When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Brehon Pub
Why Brehon Pub is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Brehon Pub in Chicago is an inviting and casual pub located in the River North neighborhood, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends for any occasion. This pub blends Irish pub traditions with approachable American bar food, offering a cozy environment filled with plenty of seating and numerous flat-screen TVs for watching sports. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between relaxed and lively, perfect for lunch, dinner, or just drinks. Highlights include their well-poured Guinness and other Irish beverages, as well as favorites like the classic pub burger, crispy tater tots, mac and cheese, and giant pretzel with cheese. The pub features daily specials such as Sloppy Joes on Mondays and classic burgers on Tuesdays, offering good value along with quality. Friendly and prompt staff further enhance the welcoming vibe, while affordable beer prices, including Miller Lite and Goose Island varieties, appeal to a wide audience. Whether you're gathering to watch a game, enjoy hearty food, or simply spend time with friends, Brehon Pub provides a down-to-earth yet lively environment that embodies the spirit of an Irish pub in the heart of Chicago.
Here's what people think of Brehon Pub
As of recent, Brehon Pub holds a 4.3-star rating based on 525 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Brehon Pub for its friendly and efficient service, great atmosphere, and satisfying classic pub fare. Many guests mention the delicious burgers, especially the Tuesday burger specials, and appreciate the crispy tots and flavorful mac and cheese. Fans of beer highlight the well-poured Guinness and a good selection of craft and Irish beers. The friendly staff and comfortable seating with plenty of TVs for watching sports make it a solid choice for casual meetups. On the positive side, visitors enjoy the generous portions, a welcoming Irish-themed ambiance, and reasonably priced drinks. The pub's location in River North is another plus, convenient for locals and visitors alike. Some less favorable comments focus on occasional inattentive bartenders and the perception that some drinks and food can be pricey compared to similar establishments. A few reviewers noted that while the pub is not technically an "Irish pub," it faithfully delivers the Irish pub experience with traditional touches. Overall, the feedback shows a well-liked neighborhood spot known for its hearty food, good beer, and friendly service, making Brehon Pub a dependable choice for casual dining and socializing in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Estelle Strantz
Super cute Irish Pub! Christine was a great bartender. The Cobb salad was delicious, the chicken was fresh and grilled perfectly! I’ll definitely be back when I’m in the area!
Jen Benningfield
Wanted an Irish pub & googled the closest one. 1:30 pm on a Friday, not busy at all. Some beer on the tap wasn’t working b/c the pipes were frozen. Not their fault. A Tito mule ran $15. Hummus with veg was good, but veggies are diced around hummus so it’s different than expected but still had great flavor. We split a Reuben, was good but not too filled, 5 bites & half was gone. 2 beers, 1 mule, hummus & Reuben was $65 w/ tip. Had to get up to ask bartender for refills & plates even though it was super slow but he was friendly and kind. Cold beer, good food, nice neighborhood stop.
Jennifer Winthurst
I love Chicago Irish pubs! This one is great. I had a pretzel and cheese to start, it was delicious. Also I had the bacon cheeseburger and waffle fries. Also delicious. Our server was on it. I never had to ask for a refill. They have Coke products. Oh and their Cesar salad was awesome! They do charge 3% extra on your bill for using a credit card.
Lyd (DrizyL)
Been here a few times, Jennifer our bartender/server is very friendly and patient. The burger was absolutely incredible cooked to perfect medium rare. Draft beer selection is good! (I reccomend the green line)
Becky Hart
My daughter and I decided to try this bar/restaurant based on our view of the menu online. We were going to be in that part of Chicago for an event so we stopped in around 4pm. Upon arriving there were two people at the bar drinking and one table of four having food. The server did come over right away to get our drink order and food order but we were not ready yet, we had literally just sat down and started to look at the menu. My daughter went to wash her hands and the server came back during her absence and took my drink order. I ordered a half blue moon and half Guinness beer. The drink was cold and delivered quickly. The problem came when we did take a look at the menu and were ready to order. I tried twice to get the servers attention but she refilled the two people at the bars drinks, cashed out one of them and then began cleaning the table of the people who had finished their meal . She finally can over after some time and we ordered the eggs rolls and also the Irish nacho appetizer. The food was okay nothing note worthy not disappointing just satisfactory. The nacho chips were very good but there were way more toppings and not enough chips. The egg rolls were 4 small pieces and for the price it wasn't worth it. I think the cost should be cheaper, more items served or they could be made bigger. Overall, we were full when we left but our bill was $58 dollars for one beer, small egg rolls and a small dish of toppings w some chips. Please see photos. I guess if I lived in the neighborhood I would go here again but I would not plan to go here during a visit to the city. It's a nice place, old fashion decor for an Irish bar and overall good menu for a bar. The server was just okay not friendly but not attentive either. Okay, to sum this long review up give it a try if you are in the neighborhood and not in a hurry.
How to reach Brehon Pub
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Why Brehon Pub may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at Brehon Pub in Chicago promises an authentic, lively, and comfortable experience that combines the best of casual dining and socializing. With a well-earned rating of 4.3 from over 500 reviews, this pub is a favored local destination that offers more than just food and drinks—it delivers an atmosphere where friendships flourish and memories are made. Whether you want a relaxed lunch, a spirited after-work gathering, or a fun evening cheering on your favorite sports teams, Brehon Pub stands out as the perfect backdrop. Its Irish-inspired ambiance paired with expertly poured Guinness and a full bar ensures everyone’s beverage preferences are met. The menu, featuring favorites like burgers, mac and cheese, and Irish-inspired brats, complements the drink selection perfectly and caters to both hearty appetites and lighter tastes. Friendly, attentive staff enhance the welcoming vibe, making groups feel cared for. The spacious seating and multiple TVs showing sports create an ideal environment to socialize or catch the big game with friends or family. In all, Brehon Pub’s mix of great food, solid drinks, and warm conviviality justifies rallying your crew here for a genuinely enjoyable group outing.
