Best Upscale Irish Restaurants in Chicago | Upscale Irish Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Irish Restaurants in Chicago | Upscale Irish Food

• O'Shaughnessy's — American · rated 5/5: Step into a spirited neighborhood haunt where the golden warmth of flaky sausage rolls and the savory aroma of curry-drenched chips invite long afternoons of easy conversation. The kitchen balances hearty pub comforts like beans on toast and loaded crisps with refined touches like delicate smoked salmon platters and vibrant, crisp salads. Whether you are tucking into a basket of spicy buffalo chicken or exploring plant-based favorites, every plate captures a sense of soulful, unpretentious hospitality.
• Galway Arms — Irish (Wait, "Irish · rated 5/5: Galway Arms welcomes guests into a spirited, wood-toned sanctuary where the conviviality of a traditional Irish pub meets a menu of elevated, soul-warming comfort. Golden-crusted Irish sausage rolls and decadent curry poutine share the table with bubbling spinach dips and giant, salt-flecked pretzels, creating a communal feast designed for lingering over pints. Every bite, from the crunch of spice-dusted wings to the tang of crispy fried pickles, captures the hearty, welcoming essence of a true neighborhood gathering spot.
• Irish Times — American · rated 5/5: Irish Times welcomes guests into a warm, wood-hued retreat where the air is thick with the savory aroma of pub-style indulgence and the convivial clink of raised glasses. The kitchen masters the craft of the shareable feast, offering everything from salt-dusted pretzel bites and molten cheese curds to signature corned beef bites that provide a crispy, flavorful nod to tradition. It is a vibrant neighborhood anchor where the comfort of classic finger foods and a spirited atmosphere turn every casual gathering into a festive occasion.
• Galvin's Public House — American · rated 4/5: Galvin’s Public House wraps guests in a warm embrace of polished mahogany and soft amber light, where the rhythmic clinking of pint glasses and the low hum of neighborhood chatter create an immediate sense of belonging. The kitchen breathes life into the space with the comforting aromas of slow-simmered stews and golden-crusted pies, perfectly paired with velvety stouts poured with practiced precision. This soulful sanctuary honors the spirit of the traditional gathering spot, offering a refined yet rustic escape for those seeking hearty flavors and genuine communal connection.
• Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant — American · rated 4/5: This storied Irish sanctuary transports guests to the Emerald Isle with its intricate dark wood carvings, glowing stained glass, and the soulful resonance of live traditional music. Hearty aromas of slow-simmered stews and golden-crusted pies waft through the warm, communal space, while the expansive, verdant garden provides a hidden oasis for savoring a velvet-smooth pint under the stars.
• Cheesie's Pub & Grub — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy pub serves as a decadent playground for comfort food lovers, where the air is thick with the irresistible scent of buttery, griddled sourdough and bubbling, molten cheese. Creative, over-the-top melts take center stage alongside a curated selection of craft beers, offering a nostalgic yet elevated dining experience that feels like a warm, indulgent hug in a lively neighborhood setting.
• The Kerryman — American · rated 4/5: Polished brass and rich emerald tones set the stage at this spirited Irish haunt, where the comforting scent of slow-simmered stews mingles with the crisp pour of a perfect pint. Whether nestled into a leather booth for a quiet midday meal or joining the exuberant crowd as the evening gains momentum, diners find a seamless blend of old-world hospitality and modern urban energy.
• The Globe Pub — American · rated 4/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt captures the electric energy of a global stadium, where the air hums with the cheers of passionate fans and the rich, yeasty aroma of malt and hops. Guests settle into worn leather booths to feast on elevated pub classics and golden-fried comforts, creating a vibrant sanctuary where every match is an event and every pint feels like a celebration.
• Fatpour Tap Works — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy social hub pulses with a vibrant taproom spirit, where the air is rich with the savory scent of wood-fired crab cakes and golden, salt-dusted Bavarian pretzels. Friends gather around communal tables to dive into bubbling Nashville hot chicken dip and towering plates of baked nachos, creating a lively atmosphere where elevated comfort food and craft brews take center stage. Every visit feels like a spirited celebration, anchored by indulgent bites like prime rib sliders and crispy chicken n' waffle bites that redefine the modern pub experience.
• Duke of Perth — British · rated 4/5: Step into a slice of the Highlands where the amber glow of a crackling fireplace illuminates dark wood accents and shelves lined with an exhaustive collection of single-malt scotches. The air carries the savory scent of golden, beer-bathed fish and chips, served alongside hearty helpings of traditional comfort that invite long, spirited conversations over a perfectly poured pint. Whether tucked into a cozy booth or enjoying the hidden garden patio, guests find a timeless sanctuary that celebrates the soulful hospitality of a true Scottish local.
