Chicago's Best Bars For Green Beer

St. Patrick's Day is a celebration like no other in Chicago, with the city's substantial Irish population and one of the biggest citywide St. Patrick's Day celebrations anywhere. If you're looking to join in on the festivities and enjoy a pint of green beer, there are plenty of bars and restaurants offering specials and celebrations all March long. From authentic Irish pubs to rooftop parties, here are some of the best places to grab a green beer and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago.

Green beer in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a substantial Irish population and one of the biggest citywide St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Chicago is the perfect place to be on March 17.

If you're looking to get your fill of green beer this St. Patrick's Day, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in Chicago serving up this festive drink. Here are some places to check out:

Chief O'Neill's

Named the best Irish pub in Chicago and previously voted one of the top ten pubs in the world, Chief O'Neill's is a great choice for an authentic Irish pub experience. Located in Avondale, this pub offers a St. Patrick's Day festival with a buffet, proper pints, and a roster of all-Irish musicians. You can find them at 3471 N Elston Avenue.

Emerald Loop Bar & Grill

Conveniently located just a stone's throw from the Chicago River, Emerald Loop Bar & Grill is an ideal spot to soak in all things green. They kick off their celebrations early, so you can enjoy a full day of Irish food, green beer, and Guinness pints. Their address is 216 N Wabash Avenue.

Utopian Tailgate

For a unique St. Patrick's Day experience, head to Utopian Tailgate in Old Town. Here, you can compete in leprechaun-themed beer pong, bags, and flip cup while sipping on $5 green beer on their rooftop. They also offer drink specials like Irish Rose, Irish Goodbye, and Pot of Gold. Find them at 1608 N Wells Street.

Cork & Kerry

If you're in the mood for a more traditional Irish Pub, Cork & Kerry in Chicago's Bridgeport and Beverly neighbourhoods is the place to be. They offer an authentic Irish pub experience and are sure to be filled with St. Patrick's Day spirit. You can find them at 3258 S Princeton Avenue and 10614 S Western Avenue, respectively.

The Fifty/50 Sports Bar

For a more modern take on St. Patrick's Day, The Fifty/50 Sports Bar in Wicker Park offers a unique package that includes a welcome shot, a brunch item of your choice, and unlimited domestic bottles and green beer, all for $50 per person. This guaranteed seating option is perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds. Their address is 2047 W Division Street.

Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro

For another authentic Irish pub experience, Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro in the North Center neighbourhood is a great choice. They provide a lively venue filled with traditional food and live Irish music. You can find them at 3905 North Lincoln.

So, there you have it! Whether you're looking for a cosy pub, a rooftop party, or a sports bar, Chicago has plenty of options for enjoying green beer this St. Patrick's Day. Don your green attire and get ready to celebrate!

Authentic Irish pubs in Chicago

Chicago is home to a large Irish-American population and has several dozen Irish pubs to choose from.

For those seeking authenticity, Celtic Crossing is where most people from Ireland choose to drink. Chief O'Neill's is another popular choice, known as the heart of the Irish music/pub scene in Chicago. It is owned and run by two musicians, one Irish-born, so the sounds of live tunes are just as vital as the food and drinks. The Galway Arms is also recommended for its exceptional session musicians and excellent pub atmosphere.

Other authentic Irish pubs in Chicago include:

• Barney Callaghan's Pub, a Beverly staple known for its Guinness pours.
• Cork & Kerry, a South Side institution with locations in Bridgeport and Beverly.
• Porter Cullen's Irish Pub & Restaurant, founded in 2014 to serve the South Side Irish community.
• Shinnick's Pub, a Bridgeport staple since 1938, run by three generations of the Shinnick family.
• The Kerryman, one of the city's most popular Irish bars in River North, owned by actual Kerrymen.
• Brehon Pub, a charming River North pub with a solid variety of American pub food and Irish-inspired dishes.
• River Shannon, a dog-friendly pub in Lincoln Park, welcoming drinkers since 1946.
• The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen, the latest entry in Chicago's Irish pub scene, which opened in Avondale in 2021.
• Mrs Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro, located in the heart of North Center, serving Irish pub favourites.
• O'Shaughnessy's Public House, a relative upstart with a wood-accented bar that gives the place an authentic feel.
• The Fifth Province, a traditional pub located in the Irish American Heritage Centre, serving classic fare like corned beef and bangers & mash.
• The Atlantic Bar & Grill, a soccer fanatic's dream, also offering excellent fish and chips and a full Irish breakfast.
• Lady Gregory's, a comfy Andersonville pub with a spacious interior, including a library and fireplace.

Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebrations

The city's bars and restaurants also get into the Irish spirit, with many offering specials and celebrations throughout March. Here are some notable spots to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago:

Pubs and Bars

• Chief O'Neill's in Avondale: Named the best Irish pub in Chicago and previously voted one of the top ten pubs globally. They host a St. Patrick's Day Festival.
• Emerald Loop Bar & Grill in The Loop: They kick off their celebrations early with a choice of green beer and more.
• Utopian Tailgate in Old Town: Guests can enjoy $5 green beer and compete in leprechaun-themed games like pong, bags, and flip cup.
• Cork & Kerry in Bridgeport or Beverly: An authentic Irish pub to get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.
• Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro in North Center: A lively pub with authentic celebrations and traditional food.
• The Fifty/50 Sports Bar in Wicker Park: They offer a welcome shot, a brunch item, and unlimited domestic bottles and green beer for $50 per person.
• Kennedy Rooftop in West Town: Fittingly named after JFK, the first Irish-Catholic President, this rooftop offers stunning city views and private igloo reservations with special food and drink packages.
• The J. Parker in Lincoln Park: Their St. Patrick's Day party includes unlimited food, a live DJ, and an open bar with themed cocktails.
• AliveONE in Lincoln Park: $5 green beers and a half-priced happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Imperial Oak Brewing in Willow Springs: They host an annual St. Patrick's Celebration with Irish dance sets, food trucks, and beer.

Restaurants

• Roots Pizza South Loop: Hosts a St. Patrick's Day Rooftop Rager with a DJ, table games, drink specials, and a breakfast buffet.
• VU Rooftop in South Loop: Hosts a St. Patrick's Day Party with a DJ, themed appetizers, and two drink tickets.
• PB&J in the West Loop: They kick off their celebrations early with an Irish Drink and Bites package, and they also feature bagpipers.
• Thorn Restaurant Lounge in Rosemont: Offers a classic Rueben special with house-braised corned beef and draft beers that can be turned green.
• Oaken Bistro + Bar in Lake Forest: Features Stout-Braised Beef Tenderloin Tips and drink specials like Irish Mint Juleps and Green Draft Beer.
• Village Tavern & Grill in Schaumburg: They host a St. Patrick's Day Bash with authentic Irish food, live Irish dancers, and plenty of green beer.
• The Dearborn Tavern: Owned by two Irish sisters, this tavern goes all out for St. Patrick's Day with food and drink specials.
• Hopsmith Tavern in Gold Coast: Their celebration includes a bottomless Irish drink and appetizer package, music, and more.
• The Gage: A great spot to catch the St. Patrick's Day parade and river dyeing, with a selection of spirits and Guinness on tap.
• Lizzie McNeill's Irish Pub: Located along the Chicago River, this friendly pub will have live music all day and a VIP morning celebration.
• Gaslight in Lincoln Park: Hosts a St. Patrick's Day brunch party with a DJ, a brunch buffet, house cocktails, and green beer.
• ROOF on theWIT: Soak in the festivities from 27 stories up, with Irish fare, giveaways, themed cocktails, and bottle service.
• Sweetwater Tavern & Grille on Michigan Avenue: Offers kegs and eggs, just steps away from the parade and river dyeing.
• Highline near the Chicago River: This sports bar hosts a ticketed party with drink tickets, an Irish breakfast buffet, and games.
• Federales Logan Square: Their event includes drink tickets and a breakfast buffet at this Mexican restaurant and bar, where you can try a green ice shot.
• Kirkwood: Offers build-your-own corned beef sandwiches, drinks, and breakfast favourites.

Whether you're looking for a lively pub, a scenic rooftop, or a delicious meal, Chicago has plenty of options to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style!

Where to watch the Chicago River dyeing

The Chicago River dyeing is a longstanding tradition in Chicago, dating back to 1962. The river is turned bright green in honour of St. Patrick's Day, with the dye typically lasting a day or two. The best free spots to watch the river dyeing are outlined below.

Chicago Riverwalk

You won't have to pay anything to get a spectacular view of the river dyeing on the Chicago Riverwalk. The best views can be found on the portion of the walkway between Columbus Drive and State Street, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.

Michigan Avenue Bridge

The Michigan Avenue Bridge is situated between Columbus Drive and State Street, where the river dyeing takes place, so it is one of the most popular spots to watch the festivities. People arrive early to claim their viewing spot, so be prepared for crowds.

