Lucky 7 Places to Enjoy St. Patrick's Day

The Coachella Valley has traditional offerings to a day at the races

JIM POWERS Attractions

St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of everything Irish on March 17 – from its culture to its food to its green beer. OK, that last one is probably not officially Irish, but you get the idea.

So whether your ancestry includes a green vein or not is unimportant. It's about consuming some great-tasting food like a signature corned beef and cabbage meal or Irish stew, and chasing it down with a beverage or two at a place that is into the spirit of the day. And there are plenty of choices because St. Patrick's Day is such a universal party, everyone is offering their own version.

In no particular order, here are some suggestions. And we welcome yours in our comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Tacos & Tequila at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa will serve $5 green Mexican food specials and green drinks all day on March 17. Check out the $5 Cheese Quesadillas made with green tortillas and $5 Irish Nachos made with crisp cut ruffle potatoes, topped with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, green onions, smoked bacon and cheese.

Vicky's of Santa Fe in Indian Wells turns its menu green for both March 16 and 17 with authentic Irish Corned Beef, Carrots and Cabbage dinner for $22.95 in addition to its regular menu. Expect some "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "Oh Danny Boy" to be played by pianist Doug Montgomery and Tony Kawalkowski on violin Saturday night, or the JazzTime Band Sunday afternoon followed by Carolyn Martinez and Trio Sunday night.

Morgan's in the Desert at La Quinta Resort & Spa offers a special Thursday night (March 14) feast, St. Patrick's Irish Salmon Festival – a three-course meal featuring salmon dishes treated the Irish way.

Johannes Restaurant in Palm Springs puts an Austrian spin on St. Patrick's Day with a three-course fixe menu featuring Boiled Beef and Green Cabbage or Oven-Baked Organic Irish Salmon.

How about a trip to Temecula? Join the inaugural Temecula St. Patrick's Day 15-kilometer run/walk at Cougar Vineyard and Winery. A glass of green champagne awaits runners at the finish line. After the race will be specials for the participants.

Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Palm Springs is very family friendly, has a varied menu but includes the family's recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Tilted Kilt in Palm Desert joins forces with BB Ingle and BB's Events to host a two-day block party in the restaurant's parking lot. There will be multiple bands and DJs, traditional Irish food, prizes and more. $10 admission benefits the Pet Rescue Center. Must be 21 or older.