As someone with zero Irish heritage, I’ve still managed to cultivate a profound and almost suspicious affection for St. Paddy’s Day. I mean, who doesn’t want to don an oversized leprechaun hat and consume copious amounts of artificially colored beer while pretending to be one with the Emerald Isle? On this day, everyone suddenly has a long-lost green-tinted ancestor, and I embrace that delusion with open arms!
Back in my more vigorous days at UMASS Amherst—drinking green beer like it was water and potentially annoying local law enforcement—there was a legendary bash called the “Blarney Blowout.” I can’t confirm its current status, but I assume it died a quiet death after enough students were turned into human rainbows by the local police. Picture this: me dressed in shades of emerald, sporting shamrock stickers with a drink in one hand and a regrettable life choice in the other. Ah, nostalgia!
This year, if you’re looking to reignite your love affair with the day—and perhaps your liver—look no further than The Goat in Manchester or Portsmouth. In a move daring enough to make even the most stoic adult raise an eyebrow, they’ve decided to open at 8 AM for brunch over the St. Paddy’s weekend. That’s right: four glorious days of pancakes, beer, and questionable decisions leading right into March Madness. Who said you can’t be strategic about your hangover?
Let’s break down what The Goat has to offer, shall we? First up, we have the Adult Shamrock Shakes. If you’ve never mixed your dessert with a buzz, you’re clearly not living life to its fullest—or perhaps you’re just not in desperate enough need of a sugar pick-me-up with a kick.
Next, feast your eyes on what may be the juiciest burgers known to humankind. These aren’t your average fast-food creations; these are culinary masterpieces that demand your attention. You may momentarily forget you’re, in fact, a responsible adult with a 9-to-5 job—but fear not, that existential crisis can wait until after brunch.
And let’s not overlook the crowd. The Goat’s patrons will range from enthusiastic party-goers to those who stumble in hoping that beer has magically turned into a viable breakfast option. If you fancy live entertainment, you’re in luck! They boast a lineup of performers that would impress even the most discerning of pub aficionados.
On the musical docket for St. Paddy’s Day Weekend, let’s see: Chris Fitz Grice on Thursday, followed by the melodious tones of Chris Toler on Friday while *Back in Black—the ACDC tribute band—rocks the house in Manchester. Because nothing screams Irish like Australian rock, right? Saturday features Mike Forgette and the Johnny Friday Band. Finishing strong on Sunday with Rob Pagnano—just in case you’ve somehow managed to survive the entire weekend without levying a single regret on your future self.
So, grab your best green attire and perch yourself at The Goat. With big-screen TVs for all your game-watching needs, a whiskey selection that could start a small revolution, and a brunch menu that will sock it to your taste buds, it promises days of revelry wrapped in the guise of Irish charm. Just remember to arrive early—you wouldn’t want to risk missing the most expensive breakfast of your life, now would you?
And while we’re exploring local watering holes, why not check out the rankings on some of New Hampshire’s best breweries or maybe dive into a comprehensive list of the top Mexican restaurants along the Seacoast? Because, hey, consistency is key—no one wants to be the person who only drinks on St. Paddy’s Day!
