If you could bottle the perfect Texas day, yesterday would be it. The sun was out, the temperature was that rare “just right” sweet spot, and downtown McKinney was buzzing with the energy of the annual St. Pat’s Beer Walk. It’s not just about wearing green; it is about the perfect pour and a community that knows how to celebrate. Andy and I headed out with a simple game plan: scout the best brews, hit our favorite shops, and try not to get too distracted by the retail therapy. 🍻🚶‍♂️🛍️

The “Welcome In” Vibe

More than just a festival, this event turns our historic local shops into temporary pubs. Organized as a clever scavenger hunt, the day started with map in hand and a signature taster glass ready. We navigated 20 different stops, discovering hidden gems tucked inside downtown’s most charming retail spaces.

For those who have not spent much time in downtown McKinney, the Beer Walk is the perfect “open house.” Even for us, it was an excuse to duck into shops we sometimes overlook during a busy weekend. Shop owners—many decked out in full St. Paddy’s costumes—invited us in to browse, sip, and chat about everything from new inventory to local authors. We quickly realized that while the beer gets you in the door, the shops are what keep you there.

The Shop Roster: Exploring Our Favorite Stops

The scavenger hunt was less of a race and more of a “scouting mission” to see what’s new in our favorite corners of the Square. Between the beer samples, we spent plenty of time—and a fair share of debate—browsing through these downtown standouts.

• The McKinney Art Gallery: There is something remarkably sophisticated about sipping a craft sample while surrounded by local fine art. It was a great moment to slow down and appreciate the talent we have right here in town. We even caught local artist Raul Vasquez Villela painting his mini art right in front of the gallery.
• The Groovy Coop / Red Zeppelin Records: Always a favorite of ours, it is impossible to walk through here without smiling at the vintage vibes. It’s even better when you are discovering a new craft pour—like a crisp TUPPS or Community Beer Co.—while digging through the crates and retro kitsch. I may or may not have spent more time looking at vintage vinyl than Andy spent checking the brewery map.
• Uptown: This is one of those spots that reminds you why McKinney’s shopping scene is so special. You go in for a sample from a heavy hitter like 3 Nations or Manhattan Project, and you leave with a mental wish list of chic finds you did not know you needed until you step through the door.

The “Stay a While” Stops: Pints & Plates

While the scavenger hunt took us through the shops, no St. Paddy’s walk is complete without hitting the local anchors. We made sure to swing by our favorite “hallowed ground” for a proper sit-down.

• The Celt Irish Pub: This was our mandatory pitstop for fuel. The atmosphere was exactly what you wanted on this holiday—bustling and authentic. We went straight for the corned beef and cabbage eggrolls. These are a legendary McKinney staple for a reason. They take all those traditional St. Paddy’s flavors and tuck them into a crispy shell that was made for pairing with a stout or a red ale.
• The Pub (McKinney Pub): Just a quick skip away, The Pub is always a classic. It is the kind of place that feels like home turf for anyone who loves a good atmosphere and a solid pour. It was the perfect spot to check the map and pick which shop to hit next—it is the one place where a Dallas fan and a Chicago fan can actually agree on the roster.
• Union Bear Brewing Co.: Having their location right here in downtown McKinney is such a win. Their beer is easily one of my personal favorites—specifically their Blonde Ale. It’s clean, refreshing, and was the perfect choice for a sunny afternoon on the Square. Seeing them as part of the local lineup really rounds out the craft experience in our own backyard.

Our Post-Walk Review: Classic vs Craft

As we finished our map and compared notes, the “Top Pour” of the day ended in a tie. It was a classic case of tradition versus Texas innovation.

• Leesl’ Pick: I went with the Guinness Draught Stout. On St. Paddy’s Day, it is hard to argue with that classic, creamy pour. Its lighter flavor profile was exactly what I was looking for after a full afternoon of strolling the Square.
• Andy’s Pick: Andy leaned into the Rahr & Sons Paleta de Mango. It represents that bold, North Texas craft creativity—that unique chili-lime-mango profile is a total conversation starter. It’s got a specific kick that really stands out when you are sampling a long roster of beers.

Whether you are a traditionalist or looking for that next unique Texas craft discovery, yesterday proved that downtown McKinney is the place to find both. If the weather holds and the taps keep flowing like they did this weekend, we are already counting down the days until next year.

Stats at a Glance: St. Pat’s Beer Walk

The Category	The Details
Total Stops	20 Scavenger Hunt Locations
MVP Bite	Corned Beef & Cabbage Eggrolls (The Celt)
Shop Find of the Day	A successful dig through the 25-cent CD bin at Red Zeppelin 🎸
Favorite Pour (Leesl)	Guinness Draught Stout
Favorite Pour (Andy)	Rahr & Sons Paleta de Mango

May your glass be ever full, and your scavenger hunt map always lead you to a new favorite spot. Sláinte! 🍻

What about you? What’s your go-to on a day like this? Let us know in the comments below! 👇👇👇