It’s no secret Chicago is home to a huge Irish population, whether residents are fifth generation descendants or new to the country, right down to our own mayor. So, it’s only fitting we host one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parades anywhere in the world, along with a second one specifically geared towards those who live on da South Side! On top of that, we have a plethora of Irish pubs and restaurants to choose from and even a highly regarded Heritage Center! So even if you don’t have an ounce of green blood in your system, there’s no reason to not go a little green and take part in one of the city’s largest celebrations!
9th Annual Chicago Irish Film Festival - February 29th – March 5th: Kick off the festivities by checking out some great films new and old down in Beverly! Whatever your taste in cinema, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy!
South Side Irish Parade - March 9th: This is how real people party, as the South Siders know they got it going on! Since many Chicago Irish are Catholic, it’s being held a week earlier than usual so the parade doesn’t clash with Palm Sunday. And hey, this way, you Heathens get over a week to party!
The Abbey Pub: Anyone will tell you, if you’re going to pull an Irish pub crawl, this place is a must have on da list! On the 17th, they have a huge party in store for you! St Patrick's Day Bash featuring Sand Carvers, Larry Nugent, Dave Dunne, Danny Bur- , Irish Dancers, Bag Pipers & more! Chicago's best St Patrick's Day Bash for over 25 years. Great music, dance and Irish fun. Traditional Irish food will be served. $10.00
Horan’s Snug: This charming little pub just outside the western city boundary serves up great food and karaoke on Saturday nights! Good brew selection as well!
Irish American Heritage Center: If you want a pint of the dark stuff and you want true Gaelic to go with it, then check this place out! They start partying on the 14th and head straight into Paddy’s Day itself! The 5th Province Pub’s inside the building and is open on the weekends; its authentic theme will really make you feel right at home!
After the barkeep has flipped on the lights and you have polished off that last beer, many night owls need to find that special all night diner that serves up more than a bad cup of coffee and silver dollar pancakes. Fortunately for us, we Chicagoans have quite a few options available to us that have nothing to do with the “International” chains. Here’s my picks!
Hollywood Grill: Located within walking distance of the Wicker Park / Bucktown scene, this retro diner is where just about everyone goes. Stick with the eggs, get some decent coffee and chill for an hour while you people watch! And be sure to tip the wait staff well, because boy howdy do they earn it!
White Palace Grill: Yes, there’s a lock on the front door, but “Why?” begs to be asked – they never close! Almost everything here is home made, and it shows! Try the veal parm or the Greek chicken – you’ll be really impressed!
Huck Finn Donuts and Snack Shop: Just what praytell is all that “Nom Nom Nom”-ing all about? The food is decent but nothing too special, the coffee is surprisingly good but nothing fancy, so what is it? Why, the fresh donuts, of course! You’ll never look at other donut shops the same way again! (Boston creammmmmmm!) Just be sure to hit the one on Archer, because that’s where all the cool kids are at!
Golden Nugget Pancake House: If you’ve spent more than a week in Chicago, you have probably found yourself at one of these seven locations. Golden Nugget is an institution around these parts and have probably employed half of all diner waitresses over the last forty years. The decor is awful tacky, but the pancakes are incredibly good and the prices can’t be beat. Oh – and be sure to go either the one in Ravenswood or the one in Irving Park; they’re the best overall.
Golden Apple Restaurant: They changed the Nugget to an Angel, and they improved on the speed. That’s really the major difference here. Well, that and their biscuits and gravy are pretty good. Just good, plain ole greasy drunk food, located in a good spot. If it’s before 11pm or after 5pm, go to Sam and George’s across the street instead!
So go ahead and check a few of these out. Your waistline won’t be too happy about it, but who cares – it’s good!
In the former location of a Lakeview hardware store, the Wilde Bar opened in November 2007. Featuring two full bars, authentic Irish food, and a beautiful interior, the bar would not disappoint Oscar Wilde. Were he alive today, the great gay Irish playwright would feel comfortable here eating a plate of bangers and mash, drinking whiskey in the back with a boyfriend or seated by the fireplace writing something witty.