What activities can groups enjoy at Brehon Pub?
Brehon Pub offers an engaging mix of activities that make it a vibrant meeting spot for groups. Chief among these is the chance to watch live sports broadcasts on numerous flat-screen TVs scattered thoughtfully throughout the venue. This setup guarantees that whether your group is into hockey, football, or soccer, everyone gets a good view of the game. These televised events often serve as natural catalysts for group excitement and conversation, encouraging camaraderie and cheering together. Beyond watching sports, patrons can indulge in a wide range of traditional and craft beers—especially Irish selections complemented by strong American brews, including offerings from the local Goose Island line. The pub's knowledgeable bartenders can recommend drinks, enhancing the experience. Food enthusiasts in your group will appreciate the menu’s strong lineup, with iconic bar staples like perfectly cooked burgers, cheesy mac and cheese, and specialty items like Guinness bratwurst that offer a true taste of pub culture. Furthermore, the casual, comfortable environment invites lingering conversations and socializing, whether you’re seated at the bar or at a table. This combination of sports, drinks, and hearty food makes Brehon Pub not just a place to eat but a lively social hub for groups.
Why is Brehon Pub ideal for group meetups?
The design and atmosphere of Brehon Pub make it exceptionally suited for groups looking to meet up in a friendly and relaxed setting. Its roomy interior offers ample seating options that can accommodate small groups or larger gatherings without feeling cramped. The layout ensures that conversations flow easily, with tables arranged to foster interaction without being overly noisy. Its location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood adds a layer of convenience, offering easy access via public transport or car, and proximity to other nightlife and dining options if your group wants to continue the evening elsewhere. The pub’s operating hours, typically opening for lunch and extending into evenings, provide flexibility for meetups at various times of day, from a lunch break catch-up to a late-night social. Additionally, the staff’s reputation for friendly and prompt service means group needs—from multiple drink orders to accommodating special requests—are handled efficiently, allowing the group to focus on enjoying each other’s company. The overall vibe is casual yet lively, which encourages guests to keep the mood light and enjoyable, further enhancing group dynamics.
What makes the food and drinks at Brehon Pub standout?
Brehon Pub’s food and beverage offerings contribute significantly to its popularity among groups. The menu is thoughtfully curated to balance traditional pub favorites with items that carry an Irish flair, creating a unique and satisfying dining experience. Highlights include their well-loved burgers, praised for being juicy and flavorful, and the indulgent mac and cheese, which offers creamy comfort perfect for sharing or individual enjoyment. Another standout dish is the Guinness bratwurst—a fresh, hot dog-style roll filled with bratwurst infused with rich Guinness stout, served alongside a crisp chopped salad. This plate alone captures the Irish pub tradition while appealing to a broad palate. On the drinks front, Brehon Pub boasts an impressive full bar with an array ofIrish and American beers, including several from Chicago’s Goose Island Brewery, renowned for quality and variety. Whether your group prefers classic pints of Guinness or craft brews, there is something for everyone. Cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic options are available too, ensuring inclusivity. The combination of solid food and expertly poured drinks creates a satisfying and diverse dining experience that groups find appealing for meal-centered meetups or casual happy hours.
How does the ambiance and service at Brehon Pub enhance group gatherings?
The ambiance of Brehon Pub skillfully blends traditional Irish pub charm with a modern casual vibe, crafting an environment that is both cozy and energetic—ideal for groups seeking a cheerful and unpretentious spot. The décor embraces Irish cultural elements subtly, avoiding clichés, while focusing on comfort and warmth that invites guests to settle in and relax. The presence of multiple TVs tuned to various sports elevates the social energy, especially during game nights, making it a natural gathering point for fans and friends alike. The lighting strikes a balance between bright enough to see and dim enough to maintain a laid-back mood. What truly elevates group experiences, however, is the attentive and friendly staff. They work efficiently during busy periods and remain approachable, making it easy for groups to place orders or ask for recommendations. Their knowledge of the menu and drinks translates into helpful suggestions tailored to group preferences, smoothing logistics and adding a personalized touch. Together, the inviting ambiance and excellent service ensure that group meetups run smoothly and feel special without fuss or formality.
What are the practical considerations for hosting a group event at Brehon Pub?
When planning a group event at Brehon Pub, several practical factors contribute to a positive experience. First, the pub’s location in Chicago’s River North is highly accessible, with public transportation options nearby and parking facilities allowing easy arrival and departure for all guests. The spacious interior allows for advance reservations or walk-in group seating depending on the size and timing, though booking ahead is recommended for larger parties to ensure availability. The pub’s operating hours accommodate a range of event types, from weekday lunches to weekend evening celebrations, giving planners flexibility in timing. For groups with dietary preferences or restrictions, Brehon Pub’s menu features a variety of options, including meatless dishes, to accommodate diverse tastes comfortably. Additionally, their moderately priced drinks and food options provide good value for groups looking to enjoy quality offerings without overspending. Lastly, the casual yet vibrant setting supports a variety of event formats—from casual catch-ups and birthday celebrations to sports watch parties—making it a versatile choice for different group dynamics and purposes. This combination of location, amenities, menu variety, and atmosphere makes organizing a successful group meetup straightforward and enjoyable at Brehon Pub.