Where to Eat & Drink at the 2016 Montauk St. Patrick's Parade

The East End once again turns into a sea of green in 2016, and the luck of the Irish is clearly with Montauk as the town emerges from its hibernation to celebrate New York State’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade. Head out to The End this Sunday, March 20 to join the revelry, and while you’re there, grab a bite to eat and make a toast in honor of our very own Emerald Isle.

Here are some key spots to eat, drink and be merry at the 2016 Montauk St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration.

On your way out to Montauk, or on the way back, stop by East Hampton’s Rowdy Hall (10 Main Street, East Hampton, 631-324-8555). The restaurant will celebrate the luck of the Irish throughout the weekend with drink specials and traditional St. Paddy’s fare. If you’re after something a little different, try their cod sliders in Guinness beer batter. New holiday specials will be revealed every day of the weekend.

With locations in Westhampton, Southampton, Aquebogue and Water Mill, Hampton Coffee Company (hamptoncoffeecompany.com, 631-726-2633) has also announced its coffee of the month as Irish Crème, a coffee with the aroma of Irish whiskey and fresh cream, just like Baileys. Through the entire month of March, you can grab a Leprechaun Latte, flavored with chocolate mint, as well as corned beef Reuben sandwiches and bright green pistachio muffins. Get into the festive spirit, and start the morning off right, then head east toward the celebration.

Before the parade begins, drop by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce Soup Sale. Bring your mug to 742 Montauk Highway at 11 a.m. and warm up with a variety of hearty soups. Mugs are available for purchase in advance starting on Friday, March 18.

So you’ve found yourself the perfect spot along the parade route, you’re bundled up and wearing lots of green. You’re all set for a day of celebration, but if you want to sit down for a meal or a drink? If you don’t want to miss a moment of the action, several restaurants along the parade route are offering holiday specials.

Early in the day, head over to Joni’s (34 South Etna Plaza on South Edison Street, 631-668-3663) for a healthy breakfast or lunch to stay or to go. Grab some organic food and smoothies, just a block away from the parade route.

The parade begins just down the road from East by Northeast (51 Edgemere Street, 631-668-2872), and you’re in luck, the restaurant reopens on Saturday, March 19! You can be one of the first to see the newly renovated space. They’ll be kicking things off with a new spring menu and St. Patrick’s Day specials.

It’ll probably be packed, but if you can get in, you should definitely enjoy a pint at O’Murphy’s Pub & Restaurant (432 West Lake Drive, 631-668-5005). Grab yourself some traditional Irish food in this family style eatery to get the authentic Irish dining experience.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head up toward Sammy’s on 448 West Lake Drive (631-238-5707). The restaurant has an Irish prix fixe available all weekend, and it’s open for lunch and dinner.

Nestled on Lake Montauk, Inlet Seafood (541 East Lake Drive, 631-668-4272) and Swallow East (474 West Lake Drive, 631-668-8344) are both open for the holiday weekend, with St. Patrick’s Day food and drink specials. Serving fresh fish and sushi, Inlet Seafood is now open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for lunch and dinner, starting at noon—including, of course, parade day. Swallow East is now open for dinner Thursday–Sunday, and guests can also stop by for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at noon. If you’re looking for a quiet place to eat on parade day, you might want to hit these spots earlier in the evening. They usually fill up quickly, and the Montauk Friends of Erin Sunday Bus Pub Tour will be stopping by both restaurants during the night. If you’re searching for a good time, you’ll find it here.

Everyone’s favorite German restaurant and bar, Zum Schneider (4 South Elmwood Avenue, montauk.zumschneider.com, 631-238-5963), will turn Irish for the weekend. The establishment will be open for the St. Patrick’s celebration on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a DJ on Saturday night.

Prime sunset spot, The Montauket (88 Firestone Road, 631-668-5992), is also open this weekend. If you’re out before the parade, check out the happy hour from 3–5 p.m. Monday–Friday. You can’t beat the view.

Can’t choose where to indulge? The Montauk Friends of Erin Bus Pub Tours will visit various bars throughout the Montauk St. Patrick’s parade weekend. Saturday’s tour stops at East by Northeast, Muse, the Gig Shack, Memory Motel, The Point Bar & Grill and Zum Schneider. Sunday’s tour hits up Gurney’s Montauk, the Montauk Fire Department, Inlet Seafood Restaurant, Liars Saloon, The Sail Inn, Swallow East and the Montauket Hotel. Visit montaukfriendsoferin.org for additional information.