From the corned beef hash to the seafood chowder -- and of course, a tall pint glass of Guinness: These are the things that scream St. Patrick's Day.
But for the Byron family, It's about much more than that.
"You build so many invaluable friendships with people who have seen you as a little girl, sitting at the end of the bar, eating pretzels and ginger ale," said Julie Byron, the manager at The Ginger Man restaurant in Albany.
The family took over The Ginger Man in 1983 and neighboring the Washington Tavern in 1971.
"I started hostessing here when I was 16," Byron said, "and I've held every position except for executive and sous chef. It's ingrained in your blood, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
They've been serving up specials their way since they took over.
"Mrs. Byron and her father have been preparing it this way, and it comes out tender and moist and delicious," said Kevin Laster, the Washington Tavern's executive chef.
While some traditions stay within the family, the Byrons still welcome the new.
"This is my first time being executive chef at The Ginger Man, and in my career of being a chef," said Executive Chef Katie Touhey, "so just coming in and dong the corned beef and cabbage for the first time in the best Irish restaurant in Albany is definitely something I'm looking forward to."
Ahead of the parade Saturday, roads in the area will be closed starting at noon for set-up. Those closures include Central Avenue between Manning Boulevard and Quail Street, and State Street between Broadway and Eagle Street. And starting at 1:30, the parade route and cross streets on the route will be closed to all traffic.
The parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Quail Street and Central Avenue.