Any holiday that encourages partaking in food and drink to celebrate is something I can get behind. Which, let's face it, for those who love food and drink, that's every holiday - save for maybe Martin Luther King, Jr. and President's Day. I don't think anyone celebrates those with more than a day off and maybe a great sale at Macys. But I digress. I like an excuse to tie one on while filling my belly; heck, I even like the color green. Cons of this fabulous day of celebration include the encouragement of pinching, punching or otherwise inflicting pain on those not wearing green, and Leprechauns, because creepy, tiny beardy men and pain are not a good time. All that aside, there are a few must-visits if you want to brave the drunken masses and do St. Patty's Day all proper-like. Here are a few of my edible recommendations in the South Sound if you're looking to get some grub while getting good and snockered.

The biggest party on St. Patrick's Day has got to be at Doyle's Public House. Hell, these guys celebrate the big day all week, even extending the festivities to the parking lot with a tent and live music on several days.  Whatever festivities you choose, I recommend the Shepard's Pie of the month, which is, appropriately, corned beef hash for the month of March. A piping hot bowl of delectable goodness with a stew of onions, carrots and corned beef all topped off with creamy whipped potatoes, comes with a side of soda bread and will leave you satisfied and maybe smelling of Irish Spring (or, realistically, Jameson and Guinness) because it's so dang good.  208 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma.

The Blue Plate Special on Tuesdays at the Crown Bar is grilled bratwurst adorned with crispy onions, flavorful curried ketchup and spicy mustard for a measly $3! Wash it down with a microbrew for another $3, and you've got yourself what I imagine any true Irishman considers the dinner of champions. For those not in the know, the Crown Bar is loosely based off of a pub of the same moniker located in Ireland, so if you close your eyes and have your friends do their best Lucky Charm leprechaun jingle, it'll almost be like you're IN Ireland for this blessed holiday. 2605 6th Ave., Tacoma.

Puyallup's TK Irish Pub serves up loads of traditional-styled Irish bites including Irish meatballs simmered in a Guinness cream sauce atop garlic mashed potatoes paired with soda bread, or even some bangers and mash with English pork sausages served with garlic mashed potatoes and brown gravy. Hearty favorites perfectly paired with live music on Fridays, Saturdays AND Tuesdays, a poker tournament on Sundays and VIP (Very Irish Person?) access for $25, which includes your first brewski, no cover and no waiting in lines. 109 South Meridian, Puyallup.

It should be added that the above Irish-inspired establishments are 21 and up. It should also be mentioned that we encourage you to drink responsibly but encourage you to pair these hearty meals with sippable libations like Jameson's or chew your way through mighty gulps of Guinness.