Service is great and the place is really nice but the food is just okay. We both had burgers and while they look impressive, they really taste like a regular cheap burger. The fries aren't anything to talk about either. We had a full carafe of sangria, which wasn't that expensive. It didn't taste like much though. Honestly it kind of tasted like koolaid. We probably won't be back here for food. It was just really disappointing. There are so many way better options for burgers and I expected a lot more.
(2)
Jamie B.
Gross place. Smelled like maple syrup (from brunch?) at 8pm. Sticky tables horrible service. Took 20 mins to get a round of drinks of which two of the four were incorrect. Will not be back.
(1)
Eric R.
This review is a bit goofy, because it deals with a meal that we had at the Mystic Celt more than 12 years ago. But I remembered it this morning and thought it was worth writing up. In November 2002, my wife and I were sworn in as lawyers. Her mother and 88-year-old grandma came to the ceremony, and took us out for a celebratory lunch afterwards. The Mystic Celt was new-ish at the time, and my wife's grandma was southside Irish (she was a little old lady who grew up over the tavern that her family ran before settling in Beverly and raising a gaggle of kids. You'd never expect it but she could keep up when cocktails were being served.) So that was the place we picked. It was a weekday lunch, so the place was quiet. My grandma-in-law explained to the waiter why we were there - clearly proud of her newly-minted lawyer granddaughter - and told him to bring over a bottle of champagne to toast the occasion. But the waiter apologized that the bar didn't sell any sparkling wine (they do now, I see). She was disappointed but we went on. To our great surprise, about 15 minutes later the waiter came over to the table with a bottle of champagne. When we asked what had changed in that time, he said that the manager felt bad that we couldn't properly celebrate, and sent him up the street to Osco to take care of the request. The manager apparently paid for it out of his pocket and insisted that it was on the house. We drank out of wine glasses, and though it was probably cheap drug store stuff it tasted pretty great under the circumstances. My grandma-in-law died less than a year later. She was the best. I am glad to have that memory of her. Thanks, Mystic Celt manager from 12 years ago. (P.S. I think their burgers were pretty good? I honestly don't remember.)
(5)
Ryan C.
This review is based solely on my dining experience here. The inside of Mystic Celt is very nice in terms of the restaurant layout, TV selection, and style. I guess I would consider Mystic Celt a 'classier' type of sports restaurant and bar (compared to BW3's and the likewise). In addition, their menu features more unique food options (specifically, Irish inspired) than typical sports bar. The group I came with decided to split the homemade mac and cheese cake as an app. Like all the food I tried here, it was just okay, nothing extraordinary. The size of one mac and cheese cake was equivalent to the size of a 'man that lifts' closed fist. I think a mac and cheese cake is pretty much mac & cheese rolled into a patty, soaked in eggs, sprinkled with flour, then deep fried. It was pretty heavy and a bit greasier than I would have liked, but the mac & cheese itself was pretty good. In addition to the mac and cheese cake, I tried the Juicy Maclucy burger. This is an angus patty stuffed with mac and cheese and topped with a few onion rings. (It was just one of those mac n cheese days, you know?) I knew after eating the mac and cheese cake, there was no way I would be able to finish my meal. It was just too much heavy food. The burger was just okay. I asked for it medium-well and would have liked for the outside of the burger to have been a little crispier. The mac and cheese left no impact on the taste of the burger, I kind of forgot it was on the burger. If I were to come back, I wouldn't be "dying" to have a burger from here. I realize the mac and cheese cake with the Juicy Maclucy burger was a poorly planned execution of meal planning on my part, but regardless, nothing in my meal really impressed me. Based on just the food, I would have given Mystic Celtic three stars. It was just average. I gave this review two stars because the customer service was lacking. Our waitress stopped by our table just a couple of times and neglected to fill our drinks. We had to ask her for refills and I left the restaurant thirsting for water. I would probably give Mystic Celt another opportunity but it would have to be on an occasion when I am wanting to go somewhere to eat lightly and focus majorly on drinking and watching a sporting event. I feel as though the surrounding restaurants around Mystic Celt are more appealing, but I would not reject the offer of going to Mystic Celt for a few drinks.
(2)
Ryan J.
This place is the worst. I came on a Friday (for the all you can eat fish fry). I got my first order of fish and it came with a really small portion of fish. I thought okay well it's all you can eat. I then waited half an hour for my second serving which consisted of only one piece. When I asked about my second order she asked me if I just wanted it to go... Really? I'm currently waiting for my third serving. If you are going to have and all you can eat option don't give 2 small pieces of fish for the first serving then 1 piece for the second a half hour later. Sorry that is just terrible. It's been 20 min and I'm still waiting for my 3rd serving hopefully it is more then just one piece. If you have it on your menu, especially if it is your special for the day you gotta be able to serve it if ordered. So disappointed. Don't come here. Just don't.
(1)
Mallory L.
Atmosphere is great. Service is subpar at times. Most disappointing thing is no mugs for Moscow mules multiple nights in a row. Even when it is not busy can't seem to get service or appropriate mugs for drinks
(2)
Karen C.
I have to say, every time I've been here, the food has been pretty meh. Either the silverware, glassware or plates have always looked dirty & they are always out of some of the beers on the list. The mac & cheese always sounds so good, but it's just a big bowl of blah. I usually only end up here because there aren't a ton of other options on Southport with this much outdoor seating & affordable prices. The good part is that it's enormous, and you can almost always get a table, no matter the size of your group. The servers are also always really nice, and it's definitely a relaxing atmosphere, but it's definitely not the best choice in the area if you want good Irish food, or even just a good meal in general.
(2)
Jeremy B.
A solid bar on the Southport corridor serving up good beer, drinks and above average bar food. The menu isn't uber-Irish but they do have some staples like corned beef, fish & chips and bangers & mash...mostly it's traditional American bar fare of cheese curds, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. Don't let that disappoint you as everything I have ordered has been very good, just fair warning if you're expecting a Dublin-like experience. The service is always friendly but can sometimes be slow. They also have a decent amount of tables available outside on the sidewalk patio.
(4)
Zehra G.
THE place to go for a GREAT burger, music, and good conversation. I can't remember the name of the burger I get, but I know what it is when I go here.Their mashed potatoes are the ones you crave after thanksgiving. Yeah, I said it. Tastes homemade which are my favorite. They have an outdoor seating too but I usually go here during spring and summer so I don't like flies or any bugs to be around me. Nonetheless the inside seating is just as spacious and accommodating. The staff is really nice and do all they can to fill your order (and tummy!)
(5)
Lea C.
Went here on a Wednesday night, it wasnt that busy at all - yet it took 10mins to get our water, 25mins for our food, and 15mins to get a box for our leftover and the check. Why does it take 15mins for you to get a couple boxes and our check? Maybe our waitress was just new, but we had a lot of waiting to do - which made us lose our appetite. Bad service, just OK food, not worth it.
(1)
Melia B.
I've actually never eaten here, but have been to the bar a few times. I like the atmosphere here. The bartenders are always amazing and on top of it.
(4)
Brian S.
Stopped in for a pint of Guinness and some fish and chips. The pint didn't really taste fresh, perhaps the beed to clean tap lines and the fish and chips where bot on the greasy side. The service was okay, but could have been friendlier and the place could have been cleaner. Overall average Irish bar experience. It felt a bit corporate franchise like.
(3)
Ellen K.
So, I called to confirm their brunch's 3:00 end time and they tell me 2:30. OK, I get it, they want you out of there by 3. I went there and arrived 2:15ish and when I got a hold of a hostess, she coldly tells me I have just 10 minutes left. I said, "So everything out there now has been sitting a while and is crusty and grosse?" to which another hostess nodded at me. Great. I loved this brunch with it's roasted corned beef and moderate price. This experience has now made me reevaluate my perception of the place.
(3)
Liz A.
Sunday brunch buffet is amazing. 11.95 all you can eat, can't go wrong. The omelette bar is great. Good french toast and pancakes. The yogurt parfait bar made me feel healthy about my food choices for a bit. Macaroni and cheese was surprisingly good. They used spiral noodles but then switched over to elbow noodles when they replenished the food. I liked the spiral better. I always feel like service is hard to judge when you're eating at a buffet because the server doesn't really have to do much. She was attentive in making our drinks were full. She did charge our group for 6 brunch buffet plates when they're were only 5 of us but this was quickly corrected. We arrived at 11 and it was easy to get a table. I've also gone to brunch on Saturday here but they don't do the buffet on Saturday, still good brunch options.
(4)
John M.
I love Mystic Celt. It's right around the corner from house and a great spot to spot in for a drink or a night to eat. Pros and Cons: +++email list coupons and discounts. It seems like every other week there is half off discounts or a 10$ gift card in the mail. It definately keeps me as a loyal costumer. +brunch. Seriously is the 'best kept secret on southport'. Wicked cheap and surprisingly tastey. Lots of options! - The hostess at brunch (will tell you the wait is 60 minutes, but then seats you in 4 -- this has happened to me 3 times from the same woman.. why?!?!)
(4)
Nick H.
We live right down the street from the Mystic Celt, so we have been here a few times for lunch and dinner. Most of the time it has been pretty good. We have always been seated promptly and our servers have always been good and attentive. They have a pretty good selection of burgers and sandwiches. Their macaroni and cheese I tried and was actually really good! The burgers are hit or miss as far as being cooked the way I like, but when cooked right, they're great. Also, I also am a loyalty club member and get great mail with awesome discounts that can't be beat. We will definitely keep coming back.
(4)
Elise K.
While I don't really enjoy the Mystic Celt as an evening venue (Club Celt...), I do like Sunday brunch. We had a group of 16 adults and 3 babies - difficult to accommodate - but the server did well - despite how tight it was AND she split checks. I also enjoyed the buffet. The corned beef from the carving station was AWESOME!!!!!! The fresh fruit and other items were great too.
(4)
Rebecca R.
An afternoon with my girlfriends brought me to Mystic Celt for lunch and drinks. We got a nice spot on the small little patio out front along the street. Great spot for both sunning and people watching. The menu has a nice range of options. I most likely will not order what I choose again, but only because it didn't have enough variety for my taste. I settled on the kale salad and the flavors were very good, just a little overkill on the kale. Maybe a nice side salad with kale, feta, and fruit, but not a whole giant bowl. The drink list was pretty good and they had a few rotating on tap. I had plenty to choose from though I stayed safe with a Matilda. Good spot, not too overpriced. Servers are young, so sometimes you just have to be patient.
(4)
Leang E.
I thought that the place would be obnoxious, but I felt like it was pretty chill and relaxed. I've been overexposed to the River North more pretentious spots, and this was a welcome reprieve. I happened to be here on Halloween, and had the Pumpkin beer and really enjoyed that. The server was pretty helpful on that recommendation and was pretty attentive. I like the set-up and the prices were reasonable. I wouldn't mind coming back.
(4)
Christopher M.
I feel bad for people who see Mystic Celt and think they are walking into a fine Irish pub. This place is anything but a solid Irish pub, but instead they try to make themself a club, which makes zero sense. Solid beers on tap gets them 2 stars, but unless absolutely necessary this place is best avoided. 167/365
(2)
Jim F.
Classic bar food selections but done well. Service has always been good (prompt when you come in, take your order and don't mess it up, delivering it promptly). The atmosphere is social, vibrant, the typical large bar noise level & commotion. Nice place to hang out and watch a game/event. There are additional room(s) if you want something quieter, which is why it earns 5 rather than 4 stars. The quality of the food gets it above 3. LOVE the Fish & Chips (Special) on Fridays. We don't do the "bar scene" much (noise, menu), but this is were we go. While it's conveniently located just north of the Southport CTA Brown Line, parking would be a challenge if driving.
(5)
Andrew B.
This is your typical big bar with Irish typical pub food. The food is just ok, typically would warrant 2 stars. The magic of this place is it's big and perfect for a large group. I've come in on the fly with groups in excess of 10 people, so it's great to have a place than can handle such large groups in the city without a reservation!
(3)
Mallory Z.
This place has some amazing food. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and couldn't decide between breakfast food or lunch. I was starving, so I got both. A plate a breakfast potatoes and fish tacos later I was stuffed. It's really hard for me to be legitimately full from a restaurant entree but this place pulled it off. I was really impressed by both quality and quantity of the food. It's hard to say that at most places. The entire menu looked amazing. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Susan G.
The burgers are just awesome, the cocktails are good and they have some great beer on tap. Service is alright , the atmosphere is nice on s Friday night-lively and busy but not over crowded and annoying. Noise level is perfect as well!
(4)
Lisa G.
I love this place! It is the perfect neighborhood bar. Everyone is friendly and they make great drinks. Plus the food is DELICIOUS. You have to try a hamburger if you go. It's the ideal spot for a first date with a new guy or Sunday brunch with the girls. They say their brunch is the best kept secret on Southport and I would totally agree. Also, it's beautiful sitting outside in the summertime.
(5)
Sims K.
The worst service I have ever received! Went there on a weekday expecting easy service but instead was ignored completely once we sat down. Waited 30 minutes simply to get water. Our server Sayre finally brought water after we asked hostess for our server. She never touched the table afterwards. We received our food and assistance from kitchen staff and hostess. She was not helpful and had no reason to even be there since it seemed like she didn't want to do her job. I've worked in the industry for the past 5 years and typically don't write reviews or shed negative light on people in the industry. Then again I could not believe the service I received and can't let it go. I really do hope something is done about this poor service.
(1)
Mark E.
Went here mid-afternoon on our way to a show at the Chicago Theatre for a quick drink and an appetizer. We sat at the bar, and I was really struck by how beautiful the restaurant is with it's ornate features, natural sunlight beaming through the large, open windows in front, and the pleasant breeze coming in from the street. We had some burger sliders, which were actually not great, but decent, and a couple of reasonably priced drinks. The bartender was very nice. Last night, we came again to celebrate my wife's boss' birthday, and it was more of a group situation. Great atmosphere, great service and the coconut shrimp were off the chain. Definitely great experiences both times.
(4)
Johnny F.
Went here last night for dinner. The burgers were great, but the service was just ok. Sorry that I only got water and the other person at my party didn't show up for 15 minutes. Guess that means you get ignored.
(4)
Brian K.
Danielle is awesome. Very dry humor. But if you don't understand it, you shouldn't be going out all.-Brooklyn Bartender (But seriously-if you don't like people don't get Danielle)
(4)
David A.
Fun place, good bar food. Front area is great for a quick bite to eat. Back stage area is good for a small band venue.
(3)
Caitlin K.
Love this restaurant! Have been here many times - for brunch, dinner and drinks - and will continue coming back. The dinner/lunch food is bar food done great, I've never been dissatisfied with their menu selection. But the hidden gem is their brunch! Huge selection of buffet style brunch, cheap mimosas (though not bottomless). Also the bartenders have a heavy hand so you are getting your money's worth! Definitely a great place and not all that crowed on a Sunday morning. Love the atmosphere, the food and the service and will definitely continue coming!
(5)
Meghana P.
Decent food, great specials, and solid drinks. A great neighbourhood bar, and definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Elizabeth A.
Last time we came here was definitely not as good as the last, or the one before that. The tuna salad was pretty gross. I've absolutely had better straight from the grocery store deli. The rest of the food was okay but only okay. I won't be falling over myself to return.
(3)
Justin B.
At the end of the day, Mystic Celt is really a three-star restaurant, but for the price of $12 for all of the food you can eat during the Sunday buffet, you'll get a bump in stars from me every time! I stopped by yesterday and did the buffet; the highs included the carving station meats, the omelettes, the waffles, the smoked sausage, the pork sausage and the mac-and-cheese. The rest of the food falls somewhere between bad and average, but it's a buffet, so there's really something for everyone. Our server yesterday was attentive and my water glass was always full; the music wasn't great during the San Diego/Cincy playoff game but the TVs are plentiful at Mystic Celt so all I really cared about was watching the game and that was easy to do. I wouldn't pick this over the buffet at Stanley's, but then again this is cheaper. A solid option if you are in the 'hood and looking to grub on the cheap.
(4)
Jess C.
This place was recommended to us and decided to go pay a visit around 2pm. Parking available on the street and side streets. Ordered ginger beer and 312 which was as always delicious! The beef stew special was very good and we also ordered the soft pretzels as an app. I would definitely go back for a visit!
(4)
Jen P.
My co-workers and I stopped by after work tonight. As one of them said, "I would give it 3.5 if I could." I'm with her on that. We ordered a few beers, a wrap, a flatbread ($3 on Thursdays), a bunless burger (for our carb conscious friend), and a salad (for the friend that doesn't eat bread). Everything was just okay. The waffle fries are really good and they give you a generous portion of them. I can't hate a place that won't charge you to add bacon and tomato on your grilled cheese. The service was good and it's prime real estate for people watching (so many babies!).
(3)
Stephanie S.
Mystic Celt never fails. I always know that the food and drinks will be great. It's the perfect place in the summer to sit outdoors and chat for a happy hour drink. We go at least monthly.
(4)
Kris G.
I'm between 3 and 4 stars for this one, but if I go back it will definitely be for more of a restaurant experience in which case this place is definitely a 4 star experience. I like being in the Southport area in general. It never feels overcrowded and there is plenty to do on that little strip between Roscoe and Irving Park. I went to Mystic Celt to meet some friends for drinks. They were doing Corona buckets, so we jumped on that deal. I ordered some wings and my roommates got some sandwiches. The drink service was prompt, but the food came out really slowly (we thought they forgot about us for a while there). When the food did come out, it was hot and I really enjoyed my wings. They had some nice heat and were a good size. The inside was really nice and the there were TVs for those who wanted them by the bar and then the rest felt more like a restaurant. We only went to share a few drinks, but sitting at a table it definitely felt like our time was limited. Service was pretty slow, too, so that was too bad. We liked our food enough to try it again for a meal next time. I think that's definitely the better choice seeing we liked the atmosphere for that reason even more. There's rarely a line at the women's bathroom and the menu has a good variety of options as well as a clear theme--quality is consistent. We're excited to try it again.
(4)
Heather C.
Great neighborhood restaurant! Good food and atmosphere with friendly staff. I have food allergies and they never make an issue out of it - always accommodating, especially the manager. Fun place with friends on the weekends or for a chill dinner during the week.
(5)
Dave S.
Thank you and three cheers for Mystic Celt! We were there for a fundraiser party several weeks ago...75 of us...and your staff went out of their way to make our group feel welcome. Drinks were quickly and cheerfully served, food was terrific, and the staff were all so attentive and helpful. We will definitely be back! Dave S.
(5)
Heather D.
I'd been here before and had delicious cheese curds. I went back for more and never got my order taken. It's a Friday night, yes, but it's not very crowded, and we waited 10 minutes with no results. There's no excuse for never being greeted by anyone other than the guy at the door -who did apologize when we shared why we were leaving- for that amount of time. I won't speculate on why we were ignored, but we certainly won't be back. Fizz on Lincoln got our business, and I got my cheese curds.
(1)
Michelle L.
I would have given 3 stars but given its proximity to my apartment it gets 4. It's a standard bar but what I love is their Sunday brunch. It's only $12 and there's a huge spread of food from made to order omelets, salad, French toast, fresh fruit, meat and more. I probably go there once a week or every other week. The one time I've gone and been disappointed was when I went to get lunch and the owner wanted to check my ID again after the bartender already had. I get it because I look younger than I really am but i sensed an attitude from her and she straight out told me to get a new ID...it doesn't expire until next year...
(4)
Terri T.
I have been patronizing Mystic Celt since they opened. This evening I was taken aback on how cozy and welcoming the outdoor patio was. Even thou it was a bit brisk to sit outside it was tastefully decorated for the Fall Season. Each table even had a candle lit to add to the ambiance . This is such a true Chicago Neighborhood Bar. Great bar food and staff. I am attaching a photo of the outside patio but it doesn't do it any justice.
(5)
Joseph D.
Perhaps I'm a bit biased as this was the first place my wife and I ate at when we moved to Chicago. We sat outside on a perfect night and enjoyed a few great beers and some interesting burgers and sandwiches. I had the Thanksgiving Turkey Burger complete with cranberry mayo and the wife had a BBQ chicken sandwich. What made this place interesting to me was the sides. I was able to get Sweet Potato Tater Tots. How cool is that!?!? And the burger was pretty darn good too. As for the BBQ chicken sandwich, it also did not disappoint. Reports from the wife were that it was very good so overall food gets decent marks. What I liked was that the menu was quite extensive and ranged from salads to burgers to main dishes so a little something for everyone. I liked that it had a bar atmosphere with better than bar food (I'm talking to you Wheel House!) so it can serve as a great place to hang out for the night or as a restaurant before you head out elsewhere. Services was good as well (especially the bus staff - usually people only notice the waiter / waitress where as we notice how quickly you can get a plate cleared, more water or a new fork!) and the patio was nice too. Overall a good bet for decent food, good services and a nice selection of beers.
(4)
Lucy N.
This place is a great neighborhood spot with awesome bar food. If you go, get the buffalo chicken fingers and one of the mac&cheeses, you will not be disappointed. I think their buffalo sauce is some of the best I have had in Chicago.
(4)
Shalem A.
I live right around the corner from Mystic Celt and have been here on a number of occasions at various times with mixed results. The food is actually very good for a bar menu. Great wraps, burgers, wings, etc. I've never had a meal that wasn't at least satisfactory, and the portion sizes will not leave you hungry. The beer selection is average. They usually have one or two special selections that rotate, other than that it's what you would expect at a Chicago Irish themed bar. The service is usually fair. On occasion I've run into lazy/slow servers and or bartenders here, but nothing egregious. Lastly, I must mention that if you come here late on a weekend, this place turns into the worst dance club in Chicago. The DJ loves blasting music you haven't heard in ten years and the drunkards oblige by flailing about on the makeshift dance floor. I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or even dinner and the game after work, just make sure you're gone before things get weird.
(3)
Rachel P.
Great atmosphere! Yummy food [their Sunday brunch from 11?-2:30 is full of breakfast favorites & an omelette station], always the nicest people there to help you out. It's a must go...and go again.
(4)
Shavahn R.
We have walked passed this pub a few times, and being a lover of all things Irish we were excited to stop there for a quick bite before meeting some friends. Disappointment is an understatement--I actually ended up leaving absolutely livid. Our waitress, Danielle, was beyond horrible--I actually want to write so many expletives, but I won't . Never did she welcome us, never even cracked a smile, walked passed once and even said, "I deserve a raise"--she never checked on us, if we even asked for something, it was like WE were the ones doing something wrong. It was so uncomfortable even being there. So much for a nice night out. The only reason I threw in an extra star is because the food was decent pub food. We won't ever go back, though, thanks to Danielle's ever so welcoming personality.
(2)
N E.
Went here for a private event in the backroom. The Bar tender that worked the party was really great. Before coming here I had checked the website to see if I should order dinner while there. I'm a fan of bar apps so I ordered two: Chicken Quesadillas and the Pub Nachos with veggie chilli on it. Both we good, not great, and would order again. Saw someone having a burger on the way in, so I went with the Hickory burger (BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and crispy onion strings) Good amount of bacon, and the onion strings were a great touch. Will be stopping by to have one again when I'm in the area.
(4)
Angie M.
Aside from having exceptionally good waffle fries, I'm never really that impressed with Mystic Celt. The space is fairly standard issue. Picture lots of dark wood tables, flatscreens galore to catch the game, high top tables, a few random booths... I don't know. I always think they could do better. It's boring. Service is always just OK, too. The waitresses fly by, drink refills are hard to come by and it takes for-ev-er to get a check. Are they just always understaffed? Food? Meh. Like I said, the waffle fries are great, but my sandwiches seem to leave something to be desired. The turkey burger lacks any kind of grill marks or crust on the exterior, so the texture is weird. I'm just never really happy with anything I've eaten. So yeah. If I'm in the hood and it's like, the only option available, I'll swing in. But with so many better options on the Southport Strip, why bother with mediocrity?
(3)
Adam K.
Meh, the food was pretty good. The service wasn't that great. I liked the chorizo or whatever hamburger my drunk ass shoved into my gullet at 2AM. I didnt like that we were the only patrons and the DJ was playing the most god awful goddamn music I have ever heard. I don't even know what top 40 euro mix he was sampling from, but it was not pleasant. Also, the wait staff needs to work on their attitudes a bit. I may stumble in drunk again.
(3)
Kristina N.
Hands down this place is awesome and delicious. We had the best waitress (Kimmy) who was amazing taking care of our group of 15-18! She never let us have any empty glasses, split our checks which was fantastic with such a huge group! Brunch was so good, great variety of food! I definitely can't wait to go back! A+ for service!
(4)
Alexander J.
Didn't feel very Irish to be an Irish pub. Had a burger and a beer, the burger was alright and the beer was reasonably priced. Service was OK, but nothing more. The side of french fries I chose for the burger were not very good though, maybe that's how some people want their fries but they were not cripsy at all and kinda soggy. The peel left on the potatoes can some times be a good thing and make the fries better, well, in this case it didn't feel like a good thing. Ah well, I finished the food and it was pretty good, will probably not go back though, but I could.
(3)
Gemma K.
Mystic Celt is a go to spot for my cousin, usually for lunch or after work with friends. Was I surprised when he asked if I would be "in the area" today? Of course. I can be plied, I suppose. I was more intrigued as to the reason, so off I went to Mystic Celt. One reason this was the spot was the fact that Monday is half off appetizers, wine, and a couple of choice pints. Okay, was I manipulated? Yeah. But blood is blood. Segue to the food! Wave those sweet mini cheeseburgers back and forth in front of me and I will listen to why you brought me here. Taunt me with a pretty decent set of wings with amazingly unlimited veggies (thanks to a server that actually seemed to be happy to be there) and I'm intrigued. Share a salad with me and I won't get out my checkbook, but I will definitely listen to what ails you. Speaking of ale ... this place is not only cozy but it is complete Though his fave, Leinenkugels was not halves's, we made due with Blue Moon. For me, I was pleasantly surprised. In days of yore, he would lament about customer service issues, but all was well tonight. Especially the half off deals. My take: I think it has a lot going for it in that typical Erin go Bragh way that you so want in an Irish pub. And the food was great. As to the ulterior motives: they pretty much fly out the window when you actually find a place like this that is the perfect spot to kick back and catch up.
(4)
Leanne A.
Nothing special, but cute location and outdoor seating. There's always rooms here, it seems. I''ve only been a couple times, but the service has always been the same; apathetic and dismissive. The food is typical bar fare, maybe a little more options than average.
(3)
Patrick L.
Have been here several times, I'd say all in all it's a good reliable place to go. I haven't really had anything spectacular but it's all been good. The drinks are also good, the staff is friendly, accessible and polite. They have plenty of televisions around for keeping up with games too.
(3)
Melissa P.
best margaritas in town. no question.
(5)
Alex T.
Went to Mystic Celt today to sit outside and grab a quick Bloody Mary. We asked to sit outside so we could finally enjoy the sun. Upon our waitress' arrival, I mentioned we were just going to grab a drink and wouldn't be eating. Apparently that is "against the rules" and to sit outside at Mystic Celt you must order food. After an extremely rude / awkward / uncomfortable exchange with our waitress we got up and left because we did not want food. There was no wait for a table, and I couldn't believe we were basically asked to leave so the waitress could "abide by the rules" of the bar. With so many great bars and restaurants around, won't be going back to this one.
(1)
Kristen D.
I sat in front of the menu for a solid 30 minutes and still couldn't decide on something to eat. The waitress recommended the corned beef or BBQ pulled chicken with coleslaw, but per usual, I ended up with quesadillas. They were stuffed with chicken and cheese and peppers and had a delicious side of guac to go with it. I would recommend these for sure! If I'm remembering correctly, I've also had the BBQ pulled pork and waffle fries here as well. I remember loving the waffle fries.
(3)
Esther G.
From the confusing sign specials to the prices that don't quite add up right on said poster, to the watery spinach and artichoke dip, this place would probably get a one star had it not been for the 1. beer/lemonade/vodka drink and 2. that it's an MSU bar. I'd be willing to go back again, perhaps I'd be in a better mood/not be so critical watching an MSU football/basketball win, but I'm not totally sure how my experience would improve.
(2)
Agnes L.
As a Spartan alumna, I feel obligated to like this place more...but there are better State bars in the area. I've visited a couple times, once for an MSU basketball game and my most recent visit for the food and drink weekend specials. For both visits, I had lackluster bar food but decent beverage prices. What was most frustrating about the place is the fact that they admittedly have confusing signage for specials. The prices for the wings and burgers don't match up on the banner outside of the door with the menu descriptions. It seems like a no-brainer to change one or the other if it's clearly confusing customers and servers. The wings were nothing to write home about as they were a mix of varying chicken parts with more sauce than meat, and the spinach-artichoke dip had a thin consistency making it seem as if it originated from one of those pouched seasoning mixes. But, I did appreciate the crunch on the wings from the frying and the duo of chip and pita bread on the side of the dip. A plus is that drink menus provided more options than the typical domestic beers and standard cocktails. My friend and I ordered the Summer Brew - beer, lemonade and vodka so it tasted like a pumped-up summer shandy. We agreed it was an unusual mix that paid off.
(2)
Chrystalle B.
This place didnt really seem like an Irish bar, it seemed more like a neighborhood steakhouse. The atmosphere was really disappointing. Even though there were a bunch of college football fans w/ gear on we still felt underdressed. The food was decent. I had the mac and cheese, my husband had the chicken sandwich. I wouldve had the Shepherd's pie (one of my all time fave dishes) but the description said "Ground beef and vegatable stew, topped w/ mashed potatoes". Stew? Sorry. My Irish great grandmother would smack a chef that called something w/ stew in it Shepherd's pie. Having Bangers and Mash and something posing as Shepherd's pie on your menu, having Guinness on tap, and having "Celt" in your name does not an Irish bar make.
(2)
Christy L.
I recently held a fundraiser at Mystic Celt and could not have picked a better venue! Alison helped me organize the event, and the process was seamless. She always responded to my requests quickly and was very helpful. Mystic Celt offers two packages. For $20, your guests have access to a three-hour open bar (beer and wine) or for $25, well drinks are included. The package also includes two $25 gift certificates to the Vaughan group bars to help raise money via a raffle as well as light appetizers. Half of the proceeds (with a 25 person minimum) go to the charity. Mystic Celt offers such a generous package with a large portion of the money benefiting your charity. On the day of our event, the back room (which accommodates up 90 people) was perfectly set up. We had one bartender for our group, but they made it clear that they'd add an extra bartender if needed. The light appetizers were great and more than I expected - bruschettta, a veggie plate, and guacamole. When our group expressed that they were still hungry, Justin, the manager, brought out pizzas. He was in and out of the room regularly to make sure the event was running smoothly and everyone was happy. Mystic Celt is a great neighborhood Irish pub - not just for dinner, snacks and drinks but also to host events.
(5)
Tee-Ahhhh L.
I like that Mystic Celt is close to public transportation and it's on a strip of Southport that is a lot of fun, but that is all I like about it. I met two friends there last night and our food was awful. I was charged $9.50 for a veggie burger which by the way was truly just a Boca burger. In addition, I was charged another $2.00 for pickles and cheese, and then another $1.50 for tater tots. So altogether, $13.00 for a friggin veggie burger that wasn't even flavorful. My friend had the fish tacos and she said they were okay, but the aioli that came with it was so hot that her mouth was burning for about 20 minutes after. Perhaps they could forewarn that it's super spicy ahead of time. Anyhoo...I think the food is terrible and it's overpriced. However, Mystic Celt is a great location if you just want to meet a friend for a beer before moving on to somewhere else on Southport.
(2)
Rick C.
Fun place, great staff....one of my favorite lunchtime spots!
(5)
Hannah C.
We stopped by here on a Friday night around 10 and it was surprisingly empty. They had a DJ going that played a variety of music a little too loudly for my taste. Our waitress had no idea what liquor was available at the bar. The sangria tasted like kool-aid. We waited forever for our server and often had to ask for our water glasses to be refilled. The pasta was mediocre and the portions of the unlimited fish and chips were tiny - and since our waitress was so AWOL, getting more was a challenge! If all you need is a beer and a place to sit, you'll be fine. Otherwise, visit somewhere else.
(2)
Kyle D.
Mystic Celt seems to be a pretty good staple in the Southport stop. Solid food, good service, and great selections (both food and drink). Plenty of beer to choose from and loads of foods from salads to Irish fare. Great burgers too. You really can't go wrong with this place. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and there are also party rooms in the back. My only complaint would have to be the music, which was kind of loud and playing Top 40 tunes. Not exactly Celtic if you ask me. Still, a great restaurant and a great place! Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10
(4)
Lauren F.
I always avoided this place because I thought it was just another typical bar on the Southport strip with typical (read: crappy) food and not a whole lot to offer. Well, we stopped in on a Sunday afternoon to watch the women's World Cup game and I was proven wrong. They have a great outdoor seating area if you want to enjoy a beautiful Chicago day (and get some solid people watching in) but they also have flat screens and big comfy booths inside if that suits your fancy. They have a pretty decent sized brunch buffet that lasts until 3pm on Sundays, it just looked ok though so I opted to order a burger from the menu. The New Mexico burger to be exact. Holy delicious burger! Super juicy and topped with roasted peppers, sauteed onions, tortilla strips, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo and served with waffle fries aplenty-yum, yum, yum. We also got the nachos which were free with a check-in on Yelp, thank you! They were ginormous and very good as well. Every other plate that came out looked just as awesome, I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with anything I ordered. I'll be back to test that theory out!
(4)
Dan H.
Stop #8 on my "Eating my way through Chicago/St. Louis and possibly doing other things on this trip Summer Tour 2011" found us looking for a place to sit outside and have some beers. We ended up at Mystic Celt. Another place in my friends neighborhood. It was bloody hot out and we were well fed. It was time to enjoy some beers out in the sun. The beer list was a nice selection of locals as well as imports. We sampled (drank) many of them including Windy City Wheat and Half Acre Daisy Cutter (both from Chicago). We ended up spending a good many hours here and racked up a pretty nice bill. It was ok though. I was with some good people having good conversation sitting out under the sun and eventually the stars on a hot hot day in Chicago, IL. What could be better than that?
(3)
Katie P.
This review is strictly for a private charity event I co-hosted in their private back room. We hosted a charity event for ALS and the Mystic Celt staff and manager were super sweet, attentive and helpful. They made sure all the guests got everything they needed and came over to the hosts multiple times to see if there was anything else they could do to accomodate us. Overall it was a fantastic night with great food, drinks and service. Having Mystic Celt be so supportive and helpful for a private event like this makes me want to come back for a beer or dinner anytime!
(5)
Shaina K.
I'm going to see how many one word sentences I can use to describe this place: Expensive. (Went here at 10ish on a Saturday night, spent close to $30 on three mixed drinks) Loud. (Music blaring, with lots of drunk girls dancing, and creepy guys watching.) Okay I give up....I was going to give this place three stars, but it earns an extra one for one of the best mango/pineapple/rum drinks I've ever had. And clean bathrooms.
(4)
Michael V.
Buffalo sauce on chicken wrap strikes a perfect balance between flavor and spice. Beer and food specials every night including a damn good Sunday brunch. Staff are courteous and kind. Favorite bar in lakeview
(5)
Anne M.
This is a review for their private party room. I had my birthday party in the back room at Mystic Celt this weekend and it was an effortless and wonderful experience. Alison was so responsive and helpful in getting it booked, and our bartender Caroline was awesome and took great care of us. I ordered several food trays ahead of time and asked for them to be brought out at a specific time; they came out exactly as I requested and I had lots of compliments on the food. I was allowed to bring in my own cake as well, and the staff at Mystic Celt helped set it up and provided plates, forks, and cutting services for it free of charge. I was able to bring my own iPod and plug it into their sound system, and the party felt very private even though there was a dance party in the next room. I originally booked the room for three hours, but as our end time came around, it was clear that a lot of people weren't quite ready to leave, so the amazing Caroline offered to keep the bar open for us a little longer. Overall, it was a wonderful space for a birthday party with ~30 guests -- everyone commented on the great space and food, and I was free to have fun and enjoy my own party while the staff took care of everything. Thank you, Mystic Celt!
(5)
Damian C.
I like this place. It's huge, the vibe is great, the food is excellent, and the waitstaff is attentive even when it gets busy (props to Lauren for our great service this past week). But here are a few tips/bulletpoints to remember: 1. Immediately sign up for their mailing list. You get amazing food/drink specials during the week (seriously, 1/4 price appetizers and 17-cent wings!) and every year on your birthday they will send you a $20 gift card. Score! 2. Their Sunday brunch buffet is complete with a carving station and Irish goodies - sure to cure any hangover. One upgrade would be an unlimited mimosa or screwdriver package. 3. Order the wings well-done. Nothing is better than a heaping pile of crispy teriyaki and/or hot wings. And they're big, too! 4. They have one of those programs where you can text your music choice and it'll play. Sometimes that's a bad thing when people with varying taste pick songs, but it keeps it interesting. 5. While the bar may turn "fratty" at certain times, a term I find hugely insulting, what bar in Lakeview/Wrigleyville/Lincoln Park/Old Town/most of the North Side doesn't? Stop in and have fun - this place is great!
(4)
Kim K.
I paid a recent visit to the Mystic Celt when my husband and I decided to have a "Sunday Funday". We randomly meandered in and I am glad we did! They won my husband over with their chorizo topped burger. I had a wrap with a side of macaroni and cheese. Good food and good service! We will definitely go back....especially for that awesome looking brunch buffet!!! I typically do not care for buffets, so I decided to skip it, but when the table next to us came back with their plates, I immediately regretted my decision. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Aaron W.
Mystic Celt is an interesting place. During late morning and afternoons on the weekends you can enjoy a decent brunch buffet with the family. After work, beers and average bar food with an Irish accent may satiate your needs. But late nights on the weekend the place turns into some kind of misfit nightclub with the music and the lights that make me go ooy my goodness with the pounding and the sloppiness!(Professor Frink?) It's just weird. Anyway, like I said the food is OK, but what gets me is that the menu has never changed in four years and that is not cool in my book. Mac n' cheese, burgers, shepherds pie...I'm over it, at least from this place. There are decent drink specials during the week too and the staff are pretty squared away, and often from Ireland so that's kinda neat. Call me bitter but I expect a bit more out of a bar/restaurant especially in this location. I know "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but I thought changing menus was part of the restaurant business. Oh well, won't really stop me from going back, but I don't plan on eating there again. *Yawn*
(2)
Burger Guide D.
Mystic Celt makes a variety of great burgers. They have everything from the traditional to the gourmet. Offering a variety of buns, fries, and being friendly about customizing your order makes it a great place to explore burgers. My personal favorite burger is the crazy twist which has a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory. The burger features grape goat cheese, pancetta, pickled onion and mushroom aioli. These flavors blend together for a one of a kind flavor.
(5)
Tom K.
I love this place. Good food, but I mostly come here for the night life. It has all your options covered as far great staff, good patrons, a big make shift dance floor in the middle. Seats at the bar, tables, booths to people watch, good beers on tap (Guinness, 60 minute IPA). It's in a great area and you don't get the riff raff you get on clark street. I highly recommend the Minneapolis transplant drink in the "Big Ginger", and if you are really feeling festive get yourself a car bomb....it will help your dancing.
(4)
Chuck H.
I live within a stone's throw of MC. I used to love this place. Something happened to management because the food is God-awful. Out of 4 apps we just ordered, all 4 are sloppily made, flavorless, and poorly conceptualized. It's not worth 1/2 price we paid. I'm never coming back no matter what special they try to lure me in with. If you're going to drink, it's ok. Still a little overpriced.
(1)
Shawn K.
Fun bar. Good food. They have a lot of tv's so it is a good place to watch a game. The service can sometimes be a little slow when it is busy, typical for a crowded bar. They serve balmers or magners cider here so my girlfriend likes that. Not a lot of places seem to have that. The inside of the bar is mostly dark wood. They also have a large backroom where they seat people to eat. The space is larger than you would think. For that reason there isn't usually much difficulty getting a table. They have a DJ here a few nights a week and I'd you get seated in the wrong place it's pretty much impossible to have a conversation. They pour Guinness the right way, a must for an Irish bar. I would recommend this place to anyone that lives in the area. The Smithwhicks is excellent as well, tastes like ireland. Check out more of my reviews at: shawnkemp.yelp.com
(4)
Briana B.
A review over three seperate times that I've gone here in the past couple of months. The first two times I went on a Wednesday, when they have their wrap specials. Pretty good price for a large wrap and fries or a salad, and their wraps were good! I tried the buffalo one and the chicken with bacon one, both I was VERY happy with. This last time I came, I tried the mac & cheese, which just plainly, wasn't that great. I'd rather walk the 10 feet and get the mac & cheese from noodles and company for half the price! Also, the hospitality there isn't the greatest. Nice staff, they do their jobs, but usually I have to ask for the refill or get the staff's attention before they come to me. Overall, I'd stick with going on a wednesday and taking advantage of that awesome wrap special. Just don't assume the staff will be the best!
(3)
Bobuzzi C.
Had a great time here. Fish & Chips and Corned Beef are delicious. They have a good drink menu too. Fridays are all you can eat Fish & Chips and specials on Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonades. Patio is cozy and staff is very friendly.
(5)
Lauren H.
I have been here multiple times since moving to the neighborhood, sitting outside, in the dining room and at the bar with pretty much the same experience every time; blah. The food is ok, some of it is and some of it is blah. The service has always been horrible; barely ever checked up, empty drinks, rude. There was one very nice bartender so it could be that I have just had new servers. There are always decent specials though. All in all I would go here only if I couldn't go anywhere else.
(2)
Sean B.
So I found that this place is spacious, but average on food and drink for the area. It is very friendly for people with disabilities, the person I was with was blind and he was able to navigate well given the layout. The appetizer platter was decent, the chicken fingers were good, the shrimp was good, and the artichoke dip was above average, however there were not enough pitas. They have a good 1/2 price monday special. The quesadilla is good. I have a pet peeve in bars, it is if they are too loud when there aren't many people in it. I have trouble hearing if the acoustics are off a little. Some sound panels might go a long way in here. If you just want a bite and a drink, this place is good, but I wouldn't make it a destination.
(3)
Howard W.
Don't waste your time, unless you want to be ignored! After a nice wait my party of 3 walked out.
(1)
A W.
A group of us went up here for a bachelor party, and our good friend works here. They have very good specials and the service was very good. It is chicago so drinks might cost so much money, but the have special deals on wrist bands that give you certain drinks for so many hours. They get pretty busy, but not to busy to where it gets unconfortable. Had a very good time here. The food is really good, very good atmosphere. the have many tv's to watch any game you want. Def. 5 stars for Mystic Celt.
(5)
Joey M.
Big sports bar!!! Went here last night for a holiday party! very nice atmosphere with lots of what appear to be college age kids... Has restaurant in the back and small dance floor in front
(4)
Bob K.
Great place, LOVE the food. The fish and chips is a favorite every time. Tuesdays there's a comedy open mic that's always interesting, too. Some really funny people in Chicago!
(5)
Ted C.
This place is that place that seems like a certain place but is a completely different place altogether. Specifically, with a name like Mystic Celt you figure it will be a typical faux-Irish bar that probably plays a late 90s rock mix all the time, has Guinness and maybe a couple other beers. I was wrong, it's a faux-Irish bar that has a loud dj playing a lot of rap and hip-hop while a bunch of the Wrigleyville spillover comes to grind on each other. $6 for a pint of Guinness, which is just ridiculous, why is this bar more expensive than any other bar-a dollar doesn't seem to much but when you're buying a round it can add up. I had to go to the bathroom and uh yikes is all I have to say. It was really dark and dank and the toilet apparently was thirsty because there was a pint glass in there and then the toilet got belligerent because it had broken off the top and was threatening to shank me for getting too close. Which is fine, toilet I won't get too close.
(2)
Patrick H.
Having occasionally dined here over the last 6 years I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed. The only drawback is that the place is so popular during sports games that you can barely hear yourself think. When getting a burger, try the cranberry mayonnaise.
(4)
Jelena Z.
It certainly doesn't hurt Mystic Celt's case that they send me a $20 gift card in the mail every year for my birthday. Why, I believe that's three birthday beers! Speaking of beer, they have some solid choices on tap. But what I usually come here for is the Sunday brunch buffet - if you're looking for a comfy pub in which to get your eat and drink on during football season, Mystic Celt is it!
(4)
Debbie S.
I co-hosted a private charity event in the back room of Mystic Celt on a rainy Thursday night and overall, it was a terrific experience. The manager and the staff were not only extremely helpful and friendly, but they also threw in some extras that helped make the night even more of a success. The Manager was attentive to our needs throughout the evening, stopping by on several occasions to make sure that things were running smoothly. The charity packages are terrific -- for $25, our guests had 3 hours of all you can drink beer, wine and liquor and 50% of that went directly to our charity. The fact that Mystic Celt played a key role in making our event a success makes me want to go back for a beer or for dinner. If you are looking to host an event, definitely give Mystic Celt a try. I can't imagine a better experience anywhere else.
(5)
Sally L.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a pub off the Southport brown line stop- and came upon Mystic Celt. From the friendly hostess who led us to the perfect "for two" table by the window, to our friendly and attentive waitress Ashley, the evening was fantastic. Our food was great, the beers were wonderful, the atmosphere relaxing and cozy, & everyone was nice. We were impressed and both said how much we would like to go back. I complimented who I thought was the evening host (he ended up being the manager!) on what a great time we were having, and he had Ashley come over and offer us two shots on him! We enjoyed our Jameson shots, and then left full and happy. Thank you Mystic Celt, for a memorable evening and great service. You have most assuredly made returning customers out of us.
(5)
Meg K.
Fun place very nice for private parties. don't go for lunch though or dinner unless you plan drinking a lot. Otherwise you'll notice the slow service or maybe they will be more attentive if you are ringing up the bill with booze. Went with my mom for lunch and we had to flag down the waitress a few times and it wasn't even crowded. Stick to going for bar time which is a blast or for private parties. There the service is great.
(3)
Rachel F.
I hate to do this to an MSU bar, but the Celt just didn't impress me. I was here for a private event, while the event space was pretty nice and huge, it didn't make up for service and appetizers. We had a sterno of chicken fritters which were extremely dry and lacked flavor. The other appetizers included a crudite platter, chips and dry bruschetta, all kinda boring. But expected. Yet what really knocks this down to a 2 star review is that the service was pretty bad. The bartenders in the private event space were alright, not super helpful but poured beer just fine. But after the event we all decided to stick around and tried to get served up front. After heading up to the bar we rudely ignored, and given hostility upon ordering. When we finally ordered the keg was tapped, and the bartender just said "your going to have to wait", then went immediately to the otherside of the bar to help someone else. not giving me the option to order something else. I walked over to where she was and said.. that's alright, we're going to go. I thought the point of hosting special events was to capitalize on people who stay post the event. I won't be back there are plenty of other MSU bars or generic Irish bars in Chicago to spend your money w. no attitude.
(2)
Steve G.
I've lived in the Southport area for 5 years now and I have gone to Mystic Celt a ton of times, so I have a pretty good feel on this place including having had most of their menu. So, with that being said the biggest thing this place has going for it, is it's location, which is right next to the Brownline in Lakeview, otherwise this place would fail. It's one of those places that just isn't good but you end up going there because it's non-threatening and familiar.... Here's the thing. This place is just too expense for their lackluster food. All of their wraps are just plain bad, and over priced. They charge $13 for a subpar Cobb Salad, I mean, come on man. The only thing that I would say is good and reasonably priced is the Celt Burger, $10. But, other then that you won't find much under $10, which would be fine if the food warranted the price. I never feel good about going here, and I never feel good when I leave. I gave it 5 years and it continues to disappoint me... done.
(2)
Cheryl S.
good place to get some work done. When the guest WiFi isn't working they are thoughtful enough to allow access to a backup network. I got a coors and a chili and was very happy with both the presentation and the flavor. I'll be back, and if it's busy next time maybe I'll try some evening. 4 stars til then.
(4)
Kathleen C.
One of my favorite spots to sit outside in the summer.... Mystic Celt is a go-to in the area when I'm visiting friends who live nearby. I've been for lunch/dinner/evenings. The food is solid - definitely bar food and some items are better than others, but the sliders are always tasty. A good 3 for food. Service is great. I see some of the other reviews that insist service is terrible, but I've never had a bad experience. Even when the place is packed, the bartenders and bouncers are friendly. Granted, I usually don't cause bar fights, and I usually only visit occasionally when the place is super crowded, but nevertheless, aside from one or two minor issues with table service when the place is crowded, service has been great. A 4. Atmosphere-wise, this is definitely a typical Wrigleyville bar. It's big an allows for a mix of bar patrons and a few separate areas for dining. Definitely not a spot for a quiet meal, but a good location to eat while watching the game or to meet up with friends for drinks. The bar usually doesn't get too rowdy, which is nice. A 3 for atmosphere. The bathrooms remind me of college. They are clean during the day, and they quickly turn into a college-type bathroom later in the evening. It's also a small bathroom and not a lot of room if there's a wait. A 2 for bathrooms. For value, Mystic Celt is definitely typical for the city and the area. Food is reasonable as are the drinks. There are usually specials ($1 sliders can't be beat!). A 4 for value. I'm sure I will be back.
(3)
Christine S.
Stop #3 on our made up bar crawl... Stopped in for 1 (yes, 1) beer and we had to leave because this place is booooooooooooring. It was like 4ishpm on a Sat and they were dead (every where else on Southport was pretty packed). Why is it so dead here? NEXT!
(2)
Christina G.
Mystic Celt is a good midway meeting point for my friends and I, so we head there for after-work dinner and drinks. In the summer, we like sitting outside in their mini beer garden. It's a great place for people watching. As for the food, it's OK. We tend to order what's on special for the night. The burgers are a bit dry though. The food is pretty cheap though, especially if you order what's on special and sign up for their emails. Once in a while, they send out emails for half off their specials, which means the burger and fries I ordered were $2.50. Add a $3 beer on special and that's a pretty cheap dinner date with friends. The service is pretty slow, so if you want a quick bite, this is not the place to go. However, it's perfect if you want to linger. They don't rush their tables.
(3)
Dan P.
Horrible horrible food. It made both of us physically sick. Shepherd's Pie was more suited for a cat you didn't like! Chicken Curry...inedible. Who came up with that nasty recipe? Flatbread was flat...Boboli and Ragu is better. Chicken wings are better at Jewel's. Would not eat anything on that menu that isn't a burger. Yuck!
(1)
Magen R.
I have been going to Mystic Celt for almost two years now and have yet to review it. When I lived in Wrigleyville Mystic Celt was a great go to during the week for lunch or dinner because of the great specials. We initially went in for the 1/2 price appetizers on Mondays and it definitely kept us coming back. The first time we went we signed up for the e-mail list which kept us in the know about all of the great specials and I even got a $20 gift card on my birthday! My friends and I decided to go out for restaurant week about a month ago and made reservations. We planned a girls night out and decided a wrist band special might be a good idea to save us some money after an expensive dinner. I recalled an e-mail I received from Mystic Celt about six months ago advertising a $20 all you can drink any Friday or Saturday for three hours. As wristbands go in the city that's an awesome deal as far as we were concerned. We then decided to make a party of it and invite all of our friends. The $20 wristband did not disappoint. In addition to the special we were given a large private room with plenty of tables in the back of the bar and a private bartender. The music was great and it was definitely awesome to have our own bartender. She did not skimp on the mixed drinks and they were far stronger than ones you would get during your average wristband deal. I do have one complaint though. The bouncer who was managing our private room was a complete jerk. He would not let in people who did not want to purchase the wristband. This was annoying because there was plenty of room for other folks to come in and they did not tell me that we had a private room or that people who did not want to purchase the wristband did not have to come in. He was not very nice about it and when we were bouncing in and out of the room to check in with friends without the wristband he ripped a drink out of one of my friends hands because he thought one of us had given it to her. I think this is an isolated incident and will be taking it up with the person who helped us set up our party. All in all I would highly recommend a private party or simply dinner and drinks at Mystic Celt, I know I'll be back.
(5)
David Z.
Stopped by Mystic Celt this past weekend for a fundraising party that a friend was throwing. I wasn't WOWED by anything, but it seems like a perfectly good place to watch a game. We didn't get any food besides the light appetizers that were part of the party, but those were good enough. We had a private area in the back, and the World Cup championship game was on, so that was nice. The back area is pretty cool, but the TV by the comfy chairs was broken, so that was kind of lame. All in all, I'd probably go back for some pub-grub if I was in the Southport area and wanted to watch a game. I also think it's really cool that they will do fundraising things there. Our deal was you paid $25 for a few hours of open bar (domestic bottles and well drinks), and then the bar gets half the money and the fundraiser gets the other half. Very cool idea! Kudos to you Mystic Celt, I'll come back and try some food at some point.
(3)
D O.
The low end of mediocre. We got bangers and mash (barely warm, underseasoned, the gravy was goopy and tasted gross, sausages were dried out and tasted a little like cardboard), buffalo wings (also barely warm and utterly unmemorable), and a turkey wrap (I didn't try that one). Waffle fries were the tastiest part of the meal. The waitress was nice... so, yeah, I wouldn't go here next time.
(2)
Lynn R.
Mystic Celt is my old standby, which is saying something as Southport isn't really a convenient area for me to journey to. I will say that there's nothing remarkable about this place. The food is good, but not great (try their burgers and wings), and it looks like any other Irish pub in Chicago. So Lynn, why the four star review? Service and atmosphere. I always know that an evening at Mystic will go smoothly. Waitstaff is friendly and fast. Vibe is noticeably undouchey and it's not so loud that you can't relax and have an audible conversation with the person next to or across from you. While Mystic Celt is not a showstopper of a restaurant, it's a great place to grab a bite to eat, catch up with old friends, and have a pleasant experience unmarked by any black flies in your chardonnay. Hot tip: sign up for their email list and you'll get emails for half off their daily specials in addition to invitations to events (beer, whiskey tastings).
(4)
Carmen B.
After a day of shopping on Southport, we headed into Mystic Celt. It's been a long time since I've been to the Celt. We were food focused and ordered the fish tacos, dry wings, and a burger. We were all really happy with the quality of the food and the prices. Service was a bit slow; there was only one waitress working in that area- but she was nice and did the best she could! I would return - good place to chill out, have a drink and enjoy a meal.
(3)
Sheresse S.
EXTREMELY FRIENDLY STAFF! I love this place. My favorite is definitely the grilled bacon and cheese with mashed potatoes seriously it's almost like heaven. Totally love this place!!
(5)
Al G.
I have been a regular here for quite some time and I have to applaud them for their level of consistency, great food and specifically the service. Caroline, the bartender, in particular always greets me with a smile and is always warm, friendly and helpful.
(5)
Adam K.
Pretty good brunch here. Good service too. Would go back. Good bar, good crowd.
(3)
Bri A.
I've lived in the area for years but have never stopped in until yesterday. My boyfriend and I came for dinner after work and the place was pretty empty, so getting a table was easy. The beer list was good but I opted for one of the tasty sounding cocktails (Smashed Bourbon). I had a hard time choosing what to eat because everything sounded good! He had the black and blue burger and I had the goat cheese and mushroom quesadillas. We both liked our meals however the goat cheese was a little overpowering for such a simple dish, but it was good. Our server was friendly and quick, too. I want to try the brunch next time!
(4)
Elizabeth P.
I work for a non profit and we held our volunteer brunch here 3 years in row. They give us a spacious private back room, our own attentive waitress, the Sunday buffet is fabulous and it's a great value. We get rave reviews from all who attend. They carve all sorts of roast meats on the buffet and prepare omelets and waffles to order, and have some lighter fare too. Caroline and Alison are great to work with, they make it easy and affordable. I can't imagine finding a better venue. It would be great for evening parties too, the room has it's own private bar. We will be back.
(5)
Michelle D.
Ive been meaning to update this . I love this place !!!! Great brunch buffet .Plenty of options big fan.of the corned beef it just melts in your mouth. The roast beef is just ok other than that all the other items are delish. I enjoy the cocktails as well. Oh did.i mention very affordable I try to make it here for brunch at least once a month if not more.
(4)
Alicia D.
My husband and I had our son's luncheon at the Mystic Celt after his Christening this past Sunday. The food, service and private room were wonderful. Alison/Caroline were great to work with on planning and executing the party. Caroline was able to get the drinks flowing and our food out quickly when guests arrived 20 minutes early for the party. Our guests commented that the food was great and they especially loved the Chicken Marsala. Roxy, our bartender, made sure everyone had everything they needed - she walked around to ask if anyone needed anything to drink on several occasions. Everything was phenomenal and would definitely have additional parties at the Celt.
(5)
ITmama C.
Mystic Celt is a great place for daily specials. We recently went there for some take out, which we didn't know they had btw...and ordered the Celt Burger Special with fries. Let me tell you, they don't skimp out on your order like most restaurants. In other places, "To go" food is much less than if you actually sat down at a table for dinner/lunch. I do see families also BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby), so that is a plus too. Definitely will come back to get some take out or maybe Brunch soon.
(4)
Evan H.
When I first moved to the city 11 years ago, I went to MC all the time for good burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, and beer. Last Friday, I stopped by with some friends and was really disappointed in what MC has going on these days. The first time our server smiled at us was when she was giving us the bill. Maybe it was the end of a long shift or just a bad day - I don't know - but while she wasn't outright rude, she certainly didn't make us feel welcome. I ordered the BBQ chicken wrap (which has coleslaw in it) thinking it would be served hot. Nope... Maybe that was my mistake, but when I think BBQ chicken, I think warm, not cold. It was really unappetizing. My wife got some other kind of sandwich; it wasn't bad, she said, but was pretty dry. Bars and bar food are a dime a dozen in the city. I don't see any reason to return.
(2)
Sara S.
Like most bars in the southport corridor- meh. Nighttime- pretty lame. It's trying to be a place to dance with blaring music and has a disco ball, but there is hardly anyone there so it's kinda awkward. If it played a bit quieter music and left some of the tables out it could be a decent neighborhood bar. Daytime- food is very average. They do have pretty good specials, but there is MUCH better places to get good bar food. The bruschetta is really bad- someone always ends up getting it that I'm with and is disappointed. The pizzas are about the only thing I would get and enjoy. The outside area is a plus on a nice day, but not good enough to make me go.
(2)
Amanda C.
Went here to sit outside on the patio for dinner on one of the recent warm days. We had a short wait inside before a table opened up where we sat at the bar... The hostess told us we could have made reservations but the bartender told us that's not possible, so really not sure how to comment on reservations here. My group ordered the special which was $6 wraps on Wednesday which come with fries or a salad. The bbq chicken/coleslaw wrap was mediocre in my opinion; the salad was good. The service was fairly slow but we had a lot of time so it wasn't a problem. Overall I wasn't wowed by the food or experience but the place is nice inside and outside, and was a nice time to enjoy the weather.
(3)
Anthony F.
I dropped by here early in the day for a quick lunch, so I can't say much to what it offers as far as nightlife goes, but I can say this: GET THE FREAKIN' WAFFLE FRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, I'm serious! DO IT! Stop what you're doing, purchase a flight to Chicago, and go get thems goods! I ordered the chicken caesar wrap (also incredible), and at the extreme encouragement of seriously no less than 4 employees, the waffles fries. I have had many a waffle fry in my day, but none compare to these. They were PERFECTLY seasoned with just the right amount of crisp on the outside and steamy softness on the inside. I honestly can't recommend it enough!
(5)
Tanya T.
I would give it a 3.5. Their sunday brunch is amazing and is a great deal. Their daily specials are great but be prepared if you go on a Friday/Saturday it turns into what I call Club Mystic - the music gets really loud and they have club lights.
(3)
Christina F.
Its no secret that I'm a sucker for a good goat cheese salad. Since having my favorite dish ever in NYC a few years ago, I always seem to order a salad with goat cheese if its on the menu, and time and time again they come up short. The Mystic Celt is the exception. The bed of greens, which was mainly arugula was perfect for the strong flavor of the goat cheese, tossed with poppyseed raspberry vinegarette and candied walnuts the salad has undertones of sweetness. The restaurant itself is very chill and the service was good. Can't wait to grab it for take out one night or go enjoy it over a couple beers with friends.
(4)
Emily Z.
Mystic celt is a really nice place, its big, has some nice big booths for big groups, they also have a really nice big patio out front in the summer. Its always decorated pretty cute, with lights ect for the holidays. They have a pretty big menu though nothing I have ever been too thrilled about. They do have really good food specials throughout the week so check that out on their website. It could be a good place to meet up and start out if you live close, but I probably woudn't take a cab to get there. I've been there a few times later and there is always a group of crazy people dancing, the only problem with this is that there is no dance floor. The music is way to loud at night, like most bars in the city. I agree with the last reviewer. Mediocre.
(3)
Christine F.
Moldy Toast. I shouldn't have to say much more than that, but I will. I guess the space itself is nice enough. I ordered eggs over easy, breakfast potataters, and wheat toast. Food came. Over easy eggs were pretty standard, as were the breakfast potatoes. However. I was eating one piece of toast (I shouldn't have to inspect toast for mold) and I saw a chunk of mold on the other piece of toast. I immediately started to assume the worst and began to experience phantom food poisoning symptoms. /wretch All kidding aside, seeing mold on your food is fucking gross and I'm not going back here.
(1)
Al D.
Hooray for a bar with pseudo-Irish elements on Southport Avenue. I went here for St. Patrick's Day 2007. It was horribly crowded but I scored a free green hat and I was satisfied for the night. I went here with an after-party as this was the drinking establishment geographically closest to several people's apartments. PA PA PA POKER shoot me in the FACE. Honestly. Is there a rule that after midnight only B96 hits can be played, repetitvely? I was suprised to see a big group of people over 50 years old, which may or may not have helped with the general behavior of the rest of the patrons in there that night (one group of total strangers broke into the "Electric Slide." I guess there are worse things one can do in a bar...). Go here if you live within a stone's throw and want to relive the days of hoping your fake ID won't get noticed at the campus watering hole, or just enjoy the Southport scene in general.
(3)
Leanna S.
Cute place. The small outdoor seating area was full, so my friends and I sat inside next to the open windows. The special of the day was a wrap and fries for $6. Good deal. We were there on a Wednesday night and so it was not busy at all. That is why we were a little irritated that the waitress wasn't around more often. We were drinking buckets of beer and we drink fast. She was nice and all, but we had to seek her out more than once. Overall, it's okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat/drink here again, but if I was in the 'hood.....
(2)
Mark P.
DO NOT USE this bar for groups. It is mandatory to buy their packages. I brought a bunch of people to a friend's party one time but not everyone was planning on drinking a lot. We also got there an hour and a half into a 3 hour drink package. We had a DD and a few people that had to leave early the next morning for a flight. It didn't matter...they were not allowed to hang out with the rest of the party because they weren't willing to pay the $30 for an all you can drink package. If you are ever looking to have a party at a bar but have people in your group who don't drink, don't book at Mystic Celt.
(1)
Lawrence R.
Went a little earlier on a Thursday at 6:00 pm and seated ourselves. Good drink specials and food specials but we ordered from the regular menu. They accommodated my request to make my chicken sandwich buffalo style, which made me really happy. The nachos were very good. Not too heavy on the cheese but a well balanced plate. Definitely on my list of places I will visit again. Oh, and it was family friendly as well. Two different tables were there with kids who ordered the mini cheeseburger special. They seem to really to enjoy them.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt is like a good friend. Always there when you need them and they aren't always perfect but they mean well. That's how I feel about Mystic Celt. It's stumbling distance away from the brown line and there's a cute outdoor patio area. The Sunday all you can eat brunch for $14 is pretty good, definitely the best deal for all you can eat in Lake View. But the guy at the omlette station acts like he hates his job. Asking him for egg whites instead of the regular eggs sends daggers of hate my way. Also after 12 noon, he also does the carving station which is pretty tasty. But the buffet is somewhat limited. I haven't had much on the regular menu, but stay away from the Shepherd's Pie. It was absolutely awful and it wasn't even Shepherd's Pie, it was a bunch of meat sitting in an inch of grease with a tiny dollop of crap mashed potatoes on top. It was practically inedible. The nachos are half decent, but I wouldn't necessarily come here for the food with the exception of brunch. Service regardless of when you come in is generally spotty. Expect to wait and see people who come in after you to get served before you. Also, you may need to go to the bar and pay your bill after your meal because your waitress is MIA.
(3)
Nikki C.
sunday brunch is decent. I've had better, but if you drink enough the night before like a good nikki your taste buds should still be numb enough to enjoy most foods and there should be enough alcohol still bouncing around your tummy to kill any random germs so no worries of eating from a self-serve buffet free of sneeze guards. Omelet bar, irish offerings, french toast and bacon! different specials on different days. (see website or call) $5 burger night offers a honking plate of burgerness and fries which are tummy filling, but after seeing the light in other places is the equivalent of going to a muzak concert at the doggie park as opposed to the metro to catch a live performance by christopher cross. service is pleasant. sometimes seems lacking in a surge of neediness, but nice when accompanied with many shots of jameson, so just be warned and plan ahead. and parking sucks in the hood... so let another do the transporting via cta or ruby slippers.
(3)
Kristy N.
It's been many years since I've lived close to the Mystic Celt and I was happy to pop in for a late dinner when I found myself in the neighborhood again. They had some decent Tuesday night specials but I opted for the Margarita Pizza which we ordered with goat cheese, chicken, basil and tomatoes. It was delish, a bit heavy on the cheese but too much goat cheese can't be that bad of a thing. Our server was attentive, albeit completely disinterested. I love the patio atmosphere and the hanging white lights do it for me every time. I'm happy to come back here anytime.
(4)
Pinaki S.
The crowd here is your typical Southport crowd--- the preppy upper 20s and lower 30s who still want to party hard. This is a good thing since I'm firmly ensconced in that category. The bar is pretty wide unlike alot of the Irish bars in the city. I'm usually a narrow bar type of guy but this place gives people plenty of places for people to stand and put beers down. Its definitely classier than bars of this ilk typically are, with a seating hostess A guy started playing the bagpipes when I was here during halftime of the NCAA National semifinal. This has never happened before in a bar I've frequented.
(4)
Kevin Z.
What's not to like?? I love Mystic Celt not only for it's consistently good food and inviting casual atmosphere, but the friendly customer service. The girls behind the bar do a great job! (Caroline and Tiffanie). The daily specials are always a good deal. I've never had a dish I didn't think was great - but strongly suggest the steak sandwich and the roasted 1/2 chicken. The wings and nachos are very good too.
(5)
Emily A.
Well, the highlight of this place was that there's a huge mirror that my baby likes to look in when we sit in a booth next to it. It kept her occupied while mommy and daddy ate, so that's cool. But aside from that, I'd say I'm thoroughly unimpressed. The first time I tried to eat there years ago, we were told to seat ourselves and after 10 minutes of waiting on a waiter in a mid-afternoon empty restaurant, we left. I'm sorry, but that just sucked. We even got up to look for somebody and called out "hello". Nothing, so bye-bye. This last time, we figured we'd give it a shot, because it seemed family friendly and we were in the mood for a good burger and thought a pub would be the place to go. Wrong. The burger was the least delicious bar burger I've ever had and the "bacon" was not bacon. I can't remember what they called it, but it was a crazy thick and I could not even take a bite out of it. It was like jerky, and they put it on my burger in lieu of bacon because, wait for it..... they ran out of bacon!!! They comped the burger, but the disappointment of craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger and getting that still lingers. The fries were ok though, the saving grace of the dish, really, but they were nothing special. The employees were friendly, but not very prompt. Granted it was pretty busy, but there were a few times when our waitress seemed to just ignore us or pass over us for other tables and would disappear for awhile at a time. And one last thing, which almost makes me want to reduce this place to one star....the bathroom looks nice, until you need to use the changing table. Dirtiest changing table I have ever seen. So gross. Overall, not the absolute worst food, environment or staff ever, but I don't recommend the Mystic Celt experience, either.
(2)
Colleen C.
"Why is it so bright back here!?" Good question...oh wait, our group had booked the private party back area...and then realized we were...not double booked, but TRIPLE booked. So, we shared space with a bunch of board gamers, and some open mic thing in the back. The gamers needed light, the open mic peeps needed sound...and um, we just needed beer and for them to turn down the lights! Think twice before booking a large party, luckily ours was an informal group of sorts, but a more planned out affair and this could've been a big disaster. Our server, the saving grace of the evening, Lorraine...WONDERFUL. Managed an entire 2 rooms of people very well, and she really needed another person helping her, but again they forget that they had TRIPLE BOOKED the space, so she was on her own. Tsk, tsk...she did a fabulous job. $5 burgers and fries: worth the $5, not much more...overcooked, and hardened cheese (for an extra .75 cents to boot!), just kind of...OK. Did the trick to satiate my non-grocery-buying self, but...yeah, you get it. Very convenient off the 'sopo' brown line, but it didn't do much to lure me back for more...unfortunately, as it's one of the only places on this strip I've been back to a few times. Beef up the management skills, yo! And um, the burgers need a bit of help.
(3)
Jenna S.
So we came here last night for the Yelp Newbie event and had a blast! I was surprised that Mystic Celt was so big - there's four rooms of space for all of your drinking and eating needs. I think I was actually more surprised that part of this place was more like a restaurant than a bar. There was a lot of "bar seating" in the front (high tables and chairs) and then a lot of tables and booths in the back. This is a great place to go if you're organizing an event or party because they seem to be really cool about reserving space for groups and there's a ton of room to accommodate everyone. Last night alone there was a Yelp party, a board game meetup and a book club! I think that's pretty cool. Our server was awesome! She was the only one in the back room taking all of our food and drink orders and she was great! Her name was Loreinne (or something close to that - sorry for the terrible spelling!) and she was on top of everyone's orders all night. She was able to keep several tabs open for all of us Yelpers and didn't get anything confused - that's good serving! However, I'm going to be honest: I don't think I could like this place if they didn't have any specials. At the beginning of the evening, Theresa C. and I were perusing the menu to check out their variety of food and everything is super expensive. I mean super, super expensive. Like no appetizers were under $7 (most were closer to $10) and their entrees were between $12 and $15 - what?!?!?! On Tuesdays they have a $5 burger and fries special (that burger is like $12 normally) which is a really good deal. They even managed to cook both of our burgers medium, which a lot of places can never manage to do. But the normal price for that meal is just too much for fake Irish pub food. I was impressed with the section of their menu that featured classic Irish fare but, again, it was super expensive. Most people also say that the drinks are expensive and I wholeheartedly agree with Denise P: $3.50 isn't a special, it's too expensive. There are other bars that do $2 specials for Blue Moon/Smithwicks and that's awesome. That's a special - over $3 for a pint of beer just isn't a special. And if it's $3.50 on special, how much is it normally?!?! $5? $6? Too much, I'm sure. I give Mystic Celt four stars for their specials and the stellar service we received, but I think on any other night I would have given it two or three stars. I don't see myself going out of my way to come here.
(4)
Rachel L.
Good for sunday football watching in the southport corridor. It was raining last weekend and we were lazy about traveling to our normal game watching spots, so we decided to give Mystic Celt a try. Overall I was happy with our decision. Lots of big tvs, decent buffet for $10 that you can go back to anytime between 10 and 3pm (aka breakfast AND lunch) and mimosas (to nurse our hangovers) were happily mostly champagne. Now if only they were bottomless!! Also, if you sign up for the birthday club you get a $20 gift card in the mail to use during your birthday month.
(3)
Matt A.
This is an okay bar located right next to the Southport Brown Line. It's an Irish bar and has a few good specials every once in awhile. To me, I feel that this one of those bars is perfect for stopping in after work or going to before "really going out." I am also a fan of their Sunday Brunch Special for a very affordable price for all the options offered. They also have a great Friday Fish Fry Special for all you can eat for around $10.00. Not the best fish I've ever had, but still definitely worth it for the price!
(3)
Andy M.
Mystic Celt is a cozy little Frat boy bar that is located on the Southport Corridor. My ratings break down goes like this. 5+ stars for Carolynne r.'s event. Carolynne and Colleen did a great job with all of the details of the event. 5 stars for our server: Lorraine handled a rough situation perfectly. 0 stars for the Bar Manager: We were supposed to have the room to ourselves all night. They ended up triple booking the room, and had one server working three different parties. Cudo's to Carolynne and Colleen for making the best of a confusing situation. Regardless of the scheduling gaff by the management of Mystic Celt, the evening was a blast.
(4)
Phil K.
Often packed. Even when it's not, the service is mediocre. So is the food. Pretty decent crowd for Southport; definitely less douchey than across the street at Sopo. Les is a nice guy, though. Sorry, Les! I wouldn't write this if I thought it would actually hurt business...
(3)
Kevin L.
I was here with a big group and having a pleasant time while spending a not insignificant amount on beer buckets. Around 10PM, this place becomes a "dance club" (quotes intentional), and turned on two bright spotlights aimed directly at my group's heads. At our request, an employee in a red-shirt angled the lights slightly upward in a way that still lit the "dance floor" but didn't blind the patrons. Somehow, this was unacceptable to the...wait for it...BUSBOYS. Within minutes of the offending spotlights being adjusted, two spike-haired douchebags ran at the lights as if they were on fire, and intentionally re-aimed them directly in my eyes. When I suggested an alternate place where they could they stick their lights, they laughed and told me that if I didnt' like it, I could "get the hell out." My initial thought was that only a manager would have the audacity to treat paying customers like this and get away with it, but our server (who was very nice) explained that these rude idiots were actually just the head busboys. I summoned the manager to inform him that the spikey-haired half-wits he employed to bus tables were clearly on a power trip, but he took their side and did not interpret his staff's command to "get the hell out" to mean that my paying the tab was optional. We respectfully disagreed on this point so of course I paid the tab, but this moron cost his bar at least the $500 my group would have spent the rest of the evening had we not been messed with, let alone the potentially thousands of dollars that beer-thirsty Chiagoans like us pay bars for the mere privelage of drinking beer in their establishments. I hope those illiterate busboys had a good time with their lights though.
(1)
Jonathan C.
No Stars...went in and sat ourselves as the sign instructed, 15 minutes, no acknowledgement, no nothing. We left but let a server know. Do you have to have mystic powers to get service, even when it's not busy on a Saturday at 4ish?
(1)
Q M.
This place is solid every time I go. Went last Monday, and their Monday specials are great. Half-price bottles of wine and half-price appetizers?! Sign me up. The burgers at the Mystic Celt are consistently good, and huge! Also, their fries are so tasty. The service can be spotty at times, but I've never had any trouble sitting at the bar. Cheers!
(4)
Lisa K.
* update: Mystic Celt responded to my Yelp and gave me a certificate to give them another try. So they care about their customers. My friend and I went to Mystic Celt for an after dinner drink on a Saturday. We were hoping this bar would be less insane as some of the bars are in the area. Everyone watches college games all day, by the time evening rolls around they are well on their way if not way past gone. We went to the bar and I was looking at the variety of beers. My friend went first and ordered hers then I was left standing there. After about 6 or so people had gone ahead of me, I tried to get the bartenders attention. He came over to the bar but then ignored me and started taking the order of the couple next to me. AND he put up his finger at me, telling me he was too busy to listen to me. By this time, my friend was at least a third way done with her beer. I walked away from the bar, too furious to have a beer at this point anyway. The music was decent, at least some variety from hip hop that blares at every other bar. The crowd was a bit more subdued than where we stopped at first, the crowd slightly older and more mature even though most had been drinking since Noon also. I do get the $20 gift cards every year at my birthday, but what good do they do if you can't get served.
(2)
Halleh C.
This place is cool. Came here with my bf and sat on the patio, since it has been 80 in october. We shared the sliders and buffalo fingers. Both were good enough for snacking. The meals that passed us looked really good though which I will keep in mind for when we are actually hungry. Service was good enough, my only suggestion would be better communication between the bouncer and server. We were carded twice, once at the door and once by the server. had a good drunk time though mission accomplished.
(3)
Patrick H.
I live a few blocks from this place and I'm here pretty often. The Sunday brunch is spectacular. Also the Friday night fish fry is awesome for only 10 bucks. Like Matt A said it's not much of a "really going out" bar. It's good for taking a couple of friends and just hanging out and getting 40% wild.
(4)
Jason P.
Somehow, despite no one living all that close to Mystic Celt, we almost always seem to end up here after our soccer league. Parking is almost always pretty easy and the specials and selection does not hurt matters either. The margherita pizza is good enough and if you order waffle fries as a side, they will give you a mountain of them. This just is a low key spot that is perfect for a post game celebration.
(4)
Gordon P.
Service was terrible the first time, equally as awful the second time. I would recommend their neighbors.
(1)
Michael P.
Two visits and each one a hit. Our servers on each occassion were more than just friendly. Both girls were really cool and sorta hung around with us when they'd come up to our table. Food of course is good and on my second visit...got me through the rough night of boozing I was trying to recover from. The app pizza was really good and filling! They also have great bloody marys with seasoned salt on the rim of the glass!
(4)
Jennie P.
I'm only give you two stars Mystic Celt because I like your fall decor right now and I like the outdoor area ONLY for a drink. I went here because I always want to love it here and I keep giving it chance after chance. Unfortunately, each time it fails me. I went last night for an appetizer and beer with my husband. Low and behold there are of course Thursday specials...mini cheeseburgers - YES! Steak and fries...SCORE! I ordered Octoberfest beer and mini cheeseburgers and a side of curry fries..husband had the steak and fries. Our waitress was unattentive and somewhat rude - although I looked at her "section" and it wasn't that packed - oh well. The food, on an average busy night, took about 45 minutes to arrive. I was seriously contemplating eating the ear of corn which is up for decoration outside. I also think I could've slammed my beer and left all together and the waitress would have had no clue until a few hours later. FINALLY our food arrived...I looked at my dinner and then at my husband said...ok seriously...I'm not somebody to return food and/or complain EVER because I don't want to make scenes but seriously...my mini-cheeseburgers were the size of a quarter - NO LIE - with the buns a normal size and the lettuce was one piece of shredded lettuce (you read that right..one PIECE...as in one SHRED) for 3 miniburgers - it was ridiculous! There was a tiny square of cheese on them as well which was hard and not melted - the burger was lukewarm. My fries were cold and covered in a syrupy curry sauce - gross!! what the bleep?!? My husband's dinner was also lukewarm. I finished my beer and left...waitress didn't ask how my food was - and I was definitely prepared to tell her it was terrible!! I decided to take the high road, finish my beer and vouch to never return because quite frankly...Mystic Celt, I have given you one too many chances and you've run out. There are plenty of other "pubs" around the city of Chicago who make a little bit of a better effort. Bummer.
(2)
Scott C.
The Mystic Celt is a decent pub on Southport offering a pretty good beer selection and pub food. They offer several specials throughout the week including burgers and wraps that make it pretty easy to stop in for a beer and sandwich without dropping $20. Which isn't too bad at all. The bar itself is pretty spacious with several areas for seating in the front or back of the restaurant. There are plenty of TV's in the front of the restaurant to watch sports - almost any angle you look you can spot one. The service is OK. I'm not sure if they typically do not staff enough people to cover the tables sufficiently or what, but you can wait extended periods of time between visits from your waiter. The food is pretty good pub fare in general focusing mostly on burgers and sandwiches. I haven't tried any of the Irish specialties on the menu myself but have been happy in the sandwich/burger selection that is offered. The beer selection is pretty wide and they seem to offer seasonal selections too. Although it does not have the personality of the Irish Oak, it's a good place for a burger, beer and to watch a game.
(3)
molly w.
I've been to this place many times over the years. Always for a reason, like a party or bar crawl, probably only once by my own deciding. This place consistently sucks. The food is awful, the service is even worse, and I'm pretty sure the drinks are over-priced (I can't quite remember because the last few times I've been there it's been for a wrist band party). Speaking of wrist band parties, I went to one here about a year ago for a friend's engagement. I was really sick but wanted to attend the party, so I figured I'd stop by and not drink. This was not acceptable to the guy at the door. He kept insisting that I had to pay $30 to merely enter the room and not drink. He thought I was trying to pull a fast one and get a friend to order drinks for me off of their wrist band. He actually called a manager over to check if it was ok that I went in without drinking/paying. After much discussion, they finally let me in (I think I may have had to pay like $10, mind you I was already in the bar, this was just to get into the party room). Then, the manager proceeded to take the bartender aside to point me out as a non-drinker. Seriously. (Wouldn't the absence of a wrist band been an indicator to the bartender?) When I was trying to order a water at the bar, I was ignored, so I had a friend get one for me. And then the same manager came over, saw a cup in my hand, and asked what it was. Seriously? PS. Isn't the point of the wrist band party to only serve those wearing wrist bands? Did I really need to be pointed out and then repeatedly checked on like a child?? The next wristband party I went to, a couple months ago, the bartenders kept insisting that certain drinks were not part of the package (that clearly were). An argument ensued, and the bartender was corrected by another bartender. Hello idiot, without our party the bar would have been empty, and you're haggling us? Guess who doesn't want to get tipped tonight! Anyway, this place is to be avoided at all costs. I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1 because the place is never full so it's pretty easy to get a seat. That's the only thing going for them.
(2)
Stacey A.
I don't even *LIKE* shrimp (Justin V. will attest) but their coconut shrimp and mango dipping sauce were fucking AWESOME. And on Mondays, all their appetizers are half-off.
(4)
Samantha L.
The food sucks. This bar is super hip (if you are living in the 90's). The service is eh. Nuff said.
(2)
Lee D.
Great specials. $3 pints on Saturdays is outstanding, as are the $5 for jumbo wings. Speaking of the wings, they are among my favorite in the city. Nothing fancy about them, just well executed buffalo wings. Solid patio right in the heart of the Southport Corridor makes people watching stupid easy. Specials occur everyday and night. They finally upgraded their TVs so this place gets a solid 4 stars. Just don't go on St. Patty's Day...
(4)
Kate W.
Mystic Celt is a solid neighborhood bar. You probably wouldn't travel far to go here, as there are equals to Mystic Celt all over Chicago. But the daily deals are good, there is a lot of space inside and they have a nice patio for the summer months. Standard bar food- burgers, wings, salads, wraps, a few Irish offerings. Standard service- never terribly prompt, but never rude either. Standard drinks- with drink specials and a reasonable beer list. I wouldn't go to "the Celt" if it weren't so close to my house, but that being said I've been twice in the last month, so it can't be that bad. Like I said, solid.
(4)
Sarah M.
MMM, mmm, mmmm. Mystic celt! Right down the street from our apartment, they have tons of seating and really good specials. We first went in because internet hadn't been set up at our apartment yet and we heard they had free-wifi. We continue to come because their burgers and fries are delicious and the service is great. If you are a regular you should definitely sign up for their e-club. About once a month they will send members a coupon for half off specials. So their burger and fries that are normally $8.75, or a special on Tuesdays for $5 can be purchased with the e-coupon for $2.50! Now that's a deal! And did I mention that they will be sending me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday as part of their birthday club! Yep, you heard me right, no half-off, not buy one, get one free, but an actual gift certificate, just for being a loyal customer. I'll keep you posted on how it goes, but it sounds amazing. Just whatever you do, don't get the quesadillas. Greasy nastiness and not in a good way.
(4)
Rae K.
wonderful best bbq chicken wings ever!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
D B.
I like this place because they have great drink specials, and because I'm obsessed with one of their burgers. For it being so close to Wrigley, it's shockingly un-douchey during the day. It's a good mix of families, friends, couples, and there are always people with their dogs on the patio. On the negative side, I've had bad service several times, and it was always when it wasn't even busy. Our waitress would eventually forget about us, or no one would ever come over to begin with and we'd have to go find someone at the bar to send someone. The service has been great lately, though, so it may have just been one particular waitress. There are so many similar options in this part of town, but I find myself coming back often.
(4)
Natalie S.
As a close neighbor to Southport, Mystic Celt is a favorite of mine in the area. The food is great- can't go wrong with the corned beef or the fish & chips. Burgers, wraps, fries, and all around pub food is fantastic too. The only negative I have is with the service. Don't expect the servers to be very enthusiastic or quick with your orders/refills on anything. If you can get past the service, it's a great pub in Lakeview.
(4)
Tim S.
UPDATE: I got a nice message from the server who I referred to talking about the situation and she apologized for Sunday's service and put things in context. I thought that was nice and everyone has an off night. While my review still stands, I think the fact that she took the time out of her day to reach out means more than a few late drinks. So I'll be returning to Mystic Celt and hopefully have her again, because the waitress who emailed me is the one who I believe is the server on most nights that I'd get, not yesterday's. Well, that could have went better. It had been a long weekend for my girlfriend and I, with us flying back from a family matter in Boston earlier in the day. We knew that Mystic Celt had beer and food specials and could be a great place to watch the Jets / Cowboys game with friends and cheer us up. We invited 8 other friends to join us. We sat by the bar to watch the game, but were utterly disappointed with the service. Having worked as a server, I understand how crappy it might be to work a Sunday night but what we went through was inexcusable. Our server, a blonde woman with a short bob haircut who signs all her checks with a peace sign, gave us some of the most lackluster service I've ever had in a restaurant. A few things: - She was extremely inattentive to our entire table's needs. She'd take a beer order from two people then walk away from the table of ten. - The special was Miller Lite pint cans. We were given bottles (charged correctly) but still, she could have upsold us! We asked for them! - Large spans of time existed where she simply wasn't around to take any orders. When she did appear, she did what was listed above. - When we got fed up and left at half time, she cashed out a majority of the table on one check. Which is fine but she left zero cash for us to divy up. She simply took what was left over as her tip. She mumbled something about if we needed cash and walked away. We were so fed up that it wasn't worth fighting about so we left and went to Lange's instead. Also, I'm not sure why y'all publish football specials when the bar itself has an ambiance that implies dance club. While we were watching the game (with no sound), loud dance music was blasted while the lights were turned down very low. I'd like to point out that we were basically the only people in the bar at this point. I hate writing these types of reviews because I've been on the service side and know it isn't easy. I was just very disappointed because we WANTED to be there, to spend our money, to buy celebratory shots, to eat more food, etc! I will say that my curry wings were great. I've always enjoyed the food here. It might not blow me away but if you want stuff to go with a nice cold beer (if it gets to you, that is) then it isn't bad. Better luck next time? I'll give them another shot but not for groups of football fans. GO TO LANGE'S!
(2)
Kathryn B.
We were looking for a patio to have a weekday lunch and came by this place just by walking. The menu was large and it allowed for variety in what people were looking to eat. I got one of their Mac and cheese dishes with chicken, it was above average. Everyone else thought it was pretty typical pub food. None of us tried the beer, but the food was satisfying enough. The patio was pretty good and our waitress was pretty nice.
(3)
Sharon S.
Came here this past Monday after work. They have half price appetizers and bottles on wine on Monday's. PERFECT! We ordered wings and the sampler platter and got a bottle of the pinot noir. Wings were good but I've had better - they were not as meaty and a bit overdone. Though now I want to go on a Chicago Chicken Wings Tour and try to find the best wings! Sampler was great, though the coconut shrimp was a little weird, but I'm also not a fan of coconut. But the staff and atmosphere was really great. I've been here other times and have always had a really good experience. Laid back and calm on the weekdays and crowded on the weekend. Actually thinking of hosting a party here, definitely think it's a great venue and a place worth checking out, I know I'll be here again! And fill out the birthday form! They send you a $20 gift card as a gift, always a great use!
(4)
Colleen H.
Stopped here on a local residents recommendation. We were on our way to see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley, wanted a non rushed atmosphere. We were seated outside, plenty of beer choices, wide variety of food choices also. Good burger, great wings, fantastic service. Would go back again for sure!!
(4)
Meg L.
Let me begin this review by saying... I am not the "irish pub type". I don't hang out at stereotypical bars that blast the local game or play whatever hip hop to drunken twenty-somethings. HOWEVER, I love Mystic Celt. Maybe Mystic Celt is exactly one of those bars...actually, it is. Why do I love Mystic Celt then? Because of their daily specials and their huge menu. Being a pescetarian and a craft beer lover, they have options for me! They have amazingly amazing daily specials. Not only do they have one special per day...they usually have 4-5! If you sign up for their mailing list they'll send you coupons and even a gift on your birthday. To avoid the cheesetastic crowd, show up for dinner before 8:30pm and you'll be okay. When I go, the atmosphere is cozy and mellow. The staff is really great too.
(4)
Rhona K.
i go here a good bit the wings are the BEST I've ever had and the rest of the food isn't bad either !! at night the place is fun and the music is great theres a good mix of ages too
(5)
Cynthia R.
We got into Chicago late and needed some food, but it was after 11 and most restaurants were closed. I decided to venture out on a solo food run while my driver rested. The first bar I stopped at said they were done serving food, but directed me to either Mystic Celt or the Coney Island next door to it. I should've gone to Coney Island. The mini burgers from Mystic Celt weren't good. At least the bouncer guy was cool. Seeing that I was by myself and not dressed in bar-wear, he said I could wait for my food in the quiet back room if I wanted. I didn't want anyone to have to hunt me down though, so I stayed at the bar counter. It was the most uncomfortable 15 minutes of my life. Maybe next time I should visit with a group and go to drink instead.
(2)
Kourtney L.
I don't get all the hate for Mystic Celt. Sure, the $20 gift card they send every year for my birthday garners positive favor but each time I've visited, I've had good food and a great time. Perhaps you all need to visit with Matty Z and me? No lie, though I've tried a few other dishes, I mostly opt for the turkey burger. Boring yes but delicious. They usually have super cheap specials so you're covered if funds are low.
(4)
Steven C.
I lived off Southport for almost four years and my go-to no-frills local pub was easily Mystic Celt. There's lots of dining space, the wait staff is friendly (bar staff hit-or-miss) and the food rates better than most typical bar food. With plenty of TVs its easily the best place to a catch a game if you want to avoid the bustle of Clark Street in the heart of Wrigleyville. The drink specials are mediocre, but 1/2-off burgers on Tuesdays is one of the better deals out there. These are serious burgers and they're cooked how you order them, which makes the Wrigleyville pricing much more tolerable. I've been during Bears games, weekend nights and most other times except late night weekends, so I think that's a pretty fair sampling as often times quality can vary in Irish pubs depending on how busy they get.
(3)
Laura W.
I came here on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday celebration. We had a few tables near the front and had plenty of room for everyone. i don't know if it was because it was a Saturday night but the service was a bit slow. We also asked before we ordered if we could have 2 separate checks for 6 people, I don't think this is that outrageous. We didn't ask for 6 separate checks, but it turned out to be too complicated and we had to have one big check. After this first round we decided to go to the bar to get our drinks because it was easier to everyone to pay for their own drinks and it was also faster. Throughout the night some food was ordered and I was able to sample the fried pickles, which I have never had before and they were delicious. I also had the boneless chicken wings which were also very good and of course the fries were nice and crispy. Their Saturday beer specials were also decent with $3 miller drafts, I feel like it is hard to find this good of a deal on a weekend. Maybe it is because it is football season? Whatever the reason it definitely helped to keep my tab from getting out of control. Overall, I was really hoping to like MC more because I love some of the other Vaughn Hospitality bars. I will definitely be back to their other bars.
