As March 17 approaches in a series of slow, frequent sips, you may be moved to check out some of Chicago’s excellent Irish bars. The city certainly has its share.
Whether you’re looking for the most authentic (benches, low lighting, chilled Guinness with just the right head) or the most outrageous (it’s a country cottage! It’s an Irish maze!), this city has some shamrockin’ to offer. So pull up a barstool and enjoy some Celtic brews at the following establishments:
Abbey Pub
Known for its live music (traditional Irish and otherwise), the Abbey Pub is widely regarded as one of Chicago’s finest Irish establishments. The kitchen serves up hearty food, a mixture of typical bar food and original Irish fare, including shepherd’s pie and the can’t-miss curried sausage and chips. You’ll notice many of its customers also sport an Irish brogue because the Abbey Pub isn’t just an Irish-themed bar, it’s an Irish-approved bar.
The Abbey’s 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day fest will actually take place this Saturday. Enjoy and Irish breakfast from 7-9 a.m. and live music from 1-9 p.m., including Shannon Rovers, The McCabes, Larry Nugent With Maurice Lennon and more. Tickets are $10.
Celtic Crossings
River North might seem like an unlikely place for an authentic Irish bar, but the low-key Celtic Crossings interior offers up a comfortable spot to toss back Guinness, Harp or other Irish brews. From the Irish accents hanging on the walls to the Irish staff, Celtic Crossings is, given its location, a pleasant surprise.
It has its share of after-work drinkers, but at night Celtic Crossings into just what a local village pub should be: A place to sit, chat with friends or meet other patrons and imbibe. Even the jukebox is filled with Irish selections. According to several Irish Chicago residents, Celtic Crossings is the best place in the city to get a Guinness.
Chief O'Neill's
A bit off the beaten track, Chief O’ Neill’s is worth the trek; from friendly waitstaff to phenomenal food, this Irish pub is a good time any night of the week. A year-round patio with fireplaces adds a touch of elegance to the otherwise laidback establishment, as does the occasional live music (an Irish bar staple) Chief O’ Neill’s presents.
Named after an Irishman who became Chicago's chief of police in 1901, Chief O’ Neill’s certainly isn’t the city’s best known Irish joint, but it is one of its best. Though the pub will be celebrating the holiday with various events March 11-17, The Wanderers will take the stage on the big day from 6-9 p.m.
Cullen's Bar & Grill
You’ll be hard pressed to find a bartender or waiter in Cullen’s who doesn’t speak with a thick Irish brogue. And with a menu that echoes true Irish bar fare (who knew macaroni and cheese could be so good?) and frequent live Irish music, why would you want to? Cullen’s does get some overflow from the nearby Music Box and restaurants who seem unaware of (or at least, weren’t searching for) the bar’s authentic Irish feel, but give them one trip to the backroom with its framed photos and mirrors and they’ll feel right at home.
Check out the live music celebration March 13-14 and 16-17; St. Patrick’s Day features Michael Heaton Band and Red Pop Theory. Cullen’s will be adding traditional favorites (like corned beef and cabbage) to the menu.
Fado Irish Pub
It may not be the most authentic Irish bar, Fado tries to be five bars in one three-story building, but ends up feeling more like a throwback to Epcot at Disneyworld. Still, for the downtown bound (or touristy type), Fado can be an enjoyable Irish night out. The seating is plentiful, thanks to a bar that winds up and around through small staircases and booths to allow room for gathering. The food is also decent, and includes ethnic picks like Irish cheese bread, Galway Bay mussels, and signature Irish boxties (stuffed potato pancakes). There is lots of gleaming wood and drinks on hand, and the bar even hosts Irish musicians several times a week, but Fado never convinces its patrons they’re sitting in a county Cork pub. All the same, it’s a more than decent happy hour choice if you’re looking to do a little drinking.
Irish Oak
Small and somewhat narrow, the Irish Oak is a crowded place on the weekends, but it’s also one of Wrigleyville’s most unique Irish bar options. The crowd is less post-Cubs game and more relaxed locals, sipping Guinness and the occasional Car Bomb (a truly lethal combination of a shot inside a tall glass). The fish-and-chips Irish fare on the menu is more than fair; live music is often quite good. For a fun dinner alternative, give the all-day Irish breakfast a try; you’ll enjoy imported Irish bacon, sausages, and black and white pudding served with two eggs, mushrooms, tomato and beans.
Like so many Chicago bars, the Irish Oak echoes the almost Victorian-feel urban Irish pubs often feature. No one ever gets too rowdy or hogs room; the bar is just concerned with everyone having a good time. And if you’re spending your evening at the Irish Oak, chances are you will.
Johnny O'Hagan's
Upon first glance (especially if it’s a weekend), this bar may seem like the typical crowded Wrigleyville spot. But take a closer look, because it’s not. Locals swear by this tavern, opened in 2000 and firmly established as a neighborhood watering hole not much after. With a cozy fireplace in back and seats lining the wall, Johnny O’ Hagan’s is strangely addictive. Sure, it has all the trappings of an Irish overseas bar with soft lighting, Irish touches lining the wall, and Irish music playing softly overhead, but it’s just so damn friendly you can’t help but like the place.
Mystic Celt
A little more club than Celt, this Southport Irish bar may not capture the local pub feel, but it does offer a fairly fun Saturday night. The wooden and sunken booth-filled interior sure is Irish enough, but the crowd, mostly young Northsiders, is a little more loud and party-minded than the typical Dublin afternoon drinker.
Still, a lovely private party room in back and a handsome front bar mixed with fairly ample seating makes for a nice use of space in this bar, formerly a French restaurant. Cider and Irish selections on tap don’t hurt the bar’s appeal, either. A cover-free St. Patrick’s Day celebration will feature live Irish music with Gael Sli and entertainment from the Spirorad Damhsa Irish Dancers from 6-11 p.m.
Tommy Nevin's Pub
A pretty astounding attempt at an Irish pub and actually amazing for an Evanston bar, Tommy Nevin’s Pub (or Nevin’s, to the locals) serves up drinks to delighted Northwestern students and Evanston residents. Live music is surprisingly good (Guided by Voices once did a gig here) and no matter how crowded the bar gets, there always seems to be room to sit or lean on something. The only drawback? Nevin’s food isn’t anything to write home to Galway about. Still, if you’re North Shore bound, definitely make a stop: It’s worth the visit.
St. Patrick’s Day will feature free music beginning at 4 p.m. Bands include Three Men in Kilts, Chicago Pipe Band and The New Invaders.
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
