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The Grafton

4 star rating
based on 165 reviews

Categories: Pubs, Irish  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood
4530 N Lincoln Ave
(between Sunnyside Ave & Wilson Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-9000
Nearest Transit:

Western (Brown)

Hours:

Mon-Fri. 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Thu, Sat, Sun
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No

165 reviews for The Grafton

Review Highlights   

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"…if you're a fan of the Old Town School of Folk Music, often there are live…" (in 12 reviews)
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"The fireplace in the back room is excellent as are the curry fries." (in 13 reviews)
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"My fiance swears he has had the best fish and chips in his life." (in 28 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of BF K.

 

0

10

BF K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/7/2009

popped into the grafton one night recently- starving, driving up lincoln square, abrupt turn into the parking lot conveniently located right across the street (SCORE) and tada! dinnertime!  and in an irish pub to boot!  (i will eat in an irish pub above all other places, if i have to choose. always.)

atmosphere is legit, reminded me of the green isle- dark and cozy.  quiet, but it was a tuesday, and it seemed to be picking up in patrons as the night grew older.  

i ordered fish&chips, and i have to say i was a little disappointed in the fish.. this may be because i've been to ireland, and i'm from the east coast and am spoiled in the seafood dept.  but they were okay, nonetheless.  i'd go back, the atmosphere did it for me and the service was good.  and i heard irish accents, therefore, i believe this is a keeper.

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Photo of Jessica D.

 

6

77

Jessica D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/4/2009

I don't know if I told you this, but I'm Irish. Hella Irish. Irish on both sides of the family. Irish like the only time I've ever left the country is to go spend 9 days in Ireland. So when I look for Irish food, I want legit stuff.

Now, I like in the United States, in case you hadn't noticed when you search in Chicago, IL. That makes finding real Irish food a little difficult. When I was in Louisville, there was an amazing place called the Irish Rover that was the real deal. Here, in a big city where places try to cater to the hamburger and fries majority, it's pretty hard.

Still, the closest thing I've found is The Grafton. Here I can get curry chips, ploughman's lunches, and other Irish favorites for a vegetarian tummy. There's plenty for non-vegetarians, including the ubiquitous fish and chips, along with more mainstream burgers and tomato and mozzarella salads.

It's in Lincoln Square, not far from the square proper, and straight up the Western bus with a short walk for me and my roommates. This, combined with good service, live music, and Bailey's milkshakes keep us coming back.

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Photo of Emily S.

Elite '09

19

85

Emily S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/31/2009

Good burgers, good pretzel rolls, good beer list, good bartenders.

Nice little pub in Lincoln Square.  We'd stop in again if we are in the neighborhood.

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Photo of Melissa R.

Elite '09

84

151

Melissa R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/8/2009

Something you should know about me: I will eat almost anything if you put it on a pretzel roll.  I love that The Grafton serves all their burgers on one, it just sweetens the deal.  

I devoured the black bean burger, it was a little zesty and the grilled onions that came on top of it were cooked perfectly (which is surprisingly hard to find).  The french fries were perfect, a little crispy on the outside and soft in the inside...and the classic thick french fries shape.  I also tried the avocado salad with blackened chicken that was fantastic.  The veggies were fresh, the chicken had a kick to it, and the dressing was so yummy.  I can't wait to go back because there are many things on this menu that need to be in my belly.  

They have a decent beer list, which includes pear and peach ciders...I fully approve.  There location is great, outdoor seating, staff is nice, and the prices are very reasonable.  Luckily, it is just down the street and this might be my new go-to.

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Photo of ryan F.

 

3

11

ryan F.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
11/7/2009

The only thing better than the Grafton itself is it's fabulous staff: Kelly, Jenny, and everyone else make you feel right at home and very well taken care of. If you're looking for superior food and service, the Grafton is the right choice.

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Photo of Sarah L.

Elite '09

120

319

Sarah L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
8/17/2009

The Grafton is a great little pub in the square. I stopped here for a quick bite on Friday night. Their beer selection is pretty decent so that is a bonus! My dining partner and I each had a burger. They serve their burgers on a pretzel bun with a mound of fries. You really can't mess up a hamburger and the Grafton serves up a pretty solid burger.

This place is good for large groups. Our waitress was very sweet and friendly. I will definitely be back!

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Photo of Kathleen C.