(3)
Lindsay S.
I shared the fries with curry, which were good .. I had the goat cheese, pear, and chicken salad and my bf had the cobb salad ... and they were both delicious! I like the outdoor patio bc its easy to walk my dog and then go sit for a minute... and the server was nice...soooo.... I will go back.
(4)
Patty K.
I have been to Mystic Celt many times and have had a range of different experiences. Overall, I gave this bar three stars because of the good deals that they consistently have. If you sign up for their email club they often send you half off of their already great deals. The food is always good-- I've had the burgers, mac and cheese, fish and chips, pizzas (the goat cheese one is delicious), and bangers and mash. The drinks are good and they have decent deals on drinks everyday. One thing that is not so great about Mystic Celt is the service. Although there are a couple of good servers, I have found that some are rude and much of the time the service is very slow. Last night, my boyfriend and I sat at a bar table for 10 minutes with no service. Eventually I went up to the bartender and she sent someone over to us and apologized. The Sunday all -you-can-eat brunch is quite good. They have an omelet station, meat that is carved on the spot, pasta dishes, and of course eggs and pancakes. The actual building is quite roomy and comfortable. I like sitting at the high tables in the bar but the booths further back are also nice and it is a little quieter back there. There is outside dining in the warmer weather. Overall, good food and decent service.
(3)
Matt P.
If you can handle the Wrigleyville overflow, this place is pretty awesome. I found myself here last night for a birthday party with concomitant viewing of the hockey game. The food special was an $8 steack sandwich, which for pub grub, tasted AMAZING. The beer special was Red Stripe for $3, which after a while, tastes like swill ... but still better than Bud/Miller. The server was super attentive considering there was about 15 of us. Overall, I was pretty impressed. In the summer, they have outdoor sweeting which is pretty sweet.
(4)
Anthony D.
I'm sorry that I have to give this place such a low rating. But I had an AWFUL experience there! First off, the food was good. Nothing extraordinary but it was good. The staff was awful. Absolutely HORRIBLE! I'm a server, also at a well known Irish restaurant, so I expected good service when I went there. Nope! The host looked as though she wanted to kill herself because she was at work, was rude, slammed our menus down and walked away without even a smile. Our server was an idiot. After our food was delivered she didn't come to check and make sure everything was okay for 9 minutes (yeah, I timed it). I figured "oh maybe she's busy". NOPE! I look over and see her and about 3 other servers just texting away by their POS. I was instantly pissed and after I boxed my food up and asked for the check we sat there for another 10 minutes for her to come take the check presenter from us because I hate leaving cash on the table. But she never came so we ended up just leaving. I will never go back there unless I'm getting carry out. I never want to come into contact with their staff ever again. Ugh!
(2)
Carolynne M.
I was initially a little freaked when I called to confirm our event with the Mystic Celt event planner and it turns out she "forgot". But then we got there and met our server Lorraine, who was totally awesome and on top of her game, not to mention her friggin incredible Irish accent. :) Score one for Lorraine! So then we find out that due to the mixup in scheduling, there might be a problem getting the room. Enter the manager, who seemed kind of sore about the whole thing, but of course I cant argue with him because I am too busy being mesmerized by his accent...dammit! I'm not exactly sure what transpired, but in the end we were allowed to stay - thank god! I had the burger special which was great as a $5 burger. Had it been more than that it wouldnt have been so great. Some folks got other kinds of cheese that they didnt like, but I got blue and I think that helped greatly. Then this board game group kind of muscled (do board game group members "muscle"?) their way into our room because they "needed the better lighting". Um...Okay...sure! Want a Yelp sticker? All in all the event was pretty good considering all the weirdness. But here's a little tip to anyone I need to deal with in the future planning an event. If anything goes wrong, send out someone Irish. I will be hypnotized instantly and then you can pretty much get away with murder. It took me a good 4 hours to snap out of it after I left.
(3)
Theresa C.
I was here for the Yelp event. It was ok, but that's about all. The $5 burger was a good deal, a huge meal, and to my surprise my burger was cooked properly, not super over done like you find at most places. The space was big but very full. The drink specials are decent but nothing all that special actually. The only thing REALLY, REALLY awesome about this place was our server. She was super on top of things, even though she was serving a giant crowd, she even remembered my drink when i got up and was moving around a bunch. I wish she worked at a bar I want to go back too.
(3)
Mandy M.
I like this place. Good daily specials. Great place to watch a game. I've always had good service and the foods always been good as well.
(4)
Lauren G.
Came here for a quick drink while in town to catch up with a friend. I had seen the outside numerous times while visiting but never entered. It was actually a lot nicer than I expected. We didn't eat but I saw a lot of the food coming out and it looked pretty solid and smelled good. I'd visit again.
(4)
Erin T.
I have been to Mystic Celt for brunch, dinner and a few nights out. I would recommend it for brunch and dinner, but I definitely think there are better places to go out on Southport. I have had the brunch buffet a few times. It is definitely a good deal at $10.95, but I definitely recommend coming hungry! It doesn't make any sense to come here for some yogurt and granola. This is probably one of the best hangover cures around. For lunch, I have had the mac 'n cheese and the turkey club wrap. Both were pretty good, but nothing extraordinary. Overall, I would come back to Mystic Celt for brunch any time, and I'd only stop by for lunch or dinner if I was already in the area.
(3)
Agnes P.
Always love the food here but a bit of advice if your new here... NEVER come on a busy day (thurs,fri,sat) because the wait staff here dont do thier jobs on those days. -We were told the wait on our food was going to be an extra 10 mins and we were fine with that until 10 minutes turned out to be 45 minutes!! -No checkups as we ate so our empty glasses, well stayed empty till the people we flagged down actually came to the table. -As we started getting toward the end of our dinner the waitress took my boyfriend's plate when he wasnt done with his food. Just cause he had his back turned to watch the game doesnt mean he's done with his food and its alright for you to snatch it away?! Everything else seems fine on the regular weekdays but the weekends always leave us a little upset.
Let me clarify - 5 stars for hosting a private party here. 4 stars if you just come here for a few drinks. Private Party Highlights: We had our own room in the back, with our own bartender. Never waited more than a minute for a drink. Plus they let me bring my iPod so I could play my own music - I was sold! Regular nights: Always has a pretty decent crowd. You will encounter occasional groups of douches, but hey you can get that anywhere. Gets pretty crowded up front and can be hard to get a drink. Pretty good food/service if you are just walking in for a bite to eat.
(5)
Kate W.
So I went to my first big Yelp event here and had a really good time. The $5 burger deal sounded good but I wasn't hungry and the burgers didn't look like anything special. Drink specials were ok too. I guess $3.50 Blue Moons isn't bad, but it's not my favorite beer. Our waitress was great, she remembered all of our orders and even kept a separate tab for pretty much everyone. Kudos to her for being able to do all that! The space was big but we had to share it with some game group that I think we kind of scared. I guess there was some sort of mix up about who got which room so we ended up sharing. Still, I think a good time was had by all and it was a fun event!
(3)
Neil R.
Mystic Celt has been a good bar on Southport to either start off a night, end a night, or recover from a night. Not really a place to spend the whole night, but does offer a variety. The "all you can eat brunch bar" for $15 bucks or whatever is pretty sweet and they have a ton of TVs for watching NFL or other games. The lunch and dinner menus are good for a bar, and if you only were seated outside, you would really feel like you are eating at a decent restaurant! I think what takes this from a 3 star to a 4 star rating is that they do try to keep their patrons happy. The coupons they send in e-mails are usually pretty decent and they will send you a free appetizer and $20 gift card for your birthday! I really recommend signing up for their listserv.
(4)
Jeff K.
I was at the Mystic Celt for an event and saw they offered a Sunday brunch buffet. Nothing like "buffet" or "all you can eat" to peak a man's curiosity. Went last Sunday. At $10.95 it is probably the best bargain on on the Southport corridor. The bargain price does not mean buckets of processed food you find at many "buffet" places. The food was every bit as good as the menu items. They had an omelet bar, Roast pork, beef, pancakes bacon sausage...the typical items you will find at most brunch buffets. They also had a corn beef brisket, Irish sausage and bread pudding to add authenticity to the Irish themed bar. Unlike many brunch places, they also had a salad bar which had enough items to actually make a good salad.Even the coffee was good. they had drink specials as well, but I didn't want to kick my Sunday off that way so I stuck with the coffee. There was plenty of seating and it was a great atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon. Right off the Brown line too...Does it get any better?
(4)
Rob B.
Yeah.....nah.... I'm good on going to this place. Never again. I've been twice. The first time it was okay... I wasn't too pleased with the food quality but I was pretty hungry so I didn't complain. HOWEVER, the second time was completely just...frekkin terrible. I was not feeling it from the moment I walked in. First off, I didn't feel comfortable eating there... Secondly, the waiter was unenthusiastic and service was not great...at all. They messed up my order and my girlfriend's order... then when we sent her plate back (because her nachos had peppers, which she is allergic to, and we found a hair), they sent us the same frekkin tray back...they just had pulled out the peppers... I was pretty shocked at their boldness...then I tried to be completely cool about it, even though it is not on me--the customer--to have to worry about whether or not I'm being too picky; the waitress was just...not helpful...she was down right lazy. And FINALLY, after having messed up the order numerous times, once we finally got our food (which they still did not get it right) it was cold. I think from seeing other reviews that some people may enjoy this place more during after hours possibly... because both times I've been during the day haven't been worth the cost of eating there. The only notable thing was running into a waitress who happens to attend the same school as me....she was cool...and very chipper might I add haha. But I liked that, I think more people need to be like that if they're going to work in the food industry... Anywho, two thumbs down. 3, if I had an extra thumb.
(1)
Andy M.
Just another Irish bar in a yuppie neighborhood. Nothing special about this place although it is pretty darn big.
(2)
Linsey C.
There's nothing better than fish and chips and a Magners on a Friday night. The roomie and I stopped by for dinner around 830 and to our surprise it wasn't totally packed yet! It was pretty loud in there though but I think that was mostly the tv's (hello, march madness!) Our server was nothing to write home about. She wasn't terrible by any means but only did the bare minimum-she never asked if we wanted a second drink and never came back to refill our waters. She did, however, anticipate my need of malt vinegar and brought that by shortly after our food was brought out (not by her, mind you) The food, however, I would write home about. The roomie had a burger which she loved and like I said, I had the fish and chips. Turns out they are $4 off on Friday (gotta love lent!) which made me very happy! Plus, I think $12.95 for fish and chips is a little hefty, unless the portion is larger when it's not on special. I got two pieces of fish and a good handful of fries and a mess of green peas (which I could do without) the fish was delicious. All white and flaky, not dripping with grease but the perfect amount of crispy...my mouth is watering just thinking about it! The Magners on tap was delicious and I'm not sure how she got it to the table without spilling because it was poured to the very rim on the glass! I'll be back...the fish and chips are worth the so-so service.
(3)
Susan F.
Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this place. It's huge, big plus! What is the minus, you ask? The drinks are oober expensive and while you get a red bull and vodka in a big glass cup, it's all redbull, no joke. Also, for being such a huge place, the bathrooms are tiny! No me gusta. I did like the place and the crowd was what you'd expect on a Saturday night, but not as many young 20 somethings as you would expect around that area-perhaps because it's not directly on Clark by the stadium. It's a great place for a big group, but the bartender's aren't too friendly and drinks aren't worth it.
(3)
Amanda Z.
Let's go through my checklist for the things Amanda C. likes in a bar: --Cold beer? Check. --Outdoor patio on a sticky July night? Check. (With the added bonus of all the good people watching on Southport...I have a staring problem, so what??!!) --Big menu? Check. This place is not bad at all. It's big, has a great variety of food/drink, and the service is generally adequate and friendly. Very tasty burgers (with the option of a pretzel bun, thank you very much), decent fries, good appetizers (the chicken pizza w/ goat cheese is pretty tasty). Located roughly a block from the Southport brown line stop (which is now brand-spanking-new) amongst a line of bars, this place is a good pick for a little pub grub and some fun.
(4)
Rachel F.
Love the burgers and the board game days. Make sure to get on their birthday mailing list for very generous gift certificates.
(5)
Jeff N.
Attended a party in semi-private room in back of bar. Door was monitored by a bored-looking security guy. His first words were, "20 bucks". Since I didn't want to cause a scene by challenging this, I paid for the wristband which gets you unlimited 'house' drinks. Only later did I find out that the $20 is not mandatory; that you can order drinks ala carte. The surly security guy never presented that as an option. So, my best remedy to this 'value received should exceed value paid' dilemma was to drink more than $20 worth. I had about 6 vodka and tonics but most were 90% tonic and 10% vodka. I should have been in lala land after six of these, but the actual amount of vodka probably equalled two drinks in any other bar. The noise was deafening in this back room, but I imagine that is par for the course in places like these. Doubtful you will see me wandering in here in the future.
(2)
Kate S.
I really like coming here for some nice tavern-like food. I really like their fish and chips a lot. They are crisp and come a bed of peas, and the restaurant knows enough to have malt vinegar available (you'd be shocked at how many places don't). I also really like the veggie burgers. Definitely get the burgers on the pretzel bun. Delicious! The best thing about this place is the specials. Come on a Tuesday for $5 burgers, or on a Monday for half price bottles of wine. There are a few items on the menu that are disappointing. The chicken fingers are to be avoided. They were reheated and didn't taste quite right.
(4)
Kelly G.
A regular spot for me - great specials! I also LOVE their wings - their buffalo and curry wings are awesome. Sometimes their other food is hit or miss - it is either great or average. But with the prices, it is worth it. The service is always pretty good too - never had a complaint.
(4)
Emily C.
I'm not pregnant, nor am I six years old, but sometimes I eat like I am one or the other. Some things are just flat out comfort food and it doubles the awesomeness factor to get two of such comfort foods on the same plate, even if they normally don't go together. So what the flip does this have to do with Mystic Celt? They serve grilled cheese with mashed potatoes. GOOD grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes. GOOD mashed potatoes that are garlicky and drowned in brown gravy. It was like a hug in food form. Plus, decent beer specials. I'm gonna have to go back and eat a real person meal someday but there have got to be other people out there who think grilled cheese + mashed potatoes is brilliant. Lord knows I do!
(4)
Deirdre L.
First: Get on the VIP email list - some weeks (seems to be when the Cubs are out of town) I get emails for half off the specials (yes, thats usually 75% off the regular price). Plus the often have free beer/liquor tastings. Thats right, I said FREE. Get on the list. Second,: This is a good spot for good, hearty, not too greasy, flavorful bar food. Burgers, wraps etc are all above average. Fries are good, salads are good with mixed greens and red onions and good dressings - nice little upgrades from your standard bar-fare Iceburg lettuce etc. Service is generally good. Good drink specials. Great selection of drinks.
(4)
Christos K.
are u kidding me? this is the best burger i ever had! wow! you guys need to check this place out!
(5)
Leo M.
Been here a bunch of times, and pretty happy each time. Sure it's on Southport and it appears to be your average irish tavern, and sure when you get inside it still seems the same. But, the food is pretty good here - I've never had anything I didn't like. Well, except for the fish - but you're really tempting fate when you order grilled salmon from a bar, aren't you? Anyway, they've got great big booths and a largeish back room that lets you push tables together for your impromptu table of 15 (we've all been there, don't lie) so you get here early enough, and you'll all have seats. It can get busy during game days, but doesn't every bar with at least one tv? It is the cusp of wrigleyville, after all. Come here to hangout with some friends, get yourself a Celt Burger (and swap the fries for onion rings. For the love of God, GET THE ONION RINGS) and relax in a faux leather booth with the rest of your friends.
(4)
Matthew P.
I have been here many times and each time i have been pleasantly surprised. The wait staff is very nice and tentative to your needs. Great place to go to grab a few drink, each some lunch or have a nice dinner. They have happy hours all the time after work and its nice being right next to the southport brown line stop. I think the best part about this joint is the bathroom door. (it just looks cool). You keep is real Mystic Celt!
(4)
Samantha H.
For the price, they really do have good food. They have Irish comfort food, which is always good and then regular bar food as well. It's a pretty big place so I've never waited to be seated. They usually have some beer specials too.
(3)
Justin G.
I'd like to preface this by saying that the only reason this place gets two stars is because of the service. Our waitress was quick and attentive, as well as patient. However, not much else about this establishment pleases me. We ordered a spinach-artichoke dip as an appetizer. I'll admit, it was pretty good. Not exception, but certainly B-level. However, my cobb salad was terrible. I think that this cobb salad is going to be the straw that breaks my back in terms of ordering 'our take on the cobb salad.' Spinach greens don't really belong with a cobb. Nor does turkey in lieu of chicken. Apples don't make sense. And a small army of green olives are a terrible edition. Oh yeah, cobbs are better with feta. Cheddar on a salad? Why? Just why? My girlfriend got the vegetarian chili. I don't know the usual protocol on vegetarian chili, but it felt more like a soup with kidney beans in it than it felt like chili. It wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't chili either. Rather disappointing. Additionally, shortly after finishing eating, I started to feel fairly sick. The gf also felt sick for a little while, but I really haven't felt right since. Rather unpleasant.
(2)
katie n.
Against my better judgment, I really like Mystic Celt. It's huge, so on weeknights when there's not much hustle and bustle it's pretty spacious. It gets packed on weekends, which isn't really my thing, but the crowd isn't usually awful. The bar has pretty good drink deals- they have $3.50 Blue Moon and Fat Tire every day. The food is decent. Definitely try the $9.95 brunch buffet on weekends, which is great. They make decent Bloody Marys, which are on special every weekend for brunch. My favorite part of Mystic Celt: The complimentary tastings. Sign up for the VIP e-mail list (anyone can), and you'll get invitations to exclusive complimentary tastings. Former tastings include Maker's Mark, Blue Moon, and Hacker Pschorr. Mystic Celt is right off the Southport brown line, so it's easily accessible and if Southport is your thing, there are many other bars and restaurants to choose from if you're not in the mood to stay in one place
(5)
Andrea C.
pros: -always a beer on special (and a great selection) -wed night 35 cent wings, $6 wraps (and they're pretty darn good) -the rest of the menu is pretty freaking solid cons: -gets really crowded -so loud you cant really have a conversation i frequent this place during the week since its right around the corner from some of my best friends apartments. however, it gets extremely crowded over the weekends and becomes a different type of bar (fratty mcdouche...not my scene). i spent st pattys day here...and while i did have a fun time (due to a great deal of green miller lite), i dont enjoy bars where you can hardly move...and thats usually the case on the weekends. fun note: my friend once saw casey affleck here on a wed night. verynice!
(4)
Robert F.
Or as I like to call it... "the restaraunt that goes on forever". Seriously, ask for a spot near the back and you'll wonder if the waitress isn't leading you through some secret indoor tunnel to Ireland itself. We had had a seat waaaaaaaaaa(fading)aaay at the back, and to my disbelief there was STILL another room behind us. Or the sake bombs we had earlier in the evening could have been setting in. Anyway, its a thoroughly decent pub experience. Decent selection of beer, but sadly no Strongbow on tap. Nice cozy couch section, and plenty of seating... even for large groups. Situated just off center of most of the Southport action so its well placed for either the start or end of a night on Southport.
(4)
Marilyn A.
I love this place! It is my go to wing spot! The wings are big, juicy and well flavored. I usually do the standards- bbq and buffalo. Recently I tried the curry wings. Absolutely DELICIOUS! They also have great steak sandwiches and multiple side options.
(4)
Ingrid R.
Good bar food, usually fun and nice staff. It gets a bit cavernous when it's not busy due to the size of the front area. I have been here many times and for several different events and been happy.
(4)
Bev h.
i present to you, "Irish" Brunch at Mystic Celt: - 7 people enter, and are led to a back room which has no traces of music or ambiance. the only sounds come from the kitchen doors behind us and the children at 3 surrounding tables. - we all order drinks. i ask for their version of irish coffee, which comes served in a wine glass?? it's really too hot to pick up anywhere but the stem, and just feels wrong...why? -the buffet is $10.95. reasonable, until you see the buffet. toast and bagels (but only crappy grape or mixed fruit jelly packets), meat carvings that look a little suspect and have sauces nearby that aren't labeled, generic salad bar, bacon and what we called "candy cane sausage"- links that were so undone they had pink stripes all over them, and some other standard buffet choices like scrambled eggs and pancakes. *the omelette bar is the best part, but most peoplpe quickly realize that after their first trip through the other choices, so the line is looooong and the one dude working it gets a little backed up. -and finally, there was one item in the buffet we weren't sure about. it was small and black and shaped like a flat pear. a little bit hard. it was near the sausages. is it a blarney stone? a rancid fig? we ask the waitress what's in it, and her response is "you don't want to know. it's like blood pudding." we weren't brave enough to take more than 1 bite. gross. if you're hungover and out of options, it'll do. but beware of the blood nuggets!
(2)
Andy R.
I feel like I should really write two reviews to be fair; one for the daytime restaurant and one for the Saturday night DJ'd single's bar. Lunchtime when it's warm out is a solid choice. Good food, great location, forgettably good service, etc. But when they do the disco lights on Saturday night... gross.
(2)
Mihir P.
One of the more spacious, brighter, and airy Irish pubs in Chicago. More seating so it's easier to get a bit if you want. The place is larger compared to the other bars on out crawl route. They have the typical bar food like wings, sliders and so on BUT they also have curry chips!
(3)
K D.
Okay, this is a four star rating for bar food. That being said I really like Mystic. They always have great food deals and fairly cheap drinks. The service leaves a little to be desired but I have gone there with some pretty obnoxious groups and they handle us well. I love their goat cheese pear salad with toasted pecans! If you're going to a bar and want some decent food this is definitely the place to go.
(4)
Jon J.
Aah, Mystic Celt. It's got a lot going for it - good food (love the meatloaf!), good beer, relaxed atmosphere. It can get a bit meat-heady on the weekends, but for the most part it's a good crowd. I think that there's a high turnover rate in the servers here - some seem to be really good, while others don't really give a crap. I have fond memories of Mystic Celt - I watched a few World Cup games here last summer and felt I was in a bar that actually cared about what was going on! A good bar!
(4)
Alexis B.
Blah - just blah. I haven't had a bad experience here, but I feel like this bar doesn't offer much more than a room and alcohol. Most of the positive reviews on here center around their food. If the food isn't bad, I could see Mystic Celt being a nice restaurant setting. However, I don't like this place as a bar. There's no je ne sais quoi bar atmosphere that makes it different from a bunch of people drinking at an apartment. I had an enjoyable post date drink here a few months ago, but in thinking about that, the bar had nothing to do with my enjoyment. Every other night here has bored me to tears. I blame the design of the bar. A large portion of the bar is full of low tables and therefore doesn't provide an area for people to stand. If no seating is available, you have to pack like sardines up front. This makes it really difficult to meet anyone outside of your party. I love my friends, but as a textbook social butterfly, I like to meet new people as often as I can. The bathroom setup is a bit bizarre. There is 1 door that leads to a smaller room that leads to the respective male and female bathrooms. The first time I walked in, there were 2 men standing in the middle room and I jumped a bit thinking I'd walked into the men's room. I was sober - I'm sure this confuses drunk people all the time.
(2)
Mike P.
I've grown to like Mystic Celt more over the years. When the family is in need of a drink or 7 we come here. Many a summer afternoon, whiled away at the corner of the bar, listening to the street noise. Many a shot served by the crack staff. Many a late-night, drunken walk of the dog after an evening at the Celt. If it were a person, it would be my brother or at least a second cousin, just out on parole.
(5)
Brett G.
This bar is solidly average. I've never had the best bar experience of my life, nor have I had the worst. I will agree the bathrooms have an interesting set up, but that's not why I really go out. The food is decent at best, but a wee bit overpriced. $6.75 for chips and guacamole (no salsa) - are you flipping kidding me? Unfortunately, no they are not kidding. I don't mind the bar set up - bar/restaurant/party room, lots of tables, erratically set up - I like that it's not overcrowded and open. My last visit, I ordered a raspberry vodka lemonade special. They were out of Stoli, but I said no worries, Absolut will be just dandy. Plain lemonade arrived. Is this ok? No, well it's not what I ordered. Third try, they seemed to get it right. However the bill came, and it was not on special. They had a hard time correcting it and deducting the special difference off the bill. They couldn't figure it out because they didn't have Stoli in, and evidently that threw the whole computer off. Took about 20 minutes and three tries to get the bill back. The way they remedied the problem was to just take the entire drink off. They felt bad. I appreciated the solution, but it wasn't rocket science. Should have been able to get it right. Nevertheless, I will be back when I'm in the area; it's a Southport staple stop.
(3)
Lauren H.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with fellow yelpers. No problem getting a table for 8. Brunch was an affordable $9.95 but choices were fairly limited: an omelet station, a meat carving station (corned beef, pork, and I think the third was roast beef?), salad (only 2 dressing choices), bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, breads (including tomato focacia which was pretty moist), mini muffins, grilled tomatoes, grilled zucchini and asparagus, penne, roasted potatoes, and some weirdly addictive carrots and parsnips mash that I could not get enough of. Food was decent but aside from the carrot mash, nothing to write home about. Good deal for the price though, and the waitress didn't seem bothered by us sitting there a while.
(3)
Christine M.
I've been going to Mystic Celt for a few years now, and I always really enjoy it. The food is good, the deals are awesome, and the service is always really good. Be sure to sign up for their email list to get the 50% off coupons!
(5)
Amy C.
Dropped in on the way to the airport with my future in- law and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the revolving door @ the entrance. Had a good selection of both food and drink. Inexpensive, well- prepared, nice presentation. I was really happy with my chicken pot pie special. They served my Blue Moon with a slice of fresh orange - nice! The mea was served hot and quickly - flavor and portions were good. The puff pastry was fine. My salad on the side was fresh and very large. Wish they had cut the carrot pieces smaller though - the size of 1/2 an entire carrot. I felt like Bugs Bunny. You can't eat that with a fork. I had enough food to pack up and take onto the plane as my dinner. My only gripe was that service was not great. it took a while to get the waitress to our table. When our food came, we still had no napkins or utensils to eat with. It another while to flag down our waitress. Surprising, given that there weren't that many people there. It was only 5:00 PM on a Monday.
(3)
Lala R.
I just joined Yelp tonight for the specific purpose of giving Mystic Celt a bad review. I dined there with some friends tonight and what was supposed to be a quick wings dinner ended up being 2 hours of wasting my time, terrible service, and mediocre food. the waitress lost our order because she was arguing with another waitress about who was getting our table. and then she didn't come back to our table for another good 30 minutes. I think she came to our table a grand total of 3 times throughout the entire two-hour ordeal. the host and the bartender ended up bringing us our food. and then at the end of the night, she overcharged us by $11. Needless to say, I don't think she was expecting any tip from us. on top of everything else, the food was mediocre at best, and the noise level was off the charts. I'm sorry, Mystic Celt--I WANTED to like you. I wanted to give my money for your services...but tonight was just too much.
(1)
Ern E.
This place is great all around. Went here for lunch the other day and the service was excellent. The only thing I would hold against them was the salad I ordered (Southwestern Salad): way, way, WAY too much dressing, and hardly enough lettuce. Otherwise I always have a decent experience here! :)
(4)
Carlos G S.
UPDATE 7/24/14: You know, I am giving this place the full 5 stars now. This is my go-to place when I need to meet someone for business or just for fun. Whenever I need to go and watch a soccer match or just have a beer and a burger. Throughout the years I've lived in Wrigley, this has turned into my favorite comfort food place. Great place with kids and families. ================================================== I really like this place. During the time I lived in Wrigleyville, I used to hang out here pretty regularly. Waiting personnel was always friendly and attentive --I might recall only one time I thought service sucked. Now, the thing I LOVE about this place is their hamburgers + fries. Regular price is $10. But on Tuesdays they are 50% off --that's a Lincoln, or $5. But wait! If you sign up for their email list, you will get a special coupon that gives you an additional 50% off on any daily promotion. Yep, if basic math does not lie, that's $2.50 a pop --burger and fries! YAY! Not even at McDonald's !!! Their tap and bottled beers are good. I could care less for the usual crap (Bud, Coors, Miller). But their Guinness, Blue Moon and fat Tire are awesome. On Tue, Blue Moon is $3.50. Not bad. Other comfort food I like: Marguerita pizza. And their fish & chips are not bad either. Another BIG plus is that smoking is banned in here, so you can really enjoy your food, your drink and casual chat or game on any of the screens around. So, all in all, a good place to eat, drink and hang out. Don't forget your coupons !!!
(5)
Sarah G.
Often way too dark, too loud, and too long of a wait, but can't beat the $5 burgers and $2.50 Blue Moons on Tuesdays.
(3)
Janis W.
The food is pretty good, but the drinks taste like the alcohol was omitted. They are $7.75 and sound delicious, but something is wrong. I am speaking specifically of the Brazilian Mojito that I ordered on Memorial Day May 26, 2008 at approximately 6pm. I noticed everyone around me had bottles of wine which I think were on the special list.
(3)
Bryan H.
The atmosphere and service here is definitely 5 stars. It is very roomy. The fish and chips are excellent, as well as the Veggie and Pita plate. The specials are a good deal. The salads, wraps, and pizzas are also great choices. Try the bleu cheese wasabi dressing.
(5)
Mandy K.
Great spot for eating and people-watching outside on a nice day. There are many great appetizers, including the nachos, spinach and artichoke dip (which is mild and nutmegy, not overly garlicky), and the combination platter (my favorite). The burgers are very good, but order them rarer than you usually do because they overcook them a bit. It also seems that whenever I ask for something other than fries (like tater tots or waffle fries), either my server or the kitchen ignores it. It's happened often enough that I think it's the kitchen. There's one thing I dislike in particular: the noise level. The front room has a tendency to be very loud anyway, but then they crank the music up around dinnertime and it's incredibly hard to converse at all. That's fine for a bar with a dance floor, but not when you're sitting in a booth trying to share a meal. On weekend evenings, they also change the music from a casual bar mix to a cheesy dance mix, which just seems out of place in this neighborhood pub.
(4)
Phil S.
This is always a good time. They seem to have all the little things down. TVs are high and visually accessible pretty much anywhere you are. They have a large selection of beer - including Smithwicks. Also, my friends and I play a game where whoever can come up with the artist of the song that is on, gets a point. I tend to do ok here as the selection is varied, if not having a slight bias on late 20's to mid 30's adult contemporary women artists (expect some Coldplay and U2 as well). However, I also purposefully listen to Michael Bolton sometimes - so I obviously have amazingly bad taste. There is also a great place to meet people, as it is fairly open and easy to start a conversation. I'm also a huge fan of their Shepard's Pie. It is not bad at all. They also have a friendly staff - I believe all the bartenders are of Irish descent - so they talk funny.
(4)
erin t.
Mystic has 35cent wings on Wednesdays and although the traditional buffalo flavored wings at that price render my attention- they also offer 3 other flavors: BBQ, terryaki & my personal favorite, curry. The wings were absolutely fantastic- crispy with lots of sauce. I would have no problem paying full-price for them even! The best part is that you can mix & match which flavors you would like & each kind gets their own plate! (I am a firm believer in seperation of different foods/flavors on plates - my mashed potatoes never touched the chicken or carrots when I was a kid:) After the meal, I later looked up their website & every night (excluding Sat) Mystic offers some seriously sweet specials. Next Tuesday I'll go back- Blue Moon pints for only $3.50! And Mondays could be worth another trip with half priced appetizers & bottles of wine! Yikes! I need more days in the week!
(4)
Danyelle D.
The food at Mystic Celt is what keeps me coming back. Their daily specials are great, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of their meals. My favorite is the French Onion soup or the Mac&Cheese. I never expected that a bar would have such an extensive menu and such well cooked food!
(4)
Jeff D.
The staff and Mngmt. here are first rate. Everyone is highly interested in making sure you have an enjoyable time at the Mystic Celt. The brunch has been a favorite for many years. Nightly food and drink SPECIALS will bring you back again and again! Tuesday is 1/2 price 1/2 lb Angus burgers AND today with coupon email customers get 1/2 OFF! ! SO $10 burgers are $2.50!!!
(4)
Rahul G.
This place is huge. I went for st. Pattys day and a friends birthday. It is huge. The bartenders and waitresses are very nice and very fast with drinks. The drinks themselves are solidly strong for a packed bar. Not to mention it is huge. Will definitely return.
(4)
Jay P.
I thought that the happy hour appetizer special was terrific. The ambiance was also really enjoyable. It was nice to have half off as well as a coupon. Our party was seated promptly, we weren't rushed, our food arrived quickly (by someone from the kitchen) and the water was filled promptly. The coconut shrimp was pretty tasty as well. My only complaint is regarding the waitress, who is really the main representative of the restaurant. If someone from Mystic Celt is reading this, please be aware that there are a lot of people on Yelp who complain about the poor quality of service/treatment, mainly due to girls who could care less about being there. There are lots of people looking for work, so at least pretend to care. This dark-haired waitress didn't give us eye contact, seemed to be irritated that we wanted appetizers (probably due to the small tip that she'd receive,) and was so cold and abrasive throughout the night. Rigorous training and a serious conversation with staff could bring more customers back and attract new customers in.
(4)
Courtney M.
Well everyone seems to complain about the wait staff on the weekens and I cant speak to that seeing as I was there on a Monday... My experience was pleasant, but nothing extraordinary. Food was good and the drink specials fit my taste. But even on a Monday it got pretty noisy and I had to really strain to hear what my friend was saying (and vice versa)... Service was average and the decor is nice, you feel welcome and comfortable there... it was a cozy place to sit in while it was freezing rain outside! Id go back if Im in the area again, but wouldnt necessarily drive out of my way for this one...
(4)
E. Q.
We came here on a slow week night. Business was slow, and so was the service. We got up-charged for sweet potato tater-tots, although the tots we were served were clearly made from normal potatoes - pure white on the inside, no sweet taste. The waitress argued with us forever, and only took one of them off the tab. Also, we were never even offered a second round of drinks, even though both of our glasses were empty by the time our food was dropped off.
(1)
Aaron N.
Mystic Celt is a decent place. Not the most decent. Not the least decent. Just decent. The service is great and the food is OK, but the night life at this bar is just a little to calm for me. It's a good place to just get a beer and some grub, but after that I would slide over to another bar to get it going. Decent.
(3)
Shannon D.
I have mixed feelings about Mystic Celt. I really enjoy the food, but could live without some of the customers... The service can also be hit or miss. 30 minutes for a drink when the place is half empty? Not cool. The music also sorta sucks... I could live without hearing U2 and Coldplay back to back.... twice. On the plus side, they have great specials, a lot of tvs, and it's fabulous for brunch. The negatives really come down to the sorta fratty guys who seem to hang out here. And they have free wi-fi, which was a nice surprise. I have to carry a pager for work (computer geek), so it's always good to have a place where I can do my job while sipping a drink instead of having to rush home to fix something.
(3)
John W.
This is a solid bar, with a good crowd.There's really nothing to point to as being exceptionally good or bad.
(3)
Kristin C.
It's hard to have a bad evening when you are surrounded by the Cuervo Gold. Tequila is pretty awesome if I do say so myself. . . Last night I headed over to the Mystic Celt because it has been on my "EAT HERE" list for some time now. It wasn't too crowded around 7PM and it also wasn't smoky. Major plus. This is a BIG space with big, high booths where I chose to sit with my dining partner in crime. Mystic Celt gets major points for LISTING their specials. SO many places do not do this and since Mystic Celt has some good deals, I appreciate the literature. Now if they only listed their beer prices ($4.50 for a Budweiser bottle was a little unexpected) they'd be golden. Since it's hard to turn down $4 Cuervo 'ritas I went for those last night. For appetizers we ordered wings (I heard they were good here) and chicken flautas that were also on special for a-dollah-a-flautah. Both were tasty - not the best wings but solid for sure (great buffalo sauce). The menu here is vast - they have french onion soup, salads, wraps and even Irish favorites like Bangers and Mash. I wasn't so hungry post appetizers so I got the Margherita appetizer pizza which was also on special for $5. Mike had the buffalo chicken and coleslaw wrap with onion rings. No complaints. Our waitress, Rachel, was awesome. Service seemed slow around us but she was quick and friendly. There were also a bunch of Cuervo girls passing around promotional shots (they even had limes). A great complement to any meal! I enjoyed my trip to the Celt and it will now move from my "EAT HERE" list to my "GLAD I ATE HERE" list.
(4)
S B.
Conveniently located next to a Brown Line stop. Some of the best Mac n Cheese I've ever eaten.
(4)
Jen L.
3.5 stars really. Mystic Celt does many things well and some things poorly. I love their greasy bar food - fish and chips are great, so is the hummus plate, the grilled cheese, the wraps, etc. The bar is well stocked and they have great specials. However, a lot of their food is just on par, nothing spectacular, and their Sunday brunch is no good. Lots of variety, but poor quality. I still head to Mystic Celt, but you definitely need to know what to go for.
(3)
Scott V.
I was a regular here. It was a ritual of ours to come here twice a week. We started coming here right before the new manager Justin was put in charge. He ruined it. Let me put it this way, I went out of my way to email the powers that be to tell them what a fantastic place this was. It was a great neighborhood place where you come and socialize over a few drinks, now it's just like every other hole that likes to drive in the low brow crowd with loud overplayed music, pointless "DJs", and a come-and-go style of service. It is truly a shame. A year ago I would rather go no where else, now you couldn't pay me, and undoubtedly the other old "regulars" to return. 10-1 this bar goes under like all the other standard bars in the city. Its one saving grave was a single waitress that provided outstanding service regardless of hating the atmosphere as much as we did. Oh well. Try Output bar in Ukrainian village. Better food, atmosphere, and the best part- you can have a conversation with a person more than an inch from their ear.
(1)
Lindsey B.
I was incredibly disappointed last night in the service I received at one of my favorite bars in Chicago. It was one of the first nice days of the year and they had their patio open and their windows open, Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. I went there to meet a friend, and my boyfriend for dinner. I walked in and stood at the hostess stand for a good 3-4 minutes while a girl who I thought was the hostess passed me several times. She finally came over and grabbed a menu and started walking. I stopped her and said "Is there any way I can sit outside? And I have more people coming, it's not just me." She stopped walking and turned to me seemingly annoyed and told me it was about a 30-45 minute wait. So I told her I'd sit inside but I'd like to sit as close to the windows as possible. She grabbed two other menus and pointed to a table as she did so and said, "That's as close as I can get you." So that's where I sat. My friend showed up about 10 minutes later and the hostess came over and took our 3rd menu. My friend stopped her and told her we needed it because we had a third person coming. She said, "Well I need it for now because I have no other menus." My friend said.. "Oh.. ok.." and she walked away shaking her head!! Really? Our waitress shows up and she's less than pleasant as well. She asked questions and walked away without hearing the answer. We tried to stop her several times to order an appetizer and she wouldn't even look at us. I'm going to give Mystic Celt one more try because I've never had this experience before and I really like the feel of the place (usually). But this was NOT a good experience for me last night.
(2)
Pamela L.
This is easily one of my favorite places to hang out or eat in the neighborhood. Since moving to Wrigleyville about a year ago, I've been here several times and each time has been a pleasant one. Their food is great... they have a good variety on the menu from your classic Irish dishes to comfort food and bar food, to dishes that one can choose if they want to eat more healthy. They have a full bar including a variety of wines. The staff has always been very friendly. The bar area is typical for the area, in the back is the dining area which has a trendy feel with large booths and candles. I believe there is also a party room in the very back. The music is always great... from trendy lounge in the dining area to current dance/rock and even some older stuff in the bar. Come as you are, come in for a beer... it's a great place to just hang out!
(5)
Danny H.
Good specials, both for food and drink. A very nice atmosphere, as well. This is a great place to hit up if you're in the Southport area.
(4)
Michelle L.
My husband and I went here for lunch on a weekday. I ordered a $8 southwest salad. It turned out to have iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, and, what I am convinced, leftover chips crumbled on top. All for $8!! My husband has the $5 wrap special, also not very impressive but it was only $5. They have lots of specials, food and drink. I have never been for a bar....but I wasn't very impressed with the food. I would try it again, but just for beer.
(3)
Desiree K.
You never want to judge a book by its cover, but always judge a bar by its waitstaff. For example, Guthries is a corner neighbourhood tavern that's as pretentious as its wooden shack extension out back, and your bartenders will talk to you about Jeff Buckley and Graham Greene. The Riverview is a friendly hangout where your waitress will join in the music Scattergories game you're playing all Sunday afternoon and let you sneak in packages of Twizzler nibs. The Grafton welcomes your kids anytime and lets them climb all over the leather couch in the back. At the Mystic Celt last night, our waitress was a little blonde chick who forgot our BBQ wings order three times, my water four times, took 20 minutes to bring our food, and rarely asked us if we needed more beer. I mean, come on, Rammy had just hit a grand slam and the Bulls were forcing Game Six. And the best you can muster is a series of blank looks? So I'm really not sure why people stand in line to get in on special occasions and weekends. The food is good and they have nice daily deals, but it's generic a bar as can be. How about some wooden panelling and retro Guinness signs and let's call it an Irish pub? No problem if we don't have the personality to go with, we've got a few plasmas to make up for it! Michael Flatley would fit right in here -- bland, commercialised, glossy, and tight pants (mostly on the girls on a Saturday night). Nice garden setting in the patio though -- however, never judge a bar by its outdoor seating!
(1)
Ben W.
The food is pretty mediocre, but they have good specials and the beer prices are pretty reasonable. Beware, though - service here is also mediocre. My favorite is the hostess, who always looks completely stoned and couldn't care less to seat you.
(2)
paget s.
The food here is not bad and not great ,wings on wensdays are a good deal,but the service is the thing that brings this place down ,you can sit there for a good 30 min on a very slow day/night before they even know your there,and for this reason I don't like going here,
(2)
Mike S.
Had brunch here this afternoon. Considering I paid only $10 for four heaping plates of meat, it was a pretty good deal. For starters, as most other posters have mentioned, this place is Irish in name only. But, of course, I don't think anyone who goes here thinks it's authentic, and I don't think the owners really make any effort to be authentic. That said, they did have Smithwick's on tap, which was nice. I can see the crowd getting a little obnoxious on weekend nights, but the brunch crowd was relaxed and nice. For the brunch buffet, they had the standard American assortment of bacon, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and such. They also had some more traditional Irish food, such as black & white pudding. While I've had better, it was still a nice selection. They also had a carving station serving roast beef, corned beef, and... something involving pork that I don't remember. The food was generally good, and well worth the money.
(3)
Brandon C.
This has been one of my favorite bars, and favorite neighborhoods, in Chicago since I moved here. Mystic Celt has fantastic food, the atmosphere is fantastic, the drinks are moderately priced and the crowd, while young and hip, is not as pretentious as the Lincoln Park scene. I especially like their Sunday brunch with the Omlette station. If I could start every day with a mystic celt omlette I would be very happy and either very fat, or very dead. My only knock on this bar is the TVs. This would definitely not be my first choice to watch a game as there aren't many TVs and the ones they have are poor quality.
(4)
Sarah S.
Bored just writing about it.
(2)
Anna S.
Their wraps are a great lunch and they have some more heavy items for dinner. I've been here several times with friends at night and for lunch with my family. It has some nice outdoor seating and friendly, though sometimes slow-paced, staff. They have some great daily specials here like $5 pizzas.
(4)
Allison S.
First experience there was a Saturday afternoon; I met my sister and her boyfriend there before they went to the Rascal Flats concert at Wrigley. Their special that day was $3 pints of Miller lite. I got the mushroom swiss burger, which was amazing! I will definitely be back, hopefully at night the next time.
(4)
Patrice O.
I work in the area where mystic Celt is,I have been there a few times just to place a to go order and you have to go to the bar to place the to go orders.The bartenders are ALWAYS rude to me and some of my co workers.For example my coworker and I walked in directly to the bar and the bartender completely ignored us she was to busy flirting with one of her customer(I'm not a hater, so I let her get her Mack on) but when she did decide to come over to us she was like yea,not how can I help you? Or How are you ladies doing today? Just YEA!! So I kept my cool and placed my order and my coworker did the same.It took our food about 15 mins not a big deal,so the bartender collected the payment from us I paid cash,my coworker paid with C.C. And she throw the C.C. Book right in front of her.WTF was that about!!! At that point I wanted to talk to a manager but my coworker said forget it she isn't worth it,she will be fired soon ,so just let it go. But I couldn't let it go because that was so f ing rude. Mystic Celt I will never ever come here again!!! there are so many other nicer and friendlier places on southport so if I were you I would skip this place!!..mystic celt what you need to realize is money is a luxury so if someone is coming in to your busy to spend money you need to step up and make sure that person is happy and will come back and tell other people about their experience.so my advice is to dramatically improve your customer service.
(1)
Matt B.
I've only eaten dinner here, so I can't comment on the bar, but the food is pretty darn good as far as bar/pub food goes. Ducked in for dinner with my girlfriend the other night and we each order the Wednesday night special: $5 wraps. I had the grilled chicken and bacon, she had the veggie. Both were very filling, yet didn't weigh us down, and came with a surprisingly good side salad. Overall, food was good, restaurant was spacious, service was ok. Only thing I would check off for would be the sticky table.
(4)
Erin C.
This place is huge, but still maintains a neighborhood feel. I went to the New year's eve at Mystic 2006 (bringing in 2007) and have been a few other times since. They have good wine and shot pours, and a good tap beer selection. I have heard that they have good food too, but I haven't had any besides the New Years inclusive deal, and I dont think its fair to judge based on that. The food was fine then, but not really the focus anyways. Mystic was a good host for a huge group of us and their communication through email about the event was very prompt and organized. I love all the bars associated with Mystic, so it isn't much surprise that this place gets a good review from me.
(4)
E M.
I've definitely grown tired of the Mystic Celt. It's huge and cavernous, which means you wait for a long time to be seen, then seated, then spotted again by your waiter, then waited upon. Many times, my boyfriend and I have been among a handful of people in the Mystic Celt, and we wait and wait... And not only is the wait bad, the order is never quite correct, things come out of the kitchen in drips and drabs and the food -- in a word -- sucks. Usually, bar food is bar food. Mystic Celt's is dried out and over-salted, like it was once semi-tasteless, but it sat under a heat lamp for four more days and became inedibly tasteless, so they salted it to perk it up. The half-priced appetizers lured me once or twice, but now even THAT is not enough to bring me in. It's just me giving my money away for plain AWFUL crap. I've even been there for their beer tasting and appetizer bar specials -- crap. Lots of TVs at Mystic Celt that you can watch if you're not blocked by a pole. But I can get the same beers on tap at better places on Southport and pay way less. Everything about Mystic Celt underwhelms.
(2)
josie w.
Wow!The celt burger is probably 2nd best in Chicago for 2010! AND it's $5 on Tuesdays! They set you up with the fries...the quesadillas not such a good buy @ $8 but for $4 on Mondays-perfect!
(5)
Chutima N.
Difference feeling for day and night. Foods are ok, but service and avenue are nice. Many friends of mine just feel comfortable to be there. Let get an insight why??
(3)
Serena J.
I'm always really disappointed in their food. I've never had anything that was good. There are so many better restaurants/bars in teh neighborhood, I would definitely skip this one.
(2)
Andrew T.
I've only been here once on a Tuesday evening for dinner but this bar has already made it's way to the top of my list. What more could you ask for? Clean interior and bathrooms and great menu/drink specials and good location. Def. recommending this bar to people....
(4)
Brenna O.
We went to Mystic Celt solely for the breakfast buffet. It was just ok, and I could tell that they spend a lot more time preparing for the lunch buffet part than the breakfast part. The scrambled eggs were fine, and the fresh fruit was really good, but I would have liked a much larger selection. The little pancakes were so hard that it was difficult to cut with a knife. Our server was friendly, but this place is definitely more bar than restaurant. I guess our quest for the best breakfast buffet in Chicago is far from over...
(3)
Fine Young Canibals Q.
SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET! Went there on a Sunday to get some brunch and watch the cubs game with friends. Got seated right away in the bar-area where we could watch the game on several large plasma T.V.'s. Looked like they had nicer seating in the back if you wanted to have an experience way from the bar. On Sunday's they offer a brunch buffet for just under $10. I think the buffet runs from 11am-3pm, not sure. We all opted for the buffet. The buffet is not large but it is clean and it offers a nice little variety of foods- muffins, bagels, English muffins, yogurt, hash browns, mini pancakes, eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon, sausage, spinach greens salad, mixed fruit, roasted potatoes, pasta, grilled veggies, etc. The best part about the buffet is that there is a chef who will prepare you an omelet to taste ( you can choose cheese, peppers, ham, mushrooms, tomato, etc-- standard stuff). AND the Chef will also cut you a nice piece of meat- corned beef, pork, and I think-- beef. I had the corned beef after it came highly recommended by my friend- and it was good! So yes-- The Sunday buffet was nice and clean and affordable, so I'd do it again. We ordered drinks too. Taking advantage of the Sunday special, we got Bloody Mary's (which I didn't have but they looked good....), and Margarita's (which I did have and they were good). Drinks were $5 each and I think beer was $2.50, donno, didn't have any. Each of us got the buffet and 2 drinks, walked out having paid $25 each, which included a NICE tip- which is weird in retrospect- why did we tip so much if we got the buffet?!
(4)
Brent W.
Nice little bar w free wifi. I came in for a beer and some post work data entry. Can't comment on the food but the atmosphere was decent and they serve up Smithwick's, obvi....good choice on a brisk fall afternoon.
(3)
Melanie B.
We had our holiday party here last night and everything was wonderful. Our bartender, Peter, was very attentive -- he made sure we had everything we needed and was able to turn the music off during our raffle, which really helped. You get a lot for your money in terms of the packages; for $9.50 each we got a buffet of four hot appetizers, veggies and dip, and fruit and cheese. The back room is gorgeous, with a central private bar, comfy couches, and additional seating. It was the perfect setting for socializing. And it was a breeze to set up as well -- Alison was wonderful to work with and everything went off without a hitch. Definitely recommend for your next party!
(5)
Art K.
Great patio, good specials. Service is "meh" and the food is "meh"as well. You can get much better service and food at any number of places within two blocks of Mystic Celt.
(3)
Sarah S.
They have the BEST spinach & artichoke dip!! They have tons of other great food as well. I love going here for dinner and on the weekends with friends.
(5)
Brian E.
This place is great if you want to eat some mediocre comfort food, drink some bland beer, be a douche bag, and listen to Nickelback.
(2)
Atl L.
I miss you Mystic Celt. I used to live near you and we would stop by on Monday's when you had the excellent special ($4 burgers and $3 microbrew pints). It's been a while since we've moved but I think about you often. Do you remember me? Your food was always good, pints were always cold and service was mostly decent. I especially liked you when it was nice out and we were lucky enough to score a prime table outside. But your inside is just fine with your cozy booths and long bar. One thing I never understood about you, why would an Irish Pub bring in a DJ on Fri and Sat nights? You don't need that! That's why I avoided you on the weekends. I'll stop by and see you soon, I promise.
(4)
Mike M.
Typical bar food which is decent and reasonably priced. They have a decent selection of beer. Sitting on the patio in the front during the summer is always pleasant. They have a different food and drink special every weekday which is very reasonable.
(3)
Minh T.
This place definitely doesn't have the friendliest or most competent wait staff. Fortunately for Mystic Celt, the food is great. I would highly recommend their BBQ Chicken Wrap which also has great cole slaw inside it. Their steak sandwich is pretty amazing as are their chicken wings, but that's mainly because they have some rare flavors...curry?! So good. If you're planning to go here for a night out with your friends, I would advise against it. It's really loud and just not the kind of place where people let loose and dance nor is the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation with someone if it's past 9pm.
(3)
Nikkie H.
I've been there a few times, and it is on my list of "places to take guests if I don't want to spend a ton of money, but still have a good meal." That's bad, I know. I always go with the shepherd's pie and a nice cold beer. It's especially great in the winter because the shepherd's pie is all warm and comforting. I think mashed potatoes will do that to me. The only reason I don't go there as often as I'd like is the parking situation. It's usually such a nightmare to drive and park, and from where I live there is no convenient public transportation there...and I'm too cheap to take a cab. Can you see the pattern?
(5)
B.D. K.
Booo...I had a few recommendations to check this place out including Aol City Best top ten. Blah! Both plates my girlfriend and I got failed to be anything but mediocre. Avoid this place...
(2)
Lauren M.
This place has something for everyone. They have great specials every night, and it's always a fun scene. Love me some sweet potato tots!
(4)
Mike K.
I've been here before...hell I've even reviewed it! Yet it seemed like a completely different place. It still had that crazy vampire lighting going in the front, but it was all the space in the back area that I was shocked by. This place has a ton of space! They should definitely put it to better use. I was impressed by the huge burgers and fries deal they had for $5 at the Yelp event. Sweet deal, kids. Plus They kept the tap relatively light...gotta love that.
(4)
Jillian S.
Mysic Celt is super loud. It's that kind of strange, loud bar that people still feel comfortable enough for some odd reason to bring babies to. So not only is it loud to start, but there are babies screaming on top of it. On top of all of this, my friend and I waited 10 minutes at our table for the server to come to our table after we had been seated! EW.
(2)
Bernie D.
This bar has 2 sides. One side with great food and lots of space. very enjoyable with a good crowd. The second side is any time after 10pm the music gets excessively loud, the bar gets extremely crowded, and finding a bartender becomes impossible. I'd go back for dinner or happy hour, but probably not for a late night bar.
(3)
Ryan C.
I've typically had an ok time at Mystic Celt when its later in the evening, and you get one of the tables in the back room. The front bar area gets pretty crowded. I've always thought the service was a little blah (like I'm bothering the bartender when I ask her to reach in the cooler and take the cap off a miller lite bottle), but the staff on Sunday was able to confirm that opinion for me. Long story short, after the hostess seated us outside, I let her know we wont need menus or silverware since we were only grabbing a drink. She said ok, and took the menus back. The waitress came over shortly after with menus, and we said the same. She then let us know that we would have to order food in order to sit outside (patio was only half full btw) and that we should just get some chips and salsa for $3.95 (great deal) so she won't get in trouble. This was apparently the result of a "city ordinance" that does not let customers sit in patios unless they're eating (my first time hearing this after living in the neighborhood for 10 years, and sitting next door at Newports once/week outside). Apparently there's also a new ordinance where pretentious Irish bars take their patrons for granted!....ok, let me calm down. Anyway, we left and walked across the street to SoPo to enjoy a beer outside on the patio where we asked the waitress about this ordinance. She let us know we could sit outside and drink as long as we want. (Yes, you read that right. the Sopo service was friendlier than the Mystic Celt). I'll try and avoid complaining about things on my Yelp reviews, but I thought this was pretty ridiculous.
(1)
Angela M.
Here is why i really love this place. Cause I can take my daughter here and get a glass of wine. But seriously they put us toward the back so my daughter can kind of run around if she gets antsy and she wont bother other people (cause they put most of the people with kids toward the back). And I like the food.
(4)
Karl K.
A great place to drinks beers on a saturday afternoon, people watch after 10pm or bring the family for lunch or dinner. A very comfortable atmosphere with pleasant staff, great owners.
(4)
Ross F.
Bad service, food is OK but they have screwed up my order so many times that I'm not going back. I heard some one call it 'Mystic Frat Boy' and that pretty much sums it up. I'm not a self hating Irish or anything but the authentic waitresses have a little too much McAttitude if you know what I'm saying.
(2)
Emily O.
Great wraps & daily specials. Its one of our favorite local neighborhood spots in Lakeview. There is also outdoor seating. Perfect for a happy hour or weekend lunch spot.
(4)
Kelly B.
This is a good spot for after work drinks and your typical bar food. It's also a good spot to watch a game or two. The burgers are great and the onion rings are pretty good too. They have a nice patio to eat/drink outside on nice days/evenings. My worst experience here was on a weekend night last winter and the place turned into a club-like atmosphere. There was a DJ and tons of youngsters piled in and turned the dining room into a dance floor. It was unreal. Needless to say I have been back a few times but before the crazy weekend dance crowd.
(3)
Not J B.
Slightly better than their sister restaurant Corcoran's. This place is larger, has a bit more of a selection in both departments and serves food until 2 a.m. though it is awfully loud.
(2)
Eden M.
The service can be agonizingly slow at times (and not when it's crowded either), but the beer selection is solid, there's plenty of seating, and the food is good for what it is. Salads, burgers, wraps - all decent. We mostly go here to grab dinner, but it's a fun nightspot as well. Good music, cleaner than a lot of bars over in Wrigleyville, and lots of flatscreens (and they are really nice about changing channels).
(4)
Nicole B.
I popped in on a rainy Sunday afternoon to satisfy my craving for a burger and a pint - and stay dry! The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The burger was huge, with a perfectly pink center, dripping cheese and ketchup, just the way I like them! The fries were awesome as well - crispy outside, mushy inside!
(4)
Danielle K.
I went to Mystic Celt last Wednesday because they have some great specials (specifically for the buffalo wing special). Now the wings were great, don't get me wrong and there were multiple flavors, which I appreciate but the service was horrible. The waitress forgot my boyfriends Guiness (it took him almost an hour to get it). She forgot orders of food and, what I think irked me the most, she took my beer at least twice BEFORE I WAS DONE WITH IT. Mind you it wasn't a full beer but it had a couple drinks left. Then she came with the check and added 18% gratuity. As we were sitting there, admittedly grumbling about it, she swoops in, grabs the check and says "I'll take it off." We were like whoa there we didn't actually complain to you. Then the manager got there and told us that was his best server (which is sad if that's true) and we just dropped it. This waitress was HORRIBLE though and barely deserved 10% I'm not quite sure what her name is but she's short and has brown hair (which is like half the woman out there including me) needless to say I'm not quite sure I'll be back
(2)
Amy R.
Though the theme screams Irish, it's just another typical joint, but one worth checking out. Great music each night (though they could turn it down a bit), decent food (been there for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and liked it each time), and a great place to meet friends for drinks. Can't ask for much more. Try snagging a spot on the street front patio in good weather: excellent people watching opportunities abound. The inside offers a good number of booths, but unless you get there early, good luck getting one. The place can get crowded at nights, but it's not one of those places that makes you feel claustrophobic by 9 pm. It's a nice low-key change from the normal Wrigleyville joints.
(3)
Dan M.
Editorial 10/23/07: I received a message with an explanation about my complaint. So, I am adding two stars for the owner being a standup person. If they become an OU bar I will give them another go. Original Review Okay, I can't comment on the food (because I walked out) but my complaint is simple: false advertising. On my way to Bobtail (which rocks) I saw a OU special advertised, and as a diehard Oklahoma fan I was very happy to see a bar close to me that followed OU. On Saturday my fiance and I walked to the celt to see my sooners hook the horns of Texas....but to my surprise the game was not on....nor could it be found because they didn't have ESPN gameplan! How do you follow OU in a Big 10 market without it? When I asked the manager about this she replied, "I can't find the game sorry." How do you call yourself an OU bar, but don't carry the biggest game of every season?? I know OU does not have a huge following around here, but if you do follow them....avoid the celt.
(3)
Sarah L.
Stopped in the other night for some drinks and appetizers. They have OK mojitos, could be a little bit stronger. The margarita pizza with goat cheese and chicken is really yummy. The chicken nachos were tasty! Our server was really nice and attentive! If you sign up for their emails, you will get discount coupons sent to you. I also got a free $20 gift card for my birthday, w0000t!
(3)
Niki C.
So it's not exactly like a pub you'd find in Ireland. Not even close. Well, maybe in Dublin in Trinity Bar where all the tourists go, but let's just say it's not traditional. In that, it's not dirty & dark & full of Guinness farts. Well, maybe Guinness farts, but we won't know for sure until the smoking ban goes into effect. I digress. I've been here for lunch, for dinner, for after a Cubs game, & for a private party in one of the back rooms. Each time a good time. Once, the group of guys I was with was a little over-zealous (now THAT's an Irish pub!) & we were kicked out (now that's NOT an irish pub!), but they were awfully cordial about it & yeah, I'd've kicked the idiots out, too ... they were pretty much major wankers. & they pour a decent Guinness, so fart away!
(3)
Brian W.
I wrrote a bad review about 7 months ago (invloving about 10 visits and very inattentive staff). Almost immeadiatly after the review it was as if they had read it (I wish I remembered where I wrote it)! I've been back about 6 times since and the staff has been much more attentive. While I highly doubt my review had any influence, things have definitley changed for the better. Good bar food, big nice place, good outdoor seating, high quality bar.
(3)
Douglas G.
Okay, you are not a real Irish pub when your drink specials are Miller Lite and Coors Light. This is just another uninspired corporate chain restaurant with a fake Irish name. Avoid.
(2)
Julie P.
I live down the street from Mystic Celt so I'm kind of a regular....I love the atmosphere here, always an interesting crowd. Their Sunday brunch buffet is $10 and it rocks!! They also have really great specials every day that are hard to pass up! I have had good luck with all of the servers so far, and I'm super picky about service. Definitely check it out if you are in the southport 'hood!
(5)
Laura I.
I came here a couple times when I used to live in this area and it was a nice enough place but I don't find it overly special. In the summer time, they have a great outdoor seating area in front, which always gets packed on weekends and stays that way throughout the brunch hours. I didn't find the food to be anything extraordinary and our drinks were sufficient enough. In the end, it just seemed rather mediocre and ordinary.
(3)
Yujin A.
Food is pretty good. Their service really sucks. THey are always understaffed, or servers mess around playing with their asses instead of checking on their customers.My friend who goes there with me keeps telling me that they have the best burger in the city. (Tuesday 4 dollar burgers)I've had a burger with mushrooms and swiss cheese, and it was surprisingly good. Not a bad place at all. Also check out their daily specials!
(3)
Jess T.
For two years, I lived off the happy hour specials here. Mystic Celt is right off the Brown Line, serves up food that makes your belly smile, and was one of my all-time favorite places to spend a leisurely lunch catching up with friends.
(4)
Jessie B.
I went there last night on a blind date. The food was great. There are always specials, as I have read on the website, and also from other people's reviews. I would have given them a better star rating, but our server was terrible. She didn't introduce herself, gave me a dirty look when I asked her what kind of beers she had on tap, and then proceeded to just say "are you ready yet?" When we said no, stead of saying, "Would you like anything to drink to start?" She just walked away. I definately didn't feel welcome. It looked like every other table had a better server. The buss boys gave us more service than she did. She didn't check up on us at all. And when we finished our beers, she took away the glasses, instead of saying, "May I get you another?" Doesn't a higher bill, good service mean higher tip? I am totally confused on her way of service. I wish I could have smacked her in the head. But I didn't. I have named her Rude Ruth. Yes, I renamed her. Just beware of Ruth. Although the roasted veggie wrap was GREAT. And plus it was only $5.00. I love drink specials. So go there for a fast, chill, drink special night. Don't expect great service.
(3)
Gordon O.
good brunch buffet place on sundays. they have a good selection from salad bar, omelette station, basic breakfast items and a carving station.
(3)
Ren H.
This bar is really fun! Its pretty big inside so you're not rubbing up on everyone and they have pretty good specials certain nights of the week! The staff is awesome too
(5)
O O.
An pretty extensive and somewhat unique memu for a bar. There's an awesome brunch buffet on Sunday and good specials most days of the week. I like the vibe here. It's a great neighborhood spot.
(4)
Kelly M.
I really enjoyed the fish & chips and the macaroni & cheese. Good comfort food. Our waitress was very good at keeping an eye on our beers and empty glasses were replaced with full ones almost immediately. It's a nice, laid back neighborhood bar during the week. The only time I was here on the weekend was in the middle of a pub crawl.
(3)
Jeff K.
This place is just what you'd expect for yet another in the endless stream of Irish-like bars in Chicago. Food was competent and about correctly priced. I had the french onion soup, salmon sandwich, but they were out of waffle fries. Our server was attentive and the place is big -- we were seated right away at 7pm on a Saturday night. Our original intent was to go to Coobah down the street which already had a 45 minute wait and no room at the bar to wait. I'd come back, but I wouldn't be in a rush...
(3)
Jonathan R.
Great place to grab a burger and a beer! Service is good for dining. The bar services is a little better. I would give it 5 stars but its sister pub is the bomb!
(4)
Bryan G.
I've been to the Celt a couple of times for brunch. First time i got food off the menu and then the next time i did the buffet. I would steer clear of the buffet or get there extremely early when its fricka fricka fresssh. The service was good and the prices aren't bad. I'll go back, just no buffet for this guy...
(3)
Kim V.
I hosted a bridal shower at the Mystic Celt for my sister in November 2008. I would defintely recommend the Mystic Celt. My event took place during Sunday morning brunch, which turned out great. Their brunch had a wide selection & everything was delicious. My guests were very satisfied. I would definitely pop in for another Sunday brunch.The party room had a lot of space & seating for 20-30 people. Plenty of room and move around & mingle. The staff was, overall, very accomodating. They let me check out their party room without an appointment. They answered all my questions in a timely fashion. One complaint was just the service on the day of the event. I was told we'd have a server for our party, which we did. However, she was not only serving our party but also customers outside our party. There were a couple of times where we were wondering where our server was, but she'd eventually pop up. Would've been nice to have her only serving our party. I've popped in for a beverage & eats prior to the event & never had complaints. Drinks were always good. Always was a fan of their spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. I'd definitely recommend that & hosting your event here.
(4)
J V.
I remember when this use to be bistro zinc's other store. They didn't change much of the decor.
(1)
Yvette F.
Was good till Southport became the new "it" place to be. Forget it on the weekends - too crowded - but still good for a weeknight.
(3)
Kristin B.
I hate this bar... I don't have a reason. I just don't like it. It doesn't ever give me a good feeling, I never have a good time. It's too loud, it's too big, it has weird lighting. Just not a fan. To be fair I haven't tried their food. If I do I will update to let you know if that is worth coming for.
(1)
Amanda K.
I like the celt, it has a good location and nice outdoor seating. The service stinks, the staff acts like they are bothered to help you out. Also, they just changed the noodles in the mac and cheese and it has completely ruined the dish. I am so bummed.
(2)
R P.
An average place to eat and drink. Nothing bad to say, but nothing outstanding, either. We sat outside - the weather was nice, but sitting at a slight angle in a plastic chair wasn't the greatest.
(3)
Megan K.
Straddling the line of "Irish pub," on one hand you have the authentic Irish dancing on St Patty's day and fish and chips and peas, and on the other you have a menu littered with things like flautas and mojitos. While this was later explained to us, our favorite obscure menu item was "Chicken Curry, Irish Style." What? The food is pretty good, but the menu is definitely all over the place. The service is consistently unremarkable. I was here for a private charity event last night, and thought the back room with private bar was well-suited to this. The cozy booths are great for a weeknight food and drink outing.
(4)
John C.
Mystic Celt? It should be called Mumbai Celt, the whole place stinks of curry. We went here with a bunch of friends for da bears game and I felt I was watching the game in Calcutta. I guess they have these curry fries and the whole place stinks of them. Since it was Monday it was 1/2 off appetizers so me and my buddy decided to try a couple. Overall prolly the worse bar food I have ever eaten in my life. The nachos were gross and came with almost no chips, but enough tomatoes to deplete the tomato growing industry. Plus everyone knows tomatoes not in red sauce are the devil. Next we got the combo platter which came with spinach artichoke dip, fried shrimp, mozza sticks, and buffalo like boneless wings. Everything tasted like a diaper filled with indian food, literally, because everything tasted like curry and the shrimp tasted spoiled. Mondays they also have 1/2 off wine and $3.50 daisy cutter drafts, which is Gods beer. Thats pretty much the only thing that was good about the place, and that I got wrecked during the game. After looking at the check though I was all fired up to see how expensive everything else was. $4.50 vortexes is a joke and shooters were also quite pricey. Service was average, nothing to write home to mom about. All in all this place is the worst and was not rowdy at all for the great bears game. Done with it professionally.
(1)
Megan B.
This place is alright... If you're in the neighborhood and want a drink and some bar food then this is a decent spot. But it's nothing special or exciting if you ask me.
(3)
Kyle D.
nicole and i had dinner here one night after randomly finding it. i got a burger and it was sooooooooo good. very juicy and cooked how i asked.. we even had some entertainment as we sat next to 2 funny guys who were also having dinner and talking about their lives w/ crazy women and such.
(4)
Drucilla D.
A great place for outdoor summer dining. Food is pretty delicious. I recommend the appetizer plate.
(3)
Brian B.
As Irish as a cold Corona with a slice of lime
(3)
Sherri J.
I was so excited to go here. I had walked by it so many times and the food and menu looked great. I ordered a burger medium with sweet potato tater tots and my mom ordered the rib friday special. The burger was well done, my server didnt tell me i had an option of a pretzel roll which i love. I found out when the person next to me got their burger. nThe ribs were dry and looked withered and small. my mom asked for a side of onion straws that came on the burgers and their onion straws are like onion rings not straws. Their tater tots were not tator tots, they wre chucks of fried sweet potato not worth the extra dollar for them. Our server was soooo slow. She would diasappear for like ten minutes then reappear like nothing. The whole reason my mom wanted to go here was to try the key lime pie. we got the pie and well it wasnt a pie. It was a key lime flavored sourcream top cheesecake. It was sooo gross. Very disapointing.
(1)
Irene J.
totally laid back--AND they have an AWESOME DJ! i loved the music they were spinning last friday! it was a fun place to hang out and have a few drinks with friends. i DON'T recommend the sangria though. i don't know what possessed me to get it. i was famished, so i ordered chorizo nachos. not bad~ but not the best when on an empty stomach (of alcohol). check mystic celt out with a large group of friends. it's fun and somewhat lively. there's no real dance floor, but who says you can't make your own?
(4)
Erin B.
If you're looking for a great Irish Bar, this isn't it. The name sake is where it ends. If it's a good overall bar, this is the place. While they do serve "typical" fare of the Irish Pubs in Chicago, this is hardly Irish otherwise. They've got decent bar food, and it's a good place to check out the game. Also, if I can remember, they have good specials on non-[Cub]game days.
(3)
elizabeth n.
A great irish bar in a great location! It's a great place to go on weekends, and although I have not tried the food there, it's a great place to just enjoy a beer. The spacious bar has lots of room and even though it gets packed- it is not uncomfortably crowded. I'd suggest going early to get a table and you are in for a low key, fun night!
(4)
Don L.
Went here last night with a group of friends. The food was was fine, but not memorable. You would be fine going to any other bar/grill/Applebee's in the world. We all left saying, "Meh."
(3)
Monica S.
I went to Mystic Celt for dinner, so can't comment on the later nightlife. It was MUCH bigger than I thought it would be, with the back serving as more of a restaurant setting and the front is more the bar scene. The food was reasonably priced. I had some sandwich that had turkey, brie cheese and some sort of apples. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It was enough to make you full, but a lighter fare so I wasn't completely stuffed aftewards! The crowd varied from mid-twenty-somethings to some in their 40s.
(4)
Sydney K.
This is a cute Irish bar with good food. The bartenders are always attentive and the waitresses are very friendly. It's a great place to kick back with friends and throw down a few pints.
(3)
Liliana S.
I've ate some good food here. Cool Irish bar..Good atmosphere and its a great place to have some drinks, catch a game, or just come to eat and be in that environment...
(4)
Robyn N.
I love this Irish Bar! They have a huge menu, plenty of seating-indoors and out, and great drinks. Mystic Celt is the perfect place to hang out w/ your friends.
(4)
Kristin A.
Nice laid back bar. Great place to start the evening. Plenty of seating and huge menu!
(5)
Mary W.
"This is a fun place to hang out with friends! Not only is the restaurant Irish but a lot of the employees are from the Irish homeland as well! they have great food, especially the tuna salad wrap and great service!"
(4)
C M.
Great place for food and relaxing. Kevin and Emon (owners) are very attentive and eager to help. Staff is friendly and service oriented. I would like to see more authentic Irish dishes in the future. Sit inside if you don't want to be bothered by foot traffic or all-day drinkers.
(4)
Doug p.
another good one on southport, they make strong shots and they've got a ton of space for everyone to breathe. the waitresses and bartenders are cute and really friendly and the food is awesome
(5)
Julia B.
This is one of the best Irish bars in Chicago. It's on one of my favorite streets-Southport and is very clean and kept up inside. Thursdays are my favorite with $15 bucket of Corona and $4 Margarita's! Also the $10 Breakfast Buffet on Sunday's is phenomenal!
(3)
eric m.
ive been in the back room for a few events and there are a lot of people moving around from table to table. food is average but the service is fast and the waitresses remember faces and tabs. i would go more often if they put a jukebox in because even music thats not my cup of tea would be better than the one minute clips they spin.
(4)
T K.
One of my favorite bars in southport. The fratboy quotient is low despite being a younger crowd and I've found alot of the ladies are usually friendly despite being incredible looking. Definitely not a hugely authentic Irish bar, but great if you are just looking for drinks and conversation with new people.
(4)
PJ T.
been here several times...once for a private party and once for just a casual dinner. food is really good if you are looking for an irish fix or just some usual bar food. they have all kinds of beer. Good to swing by if you are in the hood
(4)
Kathryn M.
My friend and I went here a couple months ago for dinner on one of the first snows of the season. The bar/restaurant is fairly large with a mixture of booths and tables. There are tables in the front windows that are perfect for people (or snow) watching. I actually wish we had been able to sit at tables in the front to watch the fluffy snow. Anyway, onto things other than snow. Our waitress was very attentive. My friend and I both had burgers ($4 on Tuesdays). The burgers were gigantic and delicious, especially for $4! The fries were nice and crisp. Mystic Celt is a great place to have a couple drinks and have a filling, cheap meal with friends. Sign up for their e-mail list and you'll receive lots of extra discounts, besides their daily specials.
(4)
Fabrice C.
that place rock ... always serving .... always open for my beer love them
(5)
Paul A.
Nice, chill, laid back atmosphere. When it's not packed, it's a great place to kick back and have some drinks. I hear the food is decent, but I've never made it that far. Bar tender was cool and bought us a round of Jagr Bombs.
(4)
Raegen S.
great food... have been here a few times at night and not gonna lie... dont remember it much... but i do like the food after a long night... thry thier wasabi blue cheese!
(4)
Sharon S.
Was there for a volunteer event and what fun! Good pint specials...and their food is always good when I've been there before. Try the Shepards pie! Its got a good crowd for a weeknight too, when I'd rather go cause weekends are PACKED!
(4)
tessa c.
my friends came here to drink last night: great beer selection, friendly cute waitress with amazing hair, and strong coffee. my friend's sex on the beach wasn't mixed correctly however. i'm no bartender but even i know the alcohol goes on the bottom not the top!
(3)
Stacie K.
Yummy appetizers and half prized bottles of wine on Mondays! They have great daily specials. Check it out!
(4)
M. M.
This place is great for any kind of party you would like to have...even a first birthday! I had my son's first birthday there and it was just perfect! Everything was set up to perfection! I did the appetizer buffet package and it was great, I never had to ask them to refill anything! They refilled the food when needed and all the guests were so pleased with the food and service. The back room is so accommodating and spacious! Everything went sooo smoothly! I will continue to have my private events here in the future! The staff is great, service was awesome, and atmosphere is perfect for any and all events!
(5)
Ryan M.
Really really loud. I hate that. This place has a really nice ambience and I get that it's friday night, but it doesn't seem like the kind of place that needed flashy lights and blaring music to be fun. I hate having to shout to the person next to me. Also, 8 bucks for a Manhatten! Holy god! They were really good though.
(3)
Mara R.
I live in the neighborhood and walk by Mystic Celt every day. I sometimes will stop and eat outside with friends because it is such an inviting atmosphere. The food is your average bar food and some of it is fairly good. The issue I have with the place is the service. I was there a few weeks ago on a Wednesday for lunch. Most of the outdoor tables were full and a few inside as well. We were sitting at our table for at least 15 minutes before anyone even noticed us. The only time we saw the waitress was when we eventually ordered and then when we requested our bill. My girlfriend is 6 months pregnant and we never even got a glass of water! I had to go into the bar and pour some myself. I think with Dunley's opening next door it will give Mystic Celt a run for their money. I know I will be going to Southport Lanes next time, since I always get great service there.
(2)
Alex M.
Of all the places to get drinks before a movie at the Music Box, I have no idea why my friends picked Mystic Celt. There wasn't anything immediately wrong with my food, save for the corned beef being a little dry, but as I understand it that's one of the difficulties of the medium. Unfortunately, the service sullied what could have been a pretty okay meal. The service was horrid- We must have been the only table for a server working the complete opposite side of the restaurant. We saw our server only three times over the course of an hour and a half. The first time was when we sat down and she took our drink order, the second when she came back with our drinks and took our food order, and the third (and hopefully last) time when we asked for the check. The restaurant didn't look too busy and there were servers coming in and out of our section pretty regularly, so I have no idea what the problem could have been. Maybe I offended our server when I asked for a Smithwick's?
(1)
Vanessa F.
I started coming here for the pub quiz with a few friends. The service is ok at best, the food is good for bar noshing.
(3)
Nicole C.
I have to say that you should just not go here when its bar time. The people that frequent this place when the music goes up are raging D bags. They have some of the better food I've ever had, so I have to give them that. I come here for dinner a couple times a month.
(3)
Scott N.
The food is great but you couldn't pay me enough to go here during the evening when it's filled up with people. My advice, go here for a bite during football Sunday then walk across the street to Sopo and have some fun.
(3)
Beth P.
I would not expect too much from this place- just average. It's roomy, food is edible, and beer is cold. I love hanging out in the Southport corridor, and if Mystic Celt has a good special that night, I'll gladly go in. I've even spent a St. Patrick's day there- they throw a great one. For "bar food" I was wasn't too impressed, I had to wash it down with more beer... everyone's happy.
(3)
Colleen R.
If only the Mystic Celt could decide if it wants to be a dance club or a pub. Sadly, it attempts to do both (at least on the recent Saturday evening I spent there), and fails on both accounts. The decor, food, and drinks suggest that if they turned down the music and the strobe lights, this place could be a decent Irish bar. But the sheer volume of the music makes conversation impossible. Also, we were only there for about an hour and the DJ was already repeating songs. Coupled with the lame crowd and long bathroom lines, the terrible music made this place completely intolerable.
(1)
matty z.
Mystic Celt is a great place to catch a college football game, which is what I find myself coming back for. The food, for bar food, is generally good and the curry sauce for french fries is well worth the extra $1.50. The Saturday specials ($1 mini-burgers, $1 chili, $3 miller lites) are great, and keep your afternoon light on the wallet. Pleased as always, after today's foray with Kourtney L.
(4)
Corie M.
I came back to Mystic Celt a while ago to give it another shot. We started with the spinach artichoke dip which was very good especially with the chips, I got the turkey club sandwich which was just okay, I've had better I've had worse. My boyfriend had the flat-iron steak sandwich sans bleu cheese and he thought it was good. Overall it is nothing special but decent food, I would come back. I would recommend trying the buffet on weekends, haven't tried it but it looks really good.
(3)
katy h.
I went the Mystic Celt because my husband and daughter were going to a Cubs game on a Sunday afternoon, and I needed to get some work done. I parked on an adjacent street (FREE!) and went in to eat and use their free WiFi. I had the Magners cider on tap, a few sliders (cheap but mediocre) and really tasty waffle fries. My waitress was efficient, and I could work without interruption, and still check on the game in progress. There was a really mixed crowd- veggie lovers, hung-over brunch barely of age kids, and middle aged couples. The coup-de-grace was the hostess Susana who let me use her cell-phone when I realized I had left mine in the burbs, and needed to contact my husband and daughter. What a life-saver!! We will be back!!!
(4)
Derek A.
We have been going here about once every couple of weeks for a year now. If you want a place with consistantly good, decently priced food, this is a great place to go. Never super busy, and not too difficult to get a table. Specials are consistent, and the best days to go are MON: 1/2 off apps and 3.50 blue moon, TUE: $5 burger and fries and $3.50 Blue Moon, and FRI: $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips. Pros: - $5 burger and fries on Tuesday is one of the best, tastiest deals in the whole city! - $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips on Friday is wonderful. - Beer specials are good. Cons: - Wait staff is unbelievably inconsistent. We've had great, horrendous and everything in between.
(4)
John H.
I APOLOGIZE FOR WRITING IN ALL CAPS, BUT I NEED TO SPEAK UP SO YOU CAN HEAR MY REVIEW PROPERLY. IT GETS A BIT LOUD HERE. Mystic Celt is not unlike the girl you knew in high school who had looks, smarts, and even personality, but just enough insecurity to dismiss the former three qualities with regular fits of raging whorism. As mentioned in some earlier reviews, Mystic Celt has all the tools to be a fine bar, its ridiculous name aside. Lots of beers on tap, reasonably good pub grub, and modest decor. Unfortunately, though, it has given itself to a lower class of humanity. And as it often goes with good bars gone bad, it starts with the DJ. I don't know where a bar, much less a would-be Irish bar, gets off hiring a DJ. Mystic Celt, though, appears to be ashamed of its red hair and freckles. Of course, DJs are like catnip for douchebags, and hordes of them flock here. And every last one of them seems intent on hitting my ultimate bar pet peeve, standing in front of the bar and preventing everyone else from getting their drinks. They should build a tunnel under Southport--or a bridge over it--between this place and SoPo to keep the douchebag population concentrated in a couple of nearby places. Mystic Celt could learn a lot from a place like Cullen's, which is very similar in offerings and style, and a complete contrast in clientele. There are more than enough places for the lower-20s crowd on this end of Southport; it's too bad that Mystic Celt feels the need to cater solely to them.
(2)
Seamus F.
Went in here for the third time in five weeks last night and have been at least a dozen times over the past few years. Wanted to sit outside this time but Mother Nature made that a dicey proposition so hostess quickly got us a booth. As usual, they had at least one decent drink special - $3.50 Sierra Nevada or Blue Moon drafts on a Tuesday night and service was solid, even on last weekend's visit when the server said it was only her second day. Have had the brunch buffet before and it's a good deal, and above average for an all you can eat proposition. Enough TVs without being totally overwhelming. Friday Fish Fry was pretty damn good too. Not sure I would linger here for hours but has always been a good spot for a couple's dinner, or a drink while on Southport and have definitely walked over and scored after a Cubs game when Wrigleyville is a little too nutty.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt has a laid back atmosphere with decent Irish food. The outdoor patio is a really nice spot to enjoy your meal and people watch. I've only been there for dinner, so I can't comment on their brunch menue. I don't have a whole lot to say about his place. It's good. I like it alright.
(3)
Kristen M.
Very overpriced. My boyfriend and I got salads and couldn't even eat them they were so bad. The veggies tasted rotten. Good daily deals and burger's. Service is slow
(2)
Christy Q.
I wanted to give the Yelp community an update on Mystic Celt! They read my previous review and contacted me to apologize and they even went as far as sending me a $25 gift card for my troubles! That was really unexpected and also really great of them. They showed me that they DO care about my business and that they DO want me to return- and I will! Thank you Mystic Celt for taking care of this situation... and all is right with the world!
(4)
Amanda D.
The place is just average. My friend and I stopped over there to say farewell to one of her co-workers before heading off to the Paramount Room. We had 2 drinks (raspberry/lemonade/vodak) $5 a pop, not bad. We didn't spend more than an hour there (rain keeping people in). The crowd was ok, the decor was ok, the bartenders were ok as well, the bathrooms were nice; I always appreciate a nice clean bathroom. I might come back here if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)
Alan W.
Friendly staff. Average Food. Good atmosphere. BUT, overpriced outside of specials.
(3)
Jessa P.
Okay I admit, the last few weeks, I have gone here at least once a week. I am a borderline "regular". I can't help it. I like their specials (10 wings for $5, who can top that)! Summer Shandy on tap! TVs everywhere. Casual atmosphere; great neighborhood. Literally steps away from the brown line; stumbling into the train is easy-schmeazy!
(5)
Taryn K.
Mystic Celt was our last stop on a bar crawl and everything was fabulous! The staff was very friendly and served all 60 of us our drinks impressively fast! We have been here lots during the day with the kids for lunch and dinner and the food is always great and the service is always friendly~ This is a huge bar and they do a great job accommodating families and adult drinkers in seperate areas! This is definitely one of our favorite places to frequent with and without the kids!
(5)
Greg M.
Amazing patio! Great service, great neighborhood! My friend brought me to the area and this place totally caught my eye! Truly a gem
(5)
Shyam S.
My friends and I stopped in here last weekend cuz Guthries was insanely packed. The bar was not my kind of place - ridiculously fratty and full of WASPs. However, I went there on a Saturday night, so I expected as much. However, the food was surprisingly good. I was astonished that their veggie burger was so tasty, especially the way I had it - on tomato foccacia with pepper jack and giardenera. Nice and hot and very good. My server was also really cool and when I told her about Guthrie's, she recommended the Newport Bar and Grill, which I had visited before, but she mentioned they also have board games.
(3)
Erika G.
I gave it an extra star for the beer specials, very good beer specials. And the outdoor patio is great IF YOU CAN GET A TABLE, to watch the Stroller Brigade walk past. It's not a very authentic "irish bar", but it gets another star for that, as I am not a fan of Irish bars. This place is pretty generic. The food is overwhelmingly mediocre. Real Middle American fare, bland and spice-free. I had the Celt burger, requested "medium" and got "well done". Go to Hamburger Mary's for REAL hamburgers. The mac n' cheese was all right . . . but not exceptional. Everything needs hot sauce, or some semblance of taste! The service . . . ugh, here is where they really shave off the stars. Our party of 5 wanted to sit outside, put name in, and got "1/2 hour wait". Noo problem as we weren't all there yet, we got beers and settled into the couches. 45 minutes later, we were still waiting with NO acknowledgment from our server. An hour later, a 4 top opened up, and server informed us . . . of a table not large enough for our group. By that time, my friends and I were eyeing each other like the surviving members of the Donner party. After the 4 top fiasco, we said "we'll just take ANY table, in or out". Server disappears. Finally, someone else in our group grabbed the server to TRY and finally get a table. Okay, inside, she seats us . . . and leaves. 15 minutes later, she comes back to take drink orders - no, we're ordering entrees now!! TWO HOURS LATER, we finally had our orders in. This place isn't THAT special to put up with crappy service like this. If I was just sitting outside having beers it probably wouldn't matter, but we came here to EAT. And their doggie water dish was SHOCKING dirty! For a dog lover like me, this takes off another 1/2 star.
(2)
Steve H.
You know, I really love the food here. I really do. But the service leaves something to be desired. I've frequented the Emerald Loop and Mystic Celt for years the service is both locations is just too spotty. I think that is really my main issue with these guys. Sometimes the service is amazing but more times than not its just terrible. For Instance, one waitress/bartender named Caroline threw a fit when I paid with a gift card and owed $.07. I understand, I should have been prepared and only had my debit card which was totally my fault. However, when she comped the seven cents and threw my check on the ground towards the back of the bar it was a little uncalled for. Loving their food I went back about a week ago...my drink didn't get refilled and when I asked for the check the waitress actually stopped at another table, hugged one of the guests, introduced herself to the table and sat there for 15 minutes before going to get our check. It's little things like that that really make me wonder if it's worth going back to. I guess with a killer $5 wing night its hard to stay away. Also, they seem to treat you crappy when you pay with a gift card. I've randomly had a gift card on a few occasions and they always act like its a problem. I work in the service industry....I promise I will tip you whether I am using a gift card or not.
(2)
Brett N.
Watered down alcoholic drinks. This really peeves me about a bar. I ordered something called a margatini (special) which was a mini glass of sweet and sour mix. (FYI, a martin should be pow at first sip). The waitress apparently made it herself (see below), poured it tableside and carried the lime wedge in her hand. She un-palmed it to hook onto my glass. One dinner companion didn't get a full glass worth, the other had weak beer. You can tell when the beer is watered down, especially when you drink it regularly. The fuming flame was lit. This should be illegal. Now, for a Thursday night it was busy. Two words: one bartender. Really? This is why our waitress made the drinks herself. I asked for a shot of tequila to rouse my margatini and that helped, but I was already miffed. First impressions... Why were people (and families with kids) there afterall? Is this the best Southport has to offer? We came for dinner, which wasn't terrible. The side salad was fresh and good. Ice cream dessert was a nice touch. Not being charged for the tequila shot was smart, or I would have gone off. Diluting the drinks really sucks, so i'm done with this place. Too bad. Better drinks would have cause the 3 of us to order at least 2 more rounds but we hightailed it outta there at last bite. Maybe it was also because the sound on the sports TV (no game was actually being played) was cranked so loud that our table conversation was drowned. Who needs a night out with friends when the TV cancels your face time together. Point missed there. Get a clue Mystic celt. Better yet folks, skip this place. There are plenty other spots in the neighborhood.
(1)
Jennifer B.
Go for their specials, grab a seat at the bar, pretend you are Irish, and enjoy.... Mystic Celt isn't too different than any other restaurant/bar along Southport or in Lakeview/Wrigleyville. I guess the biggest striking different is the menu, it's pretty great. And the specials here are actually specials that you would want to eat/drink, and will save you some cash. Maybe it's because I was here on a Tuesday (actually, I'm SURE it's why) but the peeps at Mystic Celt don't seem to get obnoxious, which is a plus. Maybe I should try it at 2am on a Saturday, and update my review? Until then, Mystic Celt is a nice stand-by and a great default bar.
(4)
Jennifer W.
The Mystic Celt is a nice bar/restaurant in the popular Southport corridor near Addison. I went there with a group friends for dinner last night and found the food to be good, if unexciting, bar fare. I had a blackened chicken club sandwich. It was pretty good but the chicken was a litle dry and there wasn't enough avocado (and no mayo) to really remedy it. My friends seemed to enjoy their food (a black and bleu burger, a club salad, a BBQ chicken salad, and a bacon burger), and the beer prices were reasonable ($4 Harps). We also had an appetizer combo with bruschetta, spinach/artichoke dip, fried shrimp, & chicken tenders which was pretty tasty. The server we had was friendly but we had to wait a little longer than we would have liked for the check. All in all, the Mystic Celt is a nice place for a leisurely, reasonably priced dinner. It's what you would expect from your average North Side bar.
(3)
Kathryn M.
