Good atmosphere for a neighborhood bar. We went to watch the Bears game and it wasn't too crowded, we were able to get a table and get service. Food was okay but service was great.
(3)
Jaime S.
I'm the first to admit that in my late teens and early twenties (aka 2 years ago), I was a little bit of club trash. Fake baked orange, lots of sequins, and inappropriately short dresses really paired well with my Northwestern education. I hated bars and if there wasn't a $20 cover that my friends and I bypassed by batting some lashes, I wouldn't go in. All that said, the fact that I kind of LOVE Hidden Shamrock is still mind boggling. It is not very big, but it's cozy and has coat hooks all around or booths where you can set down your stuff. Drinks are reasonably priced, and bartenders are friendly and attentive.
(4)
Joshua N.
The bartender was cool as hell and was from Philly which simply tickled my heart. There was someone playing live cover music which was actually super entertaining. I went on a Wednesday night. There were a plethora of $2 beers to choose from and a $3 Jamo shots which everyone in Chicago seems so enamored with. There isn't much out of the ordinary at this place. But I saw a sign for a movie night which might bring me back in the future. It was a really chill place though and that will defintiely bring me back.
(3)
Val B.
This is a nice, chill little bar near the Diversey stop. I live in the Loop, where hardly anything is chill, and if it is, that means it's totally lame and boring, so it's nice to find a regular ol' hangout-type bar. Beers are cheap, with pitchers running about $10 or a couple dollars per beer. Service isn't bad either - unless there's a bar crawl going on, it's a sit-at-the-bar-and-don't-be-bumped kind of place. The crowd is diverse and generally good-natured, which makes for a good night. Plus, no one uses the juke box, so if you pay for a song it comes up next. Score.
(4)
Chuck K.
This bar has a lot going for it. Lots of space and plenty of TVs. The backroom is awesome with pool tables, large leather chairs and a fireplace. A lot of fun after midnight on a Friday or Saturday. Music is great and the crowds are decent. The food here is really good too and reasonably priced. Drink prices aren't any super exciting, but they're not too much either.
(4)
Jonathan H.
As a frequent guest at the Hidden Shamrock, I am always amazed at how nice the bar is to just sit in and eat. Mose Irish bars around don't have food, and if they do it isn't great food. But the Hidden Shamrock delivers. A Smithwicks pint and a shepard's pie make me a happy boy!
(4)
Sarah E.
The food is absolutely awful; to the point inedible. I had the fish sandwich (cod in an Irish pub you'd think is a safe bet - it's not). It was rubbery. I chose the tater tots vs. the fries - a bad plan. They were so overcooked I didn't eat but one (and I LOVE crispy tater tots). My boyfriend had the cheese, bacon and tomato panini. It was made with nasty cooking oil which tasted old, and well, like cooking oil; it was soggy; the bacon was under cooked. Terrible. The fries were the only good thing on the plate. Even the beer tasted stale. I felt like I needed a shower after eating (and I wasn't even full - not worth continuing to eat it!). This is the first review I have posted on yelp - I use it all the time to check reviews, but have yet posted one. Simply due to how horrible this dining experience was I had to spread the word. Also, the server never checked back and never asked how it was... I think it's because he knew.
(1)
Michael H.
I popped in here for the first time in over 10 years the other night... hasn't changed one iota!! Classic Irish Pub with a fireplace and a great staff, always ready to do a shot or two...
(3)
Max B.
didnt stay long, went to see a friend... place seems nice... barter charged me for two drinks, then couldnt remember what i ordered...( i was the only person at the time that placed an order) guess he was to busy talking with the ladies...
(2)
Tina F.
This bar has a great atmosphere most of the time. Occasionally it's too crowded for my liking, but 99% of the time it's great! They have some deals on poggled, so my friends and I like to get those, but they have awesome brunchs on the weekends, and during the week, the regular menu is pretty stellar too.
(4)
Andy M.
This bar was pretty shitty. I went there for a football game and the bartender was paying more attention to the game than patrons. This place is just an average small irish bar although the back part is pretty cool looking. If it did not have this prime location with yuppie Depaul jerks I am sure that it would not be so widely known.
(2)
Andrew P.
