St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about corned beef and Irish whiskey—it’s also a great time to explore vegetarian takes on classic Irish dishes. Whether you’re looking for Boulder’s best plant-based Irish fare or want to cook a festive meal at home, here’s your guide to delicious, meat-free ways to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day.

Where to Find Vegetarian Irish Food in Boulder

While Irish cuisine is often heavy on meat, Boulder’s vibrant food scene has plenty of creative vegetarian options. Here are a few spots serving up delicious plant-based takes on Irish classics:

• Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant – A Boulder favorite for creative plant-based meals, they often feature seasonal dishes that could easily be turned into a St. Paddy’s Day celebration. Try a hearty mushroom and stout stew or a Guinness-infused shepherd’s pie made with lentils.

• The Hungry Toad – While traditionally an English-style pub, The Hungry Toad has vegetarian-friendly options, and you can always pair a meal with a perfectly poured Guinness. Their beer-battered fries and veggie-friendly appetizers make for a great St. Paddy’s Day snack.

• Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery – Known for its house-made vegetarian burgers and local craft beer, this Boulder staple is a great place to celebrate. Their rich, stout-infused dishes or a side of beer cheese dip with pretzels add an Irish-inspired twist.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Vegetarian St. Patrick’s Day Recipe: Hearty Irish Stout & Mushroom Stew

For those celebrating at home, try this delicious vegetarian Irish stout stew, packed with flavor and perfect for pairing with soda bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms (portobello or cremini), sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup Guinness (or another stout beer)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
2. Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and a bay leaf.
4. Pour in Guinness and simmer for 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
5. Add potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper, remove the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with warm soda bread.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Vegetarian Style!

Whether you’re grabbing a plant-based Irish meal at a Boulder pub or cooking up a hearty stew at home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without meat. So, pour yourself a pint of Guinness, enjoy a hearty vegetarian dish, and cheers to a festive, plant-based St. Paddy’s Day!

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