My friend and I went here a couple months ago for dinner on one of the first snows of the season. The bar/restaurant is fairly large with a mixture of booths and tables. There are tables in the front windows that are perfect for people (or snow) watching. I actually wish we had been able to sit at tables in the front to watch the fluffy snow. Anyway, onto things other than snow. Our waitress was very attentive. My friend and I both had burgers ($4 on Tuesdays). The burgers were gigantic and delicious, especially for $4! The fries were nice and crisp. Mystic Celt is a great place to have a couple drinks and have a filling, cheap meal with friends. Sign up for their e-mail list and you'll receive lots of extra discounts, besides their daily specials.
(4)
Fabrice C.
that place rock ... always serving .... always open for my beer love them
(5)
Paul A.
Nice, chill, laid back atmosphere. When it's not packed, it's a great place to kick back and have some drinks. I hear the food is decent, but I've never made it that far. Bar tender was cool and bought us a round of Jagr Bombs.
(4)
Raegen S.
great food... have been here a few times at night and not gonna lie... dont remember it much... but i do like the food after a long night... thry thier wasabi blue cheese!
(4)
Sharon S.
Was there for a volunteer event and what fun! Good pint specials...and their food is always good when I've been there before. Try the Shepards pie! Its got a good crowd for a weeknight too, when I'd rather go cause weekends are PACKED!
(4)
tessa c.
my friends came here to drink last night: great beer selection, friendly cute waitress with amazing hair, and strong coffee. my friend's sex on the beach wasn't mixed correctly however. i'm no bartender but even i know the alcohol goes on the bottom not the top!
(3)
Stacie K.
Yummy appetizers and half prized bottles of wine on Mondays! They have great daily specials. Check it out!
(4)
Yujin A.
Food is pretty good. Their service really sucks. THey are always understaffed, or servers mess around playing with their asses instead of checking on their customers.My friend who goes there with me keeps telling me that they have the best burger in the city. (Tuesday 4 dollar burgers)I've had a burger with mushrooms and swiss cheese, and it was surprisingly good. Not a bad place at all. Also check out their daily specials!
(3)
Jess T.
For two years, I lived off the happy hour specials here. Mystic Celt is right off the Brown Line, serves up food that makes your belly smile, and was one of my all-time favorite places to spend a leisurely lunch catching up with friends.
(4)
Jessie B.
I went there last night on a blind date. The food was great. There are always specials, as I have read on the website, and also from other people's reviews. I would have given them a better star rating, but our server was terrible. She didn't introduce herself, gave me a dirty look when I asked her what kind of beers she had on tap, and then proceeded to just say "are you ready yet?" When we said no, stead of saying, "Would you like anything to drink to start?" She just walked away. I definately didn't feel welcome. It looked like every other table had a better server. The buss boys gave us more service than she did. She didn't check up on us at all. And when we finished our beers, she took away the glasses, instead of saying, "May I get you another?" Doesn't a higher bill, good service mean higher tip? I am totally confused on her way of service. I wish I could have smacked her in the head. But I didn't. I have named her Rude Ruth. Yes, I renamed her. Just beware of Ruth. Although the roasted veggie wrap was GREAT. And plus it was only $5.00. I love drink specials. So go there for a fast, chill, drink special night. Don't expect great service.
(3)
Gordon O.
good brunch buffet place on sundays. they have a good selection from salad bar, omelette station, basic breakfast items and a carving station.
(3)
Ren H.
This bar is really fun! Its pretty big inside so you're not rubbing up on everyone and they have pretty good specials certain nights of the week! The staff is awesome too
(5)
O O.
An pretty extensive and somewhat unique memu for a bar. There's an awesome brunch buffet on Sunday and good specials most days of the week. I like the vibe here. It's a great neighborhood spot.
(4)
Kelly M.
I really enjoyed the fish & chips and the macaroni & cheese. Good comfort food. Our waitress was very good at keeping an eye on our beers and empty glasses were replaced with full ones almost immediately. It's a nice, laid back neighborhood bar during the week. The only time I was here on the weekend was in the middle of a pub crawl.
(3)
Jeff K.
This place is just what you'd expect for yet another in the endless stream of Irish-like bars in Chicago. Food was competent and about correctly priced. I had the french onion soup, salmon sandwich, but they were out of waffle fries. Our server was attentive and the place is big -- we were seated right away at 7pm on a Saturday night. Our original intent was to go to Coobah down the street which already had a 45 minute wait and no room at the bar to wait. I'd come back, but I wouldn't be in a rush...
(3)
Jonathan R.
Great place to grab a burger and a beer! Service is good for dining. The bar services is a little better. I would give it 5 stars but its sister pub is the bomb!
(4)
Bryan G.
I've been to the Celt a couple of times for brunch. First time i got food off the menu and then the next time i did the buffet. I would steer clear of the buffet or get there extremely early when its fricka fricka fresssh. The service was good and the prices aren't bad. I'll go back, just no buffet for this guy...
(3)
Kim V.
I hosted a bridal shower at the Mystic Celt for my sister in November 2008. I would defintely recommend the Mystic Celt. My event took place during Sunday morning brunch, which turned out great. Their brunch had a wide selection & everything was delicious. My guests were very satisfied. I would definitely pop in for another Sunday brunch.The party room had a lot of space & seating for 20-30 people. Plenty of room and move around & mingle. The staff was, overall, very accomodating. They let me check out their party room without an appointment. They answered all my questions in a timely fashion. One complaint was just the service on the day of the event. I was told we'd have a server for our party, which we did. However, she was not only serving our party but also customers outside our party. There were a couple of times where we were wondering where our server was, but she'd eventually pop up. Would've been nice to have her only serving our party. I've popped in for a beverage & eats prior to the event & never had complaints. Drinks were always good. Always was a fan of their spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. I'd definitely recommend that & hosting your event here.
(4)
J V.
I remember when this use to be bistro zinc's other store. They didn't change much of the decor.
(1)
Yvette F.
Was good till Southport became the new "it" place to be. Forget it on the weekends - too crowded - but still good for a weeknight.
(3)
Kristin B.
I hate this bar... I don't have a reason. I just don't like it. It doesn't ever give me a good feeling, I never have a good time. It's too loud, it's too big, it has weird lighting. Just not a fan. To be fair I haven't tried their food. If I do I will update to let you know if that is worth coming for.
(1)
Amanda K.
I like the celt, it has a good location and nice outdoor seating. The service stinks, the staff acts like they are bothered to help you out. Also, they just changed the noodles in the mac and cheese and it has completely ruined the dish. I am so bummed.
(2)
R P.
An average place to eat and drink. Nothing bad to say, but nothing outstanding, either. We sat outside - the weather was nice, but sitting at a slight angle in a plastic chair wasn't the greatest.
(3)
Megan K.
Straddling the line of "Irish pub," on one hand you have the authentic Irish dancing on St Patty's day and fish and chips and peas, and on the other you have a menu littered with things like flautas and mojitos. While this was later explained to us, our favorite obscure menu item was "Chicken Curry, Irish Style." What? The food is pretty good, but the menu is definitely all over the place. The service is consistently unremarkable. I was here for a private charity event last night, and thought the back room with private bar was well-suited to this. The cozy booths are great for a weeknight food and drink outing.
(4)
John C.
Mystic Celt? It should be called Mumbai Celt, the whole place stinks of curry. We went here with a bunch of friends for da bears game and I felt I was watching the game in Calcutta. I guess they have these curry fries and the whole place stinks of them. Since it was Monday it was 1/2 off appetizers so me and my buddy decided to try a couple. Overall prolly the worse bar food I have ever eaten in my life. The nachos were gross and came with almost no chips, but enough tomatoes to deplete the tomato growing industry. Plus everyone knows tomatoes not in red sauce are the devil. Next we got the combo platter which came with spinach artichoke dip, fried shrimp, mozza sticks, and buffalo like boneless wings. Everything tasted like a diaper filled with indian food, literally, because everything tasted like curry and the shrimp tasted spoiled. Mondays they also have 1/2 off wine and $3.50 daisy cutter drafts, which is Gods beer. Thats pretty much the only thing that was good about the place, and that I got wrecked during the game. After looking at the check though I was all fired up to see how expensive everything else was. $4.50 vortexes is a joke and shooters were also quite pricey. Service was average, nothing to write home to mom about. All in all this place is the worst and was not rowdy at all for the great bears game. Done with it professionally.
(1)
Megan B.
This place is alright... If you're in the neighborhood and want a drink and some bar food then this is a decent spot. But it's nothing special or exciting if you ask me.
(3)
Kyle D.
nicole and i had dinner here one night after randomly finding it. i got a burger and it was sooooooooo good. very juicy and cooked how i asked.. we even had some entertainment as we sat next to 2 funny guys who were also having dinner and talking about their lives w/ crazy women and such.
(4)
Drucilla D.
A great place for outdoor summer dining. Food is pretty delicious. I recommend the appetizer plate.
(3)
Brian B.
As Irish as a cold Corona with a slice of lime
(3)
Sherri J.
I was so excited to go here. I had walked by it so many times and the food and menu looked great. I ordered a burger medium with sweet potato tater tots and my mom ordered the rib friday special. The burger was well done, my server didnt tell me i had an option of a pretzel roll which i love. I found out when the person next to me got their burger. nThe ribs were dry and looked withered and small. my mom asked for a side of onion straws that came on the burgers and their onion straws are like onion rings not straws. Their tater tots were not tator tots, they wre chucks of fried sweet potato not worth the extra dollar for them. Our server was soooo slow. She would diasappear for like ten minutes then reappear like nothing. The whole reason my mom wanted to go here was to try the key lime pie. we got the pie and well it wasnt a pie. It was a key lime flavored sourcream top cheesecake. It was sooo gross. Very disapointing.
(1)
Irene J.
totally laid back--AND they have an AWESOME DJ! i loved the music they were spinning last friday! it was a fun place to hang out and have a few drinks with friends. i DON'T recommend the sangria though. i don't know what possessed me to get it. i was famished, so i ordered chorizo nachos. not bad~ but not the best when on an empty stomach (of alcohol). check mystic celt out with a large group of friends. it's fun and somewhat lively. there's no real dance floor, but who says you can't make your own?
(4)
Erin B.
If you're looking for a great Irish Bar, this isn't it. The name sake is where it ends. If it's a good overall bar, this is the place. While they do serve "typical" fare of the Irish Pubs in Chicago, this is hardly Irish otherwise. They've got decent bar food, and it's a good place to check out the game. Also, if I can remember, they have good specials on non-[Cub]game days.
(3)
elizabeth n.
A great irish bar in a great location! It's a great place to go on weekends, and although I have not tried the food there, it's a great place to just enjoy a beer. The spacious bar has lots of room and even though it gets packed- it is not uncomfortably crowded. I'd suggest going early to get a table and you are in for a low key, fun night!
(4)
Don L.
Went here last night with a group of friends. The food was was fine, but not memorable. You would be fine going to any other bar/grill/Applebee's in the world. We all left saying, "Meh."
(3)
Monica S.
I went to Mystic Celt for dinner, so can't comment on the later nightlife. It was MUCH bigger than I thought it would be, with the back serving as more of a restaurant setting and the front is more the bar scene. The food was reasonably priced. I had some sandwich that had turkey, brie cheese and some sort of apples. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It was enough to make you full, but a lighter fare so I wasn't completely stuffed aftewards! The crowd varied from mid-twenty-somethings to some in their 40s.
(4)
Sydney K.
This is a cute Irish bar with good food. The bartenders are always attentive and the waitresses are very friendly. It's a great place to kick back with friends and throw down a few pints.
(3)
Liliana S.
I've ate some good food here. Cool Irish bar..Good atmosphere and its a great place to have some drinks, catch a game, or just come to eat and be in that environment...
(4)
Robyn N.
I love this Irish Bar! They have a huge menu, plenty of seating-indoors and out, and great drinks. Mystic Celt is the perfect place to hang out w/ your friends.
(4)
Kristin A.
Nice laid back bar. Great place to start the evening. Plenty of seating and huge menu!
(5)
Mary W.
"This is a fun place to hang out with friends! Not only is the restaurant Irish but a lot of the employees are from the Irish homeland as well! they have great food, especially the tuna salad wrap and great service!"
(4)
C M.
Great place for food and relaxing. Kevin and Emon (owners) are very attentive and eager to help. Staff is friendly and service oriented. I would like to see more authentic Irish dishes in the future. Sit inside if you don't want to be bothered by foot traffic or all-day drinkers.
(4)
Doug p.
another good one on southport, they make strong shots and they've got a ton of space for everyone to breathe. the waitresses and bartenders are cute and really friendly and the food is awesome
(5)
Julia B.
This is one of the best Irish bars in Chicago. It's on one of my favorite streets-Southport and is very clean and kept up inside. Thursdays are my favorite with $15 bucket of Corona and $4 Margarita's! Also the $10 Breakfast Buffet on Sunday's is phenomenal!
(3)
Shavahn R.
We have walked passed this pub a few times, and being a lover of all things Irish we were excited to stop there for a quick bite before meeting some friends. Disappointment is an understatement--I actually ended up leaving absolutely livid. Our waitress, Danielle, was beyond horrible--I actually want to write so many expletives, but I won't . Never did she welcome us, never even cracked a smile, walked passed once and even said, "I deserve a raise"--she never checked on us, if we even asked for something, it was like WE were the ones doing something wrong. It was so uncomfortable even being there. So much for a nice night out. The only reason I threw in an extra star is because the food was decent pub food. We won't ever go back, though, thanks to Danielle's ever so welcoming personality.
(2)
N E.
Went here for a private event in the backroom. The Bar tender that worked the party was really great. Before coming here I had checked the website to see if I should order dinner while there. I'm a fan of bar apps so I ordered two: Chicken Quesadillas and the Pub Nachos with veggie chilli on it. Both we good, not great, and would order again. Saw someone having a burger on the way in, so I went with the Hickory burger (BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and crispy onion strings) Good amount of bacon, and the onion strings were a great touch. Will be stopping by to have one again when I'm in the area.
(4)
Angie M.
Aside from having exceptionally good waffle fries, I'm never really that impressed with Mystic Celt. The space is fairly standard issue. Picture lots of dark wood tables, flatscreens galore to catch the game, high top tables, a few random booths... I don't know. I always think they could do better. It's boring. Service is always just OK, too. The waitresses fly by, drink refills are hard to come by and it takes for-ev-er to get a check. Are they just always understaffed? Food? Meh. Like I said, the waffle fries are great, but my sandwiches seem to leave something to be desired. The turkey burger lacks any kind of grill marks or crust on the exterior, so the texture is weird. I'm just never really happy with anything I've eaten. So yeah. If I'm in the hood and it's like, the only option available, I'll swing in. But with so many better options on the Southport Strip, why bother with mediocrity?
(3)
Adam K.
Meh, the food was pretty good. The service wasn't that great. I liked the chorizo or whatever hamburger my drunk ass shoved into my gullet at 2AM. I didnt like that we were the only patrons and the DJ was playing the most god awful goddamn music I have ever heard. I don't even know what top 40 euro mix he was sampling from, but it was not pleasant. Also, the wait staff needs to work on their attitudes a bit. I may stumble in drunk again.
(3)
Kristina N.
Hands down this place is awesome and delicious. We had the best waitress (Kimmy) who was amazing taking care of our group of 15-18! She never let us have any empty glasses, split our checks which was fantastic with such a huge group! Brunch was so good, great variety of food! I definitely can't wait to go back! A+ for service!
(4)
Alexander J.
Didn't feel very Irish to be an Irish pub. Had a burger and a beer, the burger was alright and the beer was reasonably priced. Service was OK, but nothing more. The side of french fries I chose for the burger were not very good though, maybe that's how some people want their fries but they were not cripsy at all and kinda soggy. The peel left on the potatoes can some times be a good thing and make the fries better, well, in this case it didn't feel like a good thing. Ah well, I finished the food and it was pretty good, will probably not go back though, but I could.
(3)
Gemma K.
Mystic Celt is a go to spot for my cousin, usually for lunch or after work with friends. Was I surprised when he asked if I would be "in the area" today? Of course. I can be plied, I suppose. I was more intrigued as to the reason, so off I went to Mystic Celt. One reason this was the spot was the fact that Monday is half off appetizers, wine, and a couple of choice pints. Okay, was I manipulated? Yeah. But blood is blood. Segue to the food! Wave those sweet mini cheeseburgers back and forth in front of me and I will listen to why you brought me here. Taunt me with a pretty decent set of wings with amazingly unlimited veggies (thanks to a server that actually seemed to be happy to be there) and I'm intrigued. Share a salad with me and I won't get out my checkbook, but I will definitely listen to what ails you. Speaking of ale ... this place is not only cozy but it is complete Though his fave, Leinenkugels was not halves's, we made due with Blue Moon. For me, I was pleasantly surprised. In days of yore, he would lament about customer service issues, but all was well tonight. Especially the half off deals. My take: I think it has a lot going for it in that typical Erin go Bragh way that you so want in an Irish pub. And the food was great. As to the ulterior motives: they pretty much fly out the window when you actually find a place like this that is the perfect spot to kick back and catch up.
(4)
Leanne A.
Nothing special, but cute location and outdoor seating. There's always rooms here, it seems. I''ve only been a couple times, but the service has always been the same; apathetic and dismissive. The food is typical bar fare, maybe a little more options than average.
(3)
Patrick L.
Have been here several times, I'd say all in all it's a good reliable place to go. I haven't really had anything spectacular but it's all been good. The drinks are also good, the staff is friendly, accessible and polite. They have plenty of televisions around for keeping up with games too.
(3)
Melissa P.
best margaritas in town. no question.
(5)
Eric R.
This review is a bit goofy, because it deals with a meal that we had at the Mystic Celt more than 12 years ago. But I remembered it this morning and thought it was worth writing up. In November 2002, my wife and I were sworn in as lawyers. Her mother and 88-year-old grandma came to the ceremony, and took us out for a celebratory lunch afterwards. The Mystic Celt was new-ish at the time, and my wife's grandma was southside Irish (she was a little old lady who grew up over the tavern that her family ran before settling in Beverly and raising a gaggle of kids. You'd never expect it but she could keep up when cocktails were being served.) So that was the place we picked. It was a weekday lunch, so the place was quiet. My grandma-in-law explained to the waiter why we were there - clearly proud of her newly-minted lawyer granddaughter - and told him to bring over a bottle of champagne to toast the occasion. But the waiter apologized that the bar didn't sell any sparkling wine (they do now, I see). She was disappointed but we went on. To our great surprise, about 15 minutes later the waiter came over to the table with a bottle of champagne. When we asked what had changed in that time, he said that the manager felt bad that we couldn't properly celebrate, and sent him up the street to Osco to take care of the request. The manager apparently paid for it out of his pocket and insisted that it was on the house. We drank out of wine glasses, and though it was probably cheap drug store stuff it tasted pretty great under the circumstances. My grandma-in-law died less than a year later. She was the best. I am glad to have that memory of her. Thanks, Mystic Celt manager from 12 years ago. (P.S. I think their burgers were pretty good? I honestly don't remember.)
(5)
Natalie Q.
Service is great and the place is really nice but the food is just okay. We both had burgers and while they look impressive, they really taste like a regular cheap burger. The fries aren't anything to talk about either. We had a full carafe of sangria, which wasn't that expensive. It didn't taste like much though. Honestly it kind of tasted like koolaid. We probably won't be back here for food. It was just really disappointing. There are so many way better options for burgers and I expected a lot more.
(2)
Jamie B.
Gross place. Smelled like maple syrup (from brunch?) at 8pm. Sticky tables horrible service. Took 20 mins to get a round of drinks of which two of the four were incorrect. Will not be back.
(1)
Mallory L.
Atmosphere is great. Service is subpar at times. Most disappointing thing is no mugs for Moscow mules multiple nights in a row. Even when it is not busy can't seem to get service or appropriate mugs for drinks
(2)
Ryan C.
This review is based solely on my dining experience here. The inside of Mystic Celt is very nice in terms of the restaurant layout, TV selection, and style. I guess I would consider Mystic Celt a 'classier' type of sports restaurant and bar (compared to BW3's and the likewise). In addition, their menu features more unique food options (specifically, Irish inspired) than typical sports bar. The group I came with decided to split the homemade mac and cheese cake as an app. Like all the food I tried here, it was just okay, nothing extraordinary. The size of one mac and cheese cake was equivalent to the size of a 'man that lifts' closed fist. I think a mac and cheese cake is pretty much mac & cheese rolled into a patty, soaked in eggs, sprinkled with flour, then deep fried. It was pretty heavy and a bit greasier than I would have liked, but the mac & cheese itself was pretty good. In addition to the mac and cheese cake, I tried the Juicy Maclucy burger. This is an angus patty stuffed with mac and cheese and topped with a few onion rings. (It was just one of those mac n cheese days, you know?) I knew after eating the mac and cheese cake, there was no way I would be able to finish my meal. It was just too much heavy food. The burger was just okay. I asked for it medium-well and would have liked for the outside of the burger to have been a little crispier. The mac and cheese left no impact on the taste of the burger, I kind of forgot it was on the burger. If I were to come back, I wouldn't be "dying" to have a burger from here. I realize the mac and cheese cake with the Juicy Maclucy burger was a poorly planned execution of meal planning on my part, but regardless, nothing in my meal really impressed me. Based on just the food, I would have given Mystic Celtic three stars. It was just average. I gave this review two stars because the customer service was lacking. Our waitress stopped by our table just a couple of times and neglected to fill our drinks. We had to ask her for refills and I left the restaurant thirsting for water. I would probably give Mystic Celt another opportunity but it would have to be on an occasion when I am wanting to go somewhere to eat lightly and focus majorly on drinking and watching a sporting event. I feel as though the surrounding restaurants around Mystic Celt are more appealing, but I would not reject the offer of going to Mystic Celt for a few drinks.
(2)
Ryan J.
This place is the worst. I came on a Friday (for the all you can eat fish fry). I got my first order of fish and it came with a really small portion of fish. I thought okay well it's all you can eat. I then waited half an hour for my second serving which consisted of only one piece. When I asked about my second order she asked me if I just wanted it to go... Really? I'm currently waiting for my third serving. If you are going to have and all you can eat option don't give 2 small pieces of fish for the first serving then 1 piece for the second a half hour later. Sorry that is just terrible. It's been 20 min and I'm still waiting for my 3rd serving hopefully it is more then just one piece. If you have it on your menu, especially if it is your special for the day you gotta be able to serve it if ordered. So disappointed. Don't come here. Just don't.
(1)
Karen C.
I have to say, every time I've been here, the food has been pretty meh. Either the silverware, glassware or plates have always looked dirty & they are always out of some of the beers on the list. The mac & cheese always sounds so good, but it's just a big bowl of blah. I usually only end up here because there aren't a ton of other options on Southport with this much outdoor seating & affordable prices. The good part is that it's enormous, and you can almost always get a table, no matter the size of your group. The servers are also always really nice, and it's definitely a relaxing atmosphere, but it's definitely not the best choice in the area if you want good Irish food, or even just a good meal in general.
(2)
Jeremy B.
A solid bar on the Southport corridor serving up good beer, drinks and above average bar food. The menu isn't uber-Irish but they do have some staples like corned beef, fish & chips and bangers & mash...mostly it's traditional American bar fare of cheese curds, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. Don't let that disappoint you as everything I have ordered has been very good, just fair warning if you're expecting a Dublin-like experience. The service is always friendly but can sometimes be slow. They also have a decent amount of tables available outside on the sidewalk patio.
(4)
Zehra G.
THE place to go for a GREAT burger, music, and good conversation. I can't remember the name of the burger I get, but I know what it is when I go here.Their mashed potatoes are the ones you crave after thanksgiving. Yeah, I said it. Tastes homemade which are my favorite. They have an outdoor seating too but I usually go here during spring and summer so I don't like flies or any bugs to be around me. Nonetheless the inside seating is just as spacious and accommodating. The staff is really nice and do all they can to fill your order (and tummy!)
(5)
Lea C.
Went here on a Wednesday night, it wasnt that busy at all - yet it took 10mins to get our water, 25mins for our food, and 15mins to get a box for our leftover and the check. Why does it take 15mins for you to get a couple boxes and our check? Maybe our waitress was just new, but we had a lot of waiting to do - which made us lose our appetite. Bad service, just OK food, not worth it.
(1)
Melia B.
I've actually never eaten here, but have been to the bar a few times. I like the atmosphere here. The bartenders are always amazing and on top of it.
(4)
Brian S.
Stopped in for a pint of Guinness and some fish and chips. The pint didn't really taste fresh, perhaps the beed to clean tap lines and the fish and chips where bot on the greasy side. The service was okay, but could have been friendlier and the place could have been cleaner. Overall average Irish bar experience. It felt a bit corporate franchise like.
(3)
Ellen K.
So, I called to confirm their brunch's 3:00 end time and they tell me 2:30. OK, I get it, they want you out of there by 3. I went there and arrived 2:15ish and when I got a hold of a hostess, she coldly tells me I have just 10 minutes left. I said, "So everything out there now has been sitting a while and is crusty and grosse?" to which another hostess nodded at me. Great. I loved this brunch with it's roasted corned beef and moderate price. This experience has now made me reevaluate my perception of the place.
(3)
Liz A.
Sunday brunch buffet is amazing. 11.95 all you can eat, can't go wrong. The omelette bar is great. Good french toast and pancakes. The yogurt parfait bar made me feel healthy about my food choices for a bit. Macaroni and cheese was surprisingly good. They used spiral noodles but then switched over to elbow noodles when they replenished the food. I liked the spiral better. I always feel like service is hard to judge when you're eating at a buffet because the server doesn't really have to do much. She was attentive in making our drinks were full. She did charge our group for 6 brunch buffet plates when they're were only 5 of us but this was quickly corrected. We arrived at 11 and it was easy to get a table. I've also gone to brunch on Saturday here but they don't do the buffet on Saturday, still good brunch options.
(4)
John M.
I love Mystic Celt. It's right around the corner from house and a great spot to spot in for a drink or a night to eat. Pros and Cons: +++email list coupons and discounts. It seems like every other week there is half off discounts or a 10$ gift card in the mail. It definately keeps me as a loyal costumer. +brunch. Seriously is the 'best kept secret on southport'. Wicked cheap and surprisingly tastey. Lots of options! - The hostess at brunch (will tell you the wait is 60 minutes, but then seats you in 4 -- this has happened to me 3 times from the same woman.. why?!?!)
(4)
Nick H.
We live right down the street from the Mystic Celt, so we have been here a few times for lunch and dinner. Most of the time it has been pretty good. We have always been seated promptly and our servers have always been good and attentive. They have a pretty good selection of burgers and sandwiches. Their macaroni and cheese I tried and was actually really good! The burgers are hit or miss as far as being cooked the way I like, but when cooked right, they're great. Also, I also am a loyalty club member and get great mail with awesome discounts that can't be beat. We will definitely keep coming back.
(4)
Elise K.
While I don't really enjoy the Mystic Celt as an evening venue (Club Celt...), I do like Sunday brunch. We had a group of 16 adults and 3 babies - difficult to accommodate - but the server did well - despite how tight it was AND she split checks. I also enjoyed the buffet. The corned beef from the carving station was AWESOME!!!!!! The fresh fruit and other items were great too.
(4)
Rebecca R.
An afternoon with my girlfriends brought me to Mystic Celt for lunch and drinks. We got a nice spot on the small little patio out front along the street. Great spot for both sunning and people watching. The menu has a nice range of options. I most likely will not order what I choose again, but only because it didn't have enough variety for my taste. I settled on the kale salad and the flavors were very good, just a little overkill on the kale. Maybe a nice side salad with kale, feta, and fruit, but not a whole giant bowl. The drink list was pretty good and they had a few rotating on tap. I had plenty to choose from though I stayed safe with a Matilda. Good spot, not too overpriced. Servers are young, so sometimes you just have to be patient.
(4)
Leang E.
I thought that the place would be obnoxious, but I felt like it was pretty chill and relaxed. I've been overexposed to the River North more pretentious spots, and this was a welcome reprieve. I happened to be here on Halloween, and had the Pumpkin beer and really enjoyed that. The server was pretty helpful on that recommendation and was pretty attentive. I like the set-up and the prices were reasonable. I wouldn't mind coming back.
(4)
Christopher M.
I feel bad for people who see Mystic Celt and think they are walking into a fine Irish pub. This place is anything but a solid Irish pub, but instead they try to make themself a club, which makes zero sense. Solid beers on tap gets them 2 stars, but unless absolutely necessary this place is best avoided. 167/365
(2)
Jim F.
Classic bar food selections but done well. Service has always been good (prompt when you come in, take your order and don't mess it up, delivering it promptly). The atmosphere is social, vibrant, the typical large bar noise level & commotion. Nice place to hang out and watch a game/event. There are additional room(s) if you want something quieter, which is why it earns 5 rather than 4 stars. The quality of the food gets it above 3. LOVE the Fish & Chips (Special) on Fridays. We don't do the "bar scene" much (noise, menu), but this is were we go. While it's conveniently located just north of the Southport CTA Brown Line, parking would be a challenge if driving.
(5)
Andrew B.
This is your typical big bar with Irish typical pub food. The food is just ok, typically would warrant 2 stars. The magic of this place is it's big and perfect for a large group. I've come in on the fly with groups in excess of 10 people, so it's great to have a place than can handle such large groups in the city without a reservation!
(3)
Mallory Z.
This place has some amazing food. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and couldn't decide between breakfast food or lunch. I was starving, so I got both. A plate a breakfast potatoes and fish tacos later I was stuffed. It's really hard for me to be legitimately full from a restaurant entree but this place pulled it off. I was really impressed by both quality and quantity of the food. It's hard to say that at most places. The entire menu looked amazing. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Susan G.
The burgers are just awesome, the cocktails are good and they have some great beer on tap. Service is alright , the atmosphere is nice on s Friday night-lively and busy but not over crowded and annoying. Noise level is perfect as well!
(4)
Lisa G.
I love this place! It is the perfect neighborhood bar. Everyone is friendly and they make great drinks. Plus the food is DELICIOUS. You have to try a hamburger if you go. It's the ideal spot for a first date with a new guy or Sunday brunch with the girls. They say their brunch is the best kept secret on Southport and I would totally agree. Also, it's beautiful sitting outside in the summertime.
(5)
Sims K.
The worst service I have ever received! Went there on a weekday expecting easy service but instead was ignored completely once we sat down. Waited 30 minutes simply to get water. Our server Sayre finally brought water after we asked hostess for our server. She never touched the table afterwards. We received our food and assistance from kitchen staff and hostess. She was not helpful and had no reason to even be there since it seemed like she didn't want to do her job. I've worked in the industry for the past 5 years and typically don't write reviews or shed negative light on people in the industry. Then again I could not believe the service I received and can't let it go. I really do hope something is done about this poor service.
(1)
Mark E.
Went here mid-afternoon on our way to a show at the Chicago Theatre for a quick drink and an appetizer. We sat at the bar, and I was really struck by how beautiful the restaurant is with it's ornate features, natural sunlight beaming through the large, open windows in front, and the pleasant breeze coming in from the street. We had some burger sliders, which were actually not great, but decent, and a couple of reasonably priced drinks. The bartender was very nice. Last night, we came again to celebrate my wife's boss' birthday, and it was more of a group situation. Great atmosphere, great service and the coconut shrimp were off the chain. Definitely great experiences both times.
(4)
Johnny F.
Went here last night for dinner. The burgers were great, but the service was just ok. Sorry that I only got water and the other person at my party didn't show up for 15 minutes. Guess that means you get ignored.
(4)
Brian K.
Danielle is awesome. Very dry humor. But if you don't understand it, you shouldn't be going out all.-Brooklyn Bartender (But seriously-if you don't like people don't get Danielle)
(4)
David A.
Fun place, good bar food. Front area is great for a quick bite to eat. Back stage area is good for a small band venue.
(3)
Caitlin K.
Love this restaurant! Have been here many times - for brunch, dinner and drinks - and will continue coming back. The dinner/lunch food is bar food done great, I've never been dissatisfied with their menu selection. But the hidden gem is their brunch! Huge selection of buffet style brunch, cheap mimosas (though not bottomless). Also the bartenders have a heavy hand so you are getting your money's worth! Definitely a great place and not all that crowed on a Sunday morning. Love the atmosphere, the food and the service and will definitely continue coming!
(5)
Meghana P.
Decent food, great specials, and solid drinks. A great neighbourhood bar, and definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Elizabeth A.
Last time we came here was definitely not as good as the last, or the one before that. The tuna salad was pretty gross. I've absolutely had better straight from the grocery store deli. The rest of the food was okay but only okay. I won't be falling over myself to return.
(3)
Justin B.
At the end of the day, Mystic Celt is really a three-star restaurant, but for the price of $12 for all of the food you can eat during the Sunday buffet, you'll get a bump in stars from me every time! I stopped by yesterday and did the buffet; the highs included the carving station meats, the omelettes, the waffles, the smoked sausage, the pork sausage and the mac-and-cheese. The rest of the food falls somewhere between bad and average, but it's a buffet, so there's really something for everyone. Our server yesterday was attentive and my water glass was always full; the music wasn't great during the San Diego/Cincy playoff game but the TVs are plentiful at Mystic Celt so all I really cared about was watching the game and that was easy to do. I wouldn't pick this over the buffet at Stanley's, but then again this is cheaper. A solid option if you are in the 'hood and looking to grub on the cheap.
(4)
Jess C.
This place was recommended to us and decided to go pay a visit around 2pm. Parking available on the street and side streets. Ordered ginger beer and 312 which was as always delicious! The beef stew special was very good and we also ordered the soft pretzels as an app. I would definitely go back for a visit!
(4)
Jen P.
My co-workers and I stopped by after work tonight. As one of them said, "I would give it 3.5 if I could." I'm with her on that. We ordered a few beers, a wrap, a flatbread ($3 on Thursdays), a bunless burger (for our carb conscious friend), and a salad (for the friend that doesn't eat bread). Everything was just okay. The waffle fries are really good and they give you a generous portion of them. I can't hate a place that won't charge you to add bacon and tomato on your grilled cheese. The service was good and it's prime real estate for people watching (so many babies!).
(3)
Stephanie S.
Mystic Celt never fails. I always know that the food and drinks will be great. It's the perfect place in the summer to sit outdoors and chat for a happy hour drink. We go at least monthly.
(4)
Kris G.
I'm between 3 and 4 stars for this one, but if I go back it will definitely be for more of a restaurant experience in which case this place is definitely a 4 star experience. I like being in the Southport area in general. It never feels overcrowded and there is plenty to do on that little strip between Roscoe and Irving Park. I went to Mystic Celt to meet some friends for drinks. They were doing Corona buckets, so we jumped on that deal. I ordered some wings and my roommates got some sandwiches. The drink service was prompt, but the food came out really slowly (we thought they forgot about us for a while there). When the food did come out, it was hot and I really enjoyed my wings. They had some nice heat and were a good size. The inside was really nice and the there were TVs for those who wanted them by the bar and then the rest felt more like a restaurant. We only went to share a few drinks, but sitting at a table it definitely felt like our time was limited. Service was pretty slow, too, so that was too bad. We liked our food enough to try it again for a meal next time. I think that's definitely the better choice seeing we liked the atmosphere for that reason even more. There's rarely a line at the women's bathroom and the menu has a good variety of options as well as a clear theme--quality is consistent. We're excited to try it again.
(4)
Heather C.
Great neighborhood restaurant! Good food and atmosphere with friendly staff. I have food allergies and they never make an issue out of it - always accommodating, especially the manager. Fun place with friends on the weekends or for a chill dinner during the week.
(5)
Dave S.
Thank you and three cheers for Mystic Celt! We were there for a fundraiser party several weeks ago...75 of us...and your staff went out of their way to make our group feel welcome. Drinks were quickly and cheerfully served, food was terrific, and the staff were all so attentive and helpful. We will definitely be back! Dave S.
(5)
Heather D.
I'd been here before and had delicious cheese curds. I went back for more and never got my order taken. It's a Friday night, yes, but it's not very crowded, and we waited 10 minutes with no results. There's no excuse for never being greeted by anyone other than the guy at the door -who did apologize when we shared why we were leaving- for that amount of time. I won't speculate on why we were ignored, but we certainly won't be back. Fizz on Lincoln got our business, and I got my cheese curds.
(1)
Michelle L.
I would have given 3 stars but given its proximity to my apartment it gets 4. It's a standard bar but what I love is their Sunday brunch. It's only $12 and there's a huge spread of food from made to order omelets, salad, French toast, fresh fruit, meat and more. I probably go there once a week or every other week. The one time I've gone and been disappointed was when I went to get lunch and the owner wanted to check my ID again after the bartender already had. I get it because I look younger than I really am but i sensed an attitude from her and she straight out told me to get a new ID...it doesn't expire until next year...
(4)
Terri T.
I have been patronizing Mystic Celt since they opened. This evening I was taken aback on how cozy and welcoming the outdoor patio was. Even thou it was a bit brisk to sit outside it was tastefully decorated for the Fall Season. Each table even had a candle lit to add to the ambiance . This is such a true Chicago Neighborhood Bar. Great bar food and staff. I am attaching a photo of the outside patio but it doesn't do it any justice.
(5)
Joseph D.
Perhaps I'm a bit biased as this was the first place my wife and I ate at when we moved to Chicago. We sat outside on a perfect night and enjoyed a few great beers and some interesting burgers and sandwiches. I had the Thanksgiving Turkey Burger complete with cranberry mayo and the wife had a BBQ chicken sandwich. What made this place interesting to me was the sides. I was able to get Sweet Potato Tater Tots. How cool is that!?!? And the burger was pretty darn good too. As for the BBQ chicken sandwich, it also did not disappoint. Reports from the wife were that it was very good so overall food gets decent marks. What I liked was that the menu was quite extensive and ranged from salads to burgers to main dishes so a little something for everyone. I liked that it had a bar atmosphere with better than bar food (I'm talking to you Wheel House!) so it can serve as a great place to hang out for the night or as a restaurant before you head out elsewhere. Services was good as well (especially the bus staff - usually people only notice the waiter / waitress where as we notice how quickly you can get a plate cleared, more water or a new fork!) and the patio was nice too. Overall a good bet for decent food, good services and a nice selection of beers.
(4)
Lucy N.
This place is a great neighborhood spot with awesome bar food. If you go, get the buffalo chicken fingers and one of the mac&cheeses, you will not be disappointed. I think their buffalo sauce is some of the best I have had in Chicago.
(4)
Shalem A.
I live right around the corner from Mystic Celt and have been here on a number of occasions at various times with mixed results. The food is actually very good for a bar menu. Great wraps, burgers, wings, etc. I've never had a meal that wasn't at least satisfactory, and the portion sizes will not leave you hungry. The beer selection is average. They usually have one or two special selections that rotate, other than that it's what you would expect at a Chicago Irish themed bar. The service is usually fair. On occasion I've run into lazy/slow servers and or bartenders here, but nothing egregious. Lastly, I must mention that if you come here late on a weekend, this place turns into the worst dance club in Chicago. The DJ loves blasting music you haven't heard in ten years and the drunkards oblige by flailing about on the makeshift dance floor. I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or even dinner and the game after work, just make sure you're gone before things get weird.
(3)
Rachel P.
Great atmosphere! Yummy food [their Sunday brunch from 11?-2:30 is full of breakfast favorites & an omelette station], always the nicest people there to help you out. It's a must go...and go again.
(4)
Alex T.
Went to Mystic Celt today to sit outside and grab a quick Bloody Mary. We asked to sit outside so we could finally enjoy the sun. Upon our waitress' arrival, I mentioned we were just going to grab a drink and wouldn't be eating. Apparently that is "against the rules" and to sit outside at Mystic Celt you must order food. After an extremely rude / awkward / uncomfortable exchange with our waitress we got up and left because we did not want food. There was no wait for a table, and I couldn't believe we were basically asked to leave so the waitress could "abide by the rules" of the bar. With so many great bars and restaurants around, won't be going back to this one.
(1)
Kristen D.
I sat in front of the menu for a solid 30 minutes and still couldn't decide on something to eat. The waitress recommended the corned beef or BBQ pulled chicken with coleslaw, but per usual, I ended up with quesadillas. They were stuffed with chicken and cheese and peppers and had a delicious side of guac to go with it. I would recommend these for sure! If I'm remembering correctly, I've also had the BBQ pulled pork and waffle fries here as well. I remember loving the waffle fries.
(3)
Esther G.
From the confusing sign specials to the prices that don't quite add up right on said poster, to the watery spinach and artichoke dip, this place would probably get a one star had it not been for the 1. beer/lemonade/vodka drink and 2. that it's an MSU bar. I'd be willing to go back again, perhaps I'd be in a better mood/not be so critical watching an MSU football/basketball win, but I'm not totally sure how my experience would improve.
(2)
Agnes L.
As a Spartan alumna, I feel obligated to like this place more...but there are better State bars in the area. I've visited a couple times, once for an MSU basketball game and my most recent visit for the food and drink weekend specials. For both visits, I had lackluster bar food but decent beverage prices. What was most frustrating about the place is the fact that they admittedly have confusing signage for specials. The prices for the wings and burgers don't match up on the banner outside of the door with the menu descriptions. It seems like a no-brainer to change one or the other if it's clearly confusing customers and servers. The wings were nothing to write home about as they were a mix of varying chicken parts with more sauce than meat, and the spinach-artichoke dip had a thin consistency making it seem as if it originated from one of those pouched seasoning mixes. But, I did appreciate the crunch on the wings from the frying and the duo of chip and pita bread on the side of the dip. A plus is that drink menus provided more options than the typical domestic beers and standard cocktails. My friend and I ordered the Summer Brew - beer, lemonade and vodka so it tasted like a pumped-up summer shandy. We agreed it was an unusual mix that paid off.
(2)
Chrystalle B.
This place didnt really seem like an Irish bar, it seemed more like a neighborhood steakhouse. The atmosphere was really disappointing. Even though there were a bunch of college football fans w/ gear on we still felt underdressed. The food was decent. I had the mac and cheese, my husband had the chicken sandwich. I wouldve had the Shepherd's pie (one of my all time fave dishes) but the description said "Ground beef and vegatable stew, topped w/ mashed potatoes". Stew? Sorry. My Irish great grandmother would smack a chef that called something w/ stew in it Shepherd's pie. Having Bangers and Mash and something posing as Shepherd's pie on your menu, having Guinness on tap, and having "Celt" in your name does not an Irish bar make.
(2)
Christy L.
I recently held a fundraiser at Mystic Celt and could not have picked a better venue! Alison helped me organize the event, and the process was seamless. She always responded to my requests quickly and was very helpful. Mystic Celt offers two packages. For $20, your guests have access to a three-hour open bar (beer and wine) or for $25, well drinks are included. The package also includes two $25 gift certificates to the Vaughan group bars to help raise money via a raffle as well as light appetizers. Half of the proceeds (with a 25 person minimum) go to the charity. Mystic Celt offers such a generous package with a large portion of the money benefiting your charity. On the day of our event, the back room (which accommodates up 90 people) was perfectly set up. We had one bartender for our group, but they made it clear that they'd add an extra bartender if needed. The light appetizers were great and more than I expected - bruschettta, a veggie plate, and guacamole. When our group expressed that they were still hungry, Justin, the manager, brought out pizzas. He was in and out of the room regularly to make sure the event was running smoothly and everyone was happy. Mystic Celt is a great neighborhood Irish pub - not just for dinner, snacks and drinks but also to host events.
(5)
Tee-Ahhhh L.
I like that Mystic Celt is close to public transportation and it's on a strip of Southport that is a lot of fun, but that is all I like about it. I met two friends there last night and our food was awful. I was charged $9.50 for a veggie burger which by the way was truly just a Boca burger. In addition, I was charged another $2.00 for pickles and cheese, and then another $1.50 for tater tots. So altogether, $13.00 for a friggin veggie burger that wasn't even flavorful. My friend had the fish tacos and she said they were okay, but the aioli that came with it was so hot that her mouth was burning for about 20 minutes after. Perhaps they could forewarn that it's super spicy ahead of time. Anyhoo...I think the food is terrible and it's overpriced. However, Mystic Celt is a great location if you just want to meet a friend for a beer before moving on to somewhere else on Southport.
(2)
Rick C.
Fun place, great staff....one of my favorite lunchtime spots!
(5)
Hannah C.
We stopped by here on a Friday night around 10 and it was surprisingly empty. They had a DJ going that played a variety of music a little too loudly for my taste. Our waitress had no idea what liquor was available at the bar. The sangria tasted like kool-aid. We waited forever for our server and often had to ask for our water glasses to be refilled. The pasta was mediocre and the portions of the unlimited fish and chips were tiny - and since our waitress was so AWOL, getting more was a challenge! If all you need is a beer and a place to sit, you'll be fine. Otherwise, visit somewhere else.
(2)
Kyle D.
Mystic Celt seems to be a pretty good staple in the Southport stop. Solid food, good service, and great selections (both food and drink). Plenty of beer to choose from and loads of foods from salads to Irish fare. Great burgers too. You really can't go wrong with this place. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and there are also party rooms in the back. My only complaint would have to be the music, which was kind of loud and playing Top 40 tunes. Not exactly Celtic if you ask me. Still, a great restaurant and a great place! Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10
(4)
Lauren F.
I always avoided this place because I thought it was just another typical bar on the Southport strip with typical (read: crappy) food and not a whole lot to offer. Well, we stopped in on a Sunday afternoon to watch the women's World Cup game and I was proven wrong. They have a great outdoor seating area if you want to enjoy a beautiful Chicago day (and get some solid people watching in) but they also have flat screens and big comfy booths inside if that suits your fancy. They have a pretty decent sized brunch buffet that lasts until 3pm on Sundays, it just looked ok though so I opted to order a burger from the menu. The New Mexico burger to be exact. Holy delicious burger! Super juicy and topped with roasted peppers, sauteed onions, tortilla strips, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo and served with waffle fries aplenty-yum, yum, yum. We also got the nachos which were free with a check-in on Yelp, thank you! They were ginormous and very good as well. Every other plate that came out looked just as awesome, I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with anything I ordered. I'll be back to test that theory out!
(4)
Dan H.
Stop #8 on my "Eating my way through Chicago/St. Louis and possibly doing other things on this trip Summer Tour 2011" found us looking for a place to sit outside and have some beers. We ended up at Mystic Celt. Another place in my friends neighborhood. It was bloody hot out and we were well fed. It was time to enjoy some beers out in the sun. The beer list was a nice selection of locals as well as imports. We sampled (drank) many of them including Windy City Wheat and Half Acre Daisy Cutter (both from Chicago). We ended up spending a good many hours here and racked up a pretty nice bill. It was ok though. I was with some good people having good conversation sitting out under the sun and eventually the stars on a hot hot day in Chicago, IL. What could be better than that?
(3)
Katie P.
This review is strictly for a private charity event I co-hosted in their private back room. We hosted a charity event for ALS and the Mystic Celt staff and manager were super sweet, attentive and helpful. They made sure all the guests got everything they needed and came over to the hosts multiple times to see if there was anything else they could do to accomodate us. Overall it was a fantastic night with great food, drinks and service. Having Mystic Celt be so supportive and helpful for a private event like this makes me want to come back for a beer or dinner anytime!
(5)
Shaina K.
I'm going to see how many one word sentences I can use to describe this place: Expensive. (Went here at 10ish on a Saturday night, spent close to $30 on three mixed drinks) Loud. (Music blaring, with lots of drunk girls dancing, and creepy guys watching.) Okay I give up....I was going to give this place three stars, but it earns an extra one for one of the best mango/pineapple/rum drinks I've ever had. And clean bathrooms.
(4)
Michael V.
Buffalo sauce on chicken wrap strikes a perfect balance between flavor and spice. Beer and food specials every night including a damn good Sunday brunch. Staff are courteous and kind. Favorite bar in lakeview
(5)
Anne M.
This is a review for their private party room. I had my birthday party in the back room at Mystic Celt this weekend and it was an effortless and wonderful experience. Alison was so responsive and helpful in getting it booked, and our bartender Caroline was awesome and took great care of us. I ordered several food trays ahead of time and asked for them to be brought out at a specific time; they came out exactly as I requested and I had lots of compliments on the food. I was allowed to bring in my own cake as well, and the staff at Mystic Celt helped set it up and provided plates, forks, and cutting services for it free of charge. I was able to bring my own iPod and plug it into their sound system, and the party felt very private even though there was a dance party in the next room. I originally booked the room for three hours, but as our end time came around, it was clear that a lot of people weren't quite ready to leave, so the amazing Caroline offered to keep the bar open for us a little longer. Overall, it was a wonderful space for a birthday party with ~30 guests -- everyone commented on the great space and food, and I was free to have fun and enjoy my own party while the staff took care of everything. Thank you, Mystic Celt!
(5)
Tom K.
I love this place. Good food, but I mostly come here for the night life. It has all your options covered as far great staff, good patrons, a big make shift dance floor in the middle. Seats at the bar, tables, booths to people watch, good beers on tap (Guinness, 60 minute IPA). It's in a great area and you don't get the riff raff you get on clark street. I highly recommend the Minneapolis transplant drink in the "Big Ginger", and if you are really feeling festive get yourself a car bomb....it will help your dancing.
(4)
Damian C.
I like this place. It's huge, the vibe is great, the food is excellent, and the waitstaff is attentive even when it gets busy (props to Lauren for our great service this past week). But here are a few tips/bulletpoints to remember: 1. Immediately sign up for their mailing list. You get amazing food/drink specials during the week (seriously, 1/4 price appetizers and 17-cent wings!) and every year on your birthday they will send you a $20 gift card. Score! 2. Their Sunday brunch buffet is complete with a carving station and Irish goodies - sure to cure any hangover. One upgrade would be an unlimited mimosa or screwdriver package. 3. Order the wings well-done. Nothing is better than a heaping pile of crispy teriyaki and/or hot wings. And they're big, too! 4. They have one of those programs where you can text your music choice and it'll play. Sometimes that's a bad thing when people with varying taste pick songs, but it keeps it interesting. 5. While the bar may turn "fratty" at certain times, a term I find hugely insulting, what bar in Lakeview/Wrigleyville/Lincoln Park/Old Town/most of the North Side doesn't? Stop in and have fun - this place is great!
(4)
Kim K.
I paid a recent visit to the Mystic Celt when my husband and I decided to have a "Sunday Funday". We randomly meandered in and I am glad we did! They won my husband over with their chorizo topped burger. I had a wrap with a side of macaroni and cheese. Good food and good service! We will definitely go back....especially for that awesome looking brunch buffet!!! I typically do not care for buffets, so I decided to skip it, but when the table next to us came back with their plates, I immediately regretted my decision. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Aaron W.
Mystic Celt is an interesting place. During late morning and afternoons on the weekends you can enjoy a decent brunch buffet with the family. After work, beers and average bar food with an Irish accent may satiate your needs. But late nights on the weekend the place turns into some kind of misfit nightclub with the music and the lights that make me go ooy my goodness with the pounding and the sloppiness!(Professor Frink?) It's just weird. Anyway, like I said the food is OK, but what gets me is that the menu has never changed in four years and that is not cool in my book. Mac n' cheese, burgers, shepherds pie...I'm over it, at least from this place. There are decent drink specials during the week too and the staff are pretty squared away, and often from Ireland so that's kinda neat. Call me bitter but I expect a bit more out of a bar/restaurant especially in this location. I know "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but I thought changing menus was part of the restaurant business. Oh well, won't really stop me from going back, but I don't plan on eating there again. *Yawn*
(2)
Burger Guide D.
Mystic Celt makes a variety of great burgers. They have everything from the traditional to the gourmet. Offering a variety of buns, fries, and being friendly about customizing your order makes it a great place to explore burgers. My personal favorite burger is the crazy twist which has a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory. The burger features grape goat cheese, pancetta, pickled onion and mushroom aioli. These flavors blend together for a one of a kind flavor.
(5)
Chuck H.
I live within a stone's throw of MC. I used to love this place. Something happened to management because the food is God-awful. Out of 4 apps we just ordered, all 4 are sloppily made, flavorless, and poorly conceptualized. It's not worth 1/2 price we paid. I'm never coming back no matter what special they try to lure me in with. If you're going to drink, it's ok. Still a little overpriced.
(1)
Shawn K.
Fun bar. Good food. They have a lot of tv's so it is a good place to watch a game. The service can sometimes be a little slow when it is busy, typical for a crowded bar. They serve balmers or magners cider here so my girlfriend likes that. Not a lot of places seem to have that. The inside of the bar is mostly dark wood. They also have a large backroom where they seat people to eat. The space is larger than you would think. For that reason there isn't usually much difficulty getting a table. They have a DJ here a few nights a week and I'd you get seated in the wrong place it's pretty much impossible to have a conversation. They pour Guinness the right way, a must for an Irish bar. I would recommend this place to anyone that lives in the area. The Smithwhicks is excellent as well, tastes like ireland. Check out more of my reviews at: shawnkemp.yelp.com
(4)
Briana B.
A review over three seperate times that I've gone here in the past couple of months. The first two times I went on a Wednesday, when they have their wrap specials. Pretty good price for a large wrap and fries or a salad, and their wraps were good! I tried the buffalo one and the chicken with bacon one, both I was VERY happy with. This last time I came, I tried the mac & cheese, which just plainly, wasn't that great. I'd rather walk the 10 feet and get the mac & cheese from noodles and company for half the price! Also, the hospitality there isn't the greatest. Nice staff, they do their jobs, but usually I have to ask for the refill or get the staff's attention before they come to me. Overall, I'd stick with going on a wednesday and taking advantage of that awesome wrap special. Just don't assume the staff will be the best!
(3)
Bobuzzi C.
Had a great time here. Fish & Chips and Corned Beef are delicious. They have a good drink menu too. Fridays are all you can eat Fish & Chips and specials on Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonades. Patio is cozy and staff is very friendly.
(5)
Lauren H.
I have been here multiple times since moving to the neighborhood, sitting outside, in the dining room and at the bar with pretty much the same experience every time; blah. The food is ok, some of it is and some of it is blah. The service has always been horrible; barely ever checked up, empty drinks, rude. There was one very nice bartender so it could be that I have just had new servers. There are always decent specials though. All in all I would go here only if I couldn't go anywhere else.
(2)
Sean B.
So I found that this place is spacious, but average on food and drink for the area. It is very friendly for people with disabilities, the person I was with was blind and he was able to navigate well given the layout. The appetizer platter was decent, the chicken fingers were good, the shrimp was good, and the artichoke dip was above average, however there were not enough pitas. They have a good 1/2 price monday special. The quesadilla is good. I have a pet peeve in bars, it is if they are too loud when there aren't many people in it. I have trouble hearing if the acoustics are off a little. Some sound panels might go a long way in here. If you just want a bite and a drink, this place is good, but I wouldn't make it a destination.
(3)
Howard W.
Don't waste your time, unless you want to be ignored! After a nice wait my party of 3 walked out.
(1)
A W.
A group of us went up here for a bachelor party, and our good friend works here. They have very good specials and the service was very good. It is chicago so drinks might cost so much money, but the have special deals on wrist bands that give you certain drinks for so many hours. They get pretty busy, but not to busy to where it gets unconfortable. Had a very good time here. The food is really good, very good atmosphere. the have many tv's to watch any game you want. Def. 5 stars for Mystic Celt.
(5)
Joey M.
Big sports bar!!! Went here last night for a holiday party! very nice atmosphere with lots of what appear to be college age kids... Has restaurant in the back and small dance floor in front
(4)
Bob K.
Great place, LOVE the food. The fish and chips is a favorite every time. Tuesdays there's a comedy open mic that's always interesting, too. Some really funny people in Chicago!
(5)
Ted C.
This place is that place that seems like a certain place but is a completely different place altogether. Specifically, with a name like Mystic Celt you figure it will be a typical faux-Irish bar that probably plays a late 90s rock mix all the time, has Guinness and maybe a couple other beers. I was wrong, it's a faux-Irish bar that has a loud dj playing a lot of rap and hip-hop while a bunch of the Wrigleyville spillover comes to grind on each other. $6 for a pint of Guinness, which is just ridiculous, why is this bar more expensive than any other bar-a dollar doesn't seem to much but when you're buying a round it can add up. I had to go to the bathroom and uh yikes is all I have to say. It was really dark and dank and the toilet apparently was thirsty because there was a pint glass in there and then the toilet got belligerent because it had broken off the top and was threatening to shank me for getting too close. Which is fine, toilet I won't get too close.
(2)
Patrick H.
Having occasionally dined here over the last 6 years I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed. The only drawback is that the place is so popular during sports games that you can barely hear yourself think. When getting a burger, try the cranberry mayonnaise.
(4)
Jelena Z.
It certainly doesn't hurt Mystic Celt's case that they send me a $20 gift card in the mail every year for my birthday. Why, I believe that's three birthday beers! Speaking of beer, they have some solid choices on tap. But what I usually come here for is the Sunday brunch buffet - if you're looking for a comfy pub in which to get your eat and drink on during football season, Mystic Celt is it!
(4)
Debbie S.
I co-hosted a private charity event in the back room of Mystic Celt on a rainy Thursday night and overall, it was a terrific experience. The manager and the staff were not only extremely helpful and friendly, but they also threw in some extras that helped make the night even more of a success. The Manager was attentive to our needs throughout the evening, stopping by on several occasions to make sure that things were running smoothly. The charity packages are terrific -- for $25, our guests had 3 hours of all you can drink beer, wine and liquor and 50% of that went directly to our charity. The fact that Mystic Celt played a key role in making our event a success makes me want to go back for a beer or for dinner. If you are looking to host an event, definitely give Mystic Celt a try. I can't imagine a better experience anywhere else.
(5)
Sally L.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a pub off the Southport brown line stop- and came upon Mystic Celt. From the friendly hostess who led us to the perfect "for two" table by the window, to our friendly and attentive waitress Ashley, the evening was fantastic. Our food was great, the beers were wonderful, the atmosphere relaxing and cozy, & everyone was nice. We were impressed and both said how much we would like to go back. I complimented who I thought was the evening host (he ended up being the manager!) on what a great time we were having, and he had Ashley come over and offer us two shots on him! We enjoyed our Jameson shots, and then left full and happy. Thank you Mystic Celt, for a memorable evening and great service. You have most assuredly made returning customers out of us.
(5)
Meg K.
Fun place very nice for private parties. don't go for lunch though or dinner unless you plan drinking a lot. Otherwise you'll notice the slow service or maybe they will be more attentive if you are ringing up the bill with booze. Went with my mom for lunch and we had to flag down the waitress a few times and it wasn't even crowded. Stick to going for bar time which is a blast or for private parties. There the service is great.
(3)
Lawrence R.
Went a little earlier on a Thursday at 6:00 pm and seated ourselves. Good drink specials and food specials but we ordered from the regular menu. They accommodated my request to make my chicken sandwich buffalo style, which made me really happy. The nachos were very good. Not too heavy on the cheese but a well balanced plate. Definitely on my list of places I will visit again. Oh, and it was family friendly as well. Two different tables were there with kids who ordered the mini cheeseburger special. They seem to really to enjoy them.
(4)
Rachel F.
I hate to do this to an MSU bar, but the Celt just didn't impress me. I was here for a private event, while the event space was pretty nice and huge, it didn't make up for service and appetizers. We had a sterno of chicken fritters which were extremely dry and lacked flavor. The other appetizers included a crudite platter, chips and dry bruschetta, all kinda boring. But expected. Yet what really knocks this down to a 2 star review is that the service was pretty bad. The bartenders in the private event space were alright, not super helpful but poured beer just fine. But after the event we all decided to stick around and tried to get served up front. After heading up to the bar we rudely ignored, and given hostility upon ordering. When we finally ordered the keg was tapped, and the bartender just said "your going to have to wait", then went immediately to the otherside of the bar to help someone else. not giving me the option to order something else. I walked over to where she was and said.. that's alright, we're going to go. I thought the point of hosting special events was to capitalize on people who stay post the event. I won't be back there are plenty of other MSU bars or generic Irish bars in Chicago to spend your money w. no attitude.
(2)
Steve G.
I've lived in the Southport area for 5 years now and I have gone to Mystic Celt a ton of times, so I have a pretty good feel on this place including having had most of their menu. So, with that being said the biggest thing this place has going for it, is it's location, which is right next to the Brownline in Lakeview, otherwise this place would fail. It's one of those places that just isn't good but you end up going there because it's non-threatening and familiar.... Here's the thing. This place is just too expense for their lackluster food. All of their wraps are just plain bad, and over priced. They charge $13 for a subpar Cobb Salad, I mean, come on man. The only thing that I would say is good and reasonably priced is the Celt Burger, $10. But, other then that you won't find much under $10, which would be fine if the food warranted the price. I never feel good about going here, and I never feel good when I leave. I gave it 5 years and it continues to disappoint me... done.
(2)
Cheryl S.
good place to get some work done. When the guest WiFi isn't working they are thoughtful enough to allow access to a backup network. I got a coors and a chili and was very happy with both the presentation and the flavor. I'll be back, and if it's busy next time maybe I'll try some evening. 4 stars til then.
(4)
Kevin Z.
What's not to like?? I love Mystic Celt not only for it's consistently good food and inviting casual atmosphere, but the friendly customer service. The girls behind the bar do a great job! (Caroline and Tiffanie). The daily specials are always a good deal. I've never had a dish I didn't think was great - but strongly suggest the steak sandwich and the roasted 1/2 chicken. The wings and nachos are very good too.
(5)
Kathleen C.
One of my favorite spots to sit outside in the summer.... Mystic Celt is a go-to in the area when I'm visiting friends who live nearby. I've been for lunch/dinner/evenings. The food is solid - definitely bar food and some items are better than others, but the sliders are always tasty. A good 3 for food. Service is great. I see some of the other reviews that insist service is terrible, but I've never had a bad experience. Even when the place is packed, the bartenders and bouncers are friendly. Granted, I usually don't cause bar fights, and I usually only visit occasionally when the place is super crowded, but nevertheless, aside from one or two minor issues with table service when the place is crowded, service has been great. A 4. Atmosphere-wise, this is definitely a typical Wrigleyville bar. It's big an allows for a mix of bar patrons and a few separate areas for dining. Definitely not a spot for a quiet meal, but a good location to eat while watching the game or to meet up with friends for drinks. The bar usually doesn't get too rowdy, which is nice. A 3 for atmosphere. The bathrooms remind me of college. They are clean during the day, and they quickly turn into a college-type bathroom later in the evening. It's also a small bathroom and not a lot of room if there's a wait. A 2 for bathrooms. For value, Mystic Celt is definitely typical for the city and the area. Food is reasonable as are the drinks. There are usually specials ($1 sliders can't be beat!). A 4 for value. I'm sure I will be back.
(3)
Christine S.
Stop #3 on our made up bar crawl... Stopped in for 1 (yes, 1) beer and we had to leave because this place is booooooooooooring. It was like 4ishpm on a Sat and they were dead (every where else on Southport was pretty packed). Why is it so dead here? NEXT!
(2)
Christina G.
Mystic Celt is a good midway meeting point for my friends and I, so we head there for after-work dinner and drinks. In the summer, we like sitting outside in their mini beer garden. It's a great place for people watching. As for the food, it's OK. We tend to order what's on special for the night. The burgers are a bit dry though. The food is pretty cheap though, especially if you order what's on special and sign up for their emails. Once in a while, they send out emails for half off their specials, which means the burger and fries I ordered were $2.50. Add a $3 beer on special and that's a pretty cheap dinner date with friends. The service is pretty slow, so if you want a quick bite, this is not the place to go. However, it's perfect if you want to linger. They don't rush their tables.
(3)
Dan P.
Horrible horrible food. It made both of us physically sick. Shepherd's Pie was more suited for a cat you didn't like! Chicken Curry...inedible. Who came up with that nasty recipe? Flatbread was flat...Boboli and Ragu is better. Chicken wings are better at Jewel's. Would not eat anything on that menu that isn't a burger. Yuck!
(1)
Magen R.
I have been going to Mystic Celt for almost two years now and have yet to review it. When I lived in Wrigleyville Mystic Celt was a great go to during the week for lunch or dinner because of the great specials. We initially went in for the 1/2 price appetizers on Mondays and it definitely kept us coming back. The first time we went we signed up for the e-mail list which kept us in the know about all of the great specials and I even got a $20 gift card on my birthday! My friends and I decided to go out for restaurant week about a month ago and made reservations. We planned a girls night out and decided a wrist band special might be a good idea to save us some money after an expensive dinner. I recalled an e-mail I received from Mystic Celt about six months ago advertising a $20 all you can drink any Friday or Saturday for three hours. As wristbands go in the city that's an awesome deal as far as we were concerned. We then decided to make a party of it and invite all of our friends. The $20 wristband did not disappoint. In addition to the special we were given a large private room with plenty of tables in the back of the bar and a private bartender. The music was great and it was definitely awesome to have our own bartender. She did not skimp on the mixed drinks and they were far stronger than ones you would get during your average wristband deal. I do have one complaint though. The bouncer who was managing our private room was a complete jerk. He would not let in people who did not want to purchase the wristband. This was annoying because there was plenty of room for other folks to come in and they did not tell me that we had a private room or that people who did not want to purchase the wristband did not have to come in. He was not very nice about it and when we were bouncing in and out of the room to check in with friends without the wristband he ripped a drink out of one of my friends hands because he thought one of us had given it to her. I think this is an isolated incident and will be taking it up with the person who helped us set up our party. All in all I would highly recommend a private party or simply dinner and drinks at Mystic Celt, I know I'll be back.
(5)
David Z.
Stopped by Mystic Celt this past weekend for a fundraising party that a friend was throwing. I wasn't WOWED by anything, but it seems like a perfectly good place to watch a game. We didn't get any food besides the light appetizers that were part of the party, but those were good enough. We had a private area in the back, and the World Cup championship game was on, so that was nice. The back area is pretty cool, but the TV by the comfy chairs was broken, so that was kind of lame. All in all, I'd probably go back for some pub-grub if I was in the Southport area and wanted to watch a game. I also think it's really cool that they will do fundraising things there. Our deal was you paid $25 for a few hours of open bar (domestic bottles and well drinks), and then the bar gets half the money and the fundraiser gets the other half. Very cool idea! Kudos to you Mystic Celt, I'll come back and try some food at some point.
(3)
D O.
The low end of mediocre. We got bangers and mash (barely warm, underseasoned, the gravy was goopy and tasted gross, sausages were dried out and tasted a little like cardboard), buffalo wings (also barely warm and utterly unmemorable), and a turkey wrap (I didn't try that one). Waffle fries were the tastiest part of the meal. The waitress was nice... so, yeah, I wouldn't go here next time.
(2)
Lynn R.
Mystic Celt is my old standby, which is saying something as Southport isn't really a convenient area for me to journey to. I will say that there's nothing remarkable about this place. The food is good, but not great (try their burgers and wings), and it looks like any other Irish pub in Chicago. So Lynn, why the four star review? Service and atmosphere. I always know that an evening at Mystic will go smoothly. Waitstaff is friendly and fast. Vibe is noticeably undouchey and it's not so loud that you can't relax and have an audible conversation with the person next to or across from you. While Mystic Celt is not a showstopper of a restaurant, it's a great place to grab a bite to eat, catch up with old friends, and have a pleasant experience unmarked by any black flies in your chardonnay. Hot tip: sign up for their email list and you'll get emails for half off their daily specials in addition to invitations to events (beer, whiskey tastings).
(4)
Carmen B.
After a day of shopping on Southport, we headed into Mystic Celt. It's been a long time since I've been to the Celt. We were food focused and ordered the fish tacos, dry wings, and a burger. We were all really happy with the quality of the food and the prices. Service was a bit slow; there was only one waitress working in that area- but she was nice and did the best she could! I would return - good place to chill out, have a drink and enjoy a meal.
(3)
Sheresse S.
EXTREMELY FRIENDLY STAFF! I love this place. My favorite is definitely the grilled bacon and cheese with mashed potatoes seriously it's almost like heaven. Totally love this place!!
(5)
Anthony F.
I dropped by here early in the day for a quick lunch, so I can't say much to what it offers as far as nightlife goes, but I can say this: GET THE FREAKIN' WAFFLE FRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, I'm serious! DO IT! Stop what you're doing, purchase a flight to Chicago, and go get thems goods! I ordered the chicken caesar wrap (also incredible), and at the extreme encouragement of seriously no less than 4 employees, the waffles fries. I have had many a waffle fry in my day, but none compare to these. They were PERFECTLY seasoned with just the right amount of crisp on the outside and steamy softness on the inside. I honestly can't recommend it enough!
(5)
Tanya T.
I would give it a 3.5. Their sunday brunch is amazing and is a great deal. Their daily specials are great but be prepared if you go on a Friday/Saturday it turns into what I call Club Mystic - the music gets really loud and they have club lights.
(3)
Christina F.
Its no secret that I'm a sucker for a good goat cheese salad. Since having my favorite dish ever in NYC a few years ago, I always seem to order a salad with goat cheese if its on the menu, and time and time again they come up short. The Mystic Celt is the exception. The bed of greens, which was mainly arugula was perfect for the strong flavor of the goat cheese, tossed with poppyseed raspberry vinegarette and candied walnuts the salad has undertones of sweetness. The restaurant itself is very chill and the service was good. Can't wait to grab it for take out one night or go enjoy it over a couple beers with friends.
(4)
Emily Z.
Mystic celt is a really nice place, its big, has some nice big booths for big groups, they also have a really nice big patio out front in the summer. Its always decorated pretty cute, with lights ect for the holidays. They have a pretty big menu though nothing I have ever been too thrilled about. They do have really good food specials throughout the week so check that out on their website. It could be a good place to meet up and start out if you live close, but I probably woudn't take a cab to get there. I've been there a few times later and there is always a group of crazy people dancing, the only problem with this is that there is no dance floor. The music is way to loud at night, like most bars in the city. I agree with the last reviewer. Mediocre.
(3)
Christine F.
Moldy Toast. I shouldn't have to say much more than that, but I will. I guess the space itself is nice enough. I ordered eggs over easy, breakfast potataters, and wheat toast. Food came. Over easy eggs were pretty standard, as were the breakfast potatoes. However. I was eating one piece of toast (I shouldn't have to inspect toast for mold) and I saw a chunk of mold on the other piece of toast. I immediately started to assume the worst and began to experience phantom food poisoning symptoms. /wretch All kidding aside, seeing mold on your food is fucking gross and I'm not going back here.
(1)
Al D.
Hooray for a bar with pseudo-Irish elements on Southport Avenue. I went here for St. Patrick's Day 2007. It was horribly crowded but I scored a free green hat and I was satisfied for the night. I went here with an after-party as this was the drinking establishment geographically closest to several people's apartments. PA PA PA POKER shoot me in the FACE. Honestly. Is there a rule that after midnight only B96 hits can be played, repetitvely? I was suprised to see a big group of people over 50 years old, which may or may not have helped with the general behavior of the rest of the patrons in there that night (one group of total strangers broke into the "Electric Slide." I guess there are worse things one can do in a bar...). Go here if you live within a stone's throw and want to relive the days of hoping your fake ID won't get noticed at the campus watering hole, or just enjoy the Southport scene in general.
(3)
Leanna S.
Cute place. The small outdoor seating area was full, so my friends and I sat inside next to the open windows. The special of the day was a wrap and fries for $6. Good deal. We were there on a Wednesday night and so it was not busy at all. That is why we were a little irritated that the waitress wasn't around more often. We were drinking buckets of beer and we drink fast. She was nice and all, but we had to seek her out more than once. Overall, it's okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat/drink here again, but if I was in the 'hood.....
(2)
Mark P.
DO NOT USE this bar for groups. It is mandatory to buy their packages. I brought a bunch of people to a friend's party one time but not everyone was planning on drinking a lot. We also got there an hour and a half into a 3 hour drink package. We had a DD and a few people that had to leave early the next morning for a flight. It didn't matter...they were not allowed to hang out with the rest of the party because they weren't willing to pay the $30 for an all you can drink package. If you are ever looking to have a party at a bar but have people in your group who don't drink, don't book at Mystic Celt.
(1)
Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt is like a good friend. Always there when you need them and they aren't always perfect but they mean well. That's how I feel about Mystic Celt. It's stumbling distance away from the brown line and there's a cute outdoor patio area. The Sunday all you can eat brunch for $14 is pretty good, definitely the best deal for all you can eat in Lake View. But the guy at the omlette station acts like he hates his job. Asking him for egg whites instead of the regular eggs sends daggers of hate my way. Also after 12 noon, he also does the carving station which is pretty tasty. But the buffet is somewhat limited. I haven't had much on the regular menu, but stay away from the Shepherd's Pie. It was absolutely awful and it wasn't even Shepherd's Pie, it was a bunch of meat sitting in an inch of grease with a tiny dollop of crap mashed potatoes on top. It was practically inedible. The nachos are half decent, but I wouldn't necessarily come here for the food with the exception of brunch. Service regardless of when you come in is generally spotty. Expect to wait and see people who come in after you to get served before you. Also, you may need to go to the bar and pay your bill after your meal because your waitress is MIA.
(3)
Nikki C.
sunday brunch is decent. I've had better, but if you drink enough the night before like a good nikki your taste buds should still be numb enough to enjoy most foods and there should be enough alcohol still bouncing around your tummy to kill any random germs so no worries of eating from a self-serve buffet free of sneeze guards. Omelet bar, irish offerings, french toast and bacon! different specials on different days. (see website or call) $5 burger night offers a honking plate of burgerness and fries which are tummy filling, but after seeing the light in other places is the equivalent of going to a muzak concert at the doggie park as opposed to the metro to catch a live performance by christopher cross. service is pleasant. sometimes seems lacking in a surge of neediness, but nice when accompanied with many shots of jameson, so just be warned and plan ahead. and parking sucks in the hood... so let another do the transporting via cta or ruby slippers.
(3)
Kristy N.
It's been many years since I've lived close to the Mystic Celt and I was happy to pop in for a late dinner when I found myself in the neighborhood again. They had some decent Tuesday night specials but I opted for the Margarita Pizza which we ordered with goat cheese, chicken, basil and tomatoes. It was delish, a bit heavy on the cheese but too much goat cheese can't be that bad of a thing. Our server was attentive, albeit completely disinterested. I love the patio atmosphere and the hanging white lights do it for me every time. I'm happy to come back here anytime.
(4)
Pinaki S.
The crowd here is your typical Southport crowd--- the preppy upper 20s and lower 30s who still want to party hard. This is a good thing since I'm firmly ensconced in that category. The bar is pretty wide unlike alot of the Irish bars in the city. I'm usually a narrow bar type of guy but this place gives people plenty of places for people to stand and put beers down. Its definitely classier than bars of this ilk typically are, with a seating hostess A guy started playing the bagpipes when I was here during halftime of the NCAA National semifinal. This has never happened before in a bar I've frequented.
(4)
Emily A.
Well, the highlight of this place was that there's a huge mirror that my baby likes to look in when we sit in a booth next to it. It kept her occupied while mommy and daddy ate, so that's cool. But aside from that, I'd say I'm thoroughly unimpressed. The first time I tried to eat there years ago, we were told to seat ourselves and after 10 minutes of waiting on a waiter in a mid-afternoon empty restaurant, we left. I'm sorry, but that just sucked. We even got up to look for somebody and called out "hello". Nothing, so bye-bye. This last time, we figured we'd give it a shot, because it seemed family friendly and we were in the mood for a good burger and thought a pub would be the place to go. Wrong. The burger was the least delicious bar burger I've ever had and the "bacon" was not bacon. I can't remember what they called it, but it was a crazy thick and I could not even take a bite out of it. It was like jerky, and they put it on my burger in lieu of bacon because, wait for it..... they ran out of bacon!!! They comped the burger, but the disappointment of craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger and getting that still lingers. The fries were ok though, the saving grace of the dish, really, but they were nothing special. The employees were friendly, but not very prompt. Granted it was pretty busy, but there were a few times when our waitress seemed to just ignore us or pass over us for other tables and would disappear for awhile at a time. And one last thing, which almost makes me want to reduce this place to one star....the bathroom looks nice, until you need to use the changing table. Dirtiest changing table I have ever seen. So gross. Overall, not the absolute worst food, environment or staff ever, but I don't recommend the Mystic Celt experience, either.
(2)
Colleen C.
"Why is it so bright back here!?" Good question...oh wait, our group had booked the private party back area...and then realized we were...not double booked, but TRIPLE booked. So, we shared space with a bunch of board gamers, and some open mic thing in the back. The gamers needed light, the open mic peeps needed sound...and um, we just needed beer and for them to turn down the lights! Think twice before booking a large party, luckily ours was an informal group of sorts, but a more planned out affair and this could've been a big disaster. Our server, the saving grace of the evening, Lorraine...WONDERFUL. Managed an entire 2 rooms of people very well, and she really needed another person helping her, but again they forget that they had TRIPLE BOOKED the space, so she was on her own. Tsk, tsk...she did a fabulous job. $5 burgers and fries: worth the $5, not much more...overcooked, and hardened cheese (for an extra .75 cents to boot!), just kind of...OK. Did the trick to satiate my non-grocery-buying self, but...yeah, you get it. Very convenient off the 'sopo' brown line, but it didn't do much to lure me back for more...unfortunately, as it's one of the only places on this strip I've been back to a few times. Beef up the management skills, yo! And um, the burgers need a bit of help.
(3)
Jenna S.
So we came here last night for the Yelp Newbie event and had a blast! I was surprised that Mystic Celt was so big - there's four rooms of space for all of your drinking and eating needs. I think I was actually more surprised that part of this place was more like a restaurant than a bar. There was a lot of "bar seating" in the front (high tables and chairs) and then a lot of tables and booths in the back. This is a great place to go if you're organizing an event or party because they seem to be really cool about reserving space for groups and there's a ton of room to accommodate everyone. Last night alone there was a Yelp party, a board game meetup and a book club! I think that's pretty cool. Our server was awesome! She was the only one in the back room taking all of our food and drink orders and she was great! Her name was Loreinne (or something close to that - sorry for the terrible spelling!) and she was on top of everyone's orders all night. She was able to keep several tabs open for all of us Yelpers and didn't get anything confused - that's good serving! However, I'm going to be honest: I don't think I could like this place if they didn't have any specials. At the beginning of the evening, Theresa C. and I were perusing the menu to check out their variety of food and everything is super expensive. I mean super, super expensive. Like no appetizers were under $7 (most were closer to $10) and their entrees were between $12 and $15 - what?!?!?! On Tuesdays they have a $5 burger and fries special (that burger is like $12 normally) which is a really good deal. They even managed to cook both of our burgers medium, which a lot of places can never manage to do. But the normal price for that meal is just too much for fake Irish pub food. I was impressed with the section of their menu that featured classic Irish fare but, again, it was super expensive. Most people also say that the drinks are expensive and I wholeheartedly agree with Denise P: $3.50 isn't a special, it's too expensive. There are other bars that do $2 specials for Blue Moon/Smithwicks and that's awesome. That's a special - over $3 for a pint of beer just isn't a special. And if it's $3.50 on special, how much is it normally?!?! $5? $6? Too much, I'm sure. I give Mystic Celt four stars for their specials and the stellar service we received, but I think on any other night I would have given it two or three stars. I don't see myself going out of my way to come here.
(4)
Rachel L.
Good for sunday football watching in the southport corridor. It was raining last weekend and we were lazy about traveling to our normal game watching spots, so we decided to give Mystic Celt a try. Overall I was happy with our decision. Lots of big tvs, decent buffet for $10 that you can go back to anytime between 10 and 3pm (aka breakfast AND lunch) and mimosas (to nurse our hangovers) were happily mostly champagne. Now if only they were bottomless!! Also, if you sign up for the birthday club you get a $20 gift card in the mail to use during your birthday month.
(3)
Matt A.
This is an okay bar located right next to the Southport Brown Line. It's an Irish bar and has a few good specials every once in awhile. To me, I feel that this one of those bars is perfect for stopping in after work or going to before "really going out." I am also a fan of their Sunday Brunch Special for a very affordable price for all the options offered. They also have a great Friday Fish Fry Special for all you can eat for around $10.00. Not the best fish I've ever had, but still definitely worth it for the price!
(3)
Andy M.
Mystic Celt is a cozy little Frat boy bar that is located on the Southport Corridor. My ratings break down goes like this. 5+ stars for Carolynne r.'s event. Carolynne and Colleen did a great job with all of the details of the event. 5 stars for our server: Lorraine handled a rough situation perfectly. 0 stars for the Bar Manager: We were supposed to have the room to ourselves all night. They ended up triple booking the room, and had one server working three different parties. Cudo's to Carolynne and Colleen for making the best of a confusing situation. Regardless of the scheduling gaff by the management of Mystic Celt, the evening was a blast.
(4)
Phil K.
Often packed. Even when it's not, the service is mediocre. So is the food. Pretty decent crowd for Southport; definitely less douchey than across the street at Sopo. Les is a nice guy, though. Sorry, Les! I wouldn't write this if I thought it would actually hurt business...
(3)
Kevin L.
I was here with a big group and having a pleasant time while spending a not insignificant amount on beer buckets. Around 10PM, this place becomes a "dance club" (quotes intentional), and turned on two bright spotlights aimed directly at my group's heads. At our request, an employee in a red-shirt angled the lights slightly upward in a way that still lit the "dance floor" but didn't blind the patrons. Somehow, this was unacceptable to the...wait for it...BUSBOYS. Within minutes of the offending spotlights being adjusted, two spike-haired douchebags ran at the lights as if they were on fire, and intentionally re-aimed them directly in my eyes. When I suggested an alternate place where they could they stick their lights, they laughed and told me that if I didnt' like it, I could "get the hell out." My initial thought was that only a manager would have the audacity to treat paying customers like this and get away with it, but our server (who was very nice) explained that these rude idiots were actually just the head busboys. I summoned the manager to inform him that the spikey-haired half-wits he employed to bus tables were clearly on a power trip, but he took their side and did not interpret his staff's command to "get the hell out" to mean that my paying the tab was optional. We respectfully disagreed on this point so of course I paid the tab, but this moron cost his bar at least the $500 my group would have spent the rest of the evening had we not been messed with, let alone the potentially thousands of dollars that beer-thirsty Chiagoans like us pay bars for the mere privelage of drinking beer in their establishments. I hope those illiterate busboys had a good time with their lights though.
(1)
Jonathan C.
No Stars...went in and sat ourselves as the sign instructed, 15 minutes, no acknowledgement, no nothing. We left but let a server know. Do you have to have mystic powers to get service, even when it's not busy on a Saturday at 4ish?
(1)
Q M.
This place is solid every time I go. Went last Monday, and their Monday specials are great. Half-price bottles of wine and half-price appetizers?! Sign me up. The burgers at the Mystic Celt are consistently good, and huge! Also, their fries are so tasty. The service can be spotty at times, but I've never had any trouble sitting at the bar. Cheers!
(4)
Lisa K.
* update: Mystic Celt responded to my Yelp and gave me a certificate to give them another try. So they care about their customers. My friend and I went to Mystic Celt for an after dinner drink on a Saturday. We were hoping this bar would be less insane as some of the bars are in the area. Everyone watches college games all day, by the time evening rolls around they are well on their way if not way past gone. We went to the bar and I was looking at the variety of beers. My friend went first and ordered hers then I was left standing there. After about 6 or so people had gone ahead of me, I tried to get the bartenders attention. He came over to the bar but then ignored me and started taking the order of the couple next to me. AND he put up his finger at me, telling me he was too busy to listen to me. By this time, my friend was at least a third way done with her beer. I walked away from the bar, too furious to have a beer at this point anyway. The music was decent, at least some variety from hip hop that blares at every other bar. The crowd was a bit more subdued than where we stopped at first, the crowd slightly older and more mature even though most had been drinking since Noon also. I do get the $20 gift cards every year at my birthday, but what good do they do if you can't get served.
(2)
Halleh C.
This place is cool. Came here with my bf and sat on the patio, since it has been 80 in october. We shared the sliders and buffalo fingers. Both were good enough for snacking. The meals that passed us looked really good though which I will keep in mind for when we are actually hungry. Service was good enough, my only suggestion would be better communication between the bouncer and server. We were carded twice, once at the door and once by the server. had a good drunk time though mission accomplished.
(3)
Patrick H.
I live a few blocks from this place and I'm here pretty often. The Sunday brunch is spectacular. Also the Friday night fish fry is awesome for only 10 bucks. Like Matt A said it's not much of a "really going out" bar. It's good for taking a couple of friends and just hanging out and getting 40% wild.
(4)
Jason P.
Somehow, despite no one living all that close to Mystic Celt, we almost always seem to end up here after our soccer league. Parking is almost always pretty easy and the specials and selection does not hurt matters either. The margherita pizza is good enough and if you order waffle fries as a side, they will give you a mountain of them. This just is a low key spot that is perfect for a post game celebration.
(4)
Gordon P.
Service was terrible the first time, equally as awful the second time. I would recommend their neighbors.
(1)
Michael P.
Two visits and each one a hit. Our servers on each occassion were more than just friendly. Both girls were really cool and sorta hung around with us when they'd come up to our table. Food of course is good and on my second visit...got me through the rough night of boozing I was trying to recover from. The app pizza was really good and filling! They also have great bloody marys with seasoned salt on the rim of the glass!
(4)
Jennie P.
I'm only give you two stars Mystic Celt because I like your fall decor right now and I like the outdoor area ONLY for a drink. I went here because I always want to love it here and I keep giving it chance after chance. Unfortunately, each time it fails me. I went last night for an appetizer and beer with my husband. Low and behold there are of course Thursday specials...mini cheeseburgers - YES! Steak and fries...SCORE! I ordered Octoberfest beer and mini cheeseburgers and a side of curry fries..husband had the steak and fries. Our waitress was unattentive and somewhat rude - although I looked at her "section" and it wasn't that packed - oh well. The food, on an average busy night, took about 45 minutes to arrive. I was seriously contemplating eating the ear of corn which is up for decoration outside. I also think I could've slammed my beer and left all together and the waitress would have had no clue until a few hours later. FINALLY our food arrived...I looked at my dinner and then at my husband said...ok seriously...I'm not somebody to return food and/or complain EVER because I don't want to make scenes but seriously...my mini-cheeseburgers were the size of a quarter - NO LIE - with the buns a normal size and the lettuce was one piece of shredded lettuce (you read that right..one PIECE...as in one SHRED) for 3 miniburgers - it was ridiculous! There was a tiny square of cheese on them as well which was hard and not melted - the burger was lukewarm. My fries were cold and covered in a syrupy curry sauce - gross!! what the bleep?!? My husband's dinner was also lukewarm. I finished my beer and left...waitress didn't ask how my food was - and I was definitely prepared to tell her it was terrible!! I decided to take the high road, finish my beer and vouch to never return because quite frankly...Mystic Celt, I have given you one too many chances and you've run out. There are plenty of other "pubs" around the city of Chicago who make a little bit of a better effort. Bummer.
(2)
Scott C.
The Mystic Celt is a decent pub on Southport offering a pretty good beer selection and pub food. They offer several specials throughout the week including burgers and wraps that make it pretty easy to stop in for a beer and sandwich without dropping $20. Which isn't too bad at all. The bar itself is pretty spacious with several areas for seating in the front or back of the restaurant. There are plenty of TV's in the front of the restaurant to watch sports - almost any angle you look you can spot one. The service is OK. I'm not sure if they typically do not staff enough people to cover the tables sufficiently or what, but you can wait extended periods of time between visits from your waiter. The food is pretty good pub fare in general focusing mostly on burgers and sandwiches. I haven't tried any of the Irish specialties on the menu myself but have been happy in the sandwich/burger selection that is offered. The beer selection is pretty wide and they seem to offer seasonal selections too. Although it does not have the personality of the Irish Oak, it's a good place for a burger, beer and to watch a game.
(3)
molly w.
I've been to this place many times over the years. Always for a reason, like a party or bar crawl, probably only once by my own deciding. This place consistently sucks. The food is awful, the service is even worse, and I'm pretty sure the drinks are over-priced (I can't quite remember because the last few times I've been there it's been for a wrist band party). Speaking of wrist band parties, I went to one here about a year ago for a friend's engagement. I was really sick but wanted to attend the party, so I figured I'd stop by and not drink. This was not acceptable to the guy at the door. He kept insisting that I had to pay $30 to merely enter the room and not drink. He thought I was trying to pull a fast one and get a friend to order drinks for me off of their wrist band. He actually called a manager over to check if it was ok that I went in without drinking/paying. After much discussion, they finally let me in (I think I may have had to pay like $10, mind you I was already in the bar, this was just to get into the party room). Then, the manager proceeded to take the bartender aside to point me out as a non-drinker. Seriously. (Wouldn't the absence of a wrist band been an indicator to the bartender?) When I was trying to order a water at the bar, I was ignored, so I had a friend get one for me. And then the same manager came over, saw a cup in my hand, and asked what it was. Seriously? PS. Isn't the point of the wrist band party to only serve those wearing wrist bands? Did I really need to be pointed out and then repeatedly checked on like a child?? The next wristband party I went to, a couple months ago, the bartenders kept insisting that certain drinks were not part of the package (that clearly were). An argument ensued, and the bartender was corrected by another bartender. Hello idiot, without our party the bar would have been empty, and you're haggling us? Guess who doesn't want to get tipped tonight! Anyway, this place is to be avoided at all costs. I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1 because the place is never full so it's pretty easy to get a seat. That's the only thing going for them.
(2)
Stacey A.
I don't even *LIKE* shrimp (Justin V. will attest) but their coconut shrimp and mango dipping sauce were fucking AWESOME. And on Mondays, all their appetizers are half-off.
(4)
Samantha L.
The food sucks. This bar is super hip (if you are living in the 90's). The service is eh. Nuff said.
(2)
Lee D.
Great specials. $3 pints on Saturdays is outstanding, as are the $5 for jumbo wings. Speaking of the wings, they are among my favorite in the city. Nothing fancy about them, just well executed buffalo wings. Solid patio right in the heart of the Southport Corridor makes people watching stupid easy. Specials occur everyday and night. They finally upgraded their TVs so this place gets a solid 4 stars. Just don't go on St. Patty's Day...
(4)
Kate W.
Mystic Celt is a solid neighborhood bar. You probably wouldn't travel far to go here, as there are equals to Mystic Celt all over Chicago. But the daily deals are good, there is a lot of space inside and they have a nice patio for the summer months. Standard bar food- burgers, wings, salads, wraps, a few Irish offerings. Standard service- never terribly prompt, but never rude either. Standard drinks- with drink specials and a reasonable beer list. I wouldn't go to "the Celt" if it weren't so close to my house, but that being said I've been twice in the last month, so it can't be that bad. Like I said, solid.
(4)
Sarah M.