This place is great for a mid-afternoon pint. The place was empty as it was 2pm when we wandered into this fun little establishment. I enjoyed the decor - being a traditional American-Irish pub. Around 430pm, though, this little place started to fill up with peeps looking for shelter from the heat outside. To my horror, a small hippy man and woman came walking out of some back room and proceeded to sit down on a couple of stools and yammer away with their crappy acoustic music. I am all for live music, i love it, love it, love it... But damn, I could have done without these two howling away. It was a Sunday afternoon, and i don't know if it is a regular thing - but i won't be back in around 430pm on a Sunday again.
(3)
Iman W.
Decent enough bar. The prices were fine, and there's pool and darts in the back. There's also sports on the TV if you don't mind not being able to hear it.
(3)
Matt P.
I feel like I've went through 3 ownership changes with regards to the Shamrock ... finally, their shepherds pie is not back up to snuff, but literally, some of the best I've ever had. It's not too loud, or busy, so you can chat amongst your friends, or sit and watch whatever game in relative peace ... the only thing that I didn't like was that the beer prices are wrong on the menu to what they actually charge you.
(4)
Brett G.
This place has provided me with many a beverage, and as a result, many a hangover. Hidden Shamrock is large enough, with two rooms, plenty of seating, pool tables, and TVs so you can get your game-watching on if that's your thing. I've never experienced the trivia thing, cause I would probably get annoyed. Whenever I've been here the atmosphere isn't too Lincoln Park/chad/trixie (read - bad) despite its location. Good beer specials, nice jukebox, and not too-crowded. Merits a trip back when in the area, but not necessarily a special trip there.
(3)
Amie C.
Stopped in for a drink with friends. I preferred hanging out in the back where it felt like there was more room. Pool table in the back and the $3.50 Blue Moon special was great. Service was a bit slow in the front but it was pretty packed after all. They serve food pretty late and I appreciated that the server came around to make the announcement just before the kitchen closed.
(3)
Gfiddy F.
Great party venue.
(5)
Joe M.
I've only been here on Tuesday nights when they have trivia so my review is probably irrelevant to someone looking for a weekend haunt. That said, for you trivia lovers, this is a fine establishment to flex your pop culture muscles. What really sets the Hidden Shamrock apart from the other trivia joints I've been is that the host writes his own questions, keeping things more topical and interesting. Most other pub trivias I've attended use the same cookie cutter trivia questions they order each week (and the fact they order them from a company is confirmed as I've heard many repeat questions from place to place and have had other trivia teams say this as well). The food specials aren't bad, the drink specials aren't either. There's a nice fireplace lounge area in the back and the place generally makes for an enjoyable night of trivia. This is a good place to go if...you like answering questions and drinking beer.
(4)
Santiago A.
This place is ok. The food was decent. $2 PBRs are also good, plus they have 312 (which is always a plus in my book). It has a nice back area with lots of large booths with pooltables and dart boards. If you come here en masse, then you're sure to have a good time. I've never been here for trivia night, but when I go and if it's good then this place is sure to earn an extra star.
(3)
Sonia B.
I came here for a friend's birthday, and had a really great time. The staff is super friendly and the drinks are strong. There was a pretty good mix of people that night, so it was nice that there was a bunch of different music playing. Very fun place to go to with some friends for some drinks or even a bite. I would definitely love to go back sometime!
(4)
Vivi W.
Great neighbourhood bar. Very nicely priced beer, drinks and shots. Bar tenders are always nice. They make great drinks. Always like to come back to this place.
(5)
J R.
This is a good, go-to type of bar. I like the atmosphere a lot because it usually isn't very packed on a weekend night. I can't stand loud and packed bars most of the time. The prices are really good. The other night I had a tab for $16.50 and this was for 5 drinks. I would have paid about $50 downtown. I also like that they have board games because those can be entertaining when drinking. I will definitely return for weekend fun.
(4)
Mike M.
great atmosphere, surprisingly delicious food - I don't recommend many veggie burgers but I am recommending the Hidden Shamrock veggie burger! Open mic on Wednesdays, cute bar staff, solid Irish fare, I'm in.
(5)
Kelli B.
Kathleen and her sister (Maureen - Margaret? Ugh, I'm so bad with names!) are both sweethearts. Once again the bar was great to our rowdy running club and we all had a blast. I saw quite a few Irish breakfasts being ordered by my friends (and it was 4pm!) and they looked delicious. I opted for the Shepherd's Pie which was top notch. The waitresses were very friendly and attentive as always. Thanks again Hidden Shamrock (or "The Rock" as we like to call it) you're still on my "top 5 favorite Irish bars" list! :)
(5)
Jen B.
