The Curragh
6705 N. Northwest Highway in Edison Park

773-774-6170
CurraghIrishPub.com

The scene: This is classic Irish heritage at its finest. Lots of authentic woodwork, whiskey barrels, old photos, Guinness and Jameson posters on the wall, dark lighting, and a gorgeous question mark-shaped bar combine to make for a casual, inviting vibe that’s perfect for huddling with friends or family for dinner or a few pints this winter. Adding to that allure is a roaring fireplace, where they actually take reservations surrounding it, and a semi private “cubby booth” that’s as unique as it is cozy.

Live music hits the small stage in the middle of the bar Friday and Saturday, and a mix of tall-top tables, booths and wrap-around bar seating provide plenty of options. The Curragh is definitely family-oriented and is generally full of Park Ridge and Edison Park residents. Don’t forget their popular sidewalk patio in warmer weather.

The slow-cooked lamb stew or bangers and mash are logical choices on a cold night, but we often find ourselves drawn toward the Guinness-battered fish & chips — and rightfully so.

Menu expectations: There are plenty of favorites for sure, but it’s also fun to try something new off their extensive menu that blends creative and classic Irish and American fare, albeit with some Greek and Asian influences.

The slow-cooked lamb stew or bangers and mash are logical choices on a cold night, but we often find ourselves drawn toward the fish & chips — and rightfully so. Three large fillets of cod are dipped in a Guinness batter and fried up golden brown, creating the ideal combination of crispy and flaky. Served with a heaping pile of steak fries, coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce, it’s borderline perfection. Especially with a nice whiskey, Smithwicks or Guinness to go with it.

For appetizers, the reuben rolls or smoked salmon plate are tough to beat, but if you’re looking to curb hunger pains for the whole table, try the Punter’s Platter, which comes with loaded potato skins, wings, beer-battered onion rings and mozzarella sticks.

The tender baby back pork ribs, warm corned beef sandwich, chicken curry, stuffed Irish potato pancakes and Gaelic steak with sautéed onions in a wild mushroom marsala sauce are highlights as well. And don’t forget plenty of soups, salads and burgers too.

Did you know you can also order pizza from Giordano’s or a few stellar Mexican dishes from Qué Onda next door? Yep, same ownership for all three, and they’ll bring it right to your table at The Curragh.

From the bar, the draft beer list includes 30 options ranging from European and domestic favorites to local craft beers (Half Acre Daisy Cutter, Revolution Anti-Hero, Three Floyd’s Gumballhead, etc). Full bar, wine and whiskey too. Lots of good whiskey.

Insider’s tip: Did you know you can also order pizza from Giordano’s or a few stellar Mexican dishes from Qué Onda (hello, shrimp tacos!) next door? Yep, same ownership for all three, and they’ll bring it right to your table at The Curragh. “It kinda feels like you’re on a tour of the world here because you really can get the best of everything,” says manager Matt Lubin. “Whatever type of food you’re feeling.”

Private party space: The Curragh offers complimentary valet from Thursday-Sunday, and they can host events for up to 140 people in their gorgeous private party room upstairs. From 21st birthdays to baby showers and wedding receptions, they can cater to something more upscale with white tablecloths and a fireplace or create more of a party atmosphere with a dance floor, DJ, full-system bar, etc. A second private room that can host up to 40 is located downstairs near the bar as well.

Specials and more: Trivia happens on Wednesdays, pizza is half price from neighboring Giordano’s on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, and plenty of other drink deals happen throughout the week, like Mondays ($13.75 Miller Lite buckets or $2.75 bottles), Tuesdays (half-price wine bottles), Thursdays ($4 Tito’s drinks, $3.75 Heineken drafts) and even on Saturdays with $5 Jameson Irish mules, $15 domestic buckets and $4 Proper 12 whiskey shots.