Finals are over for those on the quarter system, and after exhausting all mental power and stressing out, Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect way to unwind and have fun with friends to kick off spring break. But there are hundreds of bars and events in Chicago, so HC has picked the best of the best to make any collegiette have the best Saint Paddy’s yet in the city.
Go authentic and see real Irish step dancing and music at an Irish festival like at Fitzgerald’s Night Club or at Navy Pier, with traditional fare and authentic bands in the lineup like Anish with singer Aidan O’Toole.
Bar crawl… with a guide on a party bus, booze cruise or area crawl like in Wrigleyville or River North where there are specials, buffets, free food, and amazing happy hour drinks.
Bar crawl… with friends by checking out some of the best Irish bars and pubs in Chicago. Be sure to check out Chief O’Neill’s that was ranked one of the top ten Irish pubs in the world by Ireland of the Welcomes readers (and has a special festival on the 17th with all day events), and Lady Gregory’s that has 300 kinds of whisky and 100 types of beer (in addition to a special green beer just for the holiday). End the night with dancing at a club with special St. Patrick’s Day events like Day Javu.
Work up an appetite with a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon in the morning. If you don’t like exercise, the vibe at races like the Shamrock 5K Beer Run or Luck of the Irish 3.17 is the perfect atmosphere that will make you forget you’re even running. Plus, you will feel great for getting some exercise in before lots of eating, drinking and celebration.
Eat all the Irish food by visiting Smoke Daddy and getting their slow-cooked corned beef sandwich, chowing down at Bar Lupo (that transforms into O’Conall’s Irish bar for the day), grabbing a boozy milkshake (topped with Lucky Charms!) at Baptiste and Bottle, or going all-out with the Irish-themed menu at River Roast that includes Guinness-battered fish and chips.
And of course… take lots of pictures. The scene in Chicago is super lively with people dressed up and celebrating, and this is the one time of the year you can catch the river died green. Make sure to tag @hercampus_nu if you try any of our suggestions and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from HC!