MMM, mmm, mmmm. Mystic celt! Right down the street from our apartment, they have tons of seating and really good specials. We first went in because internet hadn't been set up at our apartment yet and we heard they had free-wifi. We continue to come because their burgers and fries are delicious and the service is great. If you are a regular you should definitely sign up for their e-club. About once a month they will send members a coupon for half off specials. So their burger and fries that are normally $8.75, or a special on Tuesdays for $5 can be purchased with the e-coupon for $2.50! Now that's a deal! And did I mention that they will be sending me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday as part of their birthday club! Yep, you heard me right, no half-off, not buy one, get one free, but an actual gift certificate, just for being a loyal customer. I'll keep you posted on how it goes, but it sounds amazing. Just whatever you do, don't get the quesadillas. Greasy nastiness and not in a good way.
(4)
Rae K.
wonderful best bbq chicken wings ever!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
D B.
I like this place because they have great drink specials, and because I'm obsessed with one of their burgers. For it being so close to Wrigley, it's shockingly un-douchey during the day. It's a good mix of families, friends, couples, and there are always people with their dogs on the patio. On the negative side, I've had bad service several times, and it was always when it wasn't even busy. Our waitress would eventually forget about us, or no one would ever come over to begin with and we'd have to go find someone at the bar to send someone. The service has been great lately, though, so it may have just been one particular waitress. There are so many similar options in this part of town, but I find myself coming back often.
(4)
Natalie S.
As a close neighbor to Southport, Mystic Celt is a favorite of mine in the area. The food is great- can't go wrong with the corned beef or the fish & chips. Burgers, wraps, fries, and all around pub food is fantastic too. The only negative I have is with the service. Don't expect the servers to be very enthusiastic or quick with your orders/refills on anything. If you can get past the service, it's a great pub in Lakeview.
(4)
Al G.
I have been a regular here for quite some time and I have to applaud them for their level of consistency, great food and specifically the service. Caroline, the bartender, in particular always greets me with a smile and is always warm, friendly and helpful.
(5)
Adam K.
Pretty good brunch here. Good service too. Would go back. Good bar, good crowd.
(3)
Tim S.
UPDATE: I got a nice message from the server who I referred to talking about the situation and she apologized for Sunday's service and put things in context. I thought that was nice and everyone has an off night. While my review still stands, I think the fact that she took the time out of her day to reach out means more than a few late drinks. So I'll be returning to Mystic Celt and hopefully have her again, because the waitress who emailed me is the one who I believe is the server on most nights that I'd get, not yesterday's. Well, that could have went better. It had been a long weekend for my girlfriend and I, with us flying back from a family matter in Boston earlier in the day. We knew that Mystic Celt had beer and food specials and could be a great place to watch the Jets / Cowboys game with friends and cheer us up. We invited 8 other friends to join us. We sat by the bar to watch the game, but were utterly disappointed with the service. Having worked as a server, I understand how crappy it might be to work a Sunday night but what we went through was inexcusable. Our server, a blonde woman with a short bob haircut who signs all her checks with a peace sign, gave us some of the most lackluster service I've ever had in a restaurant. A few things: - She was extremely inattentive to our entire table's needs. She'd take a beer order from two people then walk away from the table of ten. - The special was Miller Lite pint cans. We were given bottles (charged correctly) but still, she could have upsold us! We asked for them! - Large spans of time existed where she simply wasn't around to take any orders. When she did appear, she did what was listed above. - When we got fed up and left at half time, she cashed out a majority of the table on one check. Which is fine but she left zero cash for us to divy up. She simply took what was left over as her tip. She mumbled something about if we needed cash and walked away. We were so fed up that it wasn't worth fighting about so we left and went to Lange's instead. Also, I'm not sure why y'all publish football specials when the bar itself has an ambiance that implies dance club. While we were watching the game (with no sound), loud dance music was blasted while the lights were turned down very low. I'd like to point out that we were basically the only people in the bar at this point. I hate writing these types of reviews because I've been on the service side and know it isn't easy. I was just very disappointed because we WANTED to be there, to spend our money, to buy celebratory shots, to eat more food, etc! I will say that my curry wings were great. I've always enjoyed the food here. It might not blow me away but if you want stuff to go with a nice cold beer (if it gets to you, that is) then it isn't bad. Better luck next time? I'll give them another shot but not for groups of football fans. GO TO LANGE'S!
(2)
Kathryn B.
We were looking for a patio to have a weekday lunch and came by this place just by walking. The menu was large and it allowed for variety in what people were looking to eat. I got one of their Mac and cheese dishes with chicken, it was above average. Everyone else thought it was pretty typical pub food. None of us tried the beer, but the food was satisfying enough. The patio was pretty good and our waitress was pretty nice.
(3)
Bri A.
I've lived in the area for years but have never stopped in until yesterday. My boyfriend and I came for dinner after work and the place was pretty empty, so getting a table was easy. The beer list was good but I opted for one of the tasty sounding cocktails (Smashed Bourbon). I had a hard time choosing what to eat because everything sounded good! He had the black and blue burger and I had the goat cheese and mushroom quesadillas. We both liked our meals however the goat cheese was a little overpowering for such a simple dish, but it was good. Our server was friendly and quick, too. I want to try the brunch next time!
(4)
Elizabeth P.
I work for a non profit and we held our volunteer brunch here 3 years in row. They give us a spacious private back room, our own attentive waitress, the Sunday buffet is fabulous and it's a great value. We get rave reviews from all who attend. They carve all sorts of roast meats on the buffet and prepare omelets and waffles to order, and have some lighter fare too. Caroline and Alison are great to work with, they make it easy and affordable. I can't imagine finding a better venue. It would be great for evening parties too, the room has it's own private bar. We will be back.
(5)
Michelle D.
Ive been meaning to update this . I love this place !!!! Great brunch buffet .Plenty of options big fan.of the corned beef it just melts in your mouth. The roast beef is just ok other than that all the other items are delish. I enjoy the cocktails as well. Oh did.i mention very affordable I try to make it here for brunch at least once a month if not more.
(4)
Alicia D.
My husband and I had our son's luncheon at the Mystic Celt after his Christening this past Sunday. The food, service and private room were wonderful. Alison/Caroline were great to work with on planning and executing the party. Caroline was able to get the drinks flowing and our food out quickly when guests arrived 20 minutes early for the party. Our guests commented that the food was great and they especially loved the Chicken Marsala. Roxy, our bartender, made sure everyone had everything they needed - she walked around to ask if anyone needed anything to drink on several occasions. Everything was phenomenal and would definitely have additional parties at the Celt.
(5)
ITmama C.
Mystic Celt is a great place for daily specials. We recently went there for some take out, which we didn't know they had btw...and ordered the Celt Burger Special with fries. Let me tell you, they don't skimp out on your order like most restaurants. In other places, "To go" food is much less than if you actually sat down at a table for dinner/lunch. I do see families also BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby), so that is a plus too. Definitely will come back to get some take out or maybe Brunch soon.
(4)
Evan H.
When I first moved to the city 11 years ago, I went to MC all the time for good burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, and beer. Last Friday, I stopped by with some friends and was really disappointed in what MC has going on these days. The first time our server smiled at us was when she was giving us the bill. Maybe it was the end of a long shift or just a bad day - I don't know - but while she wasn't outright rude, she certainly didn't make us feel welcome. I ordered the BBQ chicken wrap (which has coleslaw in it) thinking it would be served hot. Nope... Maybe that was my mistake, but when I think BBQ chicken, I think warm, not cold. It was really unappetizing. My wife got some other kind of sandwich; it wasn't bad, she said, but was pretty dry. Bars and bar food are a dime a dozen in the city. I don't see any reason to return.
(2)
Sara S.
Like most bars in the southport corridor- meh. Nighttime- pretty lame. It's trying to be a place to dance with blaring music and has a disco ball, but there is hardly anyone there so it's kinda awkward. If it played a bit quieter music and left some of the tables out it could be a decent neighborhood bar. Daytime- food is very average. They do have pretty good specials, but there is MUCH better places to get good bar food. The bruschetta is really bad- someone always ends up getting it that I'm with and is disappointed. The pizzas are about the only thing I would get and enjoy. The outside area is a plus on a nice day, but not good enough to make me go.
(2)
Amanda C.
Went here to sit outside on the patio for dinner on one of the recent warm days. We had a short wait inside before a table opened up where we sat at the bar... The hostess told us we could have made reservations but the bartender told us that's not possible, so really not sure how to comment on reservations here. My group ordered the special which was $6 wraps on Wednesday which come with fries or a salad. The bbq chicken/coleslaw wrap was mediocre in my opinion; the salad was good. The service was fairly slow but we had a lot of time so it wasn't a problem. Overall I wasn't wowed by the food or experience but the place is nice inside and outside, and was a nice time to enjoy the weather.
(3)
Laura W.
I came here on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday celebration. We had a few tables near the front and had plenty of room for everyone. i don't know if it was because it was a Saturday night but the service was a bit slow. We also asked before we ordered if we could have 2 separate checks for 6 people, I don't think this is that outrageous. We didn't ask for 6 separate checks, but it turned out to be too complicated and we had to have one big check. After this first round we decided to go to the bar to get our drinks because it was easier to everyone to pay for their own drinks and it was also faster. Throughout the night some food was ordered and I was able to sample the fried pickles, which I have never had before and they were delicious. I also had the boneless chicken wings which were also very good and of course the fries were nice and crispy. Their Saturday beer specials were also decent with $3 miller drafts, I feel like it is hard to find this good of a deal on a weekend. Maybe it is because it is football season? Whatever the reason it definitely helped to keep my tab from getting out of control. Overall, I was really hoping to like MC more because I love some of the other Vaughn Hospitality bars. I will definitely be back to their other bars.
(3)
Lindsay S.
I shared the fries with curry, which were good .. I had the goat cheese, pear, and chicken salad and my bf had the cobb salad ... and they were both delicious! I like the outdoor patio bc its easy to walk my dog and then go sit for a minute... and the server was nice...soooo.... I will go back.
(4)
Patty K.
I have been to Mystic Celt many times and have had a range of different experiences. Overall, I gave this bar three stars because of the good deals that they consistently have. If you sign up for their email club they often send you half off of their already great deals. The food is always good-- I've had the burgers, mac and cheese, fish and chips, pizzas (the goat cheese one is delicious), and bangers and mash. The drinks are good and they have decent deals on drinks everyday. One thing that is not so great about Mystic Celt is the service. Although there are a couple of good servers, I have found that some are rude and much of the time the service is very slow. Last night, my boyfriend and I sat at a bar table for 10 minutes with no service. Eventually I went up to the bartender and she sent someone over to us and apologized. The Sunday all -you-can-eat brunch is quite good. They have an omelet station, meat that is carved on the spot, pasta dishes, and of course eggs and pancakes. The actual building is quite roomy and comfortable. I like sitting at the high tables in the bar but the booths further back are also nice and it is a little quieter back there. There is outside dining in the warmer weather. Overall, good food and decent service.
(3)
Matt P.
If you can handle the Wrigleyville overflow, this place is pretty awesome. I found myself here last night for a birthday party with concomitant viewing of the hockey game. The food special was an $8 steack sandwich, which for pub grub, tasted AMAZING. The beer special was Red Stripe for $3, which after a while, tastes like swill ... but still better than Bud/Miller. The server was super attentive considering there was about 15 of us. Overall, I was pretty impressed. In the summer, they have outdoor sweeting which is pretty sweet.
(4)
matty z.
Mystic Celt is a great place to catch a college football game, which is what I find myself coming back for. The food, for bar food, is generally good and the curry sauce for french fries is well worth the extra $1.50. The Saturday specials ($1 mini-burgers, $1 chili, $3 miller lites) are great, and keep your afternoon light on the wallet. Pleased as always, after today's foray with Kourtney L.
(4)
Corie M.
I came back to Mystic Celt a while ago to give it another shot. We started with the spinach artichoke dip which was very good especially with the chips, I got the turkey club sandwich which was just okay, I've had better I've had worse. My boyfriend had the flat-iron steak sandwich sans bleu cheese and he thought it was good. Overall it is nothing special but decent food, I would come back. I would recommend trying the buffet on weekends, haven't tried it but it looks really good.
(3)
katy h.
I went the Mystic Celt because my husband and daughter were going to a Cubs game on a Sunday afternoon, and I needed to get some work done. I parked on an adjacent street (FREE!) and went in to eat and use their free WiFi. I had the Magners cider on tap, a few sliders (cheap but mediocre) and really tasty waffle fries. My waitress was efficient, and I could work without interruption, and still check on the game in progress. There was a really mixed crowd- veggie lovers, hung-over brunch barely of age kids, and middle aged couples. The coup-de-grace was the hostess Susana who let me use her cell-phone when I realized I had left mine in the burbs, and needed to contact my husband and daughter. What a life-saver!! We will be back!!!
(4)
Derek A.
We have been going here about once every couple of weeks for a year now. If you want a place with consistantly good, decently priced food, this is a great place to go. Never super busy, and not too difficult to get a table. Specials are consistent, and the best days to go are MON: 1/2 off apps and 3.50 blue moon, TUE: $5 burger and fries and $3.50 Blue Moon, and FRI: $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips. Pros: - $5 burger and fries on Tuesday is one of the best, tastiest deals in the whole city! - $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips on Friday is wonderful. - Beer specials are good. Cons: - Wait staff is unbelievably inconsistent. We've had great, horrendous and everything in between.
(4)
John H.
I APOLOGIZE FOR WRITING IN ALL CAPS, BUT I NEED TO SPEAK UP SO YOU CAN HEAR MY REVIEW PROPERLY. IT GETS A BIT LOUD HERE. Mystic Celt is not unlike the girl you knew in high school who had looks, smarts, and even personality, but just enough insecurity to dismiss the former three qualities with regular fits of raging whorism. As mentioned in some earlier reviews, Mystic Celt has all the tools to be a fine bar, its ridiculous name aside. Lots of beers on tap, reasonably good pub grub, and modest decor. Unfortunately, though, it has given itself to a lower class of humanity. And as it often goes with good bars gone bad, it starts with the DJ. I don't know where a bar, much less a would-be Irish bar, gets off hiring a DJ. Mystic Celt, though, appears to be ashamed of its red hair and freckles. Of course, DJs are like catnip for douchebags, and hordes of them flock here. And every last one of them seems intent on hitting my ultimate bar pet peeve, standing in front of the bar and preventing everyone else from getting their drinks. They should build a tunnel under Southport--or a bridge over it--between this place and SoPo to keep the douchebag population concentrated in a couple of nearby places. Mystic Celt could learn a lot from a place like Cullen's, which is very similar in offerings and style, and a complete contrast in clientele. There are more than enough places for the lower-20s crowd on this end of Southport; it's too bad that Mystic Celt feels the need to cater solely to them.
(2)
Seamus F.
Went in here for the third time in five weeks last night and have been at least a dozen times over the past few years. Wanted to sit outside this time but Mother Nature made that a dicey proposition so hostess quickly got us a booth. As usual, they had at least one decent drink special - $3.50 Sierra Nevada or Blue Moon drafts on a Tuesday night and service was solid, even on last weekend's visit when the server said it was only her second day. Have had the brunch buffet before and it's a good deal, and above average for an all you can eat proposition. Enough TVs without being totally overwhelming. Friday Fish Fry was pretty damn good too. Not sure I would linger here for hours but has always been a good spot for a couple's dinner, or a drink while on Southport and have definitely walked over and scored after a Cubs game when Wrigleyville is a little too nutty.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt has a laid back atmosphere with decent Irish food. The outdoor patio is a really nice spot to enjoy your meal and people watch. I've only been there for dinner, so I can't comment on their brunch menue. I don't have a whole lot to say about his place. It's good. I like it alright.
(3)
Kristen M.
Very overpriced. My boyfriend and I got salads and couldn't even eat them they were so bad. The veggies tasted rotten. Good daily deals and burger's. Service is slow
(2)
Christy Q.
I wanted to give the Yelp community an update on Mystic Celt! They read my previous review and contacted me to apologize and they even went as far as sending me a $25 gift card for my troubles! That was really unexpected and also really great of them. They showed me that they DO care about my business and that they DO want me to return- and I will! Thank you Mystic Celt for taking care of this situation... and all is right with the world!
(4)
Amanda D.
The place is just average. My friend and I stopped over there to say farewell to one of her co-workers before heading off to the Paramount Room. We had 2 drinks (raspberry/lemonade/vodak) $5 a pop, not bad. We didn't spend more than an hour there (rain keeping people in). The crowd was ok, the decor was ok, the bartenders were ok as well, the bathrooms were nice; I always appreciate a nice clean bathroom. I might come back here if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)
Alan W.
Friendly staff. Average Food. Good atmosphere. BUT, overpriced outside of specials.
(3)
Jessa P.
Okay I admit, the last few weeks, I have gone here at least once a week. I am a borderline "regular". I can't help it. I like their specials (10 wings for $5, who can top that)! Summer Shandy on tap! TVs everywhere. Casual atmosphere; great neighborhood. Literally steps away from the brown line; stumbling into the train is easy-schmeazy!
(5)
Taryn K.
Mystic Celt was our last stop on a bar crawl and everything was fabulous! The staff was very friendly and served all 60 of us our drinks impressively fast! We have been here lots during the day with the kids for lunch and dinner and the food is always great and the service is always friendly~ This is a huge bar and they do a great job accommodating families and adult drinkers in seperate areas! This is definitely one of our favorite places to frequent with and without the kids!
(5)
Greg M.
Amazing patio! Great service, great neighborhood! My friend brought me to the area and this place totally caught my eye! Truly a gem
(5)
Shyam S.
My friends and I stopped in here last weekend cuz Guthries was insanely packed. The bar was not my kind of place - ridiculously fratty and full of WASPs. However, I went there on a Saturday night, so I expected as much. However, the food was surprisingly good. I was astonished that their veggie burger was so tasty, especially the way I had it - on tomato foccacia with pepper jack and giardenera. Nice and hot and very good. My server was also really cool and when I told her about Guthrie's, she recommended the Newport Bar and Grill, which I had visited before, but she mentioned they also have board games.
(3)
Erika G.
I gave it an extra star for the beer specials, very good beer specials. And the outdoor patio is great IF YOU CAN GET A TABLE, to watch the Stroller Brigade walk past. It's not a very authentic "irish bar", but it gets another star for that, as I am not a fan of Irish bars. This place is pretty generic. The food is overwhelmingly mediocre. Real Middle American fare, bland and spice-free. I had the Celt burger, requested "medium" and got "well done". Go to Hamburger Mary's for REAL hamburgers. The mac n' cheese was all right . . . but not exceptional. Everything needs hot sauce, or some semblance of taste! The service . . . ugh, here is where they really shave off the stars. Our party of 5 wanted to sit outside, put name in, and got "1/2 hour wait". Noo problem as we weren't all there yet, we got beers and settled into the couches. 45 minutes later, we were still waiting with NO acknowledgment from our server. An hour later, a 4 top opened up, and server informed us . . . of a table not large enough for our group. By that time, my friends and I were eyeing each other like the surviving members of the Donner party. After the 4 top fiasco, we said "we'll just take ANY table, in or out". Server disappears. Finally, someone else in our group grabbed the server to TRY and finally get a table. Okay, inside, she seats us . . . and leaves. 15 minutes later, she comes back to take drink orders - no, we're ordering entrees now!! TWO HOURS LATER, we finally had our orders in. This place isn't THAT special to put up with crappy service like this. If I was just sitting outside having beers it probably wouldn't matter, but we came here to EAT. And their doggie water dish was SHOCKING dirty! For a dog lover like me, this takes off another 1/2 star.
(2)
Steve H.
You know, I really love the food here. I really do. But the service leaves something to be desired. I've frequented the Emerald Loop and Mystic Celt for years the service is both locations is just too spotty. I think that is really my main issue with these guys. Sometimes the service is amazing but more times than not its just terrible. For Instance, one waitress/bartender named Caroline threw a fit when I paid with a gift card and owed $.07. I understand, I should have been prepared and only had my debit card which was totally my fault. However, when she comped the seven cents and threw my check on the ground towards the back of the bar it was a little uncalled for. Loving their food I went back about a week ago...my drink didn't get refilled and when I asked for the check the waitress actually stopped at another table, hugged one of the guests, introduced herself to the table and sat there for 15 minutes before going to get our check. It's little things like that that really make me wonder if it's worth going back to. I guess with a killer $5 wing night its hard to stay away. Also, they seem to treat you crappy when you pay with a gift card. I've randomly had a gift card on a few occasions and they always act like its a problem. I work in the service industry....I promise I will tip you whether I am using a gift card or not.
(2)
Brett N.
Watered down alcoholic drinks. This really peeves me about a bar. I ordered something called a margatini (special) which was a mini glass of sweet and sour mix. (FYI, a martin should be pow at first sip). The waitress apparently made it herself (see below), poured it tableside and carried the lime wedge in her hand. She un-palmed it to hook onto my glass. One dinner companion didn't get a full glass worth, the other had weak beer. You can tell when the beer is watered down, especially when you drink it regularly. The fuming flame was lit. This should be illegal. Now, for a Thursday night it was busy. Two words: one bartender. Really? This is why our waitress made the drinks herself. I asked for a shot of tequila to rouse my margatini and that helped, but I was already miffed. First impressions... Why were people (and families with kids) there afterall? Is this the best Southport has to offer? We came for dinner, which wasn't terrible. The side salad was fresh and good. Ice cream dessert was a nice touch. Not being charged for the tequila shot was smart, or I would have gone off. Diluting the drinks really sucks, so i'm done with this place. Too bad. Better drinks would have cause the 3 of us to order at least 2 more rounds but we hightailed it outta there at last bite. Maybe it was also because the sound on the sports TV (no game was actually being played) was cranked so loud that our table conversation was drowned. Who needs a night out with friends when the TV cancels your face time together. Point missed there. Get a clue Mystic celt. Better yet folks, skip this place. There are plenty other spots in the neighborhood.
(1)
Jennifer B.
Go for their specials, grab a seat at the bar, pretend you are Irish, and enjoy.... Mystic Celt isn't too different than any other restaurant/bar along Southport or in Lakeview/Wrigleyville. I guess the biggest striking different is the menu, it's pretty great. And the specials here are actually specials that you would want to eat/drink, and will save you some cash. Maybe it's because I was here on a Tuesday (actually, I'm SURE it's why) but the peeps at Mystic Celt don't seem to get obnoxious, which is a plus. Maybe I should try it at 2am on a Saturday, and update my review? Until then, Mystic Celt is a nice stand-by and a great default bar.
(4)
Jennifer W.
The Mystic Celt is a nice bar/restaurant in the popular Southport corridor near Addison. I went there with a group friends for dinner last night and found the food to be good, if unexciting, bar fare. I had a blackened chicken club sandwich. It was pretty good but the chicken was a litle dry and there wasn't enough avocado (and no mayo) to really remedy it. My friends seemed to enjoy their food (a black and bleu burger, a club salad, a BBQ chicken salad, and a bacon burger), and the beer prices were reasonable ($4 Harps). We also had an appetizer combo with bruschetta, spinach/artichoke dip, fried shrimp, & chicken tenders which was pretty tasty. The server we had was friendly but we had to wait a little longer than we would have liked for the check. All in all, the Mystic Celt is a nice place for a leisurely, reasonably priced dinner. It's what you would expect from your average North Side bar.
(3)
Anthony D.
I'm sorry that I have to give this place such a low rating. But I had an AWFUL experience there! First off, the food was good. Nothing extraordinary but it was good. The staff was awful. Absolutely HORRIBLE! I'm a server, also at a well known Irish restaurant, so I expected good service when I went there. Nope! The host looked as though she wanted to kill herself because she was at work, was rude, slammed our menus down and walked away without even a smile. Our server was an idiot. After our food was delivered she didn't come to check and make sure everything was okay for 9 minutes (yeah, I timed it). I figured "oh maybe she's busy". NOPE! I look over and see her and about 3 other servers just texting away by their POS. I was instantly pissed and after I boxed my food up and asked for the check we sat there for another 10 minutes for her to come take the check presenter from us because I hate leaving cash on the table. But she never came so we ended up just leaving. I will never go back there unless I'm getting carry out. I never want to come into contact with their staff ever again. Ugh!
(2)
Carolynne M.
I was initially a little freaked when I called to confirm our event with the Mystic Celt event planner and it turns out she "forgot". But then we got there and met our server Lorraine, who was totally awesome and on top of her game, not to mention her friggin incredible Irish accent. :) Score one for Lorraine! So then we find out that due to the mixup in scheduling, there might be a problem getting the room. Enter the manager, who seemed kind of sore about the whole thing, but of course I cant argue with him because I am too busy being mesmerized by his accent...dammit! I'm not exactly sure what transpired, but in the end we were allowed to stay - thank god! I had the burger special which was great as a $5 burger. Had it been more than that it wouldnt have been so great. Some folks got other kinds of cheese that they didnt like, but I got blue and I think that helped greatly. Then this board game group kind of muscled (do board game group members "muscle"?) their way into our room because they "needed the better lighting". Um...Okay...sure! Want a Yelp sticker? All in all the event was pretty good considering all the weirdness. But here's a little tip to anyone I need to deal with in the future planning an event. If anything goes wrong, send out someone Irish. I will be hypnotized instantly and then you can pretty much get away with murder. It took me a good 4 hours to snap out of it after I left.
(3)
Theresa C.
I was here for the Yelp event. It was ok, but that's about all. The $5 burger was a good deal, a huge meal, and to my surprise my burger was cooked properly, not super over done like you find at most places. The space was big but very full. The drink specials are decent but nothing all that special actually. The only thing REALLY, REALLY awesome about this place was our server. She was super on top of things, even though she was serving a giant crowd, she even remembered my drink when i got up and was moving around a bunch. I wish she worked at a bar I want to go back too.
(3)
Mandy M.
I like this place. Good daily specials. Great place to watch a game. I've always had good service and the foods always been good as well.
(4)
Lauren G.
Came here for a quick drink while in town to catch up with a friend. I had seen the outside numerous times while visiting but never entered. It was actually a lot nicer than I expected. We didn't eat but I saw a lot of the food coming out and it looked pretty solid and smelled good. I'd visit again.
(4)
Erin T.
I have been to Mystic Celt for brunch, dinner and a few nights out. I would recommend it for brunch and dinner, but I definitely think there are better places to go out on Southport. I have had the brunch buffet a few times. It is definitely a good deal at $10.95, but I definitely recommend coming hungry! It doesn't make any sense to come here for some yogurt and granola. This is probably one of the best hangover cures around. For lunch, I have had the mac 'n cheese and the turkey club wrap. Both were pretty good, but nothing extraordinary. Overall, I would come back to Mystic Celt for brunch any time, and I'd only stop by for lunch or dinner if I was already in the area.
(3)
Agnes P.
Always love the food here but a bit of advice if your new here... NEVER come on a busy day (thurs,fri,sat) because the wait staff here dont do thier jobs on those days. -We were told the wait on our food was going to be an extra 10 mins and we were fine with that until 10 minutes turned out to be 45 minutes!! -No checkups as we ate so our empty glasses, well stayed empty till the people we flagged down actually came to the table. -As we started getting toward the end of our dinner the waitress took my boyfriend's plate when he wasnt done with his food. Just cause he had his back turned to watch the game doesnt mean he's done with his food and its alright for you to snatch it away?! Everything else seems fine on the regular weekdays but the weekends always leave us a little upset.
(3)
Rahul G.
This place is huge. I went for st. Pattys day and a friends birthday. It is huge. The bartenders and waitresses are very nice and very fast with drinks. The drinks themselves are solidly strong for a packed bar. Not to mention it is huge. Will definitely return.
Let me clarify - 5 stars for hosting a private party here. 4 stars if you just come here for a few drinks. Private Party Highlights: We had our own room in the back, with our own bartender. Never waited more than a minute for a drink. Plus they let me bring my iPod so I could play my own music - I was sold! Regular nights: Always has a pretty decent crowd. You will encounter occasional groups of douches, but hey you can get that anywhere. Gets pretty crowded up front and can be hard to get a drink. Pretty good food/service if you are just walking in for a bite to eat.
(5)
Kate W.
So I went to my first big Yelp event here and had a really good time. The $5 burger deal sounded good but I wasn't hungry and the burgers didn't look like anything special. Drink specials were ok too. I guess $3.50 Blue Moons isn't bad, but it's not my favorite beer. Our waitress was great, she remembered all of our orders and even kept a separate tab for pretty much everyone. Kudos to her for being able to do all that! The space was big but we had to share it with some game group that I think we kind of scared. I guess there was some sort of mix up about who got which room so we ended up sharing. Still, I think a good time was had by all and it was a fun event!
(3)
Neil R.
Mystic Celt has been a good bar on Southport to either start off a night, end a night, or recover from a night. Not really a place to spend the whole night, but does offer a variety. The "all you can eat brunch bar" for $15 bucks or whatever is pretty sweet and they have a ton of TVs for watching NFL or other games. The lunch and dinner menus are good for a bar, and if you only were seated outside, you would really feel like you are eating at a decent restaurant! I think what takes this from a 3 star to a 4 star rating is that they do try to keep their patrons happy. The coupons they send in e-mails are usually pretty decent and they will send you a free appetizer and $20 gift card for your birthday! I really recommend signing up for their listserv.
(4)
Jeff K.
I was at the Mystic Celt for an event and saw they offered a Sunday brunch buffet. Nothing like "buffet" or "all you can eat" to peak a man's curiosity. Went last Sunday. At $10.95 it is probably the best bargain on on the Southport corridor. The bargain price does not mean buckets of processed food you find at many "buffet" places. The food was every bit as good as the menu items. They had an omelet bar, Roast pork, beef, pancakes bacon sausage...the typical items you will find at most brunch buffets. They also had a corn beef brisket, Irish sausage and bread pudding to add authenticity to the Irish themed bar. Unlike many brunch places, they also had a salad bar which had enough items to actually make a good salad.Even the coffee was good. they had drink specials as well, but I didn't want to kick my Sunday off that way so I stuck with the coffee. There was plenty of seating and it was a great atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon. Right off the Brown line too...Does it get any better?
(4)
Rob B.
Yeah.....nah.... I'm good on going to this place. Never again. I've been twice. The first time it was okay... I wasn't too pleased with the food quality but I was pretty hungry so I didn't complain. HOWEVER, the second time was completely just...frekkin terrible. I was not feeling it from the moment I walked in. First off, I didn't feel comfortable eating there... Secondly, the waiter was unenthusiastic and service was not great...at all. They messed up my order and my girlfriend's order... then when we sent her plate back (because her nachos had peppers, which she is allergic to, and we found a hair), they sent us the same frekkin tray back...they just had pulled out the peppers... I was pretty shocked at their boldness...then I tried to be completely cool about it, even though it is not on me--the customer--to have to worry about whether or not I'm being too picky; the waitress was just...not helpful...she was down right lazy. And FINALLY, after having messed up the order numerous times, once we finally got our food (which they still did not get it right) it was cold. I think from seeing other reviews that some people may enjoy this place more during after hours possibly... because both times I've been during the day haven't been worth the cost of eating there. The only notable thing was running into a waitress who happens to attend the same school as me....she was cool...and very chipper might I add haha. But I liked that, I think more people need to be like that if they're going to work in the food industry... Anywho, two thumbs down. 3, if I had an extra thumb.
(1)
Andy M.
Just another Irish bar in a yuppie neighborhood. Nothing special about this place although it is pretty darn big.
(2)
Rachel F.
Love the burgers and the board game days. Make sure to get on their birthday mailing list for very generous gift certificates.
(5)
Linsey C.
There's nothing better than fish and chips and a Magners on a Friday night. The roomie and I stopped by for dinner around 830 and to our surprise it wasn't totally packed yet! It was pretty loud in there though but I think that was mostly the tv's (hello, march madness!) Our server was nothing to write home about. She wasn't terrible by any means but only did the bare minimum-she never asked if we wanted a second drink and never came back to refill our waters. She did, however, anticipate my need of malt vinegar and brought that by shortly after our food was brought out (not by her, mind you) The food, however, I would write home about. The roomie had a burger which she loved and like I said, I had the fish and chips. Turns out they are $4 off on Friday (gotta love lent!) which made me very happy! Plus, I think $12.95 for fish and chips is a little hefty, unless the portion is larger when it's not on special. I got two pieces of fish and a good handful of fries and a mess of green peas (which I could do without) the fish was delicious. All white and flaky, not dripping with grease but the perfect amount of crispy...my mouth is watering just thinking about it! The Magners on tap was delicious and I'm not sure how she got it to the table without spilling because it was poured to the very rim on the glass! I'll be back...the fish and chips are worth the so-so service.
(3)
M. M.
This place is great for any kind of party you would like to have...even a first birthday! I had my son's first birthday there and it was just perfect! Everything was set up to perfection! I did the appetizer buffet package and it was great, I never had to ask them to refill anything! They refilled the food when needed and all the guests were so pleased with the food and service. The back room is so accommodating and spacious! Everything went sooo smoothly! I will continue to have my private events here in the future! The staff is great, service was awesome, and atmosphere is perfect for any and all events!
(5)
Ryan M.
Really really loud. I hate that. This place has a really nice ambience and I get that it's friday night, but it doesn't seem like the kind of place that needed flashy lights and blaring music to be fun. I hate having to shout to the person next to me. Also, 8 bucks for a Manhatten! Holy god! They were really good though.
(3)
Mara R.
I live in the neighborhood and walk by Mystic Celt every day. I sometimes will stop and eat outside with friends because it is such an inviting atmosphere. The food is your average bar food and some of it is fairly good. The issue I have with the place is the service. I was there a few weeks ago on a Wednesday for lunch. Most of the outdoor tables were full and a few inside as well. We were sitting at our table for at least 15 minutes before anyone even noticed us. The only time we saw the waitress was when we eventually ordered and then when we requested our bill. My girlfriend is 6 months pregnant and we never even got a glass of water! I had to go into the bar and pour some myself. I think with Dunley's opening next door it will give Mystic Celt a run for their money. I know I will be going to Southport Lanes next time, since I always get great service there.
(2)
Alex M.
Of all the places to get drinks before a movie at the Music Box, I have no idea why my friends picked Mystic Celt. There wasn't anything immediately wrong with my food, save for the corned beef being a little dry, but as I understand it that's one of the difficulties of the medium. Unfortunately, the service sullied what could have been a pretty okay meal. The service was horrid- We must have been the only table for a server working the complete opposite side of the restaurant. We saw our server only three times over the course of an hour and a half. The first time was when we sat down and she took our drink order, the second when she came back with our drinks and took our food order, and the third (and hopefully last) time when we asked for the check. The restaurant didn't look too busy and there were servers coming in and out of our section pretty regularly, so I have no idea what the problem could have been. Maybe I offended our server when I asked for a Smithwick's?
(1)
Vanessa F.
I started coming here for the pub quiz with a few friends. The service is ok at best, the food is good for bar noshing.
(3)
Nicole C.
I have to say that you should just not go here when its bar time. The people that frequent this place when the music goes up are raging D bags. They have some of the better food I've ever had, so I have to give them that. I come here for dinner a couple times a month.
(3)
Scott N.
The food is great but you couldn't pay me enough to go here during the evening when it's filled up with people. My advice, go here for a bite during football Sunday then walk across the street to Sopo and have some fun.
(3)
Beth P.
I would not expect too much from this place- just average. It's roomy, food is edible, and beer is cold. I love hanging out in the Southport corridor, and if Mystic Celt has a good special that night, I'll gladly go in. I've even spent a St. Patrick's day there- they throw a great one. For "bar food" I was wasn't too impressed, I had to wash it down with more beer... everyone's happy.
(3)
Colleen R.
If only the Mystic Celt could decide if it wants to be a dance club or a pub. Sadly, it attempts to do both (at least on the recent Saturday evening I spent there), and fails on both accounts. The decor, food, and drinks suggest that if they turned down the music and the strobe lights, this place could be a decent Irish bar. But the sheer volume of the music makes conversation impossible. Also, we were only there for about an hour and the DJ was already repeating songs. Coupled with the lame crowd and long bathroom lines, the terrible music made this place completely intolerable.
(1)
Susan F.
Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this place. It's huge, big plus! What is the minus, you ask? The drinks are oober expensive and while you get a red bull and vodka in a big glass cup, it's all redbull, no joke. Also, for being such a huge place, the bathrooms are tiny! No me gusta. I did like the place and the crowd was what you'd expect on a Saturday night, but not as many young 20 somethings as you would expect around that area-perhaps because it's not directly on Clark by the stadium. It's a great place for a big group, but the bartender's aren't too friendly and drinks aren't worth it.
(3)
Amanda Z.
Let's go through my checklist for the things Amanda C. likes in a bar: --Cold beer? Check. --Outdoor patio on a sticky July night? Check. (With the added bonus of all the good people watching on Southport...I have a staring problem, so what??!!) --Big menu? Check. This place is not bad at all. It's big, has a great variety of food/drink, and the service is generally adequate and friendly. Very tasty burgers (with the option of a pretzel bun, thank you very much), decent fries, good appetizers (the chicken pizza w/ goat cheese is pretty tasty). Located roughly a block from the Southport brown line stop (which is now brand-spanking-new) amongst a line of bars, this place is a good pick for a little pub grub and some fun.
(4)
Sharon S.
Came here this past Monday after work. They have half price appetizers and bottles on wine on Monday's. PERFECT! We ordered wings and the sampler platter and got a bottle of the pinot noir. Wings were good but I've had better - they were not as meaty and a bit overdone. Though now I want to go on a Chicago Chicken Wings Tour and try to find the best wings! Sampler was great, though the coconut shrimp was a little weird, but I'm also not a fan of coconut. But the staff and atmosphere was really great. I've been here other times and have always had a really good experience. Laid back and calm on the weekdays and crowded on the weekend. Actually thinking of hosting a party here, definitely think it's a great venue and a place worth checking out, I know I'll be here again! And fill out the birthday form! They send you a $20 gift card as a gift, always a great use!
(4)
Colleen H.
Stopped here on a local residents recommendation. We were on our way to see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley, wanted a non rushed atmosphere. We were seated outside, plenty of beer choices, wide variety of food choices also. Good burger, great wings, fantastic service. Would go back again for sure!!
(4)
Meg L.
Let me begin this review by saying... I am not the "irish pub type". I don't hang out at stereotypical bars that blast the local game or play whatever hip hop to drunken twenty-somethings. HOWEVER, I love Mystic Celt. Maybe Mystic Celt is exactly one of those bars...actually, it is. Why do I love Mystic Celt then? Because of their daily specials and their huge menu. Being a pescetarian and a craft beer lover, they have options for me! They have amazingly amazing daily specials. Not only do they have one special per day...they usually have 4-5! If you sign up for their mailing list they'll send you coupons and even a gift on your birthday. To avoid the cheesetastic crowd, show up for dinner before 8:30pm and you'll be okay. When I go, the atmosphere is cozy and mellow. The staff is really great too.
(4)
Rhona K.
i go here a good bit the wings are the BEST I've ever had and the rest of the food isn't bad either !! at night the place is fun and the music is great theres a good mix of ages too
(5)
Cynthia R.
We got into Chicago late and needed some food, but it was after 11 and most restaurants were closed. I decided to venture out on a solo food run while my driver rested. The first bar I stopped at said they were done serving food, but directed me to either Mystic Celt or the Coney Island next door to it. I should've gone to Coney Island. The mini burgers from Mystic Celt weren't good. At least the bouncer guy was cool. Seeing that I was by myself and not dressed in bar-wear, he said I could wait for my food in the quiet back room if I wanted. I didn't want anyone to have to hunt me down though, so I stayed at the bar counter. It was the most uncomfortable 15 minutes of my life. Maybe next time I should visit with a group and go to drink instead.
(2)
Kourtney L.
I don't get all the hate for Mystic Celt. Sure, the $20 gift card they send every year for my birthday garners positive favor but each time I've visited, I've had good food and a great time. Perhaps you all need to visit with Matty Z and me? No lie, though I've tried a few other dishes, I mostly opt for the turkey burger. Boring yes but delicious. They usually have super cheap specials so you're covered if funds are low.
(4)
Steven C.
I lived off Southport for almost four years and my go-to no-frills local pub was easily Mystic Celt. There's lots of dining space, the wait staff is friendly (bar staff hit-or-miss) and the food rates better than most typical bar food. With plenty of TVs its easily the best place to a catch a game if you want to avoid the bustle of Clark Street in the heart of Wrigleyville. The drink specials are mediocre, but 1/2-off burgers on Tuesdays is one of the better deals out there. These are serious burgers and they're cooked how you order them, which makes the Wrigleyville pricing much more tolerable. I've been during Bears games, weekend nights and most other times except late night weekends, so I think that's a pretty fair sampling as often times quality can vary in Irish pubs depending on how busy they get.
(3)
Robert F.
Or as I like to call it... "the restaraunt that goes on forever". Seriously, ask for a spot near the back and you'll wonder if the waitress isn't leading you through some secret indoor tunnel to Ireland itself. We had had a seat waaaaaaaaaa(fading)aaay at the back, and to my disbelief there was STILL another room behind us. Or the sake bombs we had earlier in the evening could have been setting in. Anyway, its a thoroughly decent pub experience. Decent selection of beer, but sadly no Strongbow on tap. Nice cozy couch section, and plenty of seating... even for large groups. Situated just off center of most of the Southport action so its well placed for either the start or end of a night on Southport.
(4)
Deirdre L.
First: Get on the VIP email list - some weeks (seems to be when the Cubs are out of town) I get emails for half off the specials (yes, thats usually 75% off the regular price). Plus the often have free beer/liquor tastings. Thats right, I said FREE. Get on the list. Second,: This is a good spot for good, hearty, not too greasy, flavorful bar food. Burgers, wraps etc are all above average. Fries are good, salads are good with mixed greens and red onions and good dressings - nice little upgrades from your standard bar-fare Iceburg lettuce etc. Service is generally good. Good drink specials. Great selection of drinks.
(4)
Bev h.
i present to you, "Irish" Brunch at Mystic Celt: - 7 people enter, and are led to a back room which has no traces of music or ambiance. the only sounds come from the kitchen doors behind us and the children at 3 surrounding tables. - we all order drinks. i ask for their version of irish coffee, which comes served in a wine glass?? it's really too hot to pick up anywhere but the stem, and just feels wrong...why? -the buffet is $10.95. reasonable, until you see the buffet. toast and bagels (but only crappy grape or mixed fruit jelly packets), meat carvings that look a little suspect and have sauces nearby that aren't labeled, generic salad bar, bacon and what we called "candy cane sausage"- links that were so undone they had pink stripes all over them, and some other standard buffet choices like scrambled eggs and pancakes. *the omelette bar is the best part, but most peoplpe quickly realize that after their first trip through the other choices, so the line is looooong and the one dude working it gets a little backed up. -and finally, there was one item in the buffet we weren't sure about. it was small and black and shaped like a flat pear. a little bit hard. it was near the sausages. is it a blarney stone? a rancid fig? we ask the waitress what's in it, and her response is "you don't want to know. it's like blood pudding." we weren't brave enough to take more than 1 bite. gross. if you're hungover and out of options, it'll do. but beware of the blood nuggets!
(2)
Andy R.
I feel like I should really write two reviews to be fair; one for the daytime restaurant and one for the Saturday night DJ'd single's bar. Lunchtime when it's warm out is a solid choice. Good food, great location, forgettably good service, etc. But when they do the disco lights on Saturday night... gross.
(2)
Mihir P.
One of the more spacious, brighter, and airy Irish pubs in Chicago. More seating so it's easier to get a bit if you want. The place is larger compared to the other bars on out crawl route. They have the typical bar food like wings, sliders and so on BUT they also have curry chips!
(3)
K D.
Okay, this is a four star rating for bar food. That being said I really like Mystic. They always have great food deals and fairly cheap drinks. The service leaves a little to be desired but I have gone there with some pretty obnoxious groups and they handle us well. I love their goat cheese pear salad with toasted pecans! If you're going to a bar and want some decent food this is definitely the place to go.
(4)
Marilyn A.
I love this place! It is my go to wing spot! The wings are big, juicy and well flavored. I usually do the standards- bbq and buffalo. Recently I tried the curry wings. Absolutely DELICIOUS! They also have great steak sandwiches and multiple side options.
(4)
Ingrid R.
Good bar food, usually fun and nice staff. It gets a bit cavernous when it's not busy due to the size of the front area. I have been here many times and for several different events and been happy.
(4)
Alexis B.
Blah - just blah. I haven't had a bad experience here, but I feel like this bar doesn't offer much more than a room and alcohol. Most of the positive reviews on here center around their food. If the food isn't bad, I could see Mystic Celt being a nice restaurant setting. However, I don't like this place as a bar. There's no je ne sais quoi bar atmosphere that makes it different from a bunch of people drinking at an apartment. I had an enjoyable post date drink here a few months ago, but in thinking about that, the bar had nothing to do with my enjoyment. Every other night here has bored me to tears. I blame the design of the bar. A large portion of the bar is full of low tables and therefore doesn't provide an area for people to stand. If no seating is available, you have to pack like sardines up front. This makes it really difficult to meet anyone outside of your party. I love my friends, but as a textbook social butterfly, I like to meet new people as often as I can. The bathroom setup is a bit bizarre. There is 1 door that leads to a smaller room that leads to the respective male and female bathrooms. The first time I walked in, there were 2 men standing in the middle room and I jumped a bit thinking I'd walked into the men's room. I was sober - I'm sure this confuses drunk people all the time.
(2)
Mike P.
I've grown to like Mystic Celt more over the years. When the family is in need of a drink or 7 we come here. Many a summer afternoon, whiled away at the corner of the bar, listening to the street noise. Many a shot served by the crack staff. Many a late-night, drunken walk of the dog after an evening at the Celt. If it were a person, it would be my brother or at least a second cousin, just out on parole.
(5)
Brett G.
This bar is solidly average. I've never had the best bar experience of my life, nor have I had the worst. I will agree the bathrooms have an interesting set up, but that's not why I really go out. The food is decent at best, but a wee bit overpriced. $6.75 for chips and guacamole (no salsa) - are you flipping kidding me? Unfortunately, no they are not kidding. I don't mind the bar set up - bar/restaurant/party room, lots of tables, erratically set up - I like that it's not overcrowded and open. My last visit, I ordered a raspberry vodka lemonade special. They were out of Stoli, but I said no worries, Absolut will be just dandy. Plain lemonade arrived. Is this ok? No, well it's not what I ordered. Third try, they seemed to get it right. However the bill came, and it was not on special. They had a hard time correcting it and deducting the special difference off the bill. They couldn't figure it out because they didn't have Stoli in, and evidently that threw the whole computer off. Took about 20 minutes and three tries to get the bill back. The way they remedied the problem was to just take the entire drink off. They felt bad. I appreciated the solution, but it wasn't rocket science. Should have been able to get it right. Nevertheless, I will be back when I'm in the area; it's a Southport staple stop.
(3)
Lauren H.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with fellow yelpers. No problem getting a table for 8. Brunch was an affordable $9.95 but choices were fairly limited: an omelet station, a meat carving station (corned beef, pork, and I think the third was roast beef?), salad (only 2 dressing choices), bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, breads (including tomato focacia which was pretty moist), mini muffins, grilled tomatoes, grilled zucchini and asparagus, penne, roasted potatoes, and some weirdly addictive carrots and parsnips mash that I could not get enough of. Food was decent but aside from the carrot mash, nothing to write home about. Good deal for the price though, and the waitress didn't seem bothered by us sitting there a while.
(3)
Christine M.
I've been going to Mystic Celt for a few years now, and I always really enjoy it. The food is good, the deals are awesome, and the service is always really good. Be sure to sign up for their email list to get the 50% off coupons!
(5)
Amy C.
Dropped in on the way to the airport with my future in- law and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the revolving door @ the entrance. Had a good selection of both food and drink. Inexpensive, well- prepared, nice presentation. I was really happy with my chicken pot pie special. They served my Blue Moon with a slice of fresh orange - nice! The mea was served hot and quickly - flavor and portions were good. The puff pastry was fine. My salad on the side was fresh and very large. Wish they had cut the carrot pieces smaller though - the size of 1/2 an entire carrot. I felt like Bugs Bunny. You can't eat that with a fork. I had enough food to pack up and take onto the plane as my dinner. My only gripe was that service was not great. it took a while to get the waitress to our table. When our food came, we still had no napkins or utensils to eat with. It another while to flag down our waitress. Surprising, given that there weren't that many people there. It was only 5:00 PM on a Monday.
(3)
Lala R.
I just joined Yelp tonight for the specific purpose of giving Mystic Celt a bad review. I dined there with some friends tonight and what was supposed to be a quick wings dinner ended up being 2 hours of wasting my time, terrible service, and mediocre food. the waitress lost our order because she was arguing with another waitress about who was getting our table. and then she didn't come back to our table for another good 30 minutes. I think she came to our table a grand total of 3 times throughout the entire two-hour ordeal. the host and the bartender ended up bringing us our food. and then at the end of the night, she overcharged us by $11. Needless to say, I don't think she was expecting any tip from us. on top of everything else, the food was mediocre at best, and the noise level was off the charts. I'm sorry, Mystic Celt--I WANTED to like you. I wanted to give my money for your services...but tonight was just too much.
(1)
Ern E.
This place is great all around. Went here for lunch the other day and the service was excellent. The only thing I would hold against them was the salad I ordered (Southwestern Salad): way, way, WAY too much dressing, and hardly enough lettuce. Otherwise I always have a decent experience here! :)
(4)
Carlos G S.
UPDATE 7/24/14: You know, I am giving this place the full 5 stars now. This is my go-to place when I need to meet someone for business or just for fun. Whenever I need to go and watch a soccer match or just have a beer and a burger. Throughout the years I've lived in Wrigley, this has turned into my favorite comfort food place. Great place with kids and families. ================================================== I really like this place. During the time I lived in Wrigleyville, I used to hang out here pretty regularly. Waiting personnel was always friendly and attentive --I might recall only one time I thought service sucked. Now, the thing I LOVE about this place is their hamburgers + fries. Regular price is $10. But on Tuesdays they are 50% off --that's a Lincoln, or $5. But wait! If you sign up for their email list, you will get a special coupon that gives you an additional 50% off on any daily promotion. Yep, if basic math does not lie, that's $2.50 a pop --burger and fries! YAY! Not even at McDonald's !!! Their tap and bottled beers are good. I could care less for the usual crap (Bud, Coors, Miller). But their Guinness, Blue Moon and fat Tire are awesome. On Tue, Blue Moon is $3.50. Not bad. Other comfort food I like: Marguerita pizza. And their fish & chips are not bad either. Another BIG plus is that smoking is banned in here, so you can really enjoy your food, your drink and casual chat or game on any of the screens around. So, all in all, a good place to eat, drink and hang out. Don't forget your coupons !!!
(5)
Sarah G.
Often way too dark, too loud, and too long of a wait, but can't beat the $5 burgers and $2.50 Blue Moons on Tuesdays.
(3)
Janis W.
The food is pretty good, but the drinks taste like the alcohol was omitted. They are $7.75 and sound delicious, but something is wrong. I am speaking specifically of the Brazilian Mojito that I ordered on Memorial Day May 26, 2008 at approximately 6pm. I noticed everyone around me had bottles of wine which I think were on the special list.
(3)
Bryan H.
The atmosphere and service here is definitely 5 stars. It is very roomy. The fish and chips are excellent, as well as the Veggie and Pita plate. The specials are a good deal. The salads, wraps, and pizzas are also great choices. Try the bleu cheese wasabi dressing.
(5)
Mandy K.
Great spot for eating and people-watching outside on a nice day. There are many great appetizers, including the nachos, spinach and artichoke dip (which is mild and nutmegy, not overly garlicky), and the combination platter (my favorite). The burgers are very good, but order them rarer than you usually do because they overcook them a bit. It also seems that whenever I ask for something other than fries (like tater tots or waffle fries), either my server or the kitchen ignores it. It's happened often enough that I think it's the kitchen. There's one thing I dislike in particular: the noise level. The front room has a tendency to be very loud anyway, but then they crank the music up around dinnertime and it's incredibly hard to converse at all. That's fine for a bar with a dance floor, but not when you're sitting in a booth trying to share a meal. On weekend evenings, they also change the music from a casual bar mix to a cheesy dance mix, which just seems out of place in this neighborhood pub.
(4)
Phil S.
This is always a good time. They seem to have all the little things down. TVs are high and visually accessible pretty much anywhere you are. They have a large selection of beer - including Smithwicks. Also, my friends and I play a game where whoever can come up with the artist of the song that is on, gets a point. I tend to do ok here as the selection is varied, if not having a slight bias on late 20's to mid 30's adult contemporary women artists (expect some Coldplay and U2 as well). However, I also purposefully listen to Michael Bolton sometimes - so I obviously have amazingly bad taste. There is also a great place to meet people, as it is fairly open and easy to start a conversation. I'm also a huge fan of their Shepard's Pie. It is not bad at all. They also have a friendly staff - I believe all the bartenders are of Irish descent - so they talk funny.
(4)
erin t.
Mystic has 35cent wings on Wednesdays and although the traditional buffalo flavored wings at that price render my attention- they also offer 3 other flavors: BBQ, terryaki & my personal favorite, curry. The wings were absolutely fantastic- crispy with lots of sauce. I would have no problem paying full-price for them even! The best part is that you can mix & match which flavors you would like & each kind gets their own plate! (I am a firm believer in seperation of different foods/flavors on plates - my mashed potatoes never touched the chicken or carrots when I was a kid:) After the meal, I later looked up their website & every night (excluding Sat) Mystic offers some seriously sweet specials. Next Tuesday I'll go back- Blue Moon pints for only $3.50! And Mondays could be worth another trip with half priced appetizers & bottles of wine! Yikes! I need more days in the week!
(4)
Danyelle D.
The food at Mystic Celt is what keeps me coming back. Their daily specials are great, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of their meals. My favorite is the French Onion soup or the Mac&Cheese. I never expected that a bar would have such an extensive menu and such well cooked food!
(4)
Jeff D.
The staff and Mngmt. here are first rate. Everyone is highly interested in making sure you have an enjoyable time at the Mystic Celt. The brunch has been a favorite for many years. Nightly food and drink SPECIALS will bring you back again and again! Tuesday is 1/2 price 1/2 lb Angus burgers AND today with coupon email customers get 1/2 OFF! ! SO $10 burgers are $2.50!!!
(4)
Christos K.
are u kidding me? this is the best burger i ever had! wow! you guys need to check this place out!
(5)
Jon J.
Aah, Mystic Celt. It's got a lot going for it - good food (love the meatloaf!), good beer, relaxed atmosphere. It can get a bit meat-heady on the weekends, but for the most part it's a good crowd. I think that there's a high turnover rate in the servers here - some seem to be really good, while others don't really give a crap. I have fond memories of Mystic Celt - I watched a few World Cup games here last summer and felt I was in a bar that actually cared about what was going on! A good bar!
(4)
Jay P.
I thought that the happy hour appetizer special was terrific. The ambiance was also really enjoyable. It was nice to have half off as well as a coupon. Our party was seated promptly, we weren't rushed, our food arrived quickly (by someone from the kitchen) and the water was filled promptly. The coconut shrimp was pretty tasty as well. My only complaint is regarding the waitress, who is really the main representative of the restaurant. If someone from Mystic Celt is reading this, please be aware that there are a lot of people on Yelp who complain about the poor quality of service/treatment, mainly due to girls who could care less about being there. There are lots of people looking for work, so at least pretend to care. This dark-haired waitress didn't give us eye contact, seemed to be irritated that we wanted appetizers (probably due to the small tip that she'd receive,) and was so cold and abrasive throughout the night. Rigorous training and a serious conversation with staff could bring more customers back and attract new customers in.
(4)
Courtney M.
Well everyone seems to complain about the wait staff on the weekens and I cant speak to that seeing as I was there on a Monday... My experience was pleasant, but nothing extraordinary. Food was good and the drink specials fit my taste. But even on a Monday it got pretty noisy and I had to really strain to hear what my friend was saying (and vice versa)... Service was average and the decor is nice, you feel welcome and comfortable there... it was a cozy place to sit in while it was freezing rain outside! Id go back if Im in the area again, but wouldnt necessarily drive out of my way for this one...
(4)
E. Q.
We came here on a slow week night. Business was slow, and so was the service. We got up-charged for sweet potato tater-tots, although the tots we were served were clearly made from normal potatoes - pure white on the inside, no sweet taste. The waitress argued with us forever, and only took one of them off the tab. Also, we were never even offered a second round of drinks, even though both of our glasses were empty by the time our food was dropped off.
(1)
Aaron N.
Mystic Celt is a decent place. Not the most decent. Not the least decent. Just decent. The service is great and the food is OK, but the night life at this bar is just a little to calm for me. It's a good place to just get a beer and some grub, but after that I would slide over to another bar to get it going. Decent.
(3)
Shannon D.
I have mixed feelings about Mystic Celt. I really enjoy the food, but could live without some of the customers... The service can also be hit or miss. 30 minutes for a drink when the place is half empty? Not cool. The music also sorta sucks... I could live without hearing U2 and Coldplay back to back.... twice. On the plus side, they have great specials, a lot of tvs, and it's fabulous for brunch. The negatives really come down to the sorta fratty guys who seem to hang out here. And they have free wi-fi, which was a nice surprise. I have to carry a pager for work (computer geek), so it's always good to have a place where I can do my job while sipping a drink instead of having to rush home to fix something.
(3)
John W.
This is a solid bar, with a good crowd.There's really nothing to point to as being exceptionally good or bad.
(3)
Kristin C.
It's hard to have a bad evening when you are surrounded by the Cuervo Gold. Tequila is pretty awesome if I do say so myself. . . Last night I headed over to the Mystic Celt because it has been on my "EAT HERE" list for some time now. It wasn't too crowded around 7PM and it also wasn't smoky. Major plus. This is a BIG space with big, high booths where I chose to sit with my dining partner in crime. Mystic Celt gets major points for LISTING their specials. SO many places do not do this and since Mystic Celt has some good deals, I appreciate the literature. Now if they only listed their beer prices ($4.50 for a Budweiser bottle was a little unexpected) they'd be golden. Since it's hard to turn down $4 Cuervo 'ritas I went for those last night. For appetizers we ordered wings (I heard they were good here) and chicken flautas that were also on special for a-dollah-a-flautah. Both were tasty - not the best wings but solid for sure (great buffalo sauce). The menu here is vast - they have french onion soup, salads, wraps and even Irish favorites like Bangers and Mash. I wasn't so hungry post appetizers so I got the Margherita appetizer pizza which was also on special for $5. Mike had the buffalo chicken and coleslaw wrap with onion rings. No complaints. Our waitress, Rachel, was awesome. Service seemed slow around us but she was quick and friendly. There were also a bunch of Cuervo girls passing around promotional shots (they even had limes). A great complement to any meal! I enjoyed my trip to the Celt and it will now move from my "EAT HERE" list to my "GLAD I ATE HERE" list.
(4)
S B.
Conveniently located next to a Brown Line stop. Some of the best Mac n Cheese I've ever eaten.
(4)
Jen L.
3.5 stars really. Mystic Celt does many things well and some things poorly. I love their greasy bar food - fish and chips are great, so is the hummus plate, the grilled cheese, the wraps, etc. The bar is well stocked and they have great specials. However, a lot of their food is just on par, nothing spectacular, and their Sunday brunch is no good. Lots of variety, but poor quality. I still head to Mystic Celt, but you definitely need to know what to go for.
(3)
Scott V.
I was a regular here. It was a ritual of ours to come here twice a week. We started coming here right before the new manager Justin was put in charge. He ruined it. Let me put it this way, I went out of my way to email the powers that be to tell them what a fantastic place this was. It was a great neighborhood place where you come and socialize over a few drinks, now it's just like every other hole that likes to drive in the low brow crowd with loud overplayed music, pointless "DJs", and a come-and-go style of service. It is truly a shame. A year ago I would rather go no where else, now you couldn't pay me, and undoubtedly the other old "regulars" to return. 10-1 this bar goes under like all the other standard bars in the city. Its one saving grave was a single waitress that provided outstanding service regardless of hating the atmosphere as much as we did. Oh well. Try Output bar in Ukrainian village. Better food, atmosphere, and the best part- you can have a conversation with a person more than an inch from their ear.
(1)
Lindsey B.
I was incredibly disappointed last night in the service I received at one of my favorite bars in Chicago. It was one of the first nice days of the year and they had their patio open and their windows open, Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. I went there to meet a friend, and my boyfriend for dinner. I walked in and stood at the hostess stand for a good 3-4 minutes while a girl who I thought was the hostess passed me several times. She finally came over and grabbed a menu and started walking. I stopped her and said "Is there any way I can sit outside? And I have more people coming, it's not just me." She stopped walking and turned to me seemingly annoyed and told me it was about a 30-45 minute wait. So I told her I'd sit inside but I'd like to sit as close to the windows as possible. She grabbed two other menus and pointed to a table as she did so and said, "That's as close as I can get you." So that's where I sat. My friend showed up about 10 minutes later and the hostess came over and took our 3rd menu. My friend stopped her and told her we needed it because we had a third person coming. She said, "Well I need it for now because I have no other menus." My friend said.. "Oh.. ok.." and she walked away shaking her head!! Really? Our waitress shows up and she's less than pleasant as well. She asked questions and walked away without hearing the answer. We tried to stop her several times to order an appetizer and she wouldn't even look at us. I'm going to give Mystic Celt one more try because I've never had this experience before and I really like the feel of the place (usually). But this was NOT a good experience for me last night.
(2)
Pamela L.
This is easily one of my favorite places to hang out or eat in the neighborhood. Since moving to Wrigleyville about a year ago, I've been here several times and each time has been a pleasant one. Their food is great... they have a good variety on the menu from your classic Irish dishes to comfort food and bar food, to dishes that one can choose if they want to eat more healthy. They have a full bar including a variety of wines. The staff has always been very friendly. The bar area is typical for the area, in the back is the dining area which has a trendy feel with large booths and candles. I believe there is also a party room in the very back. The music is always great... from trendy lounge in the dining area to current dance/rock and even some older stuff in the bar. Come as you are, come in for a beer... it's a great place to just hang out!
(5)
Danny H.
Good specials, both for food and drink. A very nice atmosphere, as well. This is a great place to hit up if you're in the Southport area.
(4)
Michelle L.
My husband and I went here for lunch on a weekday. I ordered a $8 southwest salad. It turned out to have iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, and, what I am convinced, leftover chips crumbled on top. All for $8!! My husband has the $5 wrap special, also not very impressive but it was only $5. They have lots of specials, food and drink. I have never been for a bar....but I wasn't very impressed with the food. I would try it again, but just for beer.
(3)
Desiree K.
You never want to judge a book by its cover, but always judge a bar by its waitstaff. For example, Guthries is a corner neighbourhood tavern that's as pretentious as its wooden shack extension out back, and your bartenders will talk to you about Jeff Buckley and Graham Greene. The Riverview is a friendly hangout where your waitress will join in the music Scattergories game you're playing all Sunday afternoon and let you sneak in packages of Twizzler nibs. The Grafton welcomes your kids anytime and lets them climb all over the leather couch in the back. At the Mystic Celt last night, our waitress was a little blonde chick who forgot our BBQ wings order three times, my water four times, took 20 minutes to bring our food, and rarely asked us if we needed more beer. I mean, come on, Rammy had just hit a grand slam and the Bulls were forcing Game Six. And the best you can muster is a series of blank looks? So I'm really not sure why people stand in line to get in on special occasions and weekends. The food is good and they have nice daily deals, but it's generic a bar as can be. How about some wooden panelling and retro Guinness signs and let's call it an Irish pub? No problem if we don't have the personality to go with, we've got a few plasmas to make up for it! Michael Flatley would fit right in here -- bland, commercialised, glossy, and tight pants (mostly on the girls on a Saturday night). Nice garden setting in the patio though -- however, never judge a bar by its outdoor seating!
(1)
Ben W.
The food is pretty mediocre, but they have good specials and the beer prices are pretty reasonable. Beware, though - service here is also mediocre. My favorite is the hostess, who always looks completely stoned and couldn't care less to seat you.
(2)
paget s.
The food here is not bad and not great ,wings on wensdays are a good deal,but the service is the thing that brings this place down ,you can sit there for a good 30 min on a very slow day/night before they even know your there,and for this reason I don't like going here,
(2)
Mike S.
Had brunch here this afternoon. Considering I paid only $10 for four heaping plates of meat, it was a pretty good deal. For starters, as most other posters have mentioned, this place is Irish in name only. But, of course, I don't think anyone who goes here thinks it's authentic, and I don't think the owners really make any effort to be authentic. That said, they did have Smithwick's on tap, which was nice. I can see the crowd getting a little obnoxious on weekend nights, but the brunch crowd was relaxed and nice. For the brunch buffet, they had the standard American assortment of bacon, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and such. They also had some more traditional Irish food, such as black & white pudding. While I've had better, it was still a nice selection. They also had a carving station serving roast beef, corned beef, and... something involving pork that I don't remember. The food was generally good, and well worth the money.
(3)
Brandon C.
This has been one of my favorite bars, and favorite neighborhoods, in Chicago since I moved here. Mystic Celt has fantastic food, the atmosphere is fantastic, the drinks are moderately priced and the crowd, while young and hip, is not as pretentious as the Lincoln Park scene. I especially like their Sunday brunch with the Omlette station. If I could start every day with a mystic celt omlette I would be very happy and either very fat, or very dead. My only knock on this bar is the TVs. This would definitely not be my first choice to watch a game as there aren't many TVs and the ones they have are poor quality.
(4)
Sarah S.
Bored just writing about it.
(2)
Anna S.
Their wraps are a great lunch and they have some more heavy items for dinner. I've been here several times with friends at night and for lunch with my family. It has some nice outdoor seating and friendly, though sometimes slow-paced, staff. They have some great daily specials here like $5 pizzas.
(4)
Jeff N.
Attended a party in semi-private room in back of bar. Door was monitored by a bored-looking security guy. His first words were, "20 bucks". Since I didn't want to cause a scene by challenging this, I paid for the wristband which gets you unlimited 'house' drinks. Only later did I find out that the $20 is not mandatory; that you can order drinks ala carte. The surly security guy never presented that as an option. So, my best remedy to this 'value received should exceed value paid' dilemma was to drink more than $20 worth. I had about 6 vodka and tonics but most were 90% tonic and 10% vodka. I should have been in lala land after six of these, but the actual amount of vodka probably equalled two drinks in any other bar. The noise was deafening in this back room, but I imagine that is par for the course in places like these. Doubtful you will see me wandering in here in the future.
(2)
Kate S.
I really like coming here for some nice tavern-like food. I really like their fish and chips a lot. They are crisp and come a bed of peas, and the restaurant knows enough to have malt vinegar available (you'd be shocked at how many places don't). I also really like the veggie burgers. Definitely get the burgers on the pretzel bun. Delicious! The best thing about this place is the specials. Come on a Tuesday for $5 burgers, or on a Monday for half price bottles of wine. There are a few items on the menu that are disappointing. The chicken fingers are to be avoided. They were reheated and didn't taste quite right.
(4)
Kelly G.
A regular spot for me - great specials! I also LOVE their wings - their buffalo and curry wings are awesome. Sometimes their other food is hit or miss - it is either great or average. But with the prices, it is worth it. The service is always pretty good too - never had a complaint.
(4)
Emily C.
I'm not pregnant, nor am I six years old, but sometimes I eat like I am one or the other. Some things are just flat out comfort food and it doubles the awesomeness factor to get two of such comfort foods on the same plate, even if they normally don't go together. So what the flip does this have to do with Mystic Celt? They serve grilled cheese with mashed potatoes. GOOD grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes. GOOD mashed potatoes that are garlicky and drowned in brown gravy. It was like a hug in food form. Plus, decent beer specials. I'm gonna have to go back and eat a real person meal someday but there have got to be other people out there who think grilled cheese + mashed potatoes is brilliant. Lord knows I do!
(4)
Leo M.
Been here a bunch of times, and pretty happy each time. Sure it's on Southport and it appears to be your average irish tavern, and sure when you get inside it still seems the same. But, the food is pretty good here - I've never had anything I didn't like. Well, except for the fish - but you're really tempting fate when you order grilled salmon from a bar, aren't you? Anyway, they've got great big booths and a largeish back room that lets you push tables together for your impromptu table of 15 (we've all been there, don't lie) so you get here early enough, and you'll all have seats. It can get busy during game days, but doesn't every bar with at least one tv? It is the cusp of wrigleyville, after all. Come here to hangout with some friends, get yourself a Celt Burger (and swap the fries for onion rings. For the love of God, GET THE ONION RINGS) and relax in a faux leather booth with the rest of your friends.
(4)
Matthew P.
I have been here many times and each time i have been pleasantly surprised. The wait staff is very nice and tentative to your needs. Great place to go to grab a few drink, each some lunch or have a nice dinner. They have happy hours all the time after work and its nice being right next to the southport brown line stop. I think the best part about this joint is the bathroom door. (it just looks cool). You keep is real Mystic Celt!
(4)
Samantha H.
For the price, they really do have good food. They have Irish comfort food, which is always good and then regular bar food as well. It's a pretty big place so I've never waited to be seated. They usually have some beer specials too.
(3)
Melanie B.
We had our holiday party here last night and everything was wonderful. Our bartender, Peter, was very attentive -- he made sure we had everything we needed and was able to turn the music off during our raffle, which really helped. You get a lot for your money in terms of the packages; for $9.50 each we got a buffet of four hot appetizers, veggies and dip, and fruit and cheese. The back room is gorgeous, with a central private bar, comfy couches, and additional seating. It was the perfect setting for socializing. And it was a breeze to set up as well -- Alison was wonderful to work with and everything went off without a hitch. Definitely recommend for your next party!
(5)
Art K.
Great patio, good specials. Service is "meh" and the food is "meh"as well. You can get much better service and food at any number of places within two blocks of Mystic Celt.
(3)
Justin G.
I'd like to preface this by saying that the only reason this place gets two stars is because of the service. Our waitress was quick and attentive, as well as patient. However, not much else about this establishment pleases me. We ordered a spinach-artichoke dip as an appetizer. I'll admit, it was pretty good. Not exception, but certainly B-level. However, my cobb salad was terrible. I think that this cobb salad is going to be the straw that breaks my back in terms of ordering 'our take on the cobb salad.' Spinach greens don't really belong with a cobb. Nor does turkey in lieu of chicken. Apples don't make sense. And a small army of green olives are a terrible edition. Oh yeah, cobbs are better with feta. Cheddar on a salad? Why? Just why? My girlfriend got the vegetarian chili. I don't know the usual protocol on vegetarian chili, but it felt more like a soup with kidney beans in it than it felt like chili. It wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't chili either. Rather disappointing. Additionally, shortly after finishing eating, I started to feel fairly sick. The gf also felt sick for a little while, but I really haven't felt right since. Rather unpleasant.
(2)
katie n.
Against my better judgment, I really like Mystic Celt. It's huge, so on weeknights when there's not much hustle and bustle it's pretty spacious. It gets packed on weekends, which isn't really my thing, but the crowd isn't usually awful. The bar has pretty good drink deals- they have $3.50 Blue Moon and Fat Tire every day. The food is decent. Definitely try the $9.95 brunch buffet on weekends, which is great. They make decent Bloody Marys, which are on special every weekend for brunch. My favorite part of Mystic Celt: The complimentary tastings. Sign up for the VIP e-mail list (anyone can), and you'll get invitations to exclusive complimentary tastings. Former tastings include Maker's Mark, Blue Moon, and Hacker Pschorr. Mystic Celt is right off the Southport brown line, so it's easily accessible and if Southport is your thing, there are many other bars and restaurants to choose from if you're not in the mood to stay in one place
(5)
Andrea C.
pros: -always a beer on special (and a great selection) -wed night 35 cent wings, $6 wraps (and they're pretty darn good) -the rest of the menu is pretty freaking solid cons: -gets really crowded -so loud you cant really have a conversation i frequent this place during the week since its right around the corner from some of my best friends apartments. however, it gets extremely crowded over the weekends and becomes a different type of bar (fratty mcdouche...not my scene). i spent st pattys day here...and while i did have a fun time (due to a great deal of green miller lite), i dont enjoy bars where you can hardly move...and thats usually the case on the weekends. fun note: my friend once saw casey affleck here on a wed night. verynice!
(4)
Erin C.
This place is huge, but still maintains a neighborhood feel. I went to the New year's eve at Mystic 2006 (bringing in 2007) and have been a few other times since. They have good wine and shot pours, and a good tap beer selection. I have heard that they have good food too, but I haven't had any besides the New Years inclusive deal, and I dont think its fair to judge based on that. The food was fine then, but not really the focus anyways. Mystic was a good host for a huge group of us and their communication through email about the event was very prompt and organized. I love all the bars associated with Mystic, so it isn't much surprise that this place gets a good review from me.
(4)
E M.
I've definitely grown tired of the Mystic Celt. It's huge and cavernous, which means you wait for a long time to be seen, then seated, then spotted again by your waiter, then waited upon. Many times, my boyfriend and I have been among a handful of people in the Mystic Celt, and we wait and wait... And not only is the wait bad, the order is never quite correct, things come out of the kitchen in drips and drabs and the food -- in a word -- sucks. Usually, bar food is bar food. Mystic Celt's is dried out and over-salted, like it was once semi-tasteless, but it sat under a heat lamp for four more days and became inedibly tasteless, so they salted it to perk it up. The half-priced appetizers lured me once or twice, but now even THAT is not enough to bring me in. It's just me giving my money away for plain AWFUL crap. I've even been there for their beer tasting and appetizer bar specials -- crap. Lots of TVs at Mystic Celt that you can watch if you're not blocked by a pole. But I can get the same beers on tap at better places on Southport and pay way less. Everything about Mystic Celt underwhelms.
(2)
josie w.
Wow!The celt burger is probably 2nd best in Chicago for 2010! AND it's $5 on Tuesdays! They set you up with the fries...the quesadillas not such a good buy @ $8 but for $4 on Mondays-perfect!
(5)
Chutima N.
Difference feeling for day and night. Foods are ok, but service and avenue are nice. Many friends of mine just feel comfortable to be there. Let get an insight why??
(3)
Fine Young Canibals Q.
SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET! Went there on a Sunday to get some brunch and watch the cubs game with friends. Got seated right away in the bar-area where we could watch the game on several large plasma T.V.'s. Looked like they had nicer seating in the back if you wanted to have an experience way from the bar. On Sunday's they offer a brunch buffet for just under $10. I think the buffet runs from 11am-3pm, not sure. We all opted for the buffet. The buffet is not large but it is clean and it offers a nice little variety of foods- muffins, bagels, English muffins, yogurt, hash browns, mini pancakes, eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon, sausage, spinach greens salad, mixed fruit, roasted potatoes, pasta, grilled veggies, etc. The best part about the buffet is that there is a chef who will prepare you an omelet to taste ( you can choose cheese, peppers, ham, mushrooms, tomato, etc-- standard stuff). AND the Chef will also cut you a nice piece of meat- corned beef, pork, and I think-- beef. I had the corned beef after it came highly recommended by my friend- and it was good! So yes-- The Sunday buffet was nice and clean and affordable, so I'd do it again. We ordered drinks too. Taking advantage of the Sunday special, we got Bloody Mary's (which I didn't have but they looked good....), and Margarita's (which I did have and they were good). Drinks were $5 each and I think beer was $2.50, donno, didn't have any. Each of us got the buffet and 2 drinks, walked out having paid $25 each, which included a NICE tip- which is weird in retrospect- why did we tip so much if we got the buffet?!
(4)
Brent W.
Nice little bar w free wifi. I came in for a beer and some post work data entry. Can't comment on the food but the atmosphere was decent and they serve up Smithwick's, obvi....good choice on a brisk fall afternoon.
(3)
Sarah S.
They have the BEST spinach & artichoke dip!! They have tons of other great food as well. I love going here for dinner and on the weekends with friends.
(5)
Brian E.
This place is great if you want to eat some mediocre comfort food, drink some bland beer, be a douche bag, and listen to Nickelback.
(2)
Atl L.
I miss you Mystic Celt. I used to live near you and we would stop by on Monday's when you had the excellent special ($4 burgers and $3 microbrew pints). It's been a while since we've moved but I think about you often. Do you remember me? Your food was always good, pints were always cold and service was mostly decent. I especially liked you when it was nice out and we were lucky enough to score a prime table outside. But your inside is just fine with your cozy booths and long bar. One thing I never understood about you, why would an Irish Pub bring in a DJ on Fri and Sat nights? You don't need that! That's why I avoided you on the weekends. I'll stop by and see you soon, I promise.
(4)
Mike M.
Typical bar food which is decent and reasonably priced. They have a decent selection of beer. Sitting on the patio in the front during the summer is always pleasant. They have a different food and drink special every weekday which is very reasonable.
(3)
Minh T.
This place definitely doesn't have the friendliest or most competent wait staff. Fortunately for Mystic Celt, the food is great. I would highly recommend their BBQ Chicken Wrap which also has great cole slaw inside it. Their steak sandwich is pretty amazing as are their chicken wings, but that's mainly because they have some rare flavors...curry?! So good. If you're planning to go here for a night out with your friends, I would advise against it. It's really loud and just not the kind of place where people let loose and dance nor is the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation with someone if it's past 9pm.
(3)
Nikkie H.
I've been there a few times, and it is on my list of "places to take guests if I don't want to spend a ton of money, but still have a good meal." That's bad, I know. I always go with the shepherd's pie and a nice cold beer. It's especially great in the winter because the shepherd's pie is all warm and comforting. I think mashed potatoes will do that to me. The only reason I don't go there as often as I'd like is the parking situation. It's usually such a nightmare to drive and park, and from where I live there is no convenient public transportation there...and I'm too cheap to take a cab. Can you see the pattern?
(5)
B.D. K.
Booo...I had a few recommendations to check this place out including Aol City Best top ten. Blah! Both plates my girlfriend and I got failed to be anything but mediocre. Avoid this place...
(2)
Lauren M.
This place has something for everyone. They have great specials every night, and it's always a fun scene. Love me some sweet potato tots!
(4)
Mike K.
I've been here before...hell I've even reviewed it! Yet it seemed like a completely different place. It still had that crazy vampire lighting going in the front, but it was all the space in the back area that I was shocked by. This place has a ton of space! They should definitely put it to better use. I was impressed by the huge burgers and fries deal they had for $5 at the Yelp event. Sweet deal, kids. Plus They kept the tap relatively light...gotta love that.
(4)
Serena J.
I'm always really disappointed in their food. I've never had anything that was good. There are so many better restaurants/bars in teh neighborhood, I would definitely skip this one.
(2)
Andrew T.
I've only been here once on a Tuesday evening for dinner but this bar has already made it's way to the top of my list. What more could you ask for? Clean interior and bathrooms and great menu/drink specials and good location. Def. recommending this bar to people....
(4)
Brenna O.
We went to Mystic Celt solely for the breakfast buffet. It was just ok, and I could tell that they spend a lot more time preparing for the lunch buffet part than the breakfast part. The scrambled eggs were fine, and the fresh fruit was really good, but I would have liked a much larger selection. The little pancakes were so hard that it was difficult to cut with a knife. Our server was friendly, but this place is definitely more bar than restaurant. I guess our quest for the best breakfast buffet in Chicago is far from over...
(3)
Jillian S.
Mysic Celt is super loud. It's that kind of strange, loud bar that people still feel comfortable enough for some odd reason to bring babies to. So not only is it loud to start, but there are babies screaming on top of it. On top of all of this, my friend and I waited 10 minutes at our table for the server to come to our table after we had been seated! EW.
(2)
Bernie D.
This bar has 2 sides. One side with great food and lots of space. very enjoyable with a good crowd. The second side is any time after 10pm the music gets excessively loud, the bar gets extremely crowded, and finding a bartender becomes impossible. I'd go back for dinner or happy hour, but probably not for a late night bar.
(3)
Not J B.
Slightly better than their sister restaurant Corcoran's. This place is larger, has a bit more of a selection in both departments and serves food until 2 a.m. though it is awfully loud.
(2)
Eden M.
The service can be agonizingly slow at times (and not when it's crowded either), but the beer selection is solid, there's plenty of seating, and the food is good for what it is. Salads, burgers, wraps - all decent. We mostly go here to grab dinner, but it's a fun nightspot as well. Good music, cleaner than a lot of bars over in Wrigleyville, and lots of flatscreens (and they are really nice about changing channels).
(4)
Ryan C.
I've typically had an ok time at Mystic Celt when its later in the evening, and you get one of the tables in the back room. The front bar area gets pretty crowded. I've always thought the service was a little blah (like I'm bothering the bartender when I ask her to reach in the cooler and take the cap off a miller lite bottle), but the staff on Sunday was able to confirm that opinion for me. Long story short, after the hostess seated us outside, I let her know we wont need menus or silverware since we were only grabbing a drink. She said ok, and took the menus back. The waitress came over shortly after with menus, and we said the same. She then let us know that we would have to order food in order to sit outside (patio was only half full btw) and that we should just get some chips and salsa for $3.95 (great deal) so she won't get in trouble. This was apparently the result of a "city ordinance" that does not let customers sit in patios unless they're eating (my first time hearing this after living in the neighborhood for 10 years, and sitting next door at Newports once/week outside). Apparently there's also a new ordinance where pretentious Irish bars take their patrons for granted!....ok, let me calm down. Anyway, we left and walked across the street to SoPo to enjoy a beer outside on the patio where we asked the waitress about this ordinance. She let us know we could sit outside and drink as long as we want. (Yes, you read that right. the Sopo service was friendlier than the Mystic Celt). I'll try and avoid complaining about things on my Yelp reviews, but I thought this was pretty ridiculous.
(1)
Angela M.
Here is why i really love this place. Cause I can take my daughter here and get a glass of wine. But seriously they put us toward the back so my daughter can kind of run around if she gets antsy and she wont bother other people (cause they put most of the people with kids toward the back). And I like the food.
(4)
Karl K.
A great place to drinks beers on a saturday afternoon, people watch after 10pm or bring the family for lunch or dinner. A very comfortable atmosphere with pleasant staff, great owners.
(4)
Ross F.
Bad service, food is OK but they have screwed up my order so many times that I'm not going back. I heard some one call it 'Mystic Frat Boy' and that pretty much sums it up. I'm not a self hating Irish or anything but the authentic waitresses have a little too much McAttitude if you know what I'm saying.
(2)
Emily O.
Great wraps & daily specials. Its one of our favorite local neighborhood spots in Lakeview. There is also outdoor seating. Perfect for a happy hour or weekend lunch spot.
(4)
Kelly B.
This is a good spot for after work drinks and your typical bar food. It's also a good spot to watch a game or two. The burgers are great and the onion rings are pretty good too. They have a nice patio to eat/drink outside on nice days/evenings. My worst experience here was on a weekend night last winter and the place turned into a club-like atmosphere. There was a DJ and tons of youngsters piled in and turned the dining room into a dance floor. It was unreal. Needless to say I have been back a few times but before the crazy weekend dance crowd.
(3)
Nicole B.
I popped in on a rainy Sunday afternoon to satisfy my craving for a burger and a pint - and stay dry! The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The burger was huge, with a perfectly pink center, dripping cheese and ketchup, just the way I like them! The fries were awesome as well - crispy outside, mushy inside!
(4)
Danielle K.
I went to Mystic Celt last Wednesday because they have some great specials (specifically for the buffalo wing special). Now the wings were great, don't get me wrong and there were multiple flavors, which I appreciate but the service was horrible. The waitress forgot my boyfriends Guiness (it took him almost an hour to get it). She forgot orders of food and, what I think irked me the most, she took my beer at least twice BEFORE I WAS DONE WITH IT. Mind you it wasn't a full beer but it had a couple drinks left. Then she came with the check and added 18% gratuity. As we were sitting there, admittedly grumbling about it, she swoops in, grabs the check and says "I'll take it off." We were like whoa there we didn't actually complain to you. Then the manager got there and told us that was his best server (which is sad if that's true) and we just dropped it. This waitress was HORRIBLE though and barely deserved 10% I'm not quite sure what her name is but she's short and has brown hair (which is like half the woman out there including me) needless to say I'm not quite sure I'll be back
(2)
Amy R.
Though the theme screams Irish, it's just another typical joint, but one worth checking out. Great music each night (though they could turn it down a bit), decent food (been there for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and liked it each time), and a great place to meet friends for drinks. Can't ask for much more. Try snagging a spot on the street front patio in good weather: excellent people watching opportunities abound. The inside offers a good number of booths, but unless you get there early, good luck getting one. The place can get crowded at nights, but it's not one of those places that makes you feel claustrophobic by 9 pm. It's a nice low-key change from the normal Wrigleyville joints.
(3)
Dan M.
Editorial 10/23/07: I received a message with an explanation about my complaint. So, I am adding two stars for the owner being a standup person. If they become an OU bar I will give them another go. Original Review Okay, I can't comment on the food (because I walked out) but my complaint is simple: false advertising. On my way to Bobtail (which rocks) I saw a OU special advertised, and as a diehard Oklahoma fan I was very happy to see a bar close to me that followed OU. On Saturday my fiance and I walked to the celt to see my sooners hook the horns of Texas....but to my surprise the game was not on....nor could it be found because they didn't have ESPN gameplan! How do you follow OU in a Big 10 market without it? When I asked the manager about this she replied, "I can't find the game sorry." How do you call yourself an OU bar, but don't carry the biggest game of every season?? I know OU does not have a huge following around here, but if you do follow them....avoid the celt.
(3)
Sarah L.
Stopped in the other night for some drinks and appetizers. They have OK mojitos, could be a little bit stronger. The margarita pizza with goat cheese and chicken is really yummy. The chicken nachos were tasty! Our server was really nice and attentive! If you sign up for their emails, you will get discount coupons sent to you. I also got a free $20 gift card for my birthday, w0000t!
(3)
Niki C.
So it's not exactly like a pub you'd find in Ireland. Not even close. Well, maybe in Dublin in Trinity Bar where all the tourists go, but let's just say it's not traditional. In that, it's not dirty & dark & full of Guinness farts. Well, maybe Guinness farts, but we won't know for sure until the smoking ban goes into effect. I digress. I've been here for lunch, for dinner, for after a Cubs game, & for a private party in one of the back rooms. Each time a good time. Once, the group of guys I was with was a little over-zealous (now THAT's an Irish pub!) & we were kicked out (now that's NOT an irish pub!), but they were awfully cordial about it & yeah, I'd've kicked the idiots out, too ... they were pretty much major wankers. & they pour a decent Guinness, so fart away!
(3)
Brian W.
I wrrote a bad review about 7 months ago (invloving about 10 visits and very inattentive staff). Almost immeadiatly after the review it was as if they had read it (I wish I remembered where I wrote it)! I've been back about 6 times since and the staff has been much more attentive. While I highly doubt my review had any influence, things have definitley changed for the better. Good bar food, big nice place, good outdoor seating, high quality bar.
(3)
Douglas G.
Okay, you are not a real Irish pub when your drink specials are Miller Lite and Coors Light. This is just another uninspired corporate chain restaurant with a fake Irish name. Avoid.
(2)
Julie P.
I live down the street from Mystic Celt so I'm kind of a regular....I love the atmosphere here, always an interesting crowd. Their Sunday brunch buffet is $10 and it rocks!! They also have really great specials every day that are hard to pass up! I have had good luck with all of the servers so far, and I'm super picky about service. Definitely check it out if you are in the southport 'hood!
(5)
Laura I.
I came here a couple times when I used to live in this area and it was a nice enough place but I don't find it overly special. In the summer time, they have a great outdoor seating area in front, which always gets packed on weekends and stays that way throughout the brunch hours. I didn't find the food to be anything extraordinary and our drinks were sufficient enough. In the end, it just seemed rather mediocre and ordinary.
(3)
Allison S.
First experience there was a Saturday afternoon; I met my sister and her boyfriend there before they went to the Rascal Flats concert at Wrigley. Their special that day was $3 pints of Miller lite. I got the mushroom swiss burger, which was amazing! I will definitely be back, hopefully at night the next time.
(4)
Patrice O.
I work in the area where mystic Celt is,I have been there a few times just to place a to go order and you have to go to the bar to place the to go orders.The bartenders are ALWAYS rude to me and some of my co workers.For example my coworker and I walked in directly to the bar and the bartender completely ignored us she was to busy flirting with one of her customer(I'm not a hater, so I let her get her Mack on) but when she did decide to come over to us she was like yea,not how can I help you? Or How are you ladies doing today? Just YEA!! So I kept my cool and placed my order and my coworker did the same.It took our food about 15 mins not a big deal,so the bartender collected the payment from us I paid cash,my coworker paid with C.C. And she throw the C.C. Book right in front of her.WTF was that about!!! At that point I wanted to talk to a manager but my coworker said forget it she isn't worth it,she will be fired soon ,so just let it go. But I couldn't let it go because that was so f ing rude. Mystic Celt I will never ever come here again!!! there are so many other nicer and friendlier places on southport so if I were you I would skip this place!!..mystic celt what you need to realize is money is a luxury so if someone is coming in to your busy to spend money you need to step up and make sure that person is happy and will come back and tell other people about their experience.so my advice is to dramatically improve your customer service.
(1)
Matt B.
I've only eaten dinner here, so I can't comment on the bar, but the food is pretty darn good as far as bar/pub food goes. Ducked in for dinner with my girlfriend the other night and we each order the Wednesday night special: $5 wraps. I had the grilled chicken and bacon, she had the veggie. Both were very filling, yet didn't weigh us down, and came with a surprisingly good side salad. Overall, food was good, restaurant was spacious, service was ok. Only thing I would check off for would be the sticky table.
(4)
eric m.
ive been in the back room for a few events and there are a lot of people moving around from table to table. food is average but the service is fast and the waitresses remember faces and tabs. i would go more often if they put a jukebox in because even music thats not my cup of tea would be better than the one minute clips they spin.
(4)
T K.
One of my favorite bars in southport. The fratboy quotient is low despite being a younger crowd and I've found alot of the ladies are usually friendly despite being incredible looking. Definitely not a hugely authentic Irish bar, but great if you are just looking for drinks and conversation with new people.
(4)
PJ T.
been here several times...once for a private party and once for just a casual dinner. food is really good if you are looking for an irish fix or just some usual bar food. they have all kinds of beer. Good to swing by if you are in the hood
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Natalie Q.
Service is great and the place is really nice but the food is just okay. We both had burgers and while they look impressive, they really taste like a regular cheap burger. The fries aren't anything to talk about either. We had a full carafe of sangria, which wasn't that expensive. It didn't taste like much though. Honestly it kind of tasted like koolaid. We probably won't be back here for food. It was just really disappointing. There are so many way better options for burgers and I expected a lot more.
(2)Jamie B.
