The Pub Crawler: O’Keefe’s Tavern

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up Thursday, and that can only mean one thing for Clearwater - O’Keefe’s St. Paddy’s Day Tent Party.

Founded in 1961 by Bill O’Keefe, the restaurant was originally a small tap room that mainly served as a hangout for locals and members of the Outlaws music group.

Over the years the restaurant expanded and changed owners a few times before the DuQuesnay family took over in 1980. Brothers Tony and Garth slowly turned what began as a small celebration into one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parties in Florida.

With over two tons of corned beef and two semi trucks full of beer being served over the length of the holiday weekend, bands playing round the clock and a tent that covers the entire parking area, it’s safe to say this isn’t your normal neighborhood party.

In fact a countdown clock behind the bar ticks off the days, hours and minutes to remind everyone how long they have to wait for the next tent extravaganza.

“It’s crazy, but I love it!” veteran bartender and server Becca says as she prepares for the big event. A veteran of 14 such Irish-themed celebrations, she “can’t wait” for the madness to begin.

Other less-seasoned employees such as Heather Alford and Kaitlin Davis are preparing for it like one would a hurricane.

“I’m nervous. Basically I know that I’m just not going to be able to think for about 18 hours,” Davis said of her first experience with the St. Paddy’s party. “After the first night, I think I’ll be alright.”

Although O’Keefe’s has become recognized nationwide for the tent event, it’s also well established as a place to get great food with exceptional customer service.

The extensive menu is not limited to Irish food, with a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and dinner plates to choose from, and they have a full liquor bar and a select amount of beer on tap also.

There is a large dining area off the main bar that can be reserved for private parties or group gatherings, and outdoor patio with a tiki bar, and enough TVs spread around to satisfy the sports fans.

O’Keefe’s draws a wide assortment of patrons as well, with everyone from hospital staff and visitors to tourists and local residents, all combining to make the place an energetic mixture of classes and cultures.

In other words, you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy O’Keefe’s.

But if you do come in for St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll be tempted to drink green beer and eat corned beef and cabbage.