The Irish Oak
3511 N Clark St
(between Cornelia Ave & Eddy St)
Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 935-6669
- Nearest Transit:
Addison (Red)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
46 Reviews for The Irish Oak
Had a great time here, great beer, great crowd (very packed), even with the crowd the bartenders made us feel right at home.
I'm willing to try this place again, but for now, 2 stars. The food was good, a bit pricey but for Wrigleyville not really. The specials are worth a look at, especially Wednesday when their cheeseburgers are like 5 and some change. The only downside, and it is big enough to comment on was the service. For a Tuesday afternoon when the Cubs were out of town and the place empty, the service was deplorable, and after seeing other reviews it seems like it's not an isolated incident. We had to wait a while for the bartender/waitress to show up with menus, had to wait for silverware which she neglected to bring out and then had to wait after our food came out. If it was busy I could understand, but she literally just sat down at the bar with a bored look on her face. I'll probably stop by again, just to see if the service matches the food. If it does, then it'll get a bump, if not it'll stay in Twosville.
Been here twice.. my first visit, sucked. Only the bartender woman-ing the entire place on a weeknight. Sat for twenty minutes without ever getting served!? I wish someone told me you have to get to the bar to get something.
Note: If the main bar is full of people, get up and let them know you're there. They are serving those at the bar and may not see you come in and sit down.
Second visit was much better. Service was great, maybe because it was more relaxed and the bartender was able to get around and check on everyone. I stopped in for dinner which was excellent. Since I had a gift cert we were able to sample an assortment of entrees. The restaurant.com gift certs are only good for food not beverage. Two guys that hardly eat big meals for dinner, there was way too much food, lots of yummy take out. Favorites would be the Galway stew, Irish oak burger and the brownie dessert. The brownie was served warm with fresh whip cream, a dollop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with a crunchy toffee. All the food was served piping hot, both with burnt tongues and satisfied appetites. Even after the discount the bill was still about $40. For a weeknight I think the bill could've been lower. Still, the food was excellent, service was great and an entertaining Cubs game on the tube.
Most entrees and apps are $6-$13 dollars.
P.S. This is Wrigleyville. If a Cub's game is on and every TV has the game playing, do you really think it's wise to play a song on the jukebox??
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I love Irish pubs, but not this one!
I've been to this establishment many times, and each time I go, I always say to myself, "Damnit!" I walk in, it's super-packed (why??) and I order a Guinness that takes 20 minutes to make. The bartender pour the first half of the Guinness and lets it settle...for 18 minutes. He is always too busy talking to the hookers at the bar that are totally into "Irish guys." Don't get me wrong, the hookers are smart! They are working the bartender for free drinks by laughing with him, flashing some cleavage...but damn man!! Pay attention and serve the other customers!
I have had their bangers and mash, not the best. Their fish and chips are OK as well. Nothing too fancy about this place.
Their beer on tap is so average, it's sad. They have Guinness and Harp, but then they throw in the Bud Light, Miller Lite, Fat Tire (the worst import ever). It's like, common...at least try to serve good imports, stop serving crap to your patrons.
They are lucky they have a great location on Clark, otherwise their lack of detail would be noticed. This may look like an Irish bar from the outside, but when you walk in...you'll realize they are a cookie-cutter pub. Sad.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Great corned beef sandwich and the have Boddington's on tap!!! (This review could be a little skewed since I was here after a Cub's games and not entirely sober.
I got to visit the Irish Oak on a Friday night and I was surprised to find that it was ranking very low on the douchebag meter. The atmosphere was pretty chilled out, it wasn't too crowded and they had a dude playing Harvey Danger covers on acoustic guitar.
They have two bars. My friend and I got stools in the back bar, where the music was playing. Even with the live musician, it was not too loud to have a conversation. The bartender was super awesome and he even bought us a round of drinks.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Depending on the night, this bar is either 2 stars or 4 stars. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to predict and plan accordingly. If the Cubs are playing at home, avoid that entire area around Clark St, this bar included--it's obnoxious and stupid. If they're away that week, the Irish Oak is definitely worth checking out, especially if you get there early enough to snag a table. I'm in my late 20's and have been to this bar a number of times. It's mostly a younger crowd but I've never felt out of place because there is almost always a good mix of different people hanging out and having a good time.
