Best Bars To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2013 In Chicago
By Megan Horst-Hatch
Can't get to the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick's Day? Then heading to a Chicago pub will be the next best thing. Whether you're Irish by heritage or just for the day, St. Patrick's Day is the best time of the year to celebrate the wearing of the green. You don't need to limit your celebration to March 17, either, as you won't be far from an Irish pub in the Windy City. Grab your friends and get ready to have fun at the following pubs.
Cork & Kerry
3259 S. Princeton
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 445-2675
www.corkandkerrychicago.com
If you're headed to the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, plan on popping into the Cork and Kerry for a post-parade drink or late lunch. After all, wouldn't you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at a pub named after two of the largest counties in Ireland? The bar offers traditional pub fare, including burgers, wraps and salads, as well as wings, sliders and Irish egg rolls. A kid's menu is also available for any younger parade-goers. Cork and Kerry's beer menu is worth a look, too. The pub offers domestic favorites like Sam Adams and Goose Island, old favorites like Smithwick's, Guinness and Harp and non-alcoholic beverages.
Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant
3471 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 473-5263
www.chiefoneillspub.com
When you think of St. Patrick's Day, you probably think of celebrating into the wee hours. Reverse course instead and start your St. Patrick's Day by indulging in Chief O'Neill's all-you-care-to-eat brunch buffet. Available on Sundays, the buffet serves everything from eggs and pancakes to tacos and fried fish and is not for the weak of heart. And whether you had a late night or you want a filling meal, the buffet has something for everyone in your group. Of course, being a great Irish pub, Chief O'Neill's also offers beer; Blue Moon, Guinness, Harp, Victoria and Goose Island are among the brands on hand. If you're feeling a bit festive, check out the bar's cocktail menu, which features "The Cliffs of Moher," "Red Haired Lass" and "Ireland Forever." Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
Poag Mahone's
333 S. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 566-9100
www.poagmahones.com
Whether it's a burger, fried fish or salads, the pub offers plenty to keep you happy and fed. But enough about food; let's talk drinks. You can get imported favorites like Guinness and Harp, and you can also try seasonal and craft beers brewed all over the country. For those who don't want beer, the bar also offers martinis and wine, as well as non-alcoholic selections. And what does the pub's name mean in Gaelic, anyway? According to the pub, it's a colorful expression. Poag Mahone's is open Monday through Friday, which means you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day early and after work.
Related: St. Patrick's Day Drink Guide
The Curragh
6703 N. Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 774-6170
www.curraghirishpub.com
Nestled in Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood, The Curragh offers a convivial atmosphere that is typical of a good Irish pub. From its food to its drink selection, there's plenty to enjoy at this family friendly pub. Check out The Curragh's traditional Irish food, especially its lamb stew, for a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. If that's not your thing, you can still order standbys like burgers and sandwiches, and definitely save room for dessert. The pub also has beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages for those who want to celebrate.
Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub
8 N. Vail Ave.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 577-7733
www.peggykinnanes.com
In the northwest suburbs, a bit of Ireland is just a stone's throw away. Peggy Kinnane's, located in downtown Arlington Heights, features decor and designs made in the Emerald Isle, then shipped over for installment in the pub. You'll also want to check out the pub's extensive menu, which includes salads, burgers, sandwiches and traditional favorites like bangers and mash, shepherd's pie and corned beef and cabbage. What's an Irish meal without a drink? Peggy Kinnane's offers beer, wine, whiskeys, martinis and specialty drinks.
Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I'm a Trader Joe's Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
