Pennsylvania’s Americana Region may be known for its PA Dutch heritage and delicacies, but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of Irish food choices in the area. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we compiled a list of how you can celebrate the holiday in Berks County.
@sweetrideicecream
A Frozen Treat
Head over to Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading for their St. Patrick's Day specials. You won't be disappointed with their lineup of flavors. We even heard that one features Lucky Charms cereal. These flavors can only be enjoyed this time of year, so don't miss out!
@readingcoffeecompany
Drink Up!
Themed specials can be found throughout Berks County, but we highly recommend checking out Reading Coffee Company for their unique and delicious flavors. This month, they are featuring a Luck of the Irish Lotus Drink (blue raspberry and pineapple energy drink), Shamrock Cold Brew (mint and vanilla cold brew with green sweet cream cold foam), and the Nutty Leprechaun (dairy-free pistachio latte). You'll want to try them all!
Guinness Beer & Irish Coffee
A guide to St. Patrick’s Day meals in Berks County would fall short without a list of Irish libations. order as well, and a glass of Guinness is a no-brainer. The dark stout was the creation of Arthur Guinness at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in 1759 and will pair nicely with the dishes mentioned above. Then finish your meal off the Irish way — with a cup of Irish coffee - a combination of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream. Of course, you could forget the coffee and cream and sip and savor the flavor of a smooth Irish whiskey. If you do choose to order an alcoholic beverage, please do not drink and drive. Celebrate safely!
Scotch Eggs
While some may argue that scotch eggs originated in Scotland, there are many contradicting speculations as to where this dish actually started. Regardless of its origins, if you were to travel to Ireland, you would undoubtedly find the hard-cooked egg encased in ground sausage, then deep-fried, featured on the menu of many Irish pubs. But there’s no need to travel across the pond to try this popular delicacy. You can find it at Brewers Bar and Grill. Brewers is also hosting a St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl from 3-10 PM and a party until 2 am!
Irish Soda Bread
Freshly baked bread is a treat any time of year. This is a quick bread that does not require yeast and has a slightly tangy flavor with a subtle sweetness. Frecon Farms in Boyertown is selling the bread now through Sunday, March 17th.
Leek and Potato Soup
Nothing warms you up like a bowl of soup on a cold March day, and in keeping with our Irish food theme, make that Leek and Potato soup. The traditional recipe sounds simple enough. It calls for potatoes and leeks, of course, onions, butter, seasonings, chicken stock, and peas — but when the ingredients are combined, the outcome is delicious! Irish stew may be more popular, but leek and potato soup should not be underrated!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
What would St. Patrick’s Day be without Corned Beef and Cabbage? It’s a fact, folks everywhere, with or without Irish roots, will sit down to a meal of the hearty combination on St. Patrick’s feast day. There’s no need to prepare corn beef and cabbage yourself. Irish pubs and restaurants across Berks County are sure to be serving this traditional dish. You might want to order a green beer or two to go with the salt-cured beef brisket and cabbage pairing.
Fish N’ Chips
When you think of authentic Irish food, you might think of Fish N’ Chips. Fresh cod fillets battered and fried, served with fries, is a staple in Ireland and the UK. The crisp and flaky dish paired with tartar sauce is sure to please any palate.
Shepherd’s Pie
To many, the ultimate Irish comfort food is Shepherd's Pie — savory ground lamb, onion, carrots, and peas seasoned with rosemary and thyme, then covered with a thick layer of mashed potatoes and baked to a golden perfection. We apologize if we just made your mouth water, but you can satisfy your taste buds when you order this dish at one of the local Irish pubs.
Bangers and Mash
If you’re not a fan of shepherd’s pie, you can get your fill of mashed potatoes by ordering bangers and mash instead. The entree consists of Irish bangers, or sausages, atop a bed of mashed potatoes or colcannon, which is mashed potatoes made with cabbage. It is usually served covered with gravy; a meal so delicious you shouldn’t expect to be taking home leftovers.
@cmwestreading
Get a Taste of Ireland
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, you’re in luck! There are so many places to celebrate the Irish holiday in Berks County:
Chatty Monks & Pagoda City Brewing
West Reading St. Paddy's Day Bar Crawl
March 16th, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Ugly Oyster Drafthaus
21 S 5th St, Reading, PA 19602
Trooper Thorn's Irish Beef House
451 Morgantown Road, Reading, PA 19611
Flanagan's Pub
41 W Lancaster Ave, Shillington, PA 19607
Ganly's Irish Pub & Restaurant
500 Brownsville Rd, Sinking Spring, PA 19608
So wear your green and head out for a fun night filled with Celtic music and tasty food and drink choices. Slainte!