Hidden Shamrock hosted a Fireplace Series event for CitySwarm (if you haven't heard of it, do yourself a favor: cityswarmchicago.com ) on Leap Day - a Wednesday night. We took over the back room which has it's own bar and a fireplace to huddle around. The atmosphere is really cozy and low-key, and the bartender and server were nice enough. We tried the featured drinks, Spicebox whiskey concoctions, and they were actually great. The spiciness added a nice element to my usual whiskey ginger. Also tried the spinach artichoke dip. Really tasty and rich. It comes with chips which is a little weird (hello, pita?!). The other appetizers looked pretty great, too, and ran about $8-10 a pop. Not sure if the drinks are always this cheap ($4 cocktails, $3 beers) but I'm guessing you won't be dropping the usual $10-12 per drink that you would in River North/Gold Coast/Streeterville. All in all, I would come back to Shamrock for a chill middle of the week drink. On the weekends, this place gets pretty jammed with super drunk college kids so consider yourself warned.
(4)
Susan F.
Not too shabby! Nice size, considering it neighbors many other bars and small joints. Big tvs on most corners and nice booths near the back. Bartenders are really nice, too!
(4)
Carolyn G.
We met friends here for Fish and Chips on Friday night. The special is $5 for fish and chips on Friday, but they are regularly priced at $10. At $5, it's a good deal. At $10, it's a rip off - so not worth it. We ultimately paid $10 because we were using a Groupon and they don't let you apply the Groupon to specials. Okay, I can appreciate that, but I'm not likely returning, so it was a better deal in the end to pay full price and apply the Groupon.
(3)
Katie G.
Skip this place over and head to Trinity or Harrigan's. My biggest complaint about this bar are the booths. They are highly uncomfortable, too far from the table, and cut the circulation in your legs. Also, the food was cold the last time I ordered food.
(2)
Mary and Matthew Q.
Wednesday night's open mic is a true gem in Chicago. It's currently hosted by Your Little Ponies, who can guarantee a laugh every time. There are a lot of regulars, but don't be scared; they're not the non-welcoming regulars. Drink specials are decent, and the bartenders are always friendly. Highly recommended on Wednesday nights, but it can become a frat part on the weekends.
(5)
Katelyn C.
I always have fun when I go here! I pass it every night coming home from work and it is full, as well as the street with those who went outside to smoke or converse. They have amazing food and drink specials every night. The bar is large but there are also great tables to dine at. Sadly enough I haven't been here for any live music so I can't quite comment on that, but other friends have said it is great! The waitress was nice and paid the perfect amount of attention to us. Before I forget, they had green beer around st. patricks day which was really fun! I had a burger that was large and filling. My friend had a philly cheesesteak and said it was almost as good as the one we tried in philly! I love this place and will definitely go back!
(5)
Justin B.
Stupid Pink Elephant ... Things that happen when a bar serves the Pink Elephant: (1) A grown man stared absentmindedly into a glass admiring the fact that he could see outlines of elephants in his beer; (2) An adult woman spikes your drink with green food coloring, somehow dying your fingers in the process; (3) A grown man marvels at the fact that the bartender advised him that his beer cost $8 a glass; (4) A grown man walked out on his bar tab only to send out a text the next day to see who covered him; (5) A grown man started passing gas, announcing it, and then walking away quickly. And yet despite all this debauchery, I managed not to have a hang over the next day. Remarkable ...
(4)
David G.
Hands down this is my favorite bar to hang out. Their good selection and friendly staff always make me come here again and again. Do try the Batch 19, great stuff!
(5)
Desire' M.
I was jonesing for a Reuben fix and satisfied it at the Hidden Shamrock. Had to dole out $10 for it but that seems to be the going rate in Wrigleyville. The seasoned fries that came with it were plentiful. Sat at the table by the fireplace which was nice on that chilly evening. Service was alright.
(3)
Brad S.
