Johnny O'Hagan's Irish Pub & Restaurant
- Nearest Transit:
Belmont (Purple Express, Brown, Red)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Late Night
- Music: DJ, Live
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
40 reviews
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
"I was here for the 75th anniversary of Prohibition being repealed and celebrated by eating free food and drinking $.75 beer all afternoon.…" read more »
35 Reviews for Johnny O'Hagan's Irish Pub & Restaurant
I took a client/Cubs fan to a game and he suggested we meet here. Great choice - it's just far enough from the usual pre-game gathering spots that we easily found a spot at the bar and weren't packed as tightly as the Red Line car we just rode in on. Friendly staff and good service, however our nachos and quesadilla took way longer to come out than nachos and a quesadilla should. We still made the first pitch, but missed the anthem and felt very unpatriotic. I didn't get to sample any of the Irish offerings, but the appetizers were up to the basic bar standards. Definitely the place to meet up before a game - just don't tell too many people.
I really like this place. (Which is saying something, because it's in the middle of Wrigleyville!)
Friendly (and mostly Irish) staff, great beer selection, and the steak sandwich I had before the Cubs game last time was awesome. Just filling enough to get me to the 4th inning, when the hot dog monster struck. (That's another review...)
Bottom line is that this is a solid irish bar. It's a genre that is often done horribly, but Johhn O'Hagan's leads the way.
Also, I used alot of parenthesees in this review.
The waitstaff are really nice and hardworking here. Some of them even seem to be Irish. The beer list was heavier on the domestics than I expected, but they do have Newcastle. The food is pretty decent.
The atmosphere is definitely tops - I love the giant fireplace. Fireplaces are always a plus at bars in the winter, but this fireplace is the biggest, coziest, most irish stone fireplace I've seen.
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I used to be a more frequent visitor of this establishment when I lived about 8 doors down. The fact that I'm less than a half mile away now and I don't go very often made me rethink my stars and drop it to a three. I've always had a fantastic time there and its a great bar. I have many fond memories of watching the home Cubs games there during the 2003 playoff run. We would have gone up the street, but the bars closer to the park were always TOO crowded and TOO obnoxious during those days for home games. Johnny O's was just perfect. Don't go very often anymore, but I'm also a creature of habit and have become a regular at some other bars in the 'hood. "You wanna go where everybody knows your name"....and the drinks are cheap. This place would have been a fun one to become just that,but my friends that moved to Chicago before I did decided on some other bars.
I don't know why, but as long as I've lived on the north side, I've never stepped foot in here. Although,... I've long wanted too, mostly because it reminds me of a London phone booth. I ReALLy loved Johnny O'Hagan's. The bartenders were great! The bouncer was friendly, and chatty!...and there was live music! The live music won me over immediately, but I really loved the traditional Irish decor as well! It is a totally laid back scene in here with drinkers ranging from early 20's on up to 40's? I will definitely stop walking by, and stop in from now on.
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Good bar, especially for this area which can get really obnoxious and annoyingly crowded.
It's a good pint, the interior is nice, but I would come here to get some good pub food, if for nothing else. The back area is good for dinner, and has a fireplace for ambiance in the winter. I usually get a healthy order of fish and chips.
Most "Irish" bars can be intolerable, unauthentic or filled with douchebags. This bar, while not having been around forever, is a nice oasis.
What's the one thing drunken yuppies can't resist?
A Crane-picked lobster
I sat at a table with a friend, an adorable Irish hostess and an extremely attentive waiter checking on us. The food, about three pounds of fries with curry and some fried cod with more fries. The bill for 6 beers and all this food was about $40 but it was well worth watching the lobster-magnet. I felt worse for the drunks feeding $2 a pop around twenty times in a row. The lobsters just chilled and made their daring escape seconds before capture.
Alright, so, this is the pub to go to if you are in the area and you don't want to get hit on by someone of the same gender as you. In addition, Irish natives come here on occasion and like to tell you how to say certain words in Gaelic, which is the mad cool.
However, there is something that you should watch out for.
There is this young waitress with brown hair and a really nice body. I mean, I wouldn't mind poking her with my shalalee if you know what I'm saying. Anyway, she sort of acts like some sort of self-righteous vigilante who impedes on a person's consumption of diabolical libations, and it is not beneficial to anyone.
Essentially what had happened is that a group of us went to this pub for a 23rd birthday celebration, and my friend, who is a bartender, decided to start a tab and buy everyone in the group drinks to get things going and have the waitress treat our group better than the other patrons of the pub, if you know what I'm saying.
