Created April 13, 2008

© The Chicago Bar Project
Written by Sean Parnell


A Mean Pint: Best Irish Pubs of Chicago
Last Updated: May 1, 2008

Whether you're pining for a well-pulled pint 'o the black stuff or you're recovering from a fierce hangover, here's a Chicago Trolley pub crawl to get you into top form:

Pub
Address
The Hook
Directions to the Next Place
Suggested Timing
Abbey Pub 3420 W. Grace

Known by many as one of the city's top venues for both traditional Irish and folksy rock music, you're here for the same authentically Irish food & drink that keeps George Wendt, U2 and John Cusack coming back.

 After Abbey Pub, meet and board the Chicago Trolley, and have the driver shoot north up Elston, east along Irving Park and south along Lincoln. 7:00-8:15

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro 3905 N. Lincoln

Under the same ownership as legendary Murphy's Bleachers across from Wrigley Field, the Murphy clan celebrates their heritage with superb food & drink in what used to be a funeral home but is now a spanking good pub.

 Have your driver go south along Lincoln, east along Addison, and north up Southport. 8:30-9:30
Irish Oak 3511 N. Clark Every bit of the entire pub was imported from Ireland, including the bartenders who pull one of the best pints of Guinness in town; a smaller version, Johnny O'Hagan's, is just down the block. After Irish Oak, board the Chicago Trolley and have the driver go north up Clark Street, circle around Wrigley Field again, drive west along Addison and south (left) down Southport. 9:45-11:00
Celtic Crossings 751 N. Clark

You know they pull a mean pint of Guinness but they've also been awarded the prestigious "James Joyce Irish Pub Award."

 Just south down Clark Street to your final stop. 11:30-12:30
fadó 100 W. Grand While usually loathe to recommend chain pubs, this one is the best and offers several types of Irish pubs rolled into one. 12:45-2:00 (3:00 Sat)

~ Got a better idea for an Irish Pub trolley tour? E-mail me. ~

~ Have a good story relating to a bachelor party? E-mail me. ~

[back to the Chicago Bachelor Party Planner] [back to the Chicago Bar Project]

– written by Sean Parnell