Chicago | St. Louis
Login | Sign Up

After Dark: Pubs

Author: Jody Robbins




Chicago Pubs - Old School vs. New School


Without a doubt one of the most popular Irish pubs in Chicago is Fado, the interior of which is wholly imported from Ireland, and the Emerald Isle is truly felt here. Upstairs and down, you'll see a diverse collection of museum-like Irish memorabilia and woodworking, and, as one might imagine, you can sample what will likely be the best pint of Guinness Stout you can get without a trans-Atlantic voyage.

Grace O'Malley's

Just as Irish, but only a few years into its run as an Irish-themed haven for escaping everyday cares, Grace O'Malley's Restaurant-Pub is busy establishing itself as THE Irish spot in the bustling South Loop neighborhood. Named after Grace O'Malley, a noblewoman-turned-pirate ancestor of owner Matthew O'Malley, this pub breaks new ground with its broad menu that includes all the Irish classics one would expect to try, as well as broader fare, like the blue cheese-topped pork chop and thin-crust pizzas.


Duke of Perth

If traditional is your thing, you'll want to stop by the Duke of Perth, one of the city's only Scottish pubs. Sample the magnificent selection of around 100 selections of single malt scotch and whiskey. Don't miss all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips on Wednesday and Friday nights. If hops are more on your mind instead of the rye, visit Goose Island Brewpub, owned and operated by Greg Hall. Known for their growing selection of micro brews (up to 50 on a given day), including their popular "Honker's Ale" and "Naughty Goose," as well as some more hard-to-find ales, like their "Bourbon Stout," this is a Chicago beer institution.


Kitty O'Shea's

The epitome of a real Chicago-Irish pub, Kitty O'Shea's works its magic by sticking to what has made it one of the city's most popular Irish hangouts: authenticity. Located inside the Chicago Hilton and Towers, it exudes Irish-ness, from the employees to the Chicago Irish-themed memorabilia on display (including a collection of shillelaghs) and the Irish-American newspapers you'll see unfolded on a table here, next to their famous "Shepherd's Pie." Live football (that's soccer, for you non Brits) is the name of the game at The Globe Pub, to the point where a 6 a.m. opening is not unheard of when the right games are on the telly (or, in this case, on at least 10 Plasma TVs). More than 20 draught beers are served, as is British pub grub, including a traditional English breakfast. Along with the requisite dartboards all combine to make this a popular spot.


Grafton Pub & Grill

The food on the menu is Irish in nature, and the black-and-white photos on the walls here are also, but it's what's different about Grafton Pub & Grill that makes us include it here. The Irish-born owner, Malcolm Molloy, concentrated more on the classic feel of the place, and on taking an ancient concept and making it a modern one. Conversations play out easily either at the bar, or in the more lounge-like area in the back. The concept in play at Piece works whatever the age. This pizza joint/brewpub sits right in the middle of the eclectic Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. The pizza comes in either red, plain, or white, and award-winning, house-made beers are a real draw. Besides the high-end pizza, what people really love about this place is the live-band karaoke on Saturday nights. Situated just down from the ever-eclectic Six Corners area (a social mixing point at the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee avenues), it can get raucous in here, so if you just want the pizza, we recommend a quiet lunch here.

nearby places of interest

D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
345 E. Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Irish fare and drinks at this Streeterville pub.  

Elephant & Castle
160 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw. 

Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60601

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Finn McCool's
15 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60610

Downstairs is an Irish sports pub while the newly rennovated upstairs, called "The Loft," was turned into a dance club.   

Gilt Bar
230 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Gilt is a new neighborhood joint filled with antique touches. It's the perfect destination for a fun, casual evening close to Merchandise Mart.

Grace O'Malley's
1416 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

This South Loop restaurant and bar is named after the legendary Irish chieftain and pirate, and the decor features loads of dark wood with touches of Ireland. The menu offers choices like fish and chips, shepherd's pie and Irish blue cheese-crusted pork loin, plus lighter fare like burgers, salads and sandwiches.

Hopleaf
5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640

This gastropub has a huge selection of ales from around the world and a European-style menu.

