Best Irish Pub in Chicago (2024 Updated!)

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is always a good time. If you're looking for a place to celebrate here some of the best Irish pub Chicago has to offer.

What is Chicago's oldest Irish pub?

Shinnick’s Pub has been open and family-run since 1938. That’s 85 years!

Shinnick's Pub

Address: 3758 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Where can I hear Irish music in Chicago?

There are a handful of spots where you can hear live music in Chicago, here are a few of my favorites!

• Irish American Heritage Center has various events and concerts.
• The Wolfhound has traditional Irish music sessions every Tuesday at 7pm.
• The Kerryman has traditional Irish music every Sunday from 5-7pm.
• Galway Arms has an entire schedule of traditional Irish music.

Irish Pubs in Chicago - River North, Streeterville + Gold Coast

If you're looking for a fun atmosphere with lots of Irish bars along the Chicago River, you'll want to check out some of these spots.

Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant

If you're looking for a large space to celebrate St. Paddy's Day, you'll want to get tickets to The Kerryman. It's a very popular spot, so if you want to go on the day the river is being dyed, you want to secure tickets ASAP. If you're looking to go any other day but parade day, they also have a great outdoor dining area if it's nice enough outside.

Address: 661 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Fadó Irish Pub

You can celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Fado between their St. Baldrick's event, parade day event, and literal St. Patrick's day events, you can learn all about it here.

Address: 100 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Lizzie McNeill's

Lizzie McNeill's is right on the river. They put up a huge outdoor tent and is one of the best Irish pubs, in my opinion. It's a great place to see the river being dyed without being on the river. It's not necessarily a spacious bar, but they take advantage of their huge outdoor area.

Address: 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

O'Callaghan's

Address: 29 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago

Address: 622 N Fairbanks Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Shamrock Club

Shamrock Club is a total dive bar that is right behind the Merchandise Mart. If you are a dive bar king or queen, like myself, you would love this spot.

Address: 210 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Lincoln Park, Lakeview + Roscoe Village

Charm'd Bar

This is Deuce's, but the turn into Charm'd Bar for St. Patrick's Day season. They seriously go all out with food and decor. If you're looking for family-friendly St. Patrick's Day things to do, not on parade day, you should definitely check this spot out.

Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Wilde Bar & Restaurant

Wilde Bar & Restaurant has great food and good drinks, too. It has a great, authentic Irish pub feel. You should totally try their Shepherd's Pie if you're in the mood.

Address: 3130 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

Monsignor Murphy's

This is a very casual spot with free popcorn, that's always a win in my books.

Address: 3019 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

Vaughan's Pub

Address: 2917 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

The Galway Arms

If you're looking for a full Irish breakfast, look no further than Galway Arms. You also can't go wrong with their corned beef sandwich.

Address: 2442 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Halligan Bar

Address: 2274 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Glascott’s Saloon

Address: 2158 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

River Shannon

River Shannon is one of my Irish pub favorites. It's a cozy, friendly atmosphere, and it's dog-friendly!

Address: 425 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

West Loop, Wicker Park, Bucktown + Avondale

Dugans

Address: 128 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

Irish Nobleman Pub

Irish Nobleman is a great neighborhood spot. It's tucked away and seems very unassuming as you're strolling through the Noble Square neighborhood. They have fun board games to sit and play, and it's overall just a great, friendly ambiance to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Address: 1367 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60642

Gracie O' Malley's

Gracie O'Malley's is right on the six corners in Wicker Park. It's a smaller bar, so if you have a big group, I recommend going somewhere else. But, if you and a few friends are looking for a sports bar meets Irish pub, I recommend!

Address: 1635 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant

Address: 3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Andersonville + North Center neighborhood

Lady Gregory's Irish Bar & Restaurant

Lady Gregory's, not to be confused with LG's in Old Town, is a really nice Irish pub. Their food is really good if you're looking to grab a bite to eat and a pint during the month of March, or any time of year, really.

Address: 5260 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

O'Shaughnessy's Public House

When you step into O'Shaughnessy's Public House, you truly feel like you're back at a bar in Ireland. It's cozy, and quaint, but you aren't packed into the space like sardines.

Address: 4557 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro

Address: 3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Gideon Welles Craft Beer Bar & Kitchen

If you are craving curry chips, you can totally get your fix at Gideon Welles. They're so good!

Address: 4500 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

A. J. Hudson's Public House

Right on Ashland, this is a great neighborhood bar. There isn't much around it, you'll have to walk a few blocks, so I recommend coming here with no real plans on wanting to walk to any other place.

Address: 3801 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

The Atlantic Bar & Grill

People love this place for football (soccer) games. If that's of interest to you, try checking out this Lincoln Square Irish pub.

Address: 5062 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Claddagh Ring Pub

Address: 2306 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Chicago’s Northside Irish Bars

5th Province

This is the bar inside the Irish American Heritage Center. The center itself is pretty big and is super cool. Packed with history, events are always happening, and you can visit the bar, of course.

Address: 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Emerald Isle

Address: 6686 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631

The Curragh Irish Pub

Address: 6705 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631

Chicago’s Southside Irish Bars

Cork & Kerry

Cork & Kerry does have a second location. The one I linked below is to their Beverly location, but their second location is right by Guaranteed Rate Field. I recommend heading to the first location for St. Patrick's Day festivities and the second location before Sox games.

Address: 10614 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Barney Callaghan’s Pub

This used to be Keegan's (RIP), but if you're looking for a slightly nicer Irish pub experience on the southside, I highly recommend making your way to Barney Callaghan's.

Address: 10618 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

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