The first and only time I made the mistake of coming to this bar when the Cubs were in town (and it wasn't entirely my fault, I was a new Chicago transplant at the time and didn't know any better), my friend and I miraculously got a table and while we were waiting on drinks, a group of middle-aged suburban men decked out in full Cubs regalia approached us. Two of them were only moderately drunk but one of them was wasted and could barely stand. Without asking, he sat down next to me and with the same hand that bore his wedding band; he reached out to me and copped a sloppy feel. One friend immediately grabbed him and started dragging him out the door. The other friend apologized profusely and offered us $40 to make up for the faux paus. Hmm.
I guess the moral of the story is that drunken Cubs fans are gross and can't be trusted. But I think most of us already knew that.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Great bar! This bar is were they filmed the UB40 Music hit Red Red Wine.
A favorite. I have never been here and not had a great time. Always laid back. Great comfy setting. Bangers and Mash/ Fish and Chips with a good Beer=Bliss.
I live in Wrigleyville, only a block away from the madness that is Clark Street. Fittingly, I have gone to most all of the establishments from Roscoe to Grace and beyond. All of this has lead me to believe that if you are coming to Wrigleyville with a thirst and only want to visit one bar, this is it.
Great look, friendly staff and a kick ass guy playing acoustic covers on Saturday nights... I really can't say enough about how welcoming this bar has been every time I've been there. From the door man to the servers and bartenders, Irish Oak has always maintained a welcoming atmosphere.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
The Oak is a fav. Its easy, its good, the staff recognize me after the third visit and are always friendly. I never stay late so am immune to the dicey reviews about late nights at the Oak.
Excellent selection of beers and what better indication of a solid place to eat than the regular selection of Chicago's finest enjoying a bite at this North side staple?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Be aware that the Irish Oak has dim lighting, so depending on what your mood is make sure you remember. The drinks are reasonably priced and the booth seating makes conversation laid back and doesn't make you feel scrunched into the tightest corner. However I got to say the last time I was here I saw a guy puke onto a barrel and no one cleaned it up. The next person came by and put their coat on the barrel, then that person took their coat away, and another guy came up and put his hand directly in the vomit! Nobody cleaned it up whatsoever!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
A group of us walked into The Irish Oak one night while trying to figure out where to celebrate a friend's birthday, and quickly decided it was the best place for us to hang out in Wrigleyville. Meaning, mostly, it's slightly less annoying than everywhere else in Wrigleyville.
We walked all the way to the back, where their little corner stage is, and stayed to watch and befriend the band that was playing, The Acoustic Sideshow. They (the band) are the reason we go back.
The back bar is cool in terms of decoration, it gives an "Irish pub built into the side of a hill somewhere in Galway" feel, and the bartender always treats us well. Unfortunately, though, the Oak has proven NOT to be immune to the insanity that is Clark four blocks from Wrigley field, and enough bozos show up to make our outings there planned solely around our AS friends.
They do have good fish and chips, and if you go there for dinner it's much quieter and easier to enjoy the atmosphere.
As other have said, the Irish Oak has a Jekyll and Hyde problem. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars, if I could. On weekdays or early evenings, this is a nice place to grab a Guinness, some fish and chips and just have laid-back meal. The atmosphere of the place is casual but inviting, and when it's not overly-crowded, it's a nice break for the rest of the Wrigleyville set.
