Those who spend any amount of time with me know for a fact that there are only a few holidays that are near and dear to my heart.



I don’t participate in capitalistic Christmas. Valentine’s Day makes me want to hurl. New Year’s Eve is rookie overload. Thanksgiving only reminds me of the family that I no longer have.



The number one holiday in my little world is Halloween, but I must say that a very close second, which should come as no surprise to you, is St. Patrick’s Day.



Ever since college, I look forward to March 17 and the excuse to drink green beers with your buddies while wearing copious amounts of green and annoying alcohol-company buttons and necklaces that light up.



Sure, you’ll have your choice of places to go to on this fine Tuesday, but I’ve taken the time to review each establishment’s plan for that day, and I’ve picked the clear winner for all of your St. Paddy’s fun:



Doyle’s Public House.



Each year, Doyle’s tents off the parking lot, and they’re kind enough to drain much of the water that tends to amass in the lot (what we regulars refer to as Lake Doyle’s). Inside the tent you’ll find the warmth of many, many people, and a hurkin’ stage for fun bands.

I have to admit openly that I’ve picked Doyle’s for this year’s Patrick hotspot because what you’ll be able to take in on the 17th are some of my favorite T-Town bands.



Starting at 3:45 p.m., Doyle’s musical festivities will kick off with May/Nyberg for some Celtic good times. Following, you’ll get to see Pioneers West, The Toughtimes, Top Heavy Crush and The Missionary Position. Even if you’re not a fan of St. Patrick’s Day, this lineup will be the best musical ticket in the whole town.



But Doyle’s has more in store than the actual Paddy’s Day playground.



On Friday at 8 p.m. Mooncoyne and The Stout Pounders will play, then on March 14 at 8 p.m., you can expect to see May/Nyberg, A Room Called Remember and The Joshua Cain Band.



If that’s not Irish spirited enough, I’ll have you know that Doyle’s will open at 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday AND Tuesday.



When you head to Doyle’s for any of these festivities, I sincerely hope that you’ll be extra kind to the staff at Doyle’s, both personally and financially. Sure, this is when Doyle’s attracts its biggest crowds, but it’s a weekend that the staff needs a week to recover from.



If I don’t get to see you in the crowd at Doyle’s, please have the happiest of Paddy’s Days, my lovely little clovers.



[Doyle’s Public House, 208 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468]