The 18 best Irish pubs in Chicago

Named for an Irish immigrant who served as the General Superintendent of Chicago's police force at the turn of the 20th century, this Avondale bar is known for its massive patio and an all-you-care-to-eat Sunday 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.

Hang with the Beverly crowd at this Far South Side institution, where Irish brogues are the norm and the staff is among the friendliest in town. The fenced-in beer garden is a popular spot to gather and enjoy a beer during the warmer months—especially when the Chicago White Sox are playing. In fact, Cork & Kerry is so beloved by Sox fans that the bar opened a second location near Guaranteed Rate Field.

This Irish bistro serves food you’d find in modern-day Dublin, which means Guinness isn’t just on the epic beer list, but also in the creamy mac and cheese. 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. And if you're in need of some imported Irish snacks, Mrs. Murphy's also boasts a selection of groceries, allowing you to stock up on Taytos, Irish cheddar, Cadbury chocolate and more delicious treats.

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 and Old Irving. Maybe it’s because, with large portions of chicken pot pie or fish and chips, it’s a no-brainer to stick around for dinner. Maybe it's the extensive menu of gluten-free dishes. Or maybe it’s because everyone is secretly really, really into the works of Lady Gregory, the Irish dramatist and folklorist.

Like the handcrafted wooden bar at this friendly Far South Side pub? Owner Bernard Callaghan built it himself. He’s also most likely the guy you’ll see pouring whiskey, Guinness or Magners for the Sox fans who belly up to said bar for a drink and idle chat. Weekends get packed with generations of locals, but a genuine smile should get you let into the family in no time.

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. And if you're craving a proper Irish breakfast, swing by for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and you'll enjoy rashers, corned beef hash, black pudding and more.

Representing the first-in, last-to-leave motto of Bridgeport’s diehard Irish-American population, the Shinnick clan has been slinging beer in this building since the day Prohibition ended. 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. It's the kind of dive where you can sense the history of the place the moment you walk in the door. We'll drink to that!

Blending in seamlessly with the neighborhood, this Streeterville pub (named after the poshest zip code in Dublin) is a slightly more upscale affair. Don’t worry, there are still staples like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie on the menu, but the interior design is what really separates D4 from Chicago’s pack of Irish watering holes. The cavernous space sports elevated touches, such as chandeliers, a cozy library with a fireplace and tile-floored bar and dining areas, making it suitable for all occasions. Plus there’s a good selection of scotches, whiskeys and draft beers.

Founded by a Chicago firefighter, this small Avondale bar is best known for serving an Irish breakfast, complete with bangers, rashers, black pudding, baked beans, eggs and brown bread. If you're not feeling quite that ravenous, you can always opt for a burger or a pizza (which can be topped with Irish bacon or sausage). But Wolfhound isn't just a spot to visit when you're hungry—there's plenty of Irish and local beer on tap as well as a short list of cocktails to enjoy. And if you're around on a nice day, there's a good chance that the garage door at the front of the bar will be open.

In addition to its library and museum packed with historical acquisitions, the Irish American Heritage Center also houses a limited-hours pub, where you can have a drink and enjoy free live music. If you're hungry, there's a menu of beer-absorbing fare like po-tayto skins, Irish hot dogs or fish and chips. And even though there are plenty of places where you can order a pint of Harp throughout Chicago, you have the best chance of running into a visitor from the Emerald Isles if you decide to drink here.

Looking for something a little fancier than your typical, wood-paneled neighborhood haunt? This Irish gastropub does away with the plastic cubs and tacky shamrock garlands—it's an upscale bar that just happens to serve beef and Guinness pie as well as an all-day Irish breakfast. 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.

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. 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 Emerald Isle.

With a name like Paddy Mac's, you might expect a very Irish bar, but this Irving Park corner pub only serves corned beef on its reuben sandwich. Still, there's a drunken leprechaun on its menu, Guinness on tap and a Friday night all-you-can-eat fish fry—we'll give the owners credit for trying.

Best known for the sizable covered patio that provides great views of Clark Street, you'll find Guinness, Magners and Harp served in 20-ounce glasses at Galway Arms. It's best if you show up hungry, especially if you want to make your way through generous servings of chicken pot pie, corned beef and cabbage or a towering burger. Plus, this pub host live music multiple nights a week—just check the Galway Arms website to find the latest schedule of traditional Irish performers.

Make the journey just north of Lincoln Square to find this tucked-away Irish soccer pub, where you'll find Chicago Fire and Tottenham Hotspur supporters cheering on their teams. The bar opens extra early for Tottenham matches and stays open late, offering a few Irish beers and a decent shepherd's pie.

A Lakeview institution with pennies embedded in its bar, Harrigan's is best known for its raucous Thursday-to-Saturday-night karaoke sessions. Have a pint or a shot of whiskey before you take the mic—and don't feel obligated to sing anything by the Dropkick Murphys, the Cranberries or U2.

Massive holiday-themed inflatables are likely the first things that’ll greet you upon arriving at the Irish Nobleman. Look past the kitsch, though, to uncover a neighborhood favorite decked out in Irish flags and the requisite green stools. There’s plenty of beer on tap and the menu offers interesting items like reuben egg rolls and an Angry Leprechaun Mac and Cheese with ghost pepper cheese. When it’s warm out, hang out on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy a frozen treat from the ice cream bar.

River North is crowded with Irish pubs, but not all of them are open until 4am most nights. Grab a seat at the bar, order some jalapeno poppers to tide you over and drink your way through the surpisingly robust draft list.