Elite '09

9

69

Kathleen C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/12/2009

Went here on Friday night to catch up with some friends and it was the perfect place! Not too loud and a GREAT selection of beer. We shared some apps and the potato skins were to DIE for. We actually ordered 2 plates of them along with the buffalo chicken fingers.  Great place and I will be back for sure!

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Photo of Ross R.

 

0

13

Ross R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/3/2009

I think I can sum up the Grafton pretty succinctly:

1.  Good beer list w/ some interesting options- better than most on Lincoln

2.  Really Good Burgers - better than Chelsea Grill, Bad Apple, and Bad Dog.  Suitable bun.

3.  Curry Sauce - worth the trip just for this.

4.  Service blows - 2 trips have yielded similar results

5.  Be wary of brosephs hijacking the TVs to watch inconsequential college football games.

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Photo of Christian W.

 

3

7

Christian W.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
9/27/2009

Aside from the Sex and the City wannabes who nothing short of heckled my request to use one of their free chairs for seating, this is a very solid bar in Lincoln Square.

The atmosphere is definitely shut-in. Don't expect to leave The Grafton with a new friend made at the bar, but it's definitely a great place to bring friends in from out of town for a beer.

On the plus side, the decor is very warm and inviting, and the beer selection is much better than your average bar. 4.50 for a Fat Tire is pretty good. Not the best, but far from the worst.

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Photo of Ginny L.

Elite '09

23

88

Ginny L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/21/2009

We only stopped here to share a salad and have a few drinks, but it seems like a great place. They brought us the salad already divided, and honestly the portions looked pretty big even cut in half! The salad itself was amazing, with dried cranberries, goat cheese, and granny smith apples with some sort of vinaigrette.

Even when some women sat down behind us wearing obscene amounts of perfume, the staff was happy to help us switch to a different table (and in fact came over later to tell us that, oh damn, you're right, that's more perfume than the whole CITY needs).

Next time I'm in the area for a drink and/or food, I'll definitely stop back.

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Photo of Neha S.

Elite '09

39

78

Neha S.

Hoffman Estates, IL

3 star rating
10/6/2009

I don't know if it's my sunny disposition, but the Grafton was a little dark for my taste. I could barely read the menu, much less see what I was eating. I, like many of the reviews I am reading, loved the pretzel roll that came with my black bean burger. The burger itself was pretty decent, but I wouldn't make a special trip back just for that. If I come back here, it will probably be for drinks only.

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Photo of Brendan S.

Elite '09

21

59

Brendan S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
8/10/2009

My absolute FAVORITE pub. From the moment I moved to Chicago proper from the northwest burbs, The Grafton has been nearby and making me feel at home.

The draft and bottle selection will meet the needs of and excite any enthusiast around. They listen to the patrons here too. If there's a beer you really enjoy and they can get it, they'll do what they can.

The food is definitely on the mark. I really enjoy the addition of the pretzel bun on their burgers and buffalo chicken sandwich. Make sure to get a side of curry sauce with your fries, it's amazing.

The atmosphere really supports those looking for good conversations with good people. There are only two TVs in the place which are only on in the event of a sporting match. Every Sunday there's live Irish music. Being next door to the Old Town School of Folk Music they draw a talented music crowd. They also have an open mic on Monday nights. And local musicians are invited to play sets during the week.

There's a back area with a fireplace and some couches too. Great for staying warm in the winter while relaxing with a hot-toddy or that special someone. Really though, who doesn't like the way a glowing fire lights up someone's eyes?

If you are coming here to use the Free WiFi there's a great coffee place just down the street. You'll quickly be told what you should do if you ask for the wifi password. Go on, just ask.

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Photo of matty z.

Elite '09

39

119

matty z.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/31/2009

One of my favorite pubas in the city, The Grafton is owned and ran exceptionally well by owners from Ireland who take customer service seriously-- friendly bar service, excellent food, and an amiable atmosphere.

The food at The Grafton is worth noting above usual pub food.  The curry sauce is an absolute must for any dish involving frites.  The turkey burger is one of the best I've ever had (this from a turkey burger fanatic), and the fish and chips, while pricey, are wunderbar!

The usual selection of beers is nothing surprising here, but sitting at the bar is-- friendly conversation and an easy-goign attitude set The Grafton apart from other pubs of the same flavor in Chicago.

