12 Best Irish Pubs to Grab a Guinness & Pub Food in Downtown Chicago

While the atmosphere of the public house has been imitated in infinite permutations in the U.S. and around the world, the feel of a true Irish pub is difficult to duplicate. Many of the best Irish pubs are run by those who hail directly from the Emerald Isle, and successfully capture the welcoming ambience of a spot where friends and neighbors gather to drink and have fun. If you’re looking to enjoy the warm glow of such a spot, we have created a list of 12 popular Irish pubs in Chicago to visit.

Irish Pubs in Chicago
Photo Credit: Lady Gregory’s Facebook

Lady Gregory’s

5260 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60640

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This Andersonville pub offers a wide selection of cocktails, a long beer list, and both traditional and contemporary variations on the well-loved fare of a good Irish pub.

Photo Credit: Shinnick’s Pub

Shinnick’s Pub

3758 S Union Ave, Chicago IL 60609

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Bridgeport-based Shinnick’s Pub has been family-owned for the better part of a century, and is apparently “the place to be before and after Sox games.” If you’re looking for a friendly, Irish Pub in Chicago with great food and beer, this may be the place you’re looking for.

Irish Pubs in Chicago
Photo Credit: Fado’s Irish Pub

Fadó Irish Pub

100 W Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60654

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Established in the 90s by a group of Dubliners who came to the U.S., Fadó provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer-lovers. This Irish pub in Downtown Chicago is a popular place to watch international sports and eat pub food.

Photo Credit: O’Shaugnessy’s

O’Shaughnessy’s

4557 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago IL 60640

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This is a great bar-on-the-corner in Ravenswood, offering a mix of Irish and American dishes, as well as a great selection of whiskeys and beers from all over the world.

Read More: Top 6 German Restaurants to Visit in Chicago

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Irish Pubs in Chicago
Photo Credit: Galway Arms

The Galway Arms

2442 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60614

If you’re looking for the best Irish pubs in Chicago with a large draft list, The Galway Arms has a welcoming and easy-going atmosphere while offering an impressive list of food. This restaurant exceeds the expectations of usual pub fare and offers a fully-stacked beer list.

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Photo Credit: Chief O’Neill’s Bar & Restaurant

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago IL 60618

For a true Irish experience, it’s hard to go wrong with anything off of the “Emerald Isle Favorites” section of Chief O’Neill’s menu. Wash down your Dublin Broil with a Guinness and you might as well be across the ocean.

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Photo Credit: Celtic Crown Public House

Celtic Crown Public House

4301 N Western Ave, Chicago IL 60618

As the self-proclaimed “home of the Michigan Wolverines,” Celtic Crown sits on the sportier end of the pub spectrum. The Crown does nod towards its Irish roots with the essential Celtic Reuben, as well as a vast beer menu.

Irish Pubs in Chicago
Photo Credit: The Grafton

The Grafton Pub and Grill

4530 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60625

Nestled in Lincoln Square and named for a street in Dublin, The Grafton is an Irish pub that offers classics like the Irish Breakfast and Shepherd’s Pie, both of which could go nicely with any of Grafton’s 25-plus Irish whiskey options.

Photo Credit: Mrs Murphy’s

Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro

3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60613

Opened in 2005 in the North Center neighborhood, Mrs. Murphy’s prides itself on “scratch made Irish pub favorites,” as well as an extensive selection of Irish whiskey.

Photo Credit: The Kerryman

The Kerryman

661 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60654

Having lived past lives as a saloon frequented by gangsters and as a punk club, 661 North Clark Street is now home to The Kerryman: an Irish pub and purveyor of tasty Irish lunch and dinner entrees (not to mention amazing brunch options).

Photo Credit: The Curragh

The Curragh

6705 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago IL 60631

Venture to northwestern Edison Park for a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with 30 beer taps and a food menu that offers traditional Irish food alongside more “American” favorites. “After one sip” of the Guinness pour at The Curragh, “you’ll swear you’re seated inside the St. James Brewery in Dublin.”


Photo Credit: Owen & Engine Facebook

View the Best English Pubs in Chicago

Lookin’ for an English pint instead? View our list of the best English pubs in the city.

View the Best English Pubs Chicago


Irish Pubs in Chicago
Photo Credit: The Irish Oak

The Irish Oak

3511 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60657

When a pint of Guinness is listed under Appetizers on a food menu, it’s a good bet that you’ve come to the right Irish pub in Downtown Chicago. Throw in some Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls for the table and a Shepherd’s Pie to follow and you’ve got yourself a tasty Irish feast at The Irish Oak.

 

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Featured Image Credit: The Kerryman

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