Now. When it's Saturday night at 11pm? The crowd floods in, the live Irish music in the back room switches to "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" streaming from the jukebox and, in general, you're likely to find more lechers than leprechauns.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I've actually only been going to Irish Oak for less than a year after being dragged here one night rolling my eyes. That being said, I do like Irish Oak. I don't go there often, but I have a good time when I do. You can show up wearing a scuzzy t-shirt on a weekend night, and you won't get a nasty look from the bouncer, or other patrons. The bartenders are nice, 'real' people that treat their customers well. This is mostly an early 20-something scene, with sprinkles of late 20's, and 30's. This is a good place to hang if you want to avoid the trendy scene in Wrigley. The front bar is calm place to chill with friends and lovers. The back bar can be a good time, if there is live music. YES, there is a dance floor! People are friendly in a pub sort of way, not in the meat market sense like some others on the Clark strip. However, that does not mean you won't get hit on, but I take it as a compliment when a 23 y.o. hits on me believing me to be 25. Ahhh ...that is Irish Oak for yah.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
In the 22-year-old's mecca of Wrigleyville, this is a a safe haven for us oldies.
This bar had about as much Irishness as one would expect in an area known for overgrown frat boys and fake ID's. That's actually a compliment...
I enjoyed my evening here as we were able to secure a table and didn't have anyone spilling drinks or attempting to hump us. The bathrooms were relatively clean but you've gotta watch out for those stairs, ladies! The bartender was friendly and didn't leave us waiting at the bar.
If I was forced to go drink in Wrigleyville on a non-game day, this would be my first choice.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Went for "irish breakfast" the day after St. Patrick's Day. It was super good, authentic, very well done!
Overall it's just a pretty laid back Irish bar, pretty big. Pretty Irish. You know, you get the drill.
Our waitress was from Ireland, that was a bonus. She was also extremely hungover, but made an effort and we enjoyed her very much!
Definitely worth a stop for that Irish Breakfast, it was fab. If you've never had one, this is a great deal at $11.95 or so...they have some nice bloody mary's....and it won't be super crowded for brunch like most of the other Wrigleyville spots!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I'm down with the Oak, what can I say, but I hate to give this lovely joint only 2 stars. It was nice and empty when I came in with my new homegirls, and the 'tender came around and hooked us up with the beer and took our orders.
With an all-you-can-eat Fish and Chips on tap, we were thrilled. The orders came out quickly enough, but when it came time for the all-you-can-eat, the reigns were pulled and we wound up waiting so LONG for them that it didn't even seem worth asking for the second round.
It wouldn't have been all that bad if the busboy wasn't hovering over our table waiting for us to get the fuck out of there. It was very annoying, and he kept coming back and we kept explaining that we were waiting for the kitchen to send out the fish. Annoying even more for me mentioning this, I know, but back the hell up, dude. Fish and chips? Werd up. You? Hell naw.
5 stars for the bar staff. They were ON it. 3 stars off for the pushy busdude who needs to ease up off the redbull and rockstar and calm the hell down.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
Even though I feel, at 28, I'm getting too old for this place, I still love to visit from time to time. Admittedly, there are plenty of 'Frat boys' to be found here, but you can still find the genuine Irish crowd here too. Food is tasty, service is usually good, the live music on weekends always seems to get the crowd in the back room going. Its still a fun stop and I will probably be going here for a long time to come, even though it seems that the average patron is seems to be 23-25 years old.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
The Lawless family has done a fantastic job running this place since it opened in late summer, 1998. Incidentially, that is when I came back from studying abroad in Dublin. At that time, the Guinness here was among the best I'd had in the states. Now I'd have to say that it's spotty, and at best it's above-average. The food has always remained fantastic, and the bartenders do a great job managing the steady flow of d***** bag Cubs fans and tourists that often clog the hallway in the back. Maybe my love for this place is a product of some kind of loyalty I feel to this place, or maybe it's because it's still a good bar. But either way, I recommend this place any time of year.
