Pubs across Chicago are loading in dozens of kegs of Guinness each in preparation for the city’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivites, kicking off Saturday with the river dyeing and downtown parade.
The dark beer has hundreds of years of history, but has found itself in the spotlight as younger drinkers gravitate toward the beer thanks to social media trends such as “splitting the G.”
Here are five spots where Guinness lovers — old and new — can find a pint in the city for St. Patrick’s Day.
Sláinte!
Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Guinness National Ambassador Ryan Wagner says the bartenders at Guinness’ second-ever U.S. taproom take “a lot of pride” in pouring what he calls the best pint in Chicago.
General Admission tickets and ticketed table reservations are available, ranging from $10 to $30 for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Chief O’Neill’s
Bar manager Anluan McKinney said this Avondale pub has been voted the “Best Pint in Amercia.” They’re well equipped for massive St. Patrick’s Day crowds, expecting to go through 50 or more kegs of Guinness on parade day.
The pub’s first floor and heated tent don’t require reservations, but a $10 cover charge will start at noon. On the second floor, patrons can make $45 reservations for an hour and a half “Irish Favorite Buffet.”
For Chief O’Neill’s full St. Patrick’s Day festivities schedule, click here.
Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
Mick O’Donoghue, a co-owner of Kerryman, said they’ve already loaded 70 kegs of Guinness into the River North pub in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day weekend — and the beer will be their No. 1 seller during the days leading up to the holiday.
Reservations are booked up, but the bar accepts walk-ins for a $10 cover starting at 8 a.m.
Fadó Irish Pub
This River North Irish pub will open at 9 a.m. on Parade Day and serve brunch until 11:30 a.m., then classic Irish fare for the rest of the day.
The bar doesn’t take reservations, and there’s a $10 cover charge to enter.
The Embassy Public House
The Embassy in Little Italy takes pride in pouring their Guinness pints, with owner Paul O’Reilly saying they ensure the pint glass, temperature and two part pour are all perfect.
The pub will open at 7 a.m. on parade day, and doesn’t charge a cover.
“There’s no better city in the world than Chicago for Paddy’s Day,” O’Reilly said.