(March 11, 2010) — Hoboken’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicked off the Irish-American holiday Saturday, March 6, but the festivities are just beginning. You want corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and, of course, Guinness? The celebration will continue this week and next week in local eateries as the holiday fast approaches.

Featuring an authentic Irish setting, East Rutherford’s Blarney Station Restaurant and Pub is a favorite local hot spot and, according to employee, Jim Wood, “St. Patrick’s Day is definitely our biggest day of the year.”

With multiple Irish piping groups performing throughout the day, along with the restaurant’s traditional Irish dishes, including fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, Blarney is sure to be a busy place.

Located at 258 Park Ave., the pub will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and more information can be found at www.blarneystation.com or by calling 201-531-0001

You can head across the street to The Railroad Café at 170 Union Ave. While there, listen to some authentic Irish tunes and eat some corned beef and cabbage, Irish lamb stew and Irish soda bread. Leave room for the ever-popular green beer.

A short drive away in Carlstadt is Grasshopper Also Restaurant & Bar, which will serve an all-Irish menu on March 17. Opening at noon and staying open until 10 p.m., special music will go on throughout the day, starting with Willie Lynch and ending with Billy Keenan. Located at 645 Washington Ave., check out www.grasshopperrestaurants.com or call 201-460-7771.

Starting Saturday, March 13, and continuing all the way to St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, the authentic Shannon Rose will be raising a ruckus with their unique style of merriment. Drink specials include Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp and Irish Car Bombs.

There will also be a variety of music all week, including Johnny Cuomo, Marty McKiernan and various pipers. For the complete list of specials and entertainment, visit www.theshannonrose.com. The Shannon Rose is located in the Clifton Commons on Route 3 East (across from Target).

Swish Sports Bar & Grill is offering $2.50 Coors Lights on March 17. The establishment is located at 601 Riverside Ave. in Lyndhurst. Plus, one can’t enjoy the holiday in South Bergen without stopping by Varrelmann’s Bake Shop at 60 Park Ave. in Rutherford. Irish soda bread and muffins are on sale, plus shamrock cookies, cupcakes, tea biscuits, scones and homemade rye bread.

Jahn’s Gourmet Deli & Catering will serve corned beef and cabbage on March 17 at its location at 267 Hackensack St., Wood-Ridge. If you have room, head to the corned beef and cabbage dinner at 550 Schuyler Ave., North Arlington, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

— Compiled from local businesses in the South Bergen area