Don't rock a sham: Chicago's real Irish
Come on, feel the pride at Chief O'Neill's
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Known for its frequent, eclectic live music shows, Abbey Pub has Irish roots to justify its decor. This St. Patrick's Day, the North Side pub will kick off its celebration at 8 a.m. with live TV coverage of the Gaelic Games from Ireland. At 1 p.m., Spriorad Irish dancers perform, followed by a series of musical guests including Larry Nugent, the Shannon Rovers Bag Pipers, and Fitz & The Celts.
Celtic Knot Public House
There's no way this Evanston public house could skimp on the Pats—it's one of the most renowned Irish establishments in Chicagoland, founded back in the day by an Irish immigrant, an English immigrant, and two native Evanstonians. It'll be hosting a three-hour Irish dance performance starting at noon, followed by sets from two Irish folk musicians, The Public House Band and duo Tim O'Shea And Steven Carroll. Expect six hours of music/imbibing.
Chief O'Neill's Pub and Restaurant
A heated tent in the pub's garden will house a buffet of Irish food on Tuesday—but if potatoes don't sound appetizing, come for the music and dancers. The owners know what they're doing; Brendan and Siobhan McKinney, two Irish musicians, opened the bar in 1999. It takes its name from Irish-American police officer and music curator Francis O'Neill. The all-ages party will feature Identity Irish Dance Company and Anam Moor Irish Dancers, as well as tunes from Salthill Mines, Emerald Society Pipe Band, and duo Tim O'Shea (that guy's got a busy night in store; see the entry on Celtic Knot) and Jonathan Roche. The Irving Park institution won't charge its $5 cover before 4 p.m., so arrive early to put that money to better use.
This new Ravenswood public house opened its doors in April 2008, so this is its inaugural St. Patrick's Day. In the afternoon, it plays host to an arrangement of traditional Irish musicians; then, starting around 9:30 p.m., Haywood Yards will shift the bar into party gear with bluegrass-inspired rock.
Hailing from Galway, Ireland, the bar's owners have attempted to recreate the cozy atmosphere of a neighborhood Irish pub. Their spot stands as one of the most authentic in the city. Enjoy Jameson-glazed pork chops and Guiness crème brulee indoors or on the spacious patio, if you find the sight of Lincoln Park bar-hoppers stumbling down the street appealing. Galway Arms’ St. Patrick’s Day festivities include pipers appearing at random throughout the day, as well as deals on Irish drinks like Bush Mill.
A Southside staple for more than 130 years, the Pump is Chicago’s oldest bar for good reason. Denouncing the flamboyance of other Irish pubs in the city, Schaller’s Pump sticks to food and booze and not much else, but it does a hell of a job with what it's got. Don’t expect shamrocks and leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day, just some of the best corned beef in town and beer served ice cold—in a can.
