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Health & Fitness

Blog: Irish Treats and Eats, Right Downtown!

Enjoy all that St. Patrick's Day has to offer without even leaving Downtown Westminster. From corned beef and cabbage to green beer, traditional and whimsical food finds abound.

Did you know that Corned Beef and Cabbage is an Irish tradition with both Emerald Isle and American roots?  While cabbage has always been associated with Irish food, being accompanied by corned beef only started in the late 1800s, when Irish immigrants living in New York City’s Lower East Side used the commonly found beef instead of the more expensive Irish bacon to save money.  Ever since, it’s been a St. Patrick’s Day ritual for many.

Indeed, Corned Beef and Cabbage abounds in restaurants around Westminster this coming St. Patrick’s Day, but why limit yourself when you can enjoy so many treats that the Irish inspired? Check out the incredible Irish edibles you’ll find right in Downtown Westminster this St. Patrick’s Day!

If corned beef is not your cup of tea, perhaps an Irish-inspired coffee could hit the
spot. will be serving nutty Irishman lattes, alongside its spicy cabbage soup.  And if tea is what you are looking for, visit the for green tea, or its lunch combo special of Corned Beef and Provolone Panini with cabbage patch soup.  In addition, the Cup will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, with live music from noon to 2 pm. 

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But don’t stew about your options – eat some!  , and will all be serving Irish Stew. Harry’s will have corned beef, Irish stew and green beer on its menu,
and Guilianova will offer Irish Lamb stew on both the 16th and 17th.  Maggie’s will also be serving both entrees, and you can get an “O’Maggie’s” 2012 commemorative button and glass for an additional $5.  

will be serving an Irish-inspired Reuben sandwiches, Guinness Stout, and green cupcakes flavored with crème de mint or pistachio.  will also be
offering specials on Irish food and beer all day.

If you’re looking for a place that takes you to the Emerald Isle, will be celebrating the holiday all weekend. The Pub opens for breakfast at 9 am, with regular food service being providing until 11 pm, both inside and in its tented courtyard.  It will also offer live music, featuring the Irish traditional band Seacht from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, and NUA from 7:30 to 11:30 pm.

Find out what's happening in Westminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So grab your green and head out for an Irish “pub” crawl unlike anything you’ll find this side of the pond.  Reservations are not being taken at many of these restaurants, so be patient – it will be worth it, even if you have to wait!

And when you raise your glass this St. Patrick’s Day, remember this old Irish toast:  May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future!  We hope this rings true for all of our friends in downtown Westminster!  See you around downtown!

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