Some can get rowdy. Some are more reserved for calmer catchups with close friends. All of them are an appropriate place to raise a glass and toast to good times. Chicago’s large Irish population means we have plenty of options when it comes to finding such a pub, but we’ve narrowed down some of our favorites here. Sláinte!
Updated March 2025
100 W. Grand Ave. - River North
Fadó’s proximity to the river makes it an obvious hot spot on St. Patrick’s Day but the party and Irish traditions continue year-round in this “modern” take on an Irish bar. Oh, by the way, ask your bartender about the ghosts. This place is said to be haunted.
3916 N. Ashland Ave. - North Center
Keenan’s is all about having fun. Its dartboards, electronic shuffleboard, ping pong, a shelf full of board games and a full bar make that possible any day of the week.
720 S. Michigan Ave. - South Loop
Traditional Irish pub fare, charmingly authentic decor and live music on weekends make this South Loop’s best Irish option!
20 W. Division St. - Gold Coast
Butch McGuire’s has more than a half a century’s experience serving Chicago’s Irish drinkers under its belt. The bar, opened in 1961, is best known for its 4 a.m. liquor license and the tens of thousands of Christmas lights hung up inside throughout the holiday season.
Cork & Kerry
10614 S. Western Ave. - Beverly
3259 S. Princeton Ave. - Bridgeport
Cork & Kerry is a staple for Chicago’s South Side Irish community. In the summer, the Beverly location’s patio is filled with smiling whiskey drinkers. And the spacious bar inside is filled, well, year-round. Hit up the Bridgeport location, “Cork And Kerry At The Ballpark,” for pre- or post-White Sox game drinks within walking distance of the stadium.
4403 S. Wallace St. - Canaryville
Kelly’s has a very distinct “neighborhood bar” feel to it. Everybody knows everybody. That said, its also just the type of place where you can make new friends fast. Shots generally help with that.
1435 W. Taylor St - Little Italy
This new venue is a hybrid of an Irish Pub and Sports Bar. With twenty TVs, a patio, darts, and other cozy amenities, it's the perfect spot to socialize. Don't forget to check it out on Thursdays for their Irish whiskey specials!
400 N. McClurg Ct. - River North
Lizzie’s is in River North...but just barely. The bar sits on the north side of the river, so you can get great views while eating your bangers and mash!
622 N. Fairbanks Ct. - Streeterville
Irish pubs and sports generally go well together in Chicago but nowhere as good as Timothy O’Toole’s. Stop in and belly up to the bar for basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, wrestling, boxing and more. If you’re wanting to watch something competitive, it’s probably already playing on one of the 70+ TVs here.
661 N. Clark St. - River North
From gangster-filled saloon to an influential punk club, the building that currently houses The Kerryman has a storied past. Stop by for a stiff drink at the bar or outside on the patio and ask your servers to tell you more about it.
39 E Chicago Avenue - River North
Pippin’s is home to a cozy little bar and comfortable sidewalk patio. Find a seat at either. You’ll find Irish whiskey and beer wherever you choose.
1615 N. Wells St. - Old Town
Between the sidewalk patio in front and the beer garden in back, Corcoran’s is one of the best Irish bars in Chicago when it comes to outdoor drinking. The interior has an old-world feel with plenty of charm to enjoy during chillier months.
425 W. Armitage Ave. - Lincoln Park
Have a dog named Lucky or Shamrock? Bring them to this dog-friendly traditional Irish pub. They’ll have to stick to water though. No whiskey for four-legged friends.
2274 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Park
This bar should be the centerpiece for a chill (or rowdy) night in Lincoln Park. Their prices are some of the best in the neighborhood. Shots of Irish whiskey start at $3 any day of the week. Say no more.
2442 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
It’s hard to sit in Galway Arms eating a braised lamb shank, listening to live Irish music and drinking brown liquor without thinking you took a wrong turn somewhere along Clark Street and wound up in Dublin.
500 W. Diversey Pkwy. - Lincoln Park
The Bay is an underrated gem when it comes to Irish bars in Chicago. Couches and free popcorn make the place feel like home and pool, darts and video games keep the energy up.
2917 N. Sheffield - Lakeview
You won’t find kitschy attempts to prove just how Irish a bar can be at Vaughn’s. This pub lets its simplicity do the talking. What you will find are enjoyable evenings, good drinks and better conversation.
3905 N. Lincoln Ave. - North Center
The Murphy’s large two-story pub houses a main bar area for everyday hangouts as well as several private events spaces. The bistro has been a gathering place for Irish families for years and the celebratory cheddar and whiskey intake doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
5062 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Square
The Atlantic prides itself on being one of Chicago’s best Irish soccer bars. It’s generally a good spot for any and all sports viewing but don’t be surprised to see it open early and filled to the gills with fans wanting to catch international matches.
5260 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
Elegant bookcases and quality entrees take the place of tacky tchotchkes and greasy bar food at this upscale take on the classic Irish pub. Warm up with a seat by the fireplace and a cup of French onion soup!
3471 N. Elston Ave. - Avondale
If you’ve been dreaming of that pub that always feels like you’re welcome, the one where you can throw a few back and have fun but avoid raucous crowds, you’ve been dreaming of Chief O’Neill’s. This sizeable pub attracts Chicagoans from all edges of the city just looking to enjoy a good time with friends (and friendly bartenders).
3758 S. Union Ave. - Bridgeport
Shinnicks has been open since 1938 and its ownership stayed in the Shinnick family ever since. The bar has done well to keep with the times, attracting a lot of nearby White Sox fans after games, but some things, like its refusal to ditch a cash-only policy, never change.
Wherever you go, your Irish pride is sure to follow — Cheers to you, Chicago!
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