Prepare to shake your shamrock–St Patrick's Day is speeding our way and we've got your leprechaun lowdown on the best spots to go green with fun in Utica and Shelby Township.

Over at the new Empire Lounge, GM Ron Shaba is ready with a great line up that's a little off the Irish path. The company PRGRM is hosting a party starting at 9 p.m. that will feature live DJ sets by K-Y and Bis + Bradley. There'll be $3 shots and $5 martini specials for all revelers and no cover.

Green beer? Check. 10 a.m. open time? Check. DJ, bands, Gaelic dancing, drink specials, shepherd's pie? Check all! Walton's Lodge has got a day of Irish events planned from open to close.

Coyote Joe's is ready for St. Patrick's Day fun. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there is no cover for ladies and a mere $2 for the guys. Ladies will drink for $1 from 7-10 p.m. There will be free line-dance lessons, free bull rides and DJ TonE will be running the fun from the DJ booth. You can also sign up to win a $50 bar tab simply by texting 'JOES' to the number 74700.

Santinos has a feast fit for leprechauns. Doors open at 7 a.m. with a complimentary Irish breakfast. Live entertainment, bag pipers and drink specials are also on the docket for their St Patrick's Day festivities.

The newest kid on Utica's block is Cass Bar and they are throwing their biggest St. Patrick's Day party ever. An outdoor tent will feature the tunes of DJ OJ and bagpipers will be stopping by for authentic Irish tunes. Promos by Jameson, Guinness and Harp will be held and Irish fare will be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $5 Irish Car Bombs and Jager Bombs and $4 Black and Tans will be on special, too. The bar opens at 7 a.m.

The Shamrock will be open early as well, with traditional Irish festivities, food and fare and there is no cover.

Red Ox Tavern says cheers to great beer this St. Patty's Day. They are featuring $1 pints, $2.50 Cuervo Silver and $3 Irish Car Bombs for partiers and the live band Under the Covers. To silence that leprechaun screaming in your stomach, they'll also have corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie and lamb stew on special all day and night. No cover.

Muldoon's has amped up the fun with a heated tent with live entertainment outdoors. Inside you'll find a festive DJ for your party tuneage delight. They will feature 'real tall midgets', green beer, specials and lots of giveaways throughout the day and night.

Hamlin Pub plans on providing green beer, live entertainment, Jell-o shots and an Irish menu for their shamrockin' guests on the 17th. 

At Sherwood Brewing Company, they already kicked off the holiday early with a St. Practice day on March 12–complete with Irish music and menu–and will hold their big party on the 17th. They'll open at 9 a.m. with their Keggs and Eggs breakfast and roll into a regular Irish menu thereafter. Live music at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. will be featured.

Wherever you go, whatever you see and do, please make sure you stay safe with a designated driver. There are plenty of services and, as always, you can trust a good ol' yellow cab. Suburban Cab in Chesterfield Township services all of Macomb County.

Suburban Cab can be reached at 586-598-9898 or toll-free at 800-410-8294. The company offers military and senior citizen discounts. For more information, visit http://taxicabsrus.com.

And, if you're not into drinking beer for St. Patrick's Day, Hepburn's Crepes and Coffee on 24 Mile Road, has sweet deals on crepes and green tea.