The long winter is finally coming to an end, and the first signs of spring come by way of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ocean City. We’ve heard it referred to as “the locals New Year’s” and in our opinion, that couldn’t be more fitting. Locals find themselves hibernating or traveling during the winter months, so each year the parade signifies the start of a new season in the resort town. Many local businesses re-open their doors on parade weekend, with others celebrating with deals, specials, contests, giveaways, live entertainment, and a sea of green-themed drinks, decorations, and outfits. The parade travels from 58th Street to the 45th Street Village and is definitely worth attending…but what about AFTER the parade? There are plenty of options to consider…
Belly Busters
4408 Coastal Highway
410-524-7116
We are big on traditions here at ShoreBread, and each year we start our parade day celebrations at Belly Busters on 45th Street. Parade weekend marks opening weekend for the sub shop and seafood shack, and with its ideal location for the best parade action, it’s THE place to be. Not to mention the food…let’s just say it’s a local’s favorite for a reason. Overstuffed subs, plenty of ice cold beer, and some of the best fish tacos in town!
Seacrets
117 W. 49th Street
410-524-4900
It goes without saying that when town is busy…Seacrets is busy too. It may seem odd to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Jamaica, USA, but it is Seacrets after all, and we know they know how to throw an epic party. This year’s throw down – Irie-ish Music Fest – will include a full day of live entertainment, starting at noon and going straight on through to 2am. The Ocean City Pipes & Drums will make their annual appearance at 4pm, followed shortly after by the Local’s New Year Celebration at 6:30pm in the Nite Club.
Shenanigans
309 N. Atlantic Avenue (4th Street and the boards)
410-289-7181
It’s not a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ocean City without a stop at the only Irish Pub on the Boardwalk! Shenanigan’s doesn’t take St. Patrick’s Day lightly, and we would safely bet that they have been counting down to their Paddy Bash 2016 since last year. The Paddy Bash spans several days and includes plenty of drink specials and live entertainment. Be prepared for big crowds…but lots of fun!
Fager’s Island
201 60th Street
410-524-5500
www.fagers.com
Fager’s Island is channeling the luck of the Irish all weekend long with their Shamrock-n-Roll Weekend. The festivities begin tonight (Friday, March 12) with live music and plenty of corned beef & cabbage, fish & chips, and $5 Guinness drafts. Expect more of the same after the parade on Saturday, with live music, DJs, and specials happening until 2am.
Pepper’s Tavern
1513 North Atlantic Avenue (16th Street & the Boardwalk)
Alright, so we’re throwing this one in here entirely out of bias and nostalgia. Pepper’s Tavern, a.k.a ‘the tavern’ and once upon a time known as Tavern by the Sea, has put its loyal patrons through a roller coaster of emotions over the past year, with announcements of its closure followed by announcements that they would be staying open, and on and on and on. The latest verdict is that the Tavern will be open for at least one more summer, which means this weekend the Tavern lives on! The locals dive bar attracts many post-parade partiers…yours truly included!
Smitty McGee’s
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE
302-436-4716
Further north, just outside of the Ocean City limits on Route 54 in Delaware, Smitty McGees will be celebrating the upcoming holiday (which is Thursday, March 17 FYI) with a St. Practice Day Weekend extravaganza. This Saturday, practice celebrating with green beer and liquor specials, giveaways, and corned beef and cabbage. Think $4 car bombs, $1 Tullamore Dew, $3 Jameson shots, $1.75 domestic beers, $1.75 rail drinks, $3.75 craft beers, and $8.99 corned beef and cabbage.
Fish Tales
22nd Street, Bayside
www.ocfishtales.com
It’s not quite warm enough yet for Fish Tales to be open for the season, but that doesn’t stop the bayside bar from opening each year for the St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans. Fish Tales will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and will be featuring $4 Jameson shots, $2 Killian drafts, $4 Guinness pints, $4 Irish Coffees, and $4 Harp and Smithwick’s. Of course, the epic sunsets are free.
