St. Patrick’s Day spots near the parade that you won’t want to miss

Perhaps the biggest parade of the season in Baton Rouge, the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the Wearin’ of the Green parade, kicks off Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Hundred Oaks Avenue and South Acadian Thruway.

While you’re enjoying all the St. Paddy’s Day fun, a number of local bars and restaurants will be in on the party, providing food, drinks and music to go along with the good times. Below are a few spots you won’t want to miss near the end of the parade route.

Zee Zee Gardens. (2904 Perkins Road) This is the bar where parade creators Pat Shingleton, his wife Mabyn and brother Kevin started the event. This small Mid City staple will be packed and popping as the parade rolls through.

Duvic’s. (2854 Kalurah St.) This dimly lit martini bar located across the street from Zee Zee Gardens is known for its martinis, of course, as well as Bloody Marys. Its location near the end of the parade route makes it prime real estate for those looking for a pre- or post-parade beverage.

Chelsea’s Café. (2857 Perkins Road) The bar and restaurant will have a full-blown St. Paddy’s Day party behind the venue with music from Captain Green.

Uncle Earl’s. (3753 Perkins Road, Suite 3) The bar’s annual party will take over a large section of the parking lot of the Acadian Perkins Plaza Shopping Center and includes musical performances from The Molly Ringwalds and Electro Rouge. Smokin Aces will provide jambalaya, pulled pork sandwiches and nachos. For more information, click here.

Galatoire’s Bistro. (3535 Perkins Road) The restaurant is teaming up with Huey’s Bar for a St. Patrick’s Day Bash in the restaurant’s parking lot. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. and features dishes such as pork and andouille jambalaya, shrimp remoulade and pulled pork po-boys, served 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Musical performers include The Chris LeBlanc Band and The Chase Tyler Band. The restaurant’s private and main dining rooms will be closed for lunch and dinner Saturday, March 14.

Ivar’s. (2954 Perkins Road) The sports bar and grill will be open 8 a.m.-2 a.m. in honor of the 30th annual Wearin’ of the Green parade. The bar is featuring live music and drink specials all day as well as music from Benjy Davis and David Borne. VIP bleacher seating with private bar access is available. For more information, call 388-0021 or click here.

City Pork Deli & Charcuterie. (2363 Hollydale Ave.) Pig out at Perkins Road Overpass’ restaurant. City Pork Deli will be open at 9 a.m. with drink specials and all-you-can-eat smoked pork for $20. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Schlittz & Giggles. (2355 Ferndale Ave.) The pizzeria’s Perkins Road location opens at 8 a.m. and features performances from Flowtribe, Rebirth Brass Band and DJ Lightfoot. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated since its original posting.