Inside, the Wilde Bar is much longer and broader than the narrow storefront would lead you to expect. Amber and bronze chandeliers hang over the two long dark bars, the leather booths and two fireplaces with portraits of Oscar Wilde. Portraits of other Irish writers like William Butler Yeats and Samuel Beckett hang on the walls. Two stained glass windows in the ceiling show red dragonflies and Celtic knots. The décor reminds you of Wilde’s insights about aesthetics; even the tile and wood beam floor looks beautiful. Two plasma TVs silently show basketball and other sports, so you can keep up with the games and keep up a conversation at the same time. Like a pub in Ireland, the bar features some booths with walls on three sides, called “snugs”. At night you could drink privately here with a date.
The menu features old-fashioned Irish with staples like lamb, chicken pot pie, champ (mashed potatoes with milk, scallions and butter ($2.95) and the enormous savory Irish breakfast with bungers, bacon, grilled tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, two eggs, toast and black and white (sausage) puddings. Other menu items put an Irish spin on American food like the burgers with Irish chips and coleslaw or the chicken salad with Irish cheddar and bacon. Two soups are on the menu; one is always vegetarian. Desserts include a Guinness chocolate cake, sticky toffee pudding and lemon syllabub with wine sauce. For a brunch, dinner or dessert date, portions are generous and satisfying. My only complaint about the menu is that beer does not come cheap here; Guinness is $6 and Bud and Coors or $4. This would move me to skip directly to whiskey and other drinks.
Service was prompt and attentive here and the food was the best I’ve had since I visited Dublin. The Wilde Bar and Restaurant combines old-fashioned beauty with American comfort and great Irish food and drink. There are DJs here on weekends and private parties. I have nothing to declare but its genius.
Love, love, LOVE Buona Terra! I went here on a date for Valentine's Day a couple years back, and have happily made it one of my favorite local places! The food is good and very traditional, the atmosphere is relaxed, the wait staff are really on top of their game, the bar and wine choices are respectable, and hey - no sticker shock when you leave! And yes, bless them for having the smarts to space out the tables apart from the next guy while dining – I appreciate that! They even sett up more tables outside when it's warm out, al fresco dining in such a pretty neighborhood is a wonderful experience in and of itself.
What sets this place apart from many other Italian restaurants in the city is they do not put the bulk of their emphasis on pizza. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't even make any pies! The consistently busy buzz is pretty evident of how good this place is in every sense of the word, so making a reservation is a pretty smart idea. If you have never been here before, be sure to make your first visit on a Thursday for their prixe fixe. Thursday is an amazing deal - $20 for an appetizer, entree and a dessert! And yes, many of the specials are fair game!
One of the biggest winners here is veal stuffed ravioli in a brandy cream sauce, though the chicken alla provinciana is another winner. I don't care for the gnocci though; the sauce is good, but the Gnocchi itself is pretty blahzee. What usually wins me over is the bread service and appetizers – if they're good, then the rest of the night is usually set – and this place does not disappoint! They serve this incredible cheesy, garlicy bread that you really should ask seconds on, and the fried calamari is probably the only non greasy variety I have ever seen. And for you dessert lovers, try the Gelato or Tiramisu... simply divine!
If I must make a point of contention is the parking around here is a bit tight, but you will probably find something within a couple blocks, so hit the side streets. Also, be prepared to be waiting by the door for an hour anytime after 7pm if you didn't make reservations, because this place does get busy. Even so, you might be able to score a spot at the bar.
Dude! Oh my Gawd this place is fuggin AWESOME! Horns way up! Not only do they mix a mean drink and serve up a nice selection of brews, but the music is pumping, the tattooed waitresses are hot and cool as hell, there’s an outdoor patio and Wow! they make some really incredible pretzel bun burgers and sandwiches named after some of my all time favorite bands! And whoa! Jack on tap? What a marvelous concept!
What’s cool about this place is that it feels so much like when I go out to a metal fest, minus the bands and vendors, of course. The majority of the patrons are guys, so those of the rockin female persuasion are that much more welcome. And tattoo flash used as wall paper in the blessedly clean bathrooms is pretty cool as well! The music is obviously Metal, going from one extreme to the other, and kept at that perfect volume, where you want to jam out and talk to the buds you came with at the same time without losing your voice.
