Where To Spend This Saint Patrick’s Day Around Ditmas Park

Nora Whelan -


This coming Monday, March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day, and you know you want to get in touch with your inner Irishman and have a pint! If you’re looking to celebrate in the neighborhood, here are some fun events (both on Monday and over the weekend) to keep in mind:

Shepherd’s Pie Throwdown & Irish Music Performance
When: Saturday, March 15 starting at 4pm for spectators (competitors asked to arrive by 3:30pm)
Where: 773 Lounge, 773 Coney Island Avenue between Cortelyou and Dorchester Roads
What: Neighbors are invited to bring their own spin on the classic meat, veggie, and potato dish, with nontraditional takes especially welcome. All entries will be judged based on creativity as well as taste. Participants are asked, if possible, to please make their pies in aluminum foil steam pans (1/2 size pan is 10 3/8″W x 12 7/8″L x 2 1/2″D ), which should be available at local 99¢ stores–they’re ideal for keeping food warm for the “People’s Choice” segment of the competition. At 9pm, neighbor Mike O’Malley will follow the throwdown with Irish music.

All Day Grub, Guinness & Music
When: Sunday, March 16
Where: Hamilton’s (2826 Fort Hamilton Parkway on the corner of E 4th Street)
What: Hamilton’s will be serving up a festive menu including a lamb shepherd’s pie with slow-braised grass-fed lamb brisket and chunks of vegetables, all topped with mashed potatoes–just in case you didn’t get enough at 773. Guinness pints will also be $5 all day, and contemporary Irish music from The Cogan Brothers and Mark Farley starts at 6pm.

Irish Pub Quiz & Irish Whiskey Night
When: Sunday, March 16 at 8pm
Where: 773 Lounge
What:  Get your Emerald Isle knowledge up to snuff for trivia, plus enjoy a selection of Irish whiskeys, cocktails, and coffee.

Irish Buffet, Music & A Few Surprises
When: Monday, March 17 starting at 4pm
Where: 773 Lounge
What: Dig into a buffet including corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes, then enjoy live music at 6pm with Hiram Kings as well as drink specials, giveaways, and a leprechaun to top off your night.

Music with The Niall Connolly Band
When: Monday, March 17 at 9pm
Where: Bar Chord (1008 Cortelyou Road between Coney Island Avenue and Stratford Road)
What: Brooklyn resident and Cork, Ireland native Niall Connolly plays songs full of stories off his newest album, Sound. Until Monday, you can check out some of his tunes here.

A Hearty Meal & Double Happy Hour
When: Monday, March 17
Where: Ox Cart Tavern (583 Argyle Road on the corner of Newkirk Avenue)
What: Ox Cart will be serving fingerling potatoes, corned beef brisket, and savoy cabbage and carrots with a whole grain mustard emulsion. And of course, there’s never a shortage of beer on tap. The bar is open from 5pm, with Happy Hour until the kitchen opens at 6 (or if you’re coming in later, check out their second HH from 10-11pm).

Photo via 773 Lounge