Fresh Loaf

We all know that St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity for understanding and appreciating the rich cultural heritage of the Irish. It’s also an opportunity to drink green beer until you turn green. Either way, here are some of the St. Patrick’s Day events going on around the city.

Stone Mountain Village – Although little drunken leprechauns don’t normally haunt the Historic Stone Mountain Village, Art Station will welcome them for the annual “Raising of the Green” on Sat., March 17. Guzzle all the green beer your Irish blood can handle from 6-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 5384 Manor Drive. 770-469-1105. www.artstation.org.

Underground Atlanta – Start strolling down Kenny’s Alley with green beer in hand on Thurs., March 15, and don’t stop until Sun., March 18. Irish dancing, live music, adult drunkenness and children’s activities continue long after the 126th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes its way down Peachtree Street. Festivities, including U2 tribute band Desire, are free. Some won’t stop partying until they are dancing in the green fountains with the frontman of Desire, who they think is actually Bono – although this sounds like fun, we don’t recommend it. Alabama Street. 404-523-2311. www.underground-atlanta.com.

Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant – Pack the whole St. Patty’s Day week with party plans at Fado Irish Pub. Take a break from the pint of Guinness on Wed., March 17, at 8:30 p.m. to shave someone’s head to raise money for Children’s Cancer Research. Starting at 7 p.m. on “St. Practice Day,” 99X will host four bands outside the pub as Atlanta counts down to the big green day. On Sat., March 17, go all out Irish early with the second annual “Kegs & Eggs with Jackyl.” Carry on the tradition by getting sloshed on the street in front of the Pub throughout St. Patrick’s Day. $10 cover charge beginning at 10 a.m. 3035 Peachtree Road. 404-841-0066. www.fadoirishpub.com.

Limerick Junction – In addition to the naughty rhymes, this Virginia-Highland junction will offer up one festive function. Live music, traditional Irish food, and, of course, beer will be served. Doors open at noon on St. Patrick’s Day. $5 afternoon cover charge. $10 evening cover charge. 822 N. Highland Ave. 404-874-7147. www.limerickjunction.com.

Chipotle – Don green garb and head south of the border for a free burrito, taco, or salad at Chipotle Mexican Grill where St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with “Wear Some Green, Save Some Green.” Not to be outdone by their Irish pub brethren, Chipotle will serve green margaritas. This festive beverage may finally unite the two cultures so long destined for each other: Mexico and Ireland. 5-7 p.m. All Chipotle locations including 718 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-685-3531. www.chipotle.com.

Murphy’s – For an equally good but slightly less raucous time, spend St. Patrick’s Day dining on classic Irish fare at Murphy’s. A special group of Irish dancers will do a little jig while executive chef Gregg McCarthy whips up a batch of corned beef and Irish whiskey bread pudding. The lads and lasses who visit Murphy’s will be among the few in the city not guzzling unnaturally green beverages. 997 Virginia Ave. NE. 404-872-0904. www.murphysvh.com.

Pub 71 – This traditional Irish pub wants to kiss you because your father’s brother’s cousin-in-law’s former college roommate might have been Irish. Everybody has some Irish blood, and this is yet another opportunity to replace that Irish blood with alcohol. Enjoy four bands and four bars on Sat., March 17. Pub 71 will hand out coupons for Sunday brunch the next day because nothing goes better with the traditional Irish hangover than a warm Irish breakfast. The party costs $10 and starts at 11 a.m. 4058 Peachtree Road. 404-467-8271. www.pub71.com.

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