Eat and Drink Your Way Through Parade Day

By Kami-Leigh Agard

They say everyone is Irish on Rockaway St. Patrick’s Parade Day—and knowing where to go for food that’s as good as a green frozen is a must. So, The Rockaway Times went on the hunt to find the best local spots to eat, drink and get greedy. Simply follow our guide below to sink your chops in classic favorites such as corned beef, Irish soda bread, shepherd’s pie, Irish coffee and more!

DINE IN/ TAKE OUT DINING

ESTABLISHMENTS

The BayHouse—This Breezy restaurant/bar may be off the parade route, but, according to owner, Sean Sheridan, The BayHouse is joyfully joining in the celebrations with a traditional Irish dinner and drinks that’ll have hearts singing! Enjoy a hearty corned beef dinner with all the fixings, including cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Then wash it all down with your favorite pint. Plus, at 8 p.m., Blackstone is stomping in with their flamin’ lineup of Southern rock and blues. 500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point/ (347) 926-4926

Harbor Light—For a prime view of the parade, while indulging in an extensive menu of Irish comfort food and drinks, Harbor Light is where it’s at. With delish Irish nachos, corned beef sandwiches, thumb bits, lamb shank, chicken pot pie, a decadently-flavored beer-braised Irish stew with a killer side of colcannon that’ll one-up any mash, Guinness sirloin steak and more—your Irish roots (and appetite!) will spread even more. Plus, join in on sing-a-long Celtic music seisiúns all day! Reservations recommended. 129-18 Newport Ave/ (718) 474-2202

Callie’s—Irish soda bread is one obligatory Irish food you should be sharing on parade day, and Callie’s will rival your grandmother’s. Plus, their slowly-simmered corned beef and cabbage will impress connoisseurs of this esteemed Irish-American staple. 410A Beach 129th Street/ (929) 343-5648

The Wharf—What’s better than bayside views, beers and corned beef? Throw in some live acoustic music by Amo from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and it’s a post-parade party at The Wharf. 416 Beach 116th Street.

Last Stop Gourmet Shop—Last Stop should maybe be your first stop as this longtime local favorite is pulling out all the stops for their parade day menu. With a traditional Irish breakfast (bangers and mash, bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, beans, toast, black pudding), shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage sandwiches and dinners—foodies, be prepared to go green. 222 Beach 116th Street/ (718) 945-6450

Tap That—Irish food gourmands—tap this! Tap That is offering a mouthwatering traditional Irish beef and Guinness stew! And, with just one tap and 30 plus selections, pour your own beer, wine, cider, hard seltzer, sangria—whatever your fancy. Plus, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.—The Kerry Kearney Band rolls in with their awarding-winning American blues and roots. 111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd/ (929) 254-2222

Boardwalk Bagels—another longtime favorite—offering novelty green bagels, corned beef on rye, lunch and dinner, shepherd’s pie—has quite the down-home menu to feed your entire party of parade revelers! 108-01 Beach 108th Street/ (718) 634-3200

RBQ—If you’re lusting for beats, beef and booze, (not necessarily in that order), midtown barbecue restaurant/ bar, RBQ—known for its sizzling music scene—boasts one of the greenest tickets in town! With corned beef sandwiches and platters, Guinness galore and all manner of whiskeys, plus live music with The Brooklyn Bards kicking off at 2 p.m.—ignite your parade party at RBQ. And with the restaurant up for sale, this might be your last chance to enjoy an RBQ parade day. 97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd/ (718) 318-7427

WATERING HOLES

Jameson’s Pub—One theme of Rockaway’s St. Pat’s Parade bash is unsurprisingly, booze—lots of it, and Jameson’s is offering a bevy of specialty drinks including Irish coffee, frozen Baileys Irish Cream, whiskey, stouts, including the king of pints—Guinness—and more! 421 Beach 129th Street/ (718) 474-9364 

Rogers—Rockaway’s oldest Irish pub, Rogers, revered for pouring the best pints since 1919, arguably is the hub of everything Irish on parade day. From Murphy’s, Guinness and Baileys to famed Irish specialty drinks—this pub has it all and then some. Plus, at 9 p.m., The Brooklyn Bards hit the stage, injecting Irish pride with classic and contemporary Irish war marches, rebel and love songs. 205 Beach 116th Street/ (917) 862-5214

Bungalow Bar—After a winter hiatus, Bungie is back for parade day with drink specials, pints pouring and a musical appearance by The Irish Mutts at 3 p.m. 377 Beach 92nd Street /(718) 945-2100

Connolly’s—Craving a Connolly’s green frozen? Folks, the popular beach bar is swinging its doors open just for you on parade day. And from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Murphy’s Lawyer with special guest, Liz Hanley, drive in the ultimate Irish craic! 155 Beach 95th Street/ (718) 474-2374

CATERING

Hosting your own parade day celebrations at home? Stay out of the kitchen and order a heavenly menu from these local stalwarts of Irish cuisine:

Bishop’s Barn—Located in Roxbury, Bishop’s Barn has a wide selection including corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots, Irish egg rolls, bangers and mash, Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, pressed Reuben sliders and Helen’s homemade soda bread. All items available a la carte. 4 Roxbury Blvd, Breezy Point. Order online at www.BishopsBarnCatering.com or call: (646) 915-4487

Curran’s Superior Meats—With butcher shops increasingly becoming a thing of the past, Curran’s has been a Rockaway mainstay for decades. And for parade day, their famous corned beef—all natural and brined in-house to perfection—is always a winner. Plus, who could resist Tommy Moloney’s Irish breakfast featuring Irish sausage, bacon and black or white pudding? Plus, Curran’s boasts a full line of Irish products. 239 Beach 116th Street/ (718) 634-7408/  (718) 634-6363

A&S At The Harbor—Belle Harbor’s catering spot is bursting with food packages, including the Rockaway St. Pat’s Package (full-tray corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, brussel  sprouts, carrots, Irish Soda Bread, rye bread). They also offer the Irish Riviera package: Finger Sandwich Sampler, three-foot rye bread hero, Chef Joe’s famous shepherd’s pie, shamrock ravioli and more! For full menu and more info, visit: www.as-harborcaterers.com or email: asattheharborcaterers@gmail.com. 533 Beach 126th Street/ (718) 634-4939

The Rockaway Farmer’s Market—Sometimes corned beef comes best served in a small package. The Rockaway Farmer’s Market is taking orders for corned beef egg rolls for $5 a pop, plus platters. Place your order by phone or in person. 115-01 Beach Channel Drive/ 718-945-6800.