Looking for an authentic Irish pub near you in Chicago? In fact, there are many Irish pubs in Chicago, but they don’t all serve Irish food. Here are 10 Irish pubs, taverns, sports bars, and restaurants serving authentic pub grub from the Emerald Isle. Not only that. Many have live music and some show soccer, rugby, and Notre Dame football! Plus: a 5-star hotel with its very own Irish pub!
In This Post
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
The Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, and in many American cities, that calls for the wearing of the green.
There are big St Patrick’s Day Parades around the country. And one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades is held in Chicago, Illinois, where it was held for the first time in 1843.
The parade takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, marching down Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive.
Two more St. Patrick’s Day Parades are held in the Windy City, and they are both held on a Sunday. The South Side Irish Parade marches south on Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th streets. The Northwest Side Irish Parade marches through the Norwood Park section, beginning at William J. Onahan School.
But Chicago is also home to the world’s most unique and spectacular St. Patrick’s Day tradition of all – dyeing the Chicago River green.
At 10 am on the day of the main St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an armada of boats dumps eco-friendly green dye into the river, creating a mesmerizing emerald spectacle. But the dye last only a few hours.
Needless to say, you don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy appetizing Irish fare in the City of Bridges. Keep reading for some of the best Irish pubs in Chicago!
Where to Eat Irish Food in Chicago
Irish-Americans, homesick Irishmen, and fans of Irish food can find comfort with some down-home comfort food at the following Irish pubs, Irish taverns,n Irish bars, and Irish restaurants in Chicago. All of them feature mouthwatering Irish fare on their menus.
But be forewarned! Some of the so-called Irish pubs in Chicago don’t actually serve Irish food. Instead, they serve a mixed menu of pub grub – pizza, burgers, wings, nachos – the list goes on. So, that is why this list is important.
All of the following establishments offer several authentic Irish favorites – together with the usual pub grub. But Irish cuisine will be in the spotlight on the following list.
So get ready to sink your teeth into some mouthwatering shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie, Irish stew, bangers and mash, cornbeef and cabbage – as well as cold beer, Irish whiskey, fine wine, and signature cocktails!
If you are planning a trip to Chicago, please search for your hotel room at TripAdvisor/Chicago/hotels. I might get a small commision to help maintain this website – at no extra cost to you.
Best Irish Pubs in Chicago
Here are some of the best restaurants serving hearty Irish fare in the City with Big Shoulders. In addition, many of them have live music. And there might be the occasional poetry reading.
There is no clear distinction between an Irish pub and a sports bar, so many of them have TVs showing live sporting events. Don’t be surprised if you find Notre Dame fans rooting for the Fighting Irish on one of the flat-screen TV suspended over the bar!
Click on the links above the photos for direct access to websites for menus, hours, and phone numbers if you want to make a reservation.
Chief O’Neill’s Pub
Check out these Emerald Island favourites: Guinness & Cheddar Soup, Corned Beef Hash, Chief’s Famous Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Steak & Guinness Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Pan Seared Salmon.
The pub was named after Francis O’Neill (1848 – 1936), an Irish-born immigrant who loved music from an early age. In fact, he could play the flute, the fiddle, and the pipes.
According to his biographer, he was “the greatest individual influence on the evolution of Irish traditional dance music in the twentieth century”.
After moving to Chicago, O’Neill joined the police force, eventually moving up through the ranks to become Chief of Police. Source: Wikipedia.
READ: Chief O’Neill’s Sketchy Recollections of an Eventful Life in Chicago by Francis O’Neill
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Chief O’Neill’s Pub – 3471 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL
Fado
Start your day with an Irish Breakfast an this very atmospheric Irish pub. Other Irish favorites include Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Mac & Cheese with Short Rib Ragu, and Chicken Pot Pie. Plus: live music, quiz nights, and comedy.
Fado – 100 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
Located in Chicago’s northside, this Irish pub is dripping with dark wood and Celtic charm. Authentic Irish dishes include Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, and Guinness Beef Stew.