Large bar with pooltables and dart boards. I came here to cap off the night so I did not do much of anything but drink and watch the live entertainment. Although the guy playing music was not a 5 star act, he had synth music while playing piano and singing over top of it to popular pop and 80's songs. I must stress this was very entertaining. We also watched a 30 something bald man come in and hit on a 24 year old girl. She was embarassed about making out with him yet she continued all night and ended up leaving with her. Everytime she would dance with him we would crack up. Imagine Seth Rogen in Knocked up minus the dice move... that is about all this guy had. His best move was shake his butt back and forth. Drinks were cheap and there was plenty of seating for anyone who wanted it. I would come back to this place in hopes of seeing such awkward hook-ups and the guy playing music again.
(4)
Suzy B.
Hidden Shamrock is a great bar!!! Its perfect for parties, with a huge, comfty back room- complete with couches, board games, and sporting events on tv. The staff is friendly, fun and makes sure you always hae a drink in hand. The food is great- I am a huge fan of their wings! There si always a great drink special- and the juke box always provides hours of entertainment! For a change of pace and great time, Id definitely suggest you check this place out!!!
(5)
Wendy S.
It depends on what you're looking for... if it's a friendly atmosphere, after 10, want to hang out w/ Chicago people in their mid-twenties... this is the place. Good bar food if you've been drinking, absolutely great bartender Em, and a stellar place for beer pong on Sundays. If you're looking for something uppity and trendy with a huge menu of food - this probably isn't your place. However, I've always had fun everytime I've visited. :)
(4)
Amy H.
This is a great bar to watch a game at. There are high-def flat screens everywhere! Other than that, it's just a bar. They have beer. They have food.
(4)
Jacob J.
Is it really this cheap for booze or was the bartender sweet on me ? Maybe she knew it was my birthday... I really don't know. All I know is that I ordered a bunch of shots, more than a few beers and the total was very affordable. How much you say? Well.. I don't want to share that. You can find out on your own. Plus if this is how cheap it is all the time, I don't want to know. I'll stay in my la la land and love the price I got. We had a great time there on a Friday night. I say we because we were all smiles upon exit. Met many people while there, shared smiles quite often, good times. Bar in the front and additional in the rear mainly to service parties and those playing games like pool or darts. Spot lighting which kept some areas dim, perfect for those wanting intimacy amongst the loud music. It's brilliant when a bar can be awesome and offer some decent nightly specials that cover the weekend as well.
(4)
Sara E.
Went last night... typical Chicago Irish bar. Would liked to have heard the band that was warming up, but it was a school night and I apparently had to get back home to brush my teeth and be read my bedtime story. I'm not a late-night person. By late-night, I mean 10pm. Yeah.
(3)
Melissa T.
Dear Hidden Shamrock: If your actual closing time is 1:45am on Fridays, change your sign to reflect that at the door. Do not turn on the lights at 1:30 two minutes after selling me my last drink and start screaming for everyone to get out. Do not yell at my friends and me, including my pregnant friend, to leave. And especially don't forcibly guide my friend out the door with your angry little bouncer hand when she is practically already through the threshold. I felt like I was at a bad frat party. Lame.
(1)
Samantha H.
If you make pizza in the kitchen, why isn't it on your menu? This only bugs me because the pizza seems to be the best thing on their menu. I visit the Hidden Shamrock frequently to watch college football. It is currently home to Miami Hurricanes fans. It's all about the U. The servers are very friendly and you are never kept waiting too long for food or drink. The only problem is the previously mentioned pizza. Why not highlight it? Their other food is mediocre (Corn in a quesadilla? Confusing.) Drinks are fairly priced and atmosphere is your typical Irish pub. Nothing to write home about, but, as I say, it's A-Ok.
(3)
Ben K.
I have never been here for trivia on tuesdays. What I will say is that on weekends, this bar is just another in the long line of Lincoln Park bars. There really isn't much else to say about this place except that I was really excited to discover there is a pool table in the back room. Then I broke up the first rack and 80% of the balls situated themselves on the left side of the table. This sad pool table is about as sturdy as my old neighbor's three legged dog.
(3)
Jennie H.