So, the whole group had already done a round of shots together, when my friend who started the tab decided to buy me and these two ladies some beers. After he placed the order though, the womenfolk he was ordering for let out a loud, "Oh no no, you don't have to get us anything." Then one was like, "Yeah, I'm leaving soon, I don't need anything."
My friend then insisted on buying them something by saying, "No, c'mon, it's o.k., I got it under control," and despite the girls' protests, he placed the order with the waitress.
HOWEVER, before the waitress left to get our drinks, she took it upon herself to conclude that my friend was just trying to get these two girls drunk, and the waitress decided to only fetch the two beers for my friend and I, and not the mixed drinks that my friend was trying to buy for the women.
Now, first of all, the JOB of a bar waitress is to get people drinks and then take their money and that's it, and secondly, if we got the drinks, and the girls decided not to drink them, then fine, whatever, but one of the girls actually really did want another drink, and when the waitress came back without it, the girl had to get up and go to the bar to get the drink herself, which is ridiculous, and could've been avoided if the waitress would've left her feminist opinions at Lillith Fair. Needless to say, my friend diminished the waitress's tip after that interaction.
So, the night went on, and the waitress would repeatedly ignore us, despite us trying to wave her down, and after a couple of times of me having to go up to the bar myself to get another drink, I made my way over to the waitress's station, to ask her personally if I she could get me a drink.
So, while acting as sober as I could, I went up to her, and while looking into her fiery eyes I asked, "Excuse me, but I was wondering if you could get me and my friends a couple of drinks?"
She then replied, "Why certainly, what would you like?"
I then told her that, "I would like the octoberfest, despite it already being November, he he he." I then tried to say some more witty stuff, which I believed did not work, because after I was done with my remarks, she seemed to be unwooed by my advances.
The waitress then said, "Alright, I'll have those for you in a moment."
Which I then replied to by remarking, "Alright, thanks for doing your job."
So, I go sit back down, and a couple of minutes go by, and I look to see where the waitress is, and I see her at the waitress station just talking with her friends. I then figure that maybe she's waiting for the bartender to fill my order, and I wait another three minutes or so. When I look back at her, she's still just chilling, and I don't have my drink.
So I get up again and go up to her, and ask, "So are those drinks coming?"
And with a crushing blow to my good times, she informs me, "That she is not going to get my drinks," because I took it upon myself to, "thank her for doing her job."
I then told her that what she was saying, "Made absolutely no sense."
But she then just reitterated her stance by saying, "That if I wanted to get a drink, I would have to get it myself."
So, since at the time, getting a drink was more important than what a sex starved cock craving waitress was telling me, I went to the bar to order the drink, but while I was waiting to place my order, I realized that this pub could kiss my arse, and they didn't need anymore of my money.
All in all, O'Hagan's is a good place, but just beware of a crazy bitch waitress who can't get the lovin' she yearns for, and thus takes it out on her really really good-looking pub patron studs who just want a drink. Beware of her, or she might take it into her own hands to ruin your good time.
LASTLY though, I give them three stars, because there is an old waitress with white hair who has an authentic Irish Accent and drinks lots of booze while serving you, and she's the coolest waitress in Chicago. She'll drink with you if you want.
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I really like this bar - good waitstaff, good beer, good food. But I have 3 questions for them and myself:
1. Why didn't I ask for no jalapenos on the deliciously cheesy nachos. My lips burned all night!
2. Why don't you put more "black" in your black & tans? A growing girl needs her Guinness.
3. Why did I think that I could stay at the bar for not one, but two football games last Sunday - and then attempt a third at Johnny O's? And why did they serve me? My fault, I know, but who forgets how they got home on a Monday morning?!
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I first stumbled into this bar on a Friday evening, hoping to find a bar that was neither annoyingly busy nor depressingly dead. I was looking for a place with a sense of warmth and comfort in the chilly November night. I was looking for a place to drink Guinness until I couldn't see straight, that was close enough to stumble home without having to stop off for a quick nap in an ally.
From the moment I walked in the front door, I felt as though I was in a romantic holiday movie a la "The Holiday." From the Christmas lights surrounding the bar, to the mumbles of the sweater-clad clientele, to the sounds of Coldplay filling the bar at the exact right volume. Now, I'm not a fan of Coldplay (nor am I really a sweater person), but it all just kind of felt right for the moment; relaxing and welcoming.
It was a truly refreshing break from the Wrigleyville partybar scene. A place to go to sit and relax while enjoying a conversation with friends and pounding a few of your favorite adult beverages.
