For thousands of years, the Irish observed St. Patrick's Day as a religious holiday memorializing the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Lenten prohibitions were foregone in favor of an “eat, drink and be merry” philosophy.

We still follow this tradition today — what's St. Paddy’s without a corned beef, green beer, parades, and hobnobbing at the local pub? Locally, there are a number of gatherings to choose from for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Here are a few recommended options from a seasoned celebrant:

• Kenneally’s Irish Pub is a staple in the mass of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It's a welcoming pub where on any given day, office workers and the post-college crew hang together. More of a Chicago-style watering hole than customary Irish bar, their famous pizza rules. The place itself isn't very large, but the added outdoor tent for St. Paddy’s Day allows space for heaps of revelers.

• Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub in the Village is expecting a few thousand people at its annual green shindig. The preferred location of the St. Pat's Grand Marshals, the bar is shutting down no less than two adjacent parking lots in expectation of a massive crowd. Fish ‘n chips, corned beef and cabbage will be front and center — there is no shortage of customary cuisine and free flowing Guinness.

• Griff's Shenanigans Cafe and Bar is holding its 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day festival. Open at 9 a.m., various bands will play throughout day. In addition to the expected Irish fare, chicken tenders and burgers will also be served.

• The Dubliner on Washington Avenue is a brilliant choice for a low-key St. Paddy's. Confident in their Irish-ness, they're bypassing an official celebration in favor of Guinness-slinging business-as-usual.

Not up for the hoopla and elbow-jabbing of an Irish pub on St. Pat's?

This year SoVino Wine Bar and Bistro and the Houston Grand Opera will offer up a little culture with a live opera performance sure to include plenty of Irish ballads. Also on the bill: Green beer, vino verde (Portuguese green wine), and light bites such as croque monsieurs and truffle popcorn.