Gross place. Smelled like maple syrup (from brunch?) at 8pm. Sticky tables horrible service. Took 20 mins to get a round of drinks of which two of the four were incorrect. Will not be back.
(1)Eric R.
This review is a bit goofy, because it deals with a meal that we had at the Mystic Celt more than 12 years ago. But I remembered it this morning and thought it was worth writing up. In November 2002, my wife and I were sworn in as lawyers. Her mother and 88-year-old grandma came to the ceremony, and took us out for a celebratory lunch afterwards. The Mystic Celt was new-ish at the time, and my wife's grandma was southside Irish (she was a little old lady who grew up over the tavern that her family ran before settling in Beverly and raising a gaggle of kids. You'd never expect it but she could keep up when cocktails were being served.) So that was the place we picked. It was a weekday lunch, so the place was quiet. My grandma-in-law explained to the waiter why we were there - clearly proud of her newly-minted lawyer granddaughter - and told him to bring over a bottle of champagne to toast the occasion. But the waiter apologized that the bar didn't sell any sparkling wine (they do now, I see). She was disappointed but we went on. To our great surprise, about 15 minutes later the waiter came over to the table with a bottle of champagne. When we asked what had changed in that time, he said that the manager felt bad that we couldn't properly celebrate, and sent him up the street to Osco to take care of the request. The manager apparently paid for it out of his pocket and insisted that it was on the house. We drank out of wine glasses, and though it was probably cheap drug store stuff it tasted pretty great under the circumstances. My grandma-in-law died less than a year later. She was the best. I am glad to have that memory of her. Thanks, Mystic Celt manager from 12 years ago. (P.S. I think their burgers were pretty good? I honestly don't remember.)
(5)Ryan C.
This review is based solely on my dining experience here. The inside of Mystic Celt is very nice in terms of the restaurant layout, TV selection, and style. I guess I would consider Mystic Celt a 'classier' type of sports restaurant and bar (compared to BW3's and the likewise). In addition, their menu features more unique food options (specifically, Irish inspired) than typical sports bar. The group I came with decided to split the homemade mac and cheese cake as an app. Like all the food I tried here, it was just okay, nothing extraordinary. The size of one mac and cheese cake was equivalent to the size of a 'man that lifts' closed fist. I think a mac and cheese cake is pretty much mac & cheese rolled into a patty, soaked in eggs, sprinkled with flour, then deep fried. It was pretty heavy and a bit greasier than I would have liked, but the mac & cheese itself was pretty good. In addition to the mac and cheese cake, I tried the Juicy Maclucy burger. This is an angus patty stuffed with mac and cheese and topped with a few onion rings. (It was just one of those mac n cheese days, you know?) I knew after eating the mac and cheese cake, there was no way I would be able to finish my meal. It was just too much heavy food. The burger was just okay. I asked for it medium-well and would have liked for the outside of the burger to have been a little crispier. The mac and cheese left no impact on the taste of the burger, I kind of forgot it was on the burger. If I were to come back, I wouldn't be "dying" to have a burger from here. I realize the mac and cheese cake with the Juicy Maclucy burger was a poorly planned execution of meal planning on my part, but regardless, nothing in my meal really impressed me. Based on just the food, I would have given Mystic Celtic three stars. It was just average. I gave this review two stars because the customer service was lacking. Our waitress stopped by our table just a couple of times and neglected to fill our drinks. We had to ask her for refills and I left the restaurant thirsting for water. I would probably give Mystic Celt another opportunity but it would have to be on an occasion when I am wanting to go somewhere to eat lightly and focus majorly on drinking and watching a sporting event. I feel as though the surrounding restaurants around Mystic Celt are more appealing, but I would not reject the offer of going to Mystic Celt for a few drinks.
(2)Ryan J.
This place is the worst. I came on a Friday (for the all you can eat fish fry). I got my first order of fish and it came with a really small portion of fish. I thought okay well it's all you can eat. I then waited half an hour for my second serving which consisted of only one piece. When I asked about my second order she asked me if I just wanted it to go... Really? I'm currently waiting for my third serving. If you are going to have and all you can eat option don't give 2 small pieces of fish for the first serving then 1 piece for the second a half hour later. Sorry that is just terrible. It's been 20 min and I'm still waiting for my 3rd serving hopefully it is more then just one piece. If you have it on your menu, especially if it is your special for the day you gotta be able to serve it if ordered. So disappointed. Don't come here. Just don't.
(1)Mallory L.
Atmosphere is great. Service is subpar at times. Most disappointing thing is no mugs for Moscow mules multiple nights in a row. Even when it is not busy can't seem to get service or appropriate mugs for drinks
(2)Karen C.
I have to say, every time I've been here, the food has been pretty meh. Either the silverware, glassware or plates have always looked dirty & they are always out of some of the beers on the list. The mac & cheese always sounds so good, but it's just a big bowl of blah. I usually only end up here because there aren't a ton of other options on Southport with this much outdoor seating & affordable prices. The good part is that it's enormous, and you can almost always get a table, no matter the size of your group. The servers are also always really nice, and it's definitely a relaxing atmosphere, but it's definitely not the best choice in the area if you want good Irish food, or even just a good meal in general.
(2)Jeremy B.
A solid bar on the Southport corridor serving up good beer, drinks and above average bar food. The menu isn't uber-Irish but they do have some staples like corned beef, fish & chips and bangers & mash...mostly it's traditional American bar fare of cheese curds, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. Don't let that disappoint you as everything I have ordered has been very good, just fair warning if you're expecting a Dublin-like experience. The service is always friendly but can sometimes be slow. They also have a decent amount of tables available outside on the sidewalk patio.
(4)Zehra G.
THE place to go for a GREAT burger, music, and good conversation. I can't remember the name of the burger I get, but I know what it is when I go here.Their mashed potatoes are the ones you crave after thanksgiving. Yeah, I said it. Tastes homemade which are my favorite. They have an outdoor seating too but I usually go here during spring and summer so I don't like flies or any bugs to be around me. Nonetheless the inside seating is just as spacious and accommodating. The staff is really nice and do all they can to fill your order (and tummy!)
(5)Lea C.
Went here on a Wednesday night, it wasnt that busy at all - yet it took 10mins to get our water, 25mins for our food, and 15mins to get a box for our leftover and the check. Why does it take 15mins for you to get a couple boxes and our check? Maybe our waitress was just new, but we had a lot of waiting to do - which made us lose our appetite. Bad service, just OK food, not worth it.
(1)Melia B.
I've actually never eaten here, but have been to the bar a few times. I like the atmosphere here. The bartenders are always amazing and on top of it.
(4)Brian S.
Stopped in for a pint of Guinness and some fish and chips. The pint didn't really taste fresh, perhaps the beed to clean tap lines and the fish and chips where bot on the greasy side. The service was okay, but could have been friendlier and the place could have been cleaner. Overall average Irish bar experience. It felt a bit corporate franchise like.
(3)Ellen K.
So, I called to confirm their brunch's 3:00 end time and they tell me 2:30. OK, I get it, they want you out of there by 3. I went there and arrived 2:15ish and when I got a hold of a hostess, she coldly tells me I have just 10 minutes left. I said, "So everything out there now has been sitting a while and is crusty and grosse?" to which another hostess nodded at me. Great. I loved this brunch with it's roasted corned beef and moderate price. This experience has now made me reevaluate my perception of the place.
(3)Liz A.
Sunday brunch buffet is amazing. 11.95 all you can eat, can't go wrong. The omelette bar is great. Good french toast and pancakes. The yogurt parfait bar made me feel healthy about my food choices for a bit. Macaroni and cheese was surprisingly good. They used spiral noodles but then switched over to elbow noodles when they replenished the food. I liked the spiral better. I always feel like service is hard to judge when you're eating at a buffet because the server doesn't really have to do much. She was attentive in making our drinks were full. She did charge our group for 6 brunch buffet plates when they're were only 5 of us but this was quickly corrected. We arrived at 11 and it was easy to get a table. I've also gone to brunch on Saturday here but they don't do the buffet on Saturday, still good brunch options.
(4)John M.
I love Mystic Celt. It's right around the corner from house and a great spot to spot in for a drink or a night to eat. Pros and Cons: +++email list coupons and discounts. It seems like every other week there is half off discounts or a 10$ gift card in the mail. It definately keeps me as a loyal costumer. +brunch. Seriously is the 'best kept secret on southport'. Wicked cheap and surprisingly tastey. Lots of options! - The hostess at brunch (will tell you the wait is 60 minutes, but then seats you in 4 -- this has happened to me 3 times from the same woman.. why?!?!)
(4)Nick H.
We live right down the street from the Mystic Celt, so we have been here a few times for lunch and dinner. Most of the time it has been pretty good. We have always been seated promptly and our servers have always been good and attentive. They have a pretty good selection of burgers and sandwiches. Their macaroni and cheese I tried and was actually really good! The burgers are hit or miss as far as being cooked the way I like, but when cooked right, they're great. Also, I also am a loyalty club member and get great mail with awesome discounts that can't be beat. We will definitely keep coming back.
(4)Elise K.
While I don't really enjoy the Mystic Celt as an evening venue (Club Celt...), I do like Sunday brunch. We had a group of 16 adults and 3 babies - difficult to accommodate - but the server did well - despite how tight it was AND she split checks. I also enjoyed the buffet. The corned beef from the carving station was AWESOME!!!!!! The fresh fruit and other items were great too.
(4)Rebecca R.
An afternoon with my girlfriends brought me to Mystic Celt for lunch and drinks. We got a nice spot on the small little patio out front along the street. Great spot for both sunning and people watching. The menu has a nice range of options. I most likely will not order what I choose again, but only because it didn't have enough variety for my taste. I settled on the kale salad and the flavors were very good, just a little overkill on the kale. Maybe a nice side salad with kale, feta, and fruit, but not a whole giant bowl. The drink list was pretty good and they had a few rotating on tap. I had plenty to choose from though I stayed safe with a Matilda. Good spot, not too overpriced. Servers are young, so sometimes you just have to be patient.
(4)Leang E.
I thought that the place would be obnoxious, but I felt like it was pretty chill and relaxed. I've been overexposed to the River North more pretentious spots, and this was a welcome reprieve. I happened to be here on Halloween, and had the Pumpkin beer and really enjoyed that. The server was pretty helpful on that recommendation and was pretty attentive. I like the set-up and the prices were reasonable. I wouldn't mind coming back.
(4)Christopher M.
I feel bad for people who see Mystic Celt and think they are walking into a fine Irish pub. This place is anything but a solid Irish pub, but instead they try to make themself a club, which makes zero sense. Solid beers on tap gets them 2 stars, but unless absolutely necessary this place is best avoided. 167/365
(2)Jim F.
Classic bar food selections but done well. Service has always been good (prompt when you come in, take your order and don't mess it up, delivering it promptly). The atmosphere is social, vibrant, the typical large bar noise level & commotion. Nice place to hang out and watch a game/event. There are additional room(s) if you want something quieter, which is why it earns 5 rather than 4 stars. The quality of the food gets it above 3. LOVE the Fish & Chips (Special) on Fridays. We don't do the "bar scene" much (noise, menu), but this is were we go. While it's conveniently located just north of the Southport CTA Brown Line, parking would be a challenge if driving.
(5)Andrew B.
This is your typical big bar with Irish typical pub food. The food is just ok, typically would warrant 2 stars. The magic of this place is it's big and perfect for a large group. I've come in on the fly with groups in excess of 10 people, so it's great to have a place than can handle such large groups in the city without a reservation!
(3)Mallory Z.
This place has some amazing food. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and couldn't decide between breakfast food or lunch. I was starving, so I got both. A plate a breakfast potatoes and fish tacos later I was stuffed. It's really hard for me to be legitimately full from a restaurant entree but this place pulled it off. I was really impressed by both quality and quantity of the food. It's hard to say that at most places. The entire menu looked amazing. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Susan G.
The burgers are just awesome, the cocktails are good and they have some great beer on tap. Service is alright , the atmosphere is nice on s Friday night-lively and busy but not over crowded and annoying. Noise level is perfect as well!
(4)Lisa G.
I love this place! It is the perfect neighborhood bar. Everyone is friendly and they make great drinks. Plus the food is DELICIOUS. You have to try a hamburger if you go. It's the ideal spot for a first date with a new guy or Sunday brunch with the girls. They say their brunch is the best kept secret on Southport and I would totally agree. Also, it's beautiful sitting outside in the summertime.
(5)Sims K.
The worst service I have ever received! Went there on a weekday expecting easy service but instead was ignored completely once we sat down. Waited 30 minutes simply to get water. Our server Sayre finally brought water after we asked hostess for our server. She never touched the table afterwards. We received our food and assistance from kitchen staff and hostess. She was not helpful and had no reason to even be there since it seemed like she didn't want to do her job. I've worked in the industry for the past 5 years and typically don't write reviews or shed negative light on people in the industry. Then again I could not believe the service I received and can't let it go. I really do hope something is done about this poor service.
(1)Mark E.
Went here mid-afternoon on our way to a show at the Chicago Theatre for a quick drink and an appetizer. We sat at the bar, and I was really struck by how beautiful the restaurant is with it's ornate features, natural sunlight beaming through the large, open windows in front, and the pleasant breeze coming in from the street. We had some burger sliders, which were actually not great, but decent, and a couple of reasonably priced drinks. The bartender was very nice. Last night, we came again to celebrate my wife's boss' birthday, and it was more of a group situation. Great atmosphere, great service and the coconut shrimp were off the chain. Definitely great experiences both times.
(4)Johnny F.
Went here last night for dinner. The burgers were great, but the service was just ok. Sorry that I only got water and the other person at my party didn't show up for 15 minutes. Guess that means you get ignored.
(4)Brian K.
Danielle is awesome. Very dry humor. But if you don't understand it, you shouldn't be going out all.-Brooklyn Bartender (But seriously-if you don't like people don't get Danielle)
(4)David A.
Fun place, good bar food. Front area is great for a quick bite to eat. Back stage area is good for a small band venue.
(3)Caitlin K.
Love this restaurant! Have been here many times - for brunch, dinner and drinks - and will continue coming back. The dinner/lunch food is bar food done great, I've never been dissatisfied with their menu selection. But the hidden gem is their brunch! Huge selection of buffet style brunch, cheap mimosas (though not bottomless). Also the bartenders have a heavy hand so you are getting your money's worth! Definitely a great place and not all that crowed on a Sunday morning. Love the atmosphere, the food and the service and will definitely continue coming!
(5)Meghana P.
Decent food, great specials, and solid drinks. A great neighbourhood bar, and definitely worth a visit.
(4)Elizabeth A.
Last time we came here was definitely not as good as the last, or the one before that. The tuna salad was pretty gross. I've absolutely had better straight from the grocery store deli. The rest of the food was okay but only okay. I won't be falling over myself to return.
(3)Justin B.
At the end of the day, Mystic Celt is really a three-star restaurant, but for the price of $12 for all of the food you can eat during the Sunday buffet, you'll get a bump in stars from me every time! I stopped by yesterday and did the buffet; the highs included the carving station meats, the omelettes, the waffles, the smoked sausage, the pork sausage and the mac-and-cheese. The rest of the food falls somewhere between bad and average, but it's a buffet, so there's really something for everyone. Our server yesterday was attentive and my water glass was always full; the music wasn't great during the San Diego/Cincy playoff game but the TVs are plentiful at Mystic Celt so all I really cared about was watching the game and that was easy to do. I wouldn't pick this over the buffet at Stanley's, but then again this is cheaper. A solid option if you are in the 'hood and looking to grub on the cheap.
(4)Jess C.
This place was recommended to us and decided to go pay a visit around 2pm. Parking available on the street and side streets. Ordered ginger beer and 312 which was as always delicious! The beef stew special was very good and we also ordered the soft pretzels as an app. I would definitely go back for a visit!
(4)Jen P.
My co-workers and I stopped by after work tonight. As one of them said, "I would give it 3.5 if I could." I'm with her on that. We ordered a few beers, a wrap, a flatbread ($3 on Thursdays), a bunless burger (for our carb conscious friend), and a salad (for the friend that doesn't eat bread). Everything was just okay. The waffle fries are really good and they give you a generous portion of them. I can't hate a place that won't charge you to add bacon and tomato on your grilled cheese. The service was good and it's prime real estate for people watching (so many babies!).
(3)Stephanie S.
Mystic Celt never fails. I always know that the food and drinks will be great. It's the perfect place in the summer to sit outdoors and chat for a happy hour drink. We go at least monthly.
(4)Kris G.
I'm between 3 and 4 stars for this one, but if I go back it will definitely be for more of a restaurant experience in which case this place is definitely a 4 star experience. I like being in the Southport area in general. It never feels overcrowded and there is plenty to do on that little strip between Roscoe and Irving Park. I went to Mystic Celt to meet some friends for drinks. They were doing Corona buckets, so we jumped on that deal. I ordered some wings and my roommates got some sandwiches. The drink service was prompt, but the food came out really slowly (we thought they forgot about us for a while there). When the food did come out, it was hot and I really enjoyed my wings. They had some nice heat and were a good size. The inside was really nice and the there were TVs for those who wanted them by the bar and then the rest felt more like a restaurant. We only went to share a few drinks, but sitting at a table it definitely felt like our time was limited. Service was pretty slow, too, so that was too bad. We liked our food enough to try it again for a meal next time. I think that's definitely the better choice seeing we liked the atmosphere for that reason even more. There's rarely a line at the women's bathroom and the menu has a good variety of options as well as a clear theme--quality is consistent. We're excited to try it again.
(4)Heather C.
Great neighborhood restaurant! Good food and atmosphere with friendly staff. I have food allergies and they never make an issue out of it - always accommodating, especially the manager. Fun place with friends on the weekends or for a chill dinner during the week.
(5)Dave S.
Thank you and three cheers for Mystic Celt! We were there for a fundraiser party several weeks ago...75 of us...and your staff went out of their way to make our group feel welcome. Drinks were quickly and cheerfully served, food was terrific, and the staff were all so attentive and helpful. We will definitely be back! Dave S.
(5)Heather D.
I'd been here before and had delicious cheese curds. I went back for more and never got my order taken. It's a Friday night, yes, but it's not very crowded, and we waited 10 minutes with no results. There's no excuse for never being greeted by anyone other than the guy at the door -who did apologize when we shared why we were leaving- for that amount of time. I won't speculate on why we were ignored, but we certainly won't be back. Fizz on Lincoln got our business, and I got my cheese curds.
(1)Michelle L.
I would have given 3 stars but given its proximity to my apartment it gets 4. It's a standard bar but what I love is their Sunday brunch. It's only $12 and there's a huge spread of food from made to order omelets, salad, French toast, fresh fruit, meat and more. I probably go there once a week or every other week. The one time I've gone and been disappointed was when I went to get lunch and the owner wanted to check my ID again after the bartender already had. I get it because I look younger than I really am but i sensed an attitude from her and she straight out told me to get a new ID...it doesn't expire until next year...
(4)Terri T.
I have been patronizing Mystic Celt since they opened. This evening I was taken aback on how cozy and welcoming the outdoor patio was. Even thou it was a bit brisk to sit outside it was tastefully decorated for the Fall Season. Each table even had a candle lit to add to the ambiance . This is such a true Chicago Neighborhood Bar. Great bar food and staff. I am attaching a photo of the outside patio but it doesn't do it any justice.
(5)Joseph D.
Perhaps I'm a bit biased as this was the first place my wife and I ate at when we moved to Chicago. We sat outside on a perfect night and enjoyed a few great beers and some interesting burgers and sandwiches. I had the Thanksgiving Turkey Burger complete with cranberry mayo and the wife had a BBQ chicken sandwich. What made this place interesting to me was the sides. I was able to get Sweet Potato Tater Tots. How cool is that!?!? And the burger was pretty darn good too. As for the BBQ chicken sandwich, it also did not disappoint. Reports from the wife were that it was very good so overall food gets decent marks. What I liked was that the menu was quite extensive and ranged from salads to burgers to main dishes so a little something for everyone. I liked that it had a bar atmosphere with better than bar food (I'm talking to you Wheel House!) so it can serve as a great place to hang out for the night or as a restaurant before you head out elsewhere. Services was good as well (especially the bus staff - usually people only notice the waiter / waitress where as we notice how quickly you can get a plate cleared, more water or a new fork!) and the patio was nice too. Overall a good bet for decent food, good services and a nice selection of beers.
(4)Lucy N.
This place is a great neighborhood spot with awesome bar food. If you go, get the buffalo chicken fingers and one of the mac&cheeses, you will not be disappointed. I think their buffalo sauce is some of the best I have had in Chicago.
(4)Shalem A.
I live right around the corner from Mystic Celt and have been here on a number of occasions at various times with mixed results. The food is actually very good for a bar menu. Great wraps, burgers, wings, etc. I've never had a meal that wasn't at least satisfactory, and the portion sizes will not leave you hungry. The beer selection is average. They usually have one or two special selections that rotate, other than that it's what you would expect at a Chicago Irish themed bar. The service is usually fair. On occasion I've run into lazy/slow servers and or bartenders here, but nothing egregious. Lastly, I must mention that if you come here late on a weekend, this place turns into the worst dance club in Chicago. The DJ loves blasting music you haven't heard in ten years and the drunkards oblige by flailing about on the makeshift dance floor. I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or even dinner and the game after work, just make sure you're gone before things get weird.
(3)Rachel P.
Great atmosphere! Yummy food [their Sunday brunch from 11?-2:30 is full of breakfast favorites & an omelette station], always the nicest people there to help you out. It's a must go...and go again.
(4)Shavahn R.
We have walked passed this pub a few times, and being a lover of all things Irish we were excited to stop there for a quick bite before meeting some friends. Disappointment is an understatement--I actually ended up leaving absolutely livid. Our waitress, Danielle, was beyond horrible--I actually want to write so many expletives, but I won't . Never did she welcome us, never even cracked a smile, walked passed once and even said, "I deserve a raise"--she never checked on us, if we even asked for something, it was like WE were the ones doing something wrong. It was so uncomfortable even being there. So much for a nice night out. The only reason I threw in an extra star is because the food was decent pub food. We won't ever go back, though, thanks to Danielle's ever so welcoming personality.
(2)N E.
Went here for a private event in the backroom. The Bar tender that worked the party was really great. Before coming here I had checked the website to see if I should order dinner while there. I'm a fan of bar apps so I ordered two: Chicken Quesadillas and the Pub Nachos with veggie chilli on it. Both we good, not great, and would order again. Saw someone having a burger on the way in, so I went with the Hickory burger (BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and crispy onion strings) Good amount of bacon, and the onion strings were a great touch. Will be stopping by to have one again when I'm in the area.
(4)Angie M.
Aside from having exceptionally good waffle fries, I'm never really that impressed with Mystic Celt. The space is fairly standard issue. Picture lots of dark wood tables, flatscreens galore to catch the game, high top tables, a few random booths... I don't know. I always think they could do better. It's boring. Service is always just OK, too. The waitresses fly by, drink refills are hard to come by and it takes for-ev-er to get a check. Are they just always understaffed? Food? Meh. Like I said, the waffle fries are great, but my sandwiches seem to leave something to be desired. The turkey burger lacks any kind of grill marks or crust on the exterior, so the texture is weird. I'm just never really happy with anything I've eaten. So yeah. If I'm in the hood and it's like, the only option available, I'll swing in. But with so many better options on the Southport Strip, why bother with mediocrity?
(3)Adam K.
Meh, the food was pretty good. The service wasn't that great. I liked the chorizo or whatever hamburger my drunk ass shoved into my gullet at 2AM. I didnt like that we were the only patrons and the DJ was playing the most god awful goddamn music I have ever heard. I don't even know what top 40 euro mix he was sampling from, but it was not pleasant. Also, the wait staff needs to work on their attitudes a bit. I may stumble in drunk again.
(3)Kristina N.
Hands down this place is awesome and delicious. We had the best waitress (Kimmy) who was amazing taking care of our group of 15-18! She never let us have any empty glasses, split our checks which was fantastic with such a huge group! Brunch was so good, great variety of food! I definitely can't wait to go back! A+ for service!
(4)Alexander J.
Didn't feel very Irish to be an Irish pub. Had a burger and a beer, the burger was alright and the beer was reasonably priced. Service was OK, but nothing more. The side of french fries I chose for the burger were not very good though, maybe that's how some people want their fries but they were not cripsy at all and kinda soggy. The peel left on the potatoes can some times be a good thing and make the fries better, well, in this case it didn't feel like a good thing. Ah well, I finished the food and it was pretty good, will probably not go back though, but I could.
(3)Gemma K.
Mystic Celt is a go to spot for my cousin, usually for lunch or after work with friends. Was I surprised when he asked if I would be "in the area" today? Of course. I can be plied, I suppose. I was more intrigued as to the reason, so off I went to Mystic Celt. One reason this was the spot was the fact that Monday is half off appetizers, wine, and a couple of choice pints. Okay, was I manipulated? Yeah. But blood is blood. Segue to the food! Wave those sweet mini cheeseburgers back and forth in front of me and I will listen to why you brought me here. Taunt me with a pretty decent set of wings with amazingly unlimited veggies (thanks to a server that actually seemed to be happy to be there) and I'm intrigued. Share a salad with me and I won't get out my checkbook, but I will definitely listen to what ails you. Speaking of ale ... this place is not only cozy but it is complete Though his fave, Leinenkugels was not halves's, we made due with Blue Moon. For me, I was pleasantly surprised. In days of yore, he would lament about customer service issues, but all was well tonight. Especially the half off deals. My take: I think it has a lot going for it in that typical Erin go Bragh way that you so want in an Irish pub. And the food was great. As to the ulterior motives: they pretty much fly out the window when you actually find a place like this that is the perfect spot to kick back and catch up.
(4)Leanne A.
Nothing special, but cute location and outdoor seating. There's always rooms here, it seems. I''ve only been a couple times, but the service has always been the same; apathetic and dismissive. The food is typical bar fare, maybe a little more options than average.
(3)Patrick L.
Have been here several times, I'd say all in all it's a good reliable place to go. I haven't really had anything spectacular but it's all been good. The drinks are also good, the staff is friendly, accessible and polite. They have plenty of televisions around for keeping up with games too.
(3)Melissa P.
best margaritas in town. no question.
(5)Alex T.
Went to Mystic Celt today to sit outside and grab a quick Bloody Mary. We asked to sit outside so we could finally enjoy the sun. Upon our waitress' arrival, I mentioned we were just going to grab a drink and wouldn't be eating. Apparently that is "against the rules" and to sit outside at Mystic Celt you must order food. After an extremely rude / awkward / uncomfortable exchange with our waitress we got up and left because we did not want food. There was no wait for a table, and I couldn't believe we were basically asked to leave so the waitress could "abide by the rules" of the bar. With so many great bars and restaurants around, won't be going back to this one.
(1)Kristen D.
I sat in front of the menu for a solid 30 minutes and still couldn't decide on something to eat. The waitress recommended the corned beef or BBQ pulled chicken with coleslaw, but per usual, I ended up with quesadillas. They were stuffed with chicken and cheese and peppers and had a delicious side of guac to go with it. I would recommend these for sure! If I'm remembering correctly, I've also had the BBQ pulled pork and waffle fries here as well. I remember loving the waffle fries.
(3)Esther G.
From the confusing sign specials to the prices that don't quite add up right on said poster, to the watery spinach and artichoke dip, this place would probably get a one star had it not been for the 1. beer/lemonade/vodka drink and 2. that it's an MSU bar. I'd be willing to go back again, perhaps I'd be in a better mood/not be so critical watching an MSU football/basketball win, but I'm not totally sure how my experience would improve.
(2)Agnes L.
As a Spartan alumna, I feel obligated to like this place more...but there are better State bars in the area. I've visited a couple times, once for an MSU basketball game and my most recent visit for the food and drink weekend specials. For both visits, I had lackluster bar food but decent beverage prices. What was most frustrating about the place is the fact that they admittedly have confusing signage for specials. The prices for the wings and burgers don't match up on the banner outside of the door with the menu descriptions. It seems like a no-brainer to change one or the other if it's clearly confusing customers and servers. The wings were nothing to write home about as they were a mix of varying chicken parts with more sauce than meat, and the spinach-artichoke dip had a thin consistency making it seem as if it originated from one of those pouched seasoning mixes. But, I did appreciate the crunch on the wings from the frying and the duo of chip and pita bread on the side of the dip. A plus is that drink menus provided more options than the typical domestic beers and standard cocktails. My friend and I ordered the Summer Brew - beer, lemonade and vodka so it tasted like a pumped-up summer shandy. We agreed it was an unusual mix that paid off.
(2)Chrystalle B.
This place didnt really seem like an Irish bar, it seemed more like a neighborhood steakhouse. The atmosphere was really disappointing. Even though there were a bunch of college football fans w/ gear on we still felt underdressed. The food was decent. I had the mac and cheese, my husband had the chicken sandwich. I wouldve had the Shepherd's pie (one of my all time fave dishes) but the description said "Ground beef and vegatable stew, topped w/ mashed potatoes". Stew? Sorry. My Irish great grandmother would smack a chef that called something w/ stew in it Shepherd's pie. Having Bangers and Mash and something posing as Shepherd's pie on your menu, having Guinness on tap, and having "Celt" in your name does not an Irish bar make.
(2)Christy L.
I recently held a fundraiser at Mystic Celt and could not have picked a better venue! Alison helped me organize the event, and the process was seamless. She always responded to my requests quickly and was very helpful. Mystic Celt offers two packages. For $20, your guests have access to a three-hour open bar (beer and wine) or for $25, well drinks are included. The package also includes two $25 gift certificates to the Vaughan group bars to help raise money via a raffle as well as light appetizers. Half of the proceeds (with a 25 person minimum) go to the charity. Mystic Celt offers such a generous package with a large portion of the money benefiting your charity. On the day of our event, the back room (which accommodates up 90 people) was perfectly set up. We had one bartender for our group, but they made it clear that they'd add an extra bartender if needed. The light appetizers were great and more than I expected - bruschettta, a veggie plate, and guacamole. When our group expressed that they were still hungry, Justin, the manager, brought out pizzas. He was in and out of the room regularly to make sure the event was running smoothly and everyone was happy. Mystic Celt is a great neighborhood Irish pub - not just for dinner, snacks and drinks but also to host events.
(5)Tee-Ahhhh L.
I like that Mystic Celt is close to public transportation and it's on a strip of Southport that is a lot of fun, but that is all I like about it. I met two friends there last night and our food was awful. I was charged $9.50 for a veggie burger which by the way was truly just a Boca burger. In addition, I was charged another $2.00 for pickles and cheese, and then another $1.50 for tater tots. So altogether, $13.00 for a friggin veggie burger that wasn't even flavorful. My friend had the fish tacos and she said they were okay, but the aioli that came with it was so hot that her mouth was burning for about 20 minutes after. Perhaps they could forewarn that it's super spicy ahead of time. Anyhoo...I think the food is terrible and it's overpriced. However, Mystic Celt is a great location if you just want to meet a friend for a beer before moving on to somewhere else on Southport.
(2)Rick C.
Fun place, great staff....one of my favorite lunchtime spots!
(5)Hannah C.
We stopped by here on a Friday night around 10 and it was surprisingly empty. They had a DJ going that played a variety of music a little too loudly for my taste. Our waitress had no idea what liquor was available at the bar. The sangria tasted like kool-aid. We waited forever for our server and often had to ask for our water glasses to be refilled. The pasta was mediocre and the portions of the unlimited fish and chips were tiny - and since our waitress was so AWOL, getting more was a challenge! If all you need is a beer and a place to sit, you'll be fine. Otherwise, visit somewhere else.
(2)Kyle D.
Mystic Celt seems to be a pretty good staple in the Southport stop. Solid food, good service, and great selections (both food and drink). Plenty of beer to choose from and loads of foods from salads to Irish fare. Great burgers too. You really can't go wrong with this place. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and there are also party rooms in the back. My only complaint would have to be the music, which was kind of loud and playing Top 40 tunes. Not exactly Celtic if you ask me. Still, a great restaurant and a great place! Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Lauren F.
I always avoided this place because I thought it was just another typical bar on the Southport strip with typical (read: crappy) food and not a whole lot to offer. Well, we stopped in on a Sunday afternoon to watch the women's World Cup game and I was proven wrong. They have a great outdoor seating area if you want to enjoy a beautiful Chicago day (and get some solid people watching in) but they also have flat screens and big comfy booths inside if that suits your fancy. They have a pretty decent sized brunch buffet that lasts until 3pm on Sundays, it just looked ok though so I opted to order a burger from the menu. The New Mexico burger to be exact. Holy delicious burger! Super juicy and topped with roasted peppers, sauteed onions, tortilla strips, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo and served with waffle fries aplenty-yum, yum, yum. We also got the nachos which were free with a check-in on Yelp, thank you! They were ginormous and very good as well. Every other plate that came out looked just as awesome, I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with anything I ordered. I'll be back to test that theory out!
(4)Dan H.
Stop #8 on my "Eating my way through Chicago/St. Louis and possibly doing other things on this trip Summer Tour 2011" found us looking for a place to sit outside and have some beers. We ended up at Mystic Celt. Another place in my friends neighborhood. It was bloody hot out and we were well fed. It was time to enjoy some beers out in the sun. The beer list was a nice selection of locals as well as imports. We sampled (drank) many of them including Windy City Wheat and Half Acre Daisy Cutter (both from Chicago). We ended up spending a good many hours here and racked up a pretty nice bill. It was ok though. I was with some good people having good conversation sitting out under the sun and eventually the stars on a hot hot day in Chicago, IL. What could be better than that?
(3)Katie P.
This review is strictly for a private charity event I co-hosted in their private back room. We hosted a charity event for ALS and the Mystic Celt staff and manager were super sweet, attentive and helpful. They made sure all the guests got everything they needed and came over to the hosts multiple times to see if there was anything else they could do to accomodate us. Overall it was a fantastic night with great food, drinks and service. Having Mystic Celt be so supportive and helpful for a private event like this makes me want to come back for a beer or dinner anytime!
(5)Shaina K.
I'm going to see how many one word sentences I can use to describe this place: Expensive. (Went here at 10ish on a Saturday night, spent close to $30 on three mixed drinks) Loud. (Music blaring, with lots of drunk girls dancing, and creepy guys watching.) Okay I give up....I was going to give this place three stars, but it earns an extra one for one of the best mango/pineapple/rum drinks I've ever had. And clean bathrooms.
(4)Michael V.
Buffalo sauce on chicken wrap strikes a perfect balance between flavor and spice. Beer and food specials every night including a damn good Sunday brunch. Staff are courteous and kind. Favorite bar in lakeview
(5)Anne M.
This is a review for their private party room. I had my birthday party in the back room at Mystic Celt this weekend and it was an effortless and wonderful experience. Alison was so responsive and helpful in getting it booked, and our bartender Caroline was awesome and took great care of us. I ordered several food trays ahead of time and asked for them to be brought out at a specific time; they came out exactly as I requested and I had lots of compliments on the food. I was allowed to bring in my own cake as well, and the staff at Mystic Celt helped set it up and provided plates, forks, and cutting services for it free of charge. I was able to bring my own iPod and plug it into their sound system, and the party felt very private even though there was a dance party in the next room. I originally booked the room for three hours, but as our end time came around, it was clear that a lot of people weren't quite ready to leave, so the amazing Caroline offered to keep the bar open for us a little longer. Overall, it was a wonderful space for a birthday party with ~30 guests -- everyone commented on the great space and food, and I was free to have fun and enjoy my own party while the staff took care of everything. Thank you, Mystic Celt!
(5)Damian C.
I like this place. It's huge, the vibe is great, the food is excellent, and the waitstaff is attentive even when it gets busy (props to Lauren for our great service this past week). But here are a few tips/bulletpoints to remember: 1. Immediately sign up for their mailing list. You get amazing food/drink specials during the week (seriously, 1/4 price appetizers and 17-cent wings!) and every year on your birthday they will send you a $20 gift card. Score! 2. Their Sunday brunch buffet is complete with a carving station and Irish goodies - sure to cure any hangover. One upgrade would be an unlimited mimosa or screwdriver package. 3. Order the wings well-done. Nothing is better than a heaping pile of crispy teriyaki and/or hot wings. And they're big, too! 4. They have one of those programs where you can text your music choice and it'll play. Sometimes that's a bad thing when people with varying taste pick songs, but it keeps it interesting. 5. While the bar may turn "fratty" at certain times, a term I find hugely insulting, what bar in Lakeview/Wrigleyville/Lincoln Park/Old Town/most of the North Side doesn't? Stop in and have fun - this place is great!
(4)Kim K.
I paid a recent visit to the Mystic Celt when my husband and I decided to have a "Sunday Funday". We randomly meandered in and I am glad we did! They won my husband over with their chorizo topped burger. I had a wrap with a side of macaroni and cheese. Good food and good service! We will definitely go back....especially for that awesome looking brunch buffet!!! I typically do not care for buffets, so I decided to skip it, but when the table next to us came back with their plates, I immediately regretted my decision. Can't wait to return!
(5)Aaron W.
Mystic Celt is an interesting place. During late morning and afternoons on the weekends you can enjoy a decent brunch buffet with the family. After work, beers and average bar food with an Irish accent may satiate your needs. But late nights on the weekend the place turns into some kind of misfit nightclub with the music and the lights that make me go ooy my goodness with the pounding and the sloppiness!(Professor Frink?) It's just weird. Anyway, like I said the food is OK, but what gets me is that the menu has never changed in four years and that is not cool in my book. Mac n' cheese, burgers, shepherds pie...I'm over it, at least from this place. There are decent drink specials during the week too and the staff are pretty squared away, and often from Ireland so that's kinda neat. Call me bitter but I expect a bit more out of a bar/restaurant especially in this location. I know "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but I thought changing menus was part of the restaurant business. Oh well, won't really stop me from going back, but I don't plan on eating there again. *Yawn*
(2)Burger Guide D.
Mystic Celt makes a variety of great burgers. They have everything from the traditional to the gourmet. Offering a variety of buns, fries, and being friendly about customizing your order makes it a great place to explore burgers. My personal favorite burger is the crazy twist which has a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory. The burger features grape goat cheese, pancetta, pickled onion and mushroom aioli. These flavors blend together for a one of a kind flavor.
(5)Tom K.
I love this place. Good food, but I mostly come here for the night life. It has all your options covered as far great staff, good patrons, a big make shift dance floor in the middle. Seats at the bar, tables, booths to people watch, good beers on tap (Guinness, 60 minute IPA). It's in a great area and you don't get the riff raff you get on clark street. I highly recommend the Minneapolis transplant drink in the "Big Ginger", and if you are really feeling festive get yourself a car bomb....it will help your dancing.
(4)Chuck H.
I live within a stone's throw of MC. I used to love this place. Something happened to management because the food is God-awful. Out of 4 apps we just ordered, all 4 are sloppily made, flavorless, and poorly conceptualized. It's not worth 1/2 price we paid. I'm never coming back no matter what special they try to lure me in with. If you're going to drink, it's ok. Still a little overpriced.
(1)Shawn K.
Fun bar. Good food. They have a lot of tv's so it is a good place to watch a game. The service can sometimes be a little slow when it is busy, typical for a crowded bar. They serve balmers or magners cider here so my girlfriend likes that. Not a lot of places seem to have that. The inside of the bar is mostly dark wood. They also have a large backroom where they seat people to eat. The space is larger than you would think. For that reason there isn't usually much difficulty getting a table. They have a DJ here a few nights a week and I'd you get seated in the wrong place it's pretty much impossible to have a conversation. They pour Guinness the right way, a must for an Irish bar. I would recommend this place to anyone that lives in the area. The Smithwhicks is excellent as well, tastes like ireland. Check out more of my reviews at: shawnkemp.yelp.com
(4)Briana B.
A review over three seperate times that I've gone here in the past couple of months. The first two times I went on a Wednesday, when they have their wrap specials. Pretty good price for a large wrap and fries or a salad, and their wraps were good! I tried the buffalo one and the chicken with bacon one, both I was VERY happy with. This last time I came, I tried the mac & cheese, which just plainly, wasn't that great. I'd rather walk the 10 feet and get the mac & cheese from noodles and company for half the price! Also, the hospitality there isn't the greatest. Nice staff, they do their jobs, but usually I have to ask for the refill or get the staff's attention before they come to me. Overall, I'd stick with going on a wednesday and taking advantage of that awesome wrap special. Just don't assume the staff will be the best!
(3)Bobuzzi C.
Had a great time here. Fish & Chips and Corned Beef are delicious. They have a good drink menu too. Fridays are all you can eat Fish & Chips and specials on Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonades. Patio is cozy and staff is very friendly.
(5)Lauren H.
I have been here multiple times since moving to the neighborhood, sitting outside, in the dining room and at the bar with pretty much the same experience every time; blah. The food is ok, some of it is and some of it is blah. The service has always been horrible; barely ever checked up, empty drinks, rude. There was one very nice bartender so it could be that I have just had new servers. There are always decent specials though. All in all I would go here only if I couldn't go anywhere else.
(2)Sean B.
So I found that this place is spacious, but average on food and drink for the area. It is very friendly for people with disabilities, the person I was with was blind and he was able to navigate well given the layout. The appetizer platter was decent, the chicken fingers were good, the shrimp was good, and the artichoke dip was above average, however there were not enough pitas. They have a good 1/2 price monday special. The quesadilla is good. I have a pet peeve in bars, it is if they are too loud when there aren't many people in it. I have trouble hearing if the acoustics are off a little. Some sound panels might go a long way in here. If you just want a bite and a drink, this place is good, but I wouldn't make it a destination.
(3)Howard W.
Don't waste your time, unless you want to be ignored! After a nice wait my party of 3 walked out.
(1)A W.
A group of us went up here for a bachelor party, and our good friend works here. They have very good specials and the service was very good. It is chicago so drinks might cost so much money, but the have special deals on wrist bands that give you certain drinks for so many hours. They get pretty busy, but not to busy to where it gets unconfortable. Had a very good time here. The food is really good, very good atmosphere. the have many tv's to watch any game you want. Def. 5 stars for Mystic Celt.
(5)Joey M.
Big sports bar!!! Went here last night for a holiday party! very nice atmosphere with lots of what appear to be college age kids... Has restaurant in the back and small dance floor in front
(4)Bob K.
Great place, LOVE the food. The fish and chips is a favorite every time. Tuesdays there's a comedy open mic that's always interesting, too. Some really funny people in Chicago!
(5)Ted C.
This place is that place that seems like a certain place but is a completely different place altogether. Specifically, with a name like Mystic Celt you figure it will be a typical faux-Irish bar that probably plays a late 90s rock mix all the time, has Guinness and maybe a couple other beers. I was wrong, it's a faux-Irish bar that has a loud dj playing a lot of rap and hip-hop while a bunch of the Wrigleyville spillover comes to grind on each other. $6 for a pint of Guinness, which is just ridiculous, why is this bar more expensive than any other bar-a dollar doesn't seem to much but when you're buying a round it can add up. I had to go to the bathroom and uh yikes is all I have to say. It was really dark and dank and the toilet apparently was thirsty because there was a pint glass in there and then the toilet got belligerent because it had broken off the top and was threatening to shank me for getting too close. Which is fine, toilet I won't get too close.
(2)Patrick H.
Having occasionally dined here over the last 6 years I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed. The only drawback is that the place is so popular during sports games that you can barely hear yourself think. When getting a burger, try the cranberry mayonnaise.
(4)Jelena Z.
It certainly doesn't hurt Mystic Celt's case that they send me a $20 gift card in the mail every year for my birthday. Why, I believe that's three birthday beers! Speaking of beer, they have some solid choices on tap. But what I usually come here for is the Sunday brunch buffet - if you're looking for a comfy pub in which to get your eat and drink on during football season, Mystic Celt is it!
(4)Debbie S.
I co-hosted a private charity event in the back room of Mystic Celt on a rainy Thursday night and overall, it was a terrific experience. The manager and the staff were not only extremely helpful and friendly, but they also threw in some extras that helped make the night even more of a success. The Manager was attentive to our needs throughout the evening, stopping by on several occasions to make sure that things were running smoothly. The charity packages are terrific -- for $25, our guests had 3 hours of all you can drink beer, wine and liquor and 50% of that went directly to our charity. The fact that Mystic Celt played a key role in making our event a success makes me want to go back for a beer or for dinner. If you are looking to host an event, definitely give Mystic Celt a try. I can't imagine a better experience anywhere else.
(5)Sally L.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a pub off the Southport brown line stop- and came upon Mystic Celt. From the friendly hostess who led us to the perfect "for two" table by the window, to our friendly and attentive waitress Ashley, the evening was fantastic. Our food was great, the beers were wonderful, the atmosphere relaxing and cozy, & everyone was nice. We were impressed and both said how much we would like to go back. I complimented who I thought was the evening host (he ended up being the manager!) on what a great time we were having, and he had Ashley come over and offer us two shots on him! We enjoyed our Jameson shots, and then left full and happy. Thank you Mystic Celt, for a memorable evening and great service. You have most assuredly made returning customers out of us.
(5)Meg K.
Fun place very nice for private parties. don't go for lunch though or dinner unless you plan drinking a lot. Otherwise you'll notice the slow service or maybe they will be more attentive if you are ringing up the bill with booze. Went with my mom for lunch and we had to flag down the waitress a few times and it wasn't even crowded. Stick to going for bar time which is a blast or for private parties. There the service is great.
(3)Rachel F.
I hate to do this to an MSU bar, but the Celt just didn't impress me. I was here for a private event, while the event space was pretty nice and huge, it didn't make up for service and appetizers. We had a sterno of chicken fritters which were extremely dry and lacked flavor. The other appetizers included a crudite platter, chips and dry bruschetta, all kinda boring. But expected. Yet what really knocks this down to a 2 star review is that the service was pretty bad. The bartenders in the private event space were alright, not super helpful but poured beer just fine. But after the event we all decided to stick around and tried to get served up front. After heading up to the bar we rudely ignored, and given hostility upon ordering. When we finally ordered the keg was tapped, and the bartender just said "your going to have to wait", then went immediately to the otherside of the bar to help someone else. not giving me the option to order something else. I walked over to where she was and said.. that's alright, we're going to go. I thought the point of hosting special events was to capitalize on people who stay post the event. I won't be back there are plenty of other MSU bars or generic Irish bars in Chicago to spend your money w. no attitude.
(2)Steve G.
I've lived in the Southport area for 5 years now and I have gone to Mystic Celt a ton of times, so I have a pretty good feel on this place including having had most of their menu. So, with that being said the biggest thing this place has going for it, is it's location, which is right next to the Brownline in Lakeview, otherwise this place would fail. It's one of those places that just isn't good but you end up going there because it's non-threatening and familiar.... Here's the thing. This place is just too expense for their lackluster food. All of their wraps are just plain bad, and over priced. They charge $13 for a subpar Cobb Salad, I mean, come on man. The only thing that I would say is good and reasonably priced is the Celt Burger, $10. But, other then that you won't find much under $10, which would be fine if the food warranted the price. I never feel good about going here, and I never feel good when I leave. I gave it 5 years and it continues to disappoint me... done.
(2)Cheryl S.
good place to get some work done. When the guest WiFi isn't working they are thoughtful enough to allow access to a backup network. I got a coors and a chili and was very happy with both the presentation and the flavor. I'll be back, and if it's busy next time maybe I'll try some evening. 4 stars til then.
(4)Kathleen C.
One of my favorite spots to sit outside in the summer.... Mystic Celt is a go-to in the area when I'm visiting friends who live nearby. I've been for lunch/dinner/evenings. The food is solid - definitely bar food and some items are better than others, but the sliders are always tasty. A good 3 for food. Service is great. I see some of the other reviews that insist service is terrible, but I've never had a bad experience. Even when the place is packed, the bartenders and bouncers are friendly. Granted, I usually don't cause bar fights, and I usually only visit occasionally when the place is super crowded, but nevertheless, aside from one or two minor issues with table service when the place is crowded, service has been great. A 4. Atmosphere-wise, this is definitely a typical Wrigleyville bar. It's big an allows for a mix of bar patrons and a few separate areas for dining. Definitely not a spot for a quiet meal, but a good location to eat while watching the game or to meet up with friends for drinks. The bar usually doesn't get too rowdy, which is nice. A 3 for atmosphere. The bathrooms remind me of college. They are clean during the day, and they quickly turn into a college-type bathroom later in the evening. It's also a small bathroom and not a lot of room if there's a wait. A 2 for bathrooms. For value, Mystic Celt is definitely typical for the city and the area. Food is reasonable as are the drinks. There are usually specials ($1 sliders can't be beat!). A 4 for value. I'm sure I will be back.
(3)Christine S.
Stop #3 on our made up bar crawl... Stopped in for 1 (yes, 1) beer and we had to leave because this place is booooooooooooring. It was like 4ishpm on a Sat and they were dead (every where else on Southport was pretty packed). Why is it so dead here? NEXT!
(2)Christina G.
Mystic Celt is a good midway meeting point for my friends and I, so we head there for after-work dinner and drinks. In the summer, we like sitting outside in their mini beer garden. It's a great place for people watching. As for the food, it's OK. We tend to order what's on special for the night. The burgers are a bit dry though. The food is pretty cheap though, especially if you order what's on special and sign up for their emails. Once in a while, they send out emails for half off their specials, which means the burger and fries I ordered were $2.50. Add a $3 beer on special and that's a pretty cheap dinner date with friends. The service is pretty slow, so if you want a quick bite, this is not the place to go. However, it's perfect if you want to linger. They don't rush their tables.
(3)Dan P.
Horrible horrible food. It made both of us physically sick. Shepherd's Pie was more suited for a cat you didn't like! Chicken Curry...inedible. Who came up with that nasty recipe? Flatbread was flat...Boboli and Ragu is better. Chicken wings are better at Jewel's. Would not eat anything on that menu that isn't a burger. Yuck!
(1)Magen R.
I have been going to Mystic Celt for almost two years now and have yet to review it. When I lived in Wrigleyville Mystic Celt was a great go to during the week for lunch or dinner because of the great specials. We initially went in for the 1/2 price appetizers on Mondays and it definitely kept us coming back. The first time we went we signed up for the e-mail list which kept us in the know about all of the great specials and I even got a $20 gift card on my birthday! My friends and I decided to go out for restaurant week about a month ago and made reservations. We planned a girls night out and decided a wrist band special might be a good idea to save us some money after an expensive dinner. I recalled an e-mail I received from Mystic Celt about six months ago advertising a $20 all you can drink any Friday or Saturday for three hours. As wristbands go in the city that's an awesome deal as far as we were concerned. We then decided to make a party of it and invite all of our friends. The $20 wristband did not disappoint. In addition to the special we were given a large private room with plenty of tables in the back of the bar and a private bartender. The music was great and it was definitely awesome to have our own bartender. She did not skimp on the mixed drinks and they were far stronger than ones you would get during your average wristband deal. I do have one complaint though. The bouncer who was managing our private room was a complete jerk. He would not let in people who did not want to purchase the wristband. This was annoying because there was plenty of room for other folks to come in and they did not tell me that we had a private room or that people who did not want to purchase the wristband did not have to come in. He was not very nice about it and when we were bouncing in and out of the room to check in with friends without the wristband he ripped a drink out of one of my friends hands because he thought one of us had given it to her. I think this is an isolated incident and will be taking it up with the person who helped us set up our party. All in all I would highly recommend a private party or simply dinner and drinks at Mystic Celt, I know I'll be back.
(5)David Z.
Stopped by Mystic Celt this past weekend for a fundraising party that a friend was throwing. I wasn't WOWED by anything, but it seems like a perfectly good place to watch a game. We didn't get any food besides the light appetizers that were part of the party, but those were good enough. We had a private area in the back, and the World Cup championship game was on, so that was nice. The back area is pretty cool, but the TV by the comfy chairs was broken, so that was kind of lame. All in all, I'd probably go back for some pub-grub if I was in the Southport area and wanted to watch a game. I also think it's really cool that they will do fundraising things there. Our deal was you paid $25 for a few hours of open bar (domestic bottles and well drinks), and then the bar gets half the money and the fundraiser gets the other half. Very cool idea! Kudos to you Mystic Celt, I'll come back and try some food at some point.
(3)D O.
The low end of mediocre. We got bangers and mash (barely warm, underseasoned, the gravy was goopy and tasted gross, sausages were dried out and tasted a little like cardboard), buffalo wings (also barely warm and utterly unmemorable), and a turkey wrap (I didn't try that one). Waffle fries were the tastiest part of the meal. The waitress was nice... so, yeah, I wouldn't go here next time.
(2)Lynn R.
Mystic Celt is my old standby, which is saying something as Southport isn't really a convenient area for me to journey to. I will say that there's nothing remarkable about this place. The food is good, but not great (try their burgers and wings), and it looks like any other Irish pub in Chicago. So Lynn, why the four star review? Service and atmosphere. I always know that an evening at Mystic will go smoothly. Waitstaff is friendly and fast. Vibe is noticeably undouchey and it's not so loud that you can't relax and have an audible conversation with the person next to or across from you. While Mystic Celt is not a showstopper of a restaurant, it's a great place to grab a bite to eat, catch up with old friends, and have a pleasant experience unmarked by any black flies in your chardonnay. Hot tip: sign up for their email list and you'll get emails for half off their daily specials in addition to invitations to events (beer, whiskey tastings).
(4)Carmen B.
After a day of shopping on Southport, we headed into Mystic Celt. It's been a long time since I've been to the Celt. We were food focused and ordered the fish tacos, dry wings, and a burger. We were all really happy with the quality of the food and the prices. Service was a bit slow; there was only one waitress working in that area- but she was nice and did the best she could! I would return - good place to chill out, have a drink and enjoy a meal.
(3)Sheresse S.
EXTREMELY FRIENDLY STAFF! I love this place. My favorite is definitely the grilled bacon and cheese with mashed potatoes seriously it's almost like heaven. Totally love this place!!
(5)Al G.
I have been a regular here for quite some time and I have to applaud them for their level of consistency, great food and specifically the service. Caroline, the bartender, in particular always greets me with a smile and is always warm, friendly and helpful.
(5)Adam K.
Pretty good brunch here. Good service too. Would go back. Good bar, good crowd.
(3)Bri A.
I've lived in the area for years but have never stopped in until yesterday. My boyfriend and I came for dinner after work and the place was pretty empty, so getting a table was easy. The beer list was good but I opted for one of the tasty sounding cocktails (Smashed Bourbon). I had a hard time choosing what to eat because everything sounded good! He had the black and blue burger and I had the goat cheese and mushroom quesadillas. We both liked our meals however the goat cheese was a little overpowering for such a simple dish, but it was good. Our server was friendly and quick, too. I want to try the brunch next time!
(4)Elizabeth P.
I work for a non profit and we held our volunteer brunch here 3 years in row. They give us a spacious private back room, our own attentive waitress, the Sunday buffet is fabulous and it's a great value. We get rave reviews from all who attend. They carve all sorts of roast meats on the buffet and prepare omelets and waffles to order, and have some lighter fare too. Caroline and Alison are great to work with, they make it easy and affordable. I can't imagine finding a better venue. It would be great for evening parties too, the room has it's own private bar. We will be back.
(5)Michelle D.
Ive been meaning to update this . I love this place !!!! Great brunch buffet .Plenty of options big fan.of the corned beef it just melts in your mouth. The roast beef is just ok other than that all the other items are delish. I enjoy the cocktails as well. Oh did.i mention very affordable I try to make it here for brunch at least once a month if not more.
(4)Alicia D.
My husband and I had our son's luncheon at the Mystic Celt after his Christening this past Sunday. The food, service and private room were wonderful. Alison/Caroline were great to work with on planning and executing the party. Caroline was able to get the drinks flowing and our food out quickly when guests arrived 20 minutes early for the party. Our guests commented that the food was great and they especially loved the Chicken Marsala. Roxy, our bartender, made sure everyone had everything they needed - she walked around to ask if anyone needed anything to drink on several occasions. Everything was phenomenal and would definitely have additional parties at the Celt.
(5)ITmama C.
Mystic Celt is a great place for daily specials. We recently went there for some take out, which we didn't know they had btw...and ordered the Celt Burger Special with fries. Let me tell you, they don't skimp out on your order like most restaurants. In other places, "To go" food is much less than if you actually sat down at a table for dinner/lunch. I do see families also BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby), so that is a plus too. Definitely will come back to get some take out or maybe Brunch soon.
(4)Evan H.
When I first moved to the city 11 years ago, I went to MC all the time for good burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, and beer. Last Friday, I stopped by with some friends and was really disappointed in what MC has going on these days. The first time our server smiled at us was when she was giving us the bill. Maybe it was the end of a long shift or just a bad day - I don't know - but while she wasn't outright rude, she certainly didn't make us feel welcome. I ordered the BBQ chicken wrap (which has coleslaw in it) thinking it would be served hot. Nope... Maybe that was my mistake, but when I think BBQ chicken, I think warm, not cold. It was really unappetizing. My wife got some other kind of sandwich; it wasn't bad, she said, but was pretty dry. Bars and bar food are a dime a dozen in the city. I don't see any reason to return.
(2)Sara S.
Like most bars in the southport corridor- meh. Nighttime- pretty lame. It's trying to be a place to dance with blaring music and has a disco ball, but there is hardly anyone there so it's kinda awkward. If it played a bit quieter music and left some of the tables out it could be a decent neighborhood bar. Daytime- food is very average. They do have pretty good specials, but there is MUCH better places to get good bar food. The bruschetta is really bad- someone always ends up getting it that I'm with and is disappointed. The pizzas are about the only thing I would get and enjoy. The outside area is a plus on a nice day, but not good enough to make me go.
(2)Amanda C.
Went here to sit outside on the patio for dinner on one of the recent warm days. We had a short wait inside before a table opened up where we sat at the bar... The hostess told us we could have made reservations but the bartender told us that's not possible, so really not sure how to comment on reservations here. My group ordered the special which was $6 wraps on Wednesday which come with fries or a salad. The bbq chicken/coleslaw wrap was mediocre in my opinion; the salad was good. The service was fairly slow but we had a lot of time so it wasn't a problem. Overall I wasn't wowed by the food or experience but the place is nice inside and outside, and was a nice time to enjoy the weather.
(3)Anthony F.
I dropped by here early in the day for a quick lunch, so I can't say much to what it offers as far as nightlife goes, but I can say this: GET THE FREAKIN' WAFFLE FRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, I'm serious! DO IT! Stop what you're doing, purchase a flight to Chicago, and go get thems goods! I ordered the chicken caesar wrap (also incredible), and at the extreme encouragement of seriously no less than 4 employees, the waffles fries. I have had many a waffle fry in my day, but none compare to these. They were PERFECTLY seasoned with just the right amount of crisp on the outside and steamy softness on the inside. I honestly can't recommend it enough!
(5)Tanya T.
I would give it a 3.5. Their sunday brunch is amazing and is a great deal. Their daily specials are great but be prepared if you go on a Friday/Saturday it turns into what I call Club Mystic - the music gets really loud and they have club lights.
(3)Christina F.
Its no secret that I'm a sucker for a good goat cheese salad. Since having my favorite dish ever in NYC a few years ago, I always seem to order a salad with goat cheese if its on the menu, and time and time again they come up short. The Mystic Celt is the exception. The bed of greens, which was mainly arugula was perfect for the strong flavor of the goat cheese, tossed with poppyseed raspberry vinegarette and candied walnuts the salad has undertones of sweetness. The restaurant itself is very chill and the service was good. Can't wait to grab it for take out one night or go enjoy it over a couple beers with friends.
(4)Emily Z.
Mystic celt is a really nice place, its big, has some nice big booths for big groups, they also have a really nice big patio out front in the summer. Its always decorated pretty cute, with lights ect for the holidays. They have a pretty big menu though nothing I have ever been too thrilled about. They do have really good food specials throughout the week so check that out on their website. It could be a good place to meet up and start out if you live close, but I probably woudn't take a cab to get there. I've been there a few times later and there is always a group of crazy people dancing, the only problem with this is that there is no dance floor. The music is way to loud at night, like most bars in the city. I agree with the last reviewer. Mediocre.
(3)Christine F.
Moldy Toast. I shouldn't have to say much more than that, but I will. I guess the space itself is nice enough. I ordered eggs over easy, breakfast potataters, and wheat toast. Food came. Over easy eggs were pretty standard, as were the breakfast potatoes. However. I was eating one piece of toast (I shouldn't have to inspect toast for mold) and I saw a chunk of mold on the other piece of toast. I immediately started to assume the worst and began to experience phantom food poisoning symptoms. /wretch All kidding aside, seeing mold on your food is fucking gross and I'm not going back here.
(1)Al D.
Hooray for a bar with pseudo-Irish elements on Southport Avenue. I went here for St. Patrick's Day 2007. It was horribly crowded but I scored a free green hat and I was satisfied for the night. I went here with an after-party as this was the drinking establishment geographically closest to several people's apartments. PA PA PA POKER shoot me in the FACE. Honestly. Is there a rule that after midnight only B96 hits can be played, repetitvely? I was suprised to see a big group of people over 50 years old, which may or may not have helped with the general behavior of the rest of the patrons in there that night (one group of total strangers broke into the "Electric Slide." I guess there are worse things one can do in a bar...). Go here if you live within a stone's throw and want to relive the days of hoping your fake ID won't get noticed at the campus watering hole, or just enjoy the Southport scene in general.
(3)Leanna S.
Cute place. The small outdoor seating area was full, so my friends and I sat inside next to the open windows. The special of the day was a wrap and fries for $6. Good deal. We were there on a Wednesday night and so it was not busy at all. That is why we were a little irritated that the waitress wasn't around more often. We were drinking buckets of beer and we drink fast. She was nice and all, but we had to seek her out more than once. Overall, it's okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat/drink here again, but if I was in the 'hood.....
(2)Mark P.
DO NOT USE this bar for groups. It is mandatory to buy their packages. I brought a bunch of people to a friend's party one time but not everyone was planning on drinking a lot. We also got there an hour and a half into a 3 hour drink package. We had a DD and a few people that had to leave early the next morning for a flight. It didn't matter...they were not allowed to hang out with the rest of the party because they weren't willing to pay the $30 for an all you can drink package. If you are ever looking to have a party at a bar but have people in your group who don't drink, don't book at Mystic Celt.
(1)Lawrence R.
Went a little earlier on a Thursday at 6:00 pm and seated ourselves. Good drink specials and food specials but we ordered from the regular menu. They accommodated my request to make my chicken sandwich buffalo style, which made me really happy. The nachos were very good. Not too heavy on the cheese but a well balanced plate. Definitely on my list of places I will visit again. Oh, and it was family friendly as well. Two different tables were there with kids who ordered the mini cheeseburger special. They seem to really to enjoy them.
(4)Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt is like a good friend. Always there when you need them and they aren't always perfect but they mean well. That's how I feel about Mystic Celt. It's stumbling distance away from the brown line and there's a cute outdoor patio area. The Sunday all you can eat brunch for $14 is pretty good, definitely the best deal for all you can eat in Lake View. But the guy at the omlette station acts like he hates his job. Asking him for egg whites instead of the regular eggs sends daggers of hate my way. Also after 12 noon, he also does the carving station which is pretty tasty. But the buffet is somewhat limited. I haven't had much on the regular menu, but stay away from the Shepherd's Pie. It was absolutely awful and it wasn't even Shepherd's Pie, it was a bunch of meat sitting in an inch of grease with a tiny dollop of crap mashed potatoes on top. It was practically inedible. The nachos are half decent, but I wouldn't necessarily come here for the food with the exception of brunch. Service regardless of when you come in is generally spotty. Expect to wait and see people who come in after you to get served before you. Also, you may need to go to the bar and pay your bill after your meal because your waitress is MIA.
(3)Nikki C.
sunday brunch is decent. I've had better, but if you drink enough the night before like a good nikki your taste buds should still be numb enough to enjoy most foods and there should be enough alcohol still bouncing around your tummy to kill any random germs so no worries of eating from a self-serve buffet free of sneeze guards. Omelet bar, irish offerings, french toast and bacon! different specials on different days. (see website or call) $5 burger night offers a honking plate of burgerness and fries which are tummy filling, but after seeing the light in other places is the equivalent of going to a muzak concert at the doggie park as opposed to the metro to catch a live performance by christopher cross. service is pleasant. sometimes seems lacking in a surge of neediness, but nice when accompanied with many shots of jameson, so just be warned and plan ahead. and parking sucks in the hood... so let another do the transporting via cta or ruby slippers.
(3)Kristy N.
It's been many years since I've lived close to the Mystic Celt and I was happy to pop in for a late dinner when I found myself in the neighborhood again. They had some decent Tuesday night specials but I opted for the Margarita Pizza which we ordered with goat cheese, chicken, basil and tomatoes. It was delish, a bit heavy on the cheese but too much goat cheese can't be that bad of a thing. Our server was attentive, albeit completely disinterested. I love the patio atmosphere and the hanging white lights do it for me every time. I'm happy to come back here anytime.
(4)Pinaki S.
The crowd here is your typical Southport crowd--- the preppy upper 20s and lower 30s who still want to party hard. This is a good thing since I'm firmly ensconced in that category. The bar is pretty wide unlike alot of the Irish bars in the city. I'm usually a narrow bar type of guy but this place gives people plenty of places for people to stand and put beers down. Its definitely classier than bars of this ilk typically are, with a seating hostess A guy started playing the bagpipes when I was here during halftime of the NCAA National semifinal. This has never happened before in a bar I've frequented.
(4)Kevin Z.
What's not to like?? I love Mystic Celt not only for it's consistently good food and inviting casual atmosphere, but the friendly customer service. The girls behind the bar do a great job! (Caroline and Tiffanie). The daily specials are always a good deal. I've never had a dish I didn't think was great - but strongly suggest the steak sandwich and the roasted 1/2 chicken. The wings and nachos are very good too.
(5)Emily A.
Well, the highlight of this place was that there's a huge mirror that my baby likes to look in when we sit in a booth next to it. It kept her occupied while mommy and daddy ate, so that's cool. But aside from that, I'd say I'm thoroughly unimpressed. The first time I tried to eat there years ago, we were told to seat ourselves and after 10 minutes of waiting on a waiter in a mid-afternoon empty restaurant, we left. I'm sorry, but that just sucked. We even got up to look for somebody and called out "hello". Nothing, so bye-bye. This last time, we figured we'd give it a shot, because it seemed family friendly and we were in the mood for a good burger and thought a pub would be the place to go. Wrong. The burger was the least delicious bar burger I've ever had and the "bacon" was not bacon. I can't remember what they called it, but it was a crazy thick and I could not even take a bite out of it. It was like jerky, and they put it on my burger in lieu of bacon because, wait for it..... they ran out of bacon!!! They comped the burger, but the disappointment of craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger and getting that still lingers. The fries were ok though, the saving grace of the dish, really, but they were nothing special. The employees were friendly, but not very prompt. Granted it was pretty busy, but there were a few times when our waitress seemed to just ignore us or pass over us for other tables and would disappear for awhile at a time. And one last thing, which almost makes me want to reduce this place to one star....the bathroom looks nice, until you need to use the changing table. Dirtiest changing table I have ever seen. So gross. Overall, not the absolute worst food, environment or staff ever, but I don't recommend the Mystic Celt experience, either.
(2)Colleen C.
"Why is it so bright back here!?" Good question...oh wait, our group had booked the private party back area...and then realized we were...not double booked, but TRIPLE booked. So, we shared space with a bunch of board gamers, and some open mic thing in the back. The gamers needed light, the open mic peeps needed sound...and um, we just needed beer and for them to turn down the lights! Think twice before booking a large party, luckily ours was an informal group of sorts, but a more planned out affair and this could've been a big disaster. Our server, the saving grace of the evening, Lorraine...WONDERFUL. Managed an entire 2 rooms of people very well, and she really needed another person helping her, but again they forget that they had TRIPLE BOOKED the space, so she was on her own. Tsk, tsk...she did a fabulous job. $5 burgers and fries: worth the $5, not much more...overcooked, and hardened cheese (for an extra .75 cents to boot!), just kind of...OK. Did the trick to satiate my non-grocery-buying self, but...yeah, you get it. Very convenient off the 'sopo' brown line, but it didn't do much to lure me back for more...unfortunately, as it's one of the only places on this strip I've been back to a few times. Beef up the management skills, yo! And um, the burgers need a bit of help.
(3)Jenna S.
So we came here last night for the Yelp Newbie event and had a blast! I was surprised that Mystic Celt was so big - there's four rooms of space for all of your drinking and eating needs. I think I was actually more surprised that part of this place was more like a restaurant than a bar. There was a lot of "bar seating" in the front (high tables and chairs) and then a lot of tables and booths in the back. This is a great place to go if you're organizing an event or party because they seem to be really cool about reserving space for groups and there's a ton of room to accommodate everyone. Last night alone there was a Yelp party, a board game meetup and a book club! I think that's pretty cool. Our server was awesome! She was the only one in the back room taking all of our food and drink orders and she was great! Her name was Loreinne (or something close to that - sorry for the terrible spelling!) and she was on top of everyone's orders all night. She was able to keep several tabs open for all of us Yelpers and didn't get anything confused - that's good serving! However, I'm going to be honest: I don't think I could like this place if they didn't have any specials. At the beginning of the evening, Theresa C. and I were perusing the menu to check out their variety of food and everything is super expensive. I mean super, super expensive. Like no appetizers were under $7 (most were closer to $10) and their entrees were between $12 and $15 - what?!?!?! On Tuesdays they have a $5 burger and fries special (that burger is like $12 normally) which is a really good deal. They even managed to cook both of our burgers medium, which a lot of places can never manage to do. But the normal price for that meal is just too much for fake Irish pub food. I was impressed with the section of their menu that featured classic Irish fare but, again, it was super expensive. Most people also say that the drinks are expensive and I wholeheartedly agree with Denise P: $3.50 isn't a special, it's too expensive. There are other bars that do $2 specials for Blue Moon/Smithwicks and that's awesome. That's a special - over $3 for a pint of beer just isn't a special. And if it's $3.50 on special, how much is it normally?!?! $5? $6? Too much, I'm sure. I give Mystic Celt four stars for their specials and the stellar service we received, but I think on any other night I would have given it two or three stars. I don't see myself going out of my way to come here.
(4)Rachel L.
Good for sunday football watching in the southport corridor. It was raining last weekend and we were lazy about traveling to our normal game watching spots, so we decided to give Mystic Celt a try. Overall I was happy with our decision. Lots of big tvs, decent buffet for $10 that you can go back to anytime between 10 and 3pm (aka breakfast AND lunch) and mimosas (to nurse our hangovers) were happily mostly champagne. Now if only they were bottomless!! Also, if you sign up for the birthday club you get a $20 gift card in the mail to use during your birthday month.
(3)Matt A.
This is an okay bar located right next to the Southport Brown Line. It's an Irish bar and has a few good specials every once in awhile. To me, I feel that this one of those bars is perfect for stopping in after work or going to before "really going out." I am also a fan of their Sunday Brunch Special for a very affordable price for all the options offered. They also have a great Friday Fish Fry Special for all you can eat for around $10.00. Not the best fish I've ever had, but still definitely worth it for the price!
(3)Andy M.
Mystic Celt is a cozy little Frat boy bar that is located on the Southport Corridor. My ratings break down goes like this. 5+ stars for Carolynne r.'s event. Carolynne and Colleen did a great job with all of the details of the event. 5 stars for our server: Lorraine handled a rough situation perfectly. 0 stars for the Bar Manager: We were supposed to have the room to ourselves all night. They ended up triple booking the room, and had one server working three different parties. Cudo's to Carolynne and Colleen for making the best of a confusing situation. Regardless of the scheduling gaff by the management of Mystic Celt, the evening was a blast.
(4)Phil K.
Often packed. Even when it's not, the service is mediocre. So is the food. Pretty decent crowd for Southport; definitely less douchey than across the street at Sopo. Les is a nice guy, though. Sorry, Les! I wouldn't write this if I thought it would actually hurt business...
(3)Kevin L.
I was here with a big group and having a pleasant time while spending a not insignificant amount on beer buckets. Around 10PM, this place becomes a "dance club" (quotes intentional), and turned on two bright spotlights aimed directly at my group's heads. At our request, an employee in a red-shirt angled the lights slightly upward in a way that still lit the "dance floor" but didn't blind the patrons. Somehow, this was unacceptable to the...wait for it...BUSBOYS. Within minutes of the offending spotlights being adjusted, two spike-haired douchebags ran at the lights as if they were on fire, and intentionally re-aimed them directly in my eyes. When I suggested an alternate place where they could they stick their lights, they laughed and told me that if I didnt' like it, I could "get the hell out." My initial thought was that only a manager would have the audacity to treat paying customers like this and get away with it, but our server (who was very nice) explained that these rude idiots were actually just the head busboys. I summoned the manager to inform him that the spikey-haired half-wits he employed to bus tables were clearly on a power trip, but he took their side and did not interpret his staff's command to "get the hell out" to mean that my paying the tab was optional. We respectfully disagreed on this point so of course I paid the tab, but this moron cost his bar at least the $500 my group would have spent the rest of the evening had we not been messed with, let alone the potentially thousands of dollars that beer-thirsty Chiagoans like us pay bars for the mere privelage of drinking beer in their establishments. I hope those illiterate busboys had a good time with their lights though.
(1)Jonathan C.
No Stars...went in and sat ourselves as the sign instructed, 15 minutes, no acknowledgement, no nothing. We left but let a server know. Do you have to have mystic powers to get service, even when it's not busy on a Saturday at 4ish?
(1)Q M.
This place is solid every time I go. Went last Monday, and their Monday specials are great. Half-price bottles of wine and half-price appetizers?! Sign me up. The burgers at the Mystic Celt are consistently good, and huge! Also, their fries are so tasty. The service can be spotty at times, but I've never had any trouble sitting at the bar. Cheers!
(4)Lisa K.
* update: Mystic Celt responded to my Yelp and gave me a certificate to give them another try. So they care about their customers. My friend and I went to Mystic Celt for an after dinner drink on a Saturday. We were hoping this bar would be less insane as some of the bars are in the area. Everyone watches college games all day, by the time evening rolls around they are well on their way if not way past gone. We went to the bar and I was looking at the variety of beers. My friend went first and ordered hers then I was left standing there. After about 6 or so people had gone ahead of me, I tried to get the bartenders attention. He came over to the bar but then ignored me and started taking the order of the couple next to me. AND he put up his finger at me, telling me he was too busy to listen to me. By this time, my friend was at least a third way done with her beer. I walked away from the bar, too furious to have a beer at this point anyway. The music was decent, at least some variety from hip hop that blares at every other bar. The crowd was a bit more subdued than where we stopped at first, the crowd slightly older and more mature even though most had been drinking since Noon also. I do get the $20 gift cards every year at my birthday, but what good do they do if you can't get served.
(2)Halleh C.
This place is cool. Came here with my bf and sat on the patio, since it has been 80 in october. We shared the sliders and buffalo fingers. Both were good enough for snacking. The meals that passed us looked really good though which I will keep in mind for when we are actually hungry. Service was good enough, my only suggestion would be better communication between the bouncer and server. We were carded twice, once at the door and once by the server. had a good drunk time though mission accomplished.
(3)Patrick H.
I live a few blocks from this place and I'm here pretty often. The Sunday brunch is spectacular. Also the Friday night fish fry is awesome for only 10 bucks. Like Matt A said it's not much of a "really going out" bar. It's good for taking a couple of friends and just hanging out and getting 40% wild.
(4)Jason P.
Somehow, despite no one living all that close to Mystic Celt, we almost always seem to end up here after our soccer league. Parking is almost always pretty easy and the specials and selection does not hurt matters either. The margherita pizza is good enough and if you order waffle fries as a side, they will give you a mountain of them. This just is a low key spot that is perfect for a post game celebration.
(4)Gordon P.
Service was terrible the first time, equally as awful the second time. I would recommend their neighbors.
(1)Michael P.
Two visits and each one a hit. Our servers on each occassion were more than just friendly. Both girls were really cool and sorta hung around with us when they'd come up to our table. Food of course is good and on my second visit...got me through the rough night of boozing I was trying to recover from. The app pizza was really good and filling! They also have great bloody marys with seasoned salt on the rim of the glass!
(4)Jennie P.
I'm only give you two stars Mystic Celt because I like your fall decor right now and I like the outdoor area ONLY for a drink. I went here because I always want to love it here and I keep giving it chance after chance. Unfortunately, each time it fails me. I went last night for an appetizer and beer with my husband. Low and behold there are of course Thursday specials...mini cheeseburgers - YES! Steak and fries...SCORE! I ordered Octoberfest beer and mini cheeseburgers and a side of curry fries..husband had the steak and fries. Our waitress was unattentive and somewhat rude - although I looked at her "section" and it wasn't that packed - oh well. The food, on an average busy night, took about 45 minutes to arrive. I was seriously contemplating eating the ear of corn which is up for decoration outside. I also think I could've slammed my beer and left all together and the waitress would have had no clue until a few hours later. FINALLY our food arrived...I looked at my dinner and then at my husband said...ok seriously...I'm not somebody to return food and/or complain EVER because I don't want to make scenes but seriously...my mini-cheeseburgers were the size of a quarter - NO LIE - with the buns a normal size and the lettuce was one piece of shredded lettuce (you read that right..one PIECE...as in one SHRED) for 3 miniburgers - it was ridiculous! There was a tiny square of cheese on them as well which was hard and not melted - the burger was lukewarm. My fries were cold and covered in a syrupy curry sauce - gross!! what the bleep?!? My husband's dinner was also lukewarm. I finished my beer and left...waitress didn't ask how my food was - and I was definitely prepared to tell her it was terrible!! I decided to take the high road, finish my beer and vouch to never return because quite frankly...Mystic Celt, I have given you one too many chances and you've run out. There are plenty of other "pubs" around the city of Chicago who make a little bit of a better effort. Bummer.
(2)Scott C.
The Mystic Celt is a decent pub on Southport offering a pretty good beer selection and pub food. They offer several specials throughout the week including burgers and wraps that make it pretty easy to stop in for a beer and sandwich without dropping $20. Which isn't too bad at all. The bar itself is pretty spacious with several areas for seating in the front or back of the restaurant. There are plenty of TV's in the front of the restaurant to watch sports - almost any angle you look you can spot one. The service is OK. I'm not sure if they typically do not staff enough people to cover the tables sufficiently or what, but you can wait extended periods of time between visits from your waiter. The food is pretty good pub fare in general focusing mostly on burgers and sandwiches. I haven't tried any of the Irish specialties on the menu myself but have been happy in the sandwich/burger selection that is offered. The beer selection is pretty wide and they seem to offer seasonal selections too. Although it does not have the personality of the Irish Oak, it's a good place for a burger, beer and to watch a game.
(3)molly w.
I've been to this place many times over the years. Always for a reason, like a party or bar crawl, probably only once by my own deciding. This place consistently sucks. The food is awful, the service is even worse, and I'm pretty sure the drinks are over-priced (I can't quite remember because the last few times I've been there it's been for a wrist band party). Speaking of wrist band parties, I went to one here about a year ago for a friend's engagement. I was really sick but wanted to attend the party, so I figured I'd stop by and not drink. This was not acceptable to the guy at the door. He kept insisting that I had to pay $30 to merely enter the room and not drink. He thought I was trying to pull a fast one and get a friend to order drinks for me off of their wrist band. He actually called a manager over to check if it was ok that I went in without drinking/paying. After much discussion, they finally let me in (I think I may have had to pay like $10, mind you I was already in the bar, this was just to get into the party room). Then, the manager proceeded to take the bartender aside to point me out as a non-drinker. Seriously. (Wouldn't the absence of a wrist band been an indicator to the bartender?) When I was trying to order a water at the bar, I was ignored, so I had a friend get one for me. And then the same manager came over, saw a cup in my hand, and asked what it was. Seriously? PS. Isn't the point of the wrist band party to only serve those wearing wrist bands? Did I really need to be pointed out and then repeatedly checked on like a child?? The next wristband party I went to, a couple months ago, the bartenders kept insisting that certain drinks were not part of the package (that clearly were). An argument ensued, and the bartender was corrected by another bartender. Hello idiot, without our party the bar would have been empty, and you're haggling us? Guess who doesn't want to get tipped tonight! Anyway, this place is to be avoided at all costs. I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1 because the place is never full so it's pretty easy to get a seat. That's the only thing going for them.
(2)Stacey A.
I don't even *LIKE* shrimp (Justin V. will attest) but their coconut shrimp and mango dipping sauce were fucking AWESOME. And on Mondays, all their appetizers are half-off.
(4)Samantha L.
The food sucks. This bar is super hip (if you are living in the 90's). The service is eh. Nuff said.
(2)Lee D.
Great specials. $3 pints on Saturdays is outstanding, as are the $5 for jumbo wings. Speaking of the wings, they are among my favorite in the city. Nothing fancy about them, just well executed buffalo wings. Solid patio right in the heart of the Southport Corridor makes people watching stupid easy. Specials occur everyday and night. They finally upgraded their TVs so this place gets a solid 4 stars. Just don't go on St. Patty's Day...
(4)Kate W.
Mystic Celt is a solid neighborhood bar. You probably wouldn't travel far to go here, as there are equals to Mystic Celt all over Chicago. But the daily deals are good, there is a lot of space inside and they have a nice patio for the summer months. Standard bar food- burgers, wings, salads, wraps, a few Irish offerings. Standard service- never terribly prompt, but never rude either. Standard drinks- with drink specials and a reasonable beer list. I wouldn't go to "the Celt" if it weren't so close to my house, but that being said I've been twice in the last month, so it can't be that bad. Like I said, solid.
(4)Sarah M.
MMM, mmm, mmmm. Mystic celt! Right down the street from our apartment, they have tons of seating and really good specials. We first went in because internet hadn't been set up at our apartment yet and we heard they had free-wifi. We continue to come because their burgers and fries are delicious and the service is great. If you are a regular you should definitely sign up for their e-club. About once a month they will send members a coupon for half off specials. So their burger and fries that are normally $8.75, or a special on Tuesdays for $5 can be purchased with the e-coupon for $2.50! Now that's a deal! And did I mention that they will be sending me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday as part of their birthday club! Yep, you heard me right, no half-off, not buy one, get one free, but an actual gift certificate, just for being a loyal customer. I'll keep you posted on how it goes, but it sounds amazing. Just whatever you do, don't get the quesadillas. Greasy nastiness and not in a good way.
(4)Rae K.
wonderful best bbq chicken wings ever!!!!!!!!!!
(5)D B.
I like this place because they have great drink specials, and because I'm obsessed with one of their burgers. For it being so close to Wrigley, it's shockingly un-douchey during the day. It's a good mix of families, friends, couples, and there are always people with their dogs on the patio. On the negative side, I've had bad service several times, and it was always when it wasn't even busy. Our waitress would eventually forget about us, or no one would ever come over to begin with and we'd have to go find someone at the bar to send someone. The service has been great lately, though, so it may have just been one particular waitress. There are so many similar options in this part of town, but I find myself coming back often.
(4)Natalie S.
As a close neighbor to Southport, Mystic Celt is a favorite of mine in the area. The food is great- can't go wrong with the corned beef or the fish & chips. Burgers, wraps, fries, and all around pub food is fantastic too. The only negative I have is with the service. Don't expect the servers to be very enthusiastic or quick with your orders/refills on anything. If you can get past the service, it's a great pub in Lakeview.
(4)Tim S.
UPDATE: I got a nice message from the server who I referred to talking about the situation and she apologized for Sunday's service and put things in context. I thought that was nice and everyone has an off night. While my review still stands, I think the fact that she took the time out of her day to reach out means more than a few late drinks. So I'll be returning to Mystic Celt and hopefully have her again, because the waitress who emailed me is the one who I believe is the server on most nights that I'd get, not yesterday's. Well, that could have went better. It had been a long weekend for my girlfriend and I, with us flying back from a family matter in Boston earlier in the day. We knew that Mystic Celt had beer and food specials and could be a great place to watch the Jets / Cowboys game with friends and cheer us up. We invited 8 other friends to join us. We sat by the bar to watch the game, but were utterly disappointed with the service. Having worked as a server, I understand how crappy it might be to work a Sunday night but what we went through was inexcusable. Our server, a blonde woman with a short bob haircut who signs all her checks with a peace sign, gave us some of the most lackluster service I've ever had in a restaurant. A few things: - She was extremely inattentive to our entire table's needs. She'd take a beer order from two people then walk away from the table of ten. - The special was Miller Lite pint cans. We were given bottles (charged correctly) but still, she could have upsold us! We asked for them! - Large spans of time existed where she simply wasn't around to take any orders. When she did appear, she did what was listed above. - When we got fed up and left at half time, she cashed out a majority of the table on one check. Which is fine but she left zero cash for us to divy up. She simply took what was left over as her tip. She mumbled something about if we needed cash and walked away. We were so fed up that it wasn't worth fighting about so we left and went to Lange's instead. Also, I'm not sure why y'all publish football specials when the bar itself has an ambiance that implies dance club. While we were watching the game (with no sound), loud dance music was blasted while the lights were turned down very low. I'd like to point out that we were basically the only people in the bar at this point. I hate writing these types of reviews because I've been on the service side and know it isn't easy. I was just very disappointed because we WANTED to be there, to spend our money, to buy celebratory shots, to eat more food, etc! I will say that my curry wings were great. I've always enjoyed the food here. It might not blow me away but if you want stuff to go with a nice cold beer (if it gets to you, that is) then it isn't bad. Better luck next time? I'll give them another shot but not for groups of football fans. GO TO LANGE'S!
(2)Kathryn B.
We were looking for a patio to have a weekday lunch and came by this place just by walking. The menu was large and it allowed for variety in what people were looking to eat. I got one of their Mac and cheese dishes with chicken, it was above average. Everyone else thought it was pretty typical pub food. None of us tried the beer, but the food was satisfying enough. The patio was pretty good and our waitress was pretty nice.
(3)Sharon S.
Came here this past Monday after work. They have half price appetizers and bottles on wine on Monday's. PERFECT! We ordered wings and the sampler platter and got a bottle of the pinot noir. Wings were good but I've had better - they were not as meaty and a bit overdone. Though now I want to go on a Chicago Chicken Wings Tour and try to find the best wings! Sampler was great, though the coconut shrimp was a little weird, but I'm also not a fan of coconut. But the staff and atmosphere was really great. I've been here other times and have always had a really good experience. Laid back and calm on the weekdays and crowded on the weekend. Actually thinking of hosting a party here, definitely think it's a great venue and a place worth checking out, I know I'll be here again! And fill out the birthday form! They send you a $20 gift card as a gift, always a great use!
(4)Colleen H.
Stopped here on a local residents recommendation. We were on our way to see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley, wanted a non rushed atmosphere. We were seated outside, plenty of beer choices, wide variety of food choices also. Good burger, great wings, fantastic service. Would go back again for sure!!
(4)Meg L.
Let me begin this review by saying... I am not the "irish pub type". I don't hang out at stereotypical bars that blast the local game or play whatever hip hop to drunken twenty-somethings. HOWEVER, I love Mystic Celt. Maybe Mystic Celt is exactly one of those bars...actually, it is. Why do I love Mystic Celt then? Because of their daily specials and their huge menu. Being a pescetarian and a craft beer lover, they have options for me! They have amazingly amazing daily specials. Not only do they have one special per day...they usually have 4-5! If you sign up for their mailing list they'll send you coupons and even a gift on your birthday. To avoid the cheesetastic crowd, show up for dinner before 8:30pm and you'll be okay. When I go, the atmosphere is cozy and mellow. The staff is really great too.
(4)Rhona K.
i go here a good bit the wings are the BEST I've ever had and the rest of the food isn't bad either !! at night the place is fun and the music is great theres a good mix of ages too
(5)Cynthia R.
We got into Chicago late and needed some food, but it was after 11 and most restaurants were closed. I decided to venture out on a solo food run while my driver rested. The first bar I stopped at said they were done serving food, but directed me to either Mystic Celt or the Coney Island next door to it. I should've gone to Coney Island. The mini burgers from Mystic Celt weren't good. At least the bouncer guy was cool. Seeing that I was by myself and not dressed in bar-wear, he said I could wait for my food in the quiet back room if I wanted. I didn't want anyone to have to hunt me down though, so I stayed at the bar counter. It was the most uncomfortable 15 minutes of my life. Maybe next time I should visit with a group and go to drink instead.
(2)Kourtney L.
I don't get all the hate for Mystic Celt. Sure, the $20 gift card they send every year for my birthday garners positive favor but each time I've visited, I've had good food and a great time. Perhaps you all need to visit with Matty Z and me? No lie, though I've tried a few other dishes, I mostly opt for the turkey burger. Boring yes but delicious. They usually have super cheap specials so you're covered if funds are low.
(4)Steven C.
I lived off Southport for almost four years and my go-to no-frills local pub was easily Mystic Celt. There's lots of dining space, the wait staff is friendly (bar staff hit-or-miss) and the food rates better than most typical bar food. With plenty of TVs its easily the best place to a catch a game if you want to avoid the bustle of Clark Street in the heart of Wrigleyville. The drink specials are mediocre, but 1/2-off burgers on Tuesdays is one of the better deals out there. These are serious burgers and they're cooked how you order them, which makes the Wrigleyville pricing much more tolerable. I've been during Bears games, weekend nights and most other times except late night weekends, so I think that's a pretty fair sampling as often times quality can vary in Irish pubs depending on how busy they get.
(3)Laura W.
I came here on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday celebration. We had a few tables near the front and had plenty of room for everyone. i don't know if it was because it was a Saturday night but the service was a bit slow. We also asked before we ordered if we could have 2 separate checks for 6 people, I don't think this is that outrageous. We didn't ask for 6 separate checks, but it turned out to be too complicated and we had to have one big check. After this first round we decided to go to the bar to get our drinks because it was easier to everyone to pay for their own drinks and it was also faster. Throughout the night some food was ordered and I was able to sample the fried pickles, which I have never had before and they were delicious. I also had the boneless chicken wings which were also very good and of course the fries were nice and crispy. Their Saturday beer specials were also decent with $3 miller drafts, I feel like it is hard to find this good of a deal on a weekend. Maybe it is because it is football season? Whatever the reason it definitely helped to keep my tab from getting out of control. Overall, I was really hoping to like MC more because I love some of the other Vaughn Hospitality bars. I will definitely be back to their other bars.
(3)Lindsay S.
I shared the fries with curry, which were good .. I had the goat cheese, pear, and chicken salad and my bf had the cobb salad ... and they were both delicious! I like the outdoor patio bc its easy to walk my dog and then go sit for a minute... and the server was nice...soooo.... I will go back.
(4)Patty K.
