As Illinois is somewhat of a melting pot all its own, there are restaurants and cuisines to represent cultures from Ireland, Germany, Italy, and many other lands all across the state. These 13 Irish pubs listed here will certainly transport you to a different time and place.
Whether it’s for the fish n’ chips, the beer, or the atmosphere, these popular eateries are local favorites for many reasons. Read on for all the best places for a pint and some good company.
1. Kellehers Irish Pub (Peoria)
Situated in an ancient warehouse, this riverfront restaurant is located in a quaint downtown near other shops and eateries. Serving customers since 2001, it offers 20 micro or import drafts and 90 different bottled beers. Menu items include classics like shepherd's pie, pot roast, seafood, and other sandwiches.
2. Kelly's Tavern (Quincy)
This charming restaurant features authentic indoor or intimate outdoor seating, weather permitting, to appease any taste. Irish comfort food and drink specials abound at this eatery. Menu items include fun eats like fried oysters, Irish dumplings, pork chops, chicken, steak, seafood, burgers and other sandwiches, as well as a salad bar.
3. The Dublin Pub (Springfield)
Nestled in our state's great capital is one of the best Irish pubs around. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night drinks and dessert daily. The good eats include nacho fries, breaded bacon wings, salads, soups, and a plethora of classic sandwiches like the Reuben and MonteCristos.
4. Molly's Pint Brewpub (Murphysboro)
This authentic pub will really make you feel like you're in Dublin. Green walls and wooden benches bring the theme together, and patrons enjoy an array of beer and other spirits. Celebrate anything from a marriage to the holidays here.
5. Darcy's Pint (Springfield)
One of Illinois' more well-known Irish pubs, this popular spot has been serving up delicious eats since 1998. You'll find a warm and charming atmosphere in which to enjoy classic eats like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, burgers, pizza, salads, and deli sandwiches. Of course, you don't want to forget to wash it down with a pint of ale.
6. Irish Times (Brookfield)
This amazing restaurant is a must-visit for true fans of Irish culture and pubs. You'll enjoy classics like corned beef as well as Irish stew, burgers, and an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays. There is also a huge craft beer selection atop a wealth of whiskeys and scotches.
7. Maggie Miley's (Normal)
This tiny restaurant and bar is a great place to relax any night of the week. Established in 2004, it has already been named one of the best Irish pubs in the United States and is known for its daily specials. Patrons enjoy both American and Irish classics like paddy melts, corned beef, fish n' chips, and much much more.
8. McDill's Irish Pub (Collinsville)
Featuring more than 100 different whiskeys and 17 draft beers, this eatery is open every single day of the year, giving you a home away from home. Menu items include salads, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps that you will crave for months afterwards.
9. Rafferty's Irish Pub (Countryside)
Established in 1999, this awesome eatery is open daily for lunch, dinner, and late night drinks with your pals. Patrons can enjoy the bar indoors or, weather permitting, sit on one of two patios that offer beautiful views. Menu items include burgers and other sandwiches, salads, wings, fried fish and shrimp, ribs, and corned beef.
10. The James Joyce Irish Pub (Berwyn)
This cozy little pub has been around since 2000 and is known as a local watering hole for the neighborhood. It offers a wide selection of beer and wine as well as champagne.
11. PatiO's Irish Pub (Dixon)
You can find a drink and grab a meal at this wonderful restaurant anytime after 2 p.m. most days. Just a few blocks from the Rock River, it is located in a charming urban area in which locals love to unwind. Don't miss great eats and even better drinks at this place.
12. Morrison's Irish Pub (Alton)
Just off the Mississippi River, this family-owned and operated restaurant focuses on whiskey, beer, and authentic Irish cuisine. Menu items include a lamburger, cottage pie, bangers and mash, corned beef, and other sandwiches.
13. The Grafton Pub and Grill (Chicago)
Named for a famous street in Dublin, this Lincoln Square eatery offers a wide range of imported and domestic beers as well as whiskeys from around the world. Those looking for a bite to eat will find a wealth of options from burgers and wraps to classics like fish n' chips and shepherd's pie.
Which Irish pubs in Illinois do you most enjoy? Share your favorites with us below!
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