Every March 17, the Irish, and others, hit their favorite pub to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Some may have a Guinness or another green item, but how many have sampled traditional Irish food while partaking in festivities?

A quick search on Yelp for a good Irish meal revealed only a handful of restaurants in the area. However, Ryan’s Daughter Irish Pub and Restaurant is the perfect local choice for real Irish cuisine and fun on St. Patrick’s Day. Ryan’s Daughter is a neighborhood favorite in Baltimore’s Belvedere Square, an easy to get to place with plenty of free parking.

It’s clear from the moment someone walks in that Ryan’s Daughter is a classic Irish pub. The restaurant has dark, old-country wood and a low-light atmosphere that is festive, casual and welcoming.

There is a raw bar in one area of the restaurant and an oak bar in the main area. The oak bar features the standard Irish beers and whiskeys.

The restaurant has several smaller, more intimate dining areas with antique signs and original Irish books that have been donated by patrons. With live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Ryan’s Daughter is an ideal choice for a great night out.

Since this adventure is about food, it makes sense to explore the menu. At any restaurant, it is easy to breeze through the standard list of appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. Ryan’s Daughter’s entrees, however, are more interesting.

The entrees include traditional Irish meals such as Fish ‘n’ Chips, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie (beef, veggies and gravy topped in a potato and cheese puff pastry crust), Bangers & Mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) and Irish Stew, a rich beef and vegetable mix served with fresh bread and butter.

The manager of Ryan’s Daughter recommended the Cottage Pie, a delicious Irish chicken pot pie but better. There are rounds of puff pastry layered with white meat chicken, veggies and a creamy white sauce all topped with a potato crust.

Ryan’s Daughter throws a big celebration each St. Patrick’s day with Irish bands, bagpipes, contests, games and traditional Irish fare. The party starts at 10 a.m. and goes until late.

Ryan’s Daughter Irish Pub and Restaurant is located at 600 E. Belvedere Ave. in Baltimore. Hours are 3-11 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday,  3 p.m.-midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on Sundays.

Wherever you decide to “party green” on St. Patty’s day, remember to be responsible if you are old enough to drink and enjoy some great Irish grub!