THIS WEEK: GRUB OF THE IRISH

No, an Irish meal does not consist of a pint of Guinness followed by another one. Not even on St. Patty’s Day. Always warm and hearty, Irish cuisine, including breakfast, will leave you full and probably thirsty.

O’BRIEN’S PUB AND RESTAURANT

This Santa Monica favorite will open at 6 a.m. to get the people their poached eggs, Irish toast and Irish bacon. Later, as the place turns into an all-out drunken madhouse, you may be able to get some bangers and mash, but odds are against you on elbowroom. 2941 Main St., Santa Monica, (310) 396-4725

IRISH TIMES

A true hole in the wall, this place is almost built into the 10 Freeway overpass, but it doesn’t stop a loyal West L.A. crowd. “It’s gonna be madness,” says bartender James O’Leary. Cooks will start simmering beef stew from the night before and send out plenty of corned beef and fish ‘n’ chips. 3267 Motor Ave., L.A., (310) 559-9648

MULDOON’S IRISH PUB

The corned beef and cabbage is king at Muldoon’s, but the shepherd’s pie has been gaining, says general manager Mary Murphy. The menu will be pared down to just the Irish, including Blackbush stew: beef stew with two lamb chops and a shot of Blackbush whiskey. Shoot it, or pour it in for luck. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, (949) 640-4110

TOM BERGIN’S

If you’re looking for a taste of Ireland sans frat boy, this 72-year-old stalwart takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously, starting on the Sunday before with traditional Irish breakfast, including a concoction called potatoes O’Brien. For dinner, apart from the favorites, try the Irish Spring Rolls: lean corned beef and cabbage wrapped in an egg roll and deep-fried. 840 S. Fairfax Ave., L.A., (323) 936-7151

CASEY’S IRISH BAR AND GRILL

If you prefer your St. Patrick’s Day food and drink on the go, snag a ticket for Casey’s annual parade bus and actually be a part of our city’s official St. Patty’s procession as it winds through the streets of downtown (beer and snacks included). Afterward, eat the Guinness stew or corned beef and cabbage back at the grill. 613 Grand Ave., downtown L.A., (213) 629-2353

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