• Kitty O'Shea's — American · rated 4/5: Step into a slice of Dublin where the warm glow of polished mahogany and brass accents creates a sanctuary of old-world charm and spirited conversation. Velvety pints of stout are poured with precision to accompany soul-warming plates of traditional Irish comfort, from golden-battered fish to savory, slow-cooked stews that taste of home. Whether tucked into a cozy wooden snug or gathered near the hearth, guests are wrapped in a timeless hospitality that makes every evening feel like a celebratory homecoming.
• Whiskey Girl Tavern — American · rated 4/5: Whiskey Girl Tavern welcomes guests into a spirited sanctuary where the amber glow of back-lit bottles and the hum of neighborhood chatter create an atmosphere of effortless warmth. The kitchen turns out soulful, elevated pub fare that perfectly complements a deep library of ryes and bourbons, making every visit feel like a celebratory toast among old friends.
• Ryan's Public House — American · rated 4/5: Ryan's Public House radiates the welcoming charm of a local gathering spot, where the air is thick with the savory scent of Mrs. Feeney’s homemade chili and the convivial energy of a true community hub. The kitchen elevates classic comfort with crispy tempura green beans and signature corned beef bites, creating a soulful dining experience where every shared basket of golden fries feels like an invitation to linger.
• Kenny's Irish Pub — American · rated 4/5: Kenny’s Irish Pub captures the spirited essence of a neighborhood local, where the warm glow of the bar invites guests to settle in amidst the lively chatter of friends and the irresistible aroma of sizzling, golden-fried favorites. Towering platters of crispy jumbo wings and hand-breaded tenders create a communal feast alongside an array of savory sliders, ranging from traditional corned beef to rich pot roast, all designed to be enjoyed one flavorful bite at a time.
• Publican Quality Bakery — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight dances across counters piled high with burnished, flaky treasures, where the intoxicating scent of toasted flour and cultured butter fills the air of this artisanal sanctuary. From the shatteringly crisp layers of a classic croissant to the spice-kissed warmth of cardamom monkey bread and citrus-bright morning buns, every bite celebrates the meticulous craft of traditional fermentation and bold, seasonal flavors. This vibrant hub transforms the morning ritual into a sensory feast, balancing decadent, sugar-dusted cakes with the savory, elegant simplicity of a perfectly composed jambon beurre.
• Publican Quality Meats — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy butcher shop and cafe pulses with the spirit of a modern marketplace, where the aroma of crusty, hearth-baked bread mingles with the savory scent of house-cured meats hanging behind the marble counters. Diners gather at communal tables to dive into expertly crafted sandwiches and rustic seasonal plates that honor the craft of whole-animal butchery in a bright, industrial-chic setting.
• Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub — American · rated 4/5: Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub pulses with the high-energy spirit of a classic Chicago hangout, where the glow of big screens and the roar of the crowd create a vibrant backdrop for game-day camaraderie. The air is thick with the savory aroma of jumbo wings tossed in bold sauces and the irresistible scent of golden-fried Wisconsin cheese curds, inviting guests to dive into a spread of indulgent, shareable comfort. From the towering 1886 Burger to the crispy, loaded "Drty Totzz," every plate is a celebration of hearty flavors designed to be enjoyed amidst the clinking of glasses and the thrill of the final play.
• Printer's Row Brewing — American · rated 4/5: This neighborhood taproom hums with the convivial energy of a local gathering spot, where the industrial charm of its namesake district meets the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and toasted crust. Guests can settle in with a pint of robust Cannonball Porter or a crisp Bookbinder Blonde while sharing legendary Pequod’s thin-crust pizzas and warm, salt-dusted pretzels. It’s a relaxed sanctuary where the artistry of craft brewing meets the simple joy of elevated pub classics, offering a welcoming seat for every kind of toast.
• Corcoran's Grill & Pub — American · rated 4/5: Corcoran's Grill & Pub captures the spirited essence of a classic neighborhood local, where the rich aroma of hearty Irish comfort food mingles with the lively hum of a bustling, convivial bar. Guests gather around dark wood tables to savor juicy burgers and perfectly poured pints of Guinness, while the adventurous embrace the local tradition of Malort shots and vibrant green beer during festive celebrations. It is a welcoming sanctuary of camaraderie that bridges the gap between a cozy afternoon lunch and a high-energy night out fueled by craft cocktails and cold brews.
• Burwood Tap — American · rated 4/5: Steeped in the nostalgic charm of Lincoln Park, this historic tavern welcomes guests with the warm glow of neon signs and the comforting aroma of freshly popped corn. The air hums with the easy camaraderie of neighborhood regulars, where cold pints flow across a polished wooden bar and classic pub fare provides the perfect backdrop for a lively night of darts or quiet conversation in a cozy booth.
