From raucous pub crawls to lively parades, there nothing quite like St. Patrick's Day in Chicago. In March, Irish taverns are packed with revelers, jovial crowds fill the city streets, and the Chicago River sparkles brilliant shades of emerald green. But you don't need to visit only on St. Patrick's Day to feel Chicago's Irish spirit. Thanks to its large population of Irish Americans a rip-roaring Irish pub is never too far away. Whether looking for Guinness pints and whiskey shots, food staples like fish and chips and corned beef, or to delve deeper into Irish cuisine, St. Patrick's Day isn't the only time of the year to embrace that inner Irish side. Chicago's Irish History The early years of Chicago coincided with the significant rise in Irish immigration in the 1830s. Some Irish already lived in Chicago when it was incorporated as a city in 1837. In the next few years Irish numbers grew rapidly particularly after the arrival of refugees from the Great Famine. By 1850 Irish immigrants accounted for about one-fifth of the city's population. Authentically Chicago By all means, get your deep-dish pizza and Chicago hot dog fix. But don't forget to visit our neighbors at Fado Irish Pub to complete your authentic Chicago experience. Fado Irish Pub has been a staple in Chicago for many years and is located just steps outside Best Western River North Hotel. Fado Irish Pub sets the standard in River North bars for Irish pubs with creative cocktails, great Guinness pints, live music, and sports. This pub isn't all about the Guinness. In fact, here in one of Chicago's best pub restaurants, the scratch kitchen consistently blows expectations out of the water. The menu goes well beyond “simple pub grub” and blends pub favorites and internationally flavored dishes inspired by Dublin's best pubs. All the cod is wild caught in the well-managed waters of the North Atlantic by just two boats that fish almost exclusively for Fado. Produced by third-generation Vermont butchers, the corned beef, rashers, sausages and breakfast puddings are made to our custom Irish recipe. Now that's a commitment to quality. History in River North Irish owned and operated, Fado started in Chicago in River North in 1997. The pub, designed and constructed in Ireland, is made up of multiple uniquely designed sections on three levels. The Chicago Pub features many ‘snugs' – perfect little areas for bringing people together. It also features a reclaimed 100+ year old bar from the Purty Kitchen in Dublin. Visit Fado Chicago's Website.
