When it comes to the best bars in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day, options abound to keep your glass from ever being empty! From cozy, authentic Irish pubs to mainstream venues accommodating the festive masses, there’s a hot spot for every thirsty human looking to sip on a Guinness, whiskey, cider or classic green beer.
Maybe you’re not usually much of a bar-hopper when it comes to Chicago nightlife. Or maybe you just haven’t already indulged in a Windy City tour featuring Chicago’s best bars, famed neighborhoods, swankiest beverages, and most riveting history (can you say “Prohibition”?) to know exactly what’s around.
No matter your reason for wondering where to enjoy drinks in Chitown, rest assured we’re got some gold (of the liquid carb variety) waiting for you! Because what follows should be on every 21+’s list of things to do in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.
So raise a glass, cheers amongst friends, and let your inner Irish lad or lass run a wee bit wild for the day!
Wet your lucky whistle at one o’ these top
bars in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day!
1. Emmit’s Irish Pub
Previously O’Sullivan’s Tavern and sporting a rambunctious history going back to the days of the Prohibition and notorious gangsters, it seems this watering hole has a knack for letting wild times ensue. Having been featured in TV and films over the years, it’s time to experience the rowdy good fun that happens within the walls of this renowned Chicago bar for yourself! (River West: 495 N Milwaukee Avenue – Chicago, IL 60654)
2. Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
With all three owners and the head chef hailing from the motherland of Ireland herself, this lively establishment sports an upscale authentic menu. The cozy interior is the perfect atmosphere for enjoying some traditional Irish “craic” (aka fun and amusement), easily making it one of the best bars in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day. (River North: 661 N Clark Street – Chicago, IL 60654)
3. Fado’s Irish Pub
It may have several locations throughout the US, but this is one of the most sought-after destinations for March 17th in each city it stands! If the name’s not enough to sell you (though it should be—can it sound more Irish?), the festive scene, décor and genuine pub culture sure will! (River North: 100 W Grand Avenue – Chicago, IL 60654)
4. O’Callaghan’s
Irish pride shines so brightly at this fun establishment that you’ll want to do jigs all day long! With a sturdy brick interior and beautiful wood furnishings, a few sips of refreshing beers or stiff whiskey will have you feeling like you’ve teleported over to The Emerald Isle itself. No wonder it’s one of the top Chicago bars for St. Paddy’s Day! (River North: 29 W Hubbard Street – Chicago, IL 60654)
5. Henry’s
This treasure trove of beverages may not be an “authentic Irish pub” like most the other bars in Chicago on this list… but it sure is a crowd-pleaser when the Windy City goes green with Irish enthusiasm. A vast menu of drinks offers something for everyone, with plenty of specials to boot on St. Patrick’s big day! The venue also comes with ample space to mix and mingle with all of the day’s party-goers! And as a hot spot for Chicago nightlife, the celebrating can go well into the wee hours. (River North: 18 W Hubbard Street – Chicago, IL 60654)
6. Hard Rock Café
Green beer for a great cause? Yes, please! Get in on the 9th annual Get ShamROCKED event! From 10AM – 8PM enjoy bagpipe performances, Irish fare, festive flair, endless green beer, and much more. The event has no cover to attend, though a $5 donation is appreciated on Saturday, March 11 to benefit Misericordia, a Chicago-based nonprofit that supports adults and children with developmental disabilities. (River North: 63 West Ontario – Chicago, IL 60654)
7. Paddy Long’s Beer and Bacon Pub
This place is just what you think. And what more could you ask for on St. Patrick’s Day than beer and bacon?! Serving up either the ultimate hangover prevention or cure, enjoy a variety of bacon-infused Irish dishes from their menu—including a “Wakin’ Bacon” menu on Saturday/Sunday, hands-down making it one of the best bars in Chicago for brunch. (Lincoln Park: 1028 W Diversey Parkway – Chicago, IL 60614)
8. The Galway Arms
Good Irish eats and great company—what more could you ask for? These digs are authentic right down to most of the bartenders and wait staff, who are right out of Ireland themselves! So you best believe it’s bound to be one of the best places to go in Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day. (Lincoln Park: 2442 N Clark Street- Chicago, IL 60614)
9. The Irish Oak
This swanky hot spot sports a bar that was actually designed and built in Ireland. So it screams originality. Not to mention, it’s another watering hole with a wait staff with true Irish roots, who have ventured over this way to enjoy some fine Chitown livin’ for themselves! (Wrigleyville: 3511 N Clark Street – Chicago, IL 60657)
10. The Grafton Pub & Grill
Not only does this pub showcase weekly “Irish Sessions” on Sunday evenings, but its huge selection of whiskey will make you want to do a jig! And from traditional Irish breakfasts to comforting Guinness stews, it’s one of the best bars in Chicago for making the most of your St. Paddy’s Day! (Lincoln Square: 4530 N Lincoln Avenue – Chicago, IL 60625)
11. The Atlantic Bar
If a place serves copious amounts of shepherd’s pie, not to mention all-you-can-eat fish and chips nights for a measly $11, you know that said location is bound to throw one HECK of a shindig to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago! Enough said. (Lincoln Square: 5062 N Lincoln Avenue – Chicago, IL 60625)
12. Lottie’s Pub
Looking to rise ‘n’ shine in a Chicago bar for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, plus dodge fighting the river-dyeing or parade crowds? Then this spot is for you! A mere $30 gets you a St. Paddy’s Day Brunch on March 11. Enjoy unlimited fixings from 9AM – 1PM, or until you simply can’t hold your fork anymore: eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, potatoes, chicken tenders, mimosas, and green beer galore! (Bucktown/Wicker Park: 1925 W Cortland Street – Chicago, IL 60622)
13. Green Door Tavern
When green is the theme for a day of painting the Chitown, stopping here is clearly a must. Both locals and visitors alike will appreciate the venue’s vibrant, cheerful atmosphere as it roars to life, becoming one of the best St. Patrick’s Day bars in Chicago, making for an experience unlike any other. As a bonus, swing by The Drifter—a speakeasy hidden within the walls of this coveted Chicago bar! (West Loop: 678 N Orleans Street – Chicago, IL 60654)
14. O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
This watering hole, open since 2008, offers patrons a gorgeous atmosphere. From the stunning stained glass décor, to hearty food and refreshing ways to wet the ol’ whistle… The venue’s comfortable, Irish-clad surroundings make it easy to see why this is a “must” when it comes to places to go in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day! (Ravenswood: 4557 N Ravenswood Avenue – Chicago, IL 60640)
15. Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Looking for more bars in Chicago that give you an excuse to indulge in adult beverages for a good cause? Look no further! This March 11th, get your day going with the 12th annual Tweed Thornton’s Breakfast! Proceeds benefit the Concern Worldwide organization (an Irish nonprofit), with $35 scoring you a full buffet and two drink tickets for your belly, alongside plenty of Irish music to your ears. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Chicago, as they unfold around you in this authentic location. (NorthCenter: 3905 North Lincoln – Chicago, IL 60613)
