The Shamrock Club. Chicago, Illinois

210 West Kinzie Street #97

Guinness Tag: $9.00 | Overall Rating: 7.70

Today's Dedicated Pint: The Yellow Line Club

I really like old school Irish Pubs, and this one fits the bill. It's certainly not for everyone, but it satisfies a lot of cravings for those who know how to enjoy themselves at a Pub like The Shamrock Club. You're not going to find anything preeminent on the draft beer station and you won't be sipping on too many high-end bourbons/whiskeys. You have to know what you're walking into at places like these. This Pub poured their first Guinness in 1989, and they are currently pouring the stout in a 16oz glass for 9 bucks in exchange.

When my wife and I were looking at Pubs on the map here in Chicago, I saw a really gross, yet delicious looking burger on one of their Google images/reviews. I showed it to my wife and she goes, "Ew, what? That looks nasty." With that being said, I clearly had to go in and order one. I have a thing for greasy burgers. The open flame grill sits behind the bar, so you get to watch the guy/lady make your food. I love it! It reminds me of a place called Park Tavern in Jersey City. The burger was so damn good! I accompanied the burger and fries with hot popcorn and a Guinness. My wife disagrees, but I'm putting it down as perhaps my favorite lunch throughout our visit to Chi-town. It's simple, and I that's what I like sometimes.

The Shamrock Club has an inviting curb appeal and a fun name. If you're an Irish Pub enthusiast such as myself (may I say, a Craic Addict?), then it's easy to be drawn into this door. It sits right off the Brown Line's Merchandise Mart stop, and it's a block away from the Chicago River.

Once you plop the potato on a barstool you'll notice all of the old wall decor and sports signage. The tabs are still being written on server checks, which I love, and the ceiling tiles look like they're about a decade overdue for a recycle. If these guys re-did their ceiling tiles, I think it would work wonders. They don't have to touch a thing outside of the tiles, but if they swapped these out for some bronze colored or even silver/grey (if they're married to the white ceiling look) then that would be enough to get some of those people who typically wouldn't come into a place like this to come in for a first time.

Regardless, who needs those people anyway? The Shamrock Club seems to be doing just fine without them. So maybe keep those ceiling tiles in place and let the dust accumulate!

The bar counter has a green ceramic/laminate design to it that matches the cabinetry behind the bar. There are green ceiling beams that add a good touch to the place and there's exposed brick on the wall behind you. They offer a pool table in the back near the latrines. I made sure I looked as happy as possible as I showcased the bathroom's honorable qualities.

This is a good spot for lunch breaks and after work therapy sessions. People are going to be talking about sports and throwing a few F bombs. If you're looking for a proper Pub, then you're going to want to walk down the street to the Kerryman. If you're looking for an old school Pub where you don't have to watch your mouth and eat some inexpensive greasy/delicious bar food, then come here. Another old school Pub in Chicago that I highly recommend is called Dublin's. Check Dublin's out on my "Highest Rated Pubs" list if you're debating on where to snag a Guinness in an establishment similar to the Shamrock Club (go to Dublin's first).

I like this place. It sits higher on the scale than many, but it's surely not a spot to drop any day plans for. The Craic is here, but you have a few better options nearby if you're looking for a more memorable experience.

Slainte.