The best Irish pubs and restaurants in Chicago

What is it? An Irish pub located along the river in Streeterville.

Why we love it: Lizzie McNeill's might offer the best view of any pub in the city. Situated along the eastern end of the Chicago River, it's the perfect place to enjoy a Guinness over sweeping views of the skyline and Riverwalk.

Time Out tip: During the warmer months, head out to the patio. It's a hidden gem, shaded by trees and just steps away from the river.

Address: 400 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Daily 11am-1am

What is it? A beloved Irish restaurant in Avondale with one of the best patios in town.

Why we love it: Named for an Irish immigrant who served as the General Superintendent of Chicago's police force at the turn of the 20th century, this pub is known for its massive beer garden and an all-you-care-to-eat brunch buffet. You'll always find Irish draughts like Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp—and you may also encounter some live music performed by fiddlers and bagpipers. Our go-tos on the menu are the shepherd’s pie—packed with ground veal and sirloin and mashed potatoes—and the Guinness and cheddar soup. There’s almost always something going on, from music sessions to comedy, so the food and drinks aren’t the only reason to visit.

Time Out tip: The popular Sunday brunch is your best bet for trying all of Chief O’Neill’s offerings. Irish staples like corned beef hash, fish and chips, and Guinness and cheddar soup are on the menu alongside the standard array of egg dishes. There are even chocolate fountains!

Address: 3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4-11pm; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat noon-1am; Sun 10am-11pm

What is it? A family-owned Irish pub with an impressive food menu and whiskey list.

Why we love it: This Irish bistro serves dishes you’d find in modern-day Dublin, which means Guinness isn’t just on the epic beer list, but in the creamy mac and cheese as well. You’ll also find it in the beef stew, along with chunks of potatoes and carrots. Swing by for a pint and some live music throughout the week. The restaurant hosts live music performances most Fridays and opens early on weekends for soccer, rugby and Notre Dame games. 

Time Out tip: It’s not a traditional offering, but the ribs should not be overlooked. Slathered in an Irish whiskey barbecue sauce, it’s been voted the best ribs in town more than five times at Chicago Ribfest.

Address: 3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5-11pm; Fri 3pm-midnight; Sat 8am-midnight; Sun 10:30am-9pm

What is it? An upscale Irish bar in the heart of Andersonville. 

Why we love it: Andersonvillagers of all stripes are crazy for this Irish pub, which has the decor (and bookshelves) of a stately living room. Maybe it’s because of the wide variety of beers on tap, including Irish drafts and selections from local breweries like Maplewood, Revolution and Miskatonic, the large portions of chicken pot pie or fish and chips, or the extensive menu of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Or maybe it’s because everyone is secretly really, really into the works of Lady Gregory, the Irish dramatist and folklorist. Whatever preconceived notions you may have about Irish pubs go out the door the moment you set foot inside. In the summertime, the patio is a good place to people-watch the action on Clark Street.

Time Out tip: Whiskey connoisseurs have plenty to try, including Macallan Fine Oak 21 Year Single Malt Highland, Balvenie 30 Year Single Malt Speyside and Glen Ord 30 Year Single Malt Highland. 

Address: 5260 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Wed noon-10:30pm; Thu noon-11pm; Fri noon-11:30pm; Sat 11am-11:30pm; Sun 11am-10:30pm

What is it? An elevated gastropub on Michigan Avenue.

Why we love it: With its proximity to “The Bean” and Millennium Park, it would be easy to dismiss The Gage as just another tourist trap. But in actuality, it’s one of the best restaurants in the area. The whiskey list is lengthy, beer options reach beyond the basics, and wines are accompanied by clever, straightforward descriptions. The food is rich and aggressively flavorful, from the perfect-for-snacking Scotch egg to the venison burger, served dripping with grilled onions, roasted mushrooms, jalapenos and smoked gouda. 

Time Out tip: Despite its location, you generally won’t have too hard of a time getting a table here, which makes it ideal for last-minute dinners.

Address: 24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10am-11pm

What is it? Guinness’s massive, 15,000-square-foot taproom, restaurant, bakery and brewery in the West Loop.

Why we love it: For a new take on the Irish pub, stumble into Guinness Open Gate Brewery. The beloved Irish stout made waves when it opened its second U.S. brewing facility in Chicago in 2023. The upscale interior is a reimagining of the traditional pub experience, but the globally-inspired menu still boasts classic brews and comforting dishes like beef and Guinness stew, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. And stouts aren’t the only beers on tap; there are a variety of special Chicago-only offerings, such as the Kinzie Street Pale Ale and the Corn Maize Cream Ale made with corn from Illinois’s Iroquois County.

Time Out tip: Even if you don’t have the time for a sit-down experience, you can stop in to shop the wide selection of Guinness merch, plus cans of beer, for purchase.

Address: 901 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 9am-midnight; Sun 9am-11pm

What is it? An Avondale pub founded by a Chicago firefighter.

