Montanans Favorite Irish Foods and Drinks: What Tops the List?

Saint Patrick's Day is almost here (Monday, March 17th), and Big Sky goes Big for this particular holiday.

If you're wondering why St. Patrick's Day is such a big deal in Montana, it's because over 14% of Montanans have Irish heritage. In fact, Montana is home to the most "Irish" town in America—Butte—beating out even Boston and Chicago for the title. 

READ MORE: Is The Most Irish Town In America Here In Montana?

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With Montana's strong Irish roots, we asked locals: "What's your favorite Irish food or drink?" From classic dishes to iconic drinks, here's what they had to say!

Pasty
Mmmmm, this was a popular choice by many locals and for good reason. A pasty is a type of handheld pie that is usually filled with corned beef and potatoes.  

Guinness
We knew this would be on the list; how could it not be? This top beverage choice around the world for St. Patrick's Day sees an average of more than 13 million pints of consumed worldwide.

Corned Beef
Corned beef has a complex history. While it has roots in Ireland, it's more accurately an Irish American tradition. The name comes from the large salt "corns" used to cure the beef brisket, giving it its signature flavor.

Potatoes
Roasted, boiled, or mashed—if you're enjoying potatoes on St. Patrick's Day, you're doing it right! This humble staple has long been a cornerstone of Irish cuisine.

Blarney Stones
The Blarney Stone is a famous Irish landmark, known for the legend that kissing it grants the "gift of the gab." But the Blarney stones we're talking about are a delicious treat—soft, cake-like pastries rolled in buttercream and coated with salted peanuts.

Irish Soda Bread
Born out of necessity in the 1830s, Irish soda bread was created during tough economic times. Made with minimal ingredients, it has a dense texture, a hard crust, and a slight sourness from the baking soda.

Cabbage
Often paired with corned beef—another Irish-American invention—cabbage has been a staple in Ireland for centuries. Hardy, affordable, and packed with nutrients, it thrives in the Irish climate and remains a beloved part of traditional meals.

Credit: Fox10 , Ireland.com, pricehopper, santonis.com