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Photo of Katie S.

Elite '09

95

159

Katie S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/5/2009

As far as a neighborhood pub and grill goes, The Grafton is definitely as good as it gets. Super friendly service behind the bar and at the tables (we've never had a waitress we didn't like), a menu full of American standards with some Irish favorites in the mix (I recommend their burgers--get down with the pretzel bun!), and a nice selection of beers and house mixed drinks (Pimms and lemonade is a British Arnold Palmer of sorts--so sweet! Ahh I can taste it now).

The Grafton is the type of place so dependable that when you can't make up your mind, you know that it's the best option you have, and you'll never regret walking in the door. It's been our destination or the start of our evening out many times, and I'll continue to be back as long as the eats are good, the drinks are better, and no better pub and grill has taken up residence on Lincoln Ave.

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Photo of Kurt M.

 

1

17

Kurt M.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
8/16/2009

The place has a nice vibe.

A nice place to go for a guinness with fish and chips. I tried the curry sauce with the fries as per the suggestion of fellow yelpers, didn't taste bad, didn't taste like they were destined to be paired together, don't recommend.

I can see it being a good place to warm up on a winter night.

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Photo of Devon W.

 

0

14

Devon W.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
9/2/2009

We had dinner here and sat outdoors.  I had the fish n chips, which was good - a light amount of batter coating, healthy portions, flaky fish, and solid fries.

My wife had a salad, which has a huge salad (plenty to take home) and very flavorful.  They even brought us some extra avocado to give to our daughter.

The staff was very friendly and the service was quick, and there was live music inside which gave a nice feel to the whole experience.

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Photo of Meghan P.

Elite '09

45

170

Meghan P.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/23/2009

Really I would like o say 3 and a half.

This place is nothing too out of the ordinary, but they do have some DARN GOOD fish and chips, an array of beers that are pretty standard with more of the european influences.  We were with a pretty big group so we kinda got shoved in the back and I vaguely remember the real feel of the place.  If you're into pubs and you live in this area its definitely worth the trip for some above average bar foods and decent beers.

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Photo of Lisa R.

 

0

12

Lisa R.

Corpus Christi, TX

3 star rating
8/7/2009

The Grafton is one of my favorite pubs. Usually when I went there I was looking for my usual order of Irish bar food. I would say the food here is slightly above average. Their beer selection changes enough that you won't get too bored with it.

If you like "bar and grill" places its worth visiting the Grafton and giving it a try. For what the street offers though, sadly The Grafton only gets 3 stars.

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Photo of Christoph B.

Elite '09

38

99

Christoph B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/5/2009

Dear Grafton,

Now that I have sampled your Fish n Chips it is time for your review. Don't worry, I like you. You're above average. I like your clean bar and comfy booths. I like that you have a good selection of quality brews on tap. I like your onion rings and curry fries. The fish was good and filling. But why are you so expensive? Sorry but I knock a star off for this.

I'll be back when you have a good drink special!

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Photo of Rachel H.

Elite '09

173

550

Rachel H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/31/2009

Because we scored a table in the patio area, we were able to enjoy the extra amenity this offers.  Dinner theatre.

While girltalking and drinking some Bell's Oberon (on tap, of course) my gal pal and I were able to witness an old man try to save a parking spot by standing in it, shouting "what are you gonna do? run me over?" etc.  Threats of cop-calling ensued, and the man in the car was the victor.  Quite the tableside excitement.  We wanted to invite the driver to sit with us and tell us tales of running over old men.  

Our burgers and curry fries were also divine, in the way that only a pretzel roll encased sandwich can be.  Service was a bit slow, but apparently one of their servers had disappeared without a trace, so it's not really anyone's fault except maybe a kidnapper's.  

Come for the burger, stay for the mayhem in the streets.

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Photo of Dana M.

 

0

4

Dana M.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/5/2009

My husband and I have been going to the Grafton ever since they opened their doors.  You can generally expect an authentic Irish pub experience: good food, good selection of beers on tap, good bartenders.  However, I feel the need to warn fellow patrons to CHECK YOUR BANK STATEMENT!!  We received awful service from our server, Kelly.  On a very slow night, it was simply falling apart... very rude service, multiple items forgotten, and a general disregard for the customer.  We didn't feel that the poor service gave merit to a generous tip.  Apparently, she felt differently.  Luckily I kept a copy of our receipt with the tip amount written down.... my advice is to keep your receipt and double-check it against your bank statement.  Kelly decided that she deserved several dollars more than we felt inclined to leave.  Honestly, it takes a pretty bad experience for us not to tip 20%... she must have a very different perception of her performance as a server.

