Cracking open a cold, green beer on St. Patrick’s Day has become an increasingly popular modern American tradition, with the trend dating back to the early 20th century.
In 1914, New York physician Dr. Thomas Curtis added wash blue to beer, which has a naturally yellowish tint, creating a toxicologically-green beer.
Many bars and breweries have since carried on the tradition, although they now use food-safe green dye instead of laundry whitener like Curtis did.
Five local spots in the Central Valley are celebrating with green beer and other Irish-inspired specials. Happy bar crawling!
First up is Crow & Wolf Brewing Co. Taproom in Clovis. The taproom has had green beer flowing since Friday, and they’ll be open from 3-10 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, with plenty more in the kegs.
Next, Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden on Fulton Street in Fresno and Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom in Downtown Merced have been celebrating the Irish since Saturday, and the party won’t stop on St. Patty’s. Both taprooms will be open from 1-8 p.m. on the holiday, with all the green beer anyone could dream of drinking.
People can “find some luck at the Duck” if they’re in search of a green beer- all three Mad Duck locations in Clovis and Fresno are running a full St. Patty’s Day specials menu. The specials in question: classic Irish cuisine such as bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. All locations are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For those looking to do some March Madness prep, look no further: PressBox Sports Grill in Clovis and Fresno will be serving specials like a Lady Luck Mimosa, a Green Machine and an Irish Mule just for the holiday. However, a call to the restaurant did confirm that they will not be hopping on the green beer train. They’re open bright and early at 11 a.m., but each location varies in closing times.
Lastly, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. in Fresno’s River Park has been celebrating St. Patty’s since Saturday with green beer and lots of live music. However, they did run out of green beer on Sunday, but are expecting to have it back for the holiday. They will be open from 4-10 p.m. with a pretty cool alternative regardless- a Barrel-Aged Irish Coffee – Half & Half, a stout topped with a blonde to create a beer inspired by an Irish Coffee.
