Toast a Green Beer at These Chicago Irish Bars

Looking for a true Irish bar or pub to toast a green beer at this St. Patrick’s Day?

You’re in luck.

Chicago has more Irish watering holes than most U.S. cities, giving you plenty of choices to enjoy Irish beer and specialty dishes like shepherd’s pie.

Top Irish bar and pub contenders in the Windy City include:

Celtic Crossing in River North (751 N. Clark St.; map it) – With owners who come from Ireland (and even a working stone fireplace made by a resident of Ireland’s County Clare) this Irish bar lives up to its promise to offer more than just Guinness on tap. Expect to find Irish bands playing and several Emerald Isle brews served.

Emmit’s in the Warehouse District (495 N. Milwaukee Ave.; map it) – Housed in a turn-of-the-century building, Emmit’s has a long history of serving Chicago’s Irish community, including when it was called O’Sullivans. It also has ties with Hollywood when it appeared in such movies as Uncle Buck and Backdraft. Emmit’s offers Irish dishes such as shepherd’s pie and Irish stew, as well as scotches and local microbrews.

Galway Arms in Lincoln Park (2442 N. Clark St.; map it) – If you are looking for an Irish bar that has more of a conservative feel to it with a proper dining room, then Galway Arms is your place. The bar also has an outdoor patio and serves Irish dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.

Chief O’Neill’s Pub in Avondale (3471 N. Elston Ave.; map it) – For authentic Irish food, this pub should be at the top of your list. Irish specialties served include corned beef and cabbage and fish and chips are served. Be sure to also check out the pub’s  stenciled Celtic designs.

Photo credit: SXC

4 places are mentioned in this post!

1. 739 N Clark St
2. 495 N Milwaukee Ave
3. 2413 N Clark St
4. 3471 N Elston Ave

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