Haute Top 5: Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2017 in San Francisco

The Irish Bank is one of the best Irish Pub’s in San Francisco. Walk inside the small bar with walls lined with Irish-inspired paraphernalia and you feel as if you’ve been taken back to the old country. Although the indoor space is small, Irish Bank occupies an entire alley of outdoor space and come Friday afternoon, it will be filled with revelers for its annual block party. The all day event starts at 6 a.m. and continues until midnight. Local radio station Live 105 will be on air at the event until 10 a.m., from 3 to 6 p.m. live band The Watch performs, and DJ Marc Van Brabant takes over at 6 p.m. to kick the festivities into high gear.

Another bar that’s known for throwing awesome alley parties? Taverna Aventine. The bar is directly next to Hotaling Place a one block street that sit across from the TransAmerica building, so if you head to Aventine, be sure to look up. The St. Patrick’s Day party includes live DJ performances, drink specials, games, and a food truck. Expect it to get crowded and the crowd to be rowdy. The closer you arrive to the 4 p.m. start time, the more likely you are to claim a prime spot.

Block parties are the thing for St. Patrick’s Day and a third one is going down on the street next to Harrington’s Bar and Grill. It’s a joint St. Paddy’s party with Royal Exchange, the pub beside Harrington’s, and the band Wonder Bread is performing. There will be dancing, food, and drink specials. If you want a table inside Harrington's, advance reservations are recommended.

If you’re simply looking for an Irish-inspired meal and a couple of cold pints, head to the Buena Vista Cafe in Fisherman’s Wharf. The restaurant and bar is known for its world famous Irish coffees. The classic concoction is a mixture of Tullamore Dew whiskey, sweetened black coffee, and a dollop of lightly whipped cream. They are so good, you won’t be able to have just one. Also on the all-day pub grub agenda? Potato skins loaded with cheddar cheese, Rueben sandwiches with corn beef and thousand island, and fish and chips.

Crowds not your thing? Take the less traveled St Patrick’s Day road and avoid going downtown. Instead find a spot at the bar at Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company in the Outer Sunset. Head Brewer Kristjan Vaca is pulling pints of his limited release Irish Stout. There will be whiskey shot and Irish car bomb specials as well as a full menu of delicious bar eats. Think housemade soft pretzels with cheddar beer dipping sauce, fried chicken with mashed potatoes and sausage gravy, and sloppy Joe sliders.