St. Patrick's Day Picks

O'Brien's Restaurant 2226 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 829-5303
Open: 6 a.m.
Cover: None
Special Food: Irish breakfast before noon, limited menu of Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips and shepherd's pie afterwards
Music: Celtic CDs, jukebox
Quote: "We are known for our good quality Irish food. Although we can't feature our entire menu due to the crowds, this is the place to drop in for a bite and a drink or two before heading out to a party." -- Willy Sullivan, owner

O'Brien's Pub 2941 Main St., Santa Monica 396-4725
Open: 6 a.m.
Cover: $10 at 3 p.m. (possibly more later in the day, depending on crowds)
Special Food: Irish breakfast in the morning, limited menu with corned beef and cabbage, etc., afterwards
Music: Two Irish bands -- Ken O'Malley and the Twilight Lords in the afternoon and The Lads in the evening
Quote: "It's gonna be absolutely crazy with a lot of people taking the Friday off. Our beer garden in the back will be packed, and we'll empty the first two kegs of Guinness before 9 a.m.! We're also cybercasting the celebration on www.obriens-oarhouse.com." -- Paul Diskin, owner

The Red Setter 2615 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 828-9839
Open: 11 a.m.
Cover: None
Special Food: Limited menu of corned beef and cabbage, etc.
Music: Celtic CDs, jukebox, plus bagpipers and dancers
Quote: "We're bringing in more tables and have ordered over 30 kegs."