Every year on March 17, Chicago's Irish pride is on full display. It's no secret that Chicagoans love to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and the multitude of festivities that take place are a testament to that. If you're wondering where to go and what to know this St. Patrick's Day, check out our list of 10 things to know about St. Patrick's Day in Chicago...
1. How and Why is the Chicago River Dyed Green, and Where is the Best Place to See It?
Like much of Chicago's history, the reason why the river is dyed green has a not-so-savory backstory. This tradition started in 1962 when green dye was poured into the river to detect pollution. The bright, emerald green color inspired Stephen Bailey, one of the members of the plumbers union tasked with rooting out the pollution, to come up with the idea to turn the entire river green. The rest, as they say, is history,
The river is going to be dyed green at 9 a.m. on March 17, and the color will last for approximately five hours. Wondering where the best place is to view the action? Try these spots:
– This rooftop bar gives guests a bird-eye view of the Chicago River. On St. Patrick's Day, they're also hosting an Irish breakfast complete with bottomless green mimosas. Buy tickets .
The Bridges on the Chicago River – Camping out on the Michigan Avenue bridge or on the bridges on Upper and Lower Wacker Drive is a good way to get a good view of the dyeing of the Chicago River. Just be sure to get there early to get a spot.
2. What to Know about Festivals and Cultural Events
is a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your family and friends, especially if you're looking to avoid the craziness of the various parades that take place in the city. There will be live music, dancing, food, drinks, a craft fair, and more.
3. What Are the Different Parades in Chicago?
Chicago plays host to three different parades on St. Patrick's Day. Here's what you need to know about them:
– The South Side parade is the largest St. Patrick's Day parade outside of Dublin. This parade takes place the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day in the Beverly neighborhood.
– The St. Patrick's Day parade that takes place downtown starts at noon on Columbus Drive, and continues from Balbo Street to Monroe Street.
– The Northwest Side parade begins at noon at 6634 West Raven Street in the Norwood Park neighborhood at the Onahan School, and runs to Harlem Avenue.
4. Restaurant Specials to Know About
If you're looking to get a taste of Ireland, but you're looking for a different experience other than the traditional Irish pub, there are plenty of restaurants in Chicago offering up St. Patrick's Day specials. Here are a couple options to consider:
– Hawaiian-inpired restaurant Mahalo is offering up food and drink specials on March 17, including the Patty's daiquiri ($5), composed of white rum, melon liquor, and grapefruit and lime juice. Additionally, visitors can enjoy $4 shots of Jameson. Guests can also enjoy the Mahalo wings (5 pieces for $9), fried calamari ($13) and the Mahalo chicken sandwich ($14).
– There is currently a special pop up restaurant at River Roast – J. Hogan's Pub. There's a special menu of Irish pub food and drinks, including corned beef, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, in addition to Guinness and shots of Irish whiskey.
– Located just one block away from the Chicago River, State and Lake Chicago Tavern is a good spot to visit if you're celebrating downtown. State and Lake Chicago Tavern is offering a variety of food and drink specials, including Green Bud Light Can ($4), Jameson Shot ($5), and Guinness Can ($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 including the Tavern Reuben ($9) and Lamb and Guinness Stew ($12).
5. What About Beer Crawls?
If you're looking to get out and about on St. Patrick's Day, Wrigleyville is hosting a ticketed beer and food crawl. For one price, you can enjoy drinks from BEER on Clark, Casey Moran's, Clark St. Beach, Country Club, Deuce's, Full Shilling, HVAC, John Barleycorn, Merkle's, Moe's Cantina, Nola, Old Crow, Roadhouse 66, Sandlot, Shakers, Stretch, Brickhouse, Press Box/Dugout, and more! Your ticket also gets you a t-shirt, and other freebies. For more info and to buy tickets, click .
6. Notable Irish Pubs/Restaurants
If you'd rather park yourself in an Irish pub on St. Patrick's Day, here are a few notable spots to consider:
– This cozy spot with locations in Andersonville and Old Town is named after Irish writer Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory. Over 300 whiskeys grace the drink menu, and guests can enjoy the "approachable gastropub" menu.
– Like Lady Gregory's, this Irish pub located in Lakeview is named after famed Irish writer Oscar Wilde. The restaurant features two bars, an expansive drink list, and elevated Irish pub fare.
– Located in the historic Beverly neighborhood, this authentic Irish pub has over 20 beers on tap and a beer garden.
7. What's Going on the Suburbs?
If you can't make into the city to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, there are plenty of ways to show your Irish pride in the suburbs.
The weekend-long Irish festival starting on March 16 at the in Willowbrook will feature live music from Cirrus Falcon, Mulhearn Irish Dancers, Whiskey Brothers, Emerald Society Bagpipers, St. Stephen’s Green, Maggie Speaks, Infinity and more, in addition to serving up Irish food and drinks.
in Wheaton is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. with special performances by local bagpipers, Irish dancers, The Bill Nelson and the Blarney Stone Killers, Parting Glass Irish Trio and DJ Tony Trixx.
8. What to Know About Irish-American History in Chicago
Chicago is known for its rich Irish-American history. According to the U.S. Census, over 201,530 Chicagoans claimed Irish ancestry in 2015. If you're interested in learning more about Chicago's storied Irish past, here are a few spots to visit:
– This museum located within the Irish-American Heritage Center highlights artifacts that tell the story of Chicago's Irish history.
– Donated by the Irish American Labor Council of Chicago, this sculpture depicts James Connolly, founder the Socialist Labour Party in Great Britain. Connolly also founded the Irish Citizens Army, a group that provided protection to workers and strikers. Connolly was also a leader in the movement for Irish independence.
Irish Neighborhoods – Visiting neighborhoods in Chicago with a rich Irish history is a good way to experience Irish-American heritage. These neighborhoods include Beverly, Norwood Park and Rogers Park. According to , the Rogers Park neighborhood is named after an Irish immigrant, Phillip Rogers, and much of the neighborhood was developed by Irish immigrants, such as Patrick Touhy.
9. Notable Chicago Irish-Americans to Know
So, who exactly are these "Chirish" that everyone talks about? Here are a few notable Chicagoans with Irish-American ancestry:
Barack Obama – Former president Barack Obama claims Irish ancestry from his mother's side of the family. There's even a plaza in Moneygall, Ireland (the town his ancestors are from) named after him.
The Daley Family – The Daley family is synonymous with Chicago. It's no surprise then that the Daleys have deep Irish roots, which is on par with the sheer amount of Irish-Americans in Chicago.
Michael Flatley – This famous Irish dancer was born in Chicago in 1958. Flatley learned how to dance at the Dennehy School of Irish Dance in Chicago.
10. What to Drink
St. Patrick's Day wouldn't be complete without drinks! Here are two drink recipes that you can make at home, courtesy of River Roast and .
The White Walker (Remedy Bar, $11)
Ingredients
- 2.25 oz cold brew coffee
- .75 oz house mint simple syrup
- .25 oz Fernet Branca
- .5 oz Bailey’s
- .5 oz Jameson
Instructions
1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake then strain over ice into a high ball glass.
3. Garnish with a mint sprig.
-
Tipperary (J. Hogan's Irish Pop-Up at Rover Roast, $11)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tullamore Dew Cider Cask Whiskey
- ¾ oz Cocchi di Torino
- ¼ oz Green Chartreuse
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
Instructions
1. Stir ingredients for 30 seconds and garish with a lemon banner.