*Keep a copy of your receipt.  
*Compare it against your bank statement to make sure your tip wasn't inflated
*Take the time to dispute the incorrect charge with your bank, should this happen to you!

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Comment from M M. of The Grafton 11/14/2009   
user photo
Dana, what you were looking at is called an "Authorization…    More »
Photo of Stacey A.

Elite '09

216

298

Stacey A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
4/8/2009

My friend and I went on a Saturday night because I was starving and she wanted to drink.

We snagged a table in the back, near the fireplace (Wtf? This bar has a fireplace!), which meant we had to walk through the whole place to get to it. But that's kind of okay because then we got to see the whole place and say things like, "Ohmygoooood this place is really cute/awesome/nice."

The menus are extensive - whether you're looking for food or beer or wine or PORT. (Who serves port anymore, seriously?) I had originally gone in thinking about a salad, but went the complete opposite direction and grabbed chili mac - which was fresh and ridiculously cheesy and awesome - and also was $10.

$10 for chili mac, and it didn't even come with a nice side of hard drugs to offset the cost. Yeesh. On the plus side, my Shiner Bock was $4.50, which is cheaper than just about every other place that carries it. So maybe things balance out that way?

Anyway. The reason this place isn't getting five stars is our super absentee waitress. As a server, I can tell you that one of the first things that gets drilled into your head is "stay in your section" - so that if your tables need you, you're right there. Alas, she was NOT right there. But her section was also in the way back of the bar - far away from the actual bar where she needed to go every time she needed to get one of her tables a drink. So I get that, and I'm not blaming her for her section. But we spent a LONG time rubbernecking around and generally looking for her.

I'll definitely go back, I'll just sit a lot closer to the front of the bar, if I can help it.

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Photo of Elaine C.

Elite '09

73

207

Elaine C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
5/31/2009

This place carries memories for me from even before I lived in this city. I thought for a long time that it was a matter of coincidence that so many great and horrible things have happened here, but no..it's just that kind of place. It's a real Pub where you get together with people and life happens. You might run into someone you know, you might have a romantic night by the fireplace, you might just be there hoping your drunk friend won't pick any fights. The atmosphere sets it up for pretty much anything you want: meeting some locals, having some dinner with friends, watching your buddies act like Frenchmen by the fireplace. You know, the usual.

Also, Kelly (one of the servers) is hot.

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Photo of Lizzy W.

 

2

4

Lizzy W.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
6/7/2009

The Grafton is ,by far, my favorite bar in Lincoln Square.

It has a great beer selection, and makes one of the finest black velvets.  This place actually introduced me to black velvets, and since then it has been my beverage of choice.

Magners on tap!  Thank you!

What makes this bar stand out is the people who work here.  All of the Grafton women are sweet as pie and super personal.  I probably wouldn't go here that often if it wasn't for the servers.  

The burgers are good, the chili mac is tasty, the onion rings are great, but the people make this bar.

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Photo of Emily K.

 

1

101

Emily K.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/6/2009

I like the Grafton pretty ok. They have above average food (my burger was good, my girlfriends veggie burger was good, and DELICIOUS curry gravy for the fries) and your average beer choices, with an emphasis on UK staples-- Guinness, Smithwicks, etc.

It's dark inside and since I have only found myself there on weekend afternoons the front section with the TV's is always INSANITY INSANE loud and crowded and yelling! all the time yelling! at the soccer or football game on the TV.

I think I've been here twice, and I'll come back again from time to time I'm sure, but it won't be my "destination."

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Photo of El G.

 

1

11

El G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/8/2009

The male-shape and I have an on-going discussion regarding the best place to get a burger.  Kuma's, naturally, ranks high in the pantheon, but the waits make it unattractive for a sudden burger craving.  Plus, it requires either a bus ride or a drive.

This leaves us with Lincoln Square and a plethora of choices.  We had reached a detente, with him preferring Bad Dog and me preferring the Grafton, but oh, the Grafton has recently upped its game in the burger department and the male-shape has come around to my point of view.