Lots of Belgian brews are to be had here, so you beer connoisseurs can rest assured you won’t have to gulp down swill while chowing down. And yep, plenty of the hard stuff to keep the rest of yas happy, too! But it’s the food most people come for, and Kuma’s certainly does not disappoint! Why oh why are pretzel buns not the standard for burgers, because they really should be! And for folks who fear burger and bar joints are just greasy dives can relax, because just about every sandwich can be ordered up veg, many of which feature plenty of healthy toppings!
Now besides the sandwiches, those fries they make deserve some serious praise all on their own. If you have never had fresh cut fries, then you are really missing out - perfect in every sense of the word. And why on Earth is macaroni and cheese never this good when I make it? That blue box in the pantry is just simply awful in comparison! The calamari they serve is pretty good too, with a garnish of deep fried basil no one should live without trying.
Kuma’s has been getting a lot of praise lately from mainstream reviewers, so needless to say, this place gets really busy on the weekends, even in the summer when the patio is open. Even so, that 1½ to 2 hour table wait on the weekends is definitely worth it, and I admit to being a pretty impatient lady! And thankfully, street parking isn’t a pain! I just hope these guys can expand for more tables and hopefully able to start having bands play here!
No bull, just beef! At least that’s what their slogan should be! Of all the places in the city to get a beef sammich, Johnnie’s out in Elmwood Park is the place to go. The line is almost always out the door, but since people know what they want, it moves pretty fast. And people who actually take a second to read the menu will be visually smacked down by the guy behind the register! Let’s face it, the only things you should be ordering here are the beefs, the sausages, the beef / sausage combos, the fries (if you have room!) and the lemonade. If you want anything else, you should really go to that particular chain the novices rave about.
While Chicago is pretty much the only place in the world to get such a beast of a feast, there are plenty of places to go. However, just like our dogs and pizzas, there are really only a couple of joints that have perfected the art of making such a well crafted meal on a bun. Johnnie’s is so worth the drive to the border burb, though the folks who care about your health may bat a few eyelashes if you do so!
The meat itself is perfectly seasoned and literally shredding apart, the bread is gluey and thick and the peppers are definitely something to write home about. The sausages are just as perfect, unlike anything you could make yourself, and yes, they even got the au jus right! That, and the ratio to food vs. price is pretty on par. Plus, there is just something a little special about picking up greasy food from a place that really doesn’t care about setting a trend. They just are.
Folks in the know honker down for this feast on a bun, with both elbows firmly placed on the counter, so that the bread falling apart will make it to your mouth in time. This especially applies to the “soaked” orders, where the au jus almost completely replaces the bread! Now everyone around town has their preference as to how to order a beef sammich, but most want it wet, sloppy and very low brow, sided with extra napkins and wearing a shirt and jeans you don’t care much about staining. Of course, there’s the other argument on the whole sweet vs. hot peppers deal and the one about whether or not to make it a combo, but let‘s just leave that out of the equation for now.
Now here is a place that, yes, is in massive need of a rehab, because The Congress sure does look like it's ready to fall apart at any second when the lights are on. But when the lights are down and people are hopping, the flaws are hidden and its old school charm really shines through.
There are quite a few other pluses worthy of mention that cancels out the negatives and makes this place great to catch a show and shake your money maker! The high domed ceiling is a true piece of art which provides great sound when the place is full. The floor below is sloped at just the right degree, making any place you stand or dance not only comfortable but also a great spot to see the raised stage. The mezzanine theatre seating upstairs is first come, first served, so early arrivals who aren't there to mosh or dance can enjoy the show in comfort and provides a spectacular view of everyone below. And the bathrooms may not be the most tidy but the lines even to the women's rooms aren't all that bad.
Now while catching a cab on this stretch of Milwaukee is still a rarity, The Congress has really stepped up on the parking issue by utilizing the big lot down the street at the CVS, and it's only a few blocks away from the all night Blue Line, which is a couple short stops away from the happening Wicker Park scene. Also, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, El Cid, is right down the street, which provides free parking at that same CVS lot, so crafty show goers could go there first for great food and margaritas!
