Thirsty McCarthy’s
1301 W. Schubert Ave.
773-472-7738
(3 1/2 beers)
Lincoln Park’s new Thirsty McCarthy’s is definitely upscale clubhouse drinking. As you might guess from this McMansion-lined enclave, it’s not your typical graffiti-filled pub.
But despite its high-falutin’ exterior, dim lighting and a familiar jukebox make this bar a comfortable, unpretentious alternative to raucous pubs. And just wait ’til you need to take a bathroom break (see below).
The scene
We weren’t there but a few minutes when we noticed the abundance of hot, fresh-off-the-boat Irishmen –some only weeks into their U.S. adventure–chugging Magners cider. Then they noticed us.
A thick-brogued redhead, who seemed to be hoping to be the next “American Idol” discovery, serenaded Tara, Kara and Julie, William-Hung style. In the meantime, Christine and Jaime escaped to try the amazing stuffed pretzels from the bar’s menu.
Alas, around 11 p.m. the ‘hood’s Trixies descended in all of their black, low-slung pants glory, along with the typical Lincoln Park frat rats.
The garden
If you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood beer garden, you’ve come to the right place. Despite the beer garden’s unfortunate name–the Patty O’Lounge (get it?)–this 90-days-young Irish pub makes you feel like you’re right in your own backyard. An adjacent garage helps add to the illusion of suburban swilling. A handful of umbrella-covered, wrought-iron tables, plastic chairs and small strung lights all conspire to set a casual mood.
The drinks
This is not a dollar-pints kind of place. The hefty, leather-bound menu has brew selections from around the world, each with served in a regionally specific glass. From Kwak ($12) served in a test-tube-like glass that triggered nightmare flashbacks about organic chemistry classes, to Delirium Tremens ($6.50) in glasses adorned with dancing pink elephants, Thirsty’s clearly turns an average drinking excursion into a world travel adventure.
The food
Forget pub grub: The impressive menu showcases treats like mint-parsley Australian lamb chops atop sensational french fries ($14); shrimp and calamari tempura cooked to perfection ($9); and meaty tandoori chicken wings ($6).
The loo
The bathrooms are well worth the long trek up a flight of stairs. With solid oak doors and marble countertops, they put to shame every other pub we’ve seen–perhaps even our own bathrooms. And ladies, no more hovering: You’ll love the mechanical toilet seat covers.
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Who are they?
– This group of brew-lovin’ ladies, The Beer Garden Girls, won our contest to scout out the city’s alfresco ale houses. They’ll introduce you to off-the-beaten path pubs and rooftop taps every Wednesday in RedEye and on metromix.com.
– Read their bios online and check out our photo flipbook on metromix.com.
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Rating scale: suds appeal
(4 beers) You’ll have to carry us out of here.
(3 beers) Eye candy galore and great suds.
(2 beers) BYOF: Bring Your Own Friends. You won’t make any here.
(1 beer) Would rather get a bikini wax.