Just make sure you watch out for the steps when going to the bathroom, they're almost as steep as the ones at Matilda's and they are just as slippery.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
this is a good Irish bar, with a typical Irish menu like fish and chips. some night they have pub quiz not sure when, the wait staff ifs friendly and fast. i have never had to wait for a table. i live on Sheffield and its a few block away so i have been there a few times
A fun bar, that's a lot bigger than it looks. The back room is huge! My big group of seven (which expanded into nine, I think?) had plenty of room. The food was good- I was very pleased with my cheeseburger. The (more adventurous) guys in the group had the all-you-can-eat fish and chips for I think nine bucks? That's a pretty good deal, I just have never really cared for fried fish all that much. The drink prices are good, and the selection is pretty varied. My complaints are pretty small. One, the bathrooms are in the basement, and either not heated at all or heated very poorly. Thank God there was no line for the ladies room! And two, there was a singer in the back who sucked, but I suppose that's not their fault. Anyway, it was a good bar, and I'm glad I went.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
A good place to go in the area if the Cubs aren't playing. I'm not a Wrigleyville fan in general bit I do cherish Irish bars. The Irish Oak can't help that they're at the epicenter of the Chicago frat-boy-date-rape-puke-pick a fight scene.
I have been there a couple of times for private Guinness events and it's a nice time.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I'm torn on this place. As far as a weekday place to eat and have a few beers, it's a five star joint. Service is quick, atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming. The food is fantastic, I've never had anything bad here.
Flip side: nighttime on a weekend is crowded and full o' the drinky wrigleyville crowd. Which can be fine or really obnoxious. It's hit or miss. I think a beer or two at night is about all I can tolerate here. They do have really nice big screen TV's for sports. Gotta give em that.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I can't complain about this place -- it's Saturday night in Wrigleyville, I know what I'm getting myself into. The parking, the beer prices, the amateur drunks, the wolfish stares... that said, there's something I liked about the Irish Oak. My friends and I had a table at the very back of the bar, where our friends' cover band -- The Acoustic Sideshow -- was playing on the stage. I guess they have live acts pretty often. Acoustics are good and people dance! We didn't have a server, but the busboys were very attentive and cool. I would come back for the live music, and I hear they have good food as well.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I always have a great time here, no matter what time of the day or night. The Oak is a refreshing change from most of the other bars in Wrigleyville. The food is so good, especially the mushrooms, wings and soup! The staff is really friendly and makes you feel at home.
I originally gave this place four stars and called it my go-to place for Irish breakfast when hubby & I aren't cooking.
The last two times I've been here, the quality of food has declined so rapidly that I had to amend my original review. Though it's great they still serve Magner's, it tastes like they're starting to buy cheap out on their Irish sausages, and I think I got barely a forkful of beans last time I was here. The eggs also taste horrible and are recently underdone, though I request them over medium. They are liquidy-yolked and snotty in the middle.
So disappointing, since I'm not always in the mood to cook when I get up on a Sunday morning. But I am often in the mood for Irish breakfast.
This is one of the more tolerable bars in Wrigleyville by far. The crowd is somewhat indicative of the neighborhood, but I find it tends to be the less irritating of the yuppie crowd that comes by here. That being said, everyone in here always seems to be looking for a good time. Nothing more, nothing less.
The drinks are about average price for the hood and the service is pretty good. Might take you a bit to get a drink, but that's only due to the amount of people the bartenders have to serve. The bartenders working the back bar are always nice and very quick. The whole bar is clean and simply decorated. It doesn't quite feel like an Irish pub, but it feel comfortable, which is a plus.
The food, if you have the opportunity to drop in early for dinner, is pretty tasty. Haven't had a bad thing on the menu (awesome mashed potatoes).
On the weekends The Acoustic Sideshow usually plays shows here. They're a cover duo, and always set the mood for a good time. We walked into this place out of desperation one night, looking for a bar in the area that didn't' blow, and were pleasantly surprised to find these guys playing a set in what turned out to be kind of a cool bar.
Very glad we stopped in.
