St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans on The Mountain

By Amber Ford

“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough!” But if you’re lucky enough to live in the Mt. Hood Villages you’re lucky enough to experience all of the events and specials at the local bars, cafes and restaurants.

Kicking off St. Patrick’s Day week at Pub 26 with the band Forest Ray on Wednesday, March 12, the festivities around the mountain are sure to keep locals full of fun, homemade food and drink specials. Based out of Seattle, Washington, Forest Ray’s “psych folk n’ roll” will be sure to have patrons on their feet and moving in Pub 26’s spacious venue for live music and dancing. Guests are encouraged to arrive at 7pm for the live music, cold beers, elevated pub food and fresh fruit- squeezed cocktails.

On Friday, March 15th, Coffee House 26 will host their roaster, Proud Mary Coffee, with live Irish tunes by local ukulele performer, Sara Lee (The Uke*Aholic at Large) from 10am-12pm. Guests will experience traditional espresso drinks with an Irish twist as Proud Mary Coffee shares a unique tasting experience.

As the week of St. Patrick’s Day progresses, other local restaurants and bars will showcase their homemade Paddy pride with a variety of dinner and drink specials. Join The Whistle Stop Bar and Grill as they continue their famous and tasty tradition of homemade corned beef and cabbage. Their dinner special kicks off on St. Patrick’s Day at 5pm with drink specials, including cans of Guinness and Irish coffees throughout the day.

Known for their traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, The Whistle Stop Bar and Grill is known for its homemade dinner skills and encourages guests to be prompt for dinner before the special sells out.

If corned beef and cabbage is not your thing, Chicali Cantina in the Thriftway Plaza will offer pork carnitas tacos with a cabbage and cilantro slaw. To wash down those tasty Irish-inspired tacos, Chicali Cantina will also offer $2 off draft beers with an option to make them green if you’re feeling extra lucky. Rounding out St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Cooper’s Wine Bar and Shop will host a seafood and wine happy hour on Monday, March 18th. Tickets for the event went on sale in February and quickly sold out due to the overwhelming interest in the event. For more information on future events please visit cooperswinebarandshop.com.