Paddy Long's: Shamrocks and Shenanigans

From the outside, Paddy Long's looks out of place in a residential area. From the inside, Paddy Long's looks like a blue collar bar. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, but if you are expecting a ritzy place to drink martinis, go kick rocks.

Now that those people have left, Paddy Long's is an unbelievable joint. Lots of tv screens, but strictly reserved for soccer and rugby. If you miss a game, they record it and will replay it for you, just ask. They have an amazing draft list of 18 ever-changing beers that never disappoint, followed by an extensive bottle list that is guaranteed to help you wet your whistle. Also, Pat (the owner) makes a killer bloody mary. No offense to the other barkeeps, but if Pat's not there, move onto another drink. I only vouch for Pat's bloody mary's.

Once you've picked your poison, there are a few things I highly recommend trying. First up, the "Bacon Board", not on the menu so ask for it. A large board with 4 piles of bacon (peppered, smoked, danish and maple), irish soda bread, tiny gherkins, stone ground mustard and yellow mustard. Second is the "Cheese and Sausage" board, again not on the menu so ask for it. A selection of four soft cheeses, slices of smoked polish sausage, irish soda bread and stone ground mustard.


Lastly is "Beer and Bacon". This is actually done on specific days that you have to sign up for, generally on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays with varying times. You can reserve your spot online. (paddylongs.com) It consists of 5 generous cuts of bacon paired with 5 craft brews. The brews vary based on what's on tap at the time, and we got lucky to have Stone Smoked Porter paired with the brown sugar bacon. So delicious.

There are still a lot of things I need to try on their menu such as the charcuterie board, Alpha King beer battered pickle spears, Welsh rarebit fries, and most of all the burgers which sound fantastic. Eventually I'll get around to trying them and include them in another post (or three). They also serve Irish Breakfast all day for any of you late risers or brinner eaters.

Even the beer is happy here, and no I didn't touch it, it was handed to me this way.


Tips: This place is crazy on(around) St. Paddy's Day, so if you want to experience the crazy, come early and plan to make a day of it.

Directions: Lincoln Park Neighborhood.
Sits at the corner of Diversey Pkwy and Kenmore Ave.
Take the Brown/Purple EL Line to the Diversey stop and walk 2 blocks west.