I would definitely recommend visiting Johnny O'Hagan's when you're in the right mood; I don't think this will be my every night bar, but it will certainly be a frequent and favorite stop.
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This place is right down the street from me, so it's convenient, and far less annoying than a most of the places along Clark Street. Good food, good service (gotta love Pauline) - one downside - the lines on the tap beers aren't that clean, so my usual Newcastle doesn't taste that great. One of the few places in this neighborhood that I will go to on a semi-regular basis.
Awesome potato leek soup. Please get this, you'll thank yourself. Went after a cubs game (Monday afternoon) and found this place empty. I had been told it was the best bar in Chicago so I had to check it out, but what I found was only "solid."
The service was amazing, the beer cold, and the soup good. I have a feeling like if I came here for a 6pm-11pm stint I'd give it the extra star.
No shit about the soup. Seriously. It's Great!
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Just love it! It's never too crowded, great seating, nice clean bathrooms and amazing service. This is pretty authentic, the staff is super nice and friendly most of them have true Irish or British accents. The food is awesome, great specials, and need I say the food is awesome! Great place to watch a soccer, rugby, or cubs game. You can really enjoy your drinks and food.
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This was by far my FAVORITE Chicago bar! It's a great atmosphere and the service is great. If you're looking for some authentic Irish personality and a great neighborhood hang out, this is it!
Any given night you can walk in, banter with my favorite bartender Killian, get a couple drinks, and dance in the aisles. Go in early in the morning for some football, jameson, and toast and stay through the nights for the real entertainment: the regulars.
One word of advice- beware the russian... he'll get you everytime.
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Home away from home?
Almost, except that Im not 21. A friend and I stumbled upon O'Hagans one morning while looking for something to eat.
I love the people that work here, and the owner is the best.
Now, Im actually from Ireland, so I might be a little biased. He was a great guy, though a little hard to understand if your not used to it.
Our food was great, and we got some company as we were the only people in the place so early.
It was just a great experience, now I just need to turn 21 already.
Go here for the experience, you wont regret it.
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Being a fan of Soccer and Rugby, and it being so close to me, I frequent O'Hagan's often. I also did some passive promotional work there, which was fun, so I was there quite a lot. The food there is delicious. If you like Irish food, and drink (get yourself an Irish Coffee) then this is a place to hit. Like it has been said the staff there is very cool. The bartenders are usually the same and they helped me out when I was doing my promotional work. The have a small bar in the basement, I have never seen it open, but it looks like it might be for private parties and the such.
Best part about this place it the actual Irish workers and patrons. It is worth the trip just to hear them talk (the accents kick ass) and argue with each other about Football (theirs, not ours) and Rugby.
Fat Guy Rating: 4 (Out of 5 = I'm delightfully full)
My meal: Split the Nacho appetizer (get chicken on it) and then hit up some of the actual Irish recipes (Either the Breakfast, the Bangers and Mash, or the Shepard's Pie)
And again get yourself an Irish Coffee (with Bushmills)
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Great local Irish Pub that has a very friendly, unpretentious feel to it. Its a good place to bring some friends and hang out over some beers (or cider as I prefer sometimes). They have live music sometimes which is pretty sweet.
I had one particular experience at Johhny O'Hagan's that really stood out. My friend was paying his bar tab at the end of the night, but his credit card would not work. The bartender tried it a couple times and, rather than asking my buddy to hit up the atm, asks him to come back and pay the tab the next day! I have never seen that sort of trust (or stupidity) from another bartender. Of course my friend made good on his debt, and the bar won a loyal customer.
Also -- good Irish food for those days you feel like having a big hearty dish with some meat and potatoes
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A few years back, on my second trip to Chicago, a friend took me to Johnny O'Hagans (or as we have affectionately misdubbed it, Jimmy O'Hanrahan's), after a long day of hot, sweaty Bluesfest action.
We had such a grand time (beer, Jamie+gingers, curry chips and wings, dancing and singing like total prats to Madonna, etc.) that we returned on every single trip to Chicago, though it was always out of our way.
Now, it's in my hood, and I still love it, because the best way to chase a Sunday champagne brunch is with a Sunday beer, wings and Setanta dinner.
The food has proven on subsequent trips to be good--standard bar fare plus Irish favorites--but honestly, we go for the atmosphere of late afternoons, drinking pints and philosophizing.
It's reasonably priced, staff is usually friendly, and they've got international sports on tv. It's a solid local.
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It is indeed nestled in Wrigleyville, which made me question its authenticity, nevermind its clientele (drunken Cubs fans and former frat boys are just not my ideal pub companions), this place is great. I do enjoy the food, particularly the bangers and mash, and the beers are poured just about perfect. The service is always warm and friendly, not to mention attentive. I really like going here, especially in the fall or winter, when you can warm up next to the fireplace.
