St Patrick’s Day is a very relevant holiday in Chicago– being the deep rooted Irish community that resides in the city. It is seen by many as a time to wear green or fear being hurt, stuff your face with brats and beef and probably end up blacking-out and waking up somewhere random. There are plenty of opportunities for that– but I am covering the more subtle celebrations. These celebrations aim to indulge in St Patrick’s Day with exquisite food and some Irish inspired cocktails that will not disappoint.

ACME Hotel Company

15 E. Ohio Street
(312) 894-0800

If you are looking for a place to stay in Chicago over St Patrick’s Day– ACME Hotel Company may be your wisest choice. Not only is it a unique, hip, conveniently located place to rest, but they understand the requirements of St Patrick’s Day. When you order up your piping hot thermos of coffee, make sure you opt for the Irish Morning Joe. That means waking up to coffee, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Nothing like having your Irish buddies to help you out in the morning.
From March 13-15, the Irish Morning Joe Knock & Drop is complimentary!

The Allis at Soho House Chicago

113-125 N. Green St.
(312) 521-8000

The Soho House is celebrating with the public in The Allis lounge! Amy Probasco has crafted two festive and delightful cocktails to put some class in St Patrick’s Day. The Drowning the Shamrock is a mix of rum, green chartreuse, lime, créme de cocoa and finished with vanilla simple syrup. If that is a little more aggressive than you usually go for, the Mott Street Cathedral will do nicely. Irish Whiskey, Lillet Blanc and orange bitters combine for a perfect sipping cocktail. Relax under the chandeliers, then go next door to fill your face at Pizza East.

Bar Toma

110 East Pearson Street
(312) 266-3110

There is always that internal struggle. “I know it’s St Patrick’s Day, but I really want some Italian food”. Bar Toma feels you. That is why Chef Tony Mantuano and Chef Erik Freeberg have created a compromise for you. Snag a Green Crust Pizza ($15), created from melted leeks, spinach and pistachio pesto, then finish off with a few scoops of Lucky Charm Gelato. They had me at pistachio pest.

To complete the Irish spirit, mini glasses of Guinness are just $1 with the purchase of a green pizza. Cheers to that!
These specials run from March 14-17.

The Florentine

151 W. Adams
(312) 660-8866

It is happens to be little on the cold side during the parade on Saturday, the 14th, then your next stop should be The Florentine. Fill up with a hearty lunch, but more importantly– warm up with a Irish inspired drink. Their Mint Whip cocktail ($13) in particular. Stolichnaya Vanilla Vodka, Varnelli Caffé Moka and Bailey’s Irish Creme make up the base of this festive mix. To top it off, literally, is mint infused whip cream! This whip cream is made to melt over both hot and cold beverages– feel free to experiment. This offer is for Saturday, March 14 only.

The Gage

24 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 372-4243

The Gage does St Patrick’s Day like it should be done. Located near the river, watch the dyeing process then head indoors. From March 13-17 there will be food and drink specials galore, along with live music. Food highlights include bangers and mash ($18) (a personal favorite of mine) and House-made Corned Beef ($20). There is a horseradish créme fraîche that goes along with that– if you’ve ever watched South Park, you’ll understand the significance. You can get the corned beef on a sandwich for just $14.

Snag a Guinness at the bar, or other Irish favorite brew, and listen to Fiddling Finnegans, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Not feeling the beer? Try the Jenny’s Blade cocktail. Made up of green tea-infused Jameson Irish Whiskey, Rhine Hall Apple Brandy, galangal, lime and soda ($12) or fancy a glass of Marques de Irun 2012 “Verde” jo wine ($11).

Since Chicago tends to get rowdy on St Patrick’s Day, a reservation may not be a horrible idea.

Grillhouse By David Burke

1301 American Ln, Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 517-1600

Award winning Culinary mastermind, David Burke, will be celebrating his Irish heritage this year. Grillhouse is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up some of the freshest meals around. This year’s specialty will be a Samuel Adams Itish Red Shepherd’s Pie with Shamrock Potatoes. It doesn’t get more Irish than that. Especially since beer is added to the recipe. There will also be Irish Whiskey and Guinness specials throughout the St Patrick’s Day holiday!

Lobby Lounge in the ShowPlace ICON Theatre/

150 W. Roosevelt Road
(312) 564-2104

Lobby Lounge believes that celebration should not be limited to one day– but to an entire month. From March 1-31, they will be featuring a Four-Leaf Clover Martini. For $12 you can have this Passion Fruit Rum, Midori, pineapple and Sprite cocktail to compliment any of their fine food options (signature pizzas, paninis, desserts, and meat and cheese plates).

Lush Wine & Spirits

Multiple Locations

Not into Guinness and green beer? Lush Wine & Spirits is stocked with traditional Irish beverages; perfect for taking to your get together.

This year’s whiskey selection consists of Knappogue Castle 14 Year Single Malt, Knappogue Castle 16 Year Single Malt, Middleton Barry Crocket Legacy 1992 and Redbreast 12 Year Single Malt.

As far as beer goes, Moylan’s Brewery: Danny’s Irish Style Red Ale will be a nice game changer for your palette.

The Meatloaf Bakery

2464 N. Clark St.
(773) 698-6667

Not going out on the town this year? Perfect. Swing by The Meatloaf Bakery for some festive shamrock-shaped loaves. The flavors are plentiful, so you can find something that will pair nicely with your Guinness and whiskey.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House

505 N Michigan Ave
(312) 321-8823

Celebrate Chicago and the Irish all at once at Michael Jordan’s Steak House. Put away the steak knives and indulge in tender, sliced House-Cured Corned Beef Brisket on Red Hen Bakery’s Artisan Rye, topped with stout mustard ($17). That is just for lunch. Dinner patrons can take down braised House-Cured Corned Beef Brisket with cabbage fondue and boxty potatoes ($30). So much for blacking out from whiskey, you’ll be unbuttoning your pants and sitting back this St Patrick’s Day. These meals are going on from March 14-17.

Paramount Events

1932 West Lake Street
(773) 880-8044

If you decide to throw your won party– look no further than Paramount Events to supply the grub. Executive Chef Devon Quinn is 100% Irish, so he knows a thing or two about feasting on St Patrick’s Day. For the perfect party, order Southern Classic Corned Beef Hash: corned beef brisket, onion and diced potatoes with scrambled eggs and buttermilk biscuits for $8.95/guest. You can also feast on other items found on the Drop Off Menu.

Southport & Irving (SIP)

4000 N. Southport Ave.
(773) 857-2890

SIP is taking Saturday (14) and Sunday (15) to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with unique Irish inspire cuisine. Whiskey-Battered French Toast ($10) and Lobster and Ham Grits ($14) are at the top of that list. The rest of the food and drink specials are Green Chile Chilaquiles ($11), SIP Signature Bloody Mary ($10) and the Pear Mimosa ($9).

Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago

401 North Wabash
(312) 588-8000

If you are wanting to watch the dyeing of the river, Rebar has the optimal location. With huge floor-to-ceiling windows directly along the river– you essentially have a front from seat. Watch the river turn green as you indulge in a Irish inspired cocktail– such as the Shamrocktini ($15). Jameson Whiskey, Vanilla Absolut and Creme de menth combine to make the worthy drink. For that touch of Irish luck– gold flakes line the rim of the glass. Food-wise, the Grilled Guinness Bratwurst ($16) and the Rueben Burrito ($18) shine. These specials will be happening on March 14th from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Snag a river-view table by reserving it for $35 per person.

 

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