The dyeing of the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day is one of our city’s longest-standing traditions. Equally time-honored? The day-long, booze-infused festivities that go with it. Here’s where to get your green beer (and plenty of other Shamrock-hued libations) on Saturday, March 17.
An Emerald Breakfast with a View
LH Rooftop at LondonHouse Chicago (85 E. Upper Wacker Dr.)
Want a front-row seat for the dyeing of the river? Head to LH Rooftop. The 21st floor of the London House Hotel will offer an Irish Breakfast (one standout: Corned Beef Benedict ($12) with green onion hollandaise on a green English muffin) as well as options for Green Bloody Mary’s and Green Mimosas. The menu is served from LH Rooftop’s 21st floor private dining room, Etoile, which offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony for unparalleled views. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling LH Rooftop at (312) 253-2317.
26th Annual St. Patrick’s Day at Timothy O’Toole’s Pub
Timothy O’Tooles Pub (622 N. Fairbanks Court)
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Streeterville will host their 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. Parade Day festivities will include a live DJ day and night, St. Paddy’s brunch menu with a bloody mary/mimosa bar, and a performance by the Shannon Rovers bag pipers at 2 p.m. A $5 cover charge will be collected at the door ($10 includes a t-shirt). For more information call (312) 642-0700 or visit timothyotooles.com.
Drink in the Luck of the Irish
Arbella (112 W. Grand Ave.)
Arbella, the globally inspired cocktail lounge in River North, will open at 10 a.m. to begin channeling the Irish spirit. A morning brunch menu will feature Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Burritos and Empanadas, along with various drink specials including Patty’s Punch ($10) made with cucumber-infused pisco, beer + a shot of Irish Whiskey ($10), Guinness ($6) and Miller High Life ($5). Guest DJs will spin live from open to close. Walk ins are welcome and reservations can be made by calling (312) 846-6654 or by visiting OpenTable.
(Green) Frose all Day
The Hampton Social (353 W Hubbard St.)
Looking for an alternative to green beer? Available exclusively on Saturday, March 17, The Hampton Social will put a festive spin on its popular Frose drink by offering Green Frosé ($10), made with white peach puree, Tito’s Vodka, and Rosé. The green concoction is then garnished with peach sugar on the rim and a mint leaf.
St. Paddy’s Party on the Patio
Howells & Hood (435 N. Michigan Ave.)
Howells & Hood will host its annual Patio Party beginning at 8 a.m. The al fresco event will feature a live DJ, bagpipers, a photo booth, and breakfast specials including Irish French Toast with raisin soda bread and black berry jelly, Pastrami Hash with crispy hash pancake, sweet peppers, onion, house pastrami, fried eggs, and salsa verde, and the Irish Benny with soda bread biscuit, rashers, grilled tomato, spinach, and Irish cheddar hollandaise.
Downtown Irish Action
State and Lake Chicago Tavern (201 N State St.)
State and Lake Chicago Tavern, located just one block away from the Chicago River, will celebrate with drink specials beginning at 8 a.m., including green Bud Light cans ($4), Jameson Shots ($5), and Guinness cans ($6). Starting at 11 a.m., those looking to grab a bite to eat as well can take advantage of a variety of delicious food items provided by Chef Nathan Sears, Executive Chef of SLCT. These items include the Tavern Reuben with house made corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, 1000 island dressing, and rye ($9) and Lamb and Guinness Stew with braised lamb, potatoes, carrots, and barley ($12).
Celebrate with Green Kegs & Eggs
The Boundary (1932 W. Division St.), Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells St.)
Say top o’ the morning with a Kegs & Eggs brunch at The Boundary in Wicker Park and Old Town Pour House. From 8-11 a.m., both restaurants will feature a breakfast buffet including scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, chilaquiles, and more, along with green beer, bloody Mary’s, and mimosas. Tickets are $25; tickets available for The Boundary here and Old Town Pour House here.
Chicago River Tradition
Raised Bar (1 W. Wacker Dr.)
Raised Bar will fete the day with an Irish food and drink package featuring the annual dyeing of the Chicago River as the backdrop. Raised Bar will kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities with an Irish breakfast from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., with a live bagpipe performance and a food and drink package that includes: green beer on tap; endless green mimosas; Bloody Marys; baked eggs with spinach and kale pesto; corned beef and kraut on rye; Kerrygold white cheddar scone sliders, rashers, and eggs; and bourbon caramel cinnamon rolls. Tickets for the package are $60 per person and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com. Tax and gratuity are included.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party at Cantina Laredo
Cantina Laredo (508 N. State Street)
Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day, including River North Mexican spot Cantina Laredo. From 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., St. Paddy’s partiers can enjoy modern Mexican dishes from Chef Damon Workman’s brunch, lunch and dinner menus, along with $5 pints of green Mexican beer (Dos Equis Lager). Get into the St. Paddy’s spirit with Irish tunes and Latin beats spun by DJ Matt Rochford in the upstairs lounge from noon to 9 p.m. The complete menu may be viewed here. For table reservations, visit cantinalaredo.com or call (312) 955-0014.
The view from Travelle Kitchen + Bar; Photo Credit: @travellechicago
Take in the View of the Chicago River at Travelle Kitchen + Bar
Travelle Kitchen + Bar (330 N. Wabash Ave.)
Taking full advantage of the restaurant’s proximity to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Travelle Kitchen + Bar invites guests to watch the Chicago River get dyed green from above. Starting at 8 a.m. the lounge opens early for guests to reserve bar tables (with a $50 minimum spend per person) to take in the incomparable view. A breakfast buffet with assorted morning favorites will be available for $50, which includes a Guinness or mimosa. Reservations, required, can be made here or by calling (312) 923-7705.
A Sweet St. Patty’s Party
Sweetwater Tavern & Grille (225 N. Michigan Ave.)
Sweetwater Tavern will hosts its annual Patio Party begins at 9 a.m. Event highlights include bagpipers, beer, and an outdoor space just a few blocks from the Chicago River and parade route. Food specials include Corned Beef Reuben with braised corned beef, champagne sauerkraut, Guinness caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and whole grain whiskey mustard on toasted marble rye bread, Shepherd’s Pie with vegetables and goat cheese potato puree, and Corned Beef Poutine with crispy fries, onion gravy, cheese curds, and herbed breadcrumbs.
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