By Tumpale Mwakasisi
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in Irish-inspired fare, raise a pint of Guinness, and enjoy the festive vibes. Whether you’re craving classic corned beef and cabbage or a creative twist on traditional dishes, these restaurants and bars are serving up the best St. Paddy's Day experiences. Here are the spots you won’t want to miss:
The Dearborn: Located in the heart of downtown, The Dearborn blends Irish-American hospitality with a modern flair. From Thursday, March 13 through Monday, March 17, enjoy a special selection of Irish-inspired dishes available throughout brunch, lunch, and dinner. Indulge in classics like Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and more. Thursday and Friday will feature Guinness tastings and exciting giveaways, while on Saturday, March 16, the lively sounds of The Chancers will fill the air from 11 am-5 pm, and again on Monday, March 17, from 2-6 pm. Reservations can be made on their website.
Kindling: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend in the heart of the Loop with Kindling’s exclusive Reuben special, created in partnership with Manny’s Deli. From March 11 through March 17, guests can enjoy this perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat, featuring Manny’s renowned corned beef and the culinary expertise of James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer. The Wood Fired Reuben is complete with hand-carved Manny’s corned beef, raclette “swiss” cheese, gochujang spice “Russian” dressing, kimchi and sauerkraut on rye with a kosher pickle and fries, available until supplies last. It’s the ultimate way to indulge in the festive spirit of the holiday! Reservations can be made on OpenTable.
Sweetwater Tavern and Grille: Sweetwater Tavern and Grille will host its annual Kegs N’ Eggs on Saturday, March 15, just steps from the Michigan Avenue parade route. From 8 am to 10 am (21+), guests can fuel up for the day with a hearty Irish breakfast buffet, lively entertainment, and plenty of Irish flair before the city turns green. Bagpipers will also make appearances throughout the day. Breakfast buffet (included with ticket) includes scrambled eggs with cheddar, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, savory sausage links, Irish corned beef hash, Bailey’s and vanilla ice cream battered French toast, and fresh fruit salad. $6 Drink specials include Green beer (Miller Lite), Guinness, Bloody Marys, and Mimosas. Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased here.
Charm’d Bar by Bucketlisters: Charm'd Bar is Chicago's first magical Irish pop-up bar, located on the second floor of Stolen Saddle (formerly known as Bamboo Club) at 3505 North Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Open from February 21 to March 17, Charm'd offers an enchanting atmosphere with over-the-top Irish décor, multiple themed rooms, and numerous bars throughout the venue. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails, green beer, and domestic beers, accompanied by appetizers like the classic Reuben sandwich. Tickets start at $10, which includes a welcome shot, and various table packages are available. This 21+ venue provides a unique experience filled with social photo opportunities and leprechaun mischief. Tickets can be bought here.
Bandit: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Bandit on Two, the second floor of Bandit, on Saturday, March 15. From 9 am to 12 noon, ticket holders can enjoy a private event featuring a standard open bar with mimosas and well cocktails, passed bar bites, and festive green décor and swag. Table packages are available for both 9 am and 1 pm time slots, and guests purchasing a table do not need separate general admission tickets, as entry is included in the package. All tickets can be purchased here.
Hard Rock Café: On Saturday, March 15, Hard Rock Café Chicago will host its final, 16th Annual "Get ShamROCKED!" St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, featuring a full day of live music, festive drinks, and Irish-inspired fare, before closing at the end of March. Guests can enjoy performances from The Hat Guys and a special feature set by The Shannon Rovers, along with green beer, themed shots, and classic Irish fare. The event runs from 10 am to 8 pm, with live music until 5 pm. The celebration includes both an all-ages experience inside Hard Rock Café and a heated 21+ outdoor tent for those looking to raise a glass in true Irish spirit. A $5 suggested donation will benefit Hard Rock Heals Foundation, supporting local community initiatives. For more details and reservations, visit https://cafe.hardrock.com/chicago/
I|O Godfrey: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style at I|O Godfrey, a year-round rooftop in the heart of River North. On Saturday, March 15, guests can take in panoramic skyline views, fire pits, and shimmering water features while enjoying an all-inclusive party from 8 am to noon. Tickets start at $75 and include bottomless beer, mimosas, and Bloody Marys, along with a full breakfast buffet. With unbeatable views and lively energy, this is the ultimate way to soak up the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. Tickets can be purchased here.
LondonHouse Chicago: Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with a magical afternoon tea experience at Bridges Lobby Bar inside LondonHouse Chicago. From March 1–31, guests can indulge in a specially curated St. Patrick’s Day-themed tea service featuring a delightful selection of sweet and savory bites, premium teas, and festive treats inspired by Irish flavors. Served on a three-tiered tower, the menu strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, offering inspired takes on Irish classics alongside inventive new flavors. Enjoy rich, buttery scones with house-made accompaniments, delicate finger sandwiches with a festive twist, and indulgent pastries infused with hints of chocolate, mint, and warm spices. The experience is complemented by a hand-selected assortment of premium teas from Rare Tea Cellar, featuring fine black, green, and herbal blends.
Farm Bar: This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Farm Bar Ravenswood and Lakeview is offering a relaxed, festive vibe for the whole family to enjoy. On Sunday, March 16, guests can savor Corned Beef Hash during brunch, and from March 15 to March 17, guests can enjoy classic Irish dishes like Corned Beef Sandwiches or Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage for a true taste of tradition during dinner. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, families can come together for a special dinner, and kids under 12 eat free when they wear their green. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday with delicious food, fun memories, and a bit of Irish cheer!
Whether you’re planning a pub crawl or a sit-down feast, these spots will offer the festive cheer you need for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Sláinte!
Tumpale Mwakasisi is a Chicago-based restaurant and nightlife blogger. When she's not sampling tasty new eats or dancing at clubs, she’s busy planning events for Let's Be Friends and always watching movies. You can find them on Instagram at @malortandmoet.