Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Petaluma

Maybe you think you aren't as Irish as St. Patrick.

But he wasn't Irish himself, after all. Instead he was probably a Briton, kidnapped and sent to Ireland who then escaped. He returned in 432, believing he had been called upon to spread the word of God, and became the first Bishop in Ireland.

Too much information? It comes down to this: On March 17, everyone's a little Irish. So, check out these local St. Patrick's Day events and celebrations and will add a hint o' green to your Sunday.

To prepare, we posted a query on our Facebook page asking Petalumans where the best spot in town to celebrate was. Among your replies: "Beyond the glory does a poppin' st. pattys party," which wins Issy Uncensored the award for most alliterative post.

Also a couple votes came in for Maguires, and a couple more for the Washoe House, which is technically not in Petaluma but in unincorporated Stony Point. Additional suggestions went to Pub Republic and McNear's. Finally there was a shout-out for Tom Gavin Memorial Golf Tournament at Rooster Run to round out the list.

Last year about this time, we had a Patch Reader's Choice Poll, which included several of the above suggestions. Ironically the winner was not even mentioned on Facebook this year.

Lagunitas always does have music on Sunday from 3 - 6 p.m., and for St. Patrick's it's the Mad Maggies. Since they have beer and music they're half-way to Ireland already.

Facebook favorite Pub Republic, always has Guinness Braised Beef Shepherd’s Pie on the menu and numerous exotic beers (including Guinness) on tap, but this weekend they'll have a special Irish menu, festive decorations, and guitarist Clay Bell in the beer garden on Sunday at noon.

Beyond the Glory Sports Bar will have the usual Irish food items, but as well as Guiness they also have Murphy's Irish Stout on tap, so you can compare and contrast, glass by glass.

Taps Restaurant and Tasting Room is celebrating St. Patrick's Day early, on Thursday March 7, with a Brewery Nights featuring Cloverdale's Ruth McGowan's Brewpub. The do do good brew up there, including a Dry Irish Stout that should go down easily any day of the week.

Maguire's takes St. Paddy's Day seriously with Guiness and Harp on tap, live Irish music and dancers starting at 11 a.m., a rock band in the evening, followed by a DJ until the jig is up.

McNear's Saloon knows Irish, so they're lining up a special menu with appropriate dishes, Irish-influenced drinks, and a general atmosphere of Irish good times.

Dempsey's will have an Irish Ale on tap (they brew their own) and a menu laced with Irish dishes, including Irish Stew. The band Blue and Lonesome starts at 6 p.m. for some fiddlin tunes.

Aqus Cafe -- The Irish-owned coffeeshop is holding an Celtic music concert featuring Seisiun from 2 to 4:30.

Penngrove Pub showcases the ethnomusical talents of Les Amis Zydeco, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday night, March 17.

At The Rocks Bar and Lounge, they're celebrating Saturday night, March 16, with Luck Weapon with DJ StevieB.

TELL US: What are your St. Patrick's Day plans? Share with us in the comments below. And don't forget to upload a photo of you in your green attire!