Best Irish pub food in the city! The music selection could use a little help (not very Irish and sometimes a little weird). Go for dinner or lunch and I have to agree with the other reviewers, not when there is a Cubs game on. If you aren't into the frat scene or the "I just turned 21 scene," stay away after about 10:30 pm. It just becomes an entirely different place.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
As for the place itself, it's not bad. A run of the mill Irish-y place with the normal array of beers you would expect at such a place. Nice, woody dark look to it. I've pretty much only been here when it was real crowded, but that's how it goes at this type of place in wrigleyville. Normal crowd you'd expect to see in here, sorta yup-ish but not necessarily. Seems like it would be a nice place in off-hours, say in the wintertime. I wouldn't avoid it but wouldn't choose it as a destination either.
This place holds major sentimental value as I have seen some of my best drunken nights finished in this place. The staff always humors you as long as you aren't being too ridiculous! The front bar and back bar option is nice when you need to make a getaway from some clingy patron. Their live music is always excellent, especially Matt Stedman! Get a group together and head here for a good time!
P.S. Try their Southwest Chicken Salad...taaaaaaasty!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I, too, am down with the Oak. I consider it the best bar (in terms of not being a college madhouse) in Wrigleyville...when you sit inside having a beer, you forget you are around the corner from Wrigley. Which is sort of the appeal of the place. Great place to cool down in the summer after sitting in the sweltering sun for a Cubs game. Nice big back room, too. Very solid.
Nothing like being smashed into small spaces with stupid people for the pleasure of maybe hearing some drunken jerk with an Irish accent who thinks the accent alone is enough to get him laid.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (4)
This Irish bar in Wrigleyville is a fun place to stop in for a little while. It's in a great location so after cubs games or for a night out, a few beers at this place is always an option. The bartenders are pretty cool and they are fast with the drinks which is good. It gets crowded on the weekends but is a good place to hang out with a group. It's not the best spot but it's definitely not the worst.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Nice food and atmosphere!! Judging from other reviews, its best to go for dinner or when the cubs are out of town. I've never found it crowded when I've gone.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Pretty cool place. We were there on Cinco de Mayo...weird I know, but the line for Moe's was down the street, and my friend knows somebody who bartends here, so we decided to check out Irish Oak instead. It was a good time. There was an awesome cover band who hit on all the classics like "Sweet Caroline" and "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Lean On Me" Fun, pretty chill, and not so yuppy place.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I lived in Ireland for a while and the Irish Oak is pretty Irish-y. I like it for a place to grab a couple of pints but I don't really like it when it gets packed. They layout is not ideal for wall-to-wall people action.
The best thing about this place is the back area - it is a GREAT place to throw a private party. I went to an engagement party here and the staff was awesome. So were the appetizer platters - chicken fingers, veggie sprays and some seriously money potato skins (you have to have good potatoes in an Irish bar - that's all they eat over there!).
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Never take a red-headed freckled petite friend from out of town here. Within 3.6 seconds she was swept away by 3 certifiably right off the boat Irishmen right to the bar for drinks. They're poor and greasy but the women like the accents what I can I do. Luckily she didn't fall for it and they went home without the date rape they wanted. Nothing special drinkwise. Kinda cozy feel inside but tightly packed. The front area and the back area have a very different feel- try sliding past the crowded front area to the back.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I like going here with my Irish buddies because there are so many Irish people here and they are all so fun to hang out with- they all know each other and just want to drink and have a good time. This is a very low key bar and attracts a decent crowd.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I stopped in the Irish Oak one night with friends from out of town. It was really crowded, but the band was so cool that we stayed for a while and had a great time. The whole place just seemed friendly and happy, even the patrons. I know I was.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Love me some Irish Pubs
I must have been Irish in another life, because… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
ummm not my style
i hate these places with the fiery passion of a… -
The "Oh my God, this wind…
The places and spaces that made the cold of… -
Indy, Don't go in…
Horrible bars you should never visit unless you… -
Brunch & Breakfast…
I love me some yummy weekend breakfast with…
Hot and New
- I Monelli Trattoria Pizzeria
26 reviews
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
- A Tavola
48 reviews
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
- Piccolo Sogno
27 reviews
Neighborhood: Near West Side
- Blue 13
5 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
- La Gondola Italian Restaurant
107 reviews
Neighborhood: Lakeview