Pitting one pub against another always makes for healthy competition. But put a new Irish bar from the North Side up against a South Side standby that recently renewed itself by more than doubling its size, and it’s gloves off for our final faceoff. May the best bar win.
FACEOFF
Paddy Long’s
1028 W. Diversey Pkwy. 773-290-6988
vs
Cork & Kerry
10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675
THE STORY
Paddy Long’s: Dublin natives Chris Latchford and Patrick Berger, who met playing rugby, gutted the 73-year-old Lawry’s Tavern to open a much brighter pub with a baby-blue exterior and a red door modeled after one of their favorite bars in Ireland. This Lakeview spot’s name is a family tribute: Berger’s son and father are also Paddys, and his relatives own a Dingle, County Kerry, pub named Tom Long’s.
Cork & Kerry: Beverly locals have been coming to this bar named for Ireland’s southwestern counties since 1988. In October, the owners built an addition on a long-empty adjacent lot. The extra 3,000 square feet more than doubled the size of the place — plus there’s still that beautiful 300-person beer garden to top it all off.
Advantage: Paddy Long’s. Irish roots run deep here.
The scene
Paddy Long’s: The dark, dingy space that was once Lawry’s has been brightened up with new woodwork and fresh tables and chairs. Candlelit tables create a quaint, low-key atmosphere on weekdays, when locals in their late 20s to 30s pop in; weekends occasionally draw a higher energy crowd. Berger is the Loyola University rugby coach, so expect to see Premiership matches and Six Nations and European club rugby on TV.
Cork & Kerry: Bric-a-brac and framed Chicago photos and memorabilia complement antique touches and rich woodwork in the original bar. The new side boasts oak panels with illustrations seen in the Book of Kells. You’ll find flat-screen TVs on both sides. There’s also a swanky new private party room — check out the fireplace and lounge seating. Locals sidle up to the bar most nights; it’s not until parade day that this spot becomes a destination.
Advantage: Cork & Kerry. The new addition gave this place new life, plus you’ve got your choice of old-school and new-school sides, depending on your mood.
Food & Drink
Paddy Long’s: You’ll find more American than Irish faves here. Think standard bar appetizers, burgers, salads, wraps and panini, plus an all-day Irish breakfast, Guinness beef stew, and fish and chips. Our hearty Paddy Panino featured Irish sausage and bacon with cheddar and a fried egg ($6.95). Sixteen taps include Guinness and Smithwick’s; rotating picks might include Spaten, Chimay or Delirium Tremens. There’s also a good whiskey selection.
Cork & Kerry: No food here except the complimentary, self-serve popcorn machine — but you can ask for one of about 50 menus on hand and order in. Twenty draft beers ($2-$8) include Belgian brews in addition to standards such as Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s.
Advantage: Paddy Long’s. All-day Irish breakfast beats waiting for the delivery guy.
St. Pat’s celebrations
Paddy Long’s: On Wednesday, a pint of Guinness comes with a commemorative glass for $5.50. Hitch a ride to the South Side parade at 10 a.m. Sunday for $20, beer included. On March 15 and 17, bagpipers play. Corned beef sandwiches ($7.95) and entrees with boiled potatoes and carrots ($11.95) are served Sunday through St. Patty’s Day. Also: Chicago Sport & Social holds its St. Pat’s party here on March 14.
Cork & Kerry: Bagpipers create a festive mood Thursday at 9 p.m. — a great way to kick-off festivities. The South Side celebrates in full-force Sunday, when cover band Maggie Speaks performs in the beer garden from 3-6 p.m. There also will be Guinness giveaways and plenty of South Side Irish on hand. On St. Pat’s Day, how could anyone say no to $1 Guinness pints? Slainte!
Advantage: Cork & Kerry. This is where the action is.
Bottom line: It’s a toss-up: Paddy Long’s brings a fresh face to the site of an old time tavern, while Cork & Kerry has new life thanks to its spacious new addition. You know what? We’ll just leave it up to you. Cast a vote for your favorite at metromix.com. Polls will remain open through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. Starting March 12, the winners from our three faceoffs will compete for the title of best new Irish pub; we’ll reveal the results on St. Patrick’s Day.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
