as the grand marshal of the 133rd St. Patrick’s Day parade. Atlanta’s longest running event features dancers, musicians, balloons and floats galore.
Noon-1:30 p.m. March 14. Free. Parade route: Peachtree Street, between 15th Street and 5th Street. 404-504-6884, atlantastpats.com.
Lepre-Con 2015 — The wild and crazy, spring break-style outdoor party is back at Park Tavern, next to Piedmont Park. Sponsored by A Social Mess, it’s billed as “multiple stages, multiple bands, multiple DJs and multiple personalities.”
2 p.m. March 14. $20. Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta. 404-249-0001, parktavern.com/events/leprecon-with-a-social-mess.
Sham Rock and Roll — Meehan’s Public House in Sandy Springs teams up with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Childhood Cancer and Radio 105.7 for this fourth annual food, drink and band blast.
Noon March 14. $7 presale, $15 day of the event. Tickets: freshtix.com/events/meehans-7th-annual-sham-rock-and-roll. 227 Sandy Springs Plains N.E., Atlanta. 404-843-805, meehanssandysprings.com.
St. Patrick’s at Fadó— Doors open at 7:30 a.m. March 14 for European sports, with a full pub menu all day. An outdoor block party on Buckhead Avenue runs from noon to 9:30 p.m.
7 a.m. March 17, Kegs n’ Eggs and a full menu all day. $20 cover charge at noon. $10 cover charge at 8 p.m. 279 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta. 404-841-0061, fadoirishpub.com/atlanta.
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