March 17th is the one day of the year when everyone in Central Oregon is Irish, and the Astro Lounge, Bend’s chic urban night spot rings in with a St. Patrick’s Day party and everything from shamrocks to leprechauns. Astro Lounge is renowned for a menu that includes more than 25 Specialty Martinis.  Specially priced menu items and custom drinks will be the highlight of the party.

Regulars swear the Lemon Drops are the best in town, and during happy hour are only three dollars, or a choice of three 5oz. martinis are five dollars.  The house-infused pineapple rum Mai-Tai is sweet, tropical and filling.  The bartenders aptly shake out a Key Lime Pie martini until it comes out smooth and frothy with the rim dipped in sweet/sour lime juice and a fine graham cracker crust. For an extra kick try the Anastasia martini which is laced with Raspberry Stoli. Many prefer combos like the Astrodisiac martini for two which comes with fish tacos, gouda cheese fondue and coconut prawns or Tahini chicken spears. Astro Lounge hand cut French fries or Stromboli appetizers are tasty with any martini. Onion rings are plump but never greasy. Those in the know advise ordering martinis with bleu cheese olives.

The Astro Lounge is romantic and perfect for meeting and greeting. The chic loft lounge is set off with plush leather or velvet sofas, mirrored candles, and oversized chairs and loveseats in the darkened corners. From seating on regular balcony tables people watching is a seemingly endless parade. The Astro Lounge address is 147 NW Minnesota in Bend. For more information check the internet or call 541-388-0116.

Green beer and plenty of Blarney will be flowing at JC’s Bar & Grill on St. Patrick’s Day Monday March 17. Live music from KC Flynn will begin around 8:00 PM. Flynn is widely recognized as the most accomplished acoustic guitarist in Central Oregon and he chose to return to a home in Bend after traveling and touring extensively.  JC’s Bar & Grill offers delicious dining, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.  It’s a family operation with a loyal clientele. Most nights owners and twin brothers Jeremy and Chris sling drinks and serve up tasty pub grub. The salads are a garden harvest and the chicken strips and burgers are filling and economically priced. Veggie dishes are sumptuous. Locals store their own inscribed beer mugs and the vibe is always mellow. Drink specials are offered every night at the full bar or the wine and beer bar. KC Flynn plays guitar music live every Thursday night. Besides great music and food and a small dancing floor outside seating is available when the weather is nice. Both street and lot parking are available. The bar and grill open for lunches at 11:00 AM Monday through Sunday.  JC’s Bar & Grill is located at 642 NW Franklin Avenue in Bend. For more information call 541.383.3000 or check out the website.