Call of the Irish

Yes, St. Patrick's Day is upon us, and although I rarely see leprechauns in Tulsa, it seems that everyone has a little Irish in them when March 17 rolls around.

Of course, maybe that's just a phenomenon here in Tulsa, where we can create a festival for anything. It's a little early for festival season, however, so we'll have to make due with the parties at hand, and there are plenty of them.

If you're looking for what's going on where, we certainly can't cover everything, but here's a rundown of the most relevant festivities, so you know where to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. Take a look and plan your night wisely.

Arnie's Bar: Year after year, the little pub on Second Street throws perhaps the biggest party in town, and this year is no exception.

Once again, the party starts at 5pm with Four Fiddlers of the Apocalypse followed by Cairde na Gael at 7pm and Larkin from 10pm until everyone drops or gets run off.

It's not Arnie's without Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp, not to mention Jameson's and Powers Irish Whiskey, but that's just the beginning on St. Patty's. As the bar's Web site said, "Have you told your boss that you won't be in on the 18th yet?"

McNellie's Public House: McNellie's might be best known for the best beer selection in town. After that, it's known for throwing one hellacious St. Patrick's Day party. Plan on First Street being closed off with a huge tent, beer specials (skip the green stuff and get Murphy's Stout or Red for $4, Boulevard Irish Ale for $3.50 or Killian's for $3) and Irish Car Bombs for only $5.

C.J. Moloney's: Believe it or not, this year marks Moloney's 20th annual St. Patrick's Day party. This year the bar opens at 11am with specials all day long and an evening party with Poor Paddy from 6-9pm, followed by party band Smunty Voje. Irish Car Bombs are $5 and "Big Ass Green Beer" is only $2.

Kilkenny's: The Irish pub on Cherry Street will be reveling with a Cherry Street block party that features Larkin at 7pm, drink specials and all the Irish fare (some of the best in Tulsa, BTW) that has made Kilkenny's a local favorite year round.

Patrick's: Located at 91st and Sheridan in South Tulsa, Patrick's always throws a saintly bash and this year is no different. Drink specials abound, including $5 pitchers, "Crazy Leprechaun" shots and green beer. You can also load up with a traditional Irish dinner for only $6.95

White Owl: Looking back to Cherry Street, the White Owl looks to get in on the action and closes down its side alley to let the party crowd spill outside, where The Rebellion and The Bubble will be providing the music. Of course, you can expect all of the drink specials as well as keepsake glasses with your Guinness.

Empire Bar: Just around the corner, don't mistake Empire for a Brit pub, it's got just as much blarney as the next guy. Cheap drinks are a staple here already, but when the annual St. Pats Party rolls around, it can be hard to keep track of the specials: Jameson, Powers, Irish Car Bombs, Boulevard Irish Ale and Killian's Red will all be featured, along with a variety of other Irish themed specials.

Dirty's Tavern: Even Dirty's is ready to get in on the St. Patty's action, with drink specials, green beer and music provided by Brandon Clark Band. In fact, this might be one of your best escapes if you get tired of the Irish folk tunes. With BC, it's just a good party.

SideLine Sports Bar and Grill: Down in Southwest Tulsa, SideLine will be celebrating with Hurricane Mason, $6.95 corned beef and cabbage and $2 green beers.

Mad Murphy's Irish Pub: Right across the street, Mad Murphy's will be serving up its Irish flair, also with a corned beef and cabbage special, Irish car bombs and all the green beer you can stand.

Rooster's: If you're REALLY south and in the 105th and Memorial area, Rooster's St. Patrick's Day party will not only have all the drink special's you can handle, but live music is a standard here on Wednesday evenings and "Larry the Leprechaun" will even be in attendance to help keep everyone's spirits high.

No matter where you turn, there will likely be a St. Patrick's special if you go out, even if you happen to find your waiters in leprechaun outfits at your favorite Mexican and margarita bar. After all, that's how we roll in Tulsa. So have no fear, I'm sure you can find just the right party with little to no effort on your part.

Your friends at Urban Tulsa Weekly are even jumping in on the Irish holiday action, as you can't overlook Urban Tulsa's Green Party, being held at the Atlas Life Building in the Tulsa Press Club on Wednesday evening.

It's a celebration of this year's "Hot 100" and "Thirty Under 30," but it too will feature a number of Irish fare, drinks and fun.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and watch for the pinchers.