A Longstanding Home for St. Patrick’s Day in Anchorage
For decades, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved beyond its roots as a religious fest into a celebration of shared heritage, food, and spirited community gatherings. In Anchorage, that celebration has taken on a character all its own, grounded in tradition, local craft beer, creativity, and an earnest love of Irish smiles. At the center of that experience is 49th State Brewing and its annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities, which have grown into Alaska’s largest St. Patrick’s Day event and a multi-day tradition that many locals mark on their calendars long before March arrives.
One of the festival’s signature elements is Nitro McCarthy Stout, the brewery’s original dry Irish stout and a beverage that has become synonymous with this time of year in Anchorage. The stout’s origins trace back to brewery founder David McCarthy’s early days as a homebrewer, when he set out to create a stout with the smooth, nitrogen-infused character of classic Guinness but with richer flavors and aromas of chocolate, coffee, and dark roasted malts.
The beer’s name and imagery pay tribute to McCarthy, Alaska, a historic mining town near the Kennicott Mine that was once a lively hub where miners would go for drink, music, and enjoyment outside the rigors of work life. That spirit of rugged frontier celebration, and the story behind the place, informs the stout’s identity.
Nitro McCarthy Stout has also earned its share of accolades and broader recognition. The beer was featured in Forbes’ list of the World’s Best Stouts, representing Alaska among thousands of global entries at the prestigious European Beer Star Awards.
For St. Patrick’s Day, the Anchorage pub is bursting at the seams with Irish pride. Though the specialty food menu is available beginning March 9, the multi-day events are March 13, 14, 15 and 17, with live music including fiddle performances by Andrea Childress with guests and sets from Lisa Maloney filling the pub from early evening into the night.
The St. Patrick’s menu at 49th State reflects both Irish inspiration and their hearty brewpub style. Returning favorites from prior menus include Corned Beef Spring Rolls, crispy rolls filled with shaved corned beef brisket, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese and the classic Kerry-Style Corned Beef Brisket served with McCarthy Stout mustard, Irish butter, colcannon mashed potatoes and braised cabbage.
A playful Irish flatbread adds another layer of flavor, pairing well with pints of McCarthy Stout both in the pub and, later at home. Indeed, Nitro McCarthy Stout is available in nitro widget cans, meaning that whether you’re celebrating downtown or relaxing after work, you can achieve a smooth, creamy pour at home. Many locals now choose this highly acclaimed brew as their St. Patrick’s Day stout of choice over imports.
Other weekend highlights include the Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums parade through the pub area and the popular pot o’ gold giveaway, where guests wearing green have chances to win prizes throughout the festivities. So, head to the pub for this local occasion that honors Irish heritage while giving Anchorage its own unmistakable flavor.
