Reader’s Choice: Favorite Place to Spend St. Paddy’s Day

As a fun-filled holiday, St. Patrick’s Day ranks right up there with Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July and even New Year's for some people.

For every person who stays home and watches a rerun of Rudy, there are many others who prefer to get their green on at a neighborhood pub, park or public meeting place. 

Clearwater Patch wants to know what your favorite place to spend St. Paddy’s Day in the area is. We’ve provided a few spots as a starting point in our poll, but please add your suggestions in the comments below.

St. Paddy’s parties in Clearwater begin, and end, at this iconic Ft. Harrison Avenue eatery. In the 50+ years O’Keefe’s has been hosting their holiday extravaganza, the party has one of the biggest of its kind in the county, if not the state. Did I mention it lasts all weekend? . 

This up-and-coming Irish-themed bar recently started a parking lot St. Paddy’s party of its own, and word is the turnout has been solid. It might not have the tradition of O’Keefe’s yet, but it does offer attractive young waitresses in kilts and stockings serving a wide variety of beers, for those who enjoy that type of thing. 

With St. Paddy’s on a Saturday this year, and the Phillies playing a spring training game at home against the Blue Jays, Bright House Field is certainly a fun-filled option for a family night out. in the south parking lot would be a good pre- or post-game party destination, and the Tilted Kilt is also right across Drew Street. 

Eddie C. Moore Complex. Not to be outdone, women ballers take center stage at the nearby Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex on Drew Street for the annual USF Softball Series. Although the Notre Dame Fighting Irish isn’t participating in this year’s tournament, the host University of South Florida Bulls’ team color is primarily green. 

Clearwater Beach. Spring break is in full swing, so there is sure to be a lot of St. Paddy’s-related activities going on down at the beach. "Sham'Rock the Beach" party features live music, corned beef and cabbage and themed drink specials all day. With a wide selection of other eating and drinking spots to choose from on North and South beach, the island is guaranteed to have something for everyone, including those looking for a little quiet time and a sunset.

Cast your vote for your favorite place to spend St. Paddy's Day below. Voting is open until noon on Friday, and we'll announce the winner right here at 3 p.m.

Update: The votes are in, and O'Keefe's is the 2012 readers' choice for Best Place to Spend St. Patrick's Day in Clearwater. Congratulations, and thanks for voting!

*updated 3:46 p.m. March 12, 2012.