Who else starts seeing green as soon as March 1 rolls around? The grass comes back, flowers start popping up with their green leaves and St. Patrick’s Day finds us all wearing a bit more green than we normally would. I happen to love Irish-American food, so March means eating my fill of as much corned beef as I can find. If your hungry for some Irish fare, here are a few places to get corned beef in Skagit County for St. Patrick’s Day, or whenever the craving strikes you.
Trumpeter Public House
416 Myrtle Street, Mount Vernon
360.588.4515
The Trumpeter Public House is a great place in Mount Vernon to spend St. Patrick’s Day, or any day you are in the mood for Irish fare, as they have it on the menu year-round. You will find house-made corned beef and cabbage (they call it bubble and squeak because that’s the sound it makes while cooking!), cottage pie, fish and chips and more. Of course, they also have a Ruben for those looking for a lunchtime meal. “Since we do things seasonally and make our food from scratch, we will add additional items for the day of St. Patrick,” says Paul Springer of the Trumpeter Public House. This year, finish off with a special Guinness cheesecake.
Have allergies or food sensitives? This might be your best bet for a friendly St. Patrick’s Day meal. “Our menu caters to people that have food allergies and are gluten free, even fish and chips,” explains Paul.
Evelyn’s Tavern
12667 State Route 9, Clear Lake
360.399.1321
Evelyn’s Tavern is a great place to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Skagit County, with a heated beer garden area and inside dining options. They are going to have menu specials for the holiday, including corned beef and cabbage for $14.95 and bangers and mash for $12.95. St. Patrick’s Day drink specials include Black and Tan for $5.50 and Irish Death and Guinness for $5.
Billy’s Cafe
316 E Fairhaven Avenue, Burlington
360.755.9988
Although not open on Wednesdays, if you are looking to start your day with a little Irish flare on any other day this month, check out Billy’s Café for their corned beef skillet. Served all day, the skillet featured homemade corned beef grilled up with country potatoes, peppers, onion and their homemade country gravy. Served with two eggs any style.
The Fairhaven
100 N Burlington Boulevard, Burlington
360.746.3183
The Fairhaven in Burlington always has a Ruben on the menu anytime you get a craving for corned beef. Theirs is made with slow-cooked corned beef, melted Jarlsberg with 1000 island dressing and sauerkraut on country rye bread. March 17-20 they will also have some specialty menu items in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Items include lamb shepherds pie, corned beef and cabbage hand pie and colcannon dumplings. By the way, if you have not had colcannon, you must try it! It’s a traditional Irish mashed potato dish that’s amazing.
Brown Lantern Ale House
412 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
360.293.2544
The Brown Lantern Ale House is a fun place to go for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime if you are looking for Irish spirits. They have a heated and covered Beer Garden and are starting trivia back up March 2! They offer Guinness Stout and Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale on draft. They also have Iron Horse Irish Death, bottled. For eats, the Brown Lantern Ale House have a faux-Ruben for those who are not big fans of corned beef (I won’t judge!) that’s made with pastrami instead.
Mr. T’s Family Cafe
503 W Fir Street, Mount Vernon
360.848.1000
Mr. T’s Family Cafe in Mount Vernon also has Ruben sandwiches on their menu year-round. Made with sauerkraut, 1000 island and swiss on rye, it’s perfect whenever you get a craving for corned beef. Served all day, Mr. T’s also offers corned beef hash made with homemade corned beef, potatoes, and grilled peppers and onions.
Swinomish Casino and Lodge
12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes
888.288.8883
If you are looking to play this St. Patrick’s Day, the Swinomish Casino and Lodge may be a great choice. The Main Casino Floor will be having their Leprechaun’s Pot of Gold promotion on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Earn 250 points that day, then head to a promotional kiosk during those hours to play a game for a change to win up to $500 in Promo Play. Points can be earned starting at 8 a.m. on March 17.
