St. Patrick's Day is around the corner. It's a day that everyone can be Irish and take part in the city's celebrations. Cleveland celebrates its roots in Irish culture.
One of the highlights in Cleveland is the St. Patrick's Day parade. Considered one of the oldest parades in the country, thousands flock to downtown to witness this annual tradition. This year, the theme is "The 175th Anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day in Cleveland." The parade will start promptly at 1:04 p.m. Organizers changed the parade route this year to accommodate the use of Public Square.
Did you miss the parade? Watch the first hour here!
Think Safe Transportation
Because the parade and other festivities will draw thousands of people downtown, parking to and from the city could be quite chaotic. Play it safe and don't drink and drive. The RTA said they will increase rail services to ensure more people can access public transportation. Start by traveling on the rapid into Tower City and then take it from there. Because of crowds and surge prices for Lyft and Uber, your best bet is to walk.
Here are a few tips to enjoy a ride on the RTA:
- Bring exact change. RTA employees will sell Round-Trip Passes for $5 at many rail stations. Have a $5 bill ready to make your purchase. Keep the card in a flat, secure place -- you will have to show it on your trip home.
- Leave early. Expect large crowds. Allow plenty of time to get downtown.
- Ride the Rapid. Trains will leave frequently throughout the heavy demand periods. Free parking is available at many Rapid Stations. Obey all signs — cars parked illegally may be ticketed and towed.
5 restaurants to get your Irish food and drink fix
- The Harp: This iconic Cleveland landmark serves up Irish-American food and Irish beers. At 9 p.m., theBoys from County Hellwill perform cover songs throughout the night. This group has traveled as far as Thailand to Las Vegas. 4408 Detroit Ave Cleveland, OH (216) 939-0200
- Slyman's: If you live in Cleveland, you've heard of the famous, mouth-watering corn beef served at Slymans. Opened in 1964, this hole in the wall place is quite famous for its low-key fare. Presidents like George W. Bush have visited the Cleveland landmark. The most famous sandwich on the menu is the corned beef sandwich for $14.50. It may sound expensive for a sandwich but when you look at the size of it, you will understand why. 3106 St. Clair Ave. (216)-621-3760
- Hofbrauhaus Cleveland: It may not be your typical Irish place, but the Germans know how to throw a party. The restaurant is opening bright and early at 8 a.m. for a kegs and eggs party. It's minutes from downtown so you can fill up on delicious Irish fare before the parade. The St. Patty's menu includes corned beef hash and eggs, bangers and mash, and Hofbrauhaus's famous beer battered pancakes.Make your reservations today. 1550 Chester Avenue (216)-621-2337
- Barley House: After the parade is all said and done, those who want to continue the party can do so at the Barley House. Green beer will be served all day here. Doors open at 7 a.m. for kegs and eggs. Outside in the parking lot adjacent to the bar, there will be a parking lot party at 12 p.m. There will be live music from Cleveland's Punk Irish band, Craic, Irish dancers, and a 20 man bagpipe performance. 1261 W. 6th street (216)-623-1700
- The Old Angle Tavern: If you're in Ohio City before the parade, stop by this bar for a breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Ohio-based band, The Whiskey Island Ramblers, will perform Celtic rock, classic rock, and original rock.
Show your spirit by wearing all green:
Do we need to say more? This may sound obvious, but you wouldn't wear another team's jersey to a Cleveland sporting event so why wear another color aside from green? St. Patrick's Day is your chance to deck out your outfit in all green attire.
Lucky Spots in Cleveland
If striking gold beneath a rainbow is out of reach, look no further than Cleveland's own lucky spots that are scattered across the city.
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JACK Cleveland Casino: Where’s the best place for card-lovers to press their luck in the CLE? For some, a pot of gold may be found at a slot machine (or a card table, if the cards are played right) at the JACK Cleveland Casino in Downtown Cleveland. With an assortment of more than 1,600 slot machines and nearly 100 table games, Clevelanders can take a shot at a little bit o’ fortune. 100 Public Square, Cleveland, 44114
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Guardians of Transportation: On the way to or from Downtown Cleveland, Northeast Ohio residents can cross over the Hope Memorial Bridge for an extra shot of luck by giving a quick nod to the Guardians of Transportation. These 43-foot-tall sculptures keep a special watch on motorists and their loved ones during travel. It connects Downtown Cleveland to the Ohio City neighborhood, between Ontario Street and West 25th Street.
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Rockefeller’s Grave at Lake View Cemetery: Standard Oil Co. founder John D. Rockefeller is among the famous people who are laid to rest in Lake View Cemetery. As one of Cleveland’s most generous philanthropists, Rockefeller gave dimes to people he met – especially children – later in life. As both a tribute to Rockefeller and a wish for good luck, many people place a dime on top of his grave, hoping they will see a change in their fortune. 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 44106
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St. Patrick's Church: Founded in 1853, this church has maintained the test of time and is considered a permanent landmark in Ohio City. Inside the church, there is a plaque commemorating the contributions of Irish immigrants in Cleveland. Today, the parish is home to 700 households. Whether you appreciate history or want to honor St. Patrick, the beauty of this church is enough reason to go. 3602 Bridge Avenue (216)-631-6872
