Get ready, Chicago. St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and true to form, the Windy City is set to go all out. The iconic river dyeing will take place on Saturday, March 15, and numerous bars and restaurants will offer themed deals and specials so you can make a day of it. Check out our picks for the most luxe St. Patty’s Day specials and celebrations in Chicago.
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180 N. Wacker Drive / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15
Commemorate St. Patrick’s Day with festive fare, specialty cocktails, and a prime view of the river dyeing from this Mediterranean-inspired spot. On Saturday, March 15, restaurant-goers can sip libations featuring Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Centenario Tequila while dining on brunch served on the Beatnik’s mezzanine. Reservations include a homebase table along the river terrace for up to 10 guests, two bottles (with a choice of tequila, vodka, whiskey or bubbles) and food specials. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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3471 N. Elston Ave. / Website
Date: Tuesday, March 4 to Monday, March 17
Iconic Irish pub Chief O’Neill’s will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day festival, with comedy nights, bottomless brunches, live performances and more, leading up to the holiday weekend. On Saturday, March 15, pub-goers can enjoy spirited performances by Tim O’Shea, Saol Academy of Irish Dance, Trinity Academy of Irish Dance and more. Then, quintessential Irish dishes—including shepherd’s pie, fish & chips and corned beef and cabbage—will be served, accompanied by dessert and seasonal libations. Reservations can be made here.
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300 N. State St., Suite EE / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride in luxury with a BYOB river cruise on one of Electric Boat Company’s luxe 22-foot Duffy Boats, decked out with a fully enclosed space, Bluetooth sound speakers, ice coolers and more—with the capacity to hold up to 12 guests. Special for St. Patrick’s Day, boats with up to 6 passengers will have their own expert captain from Chicago Electric Boat Company’s team. Rides can be reserved from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with limited boats available. Reservations can be made here.
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Multiple locations / Website
Date: March 15
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the water with City Cruises Chicago’s Seadog cruise, which will have a front-row view of the river dyeing on the morning of March 15. The river dyeing cruise also features lively Irish tunes and scenic skyline views. Guests can also opt for the signature lunch cruise on Lake Michigan, which includes a lunch buffet and DJ entertainment. Later on in the day, the company is hosting its bottomless mimosa brunch cruise on the Chicago River, complete with a chef-prepared brunch buffet, bottomless mimosas and views of the green-dyed river and other iconic landmarks. Reservations are required and can be made here.
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24 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
Date: Saturday, March 11 to Friday, March 17
The Gage is perhaps THE spot to engage in authentic Irish culture and cuisine on St. Patty’s Day. With owners from Galway, Ireland, and visits from Irish diplomats, The Gage has garnered a reputation for authenticity. All week long, guests will enjoy Irish brews, specialty cocktails, Guinness-braised short ribs, corned beef sandwiches with Guinness-soaked Swiss cheese on rye, colcannon, corned beef and cabbage and duck shepherd’s pie. There will also be indulgent desserts like Bailey’s-glazed cream cheese pound cake, green velvet layer cake and caramel apple Irish whiskey cake, along with performances from bagpipers and fiddlers on Saturday, March 15 and Monday, March 17. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
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3635 N. Clark St. / Website
Date: Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m to 3 p.m
Visit Gallagher Way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live performances from Trinity Irish Dance, Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band and Old Town School of Folk Music. Guests of all ages can enjoy face painting, balloon artists, Irish dancing performances, lawn games and more. Entry is free and open to the public.
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901 W. Kinzie St. / Website
Date: Friday, March 14 to Monday, March 17
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than at this quintessential Irish brewery’s Chicago taproom? Celebrate the holiday and give back to the community with Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago’s month-long celebration. From March 1 through 31, guests can reserve a table to enjoy an Irish-inspired prix fixe dinner, complete with locally crafted faves like Irish Breakfast Tea Amber and Clover Honey Ale. Beginning March 4, visitors can indulge in two new additions on tap, including the St. Francis Abbey and Irish Barley Lager. Then, on the weekend of March 14 through 17, guests can sip on a selection of beers on tap, enjoy St. Patrick’s Day menu offerings, experience live entertainment and get their shopping fix at the retail storefront while partaking in guided tastings, giveaways and more. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, with Guinness matching the first $10,000 in donations. Tickets are required and can be booked here.
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71 E. Wacker Drive / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Take in the views from the river’s edge with a full bar and bites at Hoyt’s Chicago. Move through the main dining room, the outside patio and the River Room while sipping on specialty drinks, green beer and Irish-inspired dishes. Entry is free and open to the public.
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151 E. Wacker Drive / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Book your stay at Chicago’s landmark Hyatt Regency and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in luxury with views of the Chicago River dyeing and exclusive-for-the-holiday specials at BIG Bar’s and American Craft’s F&B specials. Raise a glass of green Guinness and sip on an Irish mule or enjoy themed fare, including the loaded Irish potato skins, Irish nachos and more at Big Bar. Visit American Craft Bar for Irish Bangers & Colcannon, a corned beef Reuben and Irish whiskey shots. Schedule your visit here.