I had always been a fan of the option to have goat cheese on the burger (and the curry fries are DIVINE), but the pretzel buns, new burger mixture, consistency in cooking, and the Swift burger (goat cheese, red peppers, pesto) have upped the ante to an almost absurd level. I nearly ate my own fingers, trying to consume every morsel of tastiness in that burger.

He had the Joyce (bacon, egg, something else?) and was mighty pleased himself.

Add in a respectable beer list AND whiskey list, and you've got yourself a night!  No tvs, dark wood, decent music, great food.  El G approves.

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Photo of David R.

Elite '09

57

894

David R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
Updated - 3/25/2009

I've been down on their food after the last couple of visits, but I came for Irish breakfast on St Patrick's Day and it was awesome.  Especially the beans and one of the puddings; plus I liked that they asked me how I wanted my eggs, because I don't like eggs cooked otherwise than scrambled (inauthentic, I know, but then again so were the french fries which meshed pretty nicely with the rest of the meal).  

They opened early (11am) that day and the place was barely one-quarter full at half-past noon.  It was nice to start the day on a low-key note and enjoy a great meal and a few pints with my favorite St Patrick's Day greenhorn, Penny S.  They poured a good Guinness but after I switched to Beamish, the waitress brought one over that they had poured by accident and gave to me gratis.  Thumbs up all around.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    7/7/2008

    I have warm memories of this place for sentimental reasons, but The Grafton truly is one of the… Read more »

Photo of Suzanne P.

Elite '09

21

121

Suzanne P.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
5/4/2009

The minute i walked into this place, I knew I was going to like it. I came in with two friends in the dead of winter, and it was the perfect place to be on a night like that. It was a Saturday night and was extremely crowded, but we were able to put our name in, grab a drink and a place to hover, and it didn't really seem like too long before we were seated in a booth.

The food was AMAZING. I ordered fish and chips, and it was honestly incredible. There was a TON of fish and it was cooked perfectly. The fries were great too. One friend ordered meatloaf and the other shepherd's pie, and we all sampled each other's meal. All three of us were extremely happy!

I'd recommend this place to anyone, especially in the winter months. I will definitely be back!

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Photo of Joe L.

 

9

13

Joe L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
4/23/2009

Taking care of business: The Grafton is you and the missus or the mates droppin' the kids at the sittah, hittin' dinner an' drinks like the old times.  If you understood a word of what I just said you can stop reading and reward yourself appropriately.

If not, read on.

My friends invited my significant other and I out to dinner and drinks one night, and this is where we ended up.  The evening was packed, people wall to wall practically when we arrived.  There was nice cheap (for in the city) parking directly across the street that we utilized.  Once in we were on our own really to fend for a table.

Took us a bit, but we got situated and flipped through the menus.  Immediately the Joyce burger stood out to me.  Like Flub-a-Dub-Chubs and Kuma, they do pretzel bun burgers.  There were orders of various means and ends, but the most important part was to come first: DRINKS.

The black velvet is, in Chicago pubs, a half hard cider/half stout pint (Read: half Magners hard cider and half Guinness, both on tap, natch.)  Served in a lovely 20oz imperial pint, the drink is just about the best thing about both worlds.  The black velvet is our language now.

The food came a few drinks in and we deVOURED it.  It was fantastic.  The burger was hot and the sides were ample.  Malt vinegar for my fries and ketchup for the burger.  Nothin' finer.  A shot of Jameson to the table and it was on to dessert.  A crazy good bread pudding.  I'd hit the jackpot on choices that night.

Winding down we hit the street, full and sated and just a tad tipsy (Don't worry, we had our dedicated dope...dedicated driver with us.)  I'd proceed to return here with my family later on that month and enjoy yet another night of meals and drinks!

The Grafton is a great adult dining experience.  That's adult in the non-porno way.

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Photo of Tara P.

Elite '09

7

100

Tara P.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
8/5/2009

Who thought up the smoked salmon BLT?  Genius!  I was pleasantly surprised by this pub, which doesn't really jump out at you from among the many choices in the Lincoln Square area.  Service was attentive and helpful, beer choices are not extensive but do rise above pub-standard.  The portabello mushroom sandwich was also tasty, and the huge, fresh side salad is more than worth the $1 upgrade you'll pay for it to come with your plate.  Finally, the place is nice and spacious, at least it was around 8pm on a Friday.

