Pappy McGregor’s celebrates 20 years of St. Patrick’s Day tradition

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Mar 19 2026

Local pub continues to bring generations together in downtown Paso Robles

PASO ROBLES — Before the sun rises each March 17, a line begins to form along Pine Street. By 6 a.m., crowds dressed head-to-toe in green pack the sidewalk, eagerly waiting for the doors to open at Pappy McGregor’s. For 20 years, this early-morning ritual has marked not only St. Patrick’s Day, but also the anniversary of one of Paso Robles’ favorite gathering places.

What began as an opening-day experiment in 2006 has grown into a can’t-miss annual celebration, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the day.

Co-owner Donovan Schmit recalls the uncertainty leading up to that very first morning. He and his cousin and business partner Troy Larkin, had taken over the space just months earlier and decided to do something unconventional: open an Irish pub at 6 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day.

“That first day, we didn't understand if anybody would show up or everybody would show up," Schmit said. "We walked outside a few minutes before 6 a.m. and there's over 100 people waiting out in front for us to open on our very first day of business.”

From that moment, a tradition was born.

“We didn't have time to build into the business. It was just gangbusters," Schmit said. "Now 20 years later, it's a tradition that will probably always continue."

Each year, approximately between 3,000 and 5,000 people pass through the pub’s doors on St. Patrick’s Day. Despite the crowds, Schmit notes the atmosphere remains overwhelmingly positive.

"We have less problems on St. Paddy's Day than we do other days of the year," he said. "Everybody's in a great mood. They're just here to celebrate.”

Photos by Camille DeVaul/PRP

That celebratory spirit is fueled by classic Irish drinks. Guinness reigns supreme, alongside Jameson whiskey, Irish coffees, and festive favorites like Irish car bombs. And of course, green beer made in partnership with BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

But Pappy McGregor’s is more than just a once-a-year destination. Schmit describes it as a “gastropub,” a place that takes pride in both its food and drink while offering a welcoming space for the community year-round.

That sense of community has been at the heart of the business since its inception and even before. Schmit and Larkin’s vision was shaped by their travels, where they fell in love with the concept of pubs as communal gathering spaces.

Originally, however, an Irish pub wasn’t the plan.

The pair had owned and operated Schooners in Cayucos and were encouraged to bring a seafood concept to Paso Robles. But when they stepped into the historic Pine Street building, at the time home to Busi's, and they saw the over a century old bar, their vision for the space shifted.

"This just did not look like a seafood restaurant. This looks like an Irish pub. And like a light bulb went off," Schmit shares.

Over the years, the pub has become a backdrop for countless life moments. Schmit recalls couples who met there on opening day and are now celebrating 20 years together. Others return annually, wearing old event T-shirts as badges of loyalty and nostalgia.

As Pappy McGregor’s marks its 20th anniversary, Schmit is quick to credit the community for its longevity.

“We are so grateful for their [the community's] support for 20 years. To make it to 20 years is pretty special,"he said. "Without the support of the locals and the different generations that they keep coming in, without them, I don't know if we could be here 20 years later. A huge thank you to Paso and all the people that support us.”

And come next St. Patrick’s Day, long before most alarms go off, the line on Pine Street will likely form once again — proof that some traditions are worth waking up early for.

Feature Image: Co-owner Donovan Schmit (second row left) welcomed a bunch of green-clad visitors to his Paso Robles bar, Pappy McGregor's, at 6 a.m. St. Patrick's Day morning, including Downtown Main Street Association Executive Director Jeffry Weisinger (bottom right). Schmit and his partner, and cousin, Troy Larkin opened their business for the first time at 6 a.m. St. Patrick's Day in 2006, and have continued that tradition every March 17. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP