As someone who lived in Ireland for several years, this remains my favourite place to visit in Chicago. Great atmosphere, delicious food, and good Guinness. I would highly recommend getting a side of curry chips with any meal. You cannot go wrong with the Irish stew or full Irish breakfast. read more

The Kerryman - Full Irish and Turkey Club Sandwich and Curried Chips - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to The Kerryman while downtown to grab a couple drinks. My friends and I loved the chill ambiance here. We were able to have a bar table and sit down, actually speak to each other because the music wasn't blaring and just have a lovely time. Plus our waiter was Irish~ score! They have some good beer on tap aside from your standard choices. It's open until 2 each day & 3 on Saturdays, great spot to stop in. I'll definitely be back to try some of their cool sounding Irish grub. read more

The Kerryman - Drinks at The Kerryman - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband picked 2 sandwiches up for dinner. He had the Turkey Club which looked fantastic and tasted that way also. I had the corn beef. I thought he got a Ruben. The sandwich had plenty of meat but was dry. The bread pudding was so tasty. My husband said he had gotten his sandwich's but had to wait another 10 mins for the pudding. Things happen you know. read more

My friend and I were looking for a place to eat where we could also get a drink. A lot of places in the neighborhood opened a lot later but Kerryman was one of the few places opened before 12. Although, it was a week day there was on other couple in the bar. It always feels awkward when there's not a lot of people but I guess the server can be more attentive to us. The Kerryman is a great place if you want to drink. They have a huge list of alcohol, cocktails, and beers. I ended up ordering a Magners. I love when a place has more options for cider than an Angry Orchard. My friend ordered one of their goose islands. For food I got their quesadilla and my friend got their pretzel. The portions are pretty good and I thought the food was ok. It's decent bar food. I see they have a dinner option which seems interesting because every time I pass by here it's always rowdy and loud with sports in the background. read more

Very standard Irish bar in Chicago. Food was pretty good. We had a variety of sampler's to try. Great amount of TVs so that you can watch the games. If I'm in the area I would come back. read more

OK, I admit I'm not a huge fan of Irish pubs, but occasionally I'm dragged to one by my wife and discover the food is far above my expectations. This was not one of those times. A general fogginess from the server about the characters of the beers and Irish spirits available did not bode well. Irish coffee was potable but not stellar, and they were out of the Jameson I ordered. Sometimes you get decent American bar food in an Irish pub (this even happens in Ireland) so it's not entirely stupid to order stuff like chili or a quesadilla. The chili was acceptable, the quesadilla about as mediocre as you'd guess. But what should be really good is fish and chips, and indeed it was beautifully cooked, with a crispy brown batter. Unfortunately it was pretty greasy, and the fish, although tender and flaky had no flavor whatsoever. The accompanying fries were excellent, though. There was one standout dish, though: the smoked gouda mac and cheese. It was the best thing I've ever had in an Irish pub, and the best mac and cheese I've had that didn't involve lobster. This dish might by itself justify a return visit. read more

The Kerryman - Fish and Chips - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We landed on The Kerryman pub while visiting Chicago and looking for a place for dinner. I'm so glad we did! Delicious food that definitely won't leave you hungry. I had the corned beef sandwich with the smoked Gouda Mac and cheese side (which was the best part of the meal). They have an extensive drink list as well. Service was also great! read more

Late afternoon on a hot and lazy Saturday with my wife and two cousins, we spent a couple of hours sitting at an outdoor table at the Kerryman. I've passed this many times and have always wanted to try it. This time we did, and it was a pretty good experience. The tables are comfortable, although their positioning in the late afternoon leaves them exposed to a lot of sunlight. So, we squinted a lot. The umbrellas on the tables don't bend, and things are a little tight so it was hard to move out of the direct sunlight. The day was no nice though, we didn't even consider eating indoors. We ordered a variety of things, from salads to burgers and even their signature Mac and Cheese. We started with drinks - the ladies had their Saturday special Mimosas. The guys had beers (stereotypical I know). I had a draft Guiness and I'm always amazed when the bartender can pour it so the head is perfect. The food came relatively quickly - and I can only comment on the burger. It meat was fresh and good, the burger was juicy and cooked very well. The lettuce, tomato and onions were fresh. The burger came with one side, and I always choose boring - steak fries. But, they hand carved, crispy and delightful. Everyone else had positive things to say. Kerryman's is authentic down to the Irish waitress we had. They also have a great beer and liquor menu with a great variety of beers and whiskeys. read more

The Kerryman - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went on a date here and it was a great casual yet upscale spot. Drinks were good and decently priced. It was a huge place but still kept a really intimate setting. Ambiance was incredible and definitely will be returning read more