Kitty O'Shea's
720 S. Michigan Ave , Chicago, IL 60605

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths. 

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Wicker Park nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare with creative twists, as well as an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

The Beer Garden at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

The Beer Garden at Chicago's Navy Pier offers visitors a unique combination: a massive collection of the city's finest brews and the unbeatable environment and views of Navy Pier.  

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.  

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Irish pub fare dominates this recently-renovated space named after Saint Brendan. Mahogany, leather boothes and granite countertops whimsically blend old and new Ireland.

Drinks Over Dearborn
650 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654

This boutique beer, wine and spirits shop carries an inventory carefully selected by Kyle McHugh, a food and wine professional with years of experience in the restaurant and nightlife industries. Not just a shop, Drinks Over Dearborn will also offer a wide range of special events and tastings, including the "Rare & Luxurious Room." Sounds fun.

Casey Moran's
3660 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613

This top Wrigleyville-area sports bar is a no-brainer to visit if you're visiting the home of the Chicago Cubs, but is a year-round home to sports fanatics and just fans, too.  

Chi Bar
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar boasts innovative cocktails, shareabledelights, and sleek ambiance.

D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
345 E. Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Irish fare and drinks at this Streeterville pub.  

English
444 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610

From the Eat Well, Drink Better group, comes a new gastropub known as English. Located in the beautiful River North area, English serves good food and offers a wide variety of liquor choices as well as the favored beers and ales.  

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Finn McCool's
15 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60610

Downstairs is an Irish sports pub while the newly rennovated upstairs, called "The Loft," was turned into a dance club.   

Fizz Bar & Grill
3220 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Enjoy any of the multiple Chicago nightlife scenes available at this popular North Side bar. The basics are all in place here and it's good for a solo night at the bar or any kind of group event you can dream up  

Flat Iron
1565 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Located in the Flat Iron Arts Building in Wicker Park, this late night tavern offers a full bar, three pool tables and a jukebox for a low key feel. To add some flair, local artists have covered the walls with urban artwork and funky graffiti-style murals. 

Gilt Bar
230 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Gilt is a new neighborhood joint filled with antique touches. It's the perfect destination for a fun, casual evening close to Merchandise Mart.

Kitty O'Shea's
720 S. Michigan Ave , Chicago, IL 60605

Lizzie McNeill's
400 N. McClurg Ct., Chicago, IL 60611

This heaven-to-many Irish bar sits deep in Streeterville on a quiet corner just across the street from the Chicago River. If you want a pint and a party, you'll likely find it from the sometimes raucous, sometimes not so, crowd here.

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.  

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths. 

Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>

Redmoon
70 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60605

A sophisticated suburban Chicago night spot with guest DJs weekly, Redmoon delivers with a wide-ranging martini menu and other club features like the huge projection screens showing all kinds of footage.

Rednofive
440 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622

Dance club with funky atmosphere, intriguing lighting, and an upper VIP level that has been relevant for years now with constantly changing music line-ups and promotions.

Religion
720 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

This reinvented Chicago club is now Religion and was part of Club 720, a top Latin dance spot. The new space rocks more of a DJ-induced sound, dancing and a cosmopolitan club experience without the pretensions.  

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

This popular gay and lesbian spot includes six bars and a large dance floor en route to one of the wilder nightlife experiences in all of Chicago.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Wicker Park nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare with creative twists, as well as an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!

Schuba's Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Intimate setting and great sound blend for great live music shows and a casual environment are all represented at this North Side bar.

Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657

This spacious club is appreciated for its highly social front piano and great people-watching that goes along with its location along one of the busiest boulevards in Boys Town.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.  

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Irish pub fare dominates this recently-renovated space named after Saint Brendan. Mahogany, leather boothes and granite countertops whimsically blend old and new Ireland.

The Underground
54 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60610

The Underground is late-night dance spot offering a constantly changing line-up of talent from DJ's to Hip Hop performers and you never know what. It's one of the likeliest spots to catch a high-toned celebrity in Chicago (from David Beckham to classic acts like the Sugar Hill Gang).The decor here recalls a futuristic underground bunker complex-like feel except that the steady wave of beautiful people lends a more positive note to the ambience.