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Photo of Jessie B.

Elite '09

154

206

Jessie B.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
1/7/2009

How could the Grafton Pub not have a secret place in my heart? You know--a place that is filled with pink bunnies, bright rainbows, ballet dancers in tutus, & sugar cookies. Whenever I am in the worst of moods--I typically come to the Grafton on every first & third Tuesday.

When you may ask? Because the Old Town School of Folk Music has created what is called Folk Club to have various musicians come to jam out for about an hour or so. We are loud--but we sing proud. You will most likely hear classic Folk songs such as; "Fly Away", "This Land is Your Land", "Cripple Creek", "Home is Across the Smokey Mountains" & many more.

There are guitars, banjos, fiddles, harmonicas & even tambourines! With over 35 people in the back room playing & begging for the most delicious Guinness in the city--our servers always pass em' over with a smile. And how amazing is this!?! Even with all those musicians there drinking--they know exactly what you have. There has never been a problem at the end paying for your drinks. (I'm usually scared of large group gatherings because of that) But nope, not here.

It is warm, it is cozy & it is full of love. If you play an instrument--and want to jam out to classics, come by! Just make sure you are there by 9:15 PM to grab a seat! I'll see you there my folky friend.

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Photo of Allison S.

 

2

31

Allison S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/10/2009

For my 21st birthday I had no idea where to go; it was a Wednesday and I was saving going downtown for Friday. Lincoln Square is only a short ways away from my house and friends have been telling me to go to the bars there for a chill night with close friends and family. The Grafton was highly rated so we decided to all meet there.

I am giving it 3 only because it was a Wednesday and maybe they are different on a weekend, but our server was so rude and that shouldn't happen no matter if its a Saturday or a Wednesday. When she checked my id it was the first time I was legally buying myself a drink and she didn't say happy birthday or even make a comment about it. Not that big of a deal she didn't say anything, but hey I'm 21 finally that is a big deal to me. Then she would disappear for 10 minutes at a time leaving us without refills for long periods, and when we finally decided the bar sucked and we wanted to leave we had to wait another 10 minutes because there was no bartender or our server in sight. We were about to just all lay down what we spent and leave when she appeared and gave us B.S.. about missing 3 bucks. She completely started my night off badly, but fortunately with good company and better bars later in the night, my birthday turned out better.

I'd say if you want bad service and to wait 10 minutes for another drink or to pay your bill, then come here. Maybe one day I'll give it another try on a weekend, but never again on a weekday.

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Elite '09

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99

Claire S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
Updated - 8/16/2009

3.5 stars.  I finally returned to the Grafton and my most recent experience was much better than the last.  Went on a Sunday evening with an out of town guest and we received prompt and friendly service.  Our server was very nice and even gave me a recommendation for a place to take my guest.  The only reason I can't give the Grafton 4 stars is because I don't think the food is anything special especially for the prices they charge (nothing outrageous, just a little too much for what you get).  I think my best bet would be to return again simply for the beer selection.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 1 star rating
    11/22/2008

    I've been to the Grafton twice.  Once on a not-crowded night and last night on a crowded night.  The… Read more »

Photo of Meow M.

 

0

6

Meow M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/5/2009

Great, unpretentious bar to hang out and nosh over beers.  Not a see-and-be-seen or hookup place at all, this is where you go with your friends to relax and -if you so choose- listen to some live music in the back.  Love the curry sauce with fries and the beer selection has the standards but with some nice import choices too.  Burgers are great (when cooked properly, something this city seems to have trouble with); the food is definitely better than average for a bar.

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28

eddie m.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
7/28/2009

I cannot believe I wasted my time with this place.  Normally I will overrate places if they at least have delicious food.  This is another Chicago farce.
The chili was the best thing they served.  What a rip off.

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Elite '09

47

121

Emily Y.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
1/15/2009

This place was SO worth the trek in the snowy weather last weekend.  I wasn't expecting a forty minute wait, but a Duvel and a nice chat with friends made the time pass quickly.  There isn't a whole lot of space for waiting around the bar area, but we carved out a little spot and hunkered down with beers while we waited for our table.  Be prepared to wait on the weekends...

