How to Attract Customers to Your Bar This St. Patrick’s Day

March is here, so how will you attract festive patrons to your local bar or restaurant to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Many people will be looking for a jovial night out, so this is a great way to attract both new and returning customers. If you are struggling to make the most of the holiday, here are some promos that will help make it a great night for you and your guests.

Let the Music Play

Live music sets the perfect atmosphere, and booking a local Trad group or Céilí Band will add authenticity while getting your guests in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. If your venue can book a traditional Irish band, it will create an immersive experience. However, if one isn’t available, Irish rock or classic rock music can be just as engaging. Want to stand out even more? Hire a bagpipe player to add a unique, unmistakably Celtic flair.

Go Green, Get Lucky

Wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just tradition—it’s an opportunity to engage your customers. Reward those who dress up by offering small discounts or a free drink, encouraging even more guests to participate in the fun. Promote your special offers on social media, email lists, and in-store signage leading up to March 17th.

Tip: Keep the requirements simple—wear green or a shamrock accessory to qualify. Also, be mindful of your budget, as this holiday tends to attract larger-than-normal crowds.

Whip Up a Shamrock-Worthy St. Paddy’s Menu

Nothing pairs better with St. Patrick’s Day than hearty Irish cuisine, so why not create a special menu? Consider running Irish-themed dishes for the week leading up to the 17th or even for the whole month.

Here are some classic Irish menu ideas to entice your guests:

• Irish Stew – A slow-cooked mix of lamb, potatoes, and root vegetables.
• Dublin Lawyer – A rich, whiskey-infused lobster dish.
• Colcannon – Mashed potatoes with cabbage and butter.
• Shepherd’s Pie – A classic, savory Irish comfort dish.

Of course, Guinness and green beer are must-haves, but don’t forget to offer alternative drinks like:

• Irish Milk Punch – A creamy, spiced whiskey-based drink.
• Cidona – A non-alcoholic Irish apple cider.

Adding a mix of food and drink specials ensures more sales per customer while making your St. Paddy’s celebration stand out.

The Mischief Makers: Staff Dress Code

To fully embrace shamrocks, shenanigans, and stout, encourage your staff to dress the part.

Here are some easy and festive outfit ideas:

• Leprechaun hat or small top hat
• Green bow ties or shamrock ties
• Face paint or temporary tattoos (shamrocks, rainbows, gold coins)
• Gold coin necklaces or green bead chains

For a DIY approach:

• Green T-shirts + black belts (draw a gold buckle for a leprechaun look!)
• Green bandanas or headbands
• Simple vests (green or plaid) over a white shirt

Tip: Ask your staff if they already own these items to save costs, or stock up at dollar stores for affordable accessories.

Pints, Pranks, and Pub Games

St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just drinks—it’s about the experience. Keep customers engaged longer by offering free pub games and challenges that encourage socializing and friendly competition.

Here are some crowd-favorite Irish bar games:

• Guinness Pint Chug – A speed-drinking contest with a pint of Guinness (responsibly, of course!).
• Irish Century Club – 100 sips of beer in 100 minutes—a test of endurance.
• Shot Potato – A hot-potato-style game where players pass a shot around to Irish music. Whoever has it when the music stops drinks.
• St. Paddy’s Pub Trivia – Irish history, folklore, and beer-related questions.
• Irish Jig Dance-Off – Contestants show off their best jig moves to win prizes (or free drinks).

Encourage the entire bar to participate in games for an electric atmosphere. Instead of just giving out a free drink, offer bigger prizes like a free tab, VIP seating, or bar merchandise.

Tip: Make sure guests get home safely—encourage ride-sharing or have designated driver perks to promote responsible fun.

Final Thoughts

No matter which promotions you choose, the key to a successful St. Patrick’s Day is to create an engaging experience that keeps customers entertained and spending longer at your venue. From live music and dress-up incentives to Irish-inspired food, drinks, and games, there are endless ways to make your St. Paddy’s celebration unforgettable.

Now go on and bring the craic—Sláinte!