Now since the place is so much bigger than even the mighty Metro, big name bands have been venturing over to this venue instead of even the House of Blues downtown. That is really a blessing, because people who want to park on the street can do so within a few blocks. With any luck, the bigger shows will put some money into that rehab coffer and help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Also, while beer may be on the pricey side here, the last time I was there, the guys were coming back from the bathroom with beer in hand, due to witty vendors selling two by two to guys waiting in the urinal lines. Now if that doesn't add to the convenience, than the cheap coat check available certainly does!
Hands down, one of the most popular venues in the city is The Metro, and it's actually a terrific launch pad for some of the best up and coming acts for touring musicians. And, whether you want to mosh down in the pit or chill upstairs at one of the cocktail tables or bars, every single spot at the Metro is the spot to see and be seen. If you have one iota of doubt about catching a show here, just drop it! Get your tickets now before your favorite band ends up playing the Allstate next summer! And I really mean get those tickets right away, because this place sells out A LOT!
Just about every genre finds its way to the wonderful stage, be it indie, world, hip hop, rock, metal or whatever. One day, 14 year old punk kids can be lining up around the corner, and the next day can be a casual crowd of 40 something’s. Since the place is set up in mezzanine levels with standing only space at the bottom, there are quite a few good spots to catch the bands, with great sounds traveling throughout. Shows actually start on time around here, so you should be, too. Dress as lightly as possible, as things can get rather hot and sticky inside, even in early February.
The bad stuff: Be very aware the rentacops there are nowhere near cool, so do not, under any circumstances, give them a reason to mess with you. The regular staff, however, are pretty cool people and have a habit of breaking their own rules for people who give them a show of respect. Also, drink before you get there, because with Schlitz going at $3, you just know everything else is a little too pricey. Don't even bother getting a tap, because those lines haven't been cleaned in years! If a Cubs game is playing across the street, note that finding parking will be a nightmare. And yes finally, there is no smoking and no in and out: once you're in, you're in for the night, so chew some gum, you nic-fitters! But hey – you're there to see an awesome show, right? Then see the show and forget about the hassles!
The scene in Lincoln Park is primarily known for one thing: pricey sports bars packed with reverting Frat boys and Trixies. However, there is one place where the kids from that one particular school lunch table (you know, that one, way in the back!) congregate and shake their money makers: that place is the Neo.
Whether you’re into the Goth, Punk, Metal or 80s New Wave scene, the DJs here spin it all! There might even be a few 80s pop songs thrown in for good measure. The entire place is decked out in black, the blackest black, the lights are hitting all the right places, the fog machine has that definitive haunted house smell, the floor is open to everyone and the gin and tonics will knock you on your keister! What more could anyone want?
What makes this place truly a cool place to go is that you can dance like a complete idiot without a care in the world, as the regulars there really aren’t taking notes. Really! There are no attitudes at his place, because real underground scenes like this simply won’t put up with it. The other thing that’s great is most people who hit this spot go there spontaneously off the cuff, so pretty much everyone there is looking to get something going, which also kicks a lot of the pretension out the door. Also, that customary meat market mentality is also lacking, so ladies can go there without worrying about some slime ball “accidentally” bumping them over and over.
So if you’re looking to party and go dancing with your friends in what is probably the absolute coolest bar in Chicago, here is what you need to do:
Dress the way you really want to - be it denim, leather, pleather or lace
Dress as lightly as possible or bring your guard dog buddy, since there’s no coat check
Bring cash
Take the train or cab, as parking really sucks
Find your way back into the alley on Clark and go inside
Lordy, Lordy, look at all those brews on the chalk board! They're currently standing at 267 varieties to choose from, hailing from all parts of the world, and maybe even other galaxies! What is this, a geography lesson? Drafts change regularly, featuring stuff most people probably never heard of but fun to try out. Hey: with a name like that, they had BETTER have enough to drink!
