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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to River North

Pub bars

Made for those who appreciate the unpretentious, community-focused culture of a traditional pub.

Based on 505 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Green Door Tavern image 1
The Green Door Tavern image 2
The Green Door Tavern image 3
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Cozy dive bar with historic wooden interiors and a hidden speakeasy downstairs creates a unique old-school vibe. Social and friendly atmosphere fills the space with nostalgic memorabilia and warm energy. Regulars enjoy spinning a shot wheel and relaxing with good music and sports on TV.

An old school dive bar with a cozy vibe and historic appeal. Bartenders offer great service and the spot has hooks for bags, making it easy to hang out with friends.

Feels like a home away from home with a classic Irish pub atmosphere. Offers a very good variety of beers and a cozy spot to rest and grab a bite during a pub crawl.

People are saying

"The bartender Autumn's energy made the whole bar feel more enjoyable."

"I loved the good variety of local beers here."

"This pub has a classic Chicago atmosphere with historical items."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the downstairs speakeasy to ensure entry.

2

The hidden bar opens later in the evening, providing a unique experience.

3

Happy hour offers late night food and drink specials.

02
Shamrock Club image 1

Old-school bar extends deep inside with a pool table, jukebox, and popcorn machine adding to the casual vibe. Loud, fun crowd creates a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere where people relax and socialize. Outdoor patio offers a perfect spot for warm days, enhancing the laid-back energy.

Dive bar vibe with friendly locals and fairly priced drinks stands out here. Plenty of activities keep the atmosphere lively and casual.

A blue collar pub with a classic Irish vibe sits across from the office in River North. It offers a local, cool atmosphere near the Loop.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially with a cold pint."

"It's a cool dive bar with a friendly crowd that makes you feel at home."

"It's a classic local pub to grab a beer with mates."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Expect the bar to get crowded around 6-7 PM.

3

Pitchers are available for $13, making it a budget-friendly option.

03
Fado Irish Pub image 1

Two-floor pub with old wooden ambiance and outdoor patio offers lively and relaxed areas. Live music and multiple TVs create an energetic vibe, especially during soccer games. Friendly crowd gathers around a rustic bar and dedicated fan corners, blending authentic Irish feel with sports enthusiasm.

Irish bar offers a wonderful atmosphere with super friendly staff. It features English football on TV and hosts Wednesday trivia nights.

Authentic Irish pub atmosphere shines with full Irish breakfast and Irish coffee. Friendly staff enhance the experience while Premier League and Champions League soccer play on TV.

People are saying

"The pub staff here are super friendly and helpful."

"I watched soccer games from around the world here."

"The bar area is nice for hanging out and the sliders were a favorite."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Trivia nights occur every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

04
Celtic Crossings Irish Pub image 1

Irish tavern-style bar with electric atmosphere and phenomenal live music creates a lively, fun environment. Crowd includes many with Irish accents, adding to the authentic pub vibe. Properly poured Guinness and free darts enhance the homey feel with a fireplace and solid dart board.

Authentic Irish pub vibe shines through with properly poured Guinness and a lively, energetic atmosphere. Live music and dancing add to the captivating ambiance, making it feel like a true Dublin pub.

Feels like a genuine Irish pub with a wonderful ambiance and captivating music. Pints of Guinness are poured properly, and the whiskey selection is great.

People are saying

"This Irish pub feels like stepping into Dublin."

"I found the live music here to be enjoyable and the singers amazing."

"The Guinness pours at the bar are excellent."

Good to know

1

The only food available is Tavern Pizza.

2

Drinks cost over $10 each.

3

The pub gets busy before major sports events.

05
Brehon Pub image 1
Restaurant

Irish pub with old-fashioned decor and a quiet secretive back area contrasts with a crowded front room. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for watching sports with multiple screens and playing games like pool and darts. Offers a huge patio and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Offers a really authentic Irish pub experience with a great neighborhood pub atmosphere. Serves solid drinks and has multiple games on screens, plus a patio for summer nights.

Offers a really authentic Irish pub experience with a great neighborhood pub atmosphere. Features multiple games on TV, solid drinks, friendly service, and lively music.

People are saying

"The food and beer at this pub were awesome."

"I loved how the burgers were cooked to order."

