St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a substantial Irish population — and one of the biggest city-wide St. Patrick’s Day celebrations anywhere — Chicago is the perfect place to spend this holiday.
- Waterfront restaurants to watch Chicago River Dyeing
- St. Patrick’s Day bar and restaurant specials in Chicago
If you’re looking for a barstool to call home for the day, Chicago’s many local bars and restaurants get into the Irish spirit with specials and celebrations all March long. And you’ll find plenty of spots offering prime views of the Chicago River dyeing on Saturday, March 15.
Whether or not your ancestors came from the Emerald Isle, or you’re just honorary Irish for the weekend, these are some of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Chicago.
Waterfront restaurants to watch Chicago River Dyeing
Pizzeria Portofino: Enjoy signature cocktails, appetizers, pizza stations, and a front-row seat to the dyeing of the Chicago River at Pizzeria Portofino. Grab your tickets today for general admission or VIP table reservations.
Raised, An Urban Rooftop: Get a bird’s eye view of the river dyeing from this heated rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy green beer, mimosas, an Irish breakfast buffet, and entertainment from a live DJ and bagpiper.
LH on 21 & 22: This rooftop bar with truly spectacular downtown views will celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with a green river viewing party, featuring an open bar with bottomless green beer, breakfast bites, live DJs, and epic views of the event below.
Travelle at The Langham: At this casually elegant River North restaurant, admire dazzling views of the river dyeing festivities from floor-to-ceiling windows while enjoying the sounds of a live Irish fiddle duo and noshing on delicious food stations.
The Kitchen American Bistro: This waterfront spot in River North will be serving a brunch buffet full to enjoy as you watch the river turn green. Reserve your table today.
RPM Seafood: Enjoy an upscale St. Patrick’s Day at this swanky seafood spot with sweeping river views. Party-goers will enjoy a live DJ set, passed appetizers, chilled seafood, and specialty cocktails.
Miru: Perched on the 11th floor of the St. Regis building, this sleek sushi spot will open its two expansive terraces for St. Patrick’s Day. The experience includes an open bar and a live DJ.
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub: Located along the Chicago River, this friendly Irish pub will have a tent set up with live music all day. You can buy a ticket in advance to skip the line or join the VIP morning celebration.
St. Patrick’s Day bar and restaurant specials in Chicago
Cork & Kerry: If you want to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day at an authentic Irish pub, consider one of the Cork & Kerry locations. Whether you choose the Bridgeport or Beverly location, the luck of the Irish will be with you.
Charm’d: This pop-up experience in Wrigleyville features floor-to-ceiling decorations and over-the-top themed drinks, like the Pot o’ Gold or the Irish Mule. The experience will be open from Feb. 21 to March 17, reservations are recommended.
Navy Pier: Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day on the water with Navy Pier’s inaugural Shamrockin’ at the Pier Pub Crawl with drink specials, live music, themed games, and more.
Paradise Park: In the heart of Wicker Park, the festive Paradise Park will open early with a brunch buffet, music, an all-inclusive drink package, and more.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery: One of the only Guinness taprooms outside of Ireland, this West Loop brewery will be hosting a quintessential Irish St. Patrick’s Day celebration with live music, brewery pours, food service, and more.
The Dearborn Tavern: Owned by two Irish sisters, The Dearborn goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials and their standard welcoming atmosphere.
Hopsmith Tavern: Tickets to this Gold Coast celebration include a bottomless Irish drink and appetizer package all morning long, plus music and more St. Patrick’s Day fun.
The Gage: The Gage is a great spot for those hoping to catch the St. Patrick’s Day parade and river dyeing. Whether you’re more into The Gage’s impressive selection of spirits or a Guinness on tap, everyone will appreciate the proximity to festivities, as well as the historic building and thoughtful ambiance.
Chief O’Neill’s: Not only has it been called the best Irish pub in Chicago, but it has previously been voted one of the best in the entire world. It’s the place to be for an all-out Irish pub St. Patrick’s Day experience. Enjoy the buffet, proper pints, and a roster of all-Irish musicians.
Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern: This expansive spot next to Wrigley Field is hosting a morning celebration with an all-inclusive package that includes Jameson drinks, Irish stout, and a breakfast buffet.
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro: Another great example of a Chicago Irish pub, Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro in North Center provides a lively venue for those wanting an authentic way to celebrate the holiday. Reserve a table upstairs for traditional food and live Irish music.
Tao: This stunning club in River North will be hosting an exclusive early morning party with DJs and dancing. A ticket gets you guaranteed access; there will be a cash bar.
Emerald Loop Bar & Grill: Only a stone’s throw from the river, this is an ideal location to take in all things green. The bar opens early for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations so you’ll get to savor a whole day of Irish food and Guinness pints.
Gaslight: Get ready for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch party at this popular neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park. As a live DJ amps up the energy, savor an impressive brunch buffet spread and sip on house cocktails and green beer.
ROOF on theWIT: Soak in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities from 27 stories up, with plenty of Irish fare, giveaways, themed cocktails, and bottle service.
Sweetwater Tavern & Grille: Head to this Michigan Avenue spot bright and early for kegs and eggs, just steps away from the parade and the river dyeing.
Highline: Located only a block from the Chicago River, this lively sports bar is hosting a ticketed party that includes drink tickets, an Irish breakfast buffet, and games on the day of the river dyeing.
Federales Logan Square: Your ticket to this event includes drink tickets and a breakfast buffet at this Mexican restaurant and bar. Order a green ice shot and try your luck at ringing the bell.
Utopian Tailgate: In Old Town, this indoor/outdoor rooftop bar space is hosting an all-green day party with drinks, music, and St. Patrick’s Day antics.
Kirkwood: Come raise a glass at Kirkwood and look forward to build-your-own corned beef sandwiches, drinks, and breakfast favorites, including scrambled eggs, hash tots, and bacon.
Parlor: The Wicker Park location of this popular chain will celebrate St. Paddy’s with a pizza-focused buffet and a full bar.
