Timothy O'Toole's. Chicago, Illinois

622 N Fairbanks Court

Guinness Tag: $9.00 | Overall Rating: 6.95

Today's Dedicated Pint: Nick Martini

Timothy O'Toole's curb appeal from downtown Chicago

Timmy O'Toole's is a small chain, although the location in downtown Chicago doesn't make you feel like you're in one. Well, perhaps aside from the way the menu is printed as it's got that typical look and feel as every mass-produced menu has from the big box chains. The staff isn't bringing much Craic as they give off the vibes of "I work in the food industry and I'm stressed out. What do you want? Ok bye". The biggest stinker of the day? They didn't have any Guinness. In fact, 8 of their 30 draft beers were dry, so we opted for a Smithwick's.

This Pub is a good example of a place that has a lot of eye candy but not much of anything else. What I mean by that is the fact that the curb appeal is beautiful, the lighting is perfect, the architecture is done well, and it certainly makes you feel like you're in a good Irish Pub as you walk in and sit down. I'd say that's about all it has going for it, though. If you were trying to find a wife, would you prefer someone with all looks and zero brains? Or would you rather have a good-looking lady who's also smart, funny, and charming? Timmy O'Toole's is all look and no brains, I don't care what the people on the Travel Channel say.

Yes, this Pub was on "Man v Food" for the "Big Timmy Challenge" at one point in time, where the host of the show ate a cheeseburger and fries. Trust me, the Pub will let you know of that before you even walk through the entryway.

For a Pub that's been pouring Guinness since 1992, it has almost no patina (chain restaurant effect). It's certainly a clean and proper place to bend the elbows though. The horseshoe/wrap around bar is a great vibe when it's full and the furniture is better than most chains. The bar and dining areas are also located downstairs in the basement which sets up for a nice atmosphere as well, especially with the black and white paint alongside the dim lighting. There are certainly enough of TVs for gameday, I'd say they could go without a few of them as too many TVs can take away from the aura of the building itself. The bathrooms are tidy, and the music isn't bad: Kings of Leon type of feel.

The beer selection is phenomenal (when they're in stock), the whiskey selection is very average, and they have a worthy wine selection. You'll get a good mix of business guys, tourists, and locals sitting at the bar with very little Craic.

At the end of the day, Timmy's is a very expensive Pub that might be taking advantage of Chicago's wallets. The Craic is just not here. Timmy's prime Craic is not even close the type of Craic that Butch McGuire's pushes out on a random Monday afternoon down the street. This place is worthy of a quick sit down, but don't expect anything sensational. Just because you fancy up your Pub with the good looks, that doesn't automatically give you credit as a "good Irish Pub". I guess we'll never know how they pour their Guinness.

Thanks anyway, Timmy.

A Smithwick's at Timothy O'Toole's

A place only women can go