Erin go Bragh: Where to Eat and Drink for St. Paddy's Day

Whether you are Irish or not, everyone can go green this Saturday on St. Patrick's Day. With parades and events going on all around the city, there is no shortage of festivities to attend. Many restaurants and bars are also running specials throughout the week in celebration of the big day. Check out our list of places, which ranges from spots to watch the dyeing of the river to an old fashioned Irish pub and enjoy a Guinness alongside your corned beef and cabbage.

1) Fulton’s on the River
Where: 315 N. LaSalle
What: Catch a glimpse of all the festivities on the riverfront at Fulton’s Dye One On event. Watch the dyeing of the river green and enjoy Irish favorites such as bangers and mash, Reuben sandwiches, Jameson Jell-O shots, Guinness-topped Bloody Marys and more.
Call: 312-822-0100

2) Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Where: 3358 N. Paulina
What: Check out the special Guinness pizza, a wood-fired pie made with a Guinness stout crust and topped with béchamel sauce, roasted onions, fingerling potatoes, bacon, three cheeses and an egg. The weekend brunch will also feature classics including corned beef hash and eggs, and Irish coffee.
Call: 773-248-5222

3) Butch McGuire’s
Where: 20 W. Division
What: Kick off the day with a $10 hearty breakfast buffet starting at 8 a.m. (through 11 a.m.) including ham on the bone, French toast and homemade bread pudding. Then follow it up with fresh corned beef sandwiches made to order, and a green beer.
Call: 312-787-4318

4) Chicago q
Where: 1160 N. Dearborn
What: Need some food for the stomach as you hop from bar to bar? Chicago q will offer cash-and-carry pulled pork sandwiches for $8 on their patio beginning at 10 a.m. Additionally, it will be offering a Kobe corned beef special during lunch and dinner between March 16 and 18.
Call: 312-642-1160

5) The Gage
Where: 24 S. Michigan
What: Try a rustic, modern American interpretation of authentic Irish fare at The Gage. Highlights include curried goat loan, “Coddle” house rabbit sausage, “Pepper and Salt Corned” Irish salmon, and more. Wash it all down with some Irish brews, cider or whiskey.
Call: 312-372-4243

6) Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
Where: 41 E. Superior
What: The fourth annual “Pre-Soak” Breakfast takes place from 8 a.m. to noon. Guests can enjoy Guinness pancakes with Irish whiskey syrup, corned beef brisket hash, and green pesto Portobello omelets with Irish cheddar.
Call: 312-266-0400

7) RA Sushi
Where: 1139 N. State
What: Get Lucky at RA and help celebrate its 8th anniversary. Specials include the Clover Roll as well as the classic corned beef hash and fish and chips. Then test your Irish skills in the Best Jig Contest to win prizes.
Call: 312-274-0011

8) Market Restaurant & Bar
Where: 1113 W. Randolph
What: Start with a traditional Irish breakfast, including bangers and mash as well as Irish drinks in the beer garden.
Call: 312-929-4787

9) Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Where: 415 N. Dearborn
What: Stop by for some Irish-inspired bar bites such as corned beef sliders, corned beef egg rolls, and Irish beef stew alongside a special green cocktail, the Celtic Knockout. Sidewalk bagpipers will greet guests at the doors.
Call: 312-527-3510

10) Division Ale House
Where: 1942 W. Division
What: Fill yourself with green eggs and ham, hash browns, and green beer at the “Kegs and Eggs” brunch for $20. The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe band will perform starting at 6 p.m.
Call: 773-384-6886

11) L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
Where: 7110 N. Lincoln, Lincolnwood, IL
What: A menu full of Irish classics including a complimentary corned beef and cabbage to anyone with a stamp from Ireland in their passport. On St. Patrick’s Day, imbibe on $2 Guinness drafts and $5 Limerick Lemonades.
Call: 847-677-3350

12) Lockwood Bar & Grill
Where: 17 E. Monroe
What: A special burger covered in Irish white cheddar and topped with corned beef and Guinness bacon sauerkraut is the highlight here. Fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage will also be offered.
Call: 312-917-3404

13) Sweetwater Tavern and Grille
Where: 225 N. Michigan
What: Party on the Patio and watch the dyeing of the river at Sweetwater. Doors open at 10 a.m. and enjoy green beer and a traditional bagpipe performance.
Call: 312-698-7111

14) Tavern on Rush
Where: 1031 N. Rush
What: A week of Irish specials to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Try a corned beef sandwich, corned beef and cabbage plate, or Guinness-battered haddock. $9 Green Irish Champagne (bubbly and Midori) will be flowing on Saturday.
Call: 312-664-9600

Eater Chicago intern Jeffy Mai contributed this article.