For something fusion, would you believe O’Shock’s Rolls? Three eggs rolls are stuffed with Corn Beef Cabbage and Swiss Cheese and served with mustard aioli and spicy mustard.
On Saturday and Sunday at brunch, opt for the Full Irish if you’ve got the appetite. Otherwise, try the Corned Beef Hash, Savory Boxty, Irish Barber Sandwich, or Irish Breakfast Sandwich.
O’Shaughnessy’s Public House – 4557 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL
The Kerryman Irish Bar and Restaurant
So what’s in a name? A Kerryman is someone from County Kerry in Ireland, and that is where the three owners of The Kerryman come from.
As for the Head Chef, he’s from County Limerick, and he has mean hand in the kitchen. His Fish & Chips, Traditional Shepherds Pie, Corned Beef Sandwiches, and Irish Breakfasts are the stuff that legends are made of.
Regarding the building that the establishment occupies, it is something of a legend in itself.
Dean O’Banion was born in 1892 to Irish-Catholic parents in a small town in Central Illinois.
After his mother died, he moved to Chicago along with his father and older brother.
He got a job at the McGovern Saloon, a mob hangout, as a singing waiter. He went on to become one of Chicago’s most notorious gangsters!
But the saga doesn’t there. In 1978, the building was occupied by one of Chicago’s first punk clubs. As you have probably already guessed, this is the very building that now houses the very upscale Kerryman Irish Bar and Restaurant. How times have changed!
READ: Guns and Roses by Rose Keefe!
The Kerryman Irish Bar and Restaurant – 661 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL
Mystic Rogue
This authentic Irish pub is the realization of the American dream for a young Irishman, who emigrated to the United States, settled in the Windy City, and spent 20 years working at Irish pubs. Now he owns a place of his own!
For starters, try the Irish Nachos – sliced potatoes with cheese, corned beef, bacon, sour cream, tomatoes, and green onion. Then move on to the Declan Sausage Rolls – a traditional Irish sausage wrapped in puff pastry, served with brown mushroom gravy.
Main courses include such traditional Irish favorites as Fish and Chips, Shepherds Pie, and Meatloaf Dinner.
If you want something you can wrap your hands around, try the Corned Beef Sandwich. For sides, opt for the Irish Baked Beans. Top of the morning breakfast options include the Irish Breakfast and the Build Your Own Irish Breakfast.
Mystic Rogue – 6070 North Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
Ireland has a rich literary history, so it’s not surprising that many of the Irish pubs in Chicago have a literary theme. Named after the iconic Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900), this stylish Irish bar and restaurant in Chicago is among the best.
Founded in 2007, Wilde Bar & Restaurant features a dark wood interior, with leather banquettes and walls hung with black-and-white photographs.
The Wilde Burger features Irish whiskey glaze, caramelized onion, aged white cheddar, greens, and tomato. It is cooked to order.
For something more traditional, classic Irish dishes include Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, and Meatloaf Dinner. For an innovative cocktail, try the Wilde Toasted Toffees, made with Redemption Bourbon, Butterscotch, White Creme de Cacao, and a Splash of Cream.
READ: Greatest Works of Oscar Wilde by Oscar Wilde!
Wilde Bar & Restaurant – 3130 North Broadway, Chicago, IL
D4 Irish Pub & Café
Dublin is divided into 22 postal zones, and D4 is one of the most upscale districts in the Irish capital, including the affluent neighborhoods of Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Sandymount.
According to the Irish Independent, D4 is Ireland’s “most expensive postcode”.
In addition to many elegant homes, the district is populated with numerous chic cafes, restaurants, and pubs. What’s more, approximately 70 foreign embassies are located in district.
These include the Australian, Canadian, Chinese, French, German, Indian, Japanese, and US embassies. As you can imagine, there is quite a social scene!