Just back from London I was still feeling Fish and Chips y, so when my Yelp Idol, mentor and now friend Yvonne B offered to take me out for a birthday meal, we went to Kerryman. It was a cold slow night so the place was not crowded so I can't comment on the normal pub buzz factor. The service was terrific, Fish and Chips, average. Small portion, ordinary batter, plain, Luke warm shoestring fries. Shoestring fries,? Really!? Maybe my expectations were too high coming from the mother ship of Fish and Chips, London, or, maybe the Brits just do this better than the Irish and the Irish should stick to Corned Beef and cabbage (,oooh, a challenge or a slap in the face...?!?) Anyway, I hope they can put a little more cowbell into their Fish and Chips, because the rest of the experience was great. I'll be back to check later this year. Hoping for the best. read more

The Kerryman - My Yelp mentor, Yelp Idol and now dear friend Yvonne B taking me out for my requested birthday dinner - Fish and Chips! - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is great for everyday dining. The burgers are delicious and salads are fresh and creative. The patio is beautiful! I recommend it for an easy, casual neighborhood spot to dine. read more

My last full day in Chicago. I had to choose between the Chicago Dog, or an Irish pub experience. The choice was easy! A creamy pint of Guinness, and an amazing full Irish breakfast. Friendly service, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I would definitely return the next time I'm in town! read more

The Kerryman - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Called for a reservation outside and was told it was fine to come they were doing walk ins only and then we got there and they tried to do a swap and seat us inside only.... or we could have started inside and maaaaaybe if so Etching opened up move outside. Great move you lost a local customer. read more

Our favorite outdoor dining experience - the patio has pretty plants for privacy and is set off from the road, the tables are pretty far from each other, and the staff are clearly being careful yet still manage to be friendly from behind their masks. And the food is delicious! Fries are hot and crispy every time, and my go-to is the turkey club packed with juicy tomato and creamy avocado. On the lighter side, the chopped salad was fresh and beautifully plated. read more

This is my secret neighborhood spot for delicious, reliable, soul filling grub. There's a beautiful outdoor sidewalk seating surrounded by greenery and flowers which is the best spot to sit! The food is elevated Irish pub fare- must get the Turkey club, the curry fries, or any burger. It's easy, friendly, and yummy! read more

Overdue review. Hands down phenomenal food and service. It's my go to for not only a quick lunch break since I work in the area but happy hour and events. We had our wedding dinner rehearsal in their upstairs space and it was perfect. They were super accommodating to the group and treated us so well. I can't list my favorites from their menu because I have too many... wings, southwest salad, pretzel app, any of their soups, turkey club - the list goes on!! read more

So good. Beer choices fantastic. Food quality, amazing. The truth is we were seeking a place that would remind us of the pubs in London and this one hit the mark. It was absolutely fantastic. I think the portion size could have been a tad larger, hence the 4 star rating - other than that, I can't recommend it enough! read more

The Kerryman - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yeah so the only thing on happy hour is a Manhattan for $8. Most of the photos you see older than 6 months are not applicable. Pretty disappointing. We were looking forward to the Thursday specials someone took a photo of, unfortunately they no longer honor it. Bye! read more

The Kerryman - NO LONGER VALID! Should be taken off! - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved the truffle fries to start. Had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and it was just okay. Wouldn't get the sweet jam again. Decent prices for what you get and pretty good service. Very tight quarters so if you need more room, not your place. read more

Stopped by Sunday night for dinner with some friends. I ordered the Steak sandwich - grilled sirloin, Guinness red onion marmalade, whiskey mushrooms, horseradish cream on ciabatta. I upgraded for the poutine. The sirloin was cooked a nice medium rare and was juicy and tender. The sweetness from the onion marmalade and tangy horseradish cream were a great combination. The poutine was below average. The cheese curds were cold and the gravy was too salty. Our server was quick and personable and made for a pleasant visit. I'd return if I am in the area again. read more

The Kerryman - Steak sandwich and poutine - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We ordered take out = cheeseburger and bread pudding and they were both fantastic. If you are in the mood for a burger, stop here! They are big, juicy and delicious. read more

Came here for lunch. Food was delicious and served fresh and quickly. The staff was very friendly. We had the Irish Cheddar Burger and boneless wings. read more

I love the Kerryman! Good drinks, good food (especially the Greek salad), and the vibes are always on point!