• Fado Irish Pub — American · rated 4/5: Step into a meticulously crafted slice of Dublin where dark wood snugs and vintage brass accents create a sanctuary of warmth and spirited conversation. The air carries the savory aroma of slow-simmered Guinness stew and golden-fried fish, perfectly paired with the rhythmic pour of a creamy stout and the lively hum of communal storytelling. This soulful celebration of Irish hospitality invites guests to linger over a quiet afternoon pint or join the exuberant energy of a bustling evening crowd.
• Pleasant House Pub — British · rated 4/5: Step into a warm, convivial sanctuary where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered savory pies and bubbling Welsh rarebit invites lingering over a pint. The kitchen celebrates the soul of British comfort, pairing the satisfying crunch of golden-crusted Scotch eggs with the spice-laden warmth of curry chips and hearty steak-and-ale fillings. It is a spirited neighborhood haunt where traditional pub snacks and elevated comfort classics come together to create a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and vibrantly modern.
• Haymarket Pub & Brewery — American · rated 3/5: This bustling urban brewhouse hums with the convivial energy of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the scent of toasted grain and simmering brisket chili fills the air. Golden, buttermilk-fried calamari and towering boards of artisanal sausages and oversized Bavarian pretzels anchor a menu designed for communal indulgence, perfectly paired with a crisp house-brewed pint. From the spicy kick of jalapeño poppers to the comforting pull of warm cheese curds, every dish celebrates the bold, salt-of-the-earth flavors that turn a casual evening into a spirited feast.
• Kelly's Pub — American · rated 3/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt hums with the energy of a local favorite, where the golden glow of the bar meets the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella sticks and zesty, saucy wings. Friends gather around shared baskets of crispy tater tots and hand-battered onion rings, finding comfort in a relaxed atmosphere that celebrates the timeless appeal of perfectly salted pub fare and lively conversation.
• O'Callaghan's — American · rated 3/5: Polished mahogany and the soft glow of amber lights create a timeless sanctuary where the low hum of spirited conversation mingles with the rhythmic clink of heavy pint glasses. Guests are welcomed into a world of genuine warmth, finding comfort in hearty, soul-soothing fare and perfectly poured stouts that celebrate the enduring charm of a classic public house.
• 2Twenty2 Tavern — American · rated 3/5: Bathed in a warm, amber glow, 2Twenty2 Tavern serves as a spirited neighborhood anchor where the rhythmic shake of cocktails and the aroma of sizzling comfort fare create an instantly welcoming energy. Exposed brick and reclaimed wood set the stage for a culinary experience that reimagines classic pub traditions with a modern, artisanal touch, inviting guests to linger over craft pours and shared plates long into the night.
• The Aberdeen Tap — American · rated 3/5: This sun-drenched corner haunt welcomes locals with its industrial-chic charm, where the warm glow of the bar and the hum of lively conversation create an instantly inviting neighborhood anchor. The kitchen breathes new life into elevated pub classics, pairing crisp, golden-fried favorites and succulent burgers with a meticulously curated rotation of craft drafts. Whether lingering over a pint on the breezy sidewalk patio or tucked into a cozy booth, every visit feels like a soulful celebration of the city's vibrant gastropub culture.
• The Boss Bar — American · rated 2/5: The Boss Bar pulses with the vibrant energy of a classic neighborhood hangout, where the savory aroma of sizzling griddles and golden-fried comfort food creates an instantly welcoming atmosphere. Guests dive into overflowing baskets of crispy curls and molten mozzarella sticks, though the true centerpiece is the signature double smash burger, featuring perfectly seared edges and rich, melted layers that define the ultimate pub dining experience.
• Weston's Coffee & Tap Co. — American · rated 2/5: Weston’s Coffee & Tap Co. hums with the dual energy of a sun-drenched morning cafe and a spirited evening pub, where the scent of artisanal roasts gives way to the crisp, hoppy notes of local craft pours. Exposed brick and warm wood accents create an inviting backdrop for neighbors to gather, whether they are cradling a perfectly frothed cappuccino or sharing a flight of seasonal ales. This versatile gathering spot bridges the gap between dawn and dusk, offering a soulful space where the community connects over shared tables and expertly crafted beverages.
• Melinda's Pub — American · rated 1/5: Melinda’s Pub welcomes guests into a glow of burnished wood and the lively hum of neighborhood conversation, where the rhythmic clink of pint glasses provides a soulful backdrop to the evening. Golden ales flow freely alongside plates of elevated comfort fare that warm the spirit, creating a sanctuary of conviviality where every visitor feels like a long-awaited regular.