Local pubs break out the suds for St. Pat's Day, NCAA, spring break

People are always looking for something to celebrate. Why? Because it's a reason to drink. Well, this week, they've found gold at the end of the rainbow. Starting with Friday the 13th (always a good excuse for a drink) and continuing on to St. Patrick's Day, March Madness and the arrival of spring, this truly is the best bar week ever.

Friday the 13th

Lucky Strike

100 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard; (630) 916-8681

On an alleged "unlucky" day, why not head out to Lucky Strike? After all, a stiff drink can go a long way to easing fear. Drink up while you bowl, but watch out for spooky 7-10 splits!

St. Patrick's Day

While it is a shame that March 17 falls on a weekday this year, it does give you a reason to celebrate both the weekend before and the day of. Most responsible adults will not be able to go out all night on Tuesday, but spring breakers really have no excuse. These college kids sure lucked out, too, as there are some excellent drinking events to choose from.

Quigley's Irish Pub

43 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; (630) 428-4774

If you're going to be heading to downtown Naperville to celebrate St. Pat's Day and you don't stop in at Quigley's, what's wrong with you? Quigley's is the most authentic pub you'll find in Naperville. The bar is from Ireland, and the employees sound like they are, too. If you want to get a Guinness from a dance club, then by all means go ahead, but this is THE day to go to Quigley's. Check out the two bands who will show up, including a Celtic rock band from 3 to 6 p.m. and a cover band that has "a lot of Irish flair" from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Peggy Kinnane's

8 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights; (847) 577-7733

Everything that I just said for Quigley's can also be said for Peggy Kinnane's. This is authentic stuff. Save your favorite sports bar for another day. On St. Patrick's Day, Peggy Kinnane's will have bagpipers and giveaways (but I do not think they will be giving away bagpipes).

Finn McCool's

1941 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg; (847) 303-5100

Yes, Finn McCool's is a "pub." Even if the inside doesn't quite resemble one, Finn McCool's gets points for having a fireplace. Anyway, for Schaumburg, it's a perfect St. Patrick's Day destination. From Saturday, March 14, through Tuesday, March 17, Finn McCool's is all about Jameson with $5 Jameson and $7 Jameson Reserve shots. The food is also authentic Irish with $6.99 corned beef and cabbage dinners. On March 17, head there to hear bagpipers.

Ballydoyle

5157 Main St., Downers Grove; (630) 969-0600

Balldoyle is the place to get your St. Patrick's Day started early. Kick off your celebration at 8 a.m. by eating some breakfast and consuming some alcohol like a true Irish patriot. There will be Trinitiy Irish Dancers all day. Look for Celtic and Irish rock later in the day.

Shark City

2240 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights; (630) 893-9346

Why should pubs have all the fun on St. Patrick's Day? Shark City knows what people want on this day of drinking, and it is free stuff. For $2.50 you get to keep your 20-ounce cup that contained either Miller Lite or MGD. Thankfully, the price of Guinness is kept cheap at $3.50 for pints, and corned beef sandwiches are $5. Speaking of free stuff, you'll have the chance to win T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and more.

Mullen's

3080 Warrenville Road, Lisle; (630) 505-0240

One of the best times I've ever had at Mullen's was during Oktoberfest a few years back when the folks there installed a huge tent in the back parking lot. Why am I talking about this? Because the big tent is back! A $10 cover gets you into the tent where there will be bands and green Bud Light. Sure, you could forgo the $10 and stay inside, but last I checked, that was not a tent. I saw one of the best cover bands ever in that tent, so excuse me if I am such a big tent fan.

Walter Payton's Roundhouse

205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora; (630) 264-2739

I have saved the best for last, I think. This is going to sound ridiculous and wrong (and rightly so), but Walter Payton's Roundhouse will host a Leprechaun Toss. I thought this might have just been a St. Patrick's Day-themed name for bags, but that would be incorrect, for leprechauns are going to be thrown. However, not just anyone can walk off the street and throw around a leprechaun; you have to sign up by Saturday, March 14, at Walter Payton's or online (walterpaytonsroundhouse.com). The competition begins at 7 p.m., and the top three throwers will receive prizes. While you're witnessing this event, do make use of the day's specials, such as $2.50 14-ounce Sweetness Stouts, $4 Absolut U-Call-Its, $9.75 Bud Light buckets and $4 Jameson shots.

March Madness

The best bar week ever does not end with St. Patrick's Day, for March Madness begins Thursday, March 19. With the onslaught of NCAA basketball, sports bars let loose all their best specials in order to get you to watch the game at their establishment. Here are a few for you to consider.

Real Time Sports

584 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; (630) 513-8800

During every game night at Real Time Sports, there will be $5 Miller Lite, MGD and Coors Light pitchers. If booze is a tough sell for you, the bar will be giving away an iPod Touch every game night as well.

Paulie's Pub and Grille

444 N. Eola Road, Aurora; (630) 499-8956

Check out all the games at Paulie's, where Miller Lite and Coors Light drafts will be $3. Last year I recall getting to keep my glass; hopefully, that stays true. If not, blame the economy.

The Foundry

85 Executive Drive, Aurora; (630) 978-2088

If you're not yet a part of the mug club at The Foundry, then March Madness is as good a time as any to invest in a mug. The current mug specials include $4 Miller Lite, Foundry Lager Classic and Schlitz; $8 gets you Amstel Light or Blue Moon.

Alumni Club

871 E. Algonquin Road; Schaumburg; (847) 397-3100

Starting on Thursday, March 19, and continuing on Friday, March 20, Alumni Club will be giving away Miller Lite scratch-and-win tickets for a variety of goods such as MP3 player speaker coolers (wow!), bottle wraps, T-shirts, hats, bottle openers and more. Miller Lite pitchers will also be $5 during the games.

John Barleycorn

1100 American Lane, Schaumburg; (847) 619-5540

John Barleycorn has some excellent specials as well. Indulge yourself with $15 domestic buckets and $1 sliders. The kicker: It will give away pop-a-shots to the best free throwers in the house (pop-a-shot is the basketball shot game you're accustomed to seeing at arcades).

Spring arrives

The season changes Saturday, March 21, but one thing that doesn't change is the number of college students relaxing at local watering holes for their spring break. And for that, any bar will do.