By Shannon Harts
It’s a day to not only wear green, but to also enjoy some traditional Irish-inspired cuisine! Luckily, you don’t have to travel all the way to the Emerald Isle to enjoy Irish stew, Shepherd’s pie, and full-bodied beers—there are places right in the Finger Lakes offering them this St. Patrick’s Day in addition to other Irish-inspired goodies! We have a brief list to help you find a place to celebrate the day (at places adhering to COVID-19 precautions).
The Elf in the Oak: Those who live near this gem of an eatery in Burdett are certainly feeling the “luck of the Irish” as it reopens for the season today! Its hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and it is offering outdoor seating on its scenic deck. For lunch, which starts at 11 a.m., stop by for specials such as Irish ribeye stew with house-made biscuits, corned beef Reubens with a Murphy Stout, and a “quirky turkey” sandwich with goat cheese, sweet onion relish, and garlic mayo in a spinach wrap. The Elf in the Oak’s hours after March 17 will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.theelfintheoak.com
Grist Iron Brewing: If you are a beer lover, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration is likely not complete (or started?) until you’ve had a well-crafted brew. You are certainly likely to find this and some delicious food to quench your hunger at Grist Iron Brewing in Burdett this Saint Paddy’s Day. From 2 to 8 p.m. they will be offering 10 beers on tap, corned beef Reubens, and traditional Shepherd’s pie! gristironbrewing.com/ (visit Grist Iron’s website to see their COVID-19 guidelines).
Coal Yard Cafe in Ithaca: If you are looking to add some sweetness to your St. Paddy’s Day, check out the delicious-looking matcha-swirl pound cake being offered at Coal Yard Cafe in Ithaca! They have a new pickup window according to their Facebook page and are also offering breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, and deli sandwiches made to order. thecoalyardcafe.com
Kelly’s Irish Pub in Geneva: Stop by (and don’t forget your mask) this St. Patrick’s Day for a celebration that includes corned beef and cabbage with colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes) and a selection of festive beverages, according to this pub’s Facebook page. These include Irish coffee, Lucky Charms and Guinness, and Twisted Rail Leprechaun Lager! kellyspubgeneva.com/