I have been to Mystic Celt many times and have had a range of different experiences. Overall, I gave this bar three stars because of the good deals that they consistently have. If you sign up for their email club they often send you half off of their already great deals. The food is always good-- I've had the burgers, mac and cheese, fish and chips, pizzas (the goat cheese one is delicious), and bangers and mash. The drinks are good and they have decent deals on drinks everyday. One thing that is not so great about Mystic Celt is the service. Although there are a couple of good servers, I have found that some are rude and much of the time the service is very slow. Last night, my boyfriend and I sat at a bar table for 10 minutes with no service. Eventually I went up to the bartender and she sent someone over to us and apologized. The Sunday all -you-can-eat brunch is quite good. They have an omelet station, meat that is carved on the spot, pasta dishes, and of course eggs and pancakes. The actual building is quite roomy and comfortable. I like sitting at the high tables in the bar but the booths further back are also nice and it is a little quieter back there. There is outside dining in the warmer weather. Overall, good food and decent service.
(3)Matt P.
If you can handle the Wrigleyville overflow, this place is pretty awesome. I found myself here last night for a birthday party with concomitant viewing of the hockey game. The food special was an $8 steack sandwich, which for pub grub, tasted AMAZING. The beer special was Red Stripe for $3, which after a while, tastes like swill ... but still better than Bud/Miller. The server was super attentive considering there was about 15 of us. Overall, I was pretty impressed. In the summer, they have outdoor sweeting which is pretty sweet.
(4)Anthony D.
I'm sorry that I have to give this place such a low rating. But I had an AWFUL experience there! First off, the food was good. Nothing extraordinary but it was good. The staff was awful. Absolutely HORRIBLE! I'm a server, also at a well known Irish restaurant, so I expected good service when I went there. Nope! The host looked as though she wanted to kill herself because she was at work, was rude, slammed our menus down and walked away without even a smile. Our server was an idiot. After our food was delivered she didn't come to check and make sure everything was okay for 9 minutes (yeah, I timed it). I figured "oh maybe she's busy". NOPE! I look over and see her and about 3 other servers just texting away by their POS. I was instantly pissed and after I boxed my food up and asked for the check we sat there for another 10 minutes for her to come take the check presenter from us because I hate leaving cash on the table. But she never came so we ended up just leaving. I will never go back there unless I'm getting carry out. I never want to come into contact with their staff ever again. Ugh!
(2)Carolynne M.
I was initially a little freaked when I called to confirm our event with the Mystic Celt event planner and it turns out she "forgot". But then we got there and met our server Lorraine, who was totally awesome and on top of her game, not to mention her friggin incredible Irish accent. :) Score one for Lorraine! So then we find out that due to the mixup in scheduling, there might be a problem getting the room. Enter the manager, who seemed kind of sore about the whole thing, but of course I cant argue with him because I am too busy being mesmerized by his accent...dammit! I'm not exactly sure what transpired, but in the end we were allowed to stay - thank god! I had the burger special which was great as a $5 burger. Had it been more than that it wouldnt have been so great. Some folks got other kinds of cheese that they didnt like, but I got blue and I think that helped greatly. Then this board game group kind of muscled (do board game group members "muscle"?) their way into our room because they "needed the better lighting". Um...Okay...sure! Want a Yelp sticker? All in all the event was pretty good considering all the weirdness. But here's a little tip to anyone I need to deal with in the future planning an event. If anything goes wrong, send out someone Irish. I will be hypnotized instantly and then you can pretty much get away with murder. It took me a good 4 hours to snap out of it after I left.
(3)Theresa C.
I was here for the Yelp event. It was ok, but that's about all. The $5 burger was a good deal, a huge meal, and to my surprise my burger was cooked properly, not super over done like you find at most places. The space was big but very full. The drink specials are decent but nothing all that special actually. The only thing REALLY, REALLY awesome about this place was our server. She was super on top of things, even though she was serving a giant crowd, she even remembered my drink when i got up and was moving around a bunch. I wish she worked at a bar I want to go back too.
(3)Mandy M.
I like this place. Good daily specials. Great place to watch a game. I've always had good service and the foods always been good as well.
(4)Lauren G.
Came here for a quick drink while in town to catch up with a friend. I had seen the outside numerous times while visiting but never entered. It was actually a lot nicer than I expected. We didn't eat but I saw a lot of the food coming out and it looked pretty solid and smelled good. I'd visit again.
(4)Erin T.
I have been to Mystic Celt for brunch, dinner and a few nights out. I would recommend it for brunch and dinner, but I definitely think there are better places to go out on Southport. I have had the brunch buffet a few times. It is definitely a good deal at $10.95, but I definitely recommend coming hungry! It doesn't make any sense to come here for some yogurt and granola. This is probably one of the best hangover cures around. For lunch, I have had the mac 'n cheese and the turkey club wrap. Both were pretty good, but nothing extraordinary. Overall, I would come back to Mystic Celt for brunch any time, and I'd only stop by for lunch or dinner if I was already in the area.
(3)Agnes P.
Always love the food here but a bit of advice if your new here... NEVER come on a busy day (thurs,fri,sat) because the wait staff here dont do thier jobs on those days. -We were told the wait on our food was going to be an extra 10 mins and we were fine with that until 10 minutes turned out to be 45 minutes!! -No checkups as we ate so our empty glasses, well stayed empty till the people we flagged down actually came to the table. -As we started getting toward the end of our dinner the waitress took my boyfriend's plate when he wasnt done with his food. Just cause he had his back turned to watch the game doesnt mean he's done with his food and its alright for you to snatch it away?! Everything else seems fine on the regular weekdays but the weekends always leave us a little upset.
(3)Jacques M.
The Mystic Celt is pretty consistently mediocre. I've never had anything I hated, or anything I really loved. However, I am a member of their e-mail club and get great coupons I.E. appetizers for a quarter of the price, which keeps me going back pretty regularly (I'm a sucker for a good deal). This isn't going to be gourmet dining experience, but if you're looking for some decent specials on a week night, a decent burger, mac & cheese, or other standard pub fare the Mystic Celt will probably do the trick. They even sent me a gift card for my Birthday which was a nice touch. My major gripe is the service (especially during the brunch hours), the waitresses aren't always attentive (or pleasant) and they seem to be a little understaffed at times. The waitresses often disappear for extended periods of time(it seems). I don't reccomend Mystic Celt if your in a hurry or like being visted by your surver every 10 minitues. Up until recently, it seemed like there were different servers every time we went and most seemed like they just started working there. There is plenty of seating aviable, although they are usally pretty crowded. The décor is pretty standard for an Irish Pub. In fact, Standard sums up the entire Mystic Celt experience pretty well. It's kind of like a line from that old Gin Blossoms song "If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down." If your not a major foodie or you just wanted some decent pub grub the Mystic Celt will the fill the bill.
(3)Andy R.
Let me clarify - 5 stars for hosting a private party here. 4 stars if you just come here for a few drinks. Private Party Highlights: We had our own room in the back, with our own bartender. Never waited more than a minute for a drink. Plus they let me bring my iPod so I could play my own music - I was sold! Regular nights: Always has a pretty decent crowd. You will encounter occasional groups of douches, but hey you can get that anywhere. Gets pretty crowded up front and can be hard to get a drink. Pretty good food/service if you are just walking in for a bite to eat.
(5)Kate W.
So I went to my first big Yelp event here and had a really good time. The $5 burger deal sounded good but I wasn't hungry and the burgers didn't look like anything special. Drink specials were ok too. I guess $3.50 Blue Moons isn't bad, but it's not my favorite beer. Our waitress was great, she remembered all of our orders and even kept a separate tab for pretty much everyone. Kudos to her for being able to do all that! The space was big but we had to share it with some game group that I think we kind of scared. I guess there was some sort of mix up about who got which room so we ended up sharing. Still, I think a good time was had by all and it was a fun event!
(3)Neil R.
Mystic Celt has been a good bar on Southport to either start off a night, end a night, or recover from a night. Not really a place to spend the whole night, but does offer a variety. The "all you can eat brunch bar" for $15 bucks or whatever is pretty sweet and they have a ton of TVs for watching NFL or other games. The lunch and dinner menus are good for a bar, and if you only were seated outside, you would really feel like you are eating at a decent restaurant! I think what takes this from a 3 star to a 4 star rating is that they do try to keep their patrons happy. The coupons they send in e-mails are usually pretty decent and they will send you a free appetizer and $20 gift card for your birthday! I really recommend signing up for their listserv.
(4)Jeff K.
I was at the Mystic Celt for an event and saw they offered a Sunday brunch buffet. Nothing like "buffet" or "all you can eat" to peak a man's curiosity. Went last Sunday. At $10.95 it is probably the best bargain on on the Southport corridor. The bargain price does not mean buckets of processed food you find at many "buffet" places. The food was every bit as good as the menu items. They had an omelet bar, Roast pork, beef, pancakes bacon sausage...the typical items you will find at most brunch buffets. They also had a corn beef brisket, Irish sausage and bread pudding to add authenticity to the Irish themed bar. Unlike many brunch places, they also had a salad bar which had enough items to actually make a good salad.Even the coffee was good. they had drink specials as well, but I didn't want to kick my Sunday off that way so I stuck with the coffee. There was plenty of seating and it was a great atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon. Right off the Brown line too...Does it get any better?
(4)Rob B.
Yeah.....nah.... I'm good on going to this place. Never again. I've been twice. The first time it was okay... I wasn't too pleased with the food quality but I was pretty hungry so I didn't complain. HOWEVER, the second time was completely just...frekkin terrible. I was not feeling it from the moment I walked in. First off, I didn't feel comfortable eating there... Secondly, the waiter was unenthusiastic and service was not great...at all. They messed up my order and my girlfriend's order... then when we sent her plate back (because her nachos had peppers, which she is allergic to, and we found a hair), they sent us the same frekkin tray back...they just had pulled out the peppers... I was pretty shocked at their boldness...then I tried to be completely cool about it, even though it is not on me--the customer--to have to worry about whether or not I'm being too picky; the waitress was just...not helpful...she was down right lazy. And FINALLY, after having messed up the order numerous times, once we finally got our food (which they still did not get it right) it was cold. I think from seeing other reviews that some people may enjoy this place more during after hours possibly... because both times I've been during the day haven't been worth the cost of eating there. The only notable thing was running into a waitress who happens to attend the same school as me....she was cool...and very chipper might I add haha. But I liked that, I think more people need to be like that if they're going to work in the food industry... Anywho, two thumbs down. 3, if I had an extra thumb.
(1)Andy M.
Just another Irish bar in a yuppie neighborhood. Nothing special about this place although it is pretty darn big.
(2)Linsey C.
There's nothing better than fish and chips and a Magners on a Friday night. The roomie and I stopped by for dinner around 830 and to our surprise it wasn't totally packed yet! It was pretty loud in there though but I think that was mostly the tv's (hello, march madness!) Our server was nothing to write home about. She wasn't terrible by any means but only did the bare minimum-she never asked if we wanted a second drink and never came back to refill our waters. She did, however, anticipate my need of malt vinegar and brought that by shortly after our food was brought out (not by her, mind you) The food, however, I would write home about. The roomie had a burger which she loved and like I said, I had the fish and chips. Turns out they are $4 off on Friday (gotta love lent!) which made me very happy! Plus, I think $12.95 for fish and chips is a little hefty, unless the portion is larger when it's not on special. I got two pieces of fish and a good handful of fries and a mess of green peas (which I could do without) the fish was delicious. All white and flaky, not dripping with grease but the perfect amount of crispy...my mouth is watering just thinking about it! The Magners on tap was delicious and I'm not sure how she got it to the table without spilling because it was poured to the very rim on the glass! I'll be back...the fish and chips are worth the so-so service.
(3)Susan F.
Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this place. It's huge, big plus! What is the minus, you ask? The drinks are oober expensive and while you get a red bull and vodka in a big glass cup, it's all redbull, no joke. Also, for being such a huge place, the bathrooms are tiny! No me gusta. I did like the place and the crowd was what you'd expect on a Saturday night, but not as many young 20 somethings as you would expect around that area-perhaps because it's not directly on Clark by the stadium. It's a great place for a big group, but the bartender's aren't too friendly and drinks aren't worth it.
(3)Amanda Z.
Let's go through my checklist for the things Amanda C. likes in a bar: --Cold beer? Check. --Outdoor patio on a sticky July night? Check. (With the added bonus of all the good people watching on Southport...I have a staring problem, so what??!!) --Big menu? Check. This place is not bad at all. It's big, has a great variety of food/drink, and the service is generally adequate and friendly. Very tasty burgers (with the option of a pretzel bun, thank you very much), decent fries, good appetizers (the chicken pizza w/ goat cheese is pretty tasty). Located roughly a block from the Southport brown line stop (which is now brand-spanking-new) amongst a line of bars, this place is a good pick for a little pub grub and some fun.
(4)Rachel F.
Love the burgers and the board game days. Make sure to get on their birthday mailing list for very generous gift certificates.
(5)Jeff N.
Attended a party in semi-private room in back of bar. Door was monitored by a bored-looking security guy. His first words were, "20 bucks". Since I didn't want to cause a scene by challenging this, I paid for the wristband which gets you unlimited 'house' drinks. Only later did I find out that the $20 is not mandatory; that you can order drinks ala carte. The surly security guy never presented that as an option. So, my best remedy to this 'value received should exceed value paid' dilemma was to drink more than $20 worth. I had about 6 vodka and tonics but most were 90% tonic and 10% vodka. I should have been in lala land after six of these, but the actual amount of vodka probably equalled two drinks in any other bar. The noise was deafening in this back room, but I imagine that is par for the course in places like these. Doubtful you will see me wandering in here in the future.
(2)Kate S.
I really like coming here for some nice tavern-like food. I really like their fish and chips a lot. They are crisp and come a bed of peas, and the restaurant knows enough to have malt vinegar available (you'd be shocked at how many places don't). I also really like the veggie burgers. Definitely get the burgers on the pretzel bun. Delicious! The best thing about this place is the specials. Come on a Tuesday for $5 burgers, or on a Monday for half price bottles of wine. There are a few items on the menu that are disappointing. The chicken fingers are to be avoided. They were reheated and didn't taste quite right.
(4)Kelly G.
A regular spot for me - great specials! I also LOVE their wings - their buffalo and curry wings are awesome. Sometimes their other food is hit or miss - it is either great or average. But with the prices, it is worth it. The service is always pretty good too - never had a complaint.
(4)Emily C.
I'm not pregnant, nor am I six years old, but sometimes I eat like I am one or the other. Some things are just flat out comfort food and it doubles the awesomeness factor to get two of such comfort foods on the same plate, even if they normally don't go together. So what the flip does this have to do with Mystic Celt? They serve grilled cheese with mashed potatoes. GOOD grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes. GOOD mashed potatoes that are garlicky and drowned in brown gravy. It was like a hug in food form. Plus, decent beer specials. I'm gonna have to go back and eat a real person meal someday but there have got to be other people out there who think grilled cheese + mashed potatoes is brilliant. Lord knows I do!
(4)Deirdre L.
First: Get on the VIP email list - some weeks (seems to be when the Cubs are out of town) I get emails for half off the specials (yes, thats usually 75% off the regular price). Plus the often have free beer/liquor tastings. Thats right, I said FREE. Get on the list. Second,: This is a good spot for good, hearty, not too greasy, flavorful bar food. Burgers, wraps etc are all above average. Fries are good, salads are good with mixed greens and red onions and good dressings - nice little upgrades from your standard bar-fare Iceburg lettuce etc. Service is generally good. Good drink specials. Great selection of drinks.
(4)Christos K.
are u kidding me? this is the best burger i ever had! wow! you guys need to check this place out!
(5)Leo M.
Been here a bunch of times, and pretty happy each time. Sure it's on Southport and it appears to be your average irish tavern, and sure when you get inside it still seems the same. But, the food is pretty good here - I've never had anything I didn't like. Well, except for the fish - but you're really tempting fate when you order grilled salmon from a bar, aren't you? Anyway, they've got great big booths and a largeish back room that lets you push tables together for your impromptu table of 15 (we've all been there, don't lie) so you get here early enough, and you'll all have seats. It can get busy during game days, but doesn't every bar with at least one tv? It is the cusp of wrigleyville, after all. Come here to hangout with some friends, get yourself a Celt Burger (and swap the fries for onion rings. For the love of God, GET THE ONION RINGS) and relax in a faux leather booth with the rest of your friends.
(4)Matthew P.
I have been here many times and each time i have been pleasantly surprised. The wait staff is very nice and tentative to your needs. Great place to go to grab a few drink, each some lunch or have a nice dinner. They have happy hours all the time after work and its nice being right next to the southport brown line stop. I think the best part about this joint is the bathroom door. (it just looks cool). You keep is real Mystic Celt!
(4)Samantha H.
For the price, they really do have good food. They have Irish comfort food, which is always good and then regular bar food as well. It's a pretty big place so I've never waited to be seated. They usually have some beer specials too.
(3)Justin G.
I'd like to preface this by saying that the only reason this place gets two stars is because of the service. Our waitress was quick and attentive, as well as patient. However, not much else about this establishment pleases me. We ordered a spinach-artichoke dip as an appetizer. I'll admit, it was pretty good. Not exception, but certainly B-level. However, my cobb salad was terrible. I think that this cobb salad is going to be the straw that breaks my back in terms of ordering 'our take on the cobb salad.' Spinach greens don't really belong with a cobb. Nor does turkey in lieu of chicken. Apples don't make sense. And a small army of green olives are a terrible edition. Oh yeah, cobbs are better with feta. Cheddar on a salad? Why? Just why? My girlfriend got the vegetarian chili. I don't know the usual protocol on vegetarian chili, but it felt more like a soup with kidney beans in it than it felt like chili. It wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't chili either. Rather disappointing. Additionally, shortly after finishing eating, I started to feel fairly sick. The gf also felt sick for a little while, but I really haven't felt right since. Rather unpleasant.
(2)katie n.
Against my better judgment, I really like Mystic Celt. It's huge, so on weeknights when there's not much hustle and bustle it's pretty spacious. It gets packed on weekends, which isn't really my thing, but the crowd isn't usually awful. The bar has pretty good drink deals- they have $3.50 Blue Moon and Fat Tire every day. The food is decent. Definitely try the $9.95 brunch buffet on weekends, which is great. They make decent Bloody Marys, which are on special every weekend for brunch. My favorite part of Mystic Celt: The complimentary tastings. Sign up for the VIP e-mail list (anyone can), and you'll get invitations to exclusive complimentary tastings. Former tastings include Maker's Mark, Blue Moon, and Hacker Pschorr. Mystic Celt is right off the Southport brown line, so it's easily accessible and if Southport is your thing, there are many other bars and restaurants to choose from if you're not in the mood to stay in one place
(5)Andrea C.
pros: -always a beer on special (and a great selection) -wed night 35 cent wings, $6 wraps (and they're pretty darn good) -the rest of the menu is pretty freaking solid cons: -gets really crowded -so loud you cant really have a conversation i frequent this place during the week since its right around the corner from some of my best friends apartments. however, it gets extremely crowded over the weekends and becomes a different type of bar (fratty mcdouche...not my scene). i spent st pattys day here...and while i did have a fun time (due to a great deal of green miller lite), i dont enjoy bars where you can hardly move...and thats usually the case on the weekends. fun note: my friend once saw casey affleck here on a wed night. verynice!
(4)Robert F.
Or as I like to call it... "the restaraunt that goes on forever". Seriously, ask for a spot near the back and you'll wonder if the waitress isn't leading you through some secret indoor tunnel to Ireland itself. We had had a seat waaaaaaaaaa(fading)aaay at the back, and to my disbelief there was STILL another room behind us. Or the sake bombs we had earlier in the evening could have been setting in. Anyway, its a thoroughly decent pub experience. Decent selection of beer, but sadly no Strongbow on tap. Nice cozy couch section, and plenty of seating... even for large groups. Situated just off center of most of the Southport action so its well placed for either the start or end of a night on Southport.
(4)Marilyn A.
I love this place! It is my go to wing spot! The wings are big, juicy and well flavored. I usually do the standards- bbq and buffalo. Recently I tried the curry wings. Absolutely DELICIOUS! They also have great steak sandwiches and multiple side options.
(4)Ingrid R.
Good bar food, usually fun and nice staff. It gets a bit cavernous when it's not busy due to the size of the front area. I have been here many times and for several different events and been happy.
(4)Bev h.
i present to you, "Irish" Brunch at Mystic Celt: - 7 people enter, and are led to a back room which has no traces of music or ambiance. the only sounds come from the kitchen doors behind us and the children at 3 surrounding tables. - we all order drinks. i ask for their version of irish coffee, which comes served in a wine glass?? it's really too hot to pick up anywhere but the stem, and just feels wrong...why? -the buffet is $10.95. reasonable, until you see the buffet. toast and bagels (but only crappy grape or mixed fruit jelly packets), meat carvings that look a little suspect and have sauces nearby that aren't labeled, generic salad bar, bacon and what we called "candy cane sausage"- links that were so undone they had pink stripes all over them, and some other standard buffet choices like scrambled eggs and pancakes. *the omelette bar is the best part, but most peoplpe quickly realize that after their first trip through the other choices, so the line is looooong and the one dude working it gets a little backed up. -and finally, there was one item in the buffet we weren't sure about. it was small and black and shaped like a flat pear. a little bit hard. it was near the sausages. is it a blarney stone? a rancid fig? we ask the waitress what's in it, and her response is "you don't want to know. it's like blood pudding." we weren't brave enough to take more than 1 bite. gross. if you're hungover and out of options, it'll do. but beware of the blood nuggets!
(2)Andy R.
I feel like I should really write two reviews to be fair; one for the daytime restaurant and one for the Saturday night DJ'd single's bar. Lunchtime when it's warm out is a solid choice. Good food, great location, forgettably good service, etc. But when they do the disco lights on Saturday night... gross.
(2)Mihir P.
One of the more spacious, brighter, and airy Irish pubs in Chicago. More seating so it's easier to get a bit if you want. The place is larger compared to the other bars on out crawl route. They have the typical bar food like wings, sliders and so on BUT they also have curry chips!
(3)K D.
Okay, this is a four star rating for bar food. That being said I really like Mystic. They always have great food deals and fairly cheap drinks. The service leaves a little to be desired but I have gone there with some pretty obnoxious groups and they handle us well. I love their goat cheese pear salad with toasted pecans! If you're going to a bar and want some decent food this is definitely the place to go.
(4)Jon J.
Aah, Mystic Celt. It's got a lot going for it - good food (love the meatloaf!), good beer, relaxed atmosphere. It can get a bit meat-heady on the weekends, but for the most part it's a good crowd. I think that there's a high turnover rate in the servers here - some seem to be really good, while others don't really give a crap. I have fond memories of Mystic Celt - I watched a few World Cup games here last summer and felt I was in a bar that actually cared about what was going on! A good bar!
(4)Alexis B.
Blah - just blah. I haven't had a bad experience here, but I feel like this bar doesn't offer much more than a room and alcohol. Most of the positive reviews on here center around their food. If the food isn't bad, I could see Mystic Celt being a nice restaurant setting. However, I don't like this place as a bar. There's no je ne sais quoi bar atmosphere that makes it different from a bunch of people drinking at an apartment. I had an enjoyable post date drink here a few months ago, but in thinking about that, the bar had nothing to do with my enjoyment. Every other night here has bored me to tears. I blame the design of the bar. A large portion of the bar is full of low tables and therefore doesn't provide an area for people to stand. If no seating is available, you have to pack like sardines up front. This makes it really difficult to meet anyone outside of your party. I love my friends, but as a textbook social butterfly, I like to meet new people as often as I can. The bathroom setup is a bit bizarre. There is 1 door that leads to a smaller room that leads to the respective male and female bathrooms. The first time I walked in, there were 2 men standing in the middle room and I jumped a bit thinking I'd walked into the men's room. I was sober - I'm sure this confuses drunk people all the time.
(2)Mike P.
I've grown to like Mystic Celt more over the years. When the family is in need of a drink or 7 we come here. Many a summer afternoon, whiled away at the corner of the bar, listening to the street noise. Many a shot served by the crack staff. Many a late-night, drunken walk of the dog after an evening at the Celt. If it were a person, it would be my brother or at least a second cousin, just out on parole.
(5)Brett G.
This bar is solidly average. I've never had the best bar experience of my life, nor have I had the worst. I will agree the bathrooms have an interesting set up, but that's not why I really go out. The food is decent at best, but a wee bit overpriced. $6.75 for chips and guacamole (no salsa) - are you flipping kidding me? Unfortunately, no they are not kidding. I don't mind the bar set up - bar/restaurant/party room, lots of tables, erratically set up - I like that it's not overcrowded and open. My last visit, I ordered a raspberry vodka lemonade special. They were out of Stoli, but I said no worries, Absolut will be just dandy. Plain lemonade arrived. Is this ok? No, well it's not what I ordered. Third try, they seemed to get it right. However the bill came, and it was not on special. They had a hard time correcting it and deducting the special difference off the bill. They couldn't figure it out because they didn't have Stoli in, and evidently that threw the whole computer off. Took about 20 minutes and three tries to get the bill back. The way they remedied the problem was to just take the entire drink off. They felt bad. I appreciated the solution, but it wasn't rocket science. Should have been able to get it right. Nevertheless, I will be back when I'm in the area; it's a Southport staple stop.
(3)Lauren H.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with fellow yelpers. No problem getting a table for 8. Brunch was an affordable $9.95 but choices were fairly limited: an omelet station, a meat carving station (corned beef, pork, and I think the third was roast beef?), salad (only 2 dressing choices), bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, breads (including tomato focacia which was pretty moist), mini muffins, grilled tomatoes, grilled zucchini and asparagus, penne, roasted potatoes, and some weirdly addictive carrots and parsnips mash that I could not get enough of. Food was decent but aside from the carrot mash, nothing to write home about. Good deal for the price though, and the waitress didn't seem bothered by us sitting there a while.
(3)Christine M.
I've been going to Mystic Celt for a few years now, and I always really enjoy it. The food is good, the deals are awesome, and the service is always really good. Be sure to sign up for their email list to get the 50% off coupons!
(5)Amy C.
Dropped in on the way to the airport with my future in- law and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the revolving door @ the entrance. Had a good selection of both food and drink. Inexpensive, well- prepared, nice presentation. I was really happy with my chicken pot pie special. They served my Blue Moon with a slice of fresh orange - nice! The mea was served hot and quickly - flavor and portions were good. The puff pastry was fine. My salad on the side was fresh and very large. Wish they had cut the carrot pieces smaller though - the size of 1/2 an entire carrot. I felt like Bugs Bunny. You can't eat that with a fork. I had enough food to pack up and take onto the plane as my dinner. My only gripe was that service was not great. it took a while to get the waitress to our table. When our food came, we still had no napkins or utensils to eat with. It another while to flag down our waitress. Surprising, given that there weren't that many people there. It was only 5:00 PM on a Monday.
(3)Lala R.
I just joined Yelp tonight for the specific purpose of giving Mystic Celt a bad review. I dined there with some friends tonight and what was supposed to be a quick wings dinner ended up being 2 hours of wasting my time, terrible service, and mediocre food. the waitress lost our order because she was arguing with another waitress about who was getting our table. and then she didn't come back to our table for another good 30 minutes. I think she came to our table a grand total of 3 times throughout the entire two-hour ordeal. the host and the bartender ended up bringing us our food. and then at the end of the night, she overcharged us by $11. Needless to say, I don't think she was expecting any tip from us. on top of everything else, the food was mediocre at best, and the noise level was off the charts. I'm sorry, Mystic Celt--I WANTED to like you. I wanted to give my money for your services...but tonight was just too much.
(1)Ern E.
This place is great all around. Went here for lunch the other day and the service was excellent. The only thing I would hold against them was the salad I ordered (Southwestern Salad): way, way, WAY too much dressing, and hardly enough lettuce. Otherwise I always have a decent experience here! :)
(4)Carlos G S.
UPDATE 7/24/14: You know, I am giving this place the full 5 stars now. This is my go-to place when I need to meet someone for business or just for fun. Whenever I need to go and watch a soccer match or just have a beer and a burger. Throughout the years I've lived in Wrigley, this has turned into my favorite comfort food place. Great place with kids and families. ================================================== I really like this place. During the time I lived in Wrigleyville, I used to hang out here pretty regularly. Waiting personnel was always friendly and attentive --I might recall only one time I thought service sucked. Now, the thing I LOVE about this place is their hamburgers + fries. Regular price is $10. But on Tuesdays they are 50% off --that's a Lincoln, or $5. But wait! If you sign up for their email list, you will get a special coupon that gives you an additional 50% off on any daily promotion. Yep, if basic math does not lie, that's $2.50 a pop --burger and fries! YAY! Not even at McDonald's !!! Their tap and bottled beers are good. I could care less for the usual crap (Bud, Coors, Miller). But their Guinness, Blue Moon and fat Tire are awesome. On Tue, Blue Moon is $3.50. Not bad. Other comfort food I like: Marguerita pizza. And their fish & chips are not bad either. Another BIG plus is that smoking is banned in here, so you can really enjoy your food, your drink and casual chat or game on any of the screens around. So, all in all, a good place to eat, drink and hang out. Don't forget your coupons !!!
(5)Sarah G.
Often way too dark, too loud, and too long of a wait, but can't beat the $5 burgers and $2.50 Blue Moons on Tuesdays.
(3)Janis W.
The food is pretty good, but the drinks taste like the alcohol was omitted. They are $7.75 and sound delicious, but something is wrong. I am speaking specifically of the Brazilian Mojito that I ordered on Memorial Day May 26, 2008 at approximately 6pm. I noticed everyone around me had bottles of wine which I think were on the special list.
(3)Bryan H.
The atmosphere and service here is definitely 5 stars. It is very roomy. The fish and chips are excellent, as well as the Veggie and Pita plate. The specials are a good deal. The salads, wraps, and pizzas are also great choices. Try the bleu cheese wasabi dressing.
(5)Mandy K.
Great spot for eating and people-watching outside on a nice day. There are many great appetizers, including the nachos, spinach and artichoke dip (which is mild and nutmegy, not overly garlicky), and the combination platter (my favorite). The burgers are very good, but order them rarer than you usually do because they overcook them a bit. It also seems that whenever I ask for something other than fries (like tater tots or waffle fries), either my server or the kitchen ignores it. It's happened often enough that I think it's the kitchen. There's one thing I dislike in particular: the noise level. The front room has a tendency to be very loud anyway, but then they crank the music up around dinnertime and it's incredibly hard to converse at all. That's fine for a bar with a dance floor, but not when you're sitting in a booth trying to share a meal. On weekend evenings, they also change the music from a casual bar mix to a cheesy dance mix, which just seems out of place in this neighborhood pub.
(4)Phil S.
This is always a good time. They seem to have all the little things down. TVs are high and visually accessible pretty much anywhere you are. They have a large selection of beer - including Smithwicks. Also, my friends and I play a game where whoever can come up with the artist of the song that is on, gets a point. I tend to do ok here as the selection is varied, if not having a slight bias on late 20's to mid 30's adult contemporary women artists (expect some Coldplay and U2 as well). However, I also purposefully listen to Michael Bolton sometimes - so I obviously have amazingly bad taste. There is also a great place to meet people, as it is fairly open and easy to start a conversation. I'm also a huge fan of their Shepard's Pie. It is not bad at all. They also have a friendly staff - I believe all the bartenders are of Irish descent - so they talk funny.
(4)erin t.
Mystic has 35cent wings on Wednesdays and although the traditional buffalo flavored wings at that price render my attention- they also offer 3 other flavors: BBQ, terryaki & my personal favorite, curry. The wings were absolutely fantastic- crispy with lots of sauce. I would have no problem paying full-price for them even! The best part is that you can mix & match which flavors you would like & each kind gets their own plate! (I am a firm believer in seperation of different foods/flavors on plates - my mashed potatoes never touched the chicken or carrots when I was a kid:) After the meal, I later looked up their website & every night (excluding Sat) Mystic offers some seriously sweet specials. Next Tuesday I'll go back- Blue Moon pints for only $3.50! And Mondays could be worth another trip with half priced appetizers & bottles of wine! Yikes! I need more days in the week!
(4)Danyelle D.
The food at Mystic Celt is what keeps me coming back. Their daily specials are great, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of their meals. My favorite is the French Onion soup or the Mac&Cheese. I never expected that a bar would have such an extensive menu and such well cooked food!
(4)Jeff D.
The staff and Mngmt. here are first rate. Everyone is highly interested in making sure you have an enjoyable time at the Mystic Celt. The brunch has been a favorite for many years. Nightly food and drink SPECIALS will bring you back again and again! Tuesday is 1/2 price 1/2 lb Angus burgers AND today with coupon email customers get 1/2 OFF! ! SO $10 burgers are $2.50!!!
(4)Rahul G.
This place is huge. I went for st. Pattys day and a friends birthday. It is huge. The bartenders and waitresses are very nice and very fast with drinks. The drinks themselves are solidly strong for a packed bar. Not to mention it is huge. Will definitely return.
(4)Jay P.
I thought that the happy hour appetizer special was terrific. The ambiance was also really enjoyable. It was nice to have half off as well as a coupon. Our party was seated promptly, we weren't rushed, our food arrived quickly (by someone from the kitchen) and the water was filled promptly. The coconut shrimp was pretty tasty as well. My only complaint is regarding the waitress, who is really the main representative of the restaurant. If someone from Mystic Celt is reading this, please be aware that there are a lot of people on Yelp who complain about the poor quality of service/treatment, mainly due to girls who could care less about being there. There are lots of people looking for work, so at least pretend to care. This dark-haired waitress didn't give us eye contact, seemed to be irritated that we wanted appetizers (probably due to the small tip that she'd receive,) and was so cold and abrasive throughout the night. Rigorous training and a serious conversation with staff could bring more customers back and attract new customers in.
(4)Courtney M.
Well everyone seems to complain about the wait staff on the weekens and I cant speak to that seeing as I was there on a Monday... My experience was pleasant, but nothing extraordinary. Food was good and the drink specials fit my taste. But even on a Monday it got pretty noisy and I had to really strain to hear what my friend was saying (and vice versa)... Service was average and the decor is nice, you feel welcome and comfortable there... it was a cozy place to sit in while it was freezing rain outside! Id go back if Im in the area again, but wouldnt necessarily drive out of my way for this one...
(4)E. Q.
We came here on a slow week night. Business was slow, and so was the service. We got up-charged for sweet potato tater-tots, although the tots we were served were clearly made from normal potatoes - pure white on the inside, no sweet taste. The waitress argued with us forever, and only took one of them off the tab. Also, we were never even offered a second round of drinks, even though both of our glasses were empty by the time our food was dropped off.
(1)Aaron N.
Mystic Celt is a decent place. Not the most decent. Not the least decent. Just decent. The service is great and the food is OK, but the night life at this bar is just a little to calm for me. It's a good place to just get a beer and some grub, but after that I would slide over to another bar to get it going. Decent.
(3)Shannon D.
I have mixed feelings about Mystic Celt. I really enjoy the food, but could live without some of the customers... The service can also be hit or miss. 30 minutes for a drink when the place is half empty? Not cool. The music also sorta sucks... I could live without hearing U2 and Coldplay back to back.... twice. On the plus side, they have great specials, a lot of tvs, and it's fabulous for brunch. The negatives really come down to the sorta fratty guys who seem to hang out here. And they have free wi-fi, which was a nice surprise. I have to carry a pager for work (computer geek), so it's always good to have a place where I can do my job while sipping a drink instead of having to rush home to fix something.
(3)John W.
This is a solid bar, with a good crowd.There's really nothing to point to as being exceptionally good or bad.
(3)Kristin C.
It's hard to have a bad evening when you are surrounded by the Cuervo Gold. Tequila is pretty awesome if I do say so myself. . . Last night I headed over to the Mystic Celt because it has been on my "EAT HERE" list for some time now. It wasn't too crowded around 7PM and it also wasn't smoky. Major plus. This is a BIG space with big, high booths where I chose to sit with my dining partner in crime. Mystic Celt gets major points for LISTING their specials. SO many places do not do this and since Mystic Celt has some good deals, I appreciate the literature. Now if they only listed their beer prices ($4.50 for a Budweiser bottle was a little unexpected) they'd be golden. Since it's hard to turn down $4 Cuervo 'ritas I went for those last night. For appetizers we ordered wings (I heard they were good here) and chicken flautas that were also on special for a-dollah-a-flautah. Both were tasty - not the best wings but solid for sure (great buffalo sauce). The menu here is vast - they have french onion soup, salads, wraps and even Irish favorites like Bangers and Mash. I wasn't so hungry post appetizers so I got the Margherita appetizer pizza which was also on special for $5. Mike had the buffalo chicken and coleslaw wrap with onion rings. No complaints. Our waitress, Rachel, was awesome. Service seemed slow around us but she was quick and friendly. There were also a bunch of Cuervo girls passing around promotional shots (they even had limes). A great complement to any meal! I enjoyed my trip to the Celt and it will now move from my "EAT HERE" list to my "GLAD I ATE HERE" list.
(4)S B.
Conveniently located next to a Brown Line stop. Some of the best Mac n Cheese I've ever eaten.
(4)Jen L.
3.5 stars really. Mystic Celt does many things well and some things poorly. I love their greasy bar food - fish and chips are great, so is the hummus plate, the grilled cheese, the wraps, etc. The bar is well stocked and they have great specials. However, a lot of their food is just on par, nothing spectacular, and their Sunday brunch is no good. Lots of variety, but poor quality. I still head to Mystic Celt, but you definitely need to know what to go for.
(3)Scott V.
I was a regular here. It was a ritual of ours to come here twice a week. We started coming here right before the new manager Justin was put in charge. He ruined it. Let me put it this way, I went out of my way to email the powers that be to tell them what a fantastic place this was. It was a great neighborhood place where you come and socialize over a few drinks, now it's just like every other hole that likes to drive in the low brow crowd with loud overplayed music, pointless "DJs", and a come-and-go style of service. It is truly a shame. A year ago I would rather go no where else, now you couldn't pay me, and undoubtedly the other old "regulars" to return. 10-1 this bar goes under like all the other standard bars in the city. Its one saving grave was a single waitress that provided outstanding service regardless of hating the atmosphere as much as we did. Oh well. Try Output bar in Ukrainian village. Better food, atmosphere, and the best part- you can have a conversation with a person more than an inch from their ear.
(1)Lindsey B.
I was incredibly disappointed last night in the service I received at one of my favorite bars in Chicago. It was one of the first nice days of the year and they had their patio open and their windows open, Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. I went there to meet a friend, and my boyfriend for dinner. I walked in and stood at the hostess stand for a good 3-4 minutes while a girl who I thought was the hostess passed me several times. She finally came over and grabbed a menu and started walking. I stopped her and said "Is there any way I can sit outside? And I have more people coming, it's not just me." She stopped walking and turned to me seemingly annoyed and told me it was about a 30-45 minute wait. So I told her I'd sit inside but I'd like to sit as close to the windows as possible. She grabbed two other menus and pointed to a table as she did so and said, "That's as close as I can get you." So that's where I sat. My friend showed up about 10 minutes later and the hostess came over and took our 3rd menu. My friend stopped her and told her we needed it because we had a third person coming. She said, "Well I need it for now because I have no other menus." My friend said.. "Oh.. ok.." and she walked away shaking her head!! Really? Our waitress shows up and she's less than pleasant as well. She asked questions and walked away without hearing the answer. We tried to stop her several times to order an appetizer and she wouldn't even look at us. I'm going to give Mystic Celt one more try because I've never had this experience before and I really like the feel of the place (usually). But this was NOT a good experience for me last night.
(2)Pamela L.
This is easily one of my favorite places to hang out or eat in the neighborhood. Since moving to Wrigleyville about a year ago, I've been here several times and each time has been a pleasant one. Their food is great... they have a good variety on the menu from your classic Irish dishes to comfort food and bar food, to dishes that one can choose if they want to eat more healthy. They have a full bar including a variety of wines. The staff has always been very friendly. The bar area is typical for the area, in the back is the dining area which has a trendy feel with large booths and candles. I believe there is also a party room in the very back. The music is always great... from trendy lounge in the dining area to current dance/rock and even some older stuff in the bar. Come as you are, come in for a beer... it's a great place to just hang out!
(5)Danny H.
Good specials, both for food and drink. A very nice atmosphere, as well. This is a great place to hit up if you're in the Southport area.
(4)Michelle L.
My husband and I went here for lunch on a weekday. I ordered a $8 southwest salad. It turned out to have iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, and, what I am convinced, leftover chips crumbled on top. All for $8!! My husband has the $5 wrap special, also not very impressive but it was only $5. They have lots of specials, food and drink. I have never been for a bar....but I wasn't very impressed with the food. I would try it again, but just for beer.
(3)Desiree K.
You never want to judge a book by its cover, but always judge a bar by its waitstaff. For example, Guthries is a corner neighbourhood tavern that's as pretentious as its wooden shack extension out back, and your bartenders will talk to you about Jeff Buckley and Graham Greene. The Riverview is a friendly hangout where your waitress will join in the music Scattergories game you're playing all Sunday afternoon and let you sneak in packages of Twizzler nibs. The Grafton welcomes your kids anytime and lets them climb all over the leather couch in the back. At the Mystic Celt last night, our waitress was a little blonde chick who forgot our BBQ wings order three times, my water four times, took 20 minutes to bring our food, and rarely asked us if we needed more beer. I mean, come on, Rammy had just hit a grand slam and the Bulls were forcing Game Six. And the best you can muster is a series of blank looks? So I'm really not sure why people stand in line to get in on special occasions and weekends. The food is good and they have nice daily deals, but it's generic a bar as can be. How about some wooden panelling and retro Guinness signs and let's call it an Irish pub? No problem if we don't have the personality to go with, we've got a few plasmas to make up for it! Michael Flatley would fit right in here -- bland, commercialised, glossy, and tight pants (mostly on the girls on a Saturday night). Nice garden setting in the patio though -- however, never judge a bar by its outdoor seating!
(1)Ben W.
The food is pretty mediocre, but they have good specials and the beer prices are pretty reasonable. Beware, though - service here is also mediocre. My favorite is the hostess, who always looks completely stoned and couldn't care less to seat you.
(2)paget s.
The food here is not bad and not great ,wings on wensdays are a good deal,but the service is the thing that brings this place down ,you can sit there for a good 30 min on a very slow day/night before they even know your there,and for this reason I don't like going here,
(2)Mike S.
Had brunch here this afternoon. Considering I paid only $10 for four heaping plates of meat, it was a pretty good deal. For starters, as most other posters have mentioned, this place is Irish in name only. But, of course, I don't think anyone who goes here thinks it's authentic, and I don't think the owners really make any effort to be authentic. That said, they did have Smithwick's on tap, which was nice. I can see the crowd getting a little obnoxious on weekend nights, but the brunch crowd was relaxed and nice. For the brunch buffet, they had the standard American assortment of bacon, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and such. They also had some more traditional Irish food, such as black & white pudding. While I've had better, it was still a nice selection. They also had a carving station serving roast beef, corned beef, and... something involving pork that I don't remember. The food was generally good, and well worth the money.
(3)Brandon C.
This has been one of my favorite bars, and favorite neighborhoods, in Chicago since I moved here. Mystic Celt has fantastic food, the atmosphere is fantastic, the drinks are moderately priced and the crowd, while young and hip, is not as pretentious as the Lincoln Park scene. I especially like their Sunday brunch with the Omlette station. If I could start every day with a mystic celt omlette I would be very happy and either very fat, or very dead. My only knock on this bar is the TVs. This would definitely not be my first choice to watch a game as there aren't many TVs and the ones they have are poor quality.
(4)Sarah S.
Bored just writing about it.
(2)Anna S.
Their wraps are a great lunch and they have some more heavy items for dinner. I've been here several times with friends at night and for lunch with my family. It has some nice outdoor seating and friendly, though sometimes slow-paced, staff. They have some great daily specials here like $5 pizzas.
(4)Allison S.
First experience there was a Saturday afternoon; I met my sister and her boyfriend there before they went to the Rascal Flats concert at Wrigley. Their special that day was $3 pints of Miller lite. I got the mushroom swiss burger, which was amazing! I will definitely be back, hopefully at night the next time.
(4)Patrice O.
I work in the area where mystic Celt is,I have been there a few times just to place a to go order and you have to go to the bar to place the to go orders.The bartenders are ALWAYS rude to me and some of my co workers.For example my coworker and I walked in directly to the bar and the bartender completely ignored us she was to busy flirting with one of her customer(I'm not a hater, so I let her get her Mack on) but when she did decide to come over to us she was like yea,not how can I help you? Or How are you ladies doing today? Just YEA!! So I kept my cool and placed my order and my coworker did the same.It took our food about 15 mins not a big deal,so the bartender collected the payment from us I paid cash,my coworker paid with C.C. And she throw the C.C. Book right in front of her.WTF was that about!!! At that point I wanted to talk to a manager but my coworker said forget it she isn't worth it,she will be fired soon ,so just let it go. But I couldn't let it go because that was so f ing rude. Mystic Celt I will never ever come here again!!! there are so many other nicer and friendlier places on southport so if I were you I would skip this place!!..mystic celt what you need to realize is money is a luxury so if someone is coming in to your busy to spend money you need to step up and make sure that person is happy and will come back and tell other people about their experience.so my advice is to dramatically improve your customer service.
(1)Matt B.
I've only eaten dinner here, so I can't comment on the bar, but the food is pretty darn good as far as bar/pub food goes. Ducked in for dinner with my girlfriend the other night and we each order the Wednesday night special: $5 wraps. I had the grilled chicken and bacon, she had the veggie. Both were very filling, yet didn't weigh us down, and came with a surprisingly good side salad. Overall, food was good, restaurant was spacious, service was ok. Only thing I would check off for would be the sticky table.
(4)Erin C.
This place is huge, but still maintains a neighborhood feel. I went to the New year's eve at Mystic 2006 (bringing in 2007) and have been a few other times since. They have good wine and shot pours, and a good tap beer selection. I have heard that they have good food too, but I haven't had any besides the New Years inclusive deal, and I dont think its fair to judge based on that. The food was fine then, but not really the focus anyways. Mystic was a good host for a huge group of us and their communication through email about the event was very prompt and organized. I love all the bars associated with Mystic, so it isn't much surprise that this place gets a good review from me.
(4)E M.
I've definitely grown tired of the Mystic Celt. It's huge and cavernous, which means you wait for a long time to be seen, then seated, then spotted again by your waiter, then waited upon. Many times, my boyfriend and I have been among a handful of people in the Mystic Celt, and we wait and wait... And not only is the wait bad, the order is never quite correct, things come out of the kitchen in drips and drabs and the food -- in a word -- sucks. Usually, bar food is bar food. Mystic Celt's is dried out and over-salted, like it was once semi-tasteless, but it sat under a heat lamp for four more days and became inedibly tasteless, so they salted it to perk it up. The half-priced appetizers lured me once or twice, but now even THAT is not enough to bring me in. It's just me giving my money away for plain AWFUL crap. I've even been there for their beer tasting and appetizer bar specials -- crap. Lots of TVs at Mystic Celt that you can watch if you're not blocked by a pole. But I can get the same beers on tap at better places on Southport and pay way less. Everything about Mystic Celt underwhelms.
(2)josie w.
Wow!The celt burger is probably 2nd best in Chicago for 2010! AND it's $5 on Tuesdays! They set you up with the fries...the quesadillas not such a good buy @ $8 but for $4 on Mondays-perfect!
(5)Chutima N.
Difference feeling for day and night. Foods are ok, but service and avenue are nice. Many friends of mine just feel comfortable to be there. Let get an insight why??
(3)Serena J.
I'm always really disappointed in their food. I've never had anything that was good. There are so many better restaurants/bars in teh neighborhood, I would definitely skip this one.
(2)Andrew T.
I've only been here once on a Tuesday evening for dinner but this bar has already made it's way to the top of my list. What more could you ask for? Clean interior and bathrooms and great menu/drink specials and good location. Def. recommending this bar to people....
(4)Brenna O.
We went to Mystic Celt solely for the breakfast buffet. It was just ok, and I could tell that they spend a lot more time preparing for the lunch buffet part than the breakfast part. The scrambled eggs were fine, and the fresh fruit was really good, but I would have liked a much larger selection. The little pancakes were so hard that it was difficult to cut with a knife. Our server was friendly, but this place is definitely more bar than restaurant. I guess our quest for the best breakfast buffet in Chicago is far from over...
(3)Fine Young Canibals Q.
SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET! Went there on a Sunday to get some brunch and watch the cubs game with friends. Got seated right away in the bar-area where we could watch the game on several large plasma T.V.'s. Looked like they had nicer seating in the back if you wanted to have an experience way from the bar. On Sunday's they offer a brunch buffet for just under $10. I think the buffet runs from 11am-3pm, not sure. We all opted for the buffet. The buffet is not large but it is clean and it offers a nice little variety of foods- muffins, bagels, English muffins, yogurt, hash browns, mini pancakes, eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon, sausage, spinach greens salad, mixed fruit, roasted potatoes, pasta, grilled veggies, etc. The best part about the buffet is that there is a chef who will prepare you an omelet to taste ( you can choose cheese, peppers, ham, mushrooms, tomato, etc-- standard stuff). AND the Chef will also cut you a nice piece of meat- corned beef, pork, and I think-- beef. I had the corned beef after it came highly recommended by my friend- and it was good! So yes-- The Sunday buffet was nice and clean and affordable, so I'd do it again. We ordered drinks too. Taking advantage of the Sunday special, we got Bloody Mary's (which I didn't have but they looked good....), and Margarita's (which I did have and they were good). Drinks were $5 each and I think beer was $2.50, donno, didn't have any. Each of us got the buffet and 2 drinks, walked out having paid $25 each, which included a NICE tip- which is weird in retrospect- why did we tip so much if we got the buffet?!
(4)Brent W.
Nice little bar w free wifi. I came in for a beer and some post work data entry. Can't comment on the food but the atmosphere was decent and they serve up Smithwick's, obvi....good choice on a brisk fall afternoon.
(3)Melanie B.
We had our holiday party here last night and everything was wonderful. Our bartender, Peter, was very attentive -- he made sure we had everything we needed and was able to turn the music off during our raffle, which really helped. You get a lot for your money in terms of the packages; for $9.50 each we got a buffet of four hot appetizers, veggies and dip, and fruit and cheese. The back room is gorgeous, with a central private bar, comfy couches, and additional seating. It was the perfect setting for socializing. And it was a breeze to set up as well -- Alison was wonderful to work with and everything went off without a hitch. Definitely recommend for your next party!
(5)Art K.
Great patio, good specials. Service is "meh" and the food is "meh"as well. You can get much better service and food at any number of places within two blocks of Mystic Celt.
(3)Sarah S.
They have the BEST spinach & artichoke dip!! They have tons of other great food as well. I love going here for dinner and on the weekends with friends.
(5)Brian E.
This place is great if you want to eat some mediocre comfort food, drink some bland beer, be a douche bag, and listen to Nickelback.
(2)Atl L.
I miss you Mystic Celt. I used to live near you and we would stop by on Monday's when you had the excellent special ($4 burgers and $3 microbrew pints). It's been a while since we've moved but I think about you often. Do you remember me? Your food was always good, pints were always cold and service was mostly decent. I especially liked you when it was nice out and we were lucky enough to score a prime table outside. But your inside is just fine with your cozy booths and long bar. One thing I never understood about you, why would an Irish Pub bring in a DJ on Fri and Sat nights? You don't need that! That's why I avoided you on the weekends. I'll stop by and see you soon, I promise.
(4)Mike M.
Typical bar food which is decent and reasonably priced. They have a decent selection of beer. Sitting on the patio in the front during the summer is always pleasant. They have a different food and drink special every weekday which is very reasonable.
(3)Minh T.
This place definitely doesn't have the friendliest or most competent wait staff. Fortunately for Mystic Celt, the food is great. I would highly recommend their BBQ Chicken Wrap which also has great cole slaw inside it. Their steak sandwich is pretty amazing as are their chicken wings, but that's mainly because they have some rare flavors...curry?! So good. If you're planning to go here for a night out with your friends, I would advise against it. It's really loud and just not the kind of place where people let loose and dance nor is the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation with someone if it's past 9pm.
(3)Nikkie H.
I've been there a few times, and it is on my list of "places to take guests if I don't want to spend a ton of money, but still have a good meal." That's bad, I know. I always go with the shepherd's pie and a nice cold beer. It's especially great in the winter because the shepherd's pie is all warm and comforting. I think mashed potatoes will do that to me. The only reason I don't go there as often as I'd like is the parking situation. It's usually such a nightmare to drive and park, and from where I live there is no convenient public transportation there...and I'm too cheap to take a cab. Can you see the pattern?
(5)B.D. K.
Booo...I had a few recommendations to check this place out including Aol City Best top ten. Blah! Both plates my girlfriend and I got failed to be anything but mediocre. Avoid this place...
(2)Lauren M.
This place has something for everyone. They have great specials every night, and it's always a fun scene. Love me some sweet potato tots!
(4)Mike K.
I've been here before...hell I've even reviewed it! Yet it seemed like a completely different place. It still had that crazy vampire lighting going in the front, but it was all the space in the back area that I was shocked by. This place has a ton of space! They should definitely put it to better use. I was impressed by the huge burgers and fries deal they had for $5 at the Yelp event. Sweet deal, kids. Plus They kept the tap relatively light...gotta love that.
(4)Jillian S.
Mysic Celt is super loud. It's that kind of strange, loud bar that people still feel comfortable enough for some odd reason to bring babies to. So not only is it loud to start, but there are babies screaming on top of it. On top of all of this, my friend and I waited 10 minutes at our table for the server to come to our table after we had been seated! EW.
(2)Bernie D.
This bar has 2 sides. One side with great food and lots of space. very enjoyable with a good crowd. The second side is any time after 10pm the music gets excessively loud, the bar gets extremely crowded, and finding a bartender becomes impossible. I'd go back for dinner or happy hour, but probably not for a late night bar.
(3)Ryan C.
I've typically had an ok time at Mystic Celt when its later in the evening, and you get one of the tables in the back room. The front bar area gets pretty crowded. I've always thought the service was a little blah (like I'm bothering the bartender when I ask her to reach in the cooler and take the cap off a miller lite bottle), but the staff on Sunday was able to confirm that opinion for me. Long story short, after the hostess seated us outside, I let her know we wont need menus or silverware since we were only grabbing a drink. She said ok, and took the menus back. The waitress came over shortly after with menus, and we said the same. She then let us know that we would have to order food in order to sit outside (patio was only half full btw) and that we should just get some chips and salsa for $3.95 (great deal) so she won't get in trouble. This was apparently the result of a "city ordinance" that does not let customers sit in patios unless they're eating (my first time hearing this after living in the neighborhood for 10 years, and sitting next door at Newports once/week outside). Apparently there's also a new ordinance where pretentious Irish bars take their patrons for granted!....ok, let me calm down. Anyway, we left and walked across the street to SoPo to enjoy a beer outside on the patio where we asked the waitress about this ordinance. She let us know we could sit outside and drink as long as we want. (Yes, you read that right. the Sopo service was friendlier than the Mystic Celt). I'll try and avoid complaining about things on my Yelp reviews, but I thought this was pretty ridiculous.
(1)Angela M.
Here is why i really love this place. Cause I can take my daughter here and get a glass of wine. But seriously they put us toward the back so my daughter can kind of run around if she gets antsy and she wont bother other people (cause they put most of the people with kids toward the back). And I like the food.
(4)Karl K.
A great place to drinks beers on a saturday afternoon, people watch after 10pm or bring the family for lunch or dinner. A very comfortable atmosphere with pleasant staff, great owners.
(4)Ross F.
Bad service, food is OK but they have screwed up my order so many times that I'm not going back. I heard some one call it 'Mystic Frat Boy' and that pretty much sums it up. I'm not a self hating Irish or anything but the authentic waitresses have a little too much McAttitude if you know what I'm saying.
(2)Emily O.
Great wraps & daily specials. Its one of our favorite local neighborhood spots in Lakeview. There is also outdoor seating. Perfect for a happy hour or weekend lunch spot.
(4)Kelly B.
This is a good spot for after work drinks and your typical bar food. It's also a good spot to watch a game or two. The burgers are great and the onion rings are pretty good too. They have a nice patio to eat/drink outside on nice days/evenings. My worst experience here was on a weekend night last winter and the place turned into a club-like atmosphere. There was a DJ and tons of youngsters piled in and turned the dining room into a dance floor. It was unreal. Needless to say I have been back a few times but before the crazy weekend dance crowd.
(3)Not J B.
Slightly better than their sister restaurant Corcoran's. This place is larger, has a bit more of a selection in both departments and serves food until 2 a.m. though it is awfully loud.
(2)Eden M.
The service can be agonizingly slow at times (and not when it's crowded either), but the beer selection is solid, there's plenty of seating, and the food is good for what it is. Salads, burgers, wraps - all decent. We mostly go here to grab dinner, but it's a fun nightspot as well. Good music, cleaner than a lot of bars over in Wrigleyville, and lots of flatscreens (and they are really nice about changing channels).
(4)Nicole B.
I popped in on a rainy Sunday afternoon to satisfy my craving for a burger and a pint - and stay dry! The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The burger was huge, with a perfectly pink center, dripping cheese and ketchup, just the way I like them! The fries were awesome as well - crispy outside, mushy inside!
(4)Danielle K.
I went to Mystic Celt last Wednesday because they have some great specials (specifically for the buffalo wing special). Now the wings were great, don't get me wrong and there were multiple flavors, which I appreciate but the service was horrible. The waitress forgot my boyfriends Guiness (it took him almost an hour to get it). She forgot orders of food and, what I think irked me the most, she took my beer at least twice BEFORE I WAS DONE WITH IT. Mind you it wasn't a full beer but it had a couple drinks left. Then she came with the check and added 18% gratuity. As we were sitting there, admittedly grumbling about it, she swoops in, grabs the check and says "I'll take it off." We were like whoa there we didn't actually complain to you. Then the manager got there and told us that was his best server (which is sad if that's true) and we just dropped it. This waitress was HORRIBLE though and barely deserved 10% I'm not quite sure what her name is but she's short and has brown hair (which is like half the woman out there including me) needless to say I'm not quite sure I'll be back
(2)Amy R.
Though the theme screams Irish, it's just another typical joint, but one worth checking out. Great music each night (though they could turn it down a bit), decent food (been there for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and liked it each time), and a great place to meet friends for drinks. Can't ask for much more. Try snagging a spot on the street front patio in good weather: excellent people watching opportunities abound. The inside offers a good number of booths, but unless you get there early, good luck getting one. The place can get crowded at nights, but it's not one of those places that makes you feel claustrophobic by 9 pm. It's a nice low-key change from the normal Wrigleyville joints.
(3)Dan M.
Editorial 10/23/07: I received a message with an explanation about my complaint. So, I am adding two stars for the owner being a standup person. If they become an OU bar I will give them another go. Original Review Okay, I can't comment on the food (because I walked out) but my complaint is simple: false advertising. On my way to Bobtail (which rocks) I saw a OU special advertised, and as a diehard Oklahoma fan I was very happy to see a bar close to me that followed OU. On Saturday my fiance and I walked to the celt to see my sooners hook the horns of Texas....but to my surprise the game was not on....nor could it be found because they didn't have ESPN gameplan! How do you follow OU in a Big 10 market without it? When I asked the manager about this she replied, "I can't find the game sorry." How do you call yourself an OU bar, but don't carry the biggest game of every season?? I know OU does not have a huge following around here, but if you do follow them....avoid the celt.
(3)Sarah L.
Stopped in the other night for some drinks and appetizers. They have OK mojitos, could be a little bit stronger. The margarita pizza with goat cheese and chicken is really yummy. The chicken nachos were tasty! Our server was really nice and attentive! If you sign up for their emails, you will get discount coupons sent to you. I also got a free $20 gift card for my birthday, w0000t!
(3)Niki C.
So it's not exactly like a pub you'd find in Ireland. Not even close. Well, maybe in Dublin in Trinity Bar where all the tourists go, but let's just say it's not traditional. In that, it's not dirty & dark & full of Guinness farts. Well, maybe Guinness farts, but we won't know for sure until the smoking ban goes into effect. I digress. I've been here for lunch, for dinner, for after a Cubs game, & for a private party in one of the back rooms. Each time a good time. Once, the group of guys I was with was a little over-zealous (now THAT's an Irish pub!) & we were kicked out (now that's NOT an irish pub!), but they were awfully cordial about it & yeah, I'd've kicked the idiots out, too ... they were pretty much major wankers. & they pour a decent Guinness, so fart away!
(3)Brian W.
I wrrote a bad review about 7 months ago (invloving about 10 visits and very inattentive staff). Almost immeadiatly after the review it was as if they had read it (I wish I remembered where I wrote it)! I've been back about 6 times since and the staff has been much more attentive. While I highly doubt my review had any influence, things have definitley changed for the better. Good bar food, big nice place, good outdoor seating, high quality bar.
(3)Douglas G.
Okay, you are not a real Irish pub when your drink specials are Miller Lite and Coors Light. This is just another uninspired corporate chain restaurant with a fake Irish name. Avoid.
(2)Julie P.
I live down the street from Mystic Celt so I'm kind of a regular....I love the atmosphere here, always an interesting crowd. Their Sunday brunch buffet is $10 and it rocks!! They also have really great specials every day that are hard to pass up! I have had good luck with all of the servers so far, and I'm super picky about service. Definitely check it out if you are in the southport 'hood!
(5)Laura I.
I came here a couple times when I used to live in this area and it was a nice enough place but I don't find it overly special. In the summer time, they have a great outdoor seating area in front, which always gets packed on weekends and stays that way throughout the brunch hours. I didn't find the food to be anything extraordinary and our drinks were sufficient enough. In the end, it just seemed rather mediocre and ordinary.
(3)Yujin A.
Food is pretty good. Their service really sucks. THey are always understaffed, or servers mess around playing with their asses instead of checking on their customers.My friend who goes there with me keeps telling me that they have the best burger in the city. (Tuesday 4 dollar burgers)I've had a burger with mushrooms and swiss cheese, and it was surprisingly good. Not a bad place at all. Also check out their daily specials!
(3)Jess T.
For two years, I lived off the happy hour specials here. Mystic Celt is right off the Brown Line, serves up food that makes your belly smile, and was one of my all-time favorite places to spend a leisurely lunch catching up with friends.
(4)Jessie B.
I went there last night on a blind date. The food was great. There are always specials, as I have read on the website, and also from other people's reviews. I would have given them a better star rating, but our server was terrible. She didn't introduce herself, gave me a dirty look when I asked her what kind of beers she had on tap, and then proceeded to just say "are you ready yet?" When we said no, stead of saying, "Would you like anything to drink to start?" She just walked away. I definately didn't feel welcome. It looked like every other table had a better server. The buss boys gave us more service than she did. She didn't check up on us at all. And when we finished our beers, she took away the glasses, instead of saying, "May I get you another?" Doesn't a higher bill, good service mean higher tip? I am totally confused on her way of service. I wish I could have smacked her in the head. But I didn't. I have named her Rude Ruth. Yes, I renamed her. Just beware of Ruth. Although the roasted veggie wrap was GREAT. And plus it was only $5.00. I love drink specials. So go there for a fast, chill, drink special night. Don't expect great service.
(3)Gordon O.
good brunch buffet place on sundays. they have a good selection from salad bar, omelette station, basic breakfast items and a carving station.
(3)Ren H.
This bar is really fun! Its pretty big inside so you're not rubbing up on everyone and they have pretty good specials certain nights of the week! The staff is awesome too
(5)O O.
An pretty extensive and somewhat unique memu for a bar. There's an awesome brunch buffet on Sunday and good specials most days of the week. I like the vibe here. It's a great neighborhood spot.
(4)Kelly M.
I really enjoyed the fish & chips and the macaroni & cheese. Good comfort food. Our waitress was very good at keeping an eye on our beers and empty glasses were replaced with full ones almost immediately. It's a nice, laid back neighborhood bar during the week. The only time I was here on the weekend was in the middle of a pub crawl.
(3)Jeff K.
This place is just what you'd expect for yet another in the endless stream of Irish-like bars in Chicago. Food was competent and about correctly priced. I had the french onion soup, salmon sandwich, but they were out of waffle fries. Our server was attentive and the place is big -- we were seated right away at 7pm on a Saturday night. Our original intent was to go to Coobah down the street which already had a 45 minute wait and no room at the bar to wait. I'd come back, but I wouldn't be in a rush...
(3)Jonathan R.
Great place to grab a burger and a beer! Service is good for dining. The bar services is a little better. I would give it 5 stars but its sister pub is the bomb!
(4)Bryan G.
I've been to the Celt a couple of times for brunch. First time i got food off the menu and then the next time i did the buffet. I would steer clear of the buffet or get there extremely early when its fricka fricka fresssh. The service was good and the prices aren't bad. I'll go back, just no buffet for this guy...
(3)Kim V.
I hosted a bridal shower at the Mystic Celt for my sister in November 2008. I would defintely recommend the Mystic Celt. My event took place during Sunday morning brunch, which turned out great. Their brunch had a wide selection & everything was delicious. My guests were very satisfied. I would definitely pop in for another Sunday brunch.The party room had a lot of space & seating for 20-30 people. Plenty of room and move around & mingle. The staff was, overall, very accomodating. They let me check out their party room without an appointment. They answered all my questions in a timely fashion. One complaint was just the service on the day of the event. I was told we'd have a server for our party, which we did. However, she was not only serving our party but also customers outside our party. There were a couple of times where we were wondering where our server was, but she'd eventually pop up. Would've been nice to have her only serving our party. I've popped in for a beverage & eats prior to the event & never had complaints. Drinks were always good. Always was a fan of their spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. I'd definitely recommend that & hosting your event here.
(4)J V.
I remember when this use to be bistro zinc's other store. They didn't change much of the decor.
(1)Yvette F.
Was good till Southport became the new "it" place to be. Forget it on the weekends - too crowded - but still good for a weeknight.
(3)Kristin B.
I hate this bar... I don't have a reason. I just don't like it. It doesn't ever give me a good feeling, I never have a good time. It's too loud, it's too big, it has weird lighting. Just not a fan. To be fair I haven't tried their food. If I do I will update to let you know if that is worth coming for.
(1)Amanda K.
I like the celt, it has a good location and nice outdoor seating. The service stinks, the staff acts like they are bothered to help you out. Also, they just changed the noodles in the mac and cheese and it has completely ruined the dish. I am so bummed.
(2)R P.
An average place to eat and drink. Nothing bad to say, but nothing outstanding, either. We sat outside - the weather was nice, but sitting at a slight angle in a plastic chair wasn't the greatest.
(3)Megan K.
Straddling the line of "Irish pub," on one hand you have the authentic Irish dancing on St Patty's day and fish and chips and peas, and on the other you have a menu littered with things like flautas and mojitos. While this was later explained to us, our favorite obscure menu item was "Chicken Curry, Irish Style." What? The food is pretty good, but the menu is definitely all over the place. The service is consistently unremarkable. I was here for a private charity event last night, and thought the back room with private bar was well-suited to this. The cozy booths are great for a weeknight food and drink outing.
(4)John C.
Mystic Celt? It should be called Mumbai Celt, the whole place stinks of curry. We went here with a bunch of friends for da bears game and I felt I was watching the game in Calcutta. I guess they have these curry fries and the whole place stinks of them. Since it was Monday it was 1/2 off appetizers so me and my buddy decided to try a couple. Overall prolly the worse bar food I have ever eaten in my life. The nachos were gross and came with almost no chips, but enough tomatoes to deplete the tomato growing industry. Plus everyone knows tomatoes not in red sauce are the devil. Next we got the combo platter which came with spinach artichoke dip, fried shrimp, mozza sticks, and buffalo like boneless wings. Everything tasted like a diaper filled with indian food, literally, because everything tasted like curry and the shrimp tasted spoiled. Mondays they also have 1/2 off wine and $3.50 daisy cutter drafts, which is Gods beer. Thats pretty much the only thing that was good about the place, and that I got wrecked during the game. After looking at the check though I was all fired up to see how expensive everything else was. $4.50 vortexes is a joke and shooters were also quite pricey. Service was average, nothing to write home to mom about. All in all this place is the worst and was not rowdy at all for the great bears game. Done with it professionally.
(1)Megan B.
This place is alright... If you're in the neighborhood and want a drink and some bar food then this is a decent spot. But it's nothing special or exciting if you ask me.
(3)Kyle D.
nicole and i had dinner here one night after randomly finding it. i got a burger and it was sooooooooo good. very juicy and cooked how i asked.. we even had some entertainment as we sat next to 2 funny guys who were also having dinner and talking about their lives w/ crazy women and such.
(4)Drucilla D.
A great place for outdoor summer dining. Food is pretty delicious. I recommend the appetizer plate.
(3)Brian B.
As Irish as a cold Corona with a slice of lime
(3)Sherri J.
I was so excited to go here. I had walked by it so many times and the food and menu looked great. I ordered a burger medium with sweet potato tater tots and my mom ordered the rib friday special. The burger was well done, my server didnt tell me i had an option of a pretzel roll which i love. I found out when the person next to me got their burger. nThe ribs were dry and looked withered and small. my mom asked for a side of onion straws that came on the burgers and their onion straws are like onion rings not straws. Their tater tots were not tator tots, they wre chucks of fried sweet potato not worth the extra dollar for them. Our server was soooo slow. She would diasappear for like ten minutes then reappear like nothing. The whole reason my mom wanted to go here was to try the key lime pie. we got the pie and well it wasnt a pie. It was a key lime flavored sourcream top cheesecake. It was sooo gross. Very disapointing.
(1)Irene J.
totally laid back--AND they have an AWESOME DJ! i loved the music they were spinning last friday! it was a fun place to hang out and have a few drinks with friends. i DON'T recommend the sangria though. i don't know what possessed me to get it. i was famished, so i ordered chorizo nachos. not bad~ but not the best when on an empty stomach (of alcohol). check mystic celt out with a large group of friends. it's fun and somewhat lively. there's no real dance floor, but who says you can't make your own?
(4)Erin B.
If you're looking for a great Irish Bar, this isn't it. The name sake is where it ends. If it's a good overall bar, this is the place. While they do serve "typical" fare of the Irish Pubs in Chicago, this is hardly Irish otherwise. They've got decent bar food, and it's a good place to check out the game. Also, if I can remember, they have good specials on non-[Cub]game days.
(3)elizabeth n.
A great irish bar in a great location! It's a great place to go on weekends, and although I have not tried the food there, it's a great place to just enjoy a beer. The spacious bar has lots of room and even though it gets packed- it is not uncomfortably crowded. I'd suggest going early to get a table and you are in for a low key, fun night!
(4)Don L.
Went here last night with a group of friends. The food was was fine, but not memorable. You would be fine going to any other bar/grill/Applebee's in the world. We all left saying, "Meh."
(3)Monica S.
I went to Mystic Celt for dinner, so can't comment on the later nightlife. It was MUCH bigger than I thought it would be, with the back serving as more of a restaurant setting and the front is more the bar scene. The food was reasonably priced. I had some sandwich that had turkey, brie cheese and some sort of apples. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It was enough to make you full, but a lighter fare so I wasn't completely stuffed aftewards! The crowd varied from mid-twenty-somethings to some in their 40s.
(4)Sydney K.
This is a cute Irish bar with good food. The bartenders are always attentive and the waitresses are very friendly. It's a great place to kick back with friends and throw down a few pints.
(3)Liliana S.
I've ate some good food here. Cool Irish bar..Good atmosphere and its a great place to have some drinks, catch a game, or just come to eat and be in that environment...
(4)Robyn N.
I love this Irish Bar! They have a huge menu, plenty of seating-indoors and out, and great drinks. Mystic Celt is the perfect place to hang out w/ your friends.
(4)Kristin A.
Nice laid back bar. Great place to start the evening. Plenty of seating and huge menu!
(5)Mary W.
"This is a fun place to hang out with friends! Not only is the restaurant Irish but a lot of the employees are from the Irish homeland as well! they have great food, especially the tuna salad wrap and great service!"
(4)C M.
Great place for food and relaxing. Kevin and Emon (owners) are very attentive and eager to help. Staff is friendly and service oriented. I would like to see more authentic Irish dishes in the future. Sit inside if you don't want to be bothered by foot traffic or all-day drinkers.
(4)Doug p.
another good one on southport, they make strong shots and they've got a ton of space for everyone to breathe. the waitresses and bartenders are cute and really friendly and the food is awesome
(5)Julia B.
This is one of the best Irish bars in Chicago. It's on one of my favorite streets-Southport and is very clean and kept up inside. Thursdays are my favorite with $15 bucket of Corona and $4 Margarita's! Also the $10 Breakfast Buffet on Sunday's is phenomenal!
(3)eric m.
ive been in the back room for a few events and there are a lot of people moving around from table to table. food is average but the service is fast and the waitresses remember faces and tabs. i would go more often if they put a jukebox in because even music thats not my cup of tea would be better than the one minute clips they spin.
(4)T K.
One of my favorite bars in southport. The fratboy quotient is low despite being a younger crowd and I've found alot of the ladies are usually friendly despite being incredible looking. Definitely not a hugely authentic Irish bar, but great if you are just looking for drinks and conversation with new people.
(4)PJ T.
been here several times...once for a private party and once for just a casual dinner. food is really good if you are looking for an irish fix or just some usual bar food. they have all kinds of beer. Good to swing by if you are in the hood
(4)Kathryn M.
My friend and I went here a couple months ago for dinner on one of the first snows of the season. The bar/restaurant is fairly large with a mixture of booths and tables. There are tables in the front windows that are perfect for people (or snow) watching. I actually wish we had been able to sit at tables in the front to watch the fluffy snow. Anyway, onto things other than snow. Our waitress was very attentive. My friend and I both had burgers ($4 on Tuesdays). The burgers were gigantic and delicious, especially for $4! The fries were nice and crisp. Mystic Celt is a great place to have a couple drinks and have a filling, cheap meal with friends. Sign up for their e-mail list and you'll receive lots of extra discounts, besides their daily specials.
(4)Fabrice C.
that place rock ... always serving .... always open for my beer love them
(5)Paul A.
Nice, chill, laid back atmosphere. When it's not packed, it's a great place to kick back and have some drinks. I hear the food is decent, but I've never made it that far. Bar tender was cool and bought us a round of Jagr Bombs.
(4)Raegen S.
great food... have been here a few times at night and not gonna lie... dont remember it much... but i do like the food after a long night... thry thier wasabi blue cheese!
(4)Sharon S.
Was there for a volunteer event and what fun! Good pint specials...and their food is always good when I've been there before. Try the Shepards pie! Its got a good crowd for a weeknight too, when I'd rather go cause weekends are PACKED!
(4)tessa c.
my friends came here to drink last night: great beer selection, friendly cute waitress with amazing hair, and strong coffee. my friend's sex on the beach wasn't mixed correctly however. i'm no bartender but even i know the alcohol goes on the bottom not the top!
(3)Stacie K.
Yummy appetizers and half prized bottles of wine on Mondays! They have great daily specials. Check it out!
(4)M. M.
This place is great for any kind of party you would like to have...even a first birthday! I had my son's first birthday there and it was just perfect! Everything was set up to perfection! I did the appetizer buffet package and it was great, I never had to ask them to refill anything! They refilled the food when needed and all the guests were so pleased with the food and service. The back room is so accommodating and spacious! Everything went sooo smoothly! I will continue to have my private events here in the future! The staff is great, service was awesome, and atmosphere is perfect for any and all events!
(5)Ryan M.
Really really loud. I hate that. This place has a really nice ambience and I get that it's friday night, but it doesn't seem like the kind of place that needed flashy lights and blaring music to be fun. I hate having to shout to the person next to me. Also, 8 bucks for a Manhatten! Holy god! They were really good though.
(3)Mara R.
I live in the neighborhood and walk by Mystic Celt every day. I sometimes will stop and eat outside with friends because it is such an inviting atmosphere. The food is your average bar food and some of it is fairly good. The issue I have with the place is the service. I was there a few weeks ago on a Wednesday for lunch. Most of the outdoor tables were full and a few inside as well. We were sitting at our table for at least 15 minutes before anyone even noticed us. The only time we saw the waitress was when we eventually ordered and then when we requested our bill. My girlfriend is 6 months pregnant and we never even got a glass of water! I had to go into the bar and pour some myself. I think with Dunley's opening next door it will give Mystic Celt a run for their money. I know I will be going to Southport Lanes next time, since I always get great service there.
(2)Alex M.
Of all the places to get drinks before a movie at the Music Box, I have no idea why my friends picked Mystic Celt. There wasn't anything immediately wrong with my food, save for the corned beef being a little dry, but as I understand it that's one of the difficulties of the medium. Unfortunately, the service sullied what could have been a pretty okay meal. The service was horrid- We must have been the only table for a server working the complete opposite side of the restaurant. We saw our server only three times over the course of an hour and a half. The first time was when we sat down and she took our drink order, the second when she came back with our drinks and took our food order, and the third (and hopefully last) time when we asked for the check. The restaurant didn't look too busy and there were servers coming in and out of our section pretty regularly, so I have no idea what the problem could have been. Maybe I offended our server when I asked for a Smithwick's?
(1)Vanessa F.
I started coming here for the pub quiz with a few friends. The service is ok at best, the food is good for bar noshing.
(3)Nicole C.
I have to say that you should just not go here when its bar time. The people that frequent this place when the music goes up are raging D bags. They have some of the better food I've ever had, so I have to give them that. I come here for dinner a couple times a month.
(3)Scott N.
The food is great but you couldn't pay me enough to go here during the evening when it's filled up with people. My advice, go here for a bite during football Sunday then walk across the street to Sopo and have some fun.
(3)Beth P.
I would not expect too much from this place- just average. It's roomy, food is edible, and beer is cold. I love hanging out in the Southport corridor, and if Mystic Celt has a good special that night, I'll gladly go in. I've even spent a St. Patrick's day there- they throw a great one. For "bar food" I was wasn't too impressed, I had to wash it down with more beer... everyone's happy.
(3)Colleen R.
If only the Mystic Celt could decide if it wants to be a dance club or a pub. Sadly, it attempts to do both (at least on the recent Saturday evening I spent there), and fails on both accounts. The decor, food, and drinks suggest that if they turned down the music and the strobe lights, this place could be a decent Irish bar. But the sheer volume of the music makes conversation impossible. Also, we were only there for about an hour and the DJ was already repeating songs. Coupled with the lame crowd and long bathroom lines, the terrible music made this place completely intolerable.
(1)matty z.
Mystic Celt is a great place to catch a college football game, which is what I find myself coming back for. The food, for bar food, is generally good and the curry sauce for french fries is well worth the extra $1.50. The Saturday specials ($1 mini-burgers, $1 chili, $3 miller lites) are great, and keep your afternoon light on the wallet. Pleased as always, after today's foray with Kourtney L.
(4)Corie M.
I came back to Mystic Celt a while ago to give it another shot. We started with the spinach artichoke dip which was very good especially with the chips, I got the turkey club sandwich which was just okay, I've had better I've had worse. My boyfriend had the flat-iron steak sandwich sans bleu cheese and he thought it was good. Overall it is nothing special but decent food, I would come back. I would recommend trying the buffet on weekends, haven't tried it but it looks really good.
(3)katy h.
I went the Mystic Celt because my husband and daughter were going to a Cubs game on a Sunday afternoon, and I needed to get some work done. I parked on an adjacent street (FREE!) and went in to eat and use their free WiFi. I had the Magners cider on tap, a few sliders (cheap but mediocre) and really tasty waffle fries. My waitress was efficient, and I could work without interruption, and still check on the game in progress. There was a really mixed crowd- veggie lovers, hung-over brunch barely of age kids, and middle aged couples. The coup-de-grace was the hostess Susana who let me use her cell-phone when I realized I had left mine in the burbs, and needed to contact my husband and daughter. What a life-saver!! We will be back!!!
(4)Derek A.
We have been going here about once every couple of weeks for a year now. If you want a place with consistantly good, decently priced food, this is a great place to go. Never super busy, and not too difficult to get a table. Specials are consistent, and the best days to go are MON: 1/2 off apps and 3.50 blue moon, TUE: $5 burger and fries and $3.50 Blue Moon, and FRI: $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips. Pros: - $5 burger and fries on Tuesday is one of the best, tastiest deals in the whole city! - $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips on Friday is wonderful. - Beer specials are good. Cons: - Wait staff is unbelievably inconsistent. We've had great, horrendous and everything in between.
(4)John H.
I APOLOGIZE FOR WRITING IN ALL CAPS, BUT I NEED TO SPEAK UP SO YOU CAN HEAR MY REVIEW PROPERLY. IT GETS A BIT LOUD HERE. Mystic Celt is not unlike the girl you knew in high school who had looks, smarts, and even personality, but just enough insecurity to dismiss the former three qualities with regular fits of raging whorism. As mentioned in some earlier reviews, Mystic Celt has all the tools to be a fine bar, its ridiculous name aside. Lots of beers on tap, reasonably good pub grub, and modest decor. Unfortunately, though, it has given itself to a lower class of humanity. And as it often goes with good bars gone bad, it starts with the DJ. I don't know where a bar, much less a would-be Irish bar, gets off hiring a DJ. Mystic Celt, though, appears to be ashamed of its red hair and freckles. Of course, DJs are like catnip for douchebags, and hordes of them flock here. And every last one of them seems intent on hitting my ultimate bar pet peeve, standing in front of the bar and preventing everyone else from getting their drinks. They should build a tunnel under Southport--or a bridge over it--between this place and SoPo to keep the douchebag population concentrated in a couple of nearby places. Mystic Celt could learn a lot from a place like Cullen's, which is very similar in offerings and style, and a complete contrast in clientele. There are more than enough places for the lower-20s crowd on this end of Southport; it's too bad that Mystic Celt feels the need to cater solely to them.
(2)Seamus F.
Went in here for the third time in five weeks last night and have been at least a dozen times over the past few years. Wanted to sit outside this time but Mother Nature made that a dicey proposition so hostess quickly got us a booth. As usual, they had at least one decent drink special - $3.50 Sierra Nevada or Blue Moon drafts on a Tuesday night and service was solid, even on last weekend's visit when the server said it was only her second day. Have had the brunch buffet before and it's a good deal, and above average for an all you can eat proposition. Enough TVs without being totally overwhelming. Friday Fish Fry was pretty damn good too. Not sure I would linger here for hours but has always been a good spot for a couple's dinner, or a drink while on Southport and have definitely walked over and scored after a Cubs game when Wrigleyville is a little too nutty.
(4)Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt has a laid back atmosphere with decent Irish food. The outdoor patio is a really nice spot to enjoy your meal and people watch. I've only been there for dinner, so I can't comment on their brunch menue. I don't have a whole lot to say about his place. It's good. I like it alright.
(3)Kristen M.
Very overpriced. My boyfriend and I got salads and couldn't even eat them they were so bad. The veggies tasted rotten. Good daily deals and burger's. Service is slow
(2)Christy Q.
I wanted to give the Yelp community an update on Mystic Celt! They read my previous review and contacted me to apologize and they even went as far as sending me a $25 gift card for my troubles! That was really unexpected and also really great of them. They showed me that they DO care about my business and that they DO want me to return- and I will! Thank you Mystic Celt for taking care of this situation... and all is right with the world!
(4)Amanda D.
The place is just average. My friend and I stopped over there to say farewell to one of her co-workers before heading off to the Paramount Room. We had 2 drinks (raspberry/lemonade/vodak) $5 a pop, not bad. We didn't spend more than an hour there (rain keeping people in). The crowd was ok, the decor was ok, the bartenders were ok as well, the bathrooms were nice; I always appreciate a nice clean bathroom. I might come back here if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)Alan W.
Friendly staff. Average Food. Good atmosphere. BUT, overpriced outside of specials.
(3)Jessa P.
Okay I admit, the last few weeks, I have gone here at least once a week. I am a borderline "regular". I can't help it. I like their specials (10 wings for $5, who can top that)! Summer Shandy on tap! TVs everywhere. Casual atmosphere; great neighborhood. Literally steps away from the brown line; stumbling into the train is easy-schmeazy!
(5)Taryn K.
Mystic Celt was our last stop on a bar crawl and everything was fabulous! The staff was very friendly and served all 60 of us our drinks impressively fast! We have been here lots during the day with the kids for lunch and dinner and the food is always great and the service is always friendly~ This is a huge bar and they do a great job accommodating families and adult drinkers in seperate areas! This is definitely one of our favorite places to frequent with and without the kids!
(5)Greg M.
Amazing patio! Great service, great neighborhood! My friend brought me to the area and this place totally caught my eye! Truly a gem
(5)Shyam S.
My friends and I stopped in here last weekend cuz Guthries was insanely packed. The bar was not my kind of place - ridiculously fratty and full of WASPs. However, I went there on a Saturday night, so I expected as much. However, the food was surprisingly good. I was astonished that their veggie burger was so tasty, especially the way I had it - on tomato foccacia with pepper jack and giardenera. Nice and hot and very good. My server was also really cool and when I told her about Guthrie's, she recommended the Newport Bar and Grill, which I had visited before, but she mentioned they also have board games.
(3)Erika G.
I gave it an extra star for the beer specials, very good beer specials. And the outdoor patio is great IF YOU CAN GET A TABLE, to watch the Stroller Brigade walk past. It's not a very authentic "irish bar", but it gets another star for that, as I am not a fan of Irish bars. This place is pretty generic. The food is overwhelmingly mediocre. Real Middle American fare, bland and spice-free. I had the Celt burger, requested "medium" and got "well done". Go to Hamburger Mary's for REAL hamburgers. The mac n' cheese was all right . . . but not exceptional. Everything needs hot sauce, or some semblance of taste! The service . . . ugh, here is where they really shave off the stars. Our party of 5 wanted to sit outside, put name in, and got "1/2 hour wait". Noo problem as we weren't all there yet, we got beers and settled into the couches. 45 minutes later, we were still waiting with NO acknowledgment from our server. An hour later, a 4 top opened up, and server informed us . . . of a table not large enough for our group. By that time, my friends and I were eyeing each other like the surviving members of the Donner party. After the 4 top fiasco, we said "we'll just take ANY table, in or out". Server disappears. Finally, someone else in our group grabbed the server to TRY and finally get a table. Okay, inside, she seats us . . . and leaves. 15 minutes later, she comes back to take drink orders - no, we're ordering entrees now!! TWO HOURS LATER, we finally had our orders in. This place isn't THAT special to put up with crappy service like this. If I was just sitting outside having beers it probably wouldn't matter, but we came here to EAT. And their doggie water dish was SHOCKING dirty! For a dog lover like me, this takes off another 1/2 star.
(2)Steve H.
You know, I really love the food here. I really do. But the service leaves something to be desired. I've frequented the Emerald Loop and Mystic Celt for years the service is both locations is just too spotty. I think that is really my main issue with these guys. Sometimes the service is amazing but more times than not its just terrible. For Instance, one waitress/bartender named Caroline threw a fit when I paid with a gift card and owed $.07. I understand, I should have been prepared and only had my debit card which was totally my fault. However, when she comped the seven cents and threw my check on the ground towards the back of the bar it was a little uncalled for. Loving their food I went back about a week ago...my drink didn't get refilled and when I asked for the check the waitress actually stopped at another table, hugged one of the guests, introduced herself to the table and sat there for 15 minutes before going to get our check. It's little things like that that really make me wonder if it's worth going back to. I guess with a killer $5 wing night its hard to stay away. Also, they seem to treat you crappy when you pay with a gift card. I've randomly had a gift card on a few occasions and they always act like its a problem. I work in the service industry....I promise I will tip you whether I am using a gift card or not.
(2)Brett N.
Watered down alcoholic drinks. This really peeves me about a bar. I ordered something called a margatini (special) which was a mini glass of sweet and sour mix. (FYI, a martin should be pow at first sip). The waitress apparently made it herself (see below), poured it tableside and carried the lime wedge in her hand. She un-palmed it to hook onto my glass. One dinner companion didn't get a full glass worth, the other had weak beer. You can tell when the beer is watered down, especially when you drink it regularly. The fuming flame was lit. This should be illegal. Now, for a Thursday night it was busy. Two words: one bartender. Really? This is why our waitress made the drinks herself. I asked for a shot of tequila to rouse my margatini and that helped, but I was already miffed. First impressions... Why were people (and families with kids) there afterall? Is this the best Southport has to offer? We came for dinner, which wasn't terrible. The side salad was fresh and good. Ice cream dessert was a nice touch. Not being charged for the tequila shot was smart, or I would have gone off. Diluting the drinks really sucks, so i'm done with this place. Too bad. Better drinks would have cause the 3 of us to order at least 2 more rounds but we hightailed it outta there at last bite. Maybe it was also because the sound on the sports TV (no game was actually being played) was cranked so loud that our table conversation was drowned. Who needs a night out with friends when the TV cancels your face time together. Point missed there. Get a clue Mystic celt. Better yet folks, skip this place. There are plenty other spots in the neighborhood.
(1)Jennifer B.
Go for their specials, grab a seat at the bar, pretend you are Irish, and enjoy.... Mystic Celt isn't too different than any other restaurant/bar along Southport or in Lakeview/Wrigleyville. I guess the biggest striking different is the menu, it's pretty great. And the specials here are actually specials that you would want to eat/drink, and will save you some cash. Maybe it's because I was here on a Tuesday (actually, I'm SURE it's why) but the peeps at Mystic Celt don't seem to get obnoxious, which is a plus. Maybe I should try it at 2am on a Saturday, and update my review? Until then, Mystic Celt is a nice stand-by and a great default bar.
(4)Jennifer W.
The Mystic Celt is a nice bar/restaurant in the popular Southport corridor near Addison. I went there with a group friends for dinner last night and found the food to be good, if unexciting, bar fare. I had a blackened chicken club sandwich. It was pretty good but the chicken was a litle dry and there wasn't enough avocado (and no mayo) to really remedy it. My friends seemed to enjoy their food (a black and bleu burger, a club salad, a BBQ chicken salad, and a bacon burger), and the beer prices were reasonable ($4 Harps). We also had an appetizer combo with bruschetta, spinach/artichoke dip, fried shrimp, & chicken tenders which was pretty tasty. The server we had was friendly but we had to wait a little longer than we would have liked for the check. All in all, the Mystic Celt is a nice place for a leisurely, reasonably priced dinner. It's what you would expect from your average North Side bar.
(3)Kathryn M.
