hooley

noun hoo·ley \ˈhülē\

1. an Irish party usually with music

You haven’t experienced St. Patrick’s Day in Western New York until you’ve experienced it in South Buffalo. Known for its large Irish-Catholic presence, South Buffalo counts down the months, days, and hours until their biggest celebration of the year: St. Patrick’s Day. And in true South Buffalo fashion, the celebration isn’t limited to just March 17 but the entire weekend. Since 1994 the Old Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been retracing the original 1913 route through the historic streets of the Buffalo River Community in the Valley and Old First Ward neighborhoods.

The parade starts at the Valley Community Center and will wind through the streets of the historic Buffalo River Community. Viewing of the parade is available along South Park Avenue (between Hamburg Street and Smith Street), Smith Street (between South Park Avenue and Elk Street), Elk Street (between Smith Street and South Park Avenue), Hamburg Street (between South Park Avenue and South Street), and South Street (between Hamburg Street and Louisiana Street). But the festivities don’t end there, they’re only getting started. Read on for our list of the best places to get warm, cheers an Irishman in a kilt (don’t ask him what’s under it, trust us), and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned Irish Hooley.

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Gene McCarthy’s

73 Hamburg Street / More Info

Located right on Hamburg Street, Gene’s is a staple for parade marchers and spectators alike and is one of the most popular spots in the Old First Ward. Get a home-brewed OFW draught and grab a seat at the tables in the back, who knows you might get lucky and hear someone sing an old Irish melody at the piano.

Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern

555 South Park Avenue / More Info

“The best kept secret in town” and a historic staple within the community, is Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern. Their mission is to bring the neighborhood bar back to the Old Neighborhood, and they’ve succeeded. Enjoy a perfect pour, drink specials, and stories you probably shouldn’t repeat before, during, and after the parade.

Cook’s Bar & Grill

222 Katherine Street / More Info

Cook’s is the place to go if you like good drinks, great company, and not waiting in line. Tucked away on the corner of Katherine and Republic streets, Cook’s is a low-key hangout that offers an escape from the crowds, plenty of bar space, pub games, and a mean Reuben sandwich.

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Swannie House

170 Ohio Street / More Info

First opened in the 19^th century, the Swannie House “has more history in its urinals than most bars have in four walls”. If you’ve never been here or even if you have, a visit to Swannie on the day of the Old Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a must. Take in the smell of Cheerios from the nearby General Mills factory, sip a cold Irish beer, and order anything on the menu, you’ll thank us later.

Valley Community Center

93 Leddy Street / More Info

This is where it all begins and usually where it ends. After marching its way through the Old Neighborhood you’ll find most of the floats have made their way back and are parked right outside the Center. The Valley Center is the central hub for the parade and the whole neighborhood today, and once inside you’ll find live music, traditional Irish dancers, plenty of food and drinks, and at least ten people you haven’t seen in years.

Carbone’s

568 South Park Avenue / More Info

Pizza, subs, and chicken wings, oh my! It’s not exactly traditional Irish fare, but it is an Old Neighborhood staple so we say it counts. Head on over to Carbone’s Pizza and carbo-load for whatever comes next on your journey, whether it’s another bar, an Irish Center, or your bed.

Resurgence Brewing Company

55 Chicago Street / More Info

Resurgence Brewing being a brewery in and of itself is a great place to go before or after the parade for some shared drinks with some friends. The bar area is super communal making it easy to celebrate with others.

The Barrel factory

65 Vandalia Street / More Info

The Barrel Factory is another hot spot to meet up around the parade with plenty of drinks to go around and they are known to have live music as well.

Hartman’s Distilling

55 Chicago Street / More Info

If beer is not your thing, Hartman’s is the place to go for craft cocktails around the time of the parade. Plus, it is right next door to Resurgence making it easy to mingle from one bar to the other.

Did one of these places close? Send us a note!

This post was originally published in 2015 and has been updated.