St. Paddy’s Day Parties to Celebrate Chicago’s Favorite Holiday
Let’s face it…no one does St. Patrick’s Day quite like Chicago. With a long standing history of celebrating, the river sparkling all different shades of green, parades all over the city, bar crawls and brunches, the Windy City always shows UP for this holiday. Here are some of our favorite places to spend the day of the Irish this year…
Radio Room {400 North State Street, Chicago; 312.706.5228}
Radio Room will start off their St. Patty’s Day celebrating with their Tap O’ The Morn party on Saturday, March 12 (see above). From 8-11:30AM general admission ticket holders will get some of Radio Room’s brunch favorites, green beer, custom souvenir steins and a premium beverage package. Given the prime location in River North, stick around after the morning party for the famous river dyeing which is located just a block away!
Central Park Bar {2924 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago; 773.698.6063}
If you’re looking for a more low-key St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Central Park Bar is the place to be. On Saturday, March 12 and Thursday, March 17, Avondale’s neighborhood favorite will be offering festive drink specials. For only $8.50, you can get a Guinness and Jameson shot combo so you can drink like the Irish do! Plus, on Thursday, March 17 only, guests can also enjoy half-price happy hour from 4-7PM.
Utopian Tailgate {1608 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.210.7799}
Starting at 10AM on Saturday, March 12, Utopian Tailgate will be having an unticketed St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza. With leprechaun pong (green beer pong), bags and flip, plus $5 green beers for everyone all on the top of their 10,000 sq ft. rooftop, you won’t want to miss out on this (see fun in the photo above). Drink specials include specialty cocktails like the “Irish Goodbye” as well as a “Pot of Gold” made with Corazon Tequila Blanco, Giffard Pineapple, Dubouchett Triple Sec, lime juice and pineapple juice.
Bandit {841 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.666.6061}
One of the West Loop's hottest party spots is bringing its nightlife energy to a morning event. From 8-11:30 AM on Saturday, March 12, ticket holders will be granted exclusive access to Bandit's second floor party space. They will also be given brunch bites, a premium beverage package and St. Patrick's Day swag. If you don’t have a ticket, feel free to stop in Bandit’s first floor for an a la carte lunch menu and bottomless brunch cocktails until 3PM.
The Dearborn {145 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.384.1242}
One day of celebrating isn’t enough for The Dearborn. All week long, the stylish downtown spot will be serving delicious Irish fare, Guinness beer and festive spirits. If you stop in, make sure to get the Fish and Chips with tempura-battered cod or the Baby Kale and Wild Mushroom Pizza - both of those dishes pair perfectly with a Guinness.
Columbus Tap {Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, Lobby Level - 1, Chicago; 312.444.9494}
Fuel up for the weekend of fun at Columbus Tap, right near the Chicago River. With food selections like Irish Nachos, Reubens, Corned Beef Cabbage and Shepherd's Pie, you’ll wish it was St. Patrick’s Day everyday. If you are planning to watch the dyeing of the river, grab a Shamrock Shake to-go. Not only will they have delicious food and drinks, but guests who post and tag @columbustap and use the #MarchMadnessatCT while dining at Columbus Tap will receive a free Happy Hour Irish Nacho.
Publican Quality Meats {pick-up specials}
Before you start downing the inevitable green beers on St. Patty’s Day, fuel up with something from Publican Quality Meats. Pre-order on Tock and stop in at the Fulton Market storefront to pick up some of Rob's Slagel Family Farms Corned Beef, ready to go for your family feast. They’ll also have PQM’s Irish Fry Kit for Two, featuring traditional favorites like both black and white pudding, Irish sausages and thick-cut Irish bacon. You can even pre-order classic Soda Bread by Chef Greg Wade from March 12-19. Everything you’ll need for an at-home celebration!
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent