With Fake Patty’s Day just two days away, local Kent bars are transforming their storefronts and drink menus into something special for the celebration, with extended hours and all things green and Irish themed.
“It’s always one of our bigger weekends for sure and we’re looking forward to it,” said Charlie Thomas, owner and manager of Ray’s Place. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of fun and we just make it happen.”
Fake Patty’s Day, a college-tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early, is commonly celebrated by traveling to the bar district and day drinking with friends.
“It not being the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day might make it so people party on the 9th, 16th and 17th,” Michael Beder said, owner of Water Street Tavern and The Loft bars in downtown Kent. “The whole few days could be bigger than ever.”
Bar owners and staff are expecting another year of large turnout with crowds of students dressed in green and celebrating the fake holiday starting early Saturday morning.
“Last year was busy, we opened at 11 a.m. and we were full until close,” said Matthew Guska, co-owner of 157 Lounge. “We over stock for holidays such as these and over staff as well.”
Students can expect themed drinks and decorated storefronts.
“We are decorating to have the place all green to have the spirit of St. Pats,” Thomas said. “We’ll gear up drink wise but next weekend we’ll do a lot more food business on the 16th and 17th.”
Guska said 157 Lounge is partnering with Typical Dudes and will offer St. Patrick’s Day clothing for the staff to have matching looks. Typical Dudes is a student-run clothing line.
“We support both Greek life and student entrepreneurs from campus all year, every year,” Guska said.
The bar will have several shot, drink and pint specials all day, Guska said.
“We have a lot of different green and Irish related specials,” Beder said. “Preparation wise, we look at the numbers from the previous year, seeing when we get busy and staff it accordingly.”
Ray’s Place will be open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., 157 Lounge will be open 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Water Street Tavern and The Loft will be open at 11 a.m. until supplies run out Saturday.
For a green-drink guide for Saturday, read “Downtown bars craft Fake Patty’s Day-inspired drinks.”
Lauren Bischof is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