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127 W. Huron St. / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Head to The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s rooftop for a high-energy rooftop party, complete with panoramic skyline views, bottomless beer, mimosas, bloody marys and a full breakfast buffet. The rooftop will also have fire pits for extra warmth and stunning water features. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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400 N. McClurg Court / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Kick off your St. Patty’s Day celebrations with a VIP morning party at this Streeterville Irish pub, which is located along the Chicago River. Starting at 7 a.m., VIP guests can enjoy a three-hour open bar through 10 a.m., a mouthwatering breakfast spread and indoor and outdoor access to watch the river dyeing. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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85 E. Upper Wacker Drive / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Head to LondonHouse Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed fest for a front-row view of the river dyeing from the LH Rooftop and the LH on 21 indoor lounge. The event includes a selection of breakfast bites and an open bar featuring bottomless green beer, mimosas and festive cocktails. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from local DJs and complimentary holiday merch. The destination will also be offering its annual themed tea service, available daily from March 1 through 31 and featuring sweet and savory bites, top-notch teas and festive Irish-inspired treats. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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505 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
Date: Friday, March 14 to Monday, March 17
Located steps away from the river, head to Michael Jordan’s Steak House for Irish-inspired dishes and drinks. The dining destination is serving specials like a Reuben sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and house dressing on rye, as well as a Reuben burger with the same toppings on a house patty. Corned beef short ribs, served with baby vegetables, braised cabbage and Guinness mustard sauce, are available after 5 p.m. The bar will also offer themed drinks, including Irish coffee, green beer and a Guinness pint. Reservations can be made here.
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The St Regis Hotel, 401 E. Wacker Drive / Website
Date: March 15, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dig into crave-worthy Japanese bites while watching the festivities from a bird’s-eye view at this luxe Lettuce Entertain You eatery. Visitors can opt for general admission tickets or book a dedicated table for four to 10 guests. To elevate your experience even further, the restaurant is offering a premium VIP experience in its private drawing room for up to 30 guests, which includes a private bar, access to a variety of food stations, personal staff and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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1 W. Wacker Drive / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Get in on all of the Chicago River dyeing action from a high vantage point at this dining destination, which is hosting a festive event to celebrate the occasion. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment (including a DJ and a bagpiper), a mouthwatering breakfast buffet and unlimited green beer, mimosas and signature cocktails while taking in the skyline views and St. Patrick’s Day festivities from above. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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Date: Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Head to Recess for its massive Get Lucked St. Patrick’s Day experience featuring three five-hour sessions from 9 a.m. to midnight. While you’re there, enjoy 50 DJs throughout four stages and exciting entertainment like leprechaun wrestling, mechanical bull rides, live bands, complimentary tattoos and more. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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71 E. Wacker Drive / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Experience the iconic river dyeing from 39 stories in the sky while enjoying a river dyeing viewing party in a lavish penthouse lounge. There will be an elevated buffet and open bar with green beer, wine, and Irish-inspired cocktails. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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317 N. Clark St. / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This Lettuce Entertain You seafood joint is toasting to St. Patrick’s Day with a lively celebration featuring a DJ, all-inclusive passed appetizers, breakfast and lunch bites, chilled seafood, Tullamore D.E.W. cocktails, a bar package and premier views of the Chicago River dyeing. Guests can choose from general admission tickets or tables for up to 10 guests. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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Between State and Dearborn Streets / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Chicago’s Division Street is transforming into a massive St. Patrick’s Day street festival on March 15 and 16, hosted by Division Street Merchants and produced by Lodge Management Group. Guests can enjoy live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, family-friendly activities, beer and liquor tents, food vendors and more. Located between State and Dearborn Streets, the event features one main stage with live performances throughout the weekend from talent like Trinity Irish Dancers, Maggie Speaks, Ralph’s World and more. A $10 suggested donation at entry will support local community initiatives and event production. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
1208 W. Webster Ave.; 254 E. Ontario St. / Website
Date: Friday, March 14 to Monday, March 17
Iconic Chicago bakeshop Sweet Mandy B’s is serving up St. Patrick’s Day-themed sweet treats from Friday, March 14 to Monday, March 17. Visitors can peruse festive offerings like Lucky Charms Rice Krispies, shamrock cupcakes and cutout cookies, pot of gold cupcakes and more. Orders can be placed here.
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622 N. Fairbanks Ct. / Website
Date: Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17
For the 32nd year, Timothy O’Toole’s will host its famed weeklong St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Throughout the week, guests will enjoy corned beef on rye, Guinness beef stew, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, pints of green beer, Jameson shots and tons of Irish beer. The bar will open at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 10 and close at 12 a.m. on Monday, March 17, for those who want to optimize their drinking.
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401 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
Date: Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an all-ages river dying party at Trump International Hotel & Tower. Get a front-seat view of the Chicago River dyeing and enjoy an Irish-inspired brunch buffet, a premium open bar, Irish-inspired cocktails, live entertainment and more. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide.
Photography by: Yancu; photo of Sweet Mandy B's courtesy of brand