"This bar has friendly staff and great drinks."

Good to know

1

The pub charges an extra 3% on the bill for credit card payments.

2

Expect a $1 table fee for games, payable in quarters or bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

06
Clark Street Ale House image 1

Sumo wrestling-themed bar with neon signs and murals creates a unique setting. Low lighting and candle-like decorations set a chill, intimate atmosphere with sports on screens. Dogs are welcome, and free popcorn adds a casual, friendly touch.

Huge selection of seasonal beers fills the taps. Dogs are welcome inside, adding to the chilled vibes. Friendly staff greet at the door and behind the bar. Screens show sports, and a popcorn bar adds a fun touch.

Chilled vibes and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. A huge selection of seasonal beers pairs well with screens showing sports, offering a modern take on an English pub.

People are saying

"This bar is dog friendly and allows dogs inside."

"This pub has an outstanding beer selection."

"The vibe here is so cool, especially with the neon signs."

Good to know

1

The bar is open until 5:00am on weekends.

2

Dogs are allowed inside the bar.

3

Expect large crowds late at night, especially on weekends.

07
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe.

Bar seating offers stable, wide, cushioned stools with foot rails that reach the bar. Service stays friendly and perfect, with a selection of top draft beers and fresh munchies available.

Feels like a chain restaurant version of a craft beer pub with decent pub grub. The mini pub water glass has a great design.

People are saying

"They have a great mix of beers on tap."

"The beer here is great, especially the smokey porter."

"You have to try the Obatzda cheese dip at this Pub."

Good to know

1

The brewery is located on the second floor of the AMC building.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

The kitchen closes at 9pm, so arrive early for food.

08
O'Leary's Public House image 1

Irish pub with cozy decor and multiple TVs creates a relaxing and fun vibe. Outdoor seating and a loft area offer varied spaces for socializing. Strong support for Green Bay Packers adds a unique sports atmosphere.

Strong Irish pub vibe with lively sports viewing on multiple screens. Service stays consistently awesome and the outdoor area offers a safe, welcoming spot with fair beer prices.

Feels like a local English pub with a fun Irish vibe and friendly staff. The beer selection is decent and the bartender stands out for great service.

People are saying

"The bartenders at this pub are friendly and fun."

"I thought the food here was excellent."

"The bartenders here are friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

The bar opens at 10 am on Sundays, contrary to online listings.

2

Minors are not allowed in the bar, even if accompanied by adults.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during Packers games with plenty of standing room.

09
Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub image 1

Old school sports bar with many TVs showing multiple games and local team memorabilia creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Pool tables and interactive games add to the energetic vibe. The floor slants toward the back, giving the space a unique physical character.

Multiple screens show many games at once, creating a strong sports vibe. The bar offers a full bar with incredible service from bartenders who know their craft.

Crowded with multiple sports on screens, the pub offers a lively atmosphere where American fans cheer together. Drinks and pub food come with a side of friendly faces and a great weekend vibe.

People are saying

"The vibe here for live sports is great."

"This bar is a wicked cool spot with many screens showing multiple games."

"The pub staff, like Clyde, were so caring and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 drafts 10 minutes before it starts.

2

Expect a $90 bill for pizza, wings, and tater tots.

3

Food is ready upon arrival, ensuring quick service.

10
Snickers Bar & Grill image 1

Dive bar with a wraparound bar, seven TVs, and an internet jukebox creates a lively, classic pub vibe. Front room buzzes with sports energy and regulars chatting, while back booths offer a cozier, relaxed setting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with unpretentious laughter and casual dining.

A lively spot with classic dive-bar energy and friendly bartenders serving strong drinks at reasonable prices. The bar offers a laid-back atmosphere with a cozy back room and quick, easy service.

A classic pub style atmosphere with a gritty charm defines the space. Booths in the back create a cozier, relaxed setting typical of a local dive and sports pub.

People are saying

"This bar is a gritty, local hangout with a nostalgic vibe."

"I loved the gyros; they were surprisingly good."

"It's a local pub with a gritty, authentic vibe."

Good to know

1

The drink prices at Snickers Bar & Grill are reasonable for downtown Chicago.

2

They accept both credit card and cash payments.

3

The parking lot is small and often full, making parking challenging.

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River North, Chicago

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