St. Patrick’s Day is almost here and many of us will imbibe a pint of Guinness or two.
But there’s more to culinary Ireland than its brews. And more than green beer.
Thankfully, the city and suburbs have scads of Irish pubs serving up classics like boxty (a filled potato pancake), black and white puddings (two types of sausage) and colcannon (potatoes mashed with cabbage). Here are a few places where you can find some classic dishes.
Boxty: Sometimes what you really want is a traditional, fried Irish potato pancake. These boxties come filled with hearty fare like Irish stew, bacon and cheese, vegetables and corned beef. $9.95-$13.95. Auld Dubliner, 641 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook; 630-783-1600, www.aulddubliner.com
Brown bread: Sweet honey butter comes with an entire loaf of McNamees brown bread (baked in Ireland, flash frozen and shipped to the U.S.). Take home what you can’t finish. $7.95. Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant and Pub, 8 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights; 847-577-7733, www.peggykinnanes.com
Colcannon: Potatoes are mashed with cabbage, onions and — at Sam Maguire’s at least — a bit of bacon. That makes this a hearty side dish. $3. It’s also served with several entrees. Sam Maguire’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 39 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park; 708-460-1771, www.sammaguires.net
Curry chips: Ketchup will seem ho-hum after polishing off these thick fries drenched in bold Irish curry sauce. $4.95. The Galway Tribes, 9680 Lincolnway Lane, Frankfort; 815-464-9881, www.thegalwaytribes.com
Guinness and onion soup: A substantial bowl of hops. This one comes with Irish white cheddar and croutons. $6.50. Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-248-3905, www.irishbistro.com
Irish breakfast: Add a pint of Guinness and you won’t need to eat for another 24 hours. All-day Irish breakfast includes a pair of eggs, Irish sausages, Irish bacon, black and white puddings, baked beans, tomatoes and brown bread. $10.95. Fado, 100 W. Grand Ave.; 312-836-0066, www.fadoirishpub.com
Irish stew: Warm up with a stew of braised lamb, barley and vegetables with a side of potato mash. $16. McNally’s Traditional Irish Pub, 201 E. Main St., St. Charles; 630-513-6300, www.mcnallysirishpub.com
Shepherd’s pie: The raw, rainy days of March call for this comforting casserole of ground beef (studded with carrots, onions, peas and seasoned with rosemary and thyme) that’s topped with mashed potatoes. $9.25. The Celtic Knot Pub, 626 Church St., Evanston; 847-864-1679, www.celticknotpub.com
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