My friend and I went here a couple months ago for dinner on one of the first snows of the season. The bar/restaurant is fairly large with a mixture of booths and tables. There are tables in the front windows that are perfect for people (or snow) watching. I actually wish we had been able to sit at tables in the front to watch the fluffy snow. Anyway, onto things other than snow. Our waitress was very attentive. My friend and I both had burgers ($4 on Tuesdays). The burgers were gigantic and delicious, especially for $4! The fries were nice and crisp. Mystic Celt is a great place to have a couple drinks and have a filling, cheap meal with friends. Sign up for their e-mail list and you'll receive lots of extra discounts, besides their daily specials.
(4)Fabrice C.
that place rock ... always serving .... always open for my beer love them
(5)Paul A.
Nice, chill, laid back atmosphere. When it's not packed, it's a great place to kick back and have some drinks. I hear the food is decent, but I've never made it that far. Bar tender was cool and bought us a round of Jagr Bombs.
(4)Raegen S.
great food... have been here a few times at night and not gonna lie... dont remember it much... but i do like the food after a long night... thry thier wasabi blue cheese!
(4)Sharon S.
Was there for a volunteer event and what fun! Good pint specials...and their food is always good when I've been there before. Try the Shepards pie! Its got a good crowd for a weeknight too, when I'd rather go cause weekends are PACKED!
(4)tessa c.
my friends came here to drink last night: great beer selection, friendly cute waitress with amazing hair, and strong coffee. my friend's sex on the beach wasn't mixed correctly however. i'm no bartender but even i know the alcohol goes on the bottom not the top!
(3)Stacie K.
Yummy appetizers and half prized bottles of wine on Mondays! They have great daily specials. Check it out!
(4)Yujin A.
Food is pretty good. Their service really sucks. THey are always understaffed, or servers mess around playing with their asses instead of checking on their customers.My friend who goes there with me keeps telling me that they have the best burger in the city. (Tuesday 4 dollar burgers)I've had a burger with mushrooms and swiss cheese, and it was surprisingly good. Not a bad place at all. Also check out their daily specials!
(3)Jess T.
For two years, I lived off the happy hour specials here. Mystic Celt is right off the Brown Line, serves up food that makes your belly smile, and was one of my all-time favorite places to spend a leisurely lunch catching up with friends.
(4)Jessie B.
I went there last night on a blind date. The food was great. There are always specials, as I have read on the website, and also from other people's reviews. I would have given them a better star rating, but our server was terrible. She didn't introduce herself, gave me a dirty look when I asked her what kind of beers she had on tap, and then proceeded to just say "are you ready yet?" When we said no, stead of saying, "Would you like anything to drink to start?" She just walked away. I definately didn't feel welcome. It looked like every other table had a better server. The buss boys gave us more service than she did. She didn't check up on us at all. And when we finished our beers, she took away the glasses, instead of saying, "May I get you another?" Doesn't a higher bill, good service mean higher tip? I am totally confused on her way of service. I wish I could have smacked her in the head. But I didn't. I have named her Rude Ruth. Yes, I renamed her. Just beware of Ruth. Although the roasted veggie wrap was GREAT. And plus it was only $5.00. I love drink specials. So go there for a fast, chill, drink special night. Don't expect great service.
(3)Gordon O.
good brunch buffet place on sundays. they have a good selection from salad bar, omelette station, basic breakfast items and a carving station.
(3)Ren H.
This bar is really fun! Its pretty big inside so you're not rubbing up on everyone and they have pretty good specials certain nights of the week! The staff is awesome too
(5)O O.
An pretty extensive and somewhat unique memu for a bar. There's an awesome brunch buffet on Sunday and good specials most days of the week. I like the vibe here. It's a great neighborhood spot.
(4)Kelly M.
I really enjoyed the fish & chips and the macaroni & cheese. Good comfort food. Our waitress was very good at keeping an eye on our beers and empty glasses were replaced with full ones almost immediately. It's a nice, laid back neighborhood bar during the week. The only time I was here on the weekend was in the middle of a pub crawl.
(3)Jeff K.
This place is just what you'd expect for yet another in the endless stream of Irish-like bars in Chicago. Food was competent and about correctly priced. I had the french onion soup, salmon sandwich, but they were out of waffle fries. Our server was attentive and the place is big -- we were seated right away at 7pm on a Saturday night. Our original intent was to go to Coobah down the street which already had a 45 minute wait and no room at the bar to wait. I'd come back, but I wouldn't be in a rush...
(3)Jonathan R.
Great place to grab a burger and a beer! Service is good for dining. The bar services is a little better. I would give it 5 stars but its sister pub is the bomb!
(4)Bryan G.
I've been to the Celt a couple of times for brunch. First time i got food off the menu and then the next time i did the buffet. I would steer clear of the buffet or get there extremely early when its fricka fricka fresssh. The service was good and the prices aren't bad. I'll go back, just no buffet for this guy...
(3)Kim V.
I hosted a bridal shower at the Mystic Celt for my sister in November 2008. I would defintely recommend the Mystic Celt. My event took place during Sunday morning brunch, which turned out great. Their brunch had a wide selection & everything was delicious. My guests were very satisfied. I would definitely pop in for another Sunday brunch.The party room had a lot of space & seating for 20-30 people. Plenty of room and move around & mingle. The staff was, overall, very accomodating. They let me check out their party room without an appointment. They answered all my questions in a timely fashion. One complaint was just the service on the day of the event. I was told we'd have a server for our party, which we did. However, she was not only serving our party but also customers outside our party. There were a couple of times where we were wondering where our server was, but she'd eventually pop up. Would've been nice to have her only serving our party. I've popped in for a beverage & eats prior to the event & never had complaints. Drinks were always good. Always was a fan of their spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. I'd definitely recommend that & hosting your event here.
(4)J V.
I remember when this use to be bistro zinc's other store. They didn't change much of the decor.
(1)Yvette F.
Was good till Southport became the new "it" place to be. Forget it on the weekends - too crowded - but still good for a weeknight.
(3)Kristin B.
I hate this bar... I don't have a reason. I just don't like it. It doesn't ever give me a good feeling, I never have a good time. It's too loud, it's too big, it has weird lighting. Just not a fan. To be fair I haven't tried their food. If I do I will update to let you know if that is worth coming for.
(1)Amanda K.
I like the celt, it has a good location and nice outdoor seating. The service stinks, the staff acts like they are bothered to help you out. Also, they just changed the noodles in the mac and cheese and it has completely ruined the dish. I am so bummed.
(2)R P.
An average place to eat and drink. Nothing bad to say, but nothing outstanding, either. We sat outside - the weather was nice, but sitting at a slight angle in a plastic chair wasn't the greatest.
(3)Megan K.
Straddling the line of "Irish pub," on one hand you have the authentic Irish dancing on St Patty's day and fish and chips and peas, and on the other you have a menu littered with things like flautas and mojitos. While this was later explained to us, our favorite obscure menu item was "Chicken Curry, Irish Style." What? The food is pretty good, but the menu is definitely all over the place. The service is consistently unremarkable. I was here for a private charity event last night, and thought the back room with private bar was well-suited to this. The cozy booths are great for a weeknight food and drink outing.
(4)John C.
Mystic Celt? It should be called Mumbai Celt, the whole place stinks of curry. We went here with a bunch of friends for da bears game and I felt I was watching the game in Calcutta. I guess they have these curry fries and the whole place stinks of them. Since it was Monday it was 1/2 off appetizers so me and my buddy decided to try a couple. Overall prolly the worse bar food I have ever eaten in my life. The nachos were gross and came with almost no chips, but enough tomatoes to deplete the tomato growing industry. Plus everyone knows tomatoes not in red sauce are the devil. Next we got the combo platter which came with spinach artichoke dip, fried shrimp, mozza sticks, and buffalo like boneless wings. Everything tasted like a diaper filled with indian food, literally, because everything tasted like curry and the shrimp tasted spoiled. Mondays they also have 1/2 off wine and $3.50 daisy cutter drafts, which is Gods beer. Thats pretty much the only thing that was good about the place, and that I got wrecked during the game. After looking at the check though I was all fired up to see how expensive everything else was. $4.50 vortexes is a joke and shooters were also quite pricey. Service was average, nothing to write home to mom about. All in all this place is the worst and was not rowdy at all for the great bears game. Done with it professionally.
(1)Megan B.
This place is alright... If you're in the neighborhood and want a drink and some bar food then this is a decent spot. But it's nothing special or exciting if you ask me.
(3)Kyle D.
nicole and i had dinner here one night after randomly finding it. i got a burger and it was sooooooooo good. very juicy and cooked how i asked.. we even had some entertainment as we sat next to 2 funny guys who were also having dinner and talking about their lives w/ crazy women and such.
(4)Drucilla D.
A great place for outdoor summer dining. Food is pretty delicious. I recommend the appetizer plate.
(3)Brian B.
As Irish as a cold Corona with a slice of lime
(3)Sherri J.
I was so excited to go here. I had walked by it so many times and the food and menu looked great. I ordered a burger medium with sweet potato tater tots and my mom ordered the rib friday special. The burger was well done, my server didnt tell me i had an option of a pretzel roll which i love. I found out when the person next to me got their burger. nThe ribs were dry and looked withered and small. my mom asked for a side of onion straws that came on the burgers and their onion straws are like onion rings not straws. Their tater tots were not tator tots, they wre chucks of fried sweet potato not worth the extra dollar for them. Our server was soooo slow. She would diasappear for like ten minutes then reappear like nothing. The whole reason my mom wanted to go here was to try the key lime pie. we got the pie and well it wasnt a pie. It was a key lime flavored sourcream top cheesecake. It was sooo gross. Very disapointing.
(1)Irene J.
totally laid back--AND they have an AWESOME DJ! i loved the music they were spinning last friday! it was a fun place to hang out and have a few drinks with friends. i DON'T recommend the sangria though. i don't know what possessed me to get it. i was famished, so i ordered chorizo nachos. not bad~ but not the best when on an empty stomach (of alcohol). check mystic celt out with a large group of friends. it's fun and somewhat lively. there's no real dance floor, but who says you can't make your own?
(4)Erin B.
If you're looking for a great Irish Bar, this isn't it. The name sake is where it ends. If it's a good overall bar, this is the place. While they do serve "typical" fare of the Irish Pubs in Chicago, this is hardly Irish otherwise. They've got decent bar food, and it's a good place to check out the game. Also, if I can remember, they have good specials on non-[Cub]game days.
(3)elizabeth n.
A great irish bar in a great location! It's a great place to go on weekends, and although I have not tried the food there, it's a great place to just enjoy a beer. The spacious bar has lots of room and even though it gets packed- it is not uncomfortably crowded. I'd suggest going early to get a table and you are in for a low key, fun night!
(4)Don L.
Went here last night with a group of friends. The food was was fine, but not memorable. You would be fine going to any other bar/grill/Applebee's in the world. We all left saying, "Meh."
(3)Monica S.
I went to Mystic Celt for dinner, so can't comment on the later nightlife. It was MUCH bigger than I thought it would be, with the back serving as more of a restaurant setting and the front is more the bar scene. The food was reasonably priced. I had some sandwich that had turkey, brie cheese and some sort of apples. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It was enough to make you full, but a lighter fare so I wasn't completely stuffed aftewards! The crowd varied from mid-twenty-somethings to some in their 40s.
(4)Sydney K.
This is a cute Irish bar with good food. The bartenders are always attentive and the waitresses are very friendly. It's a great place to kick back with friends and throw down a few pints.
(3)Liliana S.
I've ate some good food here. Cool Irish bar..Good atmosphere and its a great place to have some drinks, catch a game, or just come to eat and be in that environment...
(4)Robyn N.
I love this Irish Bar! They have a huge menu, plenty of seating-indoors and out, and great drinks. Mystic Celt is the perfect place to hang out w/ your friends.
(4)Kristin A.
Nice laid back bar. Great place to start the evening. Plenty of seating and huge menu!
(5)Mary W.
"This is a fun place to hang out with friends! Not only is the restaurant Irish but a lot of the employees are from the Irish homeland as well! they have great food, especially the tuna salad wrap and great service!"
(4)C M.
Great place for food and relaxing. Kevin and Emon (owners) are very attentive and eager to help. Staff is friendly and service oriented. I would like to see more authentic Irish dishes in the future. Sit inside if you don't want to be bothered by foot traffic or all-day drinkers.
(4)Doug p.
another good one on southport, they make strong shots and they've got a ton of space for everyone to breathe. the waitresses and bartenders are cute and really friendly and the food is awesome
(5)Julia B.
This is one of the best Irish bars in Chicago. It's on one of my favorite streets-Southport and is very clean and kept up inside. Thursdays are my favorite with $15 bucket of Corona and $4 Margarita's! Also the $10 Breakfast Buffet on Sunday's is phenomenal!
(3)Shavahn R.
We have walked passed this pub a few times, and being a lover of all things Irish we were excited to stop there for a quick bite before meeting some friends. Disappointment is an understatement--I actually ended up leaving absolutely livid. Our waitress, Danielle, was beyond horrible--I actually want to write so many expletives, but I won't . Never did she welcome us, never even cracked a smile, walked passed once and even said, "I deserve a raise"--she never checked on us, if we even asked for something, it was like WE were the ones doing something wrong. It was so uncomfortable even being there. So much for a nice night out. The only reason I threw in an extra star is because the food was decent pub food. We won't ever go back, though, thanks to Danielle's ever so welcoming personality.
(2)N E.
Went here for a private event in the backroom. The Bar tender that worked the party was really great. Before coming here I had checked the website to see if I should order dinner while there. I'm a fan of bar apps so I ordered two: Chicken Quesadillas and the Pub Nachos with veggie chilli on it. Both we good, not great, and would order again. Saw someone having a burger on the way in, so I went with the Hickory burger (BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and crispy onion strings) Good amount of bacon, and the onion strings were a great touch. Will be stopping by to have one again when I'm in the area.
(4)Angie M.
Aside from having exceptionally good waffle fries, I'm never really that impressed with Mystic Celt. The space is fairly standard issue. Picture lots of dark wood tables, flatscreens galore to catch the game, high top tables, a few random booths... I don't know. I always think they could do better. It's boring. Service is always just OK, too. The waitresses fly by, drink refills are hard to come by and it takes for-ev-er to get a check. Are they just always understaffed? Food? Meh. Like I said, the waffle fries are great, but my sandwiches seem to leave something to be desired. The turkey burger lacks any kind of grill marks or crust on the exterior, so the texture is weird. I'm just never really happy with anything I've eaten. So yeah. If I'm in the hood and it's like, the only option available, I'll swing in. But with so many better options on the Southport Strip, why bother with mediocrity?
(3)Adam K.
Meh, the food was pretty good. The service wasn't that great. I liked the chorizo or whatever hamburger my drunk ass shoved into my gullet at 2AM. I didnt like that we were the only patrons and the DJ was playing the most god awful goddamn music I have ever heard. I don't even know what top 40 euro mix he was sampling from, but it was not pleasant. Also, the wait staff needs to work on their attitudes a bit. I may stumble in drunk again.
(3)Kristina N.
Hands down this place is awesome and delicious. We had the best waitress (Kimmy) who was amazing taking care of our group of 15-18! She never let us have any empty glasses, split our checks which was fantastic with such a huge group! Brunch was so good, great variety of food! I definitely can't wait to go back! A+ for service!
(4)Alexander J.
Didn't feel very Irish to be an Irish pub. Had a burger and a beer, the burger was alright and the beer was reasonably priced. Service was OK, but nothing more. The side of french fries I chose for the burger were not very good though, maybe that's how some people want their fries but they were not cripsy at all and kinda soggy. The peel left on the potatoes can some times be a good thing and make the fries better, well, in this case it didn't feel like a good thing. Ah well, I finished the food and it was pretty good, will probably not go back though, but I could.
(3)Gemma K.
Mystic Celt is a go to spot for my cousin, usually for lunch or after work with friends. Was I surprised when he asked if I would be "in the area" today? Of course. I can be plied, I suppose. I was more intrigued as to the reason, so off I went to Mystic Celt. One reason this was the spot was the fact that Monday is half off appetizers, wine, and a couple of choice pints. Okay, was I manipulated? Yeah. But blood is blood. Segue to the food! Wave those sweet mini cheeseburgers back and forth in front of me and I will listen to why you brought me here. Taunt me with a pretty decent set of wings with amazingly unlimited veggies (thanks to a server that actually seemed to be happy to be there) and I'm intrigued. Share a salad with me and I won't get out my checkbook, but I will definitely listen to what ails you. Speaking of ale ... this place is not only cozy but it is complete Though his fave, Leinenkugels was not halves's, we made due with Blue Moon. For me, I was pleasantly surprised. In days of yore, he would lament about customer service issues, but all was well tonight. Especially the half off deals. My take: I think it has a lot going for it in that typical Erin go Bragh way that you so want in an Irish pub. And the food was great. As to the ulterior motives: they pretty much fly out the window when you actually find a place like this that is the perfect spot to kick back and catch up.
(4)Leanne A.
Nothing special, but cute location and outdoor seating. There's always rooms here, it seems. I''ve only been a couple times, but the service has always been the same; apathetic and dismissive. The food is typical bar fare, maybe a little more options than average.
(3)Patrick L.
Have been here several times, I'd say all in all it's a good reliable place to go. I haven't really had anything spectacular but it's all been good. The drinks are also good, the staff is friendly, accessible and polite. They have plenty of televisions around for keeping up with games too.
(3)Melissa P.
best margaritas in town. no question.
(5)Eric R.
This review is a bit goofy, because it deals with a meal that we had at the Mystic Celt more than 12 years ago. But I remembered it this morning and thought it was worth writing up. In November 2002, my wife and I were sworn in as lawyers. Her mother and 88-year-old grandma came to the ceremony, and took us out for a celebratory lunch afterwards. The Mystic Celt was new-ish at the time, and my wife's grandma was southside Irish (she was a little old lady who grew up over the tavern that her family ran before settling in Beverly and raising a gaggle of kids. You'd never expect it but she could keep up when cocktails were being served.) So that was the place we picked. It was a weekday lunch, so the place was quiet. My grandma-in-law explained to the waiter why we were there - clearly proud of her newly-minted lawyer granddaughter - and told him to bring over a bottle of champagne to toast the occasion. But the waiter apologized that the bar didn't sell any sparkling wine (they do now, I see). She was disappointed but we went on. To our great surprise, about 15 minutes later the waiter came over to the table with a bottle of champagne. When we asked what had changed in that time, he said that the manager felt bad that we couldn't properly celebrate, and sent him up the street to Osco to take care of the request. The manager apparently paid for it out of his pocket and insisted that it was on the house. We drank out of wine glasses, and though it was probably cheap drug store stuff it tasted pretty great under the circumstances. My grandma-in-law died less than a year later. She was the best. I am glad to have that memory of her. Thanks, Mystic Celt manager from 12 years ago. (P.S. I think their burgers were pretty good? I honestly don't remember.)
(5)Natalie Q.
Service is great and the place is really nice but the food is just okay. We both had burgers and while they look impressive, they really taste like a regular cheap burger. The fries aren't anything to talk about either. We had a full carafe of sangria, which wasn't that expensive. It didn't taste like much though. Honestly it kind of tasted like koolaid. We probably won't be back here for food. It was just really disappointing. There are so many way better options for burgers and I expected a lot more.
(2)Jamie B.
Gross place. Smelled like maple syrup (from brunch?) at 8pm. Sticky tables horrible service. Took 20 mins to get a round of drinks of which two of the four were incorrect. Will not be back.
(1)Mallory L.
Atmosphere is great. Service is subpar at times. Most disappointing thing is no mugs for Moscow mules multiple nights in a row. Even when it is not busy can't seem to get service or appropriate mugs for drinks
(2)Ryan C.
This review is based solely on my dining experience here. The inside of Mystic Celt is very nice in terms of the restaurant layout, TV selection, and style. I guess I would consider Mystic Celt a 'classier' type of sports restaurant and bar (compared to BW3's and the likewise). In addition, their menu features more unique food options (specifically, Irish inspired) than typical sports bar. The group I came with decided to split the homemade mac and cheese cake as an app. Like all the food I tried here, it was just okay, nothing extraordinary. The size of one mac and cheese cake was equivalent to the size of a 'man that lifts' closed fist. I think a mac and cheese cake is pretty much mac & cheese rolled into a patty, soaked in eggs, sprinkled with flour, then deep fried. It was pretty heavy and a bit greasier than I would have liked, but the mac & cheese itself was pretty good. In addition to the mac and cheese cake, I tried the Juicy Maclucy burger. This is an angus patty stuffed with mac and cheese and topped with a few onion rings. (It was just one of those mac n cheese days, you know?) I knew after eating the mac and cheese cake, there was no way I would be able to finish my meal. It was just too much heavy food. The burger was just okay. I asked for it medium-well and would have liked for the outside of the burger to have been a little crispier. The mac and cheese left no impact on the taste of the burger, I kind of forgot it was on the burger. If I were to come back, I wouldn't be "dying" to have a burger from here. I realize the mac and cheese cake with the Juicy Maclucy burger was a poorly planned execution of meal planning on my part, but regardless, nothing in my meal really impressed me. Based on just the food, I would have given Mystic Celtic three stars. It was just average. I gave this review two stars because the customer service was lacking. Our waitress stopped by our table just a couple of times and neglected to fill our drinks. We had to ask her for refills and I left the restaurant thirsting for water. I would probably give Mystic Celt another opportunity but it would have to be on an occasion when I am wanting to go somewhere to eat lightly and focus majorly on drinking and watching a sporting event. I feel as though the surrounding restaurants around Mystic Celt are more appealing, but I would not reject the offer of going to Mystic Celt for a few drinks.
(2)Ryan J.
This place is the worst. I came on a Friday (for the all you can eat fish fry). I got my first order of fish and it came with a really small portion of fish. I thought okay well it's all you can eat. I then waited half an hour for my second serving which consisted of only one piece. When I asked about my second order she asked me if I just wanted it to go... Really? I'm currently waiting for my third serving. If you are going to have and all you can eat option don't give 2 small pieces of fish for the first serving then 1 piece for the second a half hour later. Sorry that is just terrible. It's been 20 min and I'm still waiting for my 3rd serving hopefully it is more then just one piece. If you have it on your menu, especially if it is your special for the day you gotta be able to serve it if ordered. So disappointed. Don't come here. Just don't.
(1)Karen C.
I have to say, every time I've been here, the food has been pretty meh. Either the silverware, glassware or plates have always looked dirty & they are always out of some of the beers on the list. The mac & cheese always sounds so good, but it's just a big bowl of blah. I usually only end up here because there aren't a ton of other options on Southport with this much outdoor seating & affordable prices. The good part is that it's enormous, and you can almost always get a table, no matter the size of your group. The servers are also always really nice, and it's definitely a relaxing atmosphere, but it's definitely not the best choice in the area if you want good Irish food, or even just a good meal in general.
(2)Jeremy B.
A solid bar on the Southport corridor serving up good beer, drinks and above average bar food. The menu isn't uber-Irish but they do have some staples like corned beef, fish & chips and bangers & mash...mostly it's traditional American bar fare of cheese curds, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. Don't let that disappoint you as everything I have ordered has been very good, just fair warning if you're expecting a Dublin-like experience. The service is always friendly but can sometimes be slow. They also have a decent amount of tables available outside on the sidewalk patio.
(4)Zehra G.
THE place to go for a GREAT burger, music, and good conversation. I can't remember the name of the burger I get, but I know what it is when I go here.Their mashed potatoes are the ones you crave after thanksgiving. Yeah, I said it. Tastes homemade which are my favorite. They have an outdoor seating too but I usually go here during spring and summer so I don't like flies or any bugs to be around me. Nonetheless the inside seating is just as spacious and accommodating. The staff is really nice and do all they can to fill your order (and tummy!)
(5)Lea C.
Went here on a Wednesday night, it wasnt that busy at all - yet it took 10mins to get our water, 25mins for our food, and 15mins to get a box for our leftover and the check. Why does it take 15mins for you to get a couple boxes and our check? Maybe our waitress was just new, but we had a lot of waiting to do - which made us lose our appetite. Bad service, just OK food, not worth it.
(1)Melia B.
I've actually never eaten here, but have been to the bar a few times. I like the atmosphere here. The bartenders are always amazing and on top of it.
(4)Brian S.
Stopped in for a pint of Guinness and some fish and chips. The pint didn't really taste fresh, perhaps the beed to clean tap lines and the fish and chips where bot on the greasy side. The service was okay, but could have been friendlier and the place could have been cleaner. Overall average Irish bar experience. It felt a bit corporate franchise like.
(3)Ellen K.
So, I called to confirm their brunch's 3:00 end time and they tell me 2:30. OK, I get it, they want you out of there by 3. I went there and arrived 2:15ish and when I got a hold of a hostess, she coldly tells me I have just 10 minutes left. I said, "So everything out there now has been sitting a while and is crusty and grosse?" to which another hostess nodded at me. Great. I loved this brunch with it's roasted corned beef and moderate price. This experience has now made me reevaluate my perception of the place.
(3)Liz A.
Sunday brunch buffet is amazing. 11.95 all you can eat, can't go wrong. The omelette bar is great. Good french toast and pancakes. The yogurt parfait bar made me feel healthy about my food choices for a bit. Macaroni and cheese was surprisingly good. They used spiral noodles but then switched over to elbow noodles when they replenished the food. I liked the spiral better. I always feel like service is hard to judge when you're eating at a buffet because the server doesn't really have to do much. She was attentive in making our drinks were full. She did charge our group for 6 brunch buffet plates when they're were only 5 of us but this was quickly corrected. We arrived at 11 and it was easy to get a table. I've also gone to brunch on Saturday here but they don't do the buffet on Saturday, still good brunch options.
(4)John M.
I love Mystic Celt. It's right around the corner from house and a great spot to spot in for a drink or a night to eat. Pros and Cons: +++email list coupons and discounts. It seems like every other week there is half off discounts or a 10$ gift card in the mail. It definately keeps me as a loyal costumer. +brunch. Seriously is the 'best kept secret on southport'. Wicked cheap and surprisingly tastey. Lots of options! - The hostess at brunch (will tell you the wait is 60 minutes, but then seats you in 4 -- this has happened to me 3 times from the same woman.. why?!?!)
(4)Nick H.
We live right down the street from the Mystic Celt, so we have been here a few times for lunch and dinner. Most of the time it has been pretty good. We have always been seated promptly and our servers have always been good and attentive. They have a pretty good selection of burgers and sandwiches. Their macaroni and cheese I tried and was actually really good! The burgers are hit or miss as far as being cooked the way I like, but when cooked right, they're great. Also, I also am a loyalty club member and get great mail with awesome discounts that can't be beat. We will definitely keep coming back.
(4)Elise K.
While I don't really enjoy the Mystic Celt as an evening venue (Club Celt...), I do like Sunday brunch. We had a group of 16 adults and 3 babies - difficult to accommodate - but the server did well - despite how tight it was AND she split checks. I also enjoyed the buffet. The corned beef from the carving station was AWESOME!!!!!! The fresh fruit and other items were great too.
(4)Rebecca R.
An afternoon with my girlfriends brought me to Mystic Celt for lunch and drinks. We got a nice spot on the small little patio out front along the street. Great spot for both sunning and people watching. The menu has a nice range of options. I most likely will not order what I choose again, but only because it didn't have enough variety for my taste. I settled on the kale salad and the flavors were very good, just a little overkill on the kale. Maybe a nice side salad with kale, feta, and fruit, but not a whole giant bowl. The drink list was pretty good and they had a few rotating on tap. I had plenty to choose from though I stayed safe with a Matilda. Good spot, not too overpriced. Servers are young, so sometimes you just have to be patient.
(4)Leang E.
I thought that the place would be obnoxious, but I felt like it was pretty chill and relaxed. I've been overexposed to the River North more pretentious spots, and this was a welcome reprieve. I happened to be here on Halloween, and had the Pumpkin beer and really enjoyed that. The server was pretty helpful on that recommendation and was pretty attentive. I like the set-up and the prices were reasonable. I wouldn't mind coming back.
(4)Christopher M.
I feel bad for people who see Mystic Celt and think they are walking into a fine Irish pub. This place is anything but a solid Irish pub, but instead they try to make themself a club, which makes zero sense. Solid beers on tap gets them 2 stars, but unless absolutely necessary this place is best avoided. 167/365
(2)Jim F.
Classic bar food selections but done well. Service has always been good (prompt when you come in, take your order and don't mess it up, delivering it promptly). The atmosphere is social, vibrant, the typical large bar noise level & commotion. Nice place to hang out and watch a game/event. There are additional room(s) if you want something quieter, which is why it earns 5 rather than 4 stars. The quality of the food gets it above 3. LOVE the Fish & Chips (Special) on Fridays. We don't do the "bar scene" much (noise, menu), but this is were we go. While it's conveniently located just north of the Southport CTA Brown Line, parking would be a challenge if driving.
(5)Andrew B.
This is your typical big bar with Irish typical pub food. The food is just ok, typically would warrant 2 stars. The magic of this place is it's big and perfect for a large group. I've come in on the fly with groups in excess of 10 people, so it's great to have a place than can handle such large groups in the city without a reservation!
(3)Mallory Z.
This place has some amazing food. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and couldn't decide between breakfast food or lunch. I was starving, so I got both. A plate a breakfast potatoes and fish tacos later I was stuffed. It's really hard for me to be legitimately full from a restaurant entree but this place pulled it off. I was really impressed by both quality and quantity of the food. It's hard to say that at most places. The entire menu looked amazing. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Susan G.
The burgers are just awesome, the cocktails are good and they have some great beer on tap. Service is alright , the atmosphere is nice on s Friday night-lively and busy but not over crowded and annoying. Noise level is perfect as well!
(4)Lisa G.
I love this place! It is the perfect neighborhood bar. Everyone is friendly and they make great drinks. Plus the food is DELICIOUS. You have to try a hamburger if you go. It's the ideal spot for a first date with a new guy or Sunday brunch with the girls. They say their brunch is the best kept secret on Southport and I would totally agree. Also, it's beautiful sitting outside in the summertime.
(5)Sims K.
The worst service I have ever received! Went there on a weekday expecting easy service but instead was ignored completely once we sat down. Waited 30 minutes simply to get water. Our server Sayre finally brought water after we asked hostess for our server. She never touched the table afterwards. We received our food and assistance from kitchen staff and hostess. She was not helpful and had no reason to even be there since it seemed like she didn't want to do her job. I've worked in the industry for the past 5 years and typically don't write reviews or shed negative light on people in the industry. Then again I could not believe the service I received and can't let it go. I really do hope something is done about this poor service.
(1)Mark E.
Went here mid-afternoon on our way to a show at the Chicago Theatre for a quick drink and an appetizer. We sat at the bar, and I was really struck by how beautiful the restaurant is with it's ornate features, natural sunlight beaming through the large, open windows in front, and the pleasant breeze coming in from the street. We had some burger sliders, which were actually not great, but decent, and a couple of reasonably priced drinks. The bartender was very nice. Last night, we came again to celebrate my wife's boss' birthday, and it was more of a group situation. Great atmosphere, great service and the coconut shrimp were off the chain. Definitely great experiences both times.
(4)Johnny F.
Went here last night for dinner. The burgers were great, but the service was just ok. Sorry that I only got water and the other person at my party didn't show up for 15 minutes. Guess that means you get ignored.
(4)Brian K.
Danielle is awesome. Very dry humor. But if you don't understand it, you shouldn't be going out all.-Brooklyn Bartender (But seriously-if you don't like people don't get Danielle)
(4)David A.
Fun place, good bar food. Front area is great for a quick bite to eat. Back stage area is good for a small band venue.
(3)Caitlin K.
Love this restaurant! Have been here many times - for brunch, dinner and drinks - and will continue coming back. The dinner/lunch food is bar food done great, I've never been dissatisfied with their menu selection. But the hidden gem is their brunch! Huge selection of buffet style brunch, cheap mimosas (though not bottomless). Also the bartenders have a heavy hand so you are getting your money's worth! Definitely a great place and not all that crowed on a Sunday morning. Love the atmosphere, the food and the service and will definitely continue coming!
(5)Meghana P.
Decent food, great specials, and solid drinks. A great neighbourhood bar, and definitely worth a visit.
(4)Elizabeth A.
Last time we came here was definitely not as good as the last, or the one before that. The tuna salad was pretty gross. I've absolutely had better straight from the grocery store deli. The rest of the food was okay but only okay. I won't be falling over myself to return.
(3)Justin B.
At the end of the day, Mystic Celt is really a three-star restaurant, but for the price of $12 for all of the food you can eat during the Sunday buffet, you'll get a bump in stars from me every time! I stopped by yesterday and did the buffet; the highs included the carving station meats, the omelettes, the waffles, the smoked sausage, the pork sausage and the mac-and-cheese. The rest of the food falls somewhere between bad and average, but it's a buffet, so there's really something for everyone. Our server yesterday was attentive and my water glass was always full; the music wasn't great during the San Diego/Cincy playoff game but the TVs are plentiful at Mystic Celt so all I really cared about was watching the game and that was easy to do. I wouldn't pick this over the buffet at Stanley's, but then again this is cheaper. A solid option if you are in the 'hood and looking to grub on the cheap.
(4)Jess C.
This place was recommended to us and decided to go pay a visit around 2pm. Parking available on the street and side streets. Ordered ginger beer and 312 which was as always delicious! The beef stew special was very good and we also ordered the soft pretzels as an app. I would definitely go back for a visit!
(4)Jen P.
My co-workers and I stopped by after work tonight. As one of them said, "I would give it 3.5 if I could." I'm with her on that. We ordered a few beers, a wrap, a flatbread ($3 on Thursdays), a bunless burger (for our carb conscious friend), and a salad (for the friend that doesn't eat bread). Everything was just okay. The waffle fries are really good and they give you a generous portion of them. I can't hate a place that won't charge you to add bacon and tomato on your grilled cheese. The service was good and it's prime real estate for people watching (so many babies!).
(3)Stephanie S.
Mystic Celt never fails. I always know that the food and drinks will be great. It's the perfect place in the summer to sit outdoors and chat for a happy hour drink. We go at least monthly.
(4)Kris G.
I'm between 3 and 4 stars for this one, but if I go back it will definitely be for more of a restaurant experience in which case this place is definitely a 4 star experience. I like being in the Southport area in general. It never feels overcrowded and there is plenty to do on that little strip between Roscoe and Irving Park. I went to Mystic Celt to meet some friends for drinks. They were doing Corona buckets, so we jumped on that deal. I ordered some wings and my roommates got some sandwiches. The drink service was prompt, but the food came out really slowly (we thought they forgot about us for a while there). When the food did come out, it was hot and I really enjoyed my wings. They had some nice heat and were a good size. The inside was really nice and the there were TVs for those who wanted them by the bar and then the rest felt more like a restaurant. We only went to share a few drinks, but sitting at a table it definitely felt like our time was limited. Service was pretty slow, too, so that was too bad. We liked our food enough to try it again for a meal next time. I think that's definitely the better choice seeing we liked the atmosphere for that reason even more. There's rarely a line at the women's bathroom and the menu has a good variety of options as well as a clear theme--quality is consistent. We're excited to try it again.
(4)Heather C.
Great neighborhood restaurant! Good food and atmosphere with friendly staff. I have food allergies and they never make an issue out of it - always accommodating, especially the manager. Fun place with friends on the weekends or for a chill dinner during the week.
(5)Dave S.
Thank you and three cheers for Mystic Celt! We were there for a fundraiser party several weeks ago...75 of us...and your staff went out of their way to make our group feel welcome. Drinks were quickly and cheerfully served, food was terrific, and the staff were all so attentive and helpful. We will definitely be back! Dave S.
(5)Heather D.
I'd been here before and had delicious cheese curds. I went back for more and never got my order taken. It's a Friday night, yes, but it's not very crowded, and we waited 10 minutes with no results. There's no excuse for never being greeted by anyone other than the guy at the door -who did apologize when we shared why we were leaving- for that amount of time. I won't speculate on why we were ignored, but we certainly won't be back. Fizz on Lincoln got our business, and I got my cheese curds.
(1)Michelle L.
I would have given 3 stars but given its proximity to my apartment it gets 4. It's a standard bar but what I love is their Sunday brunch. It's only $12 and there's a huge spread of food from made to order omelets, salad, French toast, fresh fruit, meat and more. I probably go there once a week or every other week. The one time I've gone and been disappointed was when I went to get lunch and the owner wanted to check my ID again after the bartender already had. I get it because I look younger than I really am but i sensed an attitude from her and she straight out told me to get a new ID...it doesn't expire until next year...
(4)Terri T.
I have been patronizing Mystic Celt since they opened. This evening I was taken aback on how cozy and welcoming the outdoor patio was. Even thou it was a bit brisk to sit outside it was tastefully decorated for the Fall Season. Each table even had a candle lit to add to the ambiance . This is such a true Chicago Neighborhood Bar. Great bar food and staff. I am attaching a photo of the outside patio but it doesn't do it any justice.
(5)Joseph D.
Perhaps I'm a bit biased as this was the first place my wife and I ate at when we moved to Chicago. We sat outside on a perfect night and enjoyed a few great beers and some interesting burgers and sandwiches. I had the Thanksgiving Turkey Burger complete with cranberry mayo and the wife had a BBQ chicken sandwich. What made this place interesting to me was the sides. I was able to get Sweet Potato Tater Tots. How cool is that!?!? And the burger was pretty darn good too. As for the BBQ chicken sandwich, it also did not disappoint. Reports from the wife were that it was very good so overall food gets decent marks. What I liked was that the menu was quite extensive and ranged from salads to burgers to main dishes so a little something for everyone. I liked that it had a bar atmosphere with better than bar food (I'm talking to you Wheel House!) so it can serve as a great place to hang out for the night or as a restaurant before you head out elsewhere. Services was good as well (especially the bus staff - usually people only notice the waiter / waitress where as we notice how quickly you can get a plate cleared, more water or a new fork!) and the patio was nice too. Overall a good bet for decent food, good services and a nice selection of beers.
(4)Lucy N.
This place is a great neighborhood spot with awesome bar food. If you go, get the buffalo chicken fingers and one of the mac&cheeses, you will not be disappointed. I think their buffalo sauce is some of the best I have had in Chicago.
(4)Shalem A.
I live right around the corner from Mystic Celt and have been here on a number of occasions at various times with mixed results. The food is actually very good for a bar menu. Great wraps, burgers, wings, etc. I've never had a meal that wasn't at least satisfactory, and the portion sizes will not leave you hungry. The beer selection is average. They usually have one or two special selections that rotate, other than that it's what you would expect at a Chicago Irish themed bar. The service is usually fair. On occasion I've run into lazy/slow servers and or bartenders here, but nothing egregious. Lastly, I must mention that if you come here late on a weekend, this place turns into the worst dance club in Chicago. The DJ loves blasting music you haven't heard in ten years and the drunkards oblige by flailing about on the makeshift dance floor. I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or even dinner and the game after work, just make sure you're gone before things get weird.
(3)Rachel P.
Great atmosphere! Yummy food [their Sunday brunch from 11?-2:30 is full of breakfast favorites & an omelette station], always the nicest people there to help you out. It's a must go...and go again.
(4)Alex T.
Went to Mystic Celt today to sit outside and grab a quick Bloody Mary. We asked to sit outside so we could finally enjoy the sun. Upon our waitress' arrival, I mentioned we were just going to grab a drink and wouldn't be eating. Apparently that is "against the rules" and to sit outside at Mystic Celt you must order food. After an extremely rude / awkward / uncomfortable exchange with our waitress we got up and left because we did not want food. There was no wait for a table, and I couldn't believe we were basically asked to leave so the waitress could "abide by the rules" of the bar. With so many great bars and restaurants around, won't be going back to this one.
(1)Kristen D.
I sat in front of the menu for a solid 30 minutes and still couldn't decide on something to eat. The waitress recommended the corned beef or BBQ pulled chicken with coleslaw, but per usual, I ended up with quesadillas. They were stuffed with chicken and cheese and peppers and had a delicious side of guac to go with it. I would recommend these for sure! If I'm remembering correctly, I've also had the BBQ pulled pork and waffle fries here as well. I remember loving the waffle fries.
(3)Esther G.
From the confusing sign specials to the prices that don't quite add up right on said poster, to the watery spinach and artichoke dip, this place would probably get a one star had it not been for the 1. beer/lemonade/vodka drink and 2. that it's an MSU bar. I'd be willing to go back again, perhaps I'd be in a better mood/not be so critical watching an MSU football/basketball win, but I'm not totally sure how my experience would improve.
(2)Agnes L.
As a Spartan alumna, I feel obligated to like this place more...but there are better State bars in the area. I've visited a couple times, once for an MSU basketball game and my most recent visit for the food and drink weekend specials. For both visits, I had lackluster bar food but decent beverage prices. What was most frustrating about the place is the fact that they admittedly have confusing signage for specials. The prices for the wings and burgers don't match up on the banner outside of the door with the menu descriptions. It seems like a no-brainer to change one or the other if it's clearly confusing customers and servers. The wings were nothing to write home about as they were a mix of varying chicken parts with more sauce than meat, and the spinach-artichoke dip had a thin consistency making it seem as if it originated from one of those pouched seasoning mixes. But, I did appreciate the crunch on the wings from the frying and the duo of chip and pita bread on the side of the dip. A plus is that drink menus provided more options than the typical domestic beers and standard cocktails. My friend and I ordered the Summer Brew - beer, lemonade and vodka so it tasted like a pumped-up summer shandy. We agreed it was an unusual mix that paid off.
(2)Chrystalle B.
This place didnt really seem like an Irish bar, it seemed more like a neighborhood steakhouse. The atmosphere was really disappointing. Even though there were a bunch of college football fans w/ gear on we still felt underdressed. The food was decent. I had the mac and cheese, my husband had the chicken sandwich. I wouldve had the Shepherd's pie (one of my all time fave dishes) but the description said "Ground beef and vegatable stew, topped w/ mashed potatoes". Stew? Sorry. My Irish great grandmother would smack a chef that called something w/ stew in it Shepherd's pie. Having Bangers and Mash and something posing as Shepherd's pie on your menu, having Guinness on tap, and having "Celt" in your name does not an Irish bar make.
(2)Christy L.
I recently held a fundraiser at Mystic Celt and could not have picked a better venue! Alison helped me organize the event, and the process was seamless. She always responded to my requests quickly and was very helpful. Mystic Celt offers two packages. For $20, your guests have access to a three-hour open bar (beer and wine) or for $25, well drinks are included. The package also includes two $25 gift certificates to the Vaughan group bars to help raise money via a raffle as well as light appetizers. Half of the proceeds (with a 25 person minimum) go to the charity. Mystic Celt offers such a generous package with a large portion of the money benefiting your charity. On the day of our event, the back room (which accommodates up 90 people) was perfectly set up. We had one bartender for our group, but they made it clear that they'd add an extra bartender if needed. The light appetizers were great and more than I expected - bruschettta, a veggie plate, and guacamole. When our group expressed that they were still hungry, Justin, the manager, brought out pizzas. He was in and out of the room regularly to make sure the event was running smoothly and everyone was happy. Mystic Celt is a great neighborhood Irish pub - not just for dinner, snacks and drinks but also to host events.
(5)Tee-Ahhhh L.
I like that Mystic Celt is close to public transportation and it's on a strip of Southport that is a lot of fun, but that is all I like about it. I met two friends there last night and our food was awful. I was charged $9.50 for a veggie burger which by the way was truly just a Boca burger. In addition, I was charged another $2.00 for pickles and cheese, and then another $1.50 for tater tots. So altogether, $13.00 for a friggin veggie burger that wasn't even flavorful. My friend had the fish tacos and she said they were okay, but the aioli that came with it was so hot that her mouth was burning for about 20 minutes after. Perhaps they could forewarn that it's super spicy ahead of time. Anyhoo...I think the food is terrible and it's overpriced. However, Mystic Celt is a great location if you just want to meet a friend for a beer before moving on to somewhere else on Southport.
(2)Rick C.
Fun place, great staff....one of my favorite lunchtime spots!
(5)Hannah C.
We stopped by here on a Friday night around 10 and it was surprisingly empty. They had a DJ going that played a variety of music a little too loudly for my taste. Our waitress had no idea what liquor was available at the bar. The sangria tasted like kool-aid. We waited forever for our server and often had to ask for our water glasses to be refilled. The pasta was mediocre and the portions of the unlimited fish and chips were tiny - and since our waitress was so AWOL, getting more was a challenge! If all you need is a beer and a place to sit, you'll be fine. Otherwise, visit somewhere else.
(2)Kyle D.
Mystic Celt seems to be a pretty good staple in the Southport stop. Solid food, good service, and great selections (both food and drink). Plenty of beer to choose from and loads of foods from salads to Irish fare. Great burgers too. You really can't go wrong with this place. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and there are also party rooms in the back. My only complaint would have to be the music, which was kind of loud and playing Top 40 tunes. Not exactly Celtic if you ask me. Still, a great restaurant and a great place! Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Lauren F.
I always avoided this place because I thought it was just another typical bar on the Southport strip with typical (read: crappy) food and not a whole lot to offer. Well, we stopped in on a Sunday afternoon to watch the women's World Cup game and I was proven wrong. They have a great outdoor seating area if you want to enjoy a beautiful Chicago day (and get some solid people watching in) but they also have flat screens and big comfy booths inside if that suits your fancy. They have a pretty decent sized brunch buffet that lasts until 3pm on Sundays, it just looked ok though so I opted to order a burger from the menu. The New Mexico burger to be exact. Holy delicious burger! Super juicy and topped with roasted peppers, sauteed onions, tortilla strips, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo and served with waffle fries aplenty-yum, yum, yum. We also got the nachos which were free with a check-in on Yelp, thank you! They were ginormous and very good as well. Every other plate that came out looked just as awesome, I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with anything I ordered. I'll be back to test that theory out!
(4)Dan H.
Stop #8 on my "Eating my way through Chicago/St. Louis and possibly doing other things on this trip Summer Tour 2011" found us looking for a place to sit outside and have some beers. We ended up at Mystic Celt. Another place in my friends neighborhood. It was bloody hot out and we were well fed. It was time to enjoy some beers out in the sun. The beer list was a nice selection of locals as well as imports. We sampled (drank) many of them including Windy City Wheat and Half Acre Daisy Cutter (both from Chicago). We ended up spending a good many hours here and racked up a pretty nice bill. It was ok though. I was with some good people having good conversation sitting out under the sun and eventually the stars on a hot hot day in Chicago, IL. What could be better than that?
(3)Katie P.
This review is strictly for a private charity event I co-hosted in their private back room. We hosted a charity event for ALS and the Mystic Celt staff and manager were super sweet, attentive and helpful. They made sure all the guests got everything they needed and came over to the hosts multiple times to see if there was anything else they could do to accomodate us. Overall it was a fantastic night with great food, drinks and service. Having Mystic Celt be so supportive and helpful for a private event like this makes me want to come back for a beer or dinner anytime!
(5)Shaina K.
I'm going to see how many one word sentences I can use to describe this place: Expensive. (Went here at 10ish on a Saturday night, spent close to $30 on three mixed drinks) Loud. (Music blaring, with lots of drunk girls dancing, and creepy guys watching.) Okay I give up....I was going to give this place three stars, but it earns an extra one for one of the best mango/pineapple/rum drinks I've ever had. And clean bathrooms.
(4)Michael V.
Buffalo sauce on chicken wrap strikes a perfect balance between flavor and spice. Beer and food specials every night including a damn good Sunday brunch. Staff are courteous and kind. Favorite bar in lakeview
(5)Anne M.
This is a review for their private party room. I had my birthday party in the back room at Mystic Celt this weekend and it was an effortless and wonderful experience. Alison was so responsive and helpful in getting it booked, and our bartender Caroline was awesome and took great care of us. I ordered several food trays ahead of time and asked for them to be brought out at a specific time; they came out exactly as I requested and I had lots of compliments on the food. I was allowed to bring in my own cake as well, and the staff at Mystic Celt helped set it up and provided plates, forks, and cutting services for it free of charge. I was able to bring my own iPod and plug it into their sound system, and the party felt very private even though there was a dance party in the next room. I originally booked the room for three hours, but as our end time came around, it was clear that a lot of people weren't quite ready to leave, so the amazing Caroline offered to keep the bar open for us a little longer. Overall, it was a wonderful space for a birthday party with ~30 guests -- everyone commented on the great space and food, and I was free to have fun and enjoy my own party while the staff took care of everything. Thank you, Mystic Celt!
(5)Tom K.
I love this place. Good food, but I mostly come here for the night life. It has all your options covered as far great staff, good patrons, a big make shift dance floor in the middle. Seats at the bar, tables, booths to people watch, good beers on tap (Guinness, 60 minute IPA). It's in a great area and you don't get the riff raff you get on clark street. I highly recommend the Minneapolis transplant drink in the "Big Ginger", and if you are really feeling festive get yourself a car bomb....it will help your dancing.
(4)Damian C.
I like this place. It's huge, the vibe is great, the food is excellent, and the waitstaff is attentive even when it gets busy (props to Lauren for our great service this past week). But here are a few tips/bulletpoints to remember: 1. Immediately sign up for their mailing list. You get amazing food/drink specials during the week (seriously, 1/4 price appetizers and 17-cent wings!) and every year on your birthday they will send you a $20 gift card. Score! 2. Their Sunday brunch buffet is complete with a carving station and Irish goodies - sure to cure any hangover. One upgrade would be an unlimited mimosa or screwdriver package. 3. Order the wings well-done. Nothing is better than a heaping pile of crispy teriyaki and/or hot wings. And they're big, too! 4. They have one of those programs where you can text your music choice and it'll play. Sometimes that's a bad thing when people with varying taste pick songs, but it keeps it interesting. 5. While the bar may turn "fratty" at certain times, a term I find hugely insulting, what bar in Lakeview/Wrigleyville/Lincoln Park/Old Town/most of the North Side doesn't? Stop in and have fun - this place is great!
(4)Kim K.
I paid a recent visit to the Mystic Celt when my husband and I decided to have a "Sunday Funday". We randomly meandered in and I am glad we did! They won my husband over with their chorizo topped burger. I had a wrap with a side of macaroni and cheese. Good food and good service! We will definitely go back....especially for that awesome looking brunch buffet!!! I typically do not care for buffets, so I decided to skip it, but when the table next to us came back with their plates, I immediately regretted my decision. Can't wait to return!
(5)Aaron W.
Mystic Celt is an interesting place. During late morning and afternoons on the weekends you can enjoy a decent brunch buffet with the family. After work, beers and average bar food with an Irish accent may satiate your needs. But late nights on the weekend the place turns into some kind of misfit nightclub with the music and the lights that make me go ooy my goodness with the pounding and the sloppiness!(Professor Frink?) It's just weird. Anyway, like I said the food is OK, but what gets me is that the menu has never changed in four years and that is not cool in my book. Mac n' cheese, burgers, shepherds pie...I'm over it, at least from this place. There are decent drink specials during the week too and the staff are pretty squared away, and often from Ireland so that's kinda neat. Call me bitter but I expect a bit more out of a bar/restaurant especially in this location. I know "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but I thought changing menus was part of the restaurant business. Oh well, won't really stop me from going back, but I don't plan on eating there again. *Yawn*
(2)Burger Guide D.
Mystic Celt makes a variety of great burgers. They have everything from the traditional to the gourmet. Offering a variety of buns, fries, and being friendly about customizing your order makes it a great place to explore burgers. My personal favorite burger is the crazy twist which has a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory. The burger features grape goat cheese, pancetta, pickled onion and mushroom aioli. These flavors blend together for a one of a kind flavor.
(5)Chuck H.
I live within a stone's throw of MC. I used to love this place. Something happened to management because the food is God-awful. Out of 4 apps we just ordered, all 4 are sloppily made, flavorless, and poorly conceptualized. It's not worth 1/2 price we paid. I'm never coming back no matter what special they try to lure me in with. If you're going to drink, it's ok. Still a little overpriced.
(1)Shawn K.
Fun bar. Good food. They have a lot of tv's so it is a good place to watch a game. The service can sometimes be a little slow when it is busy, typical for a crowded bar. They serve balmers or magners cider here so my girlfriend likes that. Not a lot of places seem to have that. The inside of the bar is mostly dark wood. They also have a large backroom where they seat people to eat. The space is larger than you would think. For that reason there isn't usually much difficulty getting a table. They have a DJ here a few nights a week and I'd you get seated in the wrong place it's pretty much impossible to have a conversation. They pour Guinness the right way, a must for an Irish bar. I would recommend this place to anyone that lives in the area. The Smithwhicks is excellent as well, tastes like ireland. Check out more of my reviews at: shawnkemp.yelp.com
(4)Briana B.
A review over three seperate times that I've gone here in the past couple of months. The first two times I went on a Wednesday, when they have their wrap specials. Pretty good price for a large wrap and fries or a salad, and their wraps were good! I tried the buffalo one and the chicken with bacon one, both I was VERY happy with. This last time I came, I tried the mac & cheese, which just plainly, wasn't that great. I'd rather walk the 10 feet and get the mac & cheese from noodles and company for half the price! Also, the hospitality there isn't the greatest. Nice staff, they do their jobs, but usually I have to ask for the refill or get the staff's attention before they come to me. Overall, I'd stick with going on a wednesday and taking advantage of that awesome wrap special. Just don't assume the staff will be the best!
(3)Bobuzzi C.
Had a great time here. Fish & Chips and Corned Beef are delicious. They have a good drink menu too. Fridays are all you can eat Fish & Chips and specials on Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonades. Patio is cozy and staff is very friendly.
(5)Lauren H.
I have been here multiple times since moving to the neighborhood, sitting outside, in the dining room and at the bar with pretty much the same experience every time; blah. The food is ok, some of it is and some of it is blah. The service has always been horrible; barely ever checked up, empty drinks, rude. There was one very nice bartender so it could be that I have just had new servers. There are always decent specials though. All in all I would go here only if I couldn't go anywhere else.
(2)Sean B.
So I found that this place is spacious, but average on food and drink for the area. It is very friendly for people with disabilities, the person I was with was blind and he was able to navigate well given the layout. The appetizer platter was decent, the chicken fingers were good, the shrimp was good, and the artichoke dip was above average, however there were not enough pitas. They have a good 1/2 price monday special. The quesadilla is good. I have a pet peeve in bars, it is if they are too loud when there aren't many people in it. I have trouble hearing if the acoustics are off a little. Some sound panels might go a long way in here. If you just want a bite and a drink, this place is good, but I wouldn't make it a destination.
(3)Howard W.
Don't waste your time, unless you want to be ignored! After a nice wait my party of 3 walked out.
(1)A W.
A group of us went up here for a bachelor party, and our good friend works here. They have very good specials and the service was very good. It is chicago so drinks might cost so much money, but the have special deals on wrist bands that give you certain drinks for so many hours. They get pretty busy, but not to busy to where it gets unconfortable. Had a very good time here. The food is really good, very good atmosphere. the have many tv's to watch any game you want. Def. 5 stars for Mystic Celt.
(5)Joey M.
Big sports bar!!! Went here last night for a holiday party! very nice atmosphere with lots of what appear to be college age kids... Has restaurant in the back and small dance floor in front
(4)Bob K.
Great place, LOVE the food. The fish and chips is a favorite every time. Tuesdays there's a comedy open mic that's always interesting, too. Some really funny people in Chicago!
(5)Ted C.
This place is that place that seems like a certain place but is a completely different place altogether. Specifically, with a name like Mystic Celt you figure it will be a typical faux-Irish bar that probably plays a late 90s rock mix all the time, has Guinness and maybe a couple other beers. I was wrong, it's a faux-Irish bar that has a loud dj playing a lot of rap and hip-hop while a bunch of the Wrigleyville spillover comes to grind on each other. $6 for a pint of Guinness, which is just ridiculous, why is this bar more expensive than any other bar-a dollar doesn't seem to much but when you're buying a round it can add up. I had to go to the bathroom and uh yikes is all I have to say. It was really dark and dank and the toilet apparently was thirsty because there was a pint glass in there and then the toilet got belligerent because it had broken off the top and was threatening to shank me for getting too close. Which is fine, toilet I won't get too close.
(2)Patrick H.
Having occasionally dined here over the last 6 years I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed. The only drawback is that the place is so popular during sports games that you can barely hear yourself think. When getting a burger, try the cranberry mayonnaise.
(4)Jelena Z.
It certainly doesn't hurt Mystic Celt's case that they send me a $20 gift card in the mail every year for my birthday. Why, I believe that's three birthday beers! Speaking of beer, they have some solid choices on tap. But what I usually come here for is the Sunday brunch buffet - if you're looking for a comfy pub in which to get your eat and drink on during football season, Mystic Celt is it!
(4)Debbie S.
I co-hosted a private charity event in the back room of Mystic Celt on a rainy Thursday night and overall, it was a terrific experience. The manager and the staff were not only extremely helpful and friendly, but they also threw in some extras that helped make the night even more of a success. The Manager was attentive to our needs throughout the evening, stopping by on several occasions to make sure that things were running smoothly. The charity packages are terrific -- for $25, our guests had 3 hours of all you can drink beer, wine and liquor and 50% of that went directly to our charity. The fact that Mystic Celt played a key role in making our event a success makes me want to go back for a beer or for dinner. If you are looking to host an event, definitely give Mystic Celt a try. I can't imagine a better experience anywhere else.
(5)Sally L.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a pub off the Southport brown line stop- and came upon Mystic Celt. From the friendly hostess who led us to the perfect "for two" table by the window, to our friendly and attentive waitress Ashley, the evening was fantastic. Our food was great, the beers were wonderful, the atmosphere relaxing and cozy, & everyone was nice. We were impressed and both said how much we would like to go back. I complimented who I thought was the evening host (he ended up being the manager!) on what a great time we were having, and he had Ashley come over and offer us two shots on him! We enjoyed our Jameson shots, and then left full and happy. Thank you Mystic Celt, for a memorable evening and great service. You have most assuredly made returning customers out of us.
(5)Meg K.
Fun place very nice for private parties. don't go for lunch though or dinner unless you plan drinking a lot. Otherwise you'll notice the slow service or maybe they will be more attentive if you are ringing up the bill with booze. Went with my mom for lunch and we had to flag down the waitress a few times and it wasn't even crowded. Stick to going for bar time which is a blast or for private parties. There the service is great.
(3)Lawrence R.
Went a little earlier on a Thursday at 6:00 pm and seated ourselves. Good drink specials and food specials but we ordered from the regular menu. They accommodated my request to make my chicken sandwich buffalo style, which made me really happy. The nachos were very good. Not too heavy on the cheese but a well balanced plate. Definitely on my list of places I will visit again. Oh, and it was family friendly as well. Two different tables were there with kids who ordered the mini cheeseburger special. They seem to really to enjoy them.
(4)Rachel F.
I hate to do this to an MSU bar, but the Celt just didn't impress me. I was here for a private event, while the event space was pretty nice and huge, it didn't make up for service and appetizers. We had a sterno of chicken fritters which were extremely dry and lacked flavor. The other appetizers included a crudite platter, chips and dry bruschetta, all kinda boring. But expected. Yet what really knocks this down to a 2 star review is that the service was pretty bad. The bartenders in the private event space were alright, not super helpful but poured beer just fine. But after the event we all decided to stick around and tried to get served up front. After heading up to the bar we rudely ignored, and given hostility upon ordering. When we finally ordered the keg was tapped, and the bartender just said "your going to have to wait", then went immediately to the otherside of the bar to help someone else. not giving me the option to order something else. I walked over to where she was and said.. that's alright, we're going to go. I thought the point of hosting special events was to capitalize on people who stay post the event. I won't be back there are plenty of other MSU bars or generic Irish bars in Chicago to spend your money w. no attitude.
(2)Steve G.
I've lived in the Southport area for 5 years now and I have gone to Mystic Celt a ton of times, so I have a pretty good feel on this place including having had most of their menu. So, with that being said the biggest thing this place has going for it, is it's location, which is right next to the Brownline in Lakeview, otherwise this place would fail. It's one of those places that just isn't good but you end up going there because it's non-threatening and familiar.... Here's the thing. This place is just too expense for their lackluster food. All of their wraps are just plain bad, and over priced. They charge $13 for a subpar Cobb Salad, I mean, come on man. The only thing that I would say is good and reasonably priced is the Celt Burger, $10. But, other then that you won't find much under $10, which would be fine if the food warranted the price. I never feel good about going here, and I never feel good when I leave. I gave it 5 years and it continues to disappoint me... done.
(2)Cheryl S.
good place to get some work done. When the guest WiFi isn't working they are thoughtful enough to allow access to a backup network. I got a coors and a chili and was very happy with both the presentation and the flavor. I'll be back, and if it's busy next time maybe I'll try some evening. 4 stars til then.
(4)Kevin Z.
What's not to like?? I love Mystic Celt not only for it's consistently good food and inviting casual atmosphere, but the friendly customer service. The girls behind the bar do a great job! (Caroline and Tiffanie). The daily specials are always a good deal. I've never had a dish I didn't think was great - but strongly suggest the steak sandwich and the roasted 1/2 chicken. The wings and nachos are very good too.
(5)Kathleen C.
One of my favorite spots to sit outside in the summer.... Mystic Celt is a go-to in the area when I'm visiting friends who live nearby. I've been for lunch/dinner/evenings. The food is solid - definitely bar food and some items are better than others, but the sliders are always tasty. A good 3 for food. Service is great. I see some of the other reviews that insist service is terrible, but I've never had a bad experience. Even when the place is packed, the bartenders and bouncers are friendly. Granted, I usually don't cause bar fights, and I usually only visit occasionally when the place is super crowded, but nevertheless, aside from one or two minor issues with table service when the place is crowded, service has been great. A 4. Atmosphere-wise, this is definitely a typical Wrigleyville bar. It's big an allows for a mix of bar patrons and a few separate areas for dining. Definitely not a spot for a quiet meal, but a good location to eat while watching the game or to meet up with friends for drinks. The bar usually doesn't get too rowdy, which is nice. A 3 for atmosphere. The bathrooms remind me of college. They are clean during the day, and they quickly turn into a college-type bathroom later in the evening. It's also a small bathroom and not a lot of room if there's a wait. A 2 for bathrooms. For value, Mystic Celt is definitely typical for the city and the area. Food is reasonable as are the drinks. There are usually specials ($1 sliders can't be beat!). A 4 for value. I'm sure I will be back.
(3)Christine S.
Stop #3 on our made up bar crawl... Stopped in for 1 (yes, 1) beer and we had to leave because this place is booooooooooooring. It was like 4ishpm on a Sat and they were dead (every where else on Southport was pretty packed). Why is it so dead here? NEXT!
(2)Christina G.
Mystic Celt is a good midway meeting point for my friends and I, so we head there for after-work dinner and drinks. In the summer, we like sitting outside in their mini beer garden. It's a great place for people watching. As for the food, it's OK. We tend to order what's on special for the night. The burgers are a bit dry though. The food is pretty cheap though, especially if you order what's on special and sign up for their emails. Once in a while, they send out emails for half off their specials, which means the burger and fries I ordered were $2.50. Add a $3 beer on special and that's a pretty cheap dinner date with friends. The service is pretty slow, so if you want a quick bite, this is not the place to go. However, it's perfect if you want to linger. They don't rush their tables.
(3)Dan P.
Horrible horrible food. It made both of us physically sick. Shepherd's Pie was more suited for a cat you didn't like! Chicken Curry...inedible. Who came up with that nasty recipe? Flatbread was flat...Boboli and Ragu is better. Chicken wings are better at Jewel's. Would not eat anything on that menu that isn't a burger. Yuck!
(1)Magen R.
I have been going to Mystic Celt for almost two years now and have yet to review it. When I lived in Wrigleyville Mystic Celt was a great go to during the week for lunch or dinner because of the great specials. We initially went in for the 1/2 price appetizers on Mondays and it definitely kept us coming back. The first time we went we signed up for the e-mail list which kept us in the know about all of the great specials and I even got a $20 gift card on my birthday! My friends and I decided to go out for restaurant week about a month ago and made reservations. We planned a girls night out and decided a wrist band special might be a good idea to save us some money after an expensive dinner. I recalled an e-mail I received from Mystic Celt about six months ago advertising a $20 all you can drink any Friday or Saturday for three hours. As wristbands go in the city that's an awesome deal as far as we were concerned. We then decided to make a party of it and invite all of our friends. The $20 wristband did not disappoint. In addition to the special we were given a large private room with plenty of tables in the back of the bar and a private bartender. The music was great and it was definitely awesome to have our own bartender. She did not skimp on the mixed drinks and they were far stronger than ones you would get during your average wristband deal. I do have one complaint though. The bouncer who was managing our private room was a complete jerk. He would not let in people who did not want to purchase the wristband. This was annoying because there was plenty of room for other folks to come in and they did not tell me that we had a private room or that people who did not want to purchase the wristband did not have to come in. He was not very nice about it and when we were bouncing in and out of the room to check in with friends without the wristband he ripped a drink out of one of my friends hands because he thought one of us had given it to her. I think this is an isolated incident and will be taking it up with the person who helped us set up our party. All in all I would highly recommend a private party or simply dinner and drinks at Mystic Celt, I know I'll be back.
(5)David Z.
Stopped by Mystic Celt this past weekend for a fundraising party that a friend was throwing. I wasn't WOWED by anything, but it seems like a perfectly good place to watch a game. We didn't get any food besides the light appetizers that were part of the party, but those were good enough. We had a private area in the back, and the World Cup championship game was on, so that was nice. The back area is pretty cool, but the TV by the comfy chairs was broken, so that was kind of lame. All in all, I'd probably go back for some pub-grub if I was in the Southport area and wanted to watch a game. I also think it's really cool that they will do fundraising things there. Our deal was you paid $25 for a few hours of open bar (domestic bottles and well drinks), and then the bar gets half the money and the fundraiser gets the other half. Very cool idea! Kudos to you Mystic Celt, I'll come back and try some food at some point.
(3)D O.
The low end of mediocre. We got bangers and mash (barely warm, underseasoned, the gravy was goopy and tasted gross, sausages were dried out and tasted a little like cardboard), buffalo wings (also barely warm and utterly unmemorable), and a turkey wrap (I didn't try that one). Waffle fries were the tastiest part of the meal. The waitress was nice... so, yeah, I wouldn't go here next time.
(2)Lynn R.
Mystic Celt is my old standby, which is saying something as Southport isn't really a convenient area for me to journey to. I will say that there's nothing remarkable about this place. The food is good, but not great (try their burgers and wings), and it looks like any other Irish pub in Chicago. So Lynn, why the four star review? Service and atmosphere. I always know that an evening at Mystic will go smoothly. Waitstaff is friendly and fast. Vibe is noticeably undouchey and it's not so loud that you can't relax and have an audible conversation with the person next to or across from you. While Mystic Celt is not a showstopper of a restaurant, it's a great place to grab a bite to eat, catch up with old friends, and have a pleasant experience unmarked by any black flies in your chardonnay. Hot tip: sign up for their email list and you'll get emails for half off their daily specials in addition to invitations to events (beer, whiskey tastings).
(4)Carmen B.
After a day of shopping on Southport, we headed into Mystic Celt. It's been a long time since I've been to the Celt. We were food focused and ordered the fish tacos, dry wings, and a burger. We were all really happy with the quality of the food and the prices. Service was a bit slow; there was only one waitress working in that area- but she was nice and did the best she could! I would return - good place to chill out, have a drink and enjoy a meal.
(3)Sheresse S.
EXTREMELY FRIENDLY STAFF! I love this place. My favorite is definitely the grilled bacon and cheese with mashed potatoes seriously it's almost like heaven. Totally love this place!!
(5)Anthony F.
I dropped by here early in the day for a quick lunch, so I can't say much to what it offers as far as nightlife goes, but I can say this: GET THE FREAKIN' WAFFLE FRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, I'm serious! DO IT! Stop what you're doing, purchase a flight to Chicago, and go get thems goods! I ordered the chicken caesar wrap (also incredible), and at the extreme encouragement of seriously no less than 4 employees, the waffles fries. I have had many a waffle fry in my day, but none compare to these. They were PERFECTLY seasoned with just the right amount of crisp on the outside and steamy softness on the inside. I honestly can't recommend it enough!
(5)Tanya T.
I would give it a 3.5. Their sunday brunch is amazing and is a great deal. Their daily specials are great but be prepared if you go on a Friday/Saturday it turns into what I call Club Mystic - the music gets really loud and they have club lights.
(3)Christina F.
Its no secret that I'm a sucker for a good goat cheese salad. Since having my favorite dish ever in NYC a few years ago, I always seem to order a salad with goat cheese if its on the menu, and time and time again they come up short. The Mystic Celt is the exception. The bed of greens, which was mainly arugula was perfect for the strong flavor of the goat cheese, tossed with poppyseed raspberry vinegarette and candied walnuts the salad has undertones of sweetness. The restaurant itself is very chill and the service was good. Can't wait to grab it for take out one night or go enjoy it over a couple beers with friends.
(4)Emily Z.
Mystic celt is a really nice place, its big, has some nice big booths for big groups, they also have a really nice big patio out front in the summer. Its always decorated pretty cute, with lights ect for the holidays. They have a pretty big menu though nothing I have ever been too thrilled about. They do have really good food specials throughout the week so check that out on their website. It could be a good place to meet up and start out if you live close, but I probably woudn't take a cab to get there. I've been there a few times later and there is always a group of crazy people dancing, the only problem with this is that there is no dance floor. The music is way to loud at night, like most bars in the city. I agree with the last reviewer. Mediocre.
(3)Christine F.
Moldy Toast. I shouldn't have to say much more than that, but I will. I guess the space itself is nice enough. I ordered eggs over easy, breakfast potataters, and wheat toast. Food came. Over easy eggs were pretty standard, as were the breakfast potatoes. However. I was eating one piece of toast (I shouldn't have to inspect toast for mold) and I saw a chunk of mold on the other piece of toast. I immediately started to assume the worst and began to experience phantom food poisoning symptoms. /wretch All kidding aside, seeing mold on your food is fucking gross and I'm not going back here.
(1)Al D.
Hooray for a bar with pseudo-Irish elements on Southport Avenue. I went here for St. Patrick's Day 2007. It was horribly crowded but I scored a free green hat and I was satisfied for the night. I went here with an after-party as this was the drinking establishment geographically closest to several people's apartments. PA PA PA POKER shoot me in the FACE. Honestly. Is there a rule that after midnight only B96 hits can be played, repetitvely? I was suprised to see a big group of people over 50 years old, which may or may not have helped with the general behavior of the rest of the patrons in there that night (one group of total strangers broke into the "Electric Slide." I guess there are worse things one can do in a bar...). Go here if you live within a stone's throw and want to relive the days of hoping your fake ID won't get noticed at the campus watering hole, or just enjoy the Southport scene in general.
(3)Leanna S.
Cute place. The small outdoor seating area was full, so my friends and I sat inside next to the open windows. The special of the day was a wrap and fries for $6. Good deal. We were there on a Wednesday night and so it was not busy at all. That is why we were a little irritated that the waitress wasn't around more often. We were drinking buckets of beer and we drink fast. She was nice and all, but we had to seek her out more than once. Overall, it's okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat/drink here again, but if I was in the 'hood.....
(2)Mark P.
DO NOT USE this bar for groups. It is mandatory to buy their packages. I brought a bunch of people to a friend's party one time but not everyone was planning on drinking a lot. We also got there an hour and a half into a 3 hour drink package. We had a DD and a few people that had to leave early the next morning for a flight. It didn't matter...they were not allowed to hang out with the rest of the party because they weren't willing to pay the $30 for an all you can drink package. If you are ever looking to have a party at a bar but have people in your group who don't drink, don't book at Mystic Celt.
(1)Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt is like a good friend. Always there when you need them and they aren't always perfect but they mean well. That's how I feel about Mystic Celt. It's stumbling distance away from the brown line and there's a cute outdoor patio area. The Sunday all you can eat brunch for $14 is pretty good, definitely the best deal for all you can eat in Lake View. But the guy at the omlette station acts like he hates his job. Asking him for egg whites instead of the regular eggs sends daggers of hate my way. Also after 12 noon, he also does the carving station which is pretty tasty. But the buffet is somewhat limited. I haven't had much on the regular menu, but stay away from the Shepherd's Pie. It was absolutely awful and it wasn't even Shepherd's Pie, it was a bunch of meat sitting in an inch of grease with a tiny dollop of crap mashed potatoes on top. It was practically inedible. The nachos are half decent, but I wouldn't necessarily come here for the food with the exception of brunch. Service regardless of when you come in is generally spotty. Expect to wait and see people who come in after you to get served before you. Also, you may need to go to the bar and pay your bill after your meal because your waitress is MIA.
(3)Nikki C.
sunday brunch is decent. I've had better, but if you drink enough the night before like a good nikki your taste buds should still be numb enough to enjoy most foods and there should be enough alcohol still bouncing around your tummy to kill any random germs so no worries of eating from a self-serve buffet free of sneeze guards. Omelet bar, irish offerings, french toast and bacon! different specials on different days. (see website or call) $5 burger night offers a honking plate of burgerness and fries which are tummy filling, but after seeing the light in other places is the equivalent of going to a muzak concert at the doggie park as opposed to the metro to catch a live performance by christopher cross. service is pleasant. sometimes seems lacking in a surge of neediness, but nice when accompanied with many shots of jameson, so just be warned and plan ahead. and parking sucks in the hood... so let another do the transporting via cta or ruby slippers.
(3)Kristy N.
It's been many years since I've lived close to the Mystic Celt and I was happy to pop in for a late dinner when I found myself in the neighborhood again. They had some decent Tuesday night specials but I opted for the Margarita Pizza which we ordered with goat cheese, chicken, basil and tomatoes. It was delish, a bit heavy on the cheese but too much goat cheese can't be that bad of a thing. Our server was attentive, albeit completely disinterested. I love the patio atmosphere and the hanging white lights do it for me every time. I'm happy to come back here anytime.
(4)Pinaki S.
The crowd here is your typical Southport crowd--- the preppy upper 20s and lower 30s who still want to party hard. This is a good thing since I'm firmly ensconced in that category. The bar is pretty wide unlike alot of the Irish bars in the city. I'm usually a narrow bar type of guy but this place gives people plenty of places for people to stand and put beers down. Its definitely classier than bars of this ilk typically are, with a seating hostess A guy started playing the bagpipes when I was here during halftime of the NCAA National semifinal. This has never happened before in a bar I've frequented.
(4)Emily A.
Well, the highlight of this place was that there's a huge mirror that my baby likes to look in when we sit in a booth next to it. It kept her occupied while mommy and daddy ate, so that's cool. But aside from that, I'd say I'm thoroughly unimpressed. The first time I tried to eat there years ago, we were told to seat ourselves and after 10 minutes of waiting on a waiter in a mid-afternoon empty restaurant, we left. I'm sorry, but that just sucked. We even got up to look for somebody and called out "hello". Nothing, so bye-bye. This last time, we figured we'd give it a shot, because it seemed family friendly and we were in the mood for a good burger and thought a pub would be the place to go. Wrong. The burger was the least delicious bar burger I've ever had and the "bacon" was not bacon. I can't remember what they called it, but it was a crazy thick and I could not even take a bite out of it. It was like jerky, and they put it on my burger in lieu of bacon because, wait for it..... they ran out of bacon!!! They comped the burger, but the disappointment of craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger and getting that still lingers. The fries were ok though, the saving grace of the dish, really, but they were nothing special. The employees were friendly, but not very prompt. Granted it was pretty busy, but there were a few times when our waitress seemed to just ignore us or pass over us for other tables and would disappear for awhile at a time. And one last thing, which almost makes me want to reduce this place to one star....the bathroom looks nice, until you need to use the changing table. Dirtiest changing table I have ever seen. So gross. Overall, not the absolute worst food, environment or staff ever, but I don't recommend the Mystic Celt experience, either.
(2)Colleen C.
"Why is it so bright back here!?" Good question...oh wait, our group had booked the private party back area...and then realized we were...not double booked, but TRIPLE booked. So, we shared space with a bunch of board gamers, and some open mic thing in the back. The gamers needed light, the open mic peeps needed sound...and um, we just needed beer and for them to turn down the lights! Think twice before booking a large party, luckily ours was an informal group of sorts, but a more planned out affair and this could've been a big disaster. Our server, the saving grace of the evening, Lorraine...WONDERFUL. Managed an entire 2 rooms of people very well, and she really needed another person helping her, but again they forget that they had TRIPLE BOOKED the space, so she was on her own. Tsk, tsk...she did a fabulous job. $5 burgers and fries: worth the $5, not much more...overcooked, and hardened cheese (for an extra .75 cents to boot!), just kind of...OK. Did the trick to satiate my non-grocery-buying self, but...yeah, you get it. Very convenient off the 'sopo' brown line, but it didn't do much to lure me back for more...unfortunately, as it's one of the only places on this strip I've been back to a few times. Beef up the management skills, yo! And um, the burgers need a bit of help.
(3)Jenna S.
So we came here last night for the Yelp Newbie event and had a blast! I was surprised that Mystic Celt was so big - there's four rooms of space for all of your drinking and eating needs. I think I was actually more surprised that part of this place was more like a restaurant than a bar. There was a lot of "bar seating" in the front (high tables and chairs) and then a lot of tables and booths in the back. This is a great place to go if you're organizing an event or party because they seem to be really cool about reserving space for groups and there's a ton of room to accommodate everyone. Last night alone there was a Yelp party, a board game meetup and a book club! I think that's pretty cool. Our server was awesome! She was the only one in the back room taking all of our food and drink orders and she was great! Her name was Loreinne (or something close to that - sorry for the terrible spelling!) and she was on top of everyone's orders all night. She was able to keep several tabs open for all of us Yelpers and didn't get anything confused - that's good serving! However, I'm going to be honest: I don't think I could like this place if they didn't have any specials. At the beginning of the evening, Theresa C. and I were perusing the menu to check out their variety of food and everything is super expensive. I mean super, super expensive. Like no appetizers were under $7 (most were closer to $10) and their entrees were between $12 and $15 - what?!?!?! On Tuesdays they have a $5 burger and fries special (that burger is like $12 normally) which is a really good deal. They even managed to cook both of our burgers medium, which a lot of places can never manage to do. But the normal price for that meal is just too much for fake Irish pub food. I was impressed with the section of their menu that featured classic Irish fare but, again, it was super expensive. Most people also say that the drinks are expensive and I wholeheartedly agree with Denise P: $3.50 isn't a special, it's too expensive. There are other bars that do $2 specials for Blue Moon/Smithwicks and that's awesome. That's a special - over $3 for a pint of beer just isn't a special. And if it's $3.50 on special, how much is it normally?!?! $5? $6? Too much, I'm sure. I give Mystic Celt four stars for their specials and the stellar service we received, but I think on any other night I would have given it two or three stars. I don't see myself going out of my way to come here.
(4)Rachel L.
Good for sunday football watching in the southport corridor. It was raining last weekend and we were lazy about traveling to our normal game watching spots, so we decided to give Mystic Celt a try. Overall I was happy with our decision. Lots of big tvs, decent buffet for $10 that you can go back to anytime between 10 and 3pm (aka breakfast AND lunch) and mimosas (to nurse our hangovers) were happily mostly champagne. Now if only they were bottomless!! Also, if you sign up for the birthday club you get a $20 gift card in the mail to use during your birthday month.
(3)Matt A.
This is an okay bar located right next to the Southport Brown Line. It's an Irish bar and has a few good specials every once in awhile. To me, I feel that this one of those bars is perfect for stopping in after work or going to before "really going out." I am also a fan of their Sunday Brunch Special for a very affordable price for all the options offered. They also have a great Friday Fish Fry Special for all you can eat for around $10.00. Not the best fish I've ever had, but still definitely worth it for the price!
(3)Andy M.
Mystic Celt is a cozy little Frat boy bar that is located on the Southport Corridor. My ratings break down goes like this. 5+ stars for Carolynne r.'s event. Carolynne and Colleen did a great job with all of the details of the event. 5 stars for our server: Lorraine handled a rough situation perfectly. 0 stars for the Bar Manager: We were supposed to have the room to ourselves all night. They ended up triple booking the room, and had one server working three different parties. Cudo's to Carolynne and Colleen for making the best of a confusing situation. Regardless of the scheduling gaff by the management of Mystic Celt, the evening was a blast.
(4)Phil K.
Often packed. Even when it's not, the service is mediocre. So is the food. Pretty decent crowd for Southport; definitely less douchey than across the street at Sopo. Les is a nice guy, though. Sorry, Les! I wouldn't write this if I thought it would actually hurt business...
(3)Kevin L.
I was here with a big group and having a pleasant time while spending a not insignificant amount on beer buckets. Around 10PM, this place becomes a "dance club" (quotes intentional), and turned on two bright spotlights aimed directly at my group's heads. At our request, an employee in a red-shirt angled the lights slightly upward in a way that still lit the "dance floor" but didn't blind the patrons. Somehow, this was unacceptable to the...wait for it...BUSBOYS. Within minutes of the offending spotlights being adjusted, two spike-haired douchebags ran at the lights as if they were on fire, and intentionally re-aimed them directly in my eyes. When I suggested an alternate place where they could they stick their lights, they laughed and told me that if I didnt' like it, I could "get the hell out." My initial thought was that only a manager would have the audacity to treat paying customers like this and get away with it, but our server (who was very nice) explained that these rude idiots were actually just the head busboys. I summoned the manager to inform him that the spikey-haired half-wits he employed to bus tables were clearly on a power trip, but he took their side and did not interpret his staff's command to "get the hell out" to mean that my paying the tab was optional. We respectfully disagreed on this point so of course I paid the tab, but this moron cost his bar at least the $500 my group would have spent the rest of the evening had we not been messed with, let alone the potentially thousands of dollars that beer-thirsty Chiagoans like us pay bars for the mere privelage of drinking beer in their establishments. I hope those illiterate busboys had a good time with their lights though.
(1)Jonathan C.
No Stars...went in and sat ourselves as the sign instructed, 15 minutes, no acknowledgement, no nothing. We left but let a server know. Do you have to have mystic powers to get service, even when it's not busy on a Saturday at 4ish?
(1)Q M.
This place is solid every time I go. Went last Monday, and their Monday specials are great. Half-price bottles of wine and half-price appetizers?! Sign me up. The burgers at the Mystic Celt are consistently good, and huge! Also, their fries are so tasty. The service can be spotty at times, but I've never had any trouble sitting at the bar. Cheers!
(4)Lisa K.
* update: Mystic Celt responded to my Yelp and gave me a certificate to give them another try. So they care about their customers. My friend and I went to Mystic Celt for an after dinner drink on a Saturday. We were hoping this bar would be less insane as some of the bars are in the area. Everyone watches college games all day, by the time evening rolls around they are well on their way if not way past gone. We went to the bar and I was looking at the variety of beers. My friend went first and ordered hers then I was left standing there. After about 6 or so people had gone ahead of me, I tried to get the bartenders attention. He came over to the bar but then ignored me and started taking the order of the couple next to me. AND he put up his finger at me, telling me he was too busy to listen to me. By this time, my friend was at least a third way done with her beer. I walked away from the bar, too furious to have a beer at this point anyway. The music was decent, at least some variety from hip hop that blares at every other bar. The crowd was a bit more subdued than where we stopped at first, the crowd slightly older and more mature even though most had been drinking since Noon also. I do get the $20 gift cards every year at my birthday, but what good do they do if you can't get served.
(2)Halleh C.
This place is cool. Came here with my bf and sat on the patio, since it has been 80 in october. We shared the sliders and buffalo fingers. Both were good enough for snacking. The meals that passed us looked really good though which I will keep in mind for when we are actually hungry. Service was good enough, my only suggestion would be better communication between the bouncer and server. We were carded twice, once at the door and once by the server. had a good drunk time though mission accomplished.
(3)Patrick H.
I live a few blocks from this place and I'm here pretty often. The Sunday brunch is spectacular. Also the Friday night fish fry is awesome for only 10 bucks. Like Matt A said it's not much of a "really going out" bar. It's good for taking a couple of friends and just hanging out and getting 40% wild.
(4)Jason P.
Somehow, despite no one living all that close to Mystic Celt, we almost always seem to end up here after our soccer league. Parking is almost always pretty easy and the specials and selection does not hurt matters either. The margherita pizza is good enough and if you order waffle fries as a side, they will give you a mountain of them. This just is a low key spot that is perfect for a post game celebration.
(4)Gordon P.
Service was terrible the first time, equally as awful the second time. I would recommend their neighbors.
(1)Michael P.
Two visits and each one a hit. Our servers on each occassion were more than just friendly. Both girls were really cool and sorta hung around with us when they'd come up to our table. Food of course is good and on my second visit...got me through the rough night of boozing I was trying to recover from. The app pizza was really good and filling! They also have great bloody marys with seasoned salt on the rim of the glass!
(4)Jennie P.
I'm only give you two stars Mystic Celt because I like your fall decor right now and I like the outdoor area ONLY for a drink. I went here because I always want to love it here and I keep giving it chance after chance. Unfortunately, each time it fails me. I went last night for an appetizer and beer with my husband. Low and behold there are of course Thursday specials...mini cheeseburgers - YES! Steak and fries...SCORE! I ordered Octoberfest beer and mini cheeseburgers and a side of curry fries..husband had the steak and fries. Our waitress was unattentive and somewhat rude - although I looked at her "section" and it wasn't that packed - oh well. The food, on an average busy night, took about 45 minutes to arrive. I was seriously contemplating eating the ear of corn which is up for decoration outside. I also think I could've slammed my beer and left all together and the waitress would have had no clue until a few hours later. FINALLY our food arrived...I looked at my dinner and then at my husband said...ok seriously...I'm not somebody to return food and/or complain EVER because I don't want to make scenes but seriously...my mini-cheeseburgers were the size of a quarter - NO LIE - with the buns a normal size and the lettuce was one piece of shredded lettuce (you read that right..one PIECE...as in one SHRED) for 3 miniburgers - it was ridiculous! There was a tiny square of cheese on them as well which was hard and not melted - the burger was lukewarm. My fries were cold and covered in a syrupy curry sauce - gross!! what the bleep?!? My husband's dinner was also lukewarm. I finished my beer and left...waitress didn't ask how my food was - and I was definitely prepared to tell her it was terrible!! I decided to take the high road, finish my beer and vouch to never return because quite frankly...Mystic Celt, I have given you one too many chances and you've run out. There are plenty of other "pubs" around the city of Chicago who make a little bit of a better effort. Bummer.
(2)Scott C.
The Mystic Celt is a decent pub on Southport offering a pretty good beer selection and pub food. They offer several specials throughout the week including burgers and wraps that make it pretty easy to stop in for a beer and sandwich without dropping $20. Which isn't too bad at all. The bar itself is pretty spacious with several areas for seating in the front or back of the restaurant. There are plenty of TV's in the front of the restaurant to watch sports - almost any angle you look you can spot one. The service is OK. I'm not sure if they typically do not staff enough people to cover the tables sufficiently or what, but you can wait extended periods of time between visits from your waiter. The food is pretty good pub fare in general focusing mostly on burgers and sandwiches. I haven't tried any of the Irish specialties on the menu myself but have been happy in the sandwich/burger selection that is offered. The beer selection is pretty wide and they seem to offer seasonal selections too. Although it does not have the personality of the Irish Oak, it's a good place for a burger, beer and to watch a game.
(3)molly w.
I've been to this place many times over the years. Always for a reason, like a party or bar crawl, probably only once by my own deciding. This place consistently sucks. The food is awful, the service is even worse, and I'm pretty sure the drinks are over-priced (I can't quite remember because the last few times I've been there it's been for a wrist band party). Speaking of wrist band parties, I went to one here about a year ago for a friend's engagement. I was really sick but wanted to attend the party, so I figured I'd stop by and not drink. This was not acceptable to the guy at the door. He kept insisting that I had to pay $30 to merely enter the room and not drink. He thought I was trying to pull a fast one and get a friend to order drinks for me off of their wrist band. He actually called a manager over to check if it was ok that I went in without drinking/paying. After much discussion, they finally let me in (I think I may have had to pay like $10, mind you I was already in the bar, this was just to get into the party room). Then, the manager proceeded to take the bartender aside to point me out as a non-drinker. Seriously. (Wouldn't the absence of a wrist band been an indicator to the bartender?) When I was trying to order a water at the bar, I was ignored, so I had a friend get one for me. And then the same manager came over, saw a cup in my hand, and asked what it was. Seriously? PS. Isn't the point of the wrist band party to only serve those wearing wrist bands? Did I really need to be pointed out and then repeatedly checked on like a child?? The next wristband party I went to, a couple months ago, the bartenders kept insisting that certain drinks were not part of the package (that clearly were). An argument ensued, and the bartender was corrected by another bartender. Hello idiot, without our party the bar would have been empty, and you're haggling us? Guess who doesn't want to get tipped tonight! Anyway, this place is to be avoided at all costs. I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1 because the place is never full so it's pretty easy to get a seat. That's the only thing going for them.
(2)Stacey A.
I don't even *LIKE* shrimp (Justin V. will attest) but their coconut shrimp and mango dipping sauce were fucking AWESOME. And on Mondays, all their appetizers are half-off.
(4)Samantha L.
The food sucks. This bar is super hip (if you are living in the 90's). The service is eh. Nuff said.
(2)Lee D.
Great specials. $3 pints on Saturdays is outstanding, as are the $5 for jumbo wings. Speaking of the wings, they are among my favorite in the city. Nothing fancy about them, just well executed buffalo wings. Solid patio right in the heart of the Southport Corridor makes people watching stupid easy. Specials occur everyday and night. They finally upgraded their TVs so this place gets a solid 4 stars. Just don't go on St. Patty's Day...
(4)Kate W.
Mystic Celt is a solid neighborhood bar. You probably wouldn't travel far to go here, as there are equals to Mystic Celt all over Chicago. But the daily deals are good, there is a lot of space inside and they have a nice patio for the summer months. Standard bar food- burgers, wings, salads, wraps, a few Irish offerings. Standard service- never terribly prompt, but never rude either. Standard drinks- with drink specials and a reasonable beer list. I wouldn't go to "the Celt" if it weren't so close to my house, but that being said I've been twice in the last month, so it can't be that bad. Like I said, solid.
(4)Sarah M.
MMM, mmm, mmmm. Mystic celt! Right down the street from our apartment, they have tons of seating and really good specials. We first went in because internet hadn't been set up at our apartment yet and we heard they had free-wifi. We continue to come because their burgers and fries are delicious and the service is great. If you are a regular you should definitely sign up for their e-club. About once a month they will send members a coupon for half off specials. So their burger and fries that are normally $8.75, or a special on Tuesdays for $5 can be purchased with the e-coupon for $2.50! Now that's a deal! And did I mention that they will be sending me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday as part of their birthday club! Yep, you heard me right, no half-off, not buy one, get one free, but an actual gift certificate, just for being a loyal customer. I'll keep you posted on how it goes, but it sounds amazing. Just whatever you do, don't get the quesadillas. Greasy nastiness and not in a good way.
