Brandon Patch Picks for St. Patrick’s Day Out

St. Patrick's Day gets into full swing starting late this afternoon with special performances, events and meal and drink prices throughout the Greater Brandon area and beyond.

As always, the plea is to drink sensibly and act thoughtfully, with designated drivers on call at a minimum. Should the need arise for a safe ride home, Brandon Patch has compiled a with drive-home offerings and phone numbers, courtesy of the American Automobile Association and local transportation businesses.

• The 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration kicks off at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Brandon with both indoor and outdoor stages featuring Irish-themed entertainment, including live music from Ireland. Also on tap, the Hope Darling Band (6 p.m.), the karaoke sing-off finals (8:30 p.m.), Irish dancers from the McGinley School of Irish Dance (4:30 and 8 p.m.) and the Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums (6:30 p.m.). Green beer, Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks and more to be served. Seniors receive a 25 percent discount off food between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for dine-in orders. O’Brien’s is at 701 West Lumsden Road.

• The original in Brandon hosts a St. Patty’s Day Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with corned beef and cabbage and potatoes, green beer, Irish music, games and more. Beef’s is at 210 South Kings Avenue. Other locations in Greater Brandon are at 2561 East State Road 60 in Valrico, 4330 Bell Shoals Road in Bloomingdale, 9331 East Adamo Drive in Tampa, 9622 South U.S. 301 in Riverivew, 812 West Martin Luther King Blvd. in Seffner, and 16773 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.

• Tadpoles is back in Brandon and celebrates today its First Annual St. Patty’s Day Party, featuring no cover charge and a “party in the parking lot and in the house.” Start is at 5 p.m. Features St. Patty’s Day food specials, green beer (two for $7), giveaways and more. Live music all night, including the Bennett Cab Company at 6 p.m. and Willis Gupton at 9 p.m. Festive T-shirts for sale. Tadpoles is at 115 East Brandon Boulevard.

• O’Toole’s Irish Pub and Restaurant advertises Irish dancers, a full pipe band and the “best Irish food in town.” Music from Aqquisce from 4 p.m. and from Men from Mars after 8 p.m. Extra parking available in the nearby PetSmart parking lot. Cover charge of $10 after 4 p.m. O’Toole’s is at 1215 West Brandon Blvd.

• Robby Stewart performs at British Fox & Hounds, formerly Whitey’s World Famous Fox & Hounds Irish Pub, at 229 East Brandon Blvd., from 6 to 8 p.m. From 8 to 11 p.m., J. Coker and Westbrook will be on stage. From 3 to 6 p.m. is Ed Wright. 

• No cover charge at J.F. Kicks Bar & Grille in Valrico with happy hour and half-price drinks from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Featured as well: “Debbie’s Famous Corned Beef and Cabbage” and other specially priced drinks. J.F. Kicks is at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Road.

• offers a dinner special for $13.95 featuring corned beef and cabbage, two side dishes and a super salad. The restuarant, at 704 East Brandon Blvd., closes at 9 p.m.

For more ideas, browse the Brandon Patch directory for food and dining.

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