Dig out all things "green" from your closet, leave the leprechaun traps at home, and plan a day/night out at Eau Claire's bars and restaurants to celebrate this St. Patrick's Day accordingly! Save your time looking for where to find the pints of Guinness or the traditional Irish fare. We've scoped out the local bars and restaurants that have some sort of Irish flare on their menus and where you can go for a shamrockin' good time.
Photo: Dooley's Pub
Places to get traditional Irish fare
Dooley's Pub
The chances of catching a leprechaun in Eau Claire? Probably highest at Dooley's Pub on Water St. This Irish pub has "Irish" written on its menu, on its bar and on its walls. Dooley's serves a wide variety of traditional Irish Fare including Scotch Eggs, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Fish & Chips, Irish Stew made with Guinness Gravy, Shepherd's Pie and Bangers Mash. This is the closest to "Ireland" you can get in Eau Claire, WI!
Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
When it comes to consistent raving restaurant reviews, Houligans seems to always be mentioned by both visitors and locals. This Irish-influenced supper club has some of the best Irish Whiskey Sirloin Tips you'll ever have. They also have an Irish Whiskey Burger and their Houligans Famous New York Cheesecake topped with Irish Whiskey Sauce, pecans and cashews. YUM!
Photo: Cowboy Jack's
Places to get a mean Reuben sandwich
We perused through several menus to find what restaurants in the area dish out a mean Reuben. Here are a handful of restaurants that have their own variations on this sandwich made typically on rye bread with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing. If luck wasn't on our side and we didn't catch them all, find a full list of Eau Claire area restaurants here.
Randy's Family Restaurant
Randy's is one of those places that is just the epitome of the midwest: good food, even better people and an amazing family atmosphere. Grab the whole fam and make St. Paddy's Day lunch/dinner easy on yourself. Plan accordingly; Randy's is closed on Monday, March 17, 2025, so celebrate a few days early and get your grub during the week!
44 North
After you eat your sandwich, make your way over to 44 North's first-floor arcade for some fun and maybe a little competition depending on who you're with.
Cowboy Jack's
While it may be all about the food, Cowboy Jack's is also all about the atmosphere. You can dine in their indoor dining area, at the bar, or on their very popular outdoor heated deck.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Johnny's may have "Italian" in its name, but don't cross them off your list quite yet. No matter what type of food Johnny's is cooking up, Italian or Irish, it's going to shamROCK your world as soon as you take that first bite.
The Livery
Eating at The Livery will make you feel luckier than a four-leaf clover. Their food is delicious and their atmosphere...picture perfect.
Hangar 54 Grill
If you have a reason to be at the Chippewa Valley Aiport on St. Patrick's Day or, you do now - Hangar 54 Grill's Reuben sandwich should be placed in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. That's how tasty it is.
Photo: Clancy's
Places to get a pint of Guinness (or any beer)
Clancy's
It sounds Irish because it is Irish. Clancy's is an Irish Parrot bar (interesting combination, yes we know) in downtown Eau Claire. Their list of Irish-influenced drinks is unlike anywhere else in Eau Claire, so consider this bar at the top of your list of places to go for Guinness, Irish Whiskey or a Dublin Donkey!
Dive
Also located in downtown Eau Claire is the Dive. This bar sits on the rooftop of the Lismore Hotel and never ceases to disappoint when you're looking for somewhere special to go for a night out.
The Eau Claire Fire House
You may be able to find Guinness at the Eau Claire Fire House, but if you don't, don't sweat it. This place has over 38 rotating craft taps! You're guaranteed to find something that'll have you raising your glass in the air.
Happy Hollow Tavern
There is no such thing as being sad at Happy Hollow. Head over to this iconic joint in Altoona and find your happy place with a glass of beer.
The District Pub & Grill
Making a choice on a beer can be a tad difficult at The District; they have 30 beers on tap! Did we mention you can get some delicious grub here too?
Honorable Mention: Leinie Lodge
Okay, so you obviously can't get a Guinness beer at the Leinie Lodge. But, how do you feel about GREEN beer?! Get a taste of Leinie's iconic beer flavors with a festive twist this St. Patrick's Day.
Photo Credit: UW-Eau Claire
Events & Celebrations
UW-Eau Claire's Shamrock Shuffle
Save the date for the Shamrock Shuffle 5k at UW-Eau Claire on March 8, 2025! Head into the spring season decked out in green and exploring along the scenic Chippewa River State Trail and bridges across town. The event welcomes participants of all fitness levels. Visit the link to register online!
Northwoods Luck of the Irish – St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Northwoods Brewpub is celebrating St. Patrick's Day all week from March 12-16, 2025! Get green beer & drink specials, ruebens and rueben pizza, happy hour specials, games, and more. Join Lucky Leprechaun for games and prizes, and stick around for a special Smoker Saturday menu. Click here to learn more.
St. Patrick's Day Bash at The Plus
Enjoy an evening of dancing and live music at The Plus on March 15, 2025. Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with upbeat dancing tunes from The Shillelagh Lads and dancing by Dancers from Chippewa Valley Irish Dance. Click here to learn more!
St. Patrick's Day Party at Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen
The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen is hosting an all-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 15, 2025, featuring themed cocktails & mocktails, festive vibes, and plenty of Irish cheer! Guests are encouraged to wear green and join us for a day of great drinks and good times!
St. Patrick's Night Dinner Buffet at River Prairie Center
River Prairie Center is hosting a special dinner buffet on March 17, 2025, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! This all-you-can-eat buffet is open from 6-7:30 PM, with doors opening at 5 PM for Irish cocktails. The buffet menu features braised Guinness corned beef, Irish beef short rib stew, braised cabbage, rosemary & garlic roasted Yukon potatoes, rosemary thyme roasted carrots, potato rolls, and a variety of Irish desserts. Visit the link to reserve your spot online!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Helix
This is the place to wear your green for St. Patrick's Day because anyone dressed in green gets $1 off drinks from March 14-17! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 2025, with Irish-inspired comfort foods, Irish whiskey cocktails, and Guinness beers at Helix in River Prairie.