(4)Rae K.
wonderful best bbq chicken wings ever!!!!!!!!!!
(5)D B.
I like this place because they have great drink specials, and because I'm obsessed with one of their burgers. For it being so close to Wrigley, it's shockingly un-douchey during the day. It's a good mix of families, friends, couples, and there are always people with their dogs on the patio. On the negative side, I've had bad service several times, and it was always when it wasn't even busy. Our waitress would eventually forget about us, or no one would ever come over to begin with and we'd have to go find someone at the bar to send someone. The service has been great lately, though, so it may have just been one particular waitress. There are so many similar options in this part of town, but I find myself coming back often.
(4)Natalie S.
As a close neighbor to Southport, Mystic Celt is a favorite of mine in the area. The food is great- can't go wrong with the corned beef or the fish & chips. Burgers, wraps, fries, and all around pub food is fantastic too. The only negative I have is with the service. Don't expect the servers to be very enthusiastic or quick with your orders/refills on anything. If you can get past the service, it's a great pub in Lakeview.
(4)Al G.
I have been a regular here for quite some time and I have to applaud them for their level of consistency, great food and specifically the service. Caroline, the bartender, in particular always greets me with a smile and is always warm, friendly and helpful.
(5)Adam K.
Pretty good brunch here. Good service too. Would go back. Good bar, good crowd.
(3)Tim S.
UPDATE: I got a nice message from the server who I referred to talking about the situation and she apologized for Sunday's service and put things in context. I thought that was nice and everyone has an off night. While my review still stands, I think the fact that she took the time out of her day to reach out means more than a few late drinks. So I'll be returning to Mystic Celt and hopefully have her again, because the waitress who emailed me is the one who I believe is the server on most nights that I'd get, not yesterday's. Well, that could have went better. It had been a long weekend for my girlfriend and I, with us flying back from a family matter in Boston earlier in the day. We knew that Mystic Celt had beer and food specials and could be a great place to watch the Jets / Cowboys game with friends and cheer us up. We invited 8 other friends to join us. We sat by the bar to watch the game, but were utterly disappointed with the service. Having worked as a server, I understand how crappy it might be to work a Sunday night but what we went through was inexcusable. Our server, a blonde woman with a short bob haircut who signs all her checks with a peace sign, gave us some of the most lackluster service I've ever had in a restaurant. A few things: - She was extremely inattentive to our entire table's needs. She'd take a beer order from two people then walk away from the table of ten. - The special was Miller Lite pint cans. We were given bottles (charged correctly) but still, she could have upsold us! We asked for them! - Large spans of time existed where she simply wasn't around to take any orders. When she did appear, she did what was listed above. - When we got fed up and left at half time, she cashed out a majority of the table on one check. Which is fine but she left zero cash for us to divy up. She simply took what was left over as her tip. She mumbled something about if we needed cash and walked away. We were so fed up that it wasn't worth fighting about so we left and went to Lange's instead. Also, I'm not sure why y'all publish football specials when the bar itself has an ambiance that implies dance club. While we were watching the game (with no sound), loud dance music was blasted while the lights were turned down very low. I'd like to point out that we were basically the only people in the bar at this point. I hate writing these types of reviews because I've been on the service side and know it isn't easy. I was just very disappointed because we WANTED to be there, to spend our money, to buy celebratory shots, to eat more food, etc! I will say that my curry wings were great. I've always enjoyed the food here. It might not blow me away but if you want stuff to go with a nice cold beer (if it gets to you, that is) then it isn't bad. Better luck next time? I'll give them another shot but not for groups of football fans. GO TO LANGE'S!
(2)Kathryn B.
We were looking for a patio to have a weekday lunch and came by this place just by walking. The menu was large and it allowed for variety in what people were looking to eat. I got one of their Mac and cheese dishes with chicken, it was above average. Everyone else thought it was pretty typical pub food. None of us tried the beer, but the food was satisfying enough. The patio was pretty good and our waitress was pretty nice.
(3)Bri A.
I've lived in the area for years but have never stopped in until yesterday. My boyfriend and I came for dinner after work and the place was pretty empty, so getting a table was easy. The beer list was good but I opted for one of the tasty sounding cocktails (Smashed Bourbon). I had a hard time choosing what to eat because everything sounded good! He had the black and blue burger and I had the goat cheese and mushroom quesadillas. We both liked our meals however the goat cheese was a little overpowering for such a simple dish, but it was good. Our server was friendly and quick, too. I want to try the brunch next time!
(4)Elizabeth P.
I work for a non profit and we held our volunteer brunch here 3 years in row. They give us a spacious private back room, our own attentive waitress, the Sunday buffet is fabulous and it's a great value. We get rave reviews from all who attend. They carve all sorts of roast meats on the buffet and prepare omelets and waffles to order, and have some lighter fare too. Caroline and Alison are great to work with, they make it easy and affordable. I can't imagine finding a better venue. It would be great for evening parties too, the room has it's own private bar. We will be back.
(5)Michelle D.
Ive been meaning to update this . I love this place !!!! Great brunch buffet .Plenty of options big fan.of the corned beef it just melts in your mouth. The roast beef is just ok other than that all the other items are delish. I enjoy the cocktails as well. Oh did.i mention very affordable I try to make it here for brunch at least once a month if not more.
(4)Alicia D.
My husband and I had our son's luncheon at the Mystic Celt after his Christening this past Sunday. The food, service and private room were wonderful. Alison/Caroline were great to work with on planning and executing the party. Caroline was able to get the drinks flowing and our food out quickly when guests arrived 20 minutes early for the party. Our guests commented that the food was great and they especially loved the Chicken Marsala. Roxy, our bartender, made sure everyone had everything they needed - she walked around to ask if anyone needed anything to drink on several occasions. Everything was phenomenal and would definitely have additional parties at the Celt.
(5)ITmama C.
Mystic Celt is a great place for daily specials. We recently went there for some take out, which we didn't know they had btw...and ordered the Celt Burger Special with fries. Let me tell you, they don't skimp out on your order like most restaurants. In other places, "To go" food is much less than if you actually sat down at a table for dinner/lunch. I do see families also BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby), so that is a plus too. Definitely will come back to get some take out or maybe Brunch soon.
(4)Evan H.
When I first moved to the city 11 years ago, I went to MC all the time for good burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, and beer. Last Friday, I stopped by with some friends and was really disappointed in what MC has going on these days. The first time our server smiled at us was when she was giving us the bill. Maybe it was the end of a long shift or just a bad day - I don't know - but while she wasn't outright rude, she certainly didn't make us feel welcome. I ordered the BBQ chicken wrap (which has coleslaw in it) thinking it would be served hot. Nope... Maybe that was my mistake, but when I think BBQ chicken, I think warm, not cold. It was really unappetizing. My wife got some other kind of sandwich; it wasn't bad, she said, but was pretty dry. Bars and bar food are a dime a dozen in the city. I don't see any reason to return.
(2)Sara S.
Like most bars in the southport corridor- meh. Nighttime- pretty lame. It's trying to be a place to dance with blaring music and has a disco ball, but there is hardly anyone there so it's kinda awkward. If it played a bit quieter music and left some of the tables out it could be a decent neighborhood bar. Daytime- food is very average. They do have pretty good specials, but there is MUCH better places to get good bar food. The bruschetta is really bad- someone always ends up getting it that I'm with and is disappointed. The pizzas are about the only thing I would get and enjoy. The outside area is a plus on a nice day, but not good enough to make me go.
(2)Amanda C.
Went here to sit outside on the patio for dinner on one of the recent warm days. We had a short wait inside before a table opened up where we sat at the bar... The hostess told us we could have made reservations but the bartender told us that's not possible, so really not sure how to comment on reservations here. My group ordered the special which was $6 wraps on Wednesday which come with fries or a salad. The bbq chicken/coleslaw wrap was mediocre in my opinion; the salad was good. The service was fairly slow but we had a lot of time so it wasn't a problem. Overall I wasn't wowed by the food or experience but the place is nice inside and outside, and was a nice time to enjoy the weather.
(3)Laura W.
I came here on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday celebration. We had a few tables near the front and had plenty of room for everyone. i don't know if it was because it was a Saturday night but the service was a bit slow. We also asked before we ordered if we could have 2 separate checks for 6 people, I don't think this is that outrageous. We didn't ask for 6 separate checks, but it turned out to be too complicated and we had to have one big check. After this first round we decided to go to the bar to get our drinks because it was easier to everyone to pay for their own drinks and it was also faster. Throughout the night some food was ordered and I was able to sample the fried pickles, which I have never had before and they were delicious. I also had the boneless chicken wings which were also very good and of course the fries were nice and crispy. Their Saturday beer specials were also decent with $3 miller drafts, I feel like it is hard to find this good of a deal on a weekend. Maybe it is because it is football season? Whatever the reason it definitely helped to keep my tab from getting out of control. Overall, I was really hoping to like MC more because I love some of the other Vaughn Hospitality bars. I will definitely be back to their other bars.
(3)Lindsay S.
I shared the fries with curry, which were good .. I had the goat cheese, pear, and chicken salad and my bf had the cobb salad ... and they were both delicious! I like the outdoor patio bc its easy to walk my dog and then go sit for a minute... and the server was nice...soooo.... I will go back.
(4)Patty K.
I have been to Mystic Celt many times and have had a range of different experiences. Overall, I gave this bar three stars because of the good deals that they consistently have. If you sign up for their email club they often send you half off of their already great deals. The food is always good-- I've had the burgers, mac and cheese, fish and chips, pizzas (the goat cheese one is delicious), and bangers and mash. The drinks are good and they have decent deals on drinks everyday. One thing that is not so great about Mystic Celt is the service. Although there are a couple of good servers, I have found that some are rude and much of the time the service is very slow. Last night, my boyfriend and I sat at a bar table for 10 minutes with no service. Eventually I went up to the bartender and she sent someone over to us and apologized. The Sunday all -you-can-eat brunch is quite good. They have an omelet station, meat that is carved on the spot, pasta dishes, and of course eggs and pancakes. The actual building is quite roomy and comfortable. I like sitting at the high tables in the bar but the booths further back are also nice and it is a little quieter back there. There is outside dining in the warmer weather. Overall, good food and decent service.
(3)Matt P.
If you can handle the Wrigleyville overflow, this place is pretty awesome. I found myself here last night for a birthday party with concomitant viewing of the hockey game. The food special was an $8 steack sandwich, which for pub grub, tasted AMAZING. The beer special was Red Stripe for $3, which after a while, tastes like swill ... but still better than Bud/Miller. The server was super attentive considering there was about 15 of us. Overall, I was pretty impressed. In the summer, they have outdoor sweeting which is pretty sweet.
(4)matty z.
Mystic Celt is a great place to catch a college football game, which is what I find myself coming back for. The food, for bar food, is generally good and the curry sauce for french fries is well worth the extra $1.50. The Saturday specials ($1 mini-burgers, $1 chili, $3 miller lites) are great, and keep your afternoon light on the wallet. Pleased as always, after today's foray with Kourtney L.
(4)Corie M.
I came back to Mystic Celt a while ago to give it another shot. We started with the spinach artichoke dip which was very good especially with the chips, I got the turkey club sandwich which was just okay, I've had better I've had worse. My boyfriend had the flat-iron steak sandwich sans bleu cheese and he thought it was good. Overall it is nothing special but decent food, I would come back. I would recommend trying the buffet on weekends, haven't tried it but it looks really good.
(3)katy h.
I went the Mystic Celt because my husband and daughter were going to a Cubs game on a Sunday afternoon, and I needed to get some work done. I parked on an adjacent street (FREE!) and went in to eat and use their free WiFi. I had the Magners cider on tap, a few sliders (cheap but mediocre) and really tasty waffle fries. My waitress was efficient, and I could work without interruption, and still check on the game in progress. There was a really mixed crowd- veggie lovers, hung-over brunch barely of age kids, and middle aged couples. The coup-de-grace was the hostess Susana who let me use her cell-phone when I realized I had left mine in the burbs, and needed to contact my husband and daughter. What a life-saver!! We will be back!!!
(4)Derek A.
We have been going here about once every couple of weeks for a year now. If you want a place with consistantly good, decently priced food, this is a great place to go. Never super busy, and not too difficult to get a table. Specials are consistent, and the best days to go are MON: 1/2 off apps and 3.50 blue moon, TUE: $5 burger and fries and $3.50 Blue Moon, and FRI: $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips. Pros: - $5 burger and fries on Tuesday is one of the best, tastiest deals in the whole city! - $10 all you can eat fish-n-chips on Friday is wonderful. - Beer specials are good. Cons: - Wait staff is unbelievably inconsistent. We've had great, horrendous and everything in between.
(4)John H.
I APOLOGIZE FOR WRITING IN ALL CAPS, BUT I NEED TO SPEAK UP SO YOU CAN HEAR MY REVIEW PROPERLY. IT GETS A BIT LOUD HERE. Mystic Celt is not unlike the girl you knew in high school who had looks, smarts, and even personality, but just enough insecurity to dismiss the former three qualities with regular fits of raging whorism. As mentioned in some earlier reviews, Mystic Celt has all the tools to be a fine bar, its ridiculous name aside. Lots of beers on tap, reasonably good pub grub, and modest decor. Unfortunately, though, it has given itself to a lower class of humanity. And as it often goes with good bars gone bad, it starts with the DJ. I don't know where a bar, much less a would-be Irish bar, gets off hiring a DJ. Mystic Celt, though, appears to be ashamed of its red hair and freckles. Of course, DJs are like catnip for douchebags, and hordes of them flock here. And every last one of them seems intent on hitting my ultimate bar pet peeve, standing in front of the bar and preventing everyone else from getting their drinks. They should build a tunnel under Southport--or a bridge over it--between this place and SoPo to keep the douchebag population concentrated in a couple of nearby places. Mystic Celt could learn a lot from a place like Cullen's, which is very similar in offerings and style, and a complete contrast in clientele. There are more than enough places for the lower-20s crowd on this end of Southport; it's too bad that Mystic Celt feels the need to cater solely to them.
(2)Seamus F.
Went in here for the third time in five weeks last night and have been at least a dozen times over the past few years. Wanted to sit outside this time but Mother Nature made that a dicey proposition so hostess quickly got us a booth. As usual, they had at least one decent drink special - $3.50 Sierra Nevada or Blue Moon drafts on a Tuesday night and service was solid, even on last weekend's visit when the server said it was only her second day. Have had the brunch buffet before and it's a good deal, and above average for an all you can eat proposition. Enough TVs without being totally overwhelming. Friday Fish Fry was pretty damn good too. Not sure I would linger here for hours but has always been a good spot for a couple's dinner, or a drink while on Southport and have definitely walked over and scored after a Cubs game when Wrigleyville is a little too nutty.
(4)Stephanie H.
Mystic Celt has a laid back atmosphere with decent Irish food. The outdoor patio is a really nice spot to enjoy your meal and people watch. I've only been there for dinner, so I can't comment on their brunch menue. I don't have a whole lot to say about his place. It's good. I like it alright.
(3)Kristen M.
Very overpriced. My boyfriend and I got salads and couldn't even eat them they were so bad. The veggies tasted rotten. Good daily deals and burger's. Service is slow
(2)Christy Q.
I wanted to give the Yelp community an update on Mystic Celt! They read my previous review and contacted me to apologize and they even went as far as sending me a $25 gift card for my troubles! That was really unexpected and also really great of them. They showed me that they DO care about my business and that they DO want me to return- and I will! Thank you Mystic Celt for taking care of this situation... and all is right with the world!
(4)Amanda D.
The place is just average. My friend and I stopped over there to say farewell to one of her co-workers before heading off to the Paramount Room. We had 2 drinks (raspberry/lemonade/vodak) $5 a pop, not bad. We didn't spend more than an hour there (rain keeping people in). The crowd was ok, the decor was ok, the bartenders were ok as well, the bathrooms were nice; I always appreciate a nice clean bathroom. I might come back here if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)Alan W.
Friendly staff. Average Food. Good atmosphere. BUT, overpriced outside of specials.
(3)Jessa P.
Okay I admit, the last few weeks, I have gone here at least once a week. I am a borderline "regular". I can't help it. I like their specials (10 wings for $5, who can top that)! Summer Shandy on tap! TVs everywhere. Casual atmosphere; great neighborhood. Literally steps away from the brown line; stumbling into the train is easy-schmeazy!
(5)Taryn K.
Mystic Celt was our last stop on a bar crawl and everything was fabulous! The staff was very friendly and served all 60 of us our drinks impressively fast! We have been here lots during the day with the kids for lunch and dinner and the food is always great and the service is always friendly~ This is a huge bar and they do a great job accommodating families and adult drinkers in seperate areas! This is definitely one of our favorite places to frequent with and without the kids!
(5)Greg M.
Amazing patio! Great service, great neighborhood! My friend brought me to the area and this place totally caught my eye! Truly a gem
(5)Shyam S.
My friends and I stopped in here last weekend cuz Guthries was insanely packed. The bar was not my kind of place - ridiculously fratty and full of WASPs. However, I went there on a Saturday night, so I expected as much. However, the food was surprisingly good. I was astonished that their veggie burger was so tasty, especially the way I had it - on tomato foccacia with pepper jack and giardenera. Nice and hot and very good. My server was also really cool and when I told her about Guthrie's, she recommended the Newport Bar and Grill, which I had visited before, but she mentioned they also have board games.
(3)Erika G.
I gave it an extra star for the beer specials, very good beer specials. And the outdoor patio is great IF YOU CAN GET A TABLE, to watch the Stroller Brigade walk past. It's not a very authentic "irish bar", but it gets another star for that, as I am not a fan of Irish bars. This place is pretty generic. The food is overwhelmingly mediocre. Real Middle American fare, bland and spice-free. I had the Celt burger, requested "medium" and got "well done". Go to Hamburger Mary's for REAL hamburgers. The mac n' cheese was all right . . . but not exceptional. Everything needs hot sauce, or some semblance of taste! The service . . . ugh, here is where they really shave off the stars. Our party of 5 wanted to sit outside, put name in, and got "1/2 hour wait". Noo problem as we weren't all there yet, we got beers and settled into the couches. 45 minutes later, we were still waiting with NO acknowledgment from our server. An hour later, a 4 top opened up, and server informed us . . . of a table not large enough for our group. By that time, my friends and I were eyeing each other like the surviving members of the Donner party. After the 4 top fiasco, we said "we'll just take ANY table, in or out". Server disappears. Finally, someone else in our group grabbed the server to TRY and finally get a table. Okay, inside, she seats us . . . and leaves. 15 minutes later, she comes back to take drink orders - no, we're ordering entrees now!! TWO HOURS LATER, we finally had our orders in. This place isn't THAT special to put up with crappy service like this. If I was just sitting outside having beers it probably wouldn't matter, but we came here to EAT. And their doggie water dish was SHOCKING dirty! For a dog lover like me, this takes off another 1/2 star.
(2)Steve H.
You know, I really love the food here. I really do. But the service leaves something to be desired. I've frequented the Emerald Loop and Mystic Celt for years the service is both locations is just too spotty. I think that is really my main issue with these guys. Sometimes the service is amazing but more times than not its just terrible. For Instance, one waitress/bartender named Caroline threw a fit when I paid with a gift card and owed $.07. I understand, I should have been prepared and only had my debit card which was totally my fault. However, when she comped the seven cents and threw my check on the ground towards the back of the bar it was a little uncalled for. Loving their food I went back about a week ago...my drink didn't get refilled and when I asked for the check the waitress actually stopped at another table, hugged one of the guests, introduced herself to the table and sat there for 15 minutes before going to get our check. It's little things like that that really make me wonder if it's worth going back to. I guess with a killer $5 wing night its hard to stay away. Also, they seem to treat you crappy when you pay with a gift card. I've randomly had a gift card on a few occasions and they always act like its a problem. I work in the service industry....I promise I will tip you whether I am using a gift card or not.
(2)Brett N.
Watered down alcoholic drinks. This really peeves me about a bar. I ordered something called a margatini (special) which was a mini glass of sweet and sour mix. (FYI, a martin should be pow at first sip). The waitress apparently made it herself (see below), poured it tableside and carried the lime wedge in her hand. She un-palmed it to hook onto my glass. One dinner companion didn't get a full glass worth, the other had weak beer. You can tell when the beer is watered down, especially when you drink it regularly. The fuming flame was lit. This should be illegal. Now, for a Thursday night it was busy. Two words: one bartender. Really? This is why our waitress made the drinks herself. I asked for a shot of tequila to rouse my margatini and that helped, but I was already miffed. First impressions... Why were people (and families with kids) there afterall? Is this the best Southport has to offer? We came for dinner, which wasn't terrible. The side salad was fresh and good. Ice cream dessert was a nice touch. Not being charged for the tequila shot was smart, or I would have gone off. Diluting the drinks really sucks, so i'm done with this place. Too bad. Better drinks would have cause the 3 of us to order at least 2 more rounds but we hightailed it outta there at last bite. Maybe it was also because the sound on the sports TV (no game was actually being played) was cranked so loud that our table conversation was drowned. Who needs a night out with friends when the TV cancels your face time together. Point missed there. Get a clue Mystic celt. Better yet folks, skip this place. There are plenty other spots in the neighborhood.
(1)Jennifer B.
Go for their specials, grab a seat at the bar, pretend you are Irish, and enjoy.... Mystic Celt isn't too different than any other restaurant/bar along Southport or in Lakeview/Wrigleyville. I guess the biggest striking different is the menu, it's pretty great. And the specials here are actually specials that you would want to eat/drink, and will save you some cash. Maybe it's because I was here on a Tuesday (actually, I'm SURE it's why) but the peeps at Mystic Celt don't seem to get obnoxious, which is a plus. Maybe I should try it at 2am on a Saturday, and update my review? Until then, Mystic Celt is a nice stand-by and a great default bar.
(4)Jennifer W.
The Mystic Celt is a nice bar/restaurant in the popular Southport corridor near Addison. I went there with a group friends for dinner last night and found the food to be good, if unexciting, bar fare. I had a blackened chicken club sandwich. It was pretty good but the chicken was a litle dry and there wasn't enough avocado (and no mayo) to really remedy it. My friends seemed to enjoy their food (a black and bleu burger, a club salad, a BBQ chicken salad, and a bacon burger), and the beer prices were reasonable ($4 Harps). We also had an appetizer combo with bruschetta, spinach/artichoke dip, fried shrimp, & chicken tenders which was pretty tasty. The server we had was friendly but we had to wait a little longer than we would have liked for the check. All in all, the Mystic Celt is a nice place for a leisurely, reasonably priced dinner. It's what you would expect from your average North Side bar.
(3)Anthony D.
I'm sorry that I have to give this place such a low rating. But I had an AWFUL experience there! First off, the food was good. Nothing extraordinary but it was good. The staff was awful. Absolutely HORRIBLE! I'm a server, also at a well known Irish restaurant, so I expected good service when I went there. Nope! The host looked as though she wanted to kill herself because she was at work, was rude, slammed our menus down and walked away without even a smile. Our server was an idiot. After our food was delivered she didn't come to check and make sure everything was okay for 9 minutes (yeah, I timed it). I figured "oh maybe she's busy". NOPE! I look over and see her and about 3 other servers just texting away by their POS. I was instantly pissed and after I boxed my food up and asked for the check we sat there for another 10 minutes for her to come take the check presenter from us because I hate leaving cash on the table. But she never came so we ended up just leaving. I will never go back there unless I'm getting carry out. I never want to come into contact with their staff ever again. Ugh!
(2)Carolynne M.
I was initially a little freaked when I called to confirm our event with the Mystic Celt event planner and it turns out she "forgot". But then we got there and met our server Lorraine, who was totally awesome and on top of her game, not to mention her friggin incredible Irish accent. :) Score one for Lorraine! So then we find out that due to the mixup in scheduling, there might be a problem getting the room. Enter the manager, who seemed kind of sore about the whole thing, but of course I cant argue with him because I am too busy being mesmerized by his accent...dammit! I'm not exactly sure what transpired, but in the end we were allowed to stay - thank god! I had the burger special which was great as a $5 burger. Had it been more than that it wouldnt have been so great. Some folks got other kinds of cheese that they didnt like, but I got blue and I think that helped greatly. Then this board game group kind of muscled (do board game group members "muscle"?) their way into our room because they "needed the better lighting". Um...Okay...sure! Want a Yelp sticker? All in all the event was pretty good considering all the weirdness. But here's a little tip to anyone I need to deal with in the future planning an event. If anything goes wrong, send out someone Irish. I will be hypnotized instantly and then you can pretty much get away with murder. It took me a good 4 hours to snap out of it after I left.
(3)Theresa C.
I was here for the Yelp event. It was ok, but that's about all. The $5 burger was a good deal, a huge meal, and to my surprise my burger was cooked properly, not super over done like you find at most places. The space was big but very full. The drink specials are decent but nothing all that special actually. The only thing REALLY, REALLY awesome about this place was our server. She was super on top of things, even though she was serving a giant crowd, she even remembered my drink when i got up and was moving around a bunch. I wish she worked at a bar I want to go back too.
(3)Mandy M.
I like this place. Good daily specials. Great place to watch a game. I've always had good service and the foods always been good as well.
(4)Lauren G.
Came here for a quick drink while in town to catch up with a friend. I had seen the outside numerous times while visiting but never entered. It was actually a lot nicer than I expected. We didn't eat but I saw a lot of the food coming out and it looked pretty solid and smelled good. I'd visit again.
(4)Erin T.
I have been to Mystic Celt for brunch, dinner and a few nights out. I would recommend it for brunch and dinner, but I definitely think there are better places to go out on Southport. I have had the brunch buffet a few times. It is definitely a good deal at $10.95, but I definitely recommend coming hungry! It doesn't make any sense to come here for some yogurt and granola. This is probably one of the best hangover cures around. For lunch, I have had the mac 'n cheese and the turkey club wrap. Both were pretty good, but nothing extraordinary. Overall, I would come back to Mystic Celt for brunch any time, and I'd only stop by for lunch or dinner if I was already in the area.
(3)Agnes P.
Always love the food here but a bit of advice if your new here... NEVER come on a busy day (thurs,fri,sat) because the wait staff here dont do thier jobs on those days. -We were told the wait on our food was going to be an extra 10 mins and we were fine with that until 10 minutes turned out to be 45 minutes!! -No checkups as we ate so our empty glasses, well stayed empty till the people we flagged down actually came to the table. -As we started getting toward the end of our dinner the waitress took my boyfriend's plate when he wasnt done with his food. Just cause he had his back turned to watch the game doesnt mean he's done with his food and its alright for you to snatch it away?! Everything else seems fine on the regular weekdays but the weekends always leave us a little upset.
(3)Rahul G.
This place is huge. I went for st. Pattys day and a friends birthday. It is huge. The bartenders and waitresses are very nice and very fast with drinks. The drinks themselves are solidly strong for a packed bar. Not to mention it is huge. Will definitely return.
(4)Jacques M.
The Mystic Celt is pretty consistently mediocre. I've never had anything I hated, or anything I really loved. However, I am a member of their e-mail club and get great coupons I.E. appetizers for a quarter of the price, which keeps me going back pretty regularly (I'm a sucker for a good deal). This isn't going to be gourmet dining experience, but if you're looking for some decent specials on a week night, a decent burger, mac & cheese, or other standard pub fare the Mystic Celt will probably do the trick. They even sent me a gift card for my Birthday which was a nice touch. My major gripe is the service (especially during the brunch hours), the waitresses aren't always attentive (or pleasant) and they seem to be a little understaffed at times. The waitresses often disappear for extended periods of time(it seems). I don't reccomend Mystic Celt if your in a hurry or like being visted by your surver every 10 minitues. Up until recently, it seemed like there were different servers every time we went and most seemed like they just started working there. There is plenty of seating aviable, although they are usally pretty crowded. The décor is pretty standard for an Irish Pub. In fact, Standard sums up the entire Mystic Celt experience pretty well. It's kind of like a line from that old Gin Blossoms song "If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down." If your not a major foodie or you just wanted some decent pub grub the Mystic Celt will the fill the bill.
(3)Andy R.
Let me clarify - 5 stars for hosting a private party here. 4 stars if you just come here for a few drinks. Private Party Highlights: We had our own room in the back, with our own bartender. Never waited more than a minute for a drink. Plus they let me bring my iPod so I could play my own music - I was sold! Regular nights: Always has a pretty decent crowd. You will encounter occasional groups of douches, but hey you can get that anywhere. Gets pretty crowded up front and can be hard to get a drink. Pretty good food/service if you are just walking in for a bite to eat.
(5)Kate W.
So I went to my first big Yelp event here and had a really good time. The $5 burger deal sounded good but I wasn't hungry and the burgers didn't look like anything special. Drink specials were ok too. I guess $3.50 Blue Moons isn't bad, but it's not my favorite beer. Our waitress was great, she remembered all of our orders and even kept a separate tab for pretty much everyone. Kudos to her for being able to do all that! The space was big but we had to share it with some game group that I think we kind of scared. I guess there was some sort of mix up about who got which room so we ended up sharing. Still, I think a good time was had by all and it was a fun event!
(3)Neil R.
Mystic Celt has been a good bar on Southport to either start off a night, end a night, or recover from a night. Not really a place to spend the whole night, but does offer a variety. The "all you can eat brunch bar" for $15 bucks or whatever is pretty sweet and they have a ton of TVs for watching NFL or other games. The lunch and dinner menus are good for a bar, and if you only were seated outside, you would really feel like you are eating at a decent restaurant! I think what takes this from a 3 star to a 4 star rating is that they do try to keep their patrons happy. The coupons they send in e-mails are usually pretty decent and they will send you a free appetizer and $20 gift card for your birthday! I really recommend signing up for their listserv.
(4)Jeff K.
I was at the Mystic Celt for an event and saw they offered a Sunday brunch buffet. Nothing like "buffet" or "all you can eat" to peak a man's curiosity. Went last Sunday. At $10.95 it is probably the best bargain on on the Southport corridor. The bargain price does not mean buckets of processed food you find at many "buffet" places. The food was every bit as good as the menu items. They had an omelet bar, Roast pork, beef, pancakes bacon sausage...the typical items you will find at most brunch buffets. They also had a corn beef brisket, Irish sausage and bread pudding to add authenticity to the Irish themed bar. Unlike many brunch places, they also had a salad bar which had enough items to actually make a good salad.Even the coffee was good. they had drink specials as well, but I didn't want to kick my Sunday off that way so I stuck with the coffee. There was plenty of seating and it was a great atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon. Right off the Brown line too...Does it get any better?
(4)Rob B.
Yeah.....nah.... I'm good on going to this place. Never again. I've been twice. The first time it was okay... I wasn't too pleased with the food quality but I was pretty hungry so I didn't complain. HOWEVER, the second time was completely just...frekkin terrible. I was not feeling it from the moment I walked in. First off, I didn't feel comfortable eating there... Secondly, the waiter was unenthusiastic and service was not great...at all. They messed up my order and my girlfriend's order... then when we sent her plate back (because her nachos had peppers, which she is allergic to, and we found a hair), they sent us the same frekkin tray back...they just had pulled out the peppers... I was pretty shocked at their boldness...then I tried to be completely cool about it, even though it is not on me--the customer--to have to worry about whether or not I'm being too picky; the waitress was just...not helpful...she was down right lazy. And FINALLY, after having messed up the order numerous times, once we finally got our food (which they still did not get it right) it was cold. I think from seeing other reviews that some people may enjoy this place more during after hours possibly... because both times I've been during the day haven't been worth the cost of eating there. The only notable thing was running into a waitress who happens to attend the same school as me....she was cool...and very chipper might I add haha. But I liked that, I think more people need to be like that if they're going to work in the food industry... Anywho, two thumbs down. 3, if I had an extra thumb.
(1)Andy M.
Just another Irish bar in a yuppie neighborhood. Nothing special about this place although it is pretty darn big.
(2)Rachel F.
Love the burgers and the board game days. Make sure to get on their birthday mailing list for very generous gift certificates.
(5)Linsey C.
There's nothing better than fish and chips and a Magners on a Friday night. The roomie and I stopped by for dinner around 830 and to our surprise it wasn't totally packed yet! It was pretty loud in there though but I think that was mostly the tv's (hello, march madness!) Our server was nothing to write home about. She wasn't terrible by any means but only did the bare minimum-she never asked if we wanted a second drink and never came back to refill our waters. She did, however, anticipate my need of malt vinegar and brought that by shortly after our food was brought out (not by her, mind you) The food, however, I would write home about. The roomie had a burger which she loved and like I said, I had the fish and chips. Turns out they are $4 off on Friday (gotta love lent!) which made me very happy! Plus, I think $12.95 for fish and chips is a little hefty, unless the portion is larger when it's not on special. I got two pieces of fish and a good handful of fries and a mess of green peas (which I could do without) the fish was delicious. All white and flaky, not dripping with grease but the perfect amount of crispy...my mouth is watering just thinking about it! The Magners on tap was delicious and I'm not sure how she got it to the table without spilling because it was poured to the very rim on the glass! I'll be back...the fish and chips are worth the so-so service.
(3)M. M.
This place is great for any kind of party you would like to have...even a first birthday! I had my son's first birthday there and it was just perfect! Everything was set up to perfection! I did the appetizer buffet package and it was great, I never had to ask them to refill anything! They refilled the food when needed and all the guests were so pleased with the food and service. The back room is so accommodating and spacious! Everything went sooo smoothly! I will continue to have my private events here in the future! The staff is great, service was awesome, and atmosphere is perfect for any and all events!
(5)Ryan M.
Really really loud. I hate that. This place has a really nice ambience and I get that it's friday night, but it doesn't seem like the kind of place that needed flashy lights and blaring music to be fun. I hate having to shout to the person next to me. Also, 8 bucks for a Manhatten! Holy god! They were really good though.
(3)Mara R.
I live in the neighborhood and walk by Mystic Celt every day. I sometimes will stop and eat outside with friends because it is such an inviting atmosphere. The food is your average bar food and some of it is fairly good. The issue I have with the place is the service. I was there a few weeks ago on a Wednesday for lunch. Most of the outdoor tables were full and a few inside as well. We were sitting at our table for at least 15 minutes before anyone even noticed us. The only time we saw the waitress was when we eventually ordered and then when we requested our bill. My girlfriend is 6 months pregnant and we never even got a glass of water! I had to go into the bar and pour some myself. I think with Dunley's opening next door it will give Mystic Celt a run for their money. I know I will be going to Southport Lanes next time, since I always get great service there.
(2)Alex M.
Of all the places to get drinks before a movie at the Music Box, I have no idea why my friends picked Mystic Celt. There wasn't anything immediately wrong with my food, save for the corned beef being a little dry, but as I understand it that's one of the difficulties of the medium. Unfortunately, the service sullied what could have been a pretty okay meal. The service was horrid- We must have been the only table for a server working the complete opposite side of the restaurant. We saw our server only three times over the course of an hour and a half. The first time was when we sat down and she took our drink order, the second when she came back with our drinks and took our food order, and the third (and hopefully last) time when we asked for the check. The restaurant didn't look too busy and there were servers coming in and out of our section pretty regularly, so I have no idea what the problem could have been. Maybe I offended our server when I asked for a Smithwick's?
(1)Vanessa F.
I started coming here for the pub quiz with a few friends. The service is ok at best, the food is good for bar noshing.
(3)Nicole C.
I have to say that you should just not go here when its bar time. The people that frequent this place when the music goes up are raging D bags. They have some of the better food I've ever had, so I have to give them that. I come here for dinner a couple times a month.
(3)Scott N.
The food is great but you couldn't pay me enough to go here during the evening when it's filled up with people. My advice, go here for a bite during football Sunday then walk across the street to Sopo and have some fun.
(3)Beth P.
I would not expect too much from this place- just average. It's roomy, food is edible, and beer is cold. I love hanging out in the Southport corridor, and if Mystic Celt has a good special that night, I'll gladly go in. I've even spent a St. Patrick's day there- they throw a great one. For "bar food" I was wasn't too impressed, I had to wash it down with more beer... everyone's happy.
(3)Colleen R.
If only the Mystic Celt could decide if it wants to be a dance club or a pub. Sadly, it attempts to do both (at least on the recent Saturday evening I spent there), and fails on both accounts. The decor, food, and drinks suggest that if they turned down the music and the strobe lights, this place could be a decent Irish bar. But the sheer volume of the music makes conversation impossible. Also, we were only there for about an hour and the DJ was already repeating songs. Coupled with the lame crowd and long bathroom lines, the terrible music made this place completely intolerable.
(1)Susan F.
Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this place. It's huge, big plus! What is the minus, you ask? The drinks are oober expensive and while you get a red bull and vodka in a big glass cup, it's all redbull, no joke. Also, for being such a huge place, the bathrooms are tiny! No me gusta. I did like the place and the crowd was what you'd expect on a Saturday night, but not as many young 20 somethings as you would expect around that area-perhaps because it's not directly on Clark by the stadium. It's a great place for a big group, but the bartender's aren't too friendly and drinks aren't worth it.
(3)Amanda Z.
Let's go through my checklist for the things Amanda C. likes in a bar: --Cold beer? Check. --Outdoor patio on a sticky July night? Check. (With the added bonus of all the good people watching on Southport...I have a staring problem, so what??!!) --Big menu? Check. This place is not bad at all. It's big, has a great variety of food/drink, and the service is generally adequate and friendly. Very tasty burgers (with the option of a pretzel bun, thank you very much), decent fries, good appetizers (the chicken pizza w/ goat cheese is pretty tasty). Located roughly a block from the Southport brown line stop (which is now brand-spanking-new) amongst a line of bars, this place is a good pick for a little pub grub and some fun.
(4)Sharon S.
Came here this past Monday after work. They have half price appetizers and bottles on wine on Monday's. PERFECT! We ordered wings and the sampler platter and got a bottle of the pinot noir. Wings were good but I've had better - they were not as meaty and a bit overdone. Though now I want to go on a Chicago Chicken Wings Tour and try to find the best wings! Sampler was great, though the coconut shrimp was a little weird, but I'm also not a fan of coconut. But the staff and atmosphere was really great. I've been here other times and have always had a really good experience. Laid back and calm on the weekdays and crowded on the weekend. Actually thinking of hosting a party here, definitely think it's a great venue and a place worth checking out, I know I'll be here again! And fill out the birthday form! They send you a $20 gift card as a gift, always a great use!
(4)Colleen H.
Stopped here on a local residents recommendation. We were on our way to see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley, wanted a non rushed atmosphere. We were seated outside, plenty of beer choices, wide variety of food choices also. Good burger, great wings, fantastic service. Would go back again for sure!!
(4)Meg L.
Let me begin this review by saying... I am not the "irish pub type". I don't hang out at stereotypical bars that blast the local game or play whatever hip hop to drunken twenty-somethings. HOWEVER, I love Mystic Celt. Maybe Mystic Celt is exactly one of those bars...actually, it is. Why do I love Mystic Celt then? Because of their daily specials and their huge menu. Being a pescetarian and a craft beer lover, they have options for me! They have amazingly amazing daily specials. Not only do they have one special per day...they usually have 4-5! If you sign up for their mailing list they'll send you coupons and even a gift on your birthday. To avoid the cheesetastic crowd, show up for dinner before 8:30pm and you'll be okay. When I go, the atmosphere is cozy and mellow. The staff is really great too.
(4)Rhona K.
i go here a good bit the wings are the BEST I've ever had and the rest of the food isn't bad either !! at night the place is fun and the music is great theres a good mix of ages too
(5)Cynthia R.
We got into Chicago late and needed some food, but it was after 11 and most restaurants were closed. I decided to venture out on a solo food run while my driver rested. The first bar I stopped at said they were done serving food, but directed me to either Mystic Celt or the Coney Island next door to it. I should've gone to Coney Island. The mini burgers from Mystic Celt weren't good. At least the bouncer guy was cool. Seeing that I was by myself and not dressed in bar-wear, he said I could wait for my food in the quiet back room if I wanted. I didn't want anyone to have to hunt me down though, so I stayed at the bar counter. It was the most uncomfortable 15 minutes of my life. Maybe next time I should visit with a group and go to drink instead.
(2)Kourtney L.
I don't get all the hate for Mystic Celt. Sure, the $20 gift card they send every year for my birthday garners positive favor but each time I've visited, I've had good food and a great time. Perhaps you all need to visit with Matty Z and me? No lie, though I've tried a few other dishes, I mostly opt for the turkey burger. Boring yes but delicious. They usually have super cheap specials so you're covered if funds are low.
(4)Steven C.
I lived off Southport for almost four years and my go-to no-frills local pub was easily Mystic Celt. There's lots of dining space, the wait staff is friendly (bar staff hit-or-miss) and the food rates better than most typical bar food. With plenty of TVs its easily the best place to a catch a game if you want to avoid the bustle of Clark Street in the heart of Wrigleyville. The drink specials are mediocre, but 1/2-off burgers on Tuesdays is one of the better deals out there. These are serious burgers and they're cooked how you order them, which makes the Wrigleyville pricing much more tolerable. I've been during Bears games, weekend nights and most other times except late night weekends, so I think that's a pretty fair sampling as often times quality can vary in Irish pubs depending on how busy they get.
(3)Robert F.
Or as I like to call it... "the restaraunt that goes on forever". Seriously, ask for a spot near the back and you'll wonder if the waitress isn't leading you through some secret indoor tunnel to Ireland itself. We had had a seat waaaaaaaaaa(fading)aaay at the back, and to my disbelief there was STILL another room behind us. Or the sake bombs we had earlier in the evening could have been setting in. Anyway, its a thoroughly decent pub experience. Decent selection of beer, but sadly no Strongbow on tap. Nice cozy couch section, and plenty of seating... even for large groups. Situated just off center of most of the Southport action so its well placed for either the start or end of a night on Southport.
(4)Deirdre L.
First: Get on the VIP email list - some weeks (seems to be when the Cubs are out of town) I get emails for half off the specials (yes, thats usually 75% off the regular price). Plus the often have free beer/liquor tastings. Thats right, I said FREE. Get on the list. Second,: This is a good spot for good, hearty, not too greasy, flavorful bar food. Burgers, wraps etc are all above average. Fries are good, salads are good with mixed greens and red onions and good dressings - nice little upgrades from your standard bar-fare Iceburg lettuce etc. Service is generally good. Good drink specials. Great selection of drinks.
(4)Bev h.
i present to you, "Irish" Brunch at Mystic Celt: - 7 people enter, and are led to a back room which has no traces of music or ambiance. the only sounds come from the kitchen doors behind us and the children at 3 surrounding tables. - we all order drinks. i ask for their version of irish coffee, which comes served in a wine glass?? it's really too hot to pick up anywhere but the stem, and just feels wrong...why? -the buffet is $10.95. reasonable, until you see the buffet. toast and bagels (but only crappy grape or mixed fruit jelly packets), meat carvings that look a little suspect and have sauces nearby that aren't labeled, generic salad bar, bacon and what we called "candy cane sausage"- links that were so undone they had pink stripes all over them, and some other standard buffet choices like scrambled eggs and pancakes. *the omelette bar is the best part, but most peoplpe quickly realize that after their first trip through the other choices, so the line is looooong and the one dude working it gets a little backed up. -and finally, there was one item in the buffet we weren't sure about. it was small and black and shaped like a flat pear. a little bit hard. it was near the sausages. is it a blarney stone? a rancid fig? we ask the waitress what's in it, and her response is "you don't want to know. it's like blood pudding." we weren't brave enough to take more than 1 bite. gross. if you're hungover and out of options, it'll do. but beware of the blood nuggets!
(2)Andy R.
I feel like I should really write two reviews to be fair; one for the daytime restaurant and one for the Saturday night DJ'd single's bar. Lunchtime when it's warm out is a solid choice. Good food, great location, forgettably good service, etc. But when they do the disco lights on Saturday night... gross.
(2)Mihir P.
One of the more spacious, brighter, and airy Irish pubs in Chicago. More seating so it's easier to get a bit if you want. The place is larger compared to the other bars on out crawl route. They have the typical bar food like wings, sliders and so on BUT they also have curry chips!
(3)K D.
Okay, this is a four star rating for bar food. That being said I really like Mystic. They always have great food deals and fairly cheap drinks. The service leaves a little to be desired but I have gone there with some pretty obnoxious groups and they handle us well. I love their goat cheese pear salad with toasted pecans! If you're going to a bar and want some decent food this is definitely the place to go.
(4)Marilyn A.
I love this place! It is my go to wing spot! The wings are big, juicy and well flavored. I usually do the standards- bbq and buffalo. Recently I tried the curry wings. Absolutely DELICIOUS! They also have great steak sandwiches and multiple side options.
(4)Ingrid R.
Good bar food, usually fun and nice staff. It gets a bit cavernous when it's not busy due to the size of the front area. I have been here many times and for several different events and been happy.
(4)Alexis B.
Blah - just blah. I haven't had a bad experience here, but I feel like this bar doesn't offer much more than a room and alcohol. Most of the positive reviews on here center around their food. If the food isn't bad, I could see Mystic Celt being a nice restaurant setting. However, I don't like this place as a bar. There's no je ne sais quoi bar atmosphere that makes it different from a bunch of people drinking at an apartment. I had an enjoyable post date drink here a few months ago, but in thinking about that, the bar had nothing to do with my enjoyment. Every other night here has bored me to tears. I blame the design of the bar. A large portion of the bar is full of low tables and therefore doesn't provide an area for people to stand. If no seating is available, you have to pack like sardines up front. This makes it really difficult to meet anyone outside of your party. I love my friends, but as a textbook social butterfly, I like to meet new people as often as I can. The bathroom setup is a bit bizarre. There is 1 door that leads to a smaller room that leads to the respective male and female bathrooms. The first time I walked in, there were 2 men standing in the middle room and I jumped a bit thinking I'd walked into the men's room. I was sober - I'm sure this confuses drunk people all the time.
(2)Mike P.
I've grown to like Mystic Celt more over the years. When the family is in need of a drink or 7 we come here. Many a summer afternoon, whiled away at the corner of the bar, listening to the street noise. Many a shot served by the crack staff. Many a late-night, drunken walk of the dog after an evening at the Celt. If it were a person, it would be my brother or at least a second cousin, just out on parole.
(5)Brett G.
This bar is solidly average. I've never had the best bar experience of my life, nor have I had the worst. I will agree the bathrooms have an interesting set up, but that's not why I really go out. The food is decent at best, but a wee bit overpriced. $6.75 for chips and guacamole (no salsa) - are you flipping kidding me? Unfortunately, no they are not kidding. I don't mind the bar set up - bar/restaurant/party room, lots of tables, erratically set up - I like that it's not overcrowded and open. My last visit, I ordered a raspberry vodka lemonade special. They were out of Stoli, but I said no worries, Absolut will be just dandy. Plain lemonade arrived. Is this ok? No, well it's not what I ordered. Third try, they seemed to get it right. However the bill came, and it was not on special. They had a hard time correcting it and deducting the special difference off the bill. They couldn't figure it out because they didn't have Stoli in, and evidently that threw the whole computer off. Took about 20 minutes and three tries to get the bill back. The way they remedied the problem was to just take the entire drink off. They felt bad. I appreciated the solution, but it wasn't rocket science. Should have been able to get it right. Nevertheless, I will be back when I'm in the area; it's a Southport staple stop.
(3)Lauren H.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with fellow yelpers. No problem getting a table for 8. Brunch was an affordable $9.95 but choices were fairly limited: an omelet station, a meat carving station (corned beef, pork, and I think the third was roast beef?), salad (only 2 dressing choices), bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, breads (including tomato focacia which was pretty moist), mini muffins, grilled tomatoes, grilled zucchini and asparagus, penne, roasted potatoes, and some weirdly addictive carrots and parsnips mash that I could not get enough of. Food was decent but aside from the carrot mash, nothing to write home about. Good deal for the price though, and the waitress didn't seem bothered by us sitting there a while.
(3)Christine M.
I've been going to Mystic Celt for a few years now, and I always really enjoy it. The food is good, the deals are awesome, and the service is always really good. Be sure to sign up for their email list to get the 50% off coupons!
(5)Amy C.
Dropped in on the way to the airport with my future in- law and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the revolving door @ the entrance. Had a good selection of both food and drink. Inexpensive, well- prepared, nice presentation. I was really happy with my chicken pot pie special. They served my Blue Moon with a slice of fresh orange - nice! The mea was served hot and quickly - flavor and portions were good. The puff pastry was fine. My salad on the side was fresh and very large. Wish they had cut the carrot pieces smaller though - the size of 1/2 an entire carrot. I felt like Bugs Bunny. You can't eat that with a fork. I had enough food to pack up and take onto the plane as my dinner. My only gripe was that service was not great. it took a while to get the waitress to our table. When our food came, we still had no napkins or utensils to eat with. It another while to flag down our waitress. Surprising, given that there weren't that many people there. It was only 5:00 PM on a Monday.
(3)Lala R.
I just joined Yelp tonight for the specific purpose of giving Mystic Celt a bad review. I dined there with some friends tonight and what was supposed to be a quick wings dinner ended up being 2 hours of wasting my time, terrible service, and mediocre food. the waitress lost our order because she was arguing with another waitress about who was getting our table. and then she didn't come back to our table for another good 30 minutes. I think she came to our table a grand total of 3 times throughout the entire two-hour ordeal. the host and the bartender ended up bringing us our food. and then at the end of the night, she overcharged us by $11. Needless to say, I don't think she was expecting any tip from us. on top of everything else, the food was mediocre at best, and the noise level was off the charts. I'm sorry, Mystic Celt--I WANTED to like you. I wanted to give my money for your services...but tonight was just too much.
(1)Ern E.
This place is great all around. Went here for lunch the other day and the service was excellent. The only thing I would hold against them was the salad I ordered (Southwestern Salad): way, way, WAY too much dressing, and hardly enough lettuce. Otherwise I always have a decent experience here! :)
(4)Carlos G S.
UPDATE 7/24/14: You know, I am giving this place the full 5 stars now. This is my go-to place when I need to meet someone for business or just for fun. Whenever I need to go and watch a soccer match or just have a beer and a burger. Throughout the years I've lived in Wrigley, this has turned into my favorite comfort food place. Great place with kids and families. ================================================== I really like this place. During the time I lived in Wrigleyville, I used to hang out here pretty regularly. Waiting personnel was always friendly and attentive --I might recall only one time I thought service sucked. Now, the thing I LOVE about this place is their hamburgers + fries. Regular price is $10. But on Tuesdays they are 50% off --that's a Lincoln, or $5. But wait! If you sign up for their email list, you will get a special coupon that gives you an additional 50% off on any daily promotion. Yep, if basic math does not lie, that's $2.50 a pop --burger and fries! YAY! Not even at McDonald's !!! Their tap and bottled beers are good. I could care less for the usual crap (Bud, Coors, Miller). But their Guinness, Blue Moon and fat Tire are awesome. On Tue, Blue Moon is $3.50. Not bad. Other comfort food I like: Marguerita pizza. And their fish & chips are not bad either. Another BIG plus is that smoking is banned in here, so you can really enjoy your food, your drink and casual chat or game on any of the screens around. So, all in all, a good place to eat, drink and hang out. Don't forget your coupons !!!
(5)Sarah G.
Often way too dark, too loud, and too long of a wait, but can't beat the $5 burgers and $2.50 Blue Moons on Tuesdays.
(3)Janis W.
The food is pretty good, but the drinks taste like the alcohol was omitted. They are $7.75 and sound delicious, but something is wrong. I am speaking specifically of the Brazilian Mojito that I ordered on Memorial Day May 26, 2008 at approximately 6pm. I noticed everyone around me had bottles of wine which I think were on the special list.
(3)Bryan H.
The atmosphere and service here is definitely 5 stars. It is very roomy. The fish and chips are excellent, as well as the Veggie and Pita plate. The specials are a good deal. The salads, wraps, and pizzas are also great choices. Try the bleu cheese wasabi dressing.
(5)Mandy K.
Great spot for eating and people-watching outside on a nice day. There are many great appetizers, including the nachos, spinach and artichoke dip (which is mild and nutmegy, not overly garlicky), and the combination platter (my favorite). The burgers are very good, but order them rarer than you usually do because they overcook them a bit. It also seems that whenever I ask for something other than fries (like tater tots or waffle fries), either my server or the kitchen ignores it. It's happened often enough that I think it's the kitchen. There's one thing I dislike in particular: the noise level. The front room has a tendency to be very loud anyway, but then they crank the music up around dinnertime and it's incredibly hard to converse at all. That's fine for a bar with a dance floor, but not when you're sitting in a booth trying to share a meal. On weekend evenings, they also change the music from a casual bar mix to a cheesy dance mix, which just seems out of place in this neighborhood pub.
(4)Phil S.
This is always a good time. They seem to have all the little things down. TVs are high and visually accessible pretty much anywhere you are. They have a large selection of beer - including Smithwicks. Also, my friends and I play a game where whoever can come up with the artist of the song that is on, gets a point. I tend to do ok here as the selection is varied, if not having a slight bias on late 20's to mid 30's adult contemporary women artists (expect some Coldplay and U2 as well). However, I also purposefully listen to Michael Bolton sometimes - so I obviously have amazingly bad taste. There is also a great place to meet people, as it is fairly open and easy to start a conversation. I'm also a huge fan of their Shepard's Pie. It is not bad at all. They also have a friendly staff - I believe all the bartenders are of Irish descent - so they talk funny.
(4)erin t.
Mystic has 35cent wings on Wednesdays and although the traditional buffalo flavored wings at that price render my attention- they also offer 3 other flavors: BBQ, terryaki & my personal favorite, curry. The wings were absolutely fantastic- crispy with lots of sauce. I would have no problem paying full-price for them even! The best part is that you can mix & match which flavors you would like & each kind gets their own plate! (I am a firm believer in seperation of different foods/flavors on plates - my mashed potatoes never touched the chicken or carrots when I was a kid:) After the meal, I later looked up their website & every night (excluding Sat) Mystic offers some seriously sweet specials. Next Tuesday I'll go back- Blue Moon pints for only $3.50! And Mondays could be worth another trip with half priced appetizers & bottles of wine! Yikes! I need more days in the week!
(4)Danyelle D.
The food at Mystic Celt is what keeps me coming back. Their daily specials are great, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of their meals. My favorite is the French Onion soup or the Mac&Cheese. I never expected that a bar would have such an extensive menu and such well cooked food!
(4)Jeff D.
The staff and Mngmt. here are first rate. Everyone is highly interested in making sure you have an enjoyable time at the Mystic Celt. The brunch has been a favorite for many years. Nightly food and drink SPECIALS will bring you back again and again! Tuesday is 1/2 price 1/2 lb Angus burgers AND today with coupon email customers get 1/2 OFF! ! SO $10 burgers are $2.50!!!
(4)Christos K.
are u kidding me? this is the best burger i ever had! wow! you guys need to check this place out!
(5)Jon J.
Aah, Mystic Celt. It's got a lot going for it - good food (love the meatloaf!), good beer, relaxed atmosphere. It can get a bit meat-heady on the weekends, but for the most part it's a good crowd. I think that there's a high turnover rate in the servers here - some seem to be really good, while others don't really give a crap. I have fond memories of Mystic Celt - I watched a few World Cup games here last summer and felt I was in a bar that actually cared about what was going on! A good bar!
(4)Jay P.
I thought that the happy hour appetizer special was terrific. The ambiance was also really enjoyable. It was nice to have half off as well as a coupon. Our party was seated promptly, we weren't rushed, our food arrived quickly (by someone from the kitchen) and the water was filled promptly. The coconut shrimp was pretty tasty as well. My only complaint is regarding the waitress, who is really the main representative of the restaurant. If someone from Mystic Celt is reading this, please be aware that there are a lot of people on Yelp who complain about the poor quality of service/treatment, mainly due to girls who could care less about being there. There are lots of people looking for work, so at least pretend to care. This dark-haired waitress didn't give us eye contact, seemed to be irritated that we wanted appetizers (probably due to the small tip that she'd receive,) and was so cold and abrasive throughout the night. Rigorous training and a serious conversation with staff could bring more customers back and attract new customers in.
(4)Courtney M.
Well everyone seems to complain about the wait staff on the weekens and I cant speak to that seeing as I was there on a Monday... My experience was pleasant, but nothing extraordinary. Food was good and the drink specials fit my taste. But even on a Monday it got pretty noisy and I had to really strain to hear what my friend was saying (and vice versa)... Service was average and the decor is nice, you feel welcome and comfortable there... it was a cozy place to sit in while it was freezing rain outside! Id go back if Im in the area again, but wouldnt necessarily drive out of my way for this one...
(4)E. Q.
We came here on a slow week night. Business was slow, and so was the service. We got up-charged for sweet potato tater-tots, although the tots we were served were clearly made from normal potatoes - pure white on the inside, no sweet taste. The waitress argued with us forever, and only took one of them off the tab. Also, we were never even offered a second round of drinks, even though both of our glasses were empty by the time our food was dropped off.
(1)Aaron N.
Mystic Celt is a decent place. Not the most decent. Not the least decent. Just decent. The service is great and the food is OK, but the night life at this bar is just a little to calm for me. It's a good place to just get a beer and some grub, but after that I would slide over to another bar to get it going. Decent.
(3)Shannon D.
I have mixed feelings about Mystic Celt. I really enjoy the food, but could live without some of the customers... The service can also be hit or miss. 30 minutes for a drink when the place is half empty? Not cool. The music also sorta sucks... I could live without hearing U2 and Coldplay back to back.... twice. On the plus side, they have great specials, a lot of tvs, and it's fabulous for brunch. The negatives really come down to the sorta fratty guys who seem to hang out here. And they have free wi-fi, which was a nice surprise. I have to carry a pager for work (computer geek), so it's always good to have a place where I can do my job while sipping a drink instead of having to rush home to fix something.
(3)John W.
This is a solid bar, with a good crowd.There's really nothing to point to as being exceptionally good or bad.
(3)Kristin C.
It's hard to have a bad evening when you are surrounded by the Cuervo Gold. Tequila is pretty awesome if I do say so myself. . . Last night I headed over to the Mystic Celt because it has been on my "EAT HERE" list for some time now. It wasn't too crowded around 7PM and it also wasn't smoky. Major plus. This is a BIG space with big, high booths where I chose to sit with my dining partner in crime. Mystic Celt gets major points for LISTING their specials. SO many places do not do this and since Mystic Celt has some good deals, I appreciate the literature. Now if they only listed their beer prices ($4.50 for a Budweiser bottle was a little unexpected) they'd be golden. Since it's hard to turn down $4 Cuervo 'ritas I went for those last night. For appetizers we ordered wings (I heard they were good here) and chicken flautas that were also on special for a-dollah-a-flautah. Both were tasty - not the best wings but solid for sure (great buffalo sauce). The menu here is vast - they have french onion soup, salads, wraps and even Irish favorites like Bangers and Mash. I wasn't so hungry post appetizers so I got the Margherita appetizer pizza which was also on special for $5. Mike had the buffalo chicken and coleslaw wrap with onion rings. No complaints. Our waitress, Rachel, was awesome. Service seemed slow around us but she was quick and friendly. There were also a bunch of Cuervo girls passing around promotional shots (they even had limes). A great complement to any meal! I enjoyed my trip to the Celt and it will now move from my "EAT HERE" list to my "GLAD I ATE HERE" list.
(4)S B.
Conveniently located next to a Brown Line stop. Some of the best Mac n Cheese I've ever eaten.
(4)Jen L.
3.5 stars really. Mystic Celt does many things well and some things poorly. I love their greasy bar food - fish and chips are great, so is the hummus plate, the grilled cheese, the wraps, etc. The bar is well stocked and they have great specials. However, a lot of their food is just on par, nothing spectacular, and their Sunday brunch is no good. Lots of variety, but poor quality. I still head to Mystic Celt, but you definitely need to know what to go for.
(3)Scott V.
I was a regular here. It was a ritual of ours to come here twice a week. We started coming here right before the new manager Justin was put in charge. He ruined it. Let me put it this way, I went out of my way to email the powers that be to tell them what a fantastic place this was. It was a great neighborhood place where you come and socialize over a few drinks, now it's just like every other hole that likes to drive in the low brow crowd with loud overplayed music, pointless "DJs", and a come-and-go style of service. It is truly a shame. A year ago I would rather go no where else, now you couldn't pay me, and undoubtedly the other old "regulars" to return. 10-1 this bar goes under like all the other standard bars in the city. Its one saving grave was a single waitress that provided outstanding service regardless of hating the atmosphere as much as we did. Oh well. Try Output bar in Ukrainian village. Better food, atmosphere, and the best part- you can have a conversation with a person more than an inch from their ear.
(1)Lindsey B.
I was incredibly disappointed last night in the service I received at one of my favorite bars in Chicago. It was one of the first nice days of the year and they had their patio open and their windows open, Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. I went there to meet a friend, and my boyfriend for dinner. I walked in and stood at the hostess stand for a good 3-4 minutes while a girl who I thought was the hostess passed me several times. She finally came over and grabbed a menu and started walking. I stopped her and said "Is there any way I can sit outside? And I have more people coming, it's not just me." She stopped walking and turned to me seemingly annoyed and told me it was about a 30-45 minute wait. So I told her I'd sit inside but I'd like to sit as close to the windows as possible. She grabbed two other menus and pointed to a table as she did so and said, "That's as close as I can get you." So that's where I sat. My friend showed up about 10 minutes later and the hostess came over and took our 3rd menu. My friend stopped her and told her we needed it because we had a third person coming. She said, "Well I need it for now because I have no other menus." My friend said.. "Oh.. ok.." and she walked away shaking her head!! Really? Our waitress shows up and she's less than pleasant as well. She asked questions and walked away without hearing the answer. We tried to stop her several times to order an appetizer and she wouldn't even look at us. I'm going to give Mystic Celt one more try because I've never had this experience before and I really like the feel of the place (usually). But this was NOT a good experience for me last night.
(2)Pamela L.
This is easily one of my favorite places to hang out or eat in the neighborhood. Since moving to Wrigleyville about a year ago, I've been here several times and each time has been a pleasant one. Their food is great... they have a good variety on the menu from your classic Irish dishes to comfort food and bar food, to dishes that one can choose if they want to eat more healthy. They have a full bar including a variety of wines. The staff has always been very friendly. The bar area is typical for the area, in the back is the dining area which has a trendy feel with large booths and candles. I believe there is also a party room in the very back. The music is always great... from trendy lounge in the dining area to current dance/rock and even some older stuff in the bar. Come as you are, come in for a beer... it's a great place to just hang out!
(5)Danny H.
Good specials, both for food and drink. A very nice atmosphere, as well. This is a great place to hit up if you're in the Southport area.
(4)Michelle L.
My husband and I went here for lunch on a weekday. I ordered a $8 southwest salad. It turned out to have iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, and, what I am convinced, leftover chips crumbled on top. All for $8!! My husband has the $5 wrap special, also not very impressive but it was only $5. They have lots of specials, food and drink. I have never been for a bar....but I wasn't very impressed with the food. I would try it again, but just for beer.
(3)Desiree K.
You never want to judge a book by its cover, but always judge a bar by its waitstaff. For example, Guthries is a corner neighbourhood tavern that's as pretentious as its wooden shack extension out back, and your bartenders will talk to you about Jeff Buckley and Graham Greene. The Riverview is a friendly hangout where your waitress will join in the music Scattergories game you're playing all Sunday afternoon and let you sneak in packages of Twizzler nibs. The Grafton welcomes your kids anytime and lets them climb all over the leather couch in the back. At the Mystic Celt last night, our waitress was a little blonde chick who forgot our BBQ wings order three times, my water four times, took 20 minutes to bring our food, and rarely asked us if we needed more beer. I mean, come on, Rammy had just hit a grand slam and the Bulls were forcing Game Six. And the best you can muster is a series of blank looks? So I'm really not sure why people stand in line to get in on special occasions and weekends. The food is good and they have nice daily deals, but it's generic a bar as can be. How about some wooden panelling and retro Guinness signs and let's call it an Irish pub? No problem if we don't have the personality to go with, we've got a few plasmas to make up for it! Michael Flatley would fit right in here -- bland, commercialised, glossy, and tight pants (mostly on the girls on a Saturday night). Nice garden setting in the patio though -- however, never judge a bar by its outdoor seating!
(1)Ben W.
The food is pretty mediocre, but they have good specials and the beer prices are pretty reasonable. Beware, though - service here is also mediocre. My favorite is the hostess, who always looks completely stoned and couldn't care less to seat you.
(2)paget s.
The food here is not bad and not great ,wings on wensdays are a good deal,but the service is the thing that brings this place down ,you can sit there for a good 30 min on a very slow day/night before they even know your there,and for this reason I don't like going here,
(2)Mike S.
Had brunch here this afternoon. Considering I paid only $10 for four heaping plates of meat, it was a pretty good deal. For starters, as most other posters have mentioned, this place is Irish in name only. But, of course, I don't think anyone who goes here thinks it's authentic, and I don't think the owners really make any effort to be authentic. That said, they did have Smithwick's on tap, which was nice. I can see the crowd getting a little obnoxious on weekend nights, but the brunch crowd was relaxed and nice. For the brunch buffet, they had the standard American assortment of bacon, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and such. They also had some more traditional Irish food, such as black & white pudding. While I've had better, it was still a nice selection. They also had a carving station serving roast beef, corned beef, and... something involving pork that I don't remember. The food was generally good, and well worth the money.
(3)Brandon C.
This has been one of my favorite bars, and favorite neighborhoods, in Chicago since I moved here. Mystic Celt has fantastic food, the atmosphere is fantastic, the drinks are moderately priced and the crowd, while young and hip, is not as pretentious as the Lincoln Park scene. I especially like their Sunday brunch with the Omlette station. If I could start every day with a mystic celt omlette I would be very happy and either very fat, or very dead. My only knock on this bar is the TVs. This would definitely not be my first choice to watch a game as there aren't many TVs and the ones they have are poor quality.
(4)Sarah S.
Bored just writing about it.
(2)Anna S.
Their wraps are a great lunch and they have some more heavy items for dinner. I've been here several times with friends at night and for lunch with my family. It has some nice outdoor seating and friendly, though sometimes slow-paced, staff. They have some great daily specials here like $5 pizzas.
(4)Jeff N.
Attended a party in semi-private room in back of bar. Door was monitored by a bored-looking security guy. His first words were, "20 bucks". Since I didn't want to cause a scene by challenging this, I paid for the wristband which gets you unlimited 'house' drinks. Only later did I find out that the $20 is not mandatory; that you can order drinks ala carte. The surly security guy never presented that as an option. So, my best remedy to this 'value received should exceed value paid' dilemma was to drink more than $20 worth. I had about 6 vodka and tonics but most were 90% tonic and 10% vodka. I should have been in lala land after six of these, but the actual amount of vodka probably equalled two drinks in any other bar. The noise was deafening in this back room, but I imagine that is par for the course in places like these. Doubtful you will see me wandering in here in the future.
(2)Kate S.
I really like coming here for some nice tavern-like food. I really like their fish and chips a lot. They are crisp and come a bed of peas, and the restaurant knows enough to have malt vinegar available (you'd be shocked at how many places don't). I also really like the veggie burgers. Definitely get the burgers on the pretzel bun. Delicious! The best thing about this place is the specials. Come on a Tuesday for $5 burgers, or on a Monday for half price bottles of wine. There are a few items on the menu that are disappointing. The chicken fingers are to be avoided. They were reheated and didn't taste quite right.
(4)Kelly G.
A regular spot for me - great specials! I also LOVE their wings - their buffalo and curry wings are awesome. Sometimes their other food is hit or miss - it is either great or average. But with the prices, it is worth it. The service is always pretty good too - never had a complaint.
(4)Emily C.
I'm not pregnant, nor am I six years old, but sometimes I eat like I am one or the other. Some things are just flat out comfort food and it doubles the awesomeness factor to get two of such comfort foods on the same plate, even if they normally don't go together. So what the flip does this have to do with Mystic Celt? They serve grilled cheese with mashed potatoes. GOOD grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes. GOOD mashed potatoes that are garlicky and drowned in brown gravy. It was like a hug in food form. Plus, decent beer specials. I'm gonna have to go back and eat a real person meal someday but there have got to be other people out there who think grilled cheese + mashed potatoes is brilliant. Lord knows I do!
(4)Leo M.
Been here a bunch of times, and pretty happy each time. Sure it's on Southport and it appears to be your average irish tavern, and sure when you get inside it still seems the same. But, the food is pretty good here - I've never had anything I didn't like. Well, except for the fish - but you're really tempting fate when you order grilled salmon from a bar, aren't you? Anyway, they've got great big booths and a largeish back room that lets you push tables together for your impromptu table of 15 (we've all been there, don't lie) so you get here early enough, and you'll all have seats. It can get busy during game days, but doesn't every bar with at least one tv? It is the cusp of wrigleyville, after all. Come here to hangout with some friends, get yourself a Celt Burger (and swap the fries for onion rings. For the love of God, GET THE ONION RINGS) and relax in a faux leather booth with the rest of your friends.
(4)Matthew P.
I have been here many times and each time i have been pleasantly surprised. The wait staff is very nice and tentative to your needs. Great place to go to grab a few drink, each some lunch or have a nice dinner. They have happy hours all the time after work and its nice being right next to the southport brown line stop. I think the best part about this joint is the bathroom door. (it just looks cool). You keep is real Mystic Celt!
(4)Samantha H.
For the price, they really do have good food. They have Irish comfort food, which is always good and then regular bar food as well. It's a pretty big place so I've never waited to be seated. They usually have some beer specials too.
(3)Melanie B.
We had our holiday party here last night and everything was wonderful. Our bartender, Peter, was very attentive -- he made sure we had everything we needed and was able to turn the music off during our raffle, which really helped. You get a lot for your money in terms of the packages; for $9.50 each we got a buffet of four hot appetizers, veggies and dip, and fruit and cheese. The back room is gorgeous, with a central private bar, comfy couches, and additional seating. It was the perfect setting for socializing. And it was a breeze to set up as well -- Alison was wonderful to work with and everything went off without a hitch. Definitely recommend for your next party!
(5)Art K.
Great patio, good specials. Service is "meh" and the food is "meh"as well. You can get much better service and food at any number of places within two blocks of Mystic Celt.
(3)Justin G.
I'd like to preface this by saying that the only reason this place gets two stars is because of the service. Our waitress was quick and attentive, as well as patient. However, not much else about this establishment pleases me. We ordered a spinach-artichoke dip as an appetizer. I'll admit, it was pretty good. Not exception, but certainly B-level. However, my cobb salad was terrible. I think that this cobb salad is going to be the straw that breaks my back in terms of ordering 'our take on the cobb salad.' Spinach greens don't really belong with a cobb. Nor does turkey in lieu of chicken. Apples don't make sense. And a small army of green olives are a terrible edition. Oh yeah, cobbs are better with feta. Cheddar on a salad? Why? Just why? My girlfriend got the vegetarian chili. I don't know the usual protocol on vegetarian chili, but it felt more like a soup with kidney beans in it than it felt like chili. It wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't chili either. Rather disappointing. Additionally, shortly after finishing eating, I started to feel fairly sick. The gf also felt sick for a little while, but I really haven't felt right since. Rather unpleasant.
(2)katie n.
Against my better judgment, I really like Mystic Celt. It's huge, so on weeknights when there's not much hustle and bustle it's pretty spacious. It gets packed on weekends, which isn't really my thing, but the crowd isn't usually awful. The bar has pretty good drink deals- they have $3.50 Blue Moon and Fat Tire every day. The food is decent. Definitely try the $9.95 brunch buffet on weekends, which is great. They make decent Bloody Marys, which are on special every weekend for brunch. My favorite part of Mystic Celt: The complimentary tastings. Sign up for the VIP e-mail list (anyone can), and you'll get invitations to exclusive complimentary tastings. Former tastings include Maker's Mark, Blue Moon, and Hacker Pschorr. Mystic Celt is right off the Southport brown line, so it's easily accessible and if Southport is your thing, there are many other bars and restaurants to choose from if you're not in the mood to stay in one place
(5)Andrea C.
pros: -always a beer on special (and a great selection) -wed night 35 cent wings, $6 wraps (and they're pretty darn good) -the rest of the menu is pretty freaking solid cons: -gets really crowded -so loud you cant really have a conversation i frequent this place during the week since its right around the corner from some of my best friends apartments. however, it gets extremely crowded over the weekends and becomes a different type of bar (fratty mcdouche...not my scene). i spent st pattys day here...and while i did have a fun time (due to a great deal of green miller lite), i dont enjoy bars where you can hardly move...and thats usually the case on the weekends. fun note: my friend once saw casey affleck here on a wed night. verynice!
(4)Erin C.
This place is huge, but still maintains a neighborhood feel. I went to the New year's eve at Mystic 2006 (bringing in 2007) and have been a few other times since. They have good wine and shot pours, and a good tap beer selection. I have heard that they have good food too, but I haven't had any besides the New Years inclusive deal, and I dont think its fair to judge based on that. The food was fine then, but not really the focus anyways. Mystic was a good host for a huge group of us and their communication through email about the event was very prompt and organized. I love all the bars associated with Mystic, so it isn't much surprise that this place gets a good review from me.
(4)E M.
I've definitely grown tired of the Mystic Celt. It's huge and cavernous, which means you wait for a long time to be seen, then seated, then spotted again by your waiter, then waited upon. Many times, my boyfriend and I have been among a handful of people in the Mystic Celt, and we wait and wait... And not only is the wait bad, the order is never quite correct, things come out of the kitchen in drips and drabs and the food -- in a word -- sucks. Usually, bar food is bar food. Mystic Celt's is dried out and over-salted, like it was once semi-tasteless, but it sat under a heat lamp for four more days and became inedibly tasteless, so they salted it to perk it up. The half-priced appetizers lured me once or twice, but now even THAT is not enough to bring me in. It's just me giving my money away for plain AWFUL crap. I've even been there for their beer tasting and appetizer bar specials -- crap. Lots of TVs at Mystic Celt that you can watch if you're not blocked by a pole. But I can get the same beers on tap at better places on Southport and pay way less. Everything about Mystic Celt underwhelms.
(2)josie w.
Wow!The celt burger is probably 2nd best in Chicago for 2010! AND it's $5 on Tuesdays! They set you up with the fries...the quesadillas not such a good buy @ $8 but for $4 on Mondays-perfect!
(5)Chutima N.
Difference feeling for day and night. Foods are ok, but service and avenue are nice. Many friends of mine just feel comfortable to be there. Let get an insight why??
(3)Fine Young Canibals Q.
SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET! Went there on a Sunday to get some brunch and watch the cubs game with friends. Got seated right away in the bar-area where we could watch the game on several large plasma T.V.'s. Looked like they had nicer seating in the back if you wanted to have an experience way from the bar. On Sunday's they offer a brunch buffet for just under $10. I think the buffet runs from 11am-3pm, not sure. We all opted for the buffet. The buffet is not large but it is clean and it offers a nice little variety of foods- muffins, bagels, English muffins, yogurt, hash browns, mini pancakes, eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon, sausage, spinach greens salad, mixed fruit, roasted potatoes, pasta, grilled veggies, etc. The best part about the buffet is that there is a chef who will prepare you an omelet to taste ( you can choose cheese, peppers, ham, mushrooms, tomato, etc-- standard stuff). AND the Chef will also cut you a nice piece of meat- corned beef, pork, and I think-- beef. I had the corned beef after it came highly recommended by my friend- and it was good! So yes-- The Sunday buffet was nice and clean and affordable, so I'd do it again. We ordered drinks too. Taking advantage of the Sunday special, we got Bloody Mary's (which I didn't have but they looked good....), and Margarita's (which I did have and they were good). Drinks were $5 each and I think beer was $2.50, donno, didn't have any. Each of us got the buffet and 2 drinks, walked out having paid $25 each, which included a NICE tip- which is weird in retrospect- why did we tip so much if we got the buffet?!
(4)Brent W.
Nice little bar w free wifi. I came in for a beer and some post work data entry. Can't comment on the food but the atmosphere was decent and they serve up Smithwick's, obvi....good choice on a brisk fall afternoon.
(3)Sarah S.
They have the BEST spinach & artichoke dip!! They have tons of other great food as well. I love going here for dinner and on the weekends with friends.
(5)Brian E.
This place is great if you want to eat some mediocre comfort food, drink some bland beer, be a douche bag, and listen to Nickelback.
(2)Atl L.
I miss you Mystic Celt. I used to live near you and we would stop by on Monday's when you had the excellent special ($4 burgers and $3 microbrew pints). It's been a while since we've moved but I think about you often. Do you remember me? Your food was always good, pints were always cold and service was mostly decent. I especially liked you when it was nice out and we were lucky enough to score a prime table outside. But your inside is just fine with your cozy booths and long bar. One thing I never understood about you, why would an Irish Pub bring in a DJ on Fri and Sat nights? You don't need that! That's why I avoided you on the weekends. I'll stop by and see you soon, I promise.
(4)Mike M.
Typical bar food which is decent and reasonably priced. They have a decent selection of beer. Sitting on the patio in the front during the summer is always pleasant. They have a different food and drink special every weekday which is very reasonable.
(3)Minh T.
This place definitely doesn't have the friendliest or most competent wait staff. Fortunately for Mystic Celt, the food is great. I would highly recommend their BBQ Chicken Wrap which also has great cole slaw inside it. Their steak sandwich is pretty amazing as are their chicken wings, but that's mainly because they have some rare flavors...curry?! So good. If you're planning to go here for a night out with your friends, I would advise against it. It's really loud and just not the kind of place where people let loose and dance nor is the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation with someone if it's past 9pm.
(3)Nikkie H.
I've been there a few times, and it is on my list of "places to take guests if I don't want to spend a ton of money, but still have a good meal." That's bad, I know. I always go with the shepherd's pie and a nice cold beer. It's especially great in the winter because the shepherd's pie is all warm and comforting. I think mashed potatoes will do that to me. The only reason I don't go there as often as I'd like is the parking situation. It's usually such a nightmare to drive and park, and from where I live there is no convenient public transportation there...and I'm too cheap to take a cab. Can you see the pattern?
(5)B.D. K.
Booo...I had a few recommendations to check this place out including Aol City Best top ten. Blah! Both plates my girlfriend and I got failed to be anything but mediocre. Avoid this place...
(2)Lauren M.
This place has something for everyone. They have great specials every night, and it's always a fun scene. Love me some sweet potato tots!
(4)Mike K.
I've been here before...hell I've even reviewed it! Yet it seemed like a completely different place. It still had that crazy vampire lighting going in the front, but it was all the space in the back area that I was shocked by. This place has a ton of space! They should definitely put it to better use. I was impressed by the huge burgers and fries deal they had for $5 at the Yelp event. Sweet deal, kids. Plus They kept the tap relatively light...gotta love that.
(4)Serena J.
I'm always really disappointed in their food. I've never had anything that was good. There are so many better restaurants/bars in teh neighborhood, I would definitely skip this one.
(2)Andrew T.
I've only been here once on a Tuesday evening for dinner but this bar has already made it's way to the top of my list. What more could you ask for? Clean interior and bathrooms and great menu/drink specials and good location. Def. recommending this bar to people....
(4)Brenna O.
We went to Mystic Celt solely for the breakfast buffet. It was just ok, and I could tell that they spend a lot more time preparing for the lunch buffet part than the breakfast part. The scrambled eggs were fine, and the fresh fruit was really good, but I would have liked a much larger selection. The little pancakes were so hard that it was difficult to cut with a knife. Our server was friendly, but this place is definitely more bar than restaurant. I guess our quest for the best breakfast buffet in Chicago is far from over...
(3)Jillian S.
Mysic Celt is super loud. It's that kind of strange, loud bar that people still feel comfortable enough for some odd reason to bring babies to. So not only is it loud to start, but there are babies screaming on top of it. On top of all of this, my friend and I waited 10 minutes at our table for the server to come to our table after we had been seated! EW.
(2)Bernie D.
This bar has 2 sides. One side with great food and lots of space. very enjoyable with a good crowd. The second side is any time after 10pm the music gets excessively loud, the bar gets extremely crowded, and finding a bartender becomes impossible. I'd go back for dinner or happy hour, but probably not for a late night bar.
(3)Not J B.
Slightly better than their sister restaurant Corcoran's. This place is larger, has a bit more of a selection in both departments and serves food until 2 a.m. though it is awfully loud.
(2)Eden M.
The service can be agonizingly slow at times (and not when it's crowded either), but the beer selection is solid, there's plenty of seating, and the food is good for what it is. Salads, burgers, wraps - all decent. We mostly go here to grab dinner, but it's a fun nightspot as well. Good music, cleaner than a lot of bars over in Wrigleyville, and lots of flatscreens (and they are really nice about changing channels).
(4)Ryan C.
I've typically had an ok time at Mystic Celt when its later in the evening, and you get one of the tables in the back room. The front bar area gets pretty crowded. I've always thought the service was a little blah (like I'm bothering the bartender when I ask her to reach in the cooler and take the cap off a miller lite bottle), but the staff on Sunday was able to confirm that opinion for me. Long story short, after the hostess seated us outside, I let her know we wont need menus or silverware since we were only grabbing a drink. She said ok, and took the menus back. The waitress came over shortly after with menus, and we said the same. She then let us know that we would have to order food in order to sit outside (patio was only half full btw) and that we should just get some chips and salsa for $3.95 (great deal) so she won't get in trouble. This was apparently the result of a "city ordinance" that does not let customers sit in patios unless they're eating (my first time hearing this after living in the neighborhood for 10 years, and sitting next door at Newports once/week outside). Apparently there's also a new ordinance where pretentious Irish bars take their patrons for granted!....ok, let me calm down. Anyway, we left and walked across the street to SoPo to enjoy a beer outside on the patio where we asked the waitress about this ordinance. She let us know we could sit outside and drink as long as we want. (Yes, you read that right. the Sopo service was friendlier than the Mystic Celt). I'll try and avoid complaining about things on my Yelp reviews, but I thought this was pretty ridiculous.
(1)Angela M.
Here is why i really love this place. Cause I can take my daughter here and get a glass of wine. But seriously they put us toward the back so my daughter can kind of run around if she gets antsy and she wont bother other people (cause they put most of the people with kids toward the back). And I like the food.
(4)Karl K.
A great place to drinks beers on a saturday afternoon, people watch after 10pm or bring the family for lunch or dinner. A very comfortable atmosphere with pleasant staff, great owners.
(4)Ross F.
Bad service, food is OK but they have screwed up my order so many times that I'm not going back. I heard some one call it 'Mystic Frat Boy' and that pretty much sums it up. I'm not a self hating Irish or anything but the authentic waitresses have a little too much McAttitude if you know what I'm saying.
(2)Emily O.
Great wraps & daily specials. Its one of our favorite local neighborhood spots in Lakeview. There is also outdoor seating. Perfect for a happy hour or weekend lunch spot.
(4)Kelly B.
This is a good spot for after work drinks and your typical bar food. It's also a good spot to watch a game or two. The burgers are great and the onion rings are pretty good too. They have a nice patio to eat/drink outside on nice days/evenings. My worst experience here was on a weekend night last winter and the place turned into a club-like atmosphere. There was a DJ and tons of youngsters piled in and turned the dining room into a dance floor. It was unreal. Needless to say I have been back a few times but before the crazy weekend dance crowd.
(3)Nicole B.
I popped in on a rainy Sunday afternoon to satisfy my craving for a burger and a pint - and stay dry! The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The burger was huge, with a perfectly pink center, dripping cheese and ketchup, just the way I like them! The fries were awesome as well - crispy outside, mushy inside!
(4)Danielle K.
I went to Mystic Celt last Wednesday because they have some great specials (specifically for the buffalo wing special). Now the wings were great, don't get me wrong and there were multiple flavors, which I appreciate but the service was horrible. The waitress forgot my boyfriends Guiness (it took him almost an hour to get it). She forgot orders of food and, what I think irked me the most, she took my beer at least twice BEFORE I WAS DONE WITH IT. Mind you it wasn't a full beer but it had a couple drinks left. Then she came with the check and added 18% gratuity. As we were sitting there, admittedly grumbling about it, she swoops in, grabs the check and says "I'll take it off." We were like whoa there we didn't actually complain to you. Then the manager got there and told us that was his best server (which is sad if that's true) and we just dropped it. This waitress was HORRIBLE though and barely deserved 10% I'm not quite sure what her name is but she's short and has brown hair (which is like half the woman out there including me) needless to say I'm not quite sure I'll be back
(2)Amy R.
Though the theme screams Irish, it's just another typical joint, but one worth checking out. Great music each night (though they could turn it down a bit), decent food (been there for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and liked it each time), and a great place to meet friends for drinks. Can't ask for much more. Try snagging a spot on the street front patio in good weather: excellent people watching opportunities abound. The inside offers a good number of booths, but unless you get there early, good luck getting one. The place can get crowded at nights, but it's not one of those places that makes you feel claustrophobic by 9 pm. It's a nice low-key change from the normal Wrigleyville joints.
(3)Dan M.
Editorial 10/23/07: I received a message with an explanation about my complaint. So, I am adding two stars for the owner being a standup person. If they become an OU bar I will give them another go. Original Review Okay, I can't comment on the food (because I walked out) but my complaint is simple: false advertising. On my way to Bobtail (which rocks) I saw a OU special advertised, and as a diehard Oklahoma fan I was very happy to see a bar close to me that followed OU. On Saturday my fiance and I walked to the celt to see my sooners hook the horns of Texas....but to my surprise the game was not on....nor could it be found because they didn't have ESPN gameplan! How do you follow OU in a Big 10 market without it? When I asked the manager about this she replied, "I can't find the game sorry." How do you call yourself an OU bar, but don't carry the biggest game of every season?? I know OU does not have a huge following around here, but if you do follow them....avoid the celt.
(3)Sarah L.
Stopped in the other night for some drinks and appetizers. They have OK mojitos, could be a little bit stronger. The margarita pizza with goat cheese and chicken is really yummy. The chicken nachos were tasty! Our server was really nice and attentive! If you sign up for their emails, you will get discount coupons sent to you. I also got a free $20 gift card for my birthday, w0000t!
(3)Niki C.
So it's not exactly like a pub you'd find in Ireland. Not even close. Well, maybe in Dublin in Trinity Bar where all the tourists go, but let's just say it's not traditional. In that, it's not dirty & dark & full of Guinness farts. Well, maybe Guinness farts, but we won't know for sure until the smoking ban goes into effect. I digress. I've been here for lunch, for dinner, for after a Cubs game, & for a private party in one of the back rooms. Each time a good time. Once, the group of guys I was with was a little over-zealous (now THAT's an Irish pub!) & we were kicked out (now that's NOT an irish pub!), but they were awfully cordial about it & yeah, I'd've kicked the idiots out, too ... they were pretty much major wankers. & they pour a decent Guinness, so fart away!
(3)Brian W.
I wrrote a bad review about 7 months ago (invloving about 10 visits and very inattentive staff). Almost immeadiatly after the review it was as if they had read it (I wish I remembered where I wrote it)! I've been back about 6 times since and the staff has been much more attentive. While I highly doubt my review had any influence, things have definitley changed for the better. Good bar food, big nice place, good outdoor seating, high quality bar.
(3)Douglas G.
Okay, you are not a real Irish pub when your drink specials are Miller Lite and Coors Light. This is just another uninspired corporate chain restaurant with a fake Irish name. Avoid.
(2)Julie P.
I live down the street from Mystic Celt so I'm kind of a regular....I love the atmosphere here, always an interesting crowd. Their Sunday brunch buffet is $10 and it rocks!! They also have really great specials every day that are hard to pass up! I have had good luck with all of the servers so far, and I'm super picky about service. Definitely check it out if you are in the southport 'hood!
(5)Laura I.
I came here a couple times when I used to live in this area and it was a nice enough place but I don't find it overly special. In the summer time, they have a great outdoor seating area in front, which always gets packed on weekends and stays that way throughout the brunch hours. I didn't find the food to be anything extraordinary and our drinks were sufficient enough. In the end, it just seemed rather mediocre and ordinary.
(3)Allison S.
First experience there was a Saturday afternoon; I met my sister and her boyfriend there before they went to the Rascal Flats concert at Wrigley. Their special that day was $3 pints of Miller lite. I got the mushroom swiss burger, which was amazing! I will definitely be back, hopefully at night the next time.
(4)Patrice O.
I work in the area where mystic Celt is,I have been there a few times just to place a to go order and you have to go to the bar to place the to go orders.The bartenders are ALWAYS rude to me and some of my co workers.For example my coworker and I walked in directly to the bar and the bartender completely ignored us she was to busy flirting with one of her customer(I'm not a hater, so I let her get her Mack on) but when she did decide to come over to us she was like yea,not how can I help you? Or How are you ladies doing today? Just YEA!! So I kept my cool and placed my order and my coworker did the same.It took our food about 15 mins not a big deal,so the bartender collected the payment from us I paid cash,my coworker paid with C.C. And she throw the C.C. Book right in front of her.WTF was that about!!! At that point I wanted to talk to a manager but my coworker said forget it she isn't worth it,she will be fired soon ,so just let it go. But I couldn't let it go because that was so f ing rude. Mystic Celt I will never ever come here again!!! there are so many other nicer and friendlier places on southport so if I were you I would skip this place!!..mystic celt what you need to realize is money is a luxury so if someone is coming in to your busy to spend money you need to step up and make sure that person is happy and will come back and tell other people about their experience.so my advice is to dramatically improve your customer service.
(1)Matt B.
I've only eaten dinner here, so I can't comment on the bar, but the food is pretty darn good as far as bar/pub food goes. Ducked in for dinner with my girlfriend the other night and we each order the Wednesday night special: $5 wraps. I had the grilled chicken and bacon, she had the veggie. Both were very filling, yet didn't weigh us down, and came with a surprisingly good side salad. Overall, food was good, restaurant was spacious, service was ok. Only thing I would check off for would be the sticky table.
(4)eric m.
ive been in the back room for a few events and there are a lot of people moving around from table to table. food is average but the service is fast and the waitresses remember faces and tabs. i would go more often if they put a jukebox in because even music thats not my cup of tea would be better than the one minute clips they spin.
(4)T K.
One of my favorite bars in southport. The fratboy quotient is low despite being a younger crowd and I've found alot of the ladies are usually friendly despite being incredible looking. Definitely not a hugely authentic Irish bar, but great if you are just looking for drinks and conversation with new people.
(4)PJ T.
been here several times...once for a private party and once for just a casual dinner. food is really good if you are looking for an irish fix or just some usual bar food. they have all kinds of beer. Good to swing by if you are in the hood
(4)