State Street Bridge

From the State Street Bridge, you can gaze down on the western end of the river dyeing and snap pictures of the boats pouring out dye below. Again, this spot is free, but you'll need to arrive early to get an unobstructed view.

Columbus Drive Bridge

The Columbus Drive Bridge is slightly closer to the parade route than the other nearby river walkways, so it's a good option if you want to get a view of the river dyeing before heading to the parade.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, there are also several ticketed events offering views of the river dyeing from hotels and restaurants. These events often include food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Green beer and food specials in Chicago

Chicago is known for its St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and with good reason. The city is home to a substantial Irish population and one of the biggest citywide St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world. So, if you're looking for green beer and food specials in the Windy City, you're in luck! Here are some great options to choose from:

Chief O'Neill's (Avondale)

Named the best Irish pub in Chicago and previously voted one of the top ten pubs in the world, Chief O'Neill's is a must-visit during St. Patrick's Day celebrations. They typically kick off the festivities with a St. Patrick's Day Festival in early March. You can find them at 3471 N Elston Avenue.

Emerald Loop Bar & Grill (The Loop)

Located just a stone's throw from the Chicago River, Emerald Loop Bar & Grill is the perfect spot to soak in all things green. They start the celebrations early, offering a choice of green beer and more from 8 am on their celebration day. Find them at 216 N Wabash Avenue.

Utopian Tailgate (Old Town)

Utopian Tailgate is an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar that hosts a St. Patrick's Day party with a twist. Guests can enjoy $5 green beer while competing in leprechaun pong, bags, and flip cup. They also offer drink specials on signature concoctions like Irish Rose and Pot of Gold. The fun starts at 10 am on Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. Their address is 1608 N Wells Street.

Cork & Kerry (Bridgeport and Beverly)

For those seeking an authentic Irish pub experience, Cork & Kerry in Chicago's Bridgeport and Beverly neighborhoods is the place to be. They offer a true taste of Ireland and are known for their St. Patrick's Day spirit. You can find them at 3258 S. Princeton Avenue in Bridgeport and 10614 S Western Avenue in Beverly.

The Dearborn Tavern

Owned by two Irish sisters, The Dearborn Tavern goes all out for St. Patrick's Day. They offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with food and drink specials that will make you feel like you're celebrating in Ireland itself.

Raised, An Urban Rooftop

This heated rooftop terrace provides a unique perspective of the river dyeing ceremony. Guests can enjoy green beer, mimosas, an Irish breakfast buffet, and entertainment from a live DJ and bagpiper.

LH on 21 & 22

LH on 21 & 22 is a rooftop bar that offers breathtaking downtown views. Their St. Patrick's Day celebration includes a viewing party of the green river, featuring an open bar with bottomless green beer, breakfast bites, and live DJs.

Travelle at The Langham (River North)

This casually elegant restaurant in River North offers stunning views of the river dyeing festivities. As you admire the spectacle from their floor-to-ceiling windows, you'll be treated to the sounds of a live Irish fiddle duo and a delicious selection of food stations.

Pizzeria Portofino

Pizzeria Portofino provides the perfect combination of cuisine and celebration. They offer signature cocktails, appetizers, pizza stations, and a front-row seat to the dyeing of the Chicago River. General admission and VIP table reservations are available.

The Kitchen American Bistro (River North)

Located in the heart of River North, this waterfront spot invites guests to indulge in a brunch buffet while enjoying the vibrant green river. Be sure to reserve your table in advance to secure the perfect view.

RPM Seafood (River North)

For a more upscale St. Patrick's Day experience, RPM Seafood offers sweeping river views and an upscale atmosphere. Their celebration includes a live DJ, passed appetizers, chilled seafood, and specialty cocktails.

Miru (St. Regis building)

Perched on the 11th floor of the iconic St. Regis building, Miru is a sleek sushi spot that opens its two expansive terraces for St. Patrick's Day. Their offering includes an open bar and a live DJ, providing a unique blend of Japanese cuisine and Irish cheer.

Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro (North Center)

Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro is another excellent example of a traditional Chicago Irish pub. Located in North Center, they offer a lively atmosphere, traditional food, and live Irish music. Be sure to reserve a table upstairs to fully immerse yourself in the festivities.

These are just a few highlights of the many fantastic options available in Chicago for green beer and food specials during St. Patrick's Day. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub, a lively rooftop party, or a sophisticated dining experience, Chicago has something for everyone to celebrate this special day in style!

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