Categories: Nightlife Nightlife
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.
Check out places of interest near After Dark: Pubs:
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.
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.
Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
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.
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.
D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
345 E. Ohio Street,
Chicago, IL 60611
Irish fare and drinks at this Streeterville pub.
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.
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.
Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
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.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
