St. Patrick's in Seattle

[Whidbey78]

I'm not sure if this is the exact forum to post this question. Mod's please move it if necessary.

I don't know if this will ease my homesickness or aggravate it but...

My wife is attending a teacher's convention in Seattle, March 17-20th(flying in on the 16th and out on the 21st). Since it's a rare opportunity for me to get back to the Sound(for free no less) I decided to tag along on this trip. What I was wondering is if anyone in the area has any recommendations for places to go or events happening on St. Paddy's or the Friday and Saturday following it? Good restaraunts, pubs, shops, etc. I'd prefer walking distance or very short ride from our hotel which is about twelve blocks southeast of the Space Needle, not terribly far from Denny Park, but farther away is okay.

I'm from Island County originally, and am familiar with Seattle, but haven't been there in a little over five years...I'm sure it's changed a bit and some places I used to go seem to no longer exist, at least according to Google and Yellowbook. I'm heading to Oak Harbor and Anacortes for a day if time permits to see some old friends (and get some chowder at the Deception Grill), but plan on spending most of my time in and around Seattle, and at least a little time under it(my wife doesn't believe me when I tell her about Pioneer Square).

One other thing, I'll be packing a kilt(or two) but doubt I'll take anything in the way of "formal" attire, so anything tie and jacket required probably won't work. I guess you could say I'm looking for more "casual" places and events, unless someone wants to loan me a jacket for a night. I'd rather save the checked bag fee for some of Seattle's awesome microbrews.

I haven't been home in years! I'm chomping at the bit! I can already smell the briny air and taste the goop on the first burger I get there!

Thanks in advance.

[BoldHighlander]

I probably won't be in Seattle for St Pat's (I do my celebrating closer to home), but here are some links for you to check out:

St. Patrick's Day Parade / Irish Heritage Club, Seattle

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub - Seattle

T.S. McHugh's Irish Pub & Restaurant, Seattle

Fado Seattle, Seattle Irish Pub

Owl 'N Thistle Pub - Seattle

[Charlie Mc.]

We went to the Owl and the Thistle last year, very crowded, but a lot of fun. I recommend it.

[Whidbey78]

Thanks guys. I passed by the Owl and Thistle a few times years ago but never went in. I'll have to stop there. She's on the fence about whether I should go to the Utilikilts store.

[The Barry]

Skip the UK store and definitely check out the Owl and Thistle.

As far as "jacket required", this is Seattle, we don't even know how to spell "jakette wrekuired"

[Whidbey78]

Skip the UK store and definitely check out the Owl and Thistle.

As far as "jacket required", this is Seattle, we don't even know how to spell "jakette wrekuired"

It sounds as if I really missed something not going in there years ago.

[The Barry]

I guess. I used to be a fan. But they don't make kilts there anymore and they treat anybody wearing wool like crap. I went in there while kilted and they treated me like I was some kind of spy from the 'traditional' kilting community. Never mind that I was wearing a biker jacket and boots.

I give a bit of homage because they pretty much started the utility kilt thing, which I like. But with so many utility kilt makers out there, why would I spend more money at a place that wants to pretend that the customer doesn't matter.

The shop itself is nothing more than a tourist trap located in Pioneer Square. Nothing like the way it used to be. The people used to be cool, and all about getting people into unbifurcated freedom. Now, they're on cruise control, and it shows.

[Whidbey78]

Actually I was referring to the Owl and Thistle when I said I missed out by not going in years ago. I'll definitely check it out this trip.

I've heard that about UK...basically it's become a kilted Hot Topic.

[The Barry]

Sorry, I misunderstood. Yes, the Owl and Thistle is awesome, you'll have a great time there. Try the stew, it's one of my favorites.