Monks has you covered for St. Patty's Day

As if Mardi Gras wasn’t enough last week, here comes St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday. Several of our restaurants and venues will be celebrating in full force as we look towards the weekend. So gear up and get ready to enjoy the corned beef and green beer with your friends and family!

You can jump start your St. Patrick’s Day at Monks Coffee Shop. They’re serving up several traditional drinks to celebrate this festive holiday, including Irish coffees and Irish lattes on Thursday. Info: 325-437-2984.

Chick-fil-A in the Mall of Abilene will give away a free green IceDream Cone with every purchase on Thursday. Info: 325-695-2946.

Do you drive a green vehicle?  50s Classic Car Wash on Highway 80 & Judge Ely Blvd. will wash it for free!  The full-service wash is worth $11.99.

Cypress Street Station is serving a special Irish stew platter with mustard and brown sugar cabbage, mashed horseradish turnips, carrots and rye toast in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.  Enjoy a micro-brewed beer to wash it all down. (Yes, it’s green today).

Over at Chelsea’s Street Pub, the band “360” will take the stage around 9 p.m. on Thursday. They will also serve green beer. Chelsea’s is located at 4310 Buffalo Gap Road #1342 in the Mall of Abilene. Info: 325-695-9200.

Kelly Murphy will play from 9:30 until midnight at Abilene Seafood Tavern on Thursday. His friends refer to him as “The Human Jukebox” – he plays quite the random set, everything from The Beatles to Dave Matthews. They will also have plenty of St. Patrick’s Day party favors and green beer for everyone. Info: 325-695-1770.

Lytle Land & Cattle Co. will feature several drink specials in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. They will have their Melon-tini for just $5, $2 domestic longnecks, $3 swirls and St. Patty’s green draft beer. If you don’t particularly prefer beer, try a “Luck of the Irish” Green Martini. Only if you’re 21+ of course. Info: 325-677-1925.

The Warehouse, located at 357 Walnut St. in downtown Abilene, will host a St. Patty’s “Luck of the Irish” Celebration on Thursday. They will have special giveaways and green beer. Happy Hour from 7 to 9 p.m. Info: 325-675-9644.

The St. Patty’s Day Green Party will be held at The Lucky Mule on Thursday. DJ Jager Bomb will play a mix of country, Texas country and hip-hop all night. No cover until 10 p.m. If you wear green, no cover all night. Their special: $1 green beer. Doors open at 6 p.m. Eighteen and up welcome with a valid ID. Info: 325-232-8564.

Carry the celebration into the weekend:

  • The Abilene Derby Dames’ 2011 Season Opener – the “Shamrock Showdown” will take place at the Abilene Civic Center on Saturday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available atwww.brownpapertickets.com.
  • The Natural Food Center will have a live Irish band, “Erin’s Charm,” serenade diners enjoying green beer and Irish fare on both Friday and Saturday.  Dinner will be served both nights from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Mezamiz Coffee House will host the annual St. Patty’s Celebration on Saturday. They will have corned beef, cabbage and all the fixings. They’ll also serve cold beer and wine. Bobby Deegan and Lane Frizzell will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Mezamiz is located at 3909 S. 7thSt. between Leggett and Elmwood. Info: 325-692-3831.

Wherever you choose to go on St. Patrick’s Day, have fun, be safe and don’t forget to wear your green! If I catch you without it, I’ll just have to pinch you! Here are a couple of places where you can score some great items before the big day:

  • Monks has produced a special St. Patrick’s Day shirt to help you get into the spirit (pictured). It’s available for only $9.99.

Cheers!