Quencher's is a local hot spot for hipsters, locals and even lap tops that features great local acts almost every night of the week, with free popcorn to make folks even more thirsty. They even have a photo booth to capture that sweet, sweet drunken lapse of reasoning! And with the band area spaced out far enough away from the front, folks who want to just hang out and shoot the breeze can do so without blowing out their buddy's ear drum in the process.
Located smack dab on the corner of Fullerton and Western and away from most of the other scene sites, Quencher's plays hosts to some of the most eclectic crowds in town who go out of their way to get there, and hey, they serve up some darn good eatin' pub grub food as well. (Tater tots just plain rock!) Daylight hours tend to be on the mellow side, where the back room takes on a flair more like a coffee house than a bar, but at night and especially on weekends, this place can get really hopping with crowds from all walks of life.
What makes this place cool is the fact that anyone is truly welcome, even people pushing 40 and who sometimes may beg to get carded. Bar flies shackled to the stools are more than welcome here, and yes, the bar keep actually know their regulars' names. Of course, ample youthage on a scene night out are also prevalent, along with all those beer snobs this place just may have been built for.
So hey, come on down and try out something that's hard to pronounce, check out a band and chill out with some new friends. Just remember to bring a small wad of cash, because the only card that's accepted here is a driver's license.
It’s no secret Chicago is home to a huge Irish population, whether residents are fifth generation descendants or new to the country, right down to our own mayor. So, it’s only fitting we host one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parades anywhere in the world, along with a second one specifically geared towards those who live on da South Side! On top of that, we have a plethora of Irish pubs and restaurants to choose from and even a highly regarded Heritage Center! So even if you don’t have an ounce of green blood in your system, there’s no reason to not go a little green and take part in one of the city’s largest celebrations!
After the barkeep has flipped on the lights and you have polished off that last beer, many night owls need to find that special all night diner that serves up more than a bad cup of coffee and silver dollar pancakes. Fortunately for us, we Chicagoans have quite a few options available to us that have nothing to do with the “International” chains. Here’s my picks!
In the former location of a Lakeview hardware store, the 
Love, love, LOVE 
Dude! Oh my Gawd this place is fuggin AWESOME! Horns way up! Not only do they mix a mean drink and serve up a nice selection of brews, but the music is pumping, the tattooed waitresses are hot and cool as hell, there’s an outdoor patio and Wow! they make some really incredible pretzel bun burgers and sandwiches named after some of my all time favorite bands! And whoa! Jack on tap? What a marvelous concept!
No bull, just beef! At least that’s what their slogan should be! Of all the places in the city to get a beef sammich, Johnnie’s out in Elmwood Park is the place to go. The line is almost always out the door, but since people know what they want, it moves pretty fast. And people who actually take a second to read the menu will be visually smacked down by the guy behind the register! Let’s face it, the only things you should be ordering here are the beefs, the sausages, the beef / sausage combos, the fries (if you have room!) and the lemonade. If you want anything else, you should really go to that particular chain the novices rave about.
Now here is a place that, yes, is in massive need of a rehab, because The Congress sure does look like it's ready to fall apart at any second when the lights are on. But when the lights are down and people are hopping, the flaws are hidden and its old school charm really shines through. 
Hands down, one of the most popular venues in the city is The Metro, and it's actually a terrific launch pad for some of the best up and coming acts for touring musicians. And, whether you want to mosh down in the pit or chill upstairs at one of the cocktail tables or bars, every single spot at the Metro is the spot to see and be seen. If you have one iota of doubt about catching a show here, just drop it! Get your tickets now before your favorite band ends up playing the Allstate next summer! And I really mean get those tickets right away, because this place sells out A LOT!
The scene in Lincoln Park is primarily known for one thing: pricey sports bars packed with reverting Frat boys and Trixies. However, there is one place where the kids from that one particular school lunch table (you know, that one, way in the back!) congregate and shake their money makers: that place is the Neo.
Lordy, Lordy, look at all those brews on the chalk board! They're currently standing at 267 varieties to choose from, hailing from all parts of the world, and maybe even other galaxies! What is this, a geography lesson? Drafts change regularly, featuring stuff most people probably never heard of but fun to try out. Hey: with a name like that, they had BETTER have enough to drink!