So what’s on D4 Irish Pub & Cafe’s menu? You will find Corn Beef Sandwiches, Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Fish & Chips, and Bourbon Glazed Salmon. Plus: Irish Coffee and Hot Toddy made with – you guessed it! – Jameson Whiskey.
READ: Top 10 Dublin by DK Travel
D4 Irish Pub & Café – 345 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro
Located in the heart of Chicago’s North Center district, this popular Irish pub is a favorite with soccer and rugby fans, opening early for key games from across the pond. But don’t bother to eat at home. When the place opens early for sports fans, it serves full Irish breakfasts!
In addition, it shows Notre Dame football games. Go Fighting Irish!
Other attractions include live music four times a week and storytelling and pub trivia once a week. Plus: a grocery selling Irish and British goods you won’t find at the supermarket.
As for the menu, Irish favorites run from Guinness Onion Soup to Guinness Mac & Cheese, Fish & Chips, Corned Beef Dinner, Bangers & Mash, and Beef & Guinness Stew,
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro – 3905 North Lincoln
Chicago, IL
The Galway Arms
Root for your favorite teams or listen to live Irish music four nights a week at this popular Irish pub in Chicago’s Lincoln Park section. Classic Irish favorites run from Irish Sausage Rolls and Corned Beef Sausages to Fish & Chips, Traditional Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, and Corned Beef & Cabbage,
The Galway Arms -2442 North Clark Street, Chicago IL
Irish Nobleman Pub
This casual Irish pub is located in downtown Chicago’s River West district. Food is cooked from scratch. Irish specialties run from Angry Leprechaun Mac & Cheese to Guinness Battered Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie. There is indoor and outdoor dining, with a large dog- and family-friendly patio. Plus: 30 flat-screens TVs to watch your favorite team.
Irish Nobleman Pub – 1367 West Erie Street
Chicago, IL
There has been an Irish presence in Chicago since the 19th Century. Most Irish immigrants settled on Chicago’s Southside in neighborhoods such as Beverly, Canaryville, Bridgeport, Scottsdale, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park, Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Evergreen Park, and Oak Lawn.
Eventually, many of them have moved to other parts of Chicago and to the suburbs. There are now roughly 204,000 Chicagoans who identify themselves as Irish-Americans, and they account for 7.5% of the Windy City’s population.
Needless to say, it’s no surprise that there’s probably an Irish pub in Chicago near you!
Where to Stay in Chicago
Would you believe a five-star hotel with its very own Irish pub? Located on Michigan Avenue, the Hilton Chicago overlooks Grant, Park, Lake Michigan, and Museum Campus.
What’s more, it’s with walking distance of Soldier Field. Would you be a Chicago Bears fan by any chance?
Best of all, the Hilton Chicago has its very own Irish pub, Kitty O’Sheas, where you can watch football games and scarf down authentic Irish pub grub.
The menu runs from farm-to-fork Irish Breakfast to Corned Beef Sandwich, Mac & Cheese, Fish & Chips, and Kitty’s Shepherd Pie.
Save room for the Jameson Flavored Peach Cobbler! It has a golden crispy crust, vanilla ice cream, and salted caramel. Pure decadence!
And if that’s not to your liking, what about Kittly’s O’Shea’s Bread Pudding, with brioche, golden raisins, and Baileys Custard?
It doesn’t get any better than this!
Hilton Chicago – 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
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If you are planning a trip to Chicago, please search for your hotel room at TripAdvisor/Chicago/hotels. I might get a small commision to help maintain this website – at no extra cost to you.
What a delight to learn about Irish pubs in Chicago!
Chicago went on my radar about 3 months for a totally different reason but this gives me a great list to keep when I go.
Thanks for such great research!
Chicago is a great city！ So much to see and do!
The last time I was in Chicago, I really did not have time to enjoy much of the city. On my next visit, I am going to hit up a couple of these pubs. I have bookmarked this page so I can easily find all of them! Thank you for posting them.
You will absolutely LOVE Chicago! It is a fabulous city. Just try to go in summer!