NORTH SIDE
5th Province Pub, Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N. Knox Ave. 773-282-7035
“It’s a lot like a V.F.W. would be in Ireland: local cliques of families that have known each other for years. The music and entertainment are always top-notch.”
— W. M.
G&L Fire Escape
2157 W. Grace St. 773-472-1138
“The coolest bar you’ve never been to. Young and old locals all the time. Beer in cans, bottles or on tap. Steady business from 9 a.m. till 2 a.m.”
— O.Y.
Brehon Pub
731 N. Wells St. 312-642-1071
“Not only is the service great, but show up there twice and you’re a regular. If you really want to have a great time, go on a Sunday. Sean usually works and the rest of the patrons are always having fun.”
— Mike C.
Emerald Isle
6686 N. Northwest Hwy. 773-775-2848
“I always have a fun time at the Isle, especially when The Blast plays there. It is a great neighborhood place to hang out because you always see friendly, familiar faces, both patrons and staff. Hope to see you there!”
— Laura L.
The Grafton
4530 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-271-9000
“I went into the bar for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. The food and service are great. Exactly what Lincoln Square was missing.”
— Jaime F.
O’Leary’s Public House
541 N. Wells St. 312-661-1306
“O’Leary’s is one of those places where you can feel comfortable talking to perfect strangers. It’s very friendly, laid-back and a great place to meet for drinks after work.”
— Annelise B.
J. Patrick’s
1367 W. Erie St. 312-243-0990
“Went to J. Patrick’s for dinner and had a great meal. I had the wings and a chili dish, which was awesome. A couple of beers topped it off. One of the best neighborhood bars I’ve found.”
— Drew H.
Harp & Shamrock
1641 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-248-0123
“This is one of those ‘home away from home’ places. You get to know the regulars and the staff and feel like you belong there after just a few visits. It’s the place where we all meet after going to a club or a ballgame to unwind and have a few laughs.”
— Dave J.
SOUTH SIDE
Joe Bailly’s
10854 S. Western Ave. 773-238-1313
“Great place–a relief to find some proof that good restaurants exist and that the southern border of Chicago isn’t at Roosevelt Road.”
— Doris D.
Cork and Kerry
10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675
“Cork and Kerry is the best. I have been going to Cork for the past six years and have had a blast there every time. The crowd is all South Side: friendly and outgoing. You can’t go there and not make new friends.”
— C.K.
Keegan’s Pub
10618 S. Western Ave. 773-233-6829
“Keegan’s quite simply pours the best pint of Guinness stout that I have ever experienced, and is easily the match for any pub in the Emerald Isle. The bartenders–Mary and Michelle–are the finest.”
— Michael D.
Jeremy Lanigan’s Irish Pub
3119 W. 111th St. 773-233-4004
“This is pretty close to a pub from the old country. No matter how Irish you are, there are plenty of people more Irish than you. Great place.”
— Kieran H.
Fox’s Beverly Pub
9956 S. Western Ave. 773-239-3212
“The restaurant manager, Judy, did everything in her power to make our visit enjoyable. Good people!”
— J. J.
Or is west the best?
Readers also recommend these near west suburban spots.
Healy’s Westside
7217 W. Madison St., Forest Park
708-366-4277
“I love this place–the food, drinks and bartenders are all great! And everyone you meet is the type of person you would want to go have a drink with.”
— Kate M.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
7652 W. Madison St., Forest Park
708-366-8073
“The best Guinness poured around. I went on a Monday and found out they have a pub quiz every other Monday. It made for a fun night for me and my friends.”
— Mike T.