Best burgers in Chicago and a great beer selection. Fast service and great old irish pub ambience, often complete with brogue!
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Probably one of the best "Irish" pubs in the neighborhood. The staff here is just as good as everyone says and they seem to have little tolerance for the Cubs fans that never seem to know how to behave in public. I highly recommend the fish. The Guinness is also very good, I'd give it a 9.0/10. Most all the food here is fantastic, though. I'd rank this place in the same league as the Oak and Chief O'Neil's, except it's not as crowded as the Oak and it's closer to my apt. than Chielf O'Neil's.
I've never had a bad time here. Good food, good booze selection and the staff is always friendly. There's always a contingent of Irish guys at one end of the bar that yell from time to time. That's not a complaint, by the way.
They lose one star for not having Strongbow on tap.
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Nice atmophere - definately an Irish bar. I will never forget paying $20 to watch an England vs Germany soccer match and missing Germany's first (and only) goal. It was kind of sad watching all the England fans cheering the rest of the match.
Food is good and beer delish.
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Two stories:
1. The weekend the bf met my parents last year, we went here after an unfortunate incident up the street at Pick-Me-Up Cafe. This is also the night that he flipped my claddaugh ring over on my left hand. Special memories. All together now ... AWWWWW!!!
2. We decided to have a Friar's-Club-Roast-esque birthday party for my friend's 25th birthday here last year. We got the back room for the festivities. I'm knocking off a star because there was no sound system as (i'm pretty sure) we were told, but other than that, the night was a HUGE success.
Slainte!
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This laid back Irish bar is a nice change from the other bars in Wrigleyville. It has plenty of seating and the waitresses come around nonstop to make sure you have a drink at all times. They have great fries too if you are looking for a nice snack while you throw back a few beers with friends. They play great music too which is a bonus.
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All of the previous reviewers must be smoking crack....not craic Although the food here is not bad, the clientele leave something to be desired.....The Irish guys who go here are the dregs of humanity, I reckon they were run out of Ireland at some point.....you know the type, knuckle dragging, overly loud, racist, etc etc. Avoid at all costs, head to Irish Oak or Mystic Celt or Galway Arms for a far more authentic and hospitable time. Sorry Ohagans, must tell the truth.
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Great Irish Bar!
Apparently the owners of this bar are actually Irish and it shows. There are lots of authentic Irish chachkees.
It is a little deceptive and in an triangular-shaped building. You would expect the space to be small and cramped, but when you walk in it opens up.
We went on a Wednesday night and there were more than enough free tables. The waitress greeted us right away and gave us great friendly service.
Pointer: If you like dark beer and ales, try the Smithwicks. It's a bone fide Irish import and it's great. Pronounced Smithicks.
From the food, to the decor, to the bar itself, everything about Johnny O'Hagen's is excellent. The food is great and most of it is traditional Irish bar fare. The decorations around the bar were shipped in from Ireland. The staff is pretty friendly, and what other bar in Chicago boasts a subterranean cave for it's downstairs bar and party room?
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I love this place. It's a great little bar where you can go in and hang out. The food is good, and the drinks are plenty. To try to comply with the new no-smoke ordinance, the bar is now they only place where you are allowed to smoke, which I think is awesome! There is always live music, where it seems as though everyone tends to sing along too!
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I went here to play some beer games. The beer prices must've been good since beer was flowing like water. I guess there's not much else to say other than it's in a fun place and I had a great time... whatever little I remember of it at least.
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I went here as part of a St. Patrick's day pub crawl and it was a great time! The staff was so friendly and very accomodating of our loud and obnoxious group! Its definitely a fun place to get rowdy in and if you're there during kitchen hours, try the guiness ice cream!
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Food and drinks are fine, but service is terrible.
I have been to Johnny O'Hagan's on several different occurrences, and every time I have a great time partying with everyone there. The red exterior will pop out from the street; inside it's a bit darker. The front bar has plenty of seating, the back room usually has live music. Downstairs opens up a bar area on the weekend nights that is pretty lively. The crowd is pretty laid back and mostly people in their late 20s. This is my favorite place to spend St. Patrick's Day!
This place sort of draws you in right from the outside. The bright red exterior will draw you in. And you won't be disappointed. The decor is great and really gives you that authentic Irish pub feel. And the crowd -- both the people that work there and the customers -- are a lot of fun and great to be around!
Great Irish food and great service. The waitress's look good also
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