Stumbled upon this place as I was walking around searching for a quick bite. As I was skimming the menu, a man walked in with a thumbs up sign and tried to wave me in so I figured I'd try it. The service was great, seated quickly & I was on a time crunch so I let my server know. He quickly brought a beer and my food soon after. The beer was on sale for $4 too (Blue Moon). I had a bison burger and it was incredible. Topped with chunks of goat cheese and avocado. The meat was perfect and the jalapeño sauce was spicy enough but not overpowering. I would definitely come back if I ever end up in Chicago! read more

The Kerryman - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great specials all week long. Yummy drinks. Cool vibe. Had the fight on when we came in, which was awesome! Staff was very nice. read more

The Kerryman - Guinness & Dark Side of the Moon - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Average River North bar. Fairly small. Not great for sports watching- only 2 TVs. Fairly cramped and not great for socializing. Nothing unique about it. It's an okay Irish pub. Ehhh. read more

Maria is the best. She makes the best Barry's punch. She also makes a great Irish mule. Very attentive and friendly.

Great service and food! Just moved to Chicago and a perfect choice for my first meal! read more

The Kerryman - Macaroni and Smoked Gouda - Irish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've walked by here so many times and have wanted to pop in, so finally made the opportunity for a nightcap. It also happened to be the night the Dodgers played the Cubs and the Cubs won. This is a great spot to come and watch a game! We sat in the upstairs bar and had a blast. Excellent service from some hot Irish bartenders, which made it that much more fun! Great selection of whiskey and beer on tap. I will definitely come back. read more

Hey!!!! WTF They took down notre dame's flag earlier this week yet the bears flag is still up! The bears are way more embarassing. I mean what do they count on here, the bears going into the Super Bowl this season? LOLOLOL. I really am laughing out loud. Please. Unless someone threw poo at the ND flag or pissed on it by aiming their penis high up so they needed to wash the flag??? And, the season isn't technically over yet... We'll probably still get into a bowl game because we rake in the cash for sponsors then we'll likely choke one last time for the entire nation to see. Don't be a band wagon jumper Kerryman. You're suppose to be a ride or die chick even if we always shit the bed. Always! We've done way worse! Remember Bob Davie?? ?? We use to joke in class that he's probably a janitor somewhere but no. He's coaching at New Mexico. Same thing. Dead to me until that notre dame flag goes back up which I'm sure will be next August. read more

This review is not for the dancing. There was none. It's not for the velvet rope. There wasn't one of those either. And it's not for the loud music. Couldn't hear it. I guess to get a great experience at this place you need to go on a Sunday night and sit outside. And that's just what I did. The service was great. Attentive without being over bearing. The food? Well we only had a couple of burgers and beers but the food was good (try the Irish Cheddar burger it's got a great sauce)and the beer was cold. I love that they spent the time in separating the patio from the sidewalk with these large planters filled with summer flowering annuals. The first floor bar area inside looks great but on a night like this it was deserted. If that is not enough you can head upstairs to the 2nd bar. I wouldn't go here to dance nor would I ever stand in line to get in. But on one of those perfect Summer nights when you want to be dining al fresco on better than bar food- this place fits the bill. read more

Walked over to The Kerryman after Zed451 had shouted out last call for the night and a surprisingly great experience: -- Some of the friendliest bouncers! -- No cover! -- Good crowd control so place doesn't get overwhelmingly stuffed -- Great mix of music - everything from the 90s onward -- Easy to get drinks at the bar because of attentive bartenders -- Enough benches to put down coats/purses read more

Saw this on my 8 block walk from the train station to my hotel, and was very curious, seeing the joyously drunk fellows outside of the establishment - I placed this on my 'To Eat' list. Upon arriving with my comrades, we found it to be dark, and filled with the alcoholic cries of happiness. I wondered why? As we went upstairs, our party gathered around the menu and ordered some beverages (and food I think) and started at it! Long story short - the food was so-so, the brew was as brew should taste, but because we were on the top floor, service suffered. read more

I brought in a large group for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon. The staff was quick and efficient and went above and beyond making my group feel like each of them was special. They delivered hot Shepard's Pie that was out of this world. The flavor was complex and the textures were perfect. I have had Shepard's Pie before - but never that good. The fish and chips were easily the best I have ever had. The chips were crispy and the fish was lightly breaded and not greasy. The food made my entire group happy. During the ride back - my group spoke almost non-stop of the quality of the food and the service. They were ecstatic. I might point out that my group was 40 senior citizens. Imagine one inspired kitchen staff and one focused wait staff satisfying 40+ people all at once. The Kerryman did it. Your group of three or four will be in great hands. read more

During the warmer months I have always walked by and could hear the fun going on in this place as they also had the outside patio scene going. I have often wondered how cool could this place be. This past week I finally had the chance to experience the Kerryman as a colleague planned an after work outing here. Since it is the holiday season, they had some nice Christmas lighting going on here...my colleague was quite disappointed as he said they usually have a better light setup. I looked around and noticed that it looks like it might be 2 levels to this joint. We grabbed a seat @ the main bar and got ready to throw some drinks back. They had the Kentucky Bourbon beers s that was gonna be my thing for the rest of the night. Our server was a pretty cool guy that engaged in conversation with us when appropriate. The music was on point and not too loud that we had to shout @ each other. Of course they have TVs to catch up on all the latest games and sports stories. Good spot here and can't wait to hit it up on a very busy day so I can be a part of all that commotion that I always hear from this joint. read more

I was excited when this place opened. It looks gorgeous inside and out, and I had a really good meal there (a burger and some Irish macaroni and cheese). Then it seemed to become a nighttime hotspot like so many other bars in this neighborhood (and others) and consequently lost its charm. I tried to come here for St Patrick's Day two years ago and it was understandably packed. No hard feelings. Ever since then, my dislike of the Kerryman has grown. I might be able to forgive the wretchedly loud music pouring out of the windows and doors (and the outdoor speakers which pipe it out to a one-block radius). However, every time that I drive or walk by here on a Friday or Saturday night, there is a group of people queued up behind a velvet rope. Dealbreaker. There is no such thing as an Irish pub with a velvet fucking rope. The idea of waiting to get into this place is ridiculous. What a bunch of fools. It may still be good enough for a weekend lunch, but you won't find me here any evening. read more

was here for a private party on friday night like a work christmas party. one might think when you hear the words "fish and chips" that they all are the same. This is not the case here. i was blown away. it tasted awesone. the bartnders are nice people and they are not like rationing the alchaholic content of the drinks like at other places. a genuine pkace for a good time. will be back probably on tuesday when they have half price for certain glasses and bottles of wine. the athmosphere is awesome. read more

This place knows how to make one HELL of a delicious chipotle turkey burger. (I ask them to use smoked gouda cheese instead and toast the bun... much better!) It's a dreary Thursday afternoon and after moseying aimlessly around River North in search of a new spot to try, I decided to move The Kerryman up on my list. It was a little after 11am and I figured an early lunch here would be the best time to test the menu. Now this turkey burger certainly isn't cheap... but just about justifies its $13 tag, along with a horde of huge, crispy steak fries. This is one hell of a turkey burger, probably weighing in a close to a pound cooked. It's dressed with a zesty chipotle sauce, red onions, curly lettuce, sliced tomato and comes on a very dark bun. (Ask them to toast it dark!) There's a great deal of seasonings... both in the juicy, thick patty and in the chipotle sauce. I have a huge pair of hands and I could barely hold on to this thing! The steak fries are some of the freshest tasting I can remember and they're not stingy with them. The bartenders were almost too nice and seemed genuinely interested in making their patrons happy. ------- UPDATE TWO: Try a little of their creamy tomato soup on your burger! Mmm! ------- UPDATE: Sine the initial review, I've been back here a number of times, greatly enjoying the patio before the usual lunch crush. The Kerryman has the most relaxed and spacious European style outdoor seating in the area and if you grab the right table, it feels like you're at a resort. The servers have pretty much learnt what I like and it comes out quickly. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner Collom today and complimented him about how differently they run their bar and how it keeps me (and I'm sure others) coming back. They understand that if an establishment treats people decently, they'll definitely respond! I've tried all of the salads now and they're huge and come with quality ingredients, instead of the wilted Iceberg and hothouse tomato crap that nearby places may offer. The hands down favorite is... WAS the seared tuna, which comes with thick chunks of pink delight. Salmon Brie & Pear Salad with Raspberry Viniagrette: After trying the new salmon brie with sliced green pear and raspberry vinaigrette, which is now a regular part of the menu, I just don't know how to describe the buttery seafood pleasure had here. There's definitely something to combining an obese chunk of salmon and melting brie... almost as satisfying as eating lobster! (Check the pics.) Their chicken pot pie is quite possibly the prettiest dish of its kind, using puffy phyllo dough. It's not just pretty but very tasty. We also love the strawberry trifle dessert which has yummy chunks of strawberry shortcake. If that wasn't enough, the banana nut bread pudding has a slight and pleasant Butterscotch flavor to it and is quite delicate for this kind of dessert. Mmm! read more

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First of all, I despise "Irish" bars, but love the Kerryman. Why? 1. GORGEOUS outdoor area 2. Half price WINE on Tuesdays! 3. Cute waiters Need I say more? I didn't think so, see you there after work! read more

Excellent cocktails , food great , the server knew the selections, great ambiance. Can't wait to go back.