My nephew and a buddy of his are coming to the U.S. for a visit and will be going to Chicago for a week or so.
Nephew is Irish, Buddy is English so I’m looking for suggestions as to any Irish or English bars where actual Irish or English people hang out.
I haven’t been home in years so I’m of no help to them. Gunther Murphy’s would have been my suggestion but I heard the renovations changed the vibe. If Colin hasn’t changed The Red Lion, I’ll send them there.
There’s Ginger’s Ale House, which served up a solid English breakfast during the last World Cup.
I haven’t been to Gunther Murphy’s in several months, but the last time I was there it was still pretty Irish as far as staff and clientele. I quite like Gunther Murphy’s.
I’d suggest staying far from Johnny O’Hagan’s, which is like a sports bar in the guise of an Irish pub.
Also, you could try Galway Bay, which also has a bunch of Irish staff and clientele, darts, jukebox, and a whole bunch of board games.
Elephant and Castle is very touristy and theme-restauranty, and although they have a bunch of beer on tap it’s nothing you won’t see at a smaller, less crowded and less cheesy establishment
And if you want a Scottish pub for variety’s sake, there’s Duke of Perth, which on reflection is more a restaurant than an actual pub.
I know what you’re saying GorillaMan but from what I’ve been told it’s the “done” thing. Supposedly, when you get to a new city, you go to an Irish bar to have a few drinks, a little craic and get a feel for the city from the Irish that have been around for awhile. Things like places to go (and avoid), cheap eats, etc. Sort of like a Bord Failte when you’re in the U.S.
