Best Venue for Spotting Leprechauns: McGees Bar & Grill


If you can't make it to that other Island this spring, McGee's may be the second best place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Last year McGee's served up the obligatory green beer and more than 150 pounds of corned beef, throwing in bagpipes and Irish dance performances for good measure. Manager Tim Goodman says the Irish dancer wasn't even scheduled to perform, "she just showed up with her own music and set up in the corner." Goodman adds that this is the spirit of the event and, to this end, the bar does not spend much time planning the event. "We just open the door and hold down the hatches," he says. 1645 Park St., (510) 522-3470.
-Daniel Jewett

 

Best Way to Hang with Jose (Cuervo): La Pinata No. 3


On Cinco de Mayo, there's no livelier place in Alameda to sport sombreros, wave Mexican flags and sip margaritas than La Piñata No. 3. Friendly regulars, able wait staff and colorful south-of-the-border decor plus an extensive selection of authentic Mexican dishes make this the place to be on May 5. Top-shelf margs and high-end shots for smooth sipping are in equal demand at La Piñata, an Alameda institution for 19 years that offers more than 800 different kinds of tequila. "People love to come here and taste and learn about tequila," says manager Galdina Guzman. "We teach people where tequila comes from and try to steer them towards 100 percent agave." She says the best tequila is made from the distilled and fermented juice of agave (a spiky-leafed member of the lily family that is not a cactus) plants found in Mexico. We think the best tequila is combined with margarita mix and served over ice. Olé! 1440 Park St., (510) 769-9110, www.lapinata.com.
-D.J.

 

Best Pack Rat Paradise: The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire


Since its inception in 1998, the Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire has grown by leaps and bounds to become the largest antique fair in Northern California. The event started with 250 booths and about 3,300 shoppers and now boasts a record-breaking 1,700 booths and 10,000 customers per event. A favorite weekend pastime each spring (and year-round, for that matter), the massive event covers more than 50 acres on the first Sunday of every month (weather permitting) at the former Alameda Point Naval Air Station. As for the antiquity of items for sale, nothing younger than 20 years old is allowed. "It never fails-people never leave here empty handed," says Alameda resident and co-owner Jerry Goldman. "We truly have something for everyone." Ferry Point and Atlantic Avenue, (510) 522-7500, www.antiquesbybay.com.
-D.J.