Why we love it: This bar is where we go when we’re hankering for a traditional Irish breakfast—a heaping plate of bangers, rashers, black pudding, baked beans, eggs and housemade brown bread. Pizza can be topped with bangers, rashers and black and white pudding if you want an Irish-style pie. Wolfhound isn't just a spot to visit when you're hungry, though; there are lots of Irish and local beers on offer as well as a short list of cocktails and wines. And if the weather’s nice, there's a good chance that the garage door at the front of the bar will be open.

Time Out tip: Weekday happy hour from 4-6pm is when you’ll find some great deals, including half-priced pizzas and glasses of wine on Tuesdays, and half-priced appetizers on Thursdays.

Address: 3188 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4-11:30pm; Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat 10:30am-midnight; Sun 10:30am-9pm

What is it? One of the oldest bars in Chicago, housed in a building that dates back to the 19th century.

Why we love it: Representing the first-in, last-to-leave motto of Bridgeport’s diehard Irish-American population, the Shinnick clan has been slinging beer in this space since the day Prohibition ended. Today, it’s run by the third generation of Shinnicks, and you’ll likely see them behind the bar. St. Pat’s Day and Sox games bring the crowds, but other times you’re likely to find a low-key gathering of locals or a fundraiser for a sick kid with hefty medical bills. 

Time Out tip: This is the quintessential Chicago dive bar experience: great people, no frills and no nonsense. Bring some bills because it’s cash only.

Address: 3758 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1pm-2am; Sat-Sun noon-2am

What is it? An Irish mainstay in the Beverly neighborhood since 1988.

Why we love it: Hang with the Guinness-loving crowds at this Far South Side institution, where Irish brogues are the norm and the staff is among the friendliest in town. The 300-person, fenced-in beer garden is a popular spot to gather and enjoy a cold pint during the warmer months—especially when the Sox are playing. Beer lovers will have plenty of options as there are more than 20 brews on tap alongside 40 varieties in cans and bottles. 

Time Out tip: If you’re headed to a Sox game, Cork and Kerry also has a second outpost closer to the stadium on Princeton Avenue. Unlike the original location, Cork and Kerry at the Park serves food, making it a good place to hole up before or after a game.

Address: 10614 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-2am; Sat 2pm-3am; Sun noon-2am

What is it? An Irish hangout tucked away on a quiet corner in Ravenswood.

Why we love it: Step inside this Ravenswood haunt and you'll see a custom-built wood bar that evokes an authentic Irish pub feel. The space sports a deep red exterior, exposed brick, warm lighting, an open door and a friendly staff, so sit down in a comfy booth and have some curry chips with your beer. Fish and chips, Guinness beef stew and Shepherd’s pie are all standouts. The staff knows how to properly pour a pint of stout, and if you're craving a traditional Irish breakfast, swing by for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, when you'll enjoy rashers, corned beef hash, black pudding, boxty and more.

Time Out tip: O’Shaughnessy’s is located just a few blocks away from the Ravenswood Metra station and the Damen Brown Line stop, so leave the car at home and take the train for a convenient and safe night out.

Address: 4557 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am; Fri 11am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-1am

What is it? A three-story Irish bar in River North.

Why we love it: Yes, Fadó is part of a national chain, but that’s never stopped us from having a good time here. While you shouldn’t expect the most authentic Irish experience at this River North mainstay, it’s a solid spot for a “black velveteen”—a smooth and sweet blend of Guinness and cider—after work or St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans. The food won’t exactly transport you to the Emerald Isle, but it does the job; the Irish breakfast, lamb sliders and chicken boxty quesadilla are all solid choices. 

Time Out tip: Rugby and soccer fans also gather to cheer on their favorite teams. To handle the crowds, the large space spans three floors. On the top level, you’ll find a century-old wooden bar that came straight from the motherland.

Address: 100 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-midnight; Thu 11:30am-midnight; Fri, Sat 11:30am-1:30am; Sun 10am-4pm

What is it? A little piece of Ireland in River North.

Why we love it: Looking for something a little fancier than your typical, wood-paneled neighborhood haunt? This Irish gastropub does away with the plastic cups and tacky shamrock garlands—it's an upscale bar that just happens to serve Shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and an all-day Irish breakfast. Though the Kerryman was opened in 2005, the restaurant’s building dates back to the days when it was a gangster hangout known as McGovern Saloon. Today, it’s a welcome escape from the tourist traps of the area. You can sit down indoors for a pint, but if the sun is shining, you should definitely inquire about a spot on the Kerryman's beautiful sidewalk patio.

Time Out tip: It’s always a lively time at the Kerryman, especially upstairs on the second floor. Come on Thursday and Sunday evenings to catch live Irish music performances. 

Address: 661 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-2am; Fri 11am-2am; Sat 11am-3am; Sun 11am-2am