SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Whether it is corned beef and cabbage you are craving, or you just want to enjoy a few green beers. Many believe the most authentic Irish experience in Syracuse can be found on Tipperary Hill.

Syracuse is known for going all out when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations – and of course the parade is the kick off to a day of feasting, drinking and claiming any and all Irish ancestry you have – even if you don’t. A sea of green fills the streets of the city, but did you know that Tipperary Hill is steeped in Irish heritage?

While the city of Syracuse was ranked No. 19 out of 200 as one of the best cities to celebrate the holiday in a recent list – the establishments on Tipp Hill might say otherwise.

The area's Irish heritage dates back centuries, starting when Irish immigrants working on the Erie Canal settled there. That history is still highly visible in the streets and the names on businesses.

And it probably comes as no surprise, that St. Patrick's Day tops the list of busiest days of the year for all of the businesses on Tipp Hill.

So whether you are in the Tipp Hill area of Syracuse or just in the general area for St. Patrick’s Day weekend – we put together a list of places you might want to check out.

KITTY HOYNES:

First up, is none other than Kitty Hoynes. Their theme for parade day this year is “Irish Roots, Grown in America.  The business opened in 1999, and has roots in Thomastown County -- Kelkenny, Ireland.  They say it is a “typical Irish small town business, with a diverse history.” And they promise you will see that in their décor and ambiance inside the pub. It is a traditional Irish pub and restaurant through and through where you will find drinks and eats to match their history.

And for those of you wondering what they have to offer on Saturday, they will have plenty of Irish food and entertainment.

  • Opening at 8 a.m. for a traditional Irish breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner (reservations available)
  • LIVE Irish music from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Brian Wagner 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Gerry Dixon 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Causeway Giants 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

SHAUGHNESSY’S IRISH PUB:

Another Syracuse classic is Shaughnessy’s. Their classic Irish pub offers a comfortable and “cozy” atmosphere where they invite you to raise a pint of Guinness and enjoy their LIVE music Saturday after the parade. They offer “fun pub fare and an eclectic world of craft beer on tap.”  Interested in the name? It was inspired by owner Ed Riley’s long line of loyal Irish Setters. So this St. Patrick’s Day they invite you to stop in and “dine, drink and bark!”

“The Parade Ends Here”

  • Opening at 9 a.m.
  • LIVE music, Just Joe, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Limited run drafts  like Middle Ages Tipperary Red & 1911 Green Hard Cider (ground level)
  • Eleven Waters has a Bloody Mary bar from 10 a.m. - on and TK99 is broadcasting live in the lower lobby with Rick Deyulio and Bender. (ground level)
  • Their main lobby level will have a $10 cover charge where Liam Alone trio is performing, a 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., access to full buffet multiple pop-up cash bars, the Flying Column performing in the Persian Terrace and local Schools of Irish Step dance in the Finger Lakes Ballroom

FAEGAN’S CAFE & PUB:

Looking for a tasty-looking menu this St. Patrick’s Day? Head on over to Faegan’s then. They provide Central New Yorkers “food and drink combined with a familiarity founded in recognizable faces and traditions.” Back in 1978, Faegan’s opened with the intention of founding their own set of traditions to be enjoyed by the entire community. They offer a "made-from-scratch" kitchen and four taps which offer Bass, Harp, Guinness and McSorley’s. They say customers enjoy classically poured Guiness Stout, Black & Tans, Half & Halfs.

As St. Patrick's Day became more and more popular amongst SU students on the University Hill, Faegan's Cafe & Pub became a destination to enjoy a traditional eating and drinking experience when celebrating the "feast of St. Patrick."

This year, you will find winter menu offerings along with their house-made Faegan's corned beef & cabbage specials, and of course the Guiness Stout will still be pouring.

COLEMAN’S AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB:

Coleman's was established as a working man's saloon in 1933 on Tipp Hill. Since then, they’ve grown substantially while trying to maintain that small pub atmosphere the region knows and loves – “the feel of Ireland.” Peter Coleman has been the operator of Coleman's Irish Pub for more than 60 years. Dennis Coleman now oversees the day-to-day affairs at the pub. In that time it has become one of the premier landing spots for revelers looking to celebrate all-things Irish -- especially on St. Patrick's Day.

They will be open early on St. Patrick’s Day and are offering their pub menu, where people can find traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage and fish n’ chips, along with Beef O’Flaherty and banger and mash.

  • Serving Breakfast with 93Q's Ted & Amy 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.
  • LIVE music from Mere Mortals at 4 p.m. outside
  • Serving Pub Menu 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Their pride in Celtic heritage even extends to the neighborhood “upside-down” traffic light. For any of you non-Syracusans the upside-down traffic light at the intersection of Milton and Tompkins Street in Syracuse is as iconically Irish as shamrocks and leprechauns. It all started in 1925 with a man named John "Huckle" Ryan. He asked that the traffic light be installed green on top, a nod to the Irish heritage in the area.

THE BLARNEY STONE:

Right smack dab in the middle of Tipp Hill, you’ll find the Blarney Stone. While you may be looking for traditional Irish fare this weekend, you might want to opt for a big, juicy burger when you stop into the Stone. They are not only award-winning, but the locals find those and the wings to be something you can’t pass up after a few hearty Irish beers on St. Patrick’s Day.

And we have to mention that the Blarney Stone wanted to make sure all parade-goers and beyond knew that there is a shuttle on March 17. It runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. along the Tipp Hill pub scene.

So, if you are looking for a tasty bite, and drink – the Blarney Stone is the place for you.

GUILFOIL’S IRISH PUB:

Guilfoil’s opened back in 1944. For the past 74 years, it has worked its way through four generations. As of January this year, Michael Guilfoil III sold the place to his nephew, Kevin Schulz. He has has made many upgrades, while still keeping the same neighborhood bar feel.

Open 11 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day

Serving a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner or sandwich until 8 p.m., along with drink specials

NIBSY’S PUB

Another Irish joint in the area is Nibsy’s – it is Syracuse’s charming old Irish pub! They offer 18 tap handles and a wide variety of bottled beer, as well as an exciting pub menu. They are located right on Tipp Hill!

MCAVAN’S IRISH PUB:

What's special about McAvan's Pub on St. Patrick’s Day is that March 17 is the ONLY day of the year they sell food. For only $5 you can get your hands on a delicious corned beef sandwich. So be sure to grab one if you are out and about Saturday.