Bites Nearby: O'Mara's Restaurant

O'Mara's Restaurant, 2555 12 Mile Rd., Berkley, 248-399-6750

The Irish-themed eatery will provide the perfect place for St. Patrick's Day revelers to linger into the wee hours Thursday to eat, drink and be merry.

plans a special holiday menu that will include Irish stew and corned beef and cabbage. The restaurant already features plenty of traditional Irish fare – including shepherd's pie and fish and chips – as well as non-Emerald Isle faves with a twist, such as bacon-wrapped shrimp, which is tossed in a tangy Szechuan sauce, or nacho chips, "Irish brewery style." For large groups (or two really hungry people), try the combo platter, which is a great deal at $19.95 for four hot appetizers.

Entrees come with choice of soup or salad. Get the Irish potato soup, a savory soup that's as comforting as a blanket on a chilly winter day.

Four musical acts were scheduled to play Thursday: Charlie Latimer at noon, J.D. Rockinfellers at 3 p.m., The Ron Coden Show at 5:30 p.m. and Blackthorn at 9 p.m., hostess Christie St. Laurent said. Although dining room seating for the shows is sold out, you still can sit in the bar area and enjoy the music.

Will there be green beer? "Of course," St. Laurent exclaimed.

Recommended dishes: Appetizer combo platter, Irish potato soup, shepherd's pie, dessert

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday

Prices: Lunch entrees, $9.50-$19.50; dinner entrees, $11.99-$22.50; desserts, $5.95

Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa