O'Callaghan's. Chicago, IL

29 West Hubbard Street

Guinness Tag: $10.00 | Overall Rating: 5.15

Today's Dedicated Pint: Ricki from Jersey City. Hey, Ricki! https://www.instagram.com/pancake_sniffs/#

O'Callaghan's Curb Appeal on a Brisk Evening in Chicago

This isn't a very good Pub but there's something about it that makes me want to cut it some slack. I still don't know what that something is, though. O'Callaghan's stays open until 4am every night with an 11am open time, giving patrons a 17-hour window to snag a Guinness. There's a bouncer (a friendly one at least) before you step foot inside the place which is never a charming asset and there's a tiny patio for the great outdoorsmen.

It lays its bones in the River North of downtown, which is an easy walk to the Mag Mile, the River, and Navy Peir. Chicago is the birthplace to the Ferris Wheel, and O'Callaghan's is the birthplace to nothing. I mean that in the sense that there's nothing unique about the place. The signage on the wall is the same signage you've seen in countless other Pubs, the bathrooms are weak, the bartenders couldn't care less if you choose to come in or not, and the atmosphere is incredibly "hey, bro". I will admit that I really like the two topless ladies that are sculpted out of wood behind the bar. Other than that, there's nothing that stands out.

The music is fun, the lighting is fun (beautiful chandeliers), and there a couple of TVs for those who like to spectate. NFL Sundays might not be too enjoyable if you're trying to watch all of the games, though (if you're into that sorta thing). This is the type of place you come to if you're in the mood to hear unnecessarily loud voices and take over-priced bombs with 20-minute friends. Sorry, but if you're going to charge $10 bucks for a Guinness then you need to provide something more than just a good pour in a traditional pint glass. O'Callaghan's provides very little that leaves you with a lasting impression. They offer Magners off the tap, so that's nice, I guess?

The whiskey selection is impressive and the furniture/countertop has a good "used and abused" feel to it (which is not a knock). There's exposed brick and dim lighting that gives off a cozy vibe which is nice, and there's a plastic swordfish on the wall to look at. Again, there's nothing really bad or ugly about the place. It's just your run of the mill with all of the "bros". Hey, bro!

They may have sneaked away with a better score than what was earned, but I'm telling you, there's just something about the place that's makes you say "it ain't too terrible" in here. I just still don't know what the hell that is.

Thanks for a fun time, anyway, O'Callaghan's. However, I'm off to a better barstool and I can't say that I'll be back (not that you care). Slainte!

Do you like Cubs, White Sox, or neither?

• Cubs
• White Sox
• Chicago sports teams can kick rocks
• I don't give a flip about sports