LA Pub Owners And Patrons Celebrate Less Restaurant Restrictions On St. Patrick's Day

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) - There are a lot of things to toast to on this St. Patrick's Day for restaurant owners, as Los Angeles moves to the less-restrictive red tier, meaning indoor dining can open back up at 25% capacity.

At The Abbey in West Hollywood, tables outside and inside were filled.

"Last year we didn't get a St. Patrick's Day so they're out this year and saying you know what? We at least we have one, so excited to have that," said Todd Barnes, manager of The Abbey.

LA County health officials said lower COVID-19 case numbers and more vaccinations are making it safer to open businesses back up.

"I thank God because of the cases going down and so far, he's been very good to me. I'm still in business and I hope to be for a very long time," said Willy O'Sullivan, owner of O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Even without bar service Wednesday, there were plenty of drinks flowing and hearty food coming at O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Santa Monica. Customers were just happy to be back on St. Paddy's Day.

"We're here this year and we're so excited," said Claire Cordary, a patron. "This is my first restaurant experience in a year. It just feels like we're coming out of something and it feels really great."

Customers enjoyed drinking green beer and eating traditional Irish food.

"I'm celebrating St. Paddy's Day after a year of this pandemic," said Timothy V. Murphy. "I'm so dying to have a drink and corned beef and cabbage with my buddies and my lovely wife."