...because the food is so amazing!  I had a Guiness beef stew that was so rich and hearty and the perfect antidote for the icy cold weather.  My friends had meatloaf and fish n' chips -- I stole bites of both, and both were fantastic!  The fish had a great breading and the chips had a nice spicy kick.  This is fabulous Irish comfort food, people.  Highly recommended for the current temps in Chi.

Prices are decent and beer list is extensive.  Atmosphere is comfy cozy goodness.  Go for beers, but definitely don't skip the grub -- it's fantastic!

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4

Melissa J.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/9/2009

I've been here several times. With a group of 10 or less, they can easily accommodate you. I'm a fan of the Irish Breakfast, the Mac N Cheese, and the Shepard's pie. They have vinegar on the tables for your fries. However, I gave this 4 stars because after going to the UK the fish and chips never really hit the spot here. The fish is not crispy enough, sometimes. If you aren't a fan of pale french fries make sure you request them crispy. I sometimes go on Sunday nights because they have live music.

It's family-friendly during the day, after 5 or so the bar-hoppers all come out, but I would say only for well behaved children or for older children. I was once there around 11 am for an Irish breakfast and a kid in the back of the restaurant was quite noisy. But this was an isolated experience of all the times I've gone.

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Elite '09

121

552

Jess S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/23/2008

Oh what to say about a place that already has over 100 reviews (and here I've been thinking that I reviewed this place years ago - oops). So I'll keep it basic.

The chili mac is friggin delicious (I tasted my friends')
Magner's on tap (shouldn't that be a given)
Sessions
Awesome cozy area in the back of the pub

I believe its safe to say this place is a staple and there's a reason for it.

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2

19

Amanda H.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
4/6/2009

My friend and I ended up here after the incense at the Indian Place drove us out before we even sat down.  (Don't get me wrong, I like incense, but this was overpowering; my friend sneezed for five minutes.)

It was - well, it was just ok.  We sat in the back by the fireplace, which was pretty cool.  The waitstaff was definitely attentive and on top of things, even though the pub was pretty packed.  We didn't have to wait on food or drinks or anything.  

I know we didn't order traditional Irish fare, but I am of the opinion that if a place offers food beyond their special ethnicity/region, then the other food should be just as good.  We got the buffalo wings as an appetizer - yummy!  They weren't too hot, which is good for me as too much heat makes me break out in hives.  Not pretty.  My friend got the fish and chips - the fish strips were on the skinny side, I thought.  Fries were whatever - nothing special, but nothing terrible.

I got the hamburger with cheddar, and cole slaw instead of fries.  I asked for the burger to be medium well, but this was practically raw.  The cole slaw was, in a word, awful.  Completely tasteless.  Avoid avoid avoid.

So, nothing awful (except for the slaw) and nothing fabulous (except for the fireplace - gas, yes, but still a nice touch).  We may end up here again, but probably just as a fallback.  I can't see us going there on purpose.

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Elite '09

150

479

Mary T.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/4/2008

Grafton,

I dig you like a shovel.

I went here for dinner with friends and I think I love just about everything about your establishment - food, atmosphere, menu, drink selection. I do however have one request - please stop putting crack in the the veggie delight. Seriously! I had not planned to eat so much that I would contemplate unbuttoning my jeans, but it was just so damn good. I'm just glad I don't live close enough to be a regular, otherwise I'd have to invest in some buffet pants. I can picture myself now curling up on your couch, in front of the fire with a pint (or 5) and some yummy food pretending I'm back in Ireland... Mmmm, just thinking about it is making me salivate!

Service was decent. Our server was slammed so she wasn't overly attentive, but we never wanted for a drink so it was all good. In fact, when the bar accidentally made our order twice she gave us the extras free - yay! Mistakes like that are always fine with me.

My table had the salmon club, veggie delight, fish and chips and chicken fingers to accompany our many pints. Everyone practically cleaned their plate, definitely a sign of a good meal. The only real complaint anyone at our table had was the heat. When we got there it was quite warm in the place, actually it was to the point of being uncomfortable and the fire wasn't even going. For someone who's always is cold that's saying a lot. Thankfully, someone turned down the heat or else it wouldn't have been pretty - trust me.

Bottom line: this place is fantastic for a great pint, laid back eclectic crowd and some good food. I will be back, hopefully on a night with some live music.

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