Great neighborhood pub. I have lived near the Hidden Shamrock for a year but only recently checked it out. We were bored, looking for something to do besides watch bad reality TV, so we decided to check out the Tuesday night pub trivia. Last year, we had gone to the Local Option's seasonal Pub Trivia night pretty regularly with friends who have been doing it for years. The trivia at HS is much different. First of all, though the MC uses a mic, he isn't screaming or being obnoxiously loud. Second, he writes the questions himself, as opposed to using a franchise-type quiz like most places do. Pretty impressive! Third, and most importantly, there was only ONE sports question the entire night, which just thrilled me because I might as well be at another bar when those are asked. It's a bit quieter, less raucous than the one at Local Option, but still fun. A nice, low-key, Tuesday night kind of fun. Also, the waitstaff were so friendly--it was really refreshing. Oddly, the Mediterranean salad was beautiful. It was the best salad I have ever had at a pub. Just to avoid being too healthy, I paired it with chicken fingers which were pretty standard. Also, the jukebox is REALLY REALLY GOOD! I'm a big jukebox ho so this is important to me! I will definitely be back for more trivia, though it sounds like a place I would avoid on a weekend night.
(4)
Nicole B.
This was a good bar, I had a good time, but didn't find anything special about it. I went here for the Steelers playoff game after finding my usual place, Durkins, jam packed. I know this isn't a "sports bar" but they had lots of TVs in the back room, but only one with the HD Satellite, and that was the nice TV with "the mirrors." So of course I'm spoiled and wanted to watch that one, unfortunately, all the other TVs were the "TV of the future." The delay really stinks when you hear every body yell, then you see that Jacksonville has intercepted for the 3rd time. Also, my first beer, a Fat Tire, was nasty. I think I had the first pull or the lines were bad. The bartender did give me my second on the house thankfully. But I'm not rushing to go back.
(3)
kate t.
I've only been for Saturday football (I'm a Miami fan and they're a Miami bar) but I definitely enjoyed it. The bartender was very friendly and hung out with me while I waited on the rest of my party. He was very attentive the whole time, very cool guy. We then moved to the back room to watch with the rest of the Miami fans and ordered some food. I had the grilled cheese which hit the spot - nothing fantastic but what I needed after drinking for a few hours. Prices were good. Would definitely recommend stopping by. My only complaint is they should have some more TVs, in the back room especially. But overall, I give this place the thumbs up.
(4)
Vanessa P.
On Sat night, my high school reunion was here. We were able to reserve the room in the back and have a package of $23 per person for 3 hours that included all beer, wine and well drinks. The bartender was nice and did a pretty good job of keeping up with the 50 or so people who were there. And of course, we did an awesome job of making sure we used that $23 bar package... a little too good of a job. I wouldn't avidly seek out this place next time, but it would be a good place to use that bar package again.
(3)
Jennifer B.
Rumor is that "Hidden Shamrock" describes a strategically placed tattoo that one of the owners has... I, myself, can not confirm such things... but if anyone out there can, please do tell. This is actually a fairly cool place, and if you must go out in the Halstead /Diversey area... this is one of the most bearable of the frat-tastic bars. The fireplaces are a nice touch, and the Guiness is pretty good too.
(3)
Kara M.
I've been here a few times. The UVA Chicago Alumni Club meets here to watch the wahoos play and i've also just been to grab a drink at the bar. it's pretty much like the bars on halsted, but i give it a push since it has a Virginia flag outside
(4)
Rob L.
This is not the greatest bar in the world... no sadly it is not. The crowd can get very meat markety on Fridays and Saturdays nights. It can get loud, drunken people packed in this dark bar. It is very much a call to the college days if you will, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. That being said... it has its off times where you can have a fine pint with a friend or three, watch a game, play some pool and have a good night, perhaps if it is cold... you can curl up by the fireplace as well. Its not a blow me away bar.... but it'll do for a drink or two... it'll do....
(3)
Taylor O.
Been there twice. Once early on in the night and it wasn't happening at all. The other time the last 2 hours was crazy with attractive young yuppie girls raining down like cats and dogs. So soak it up or bring an umbrella. Cool area nearby all around so make a stop near the end of the night here if you're going strong and want late night craziness.
(3)
Erin D.
This place is only "hidden" before 7pm! I enjoy the staff and locals after work but retreat before I'm hit on by a group of freshman from DePaul. But hey, maybe that's your thing. Now, other than youngsters they have great beer specials and the food is outstanding. I highly recommend for some after work blowing off of steam at a great price with a bit of nosh before you head home to start another day of working for the "man".
(3)
Martha D.
Ahhhh my first one star - and no place is more deserving. The Hidden Shamrock is a terrible bar. It's dark, depressing and full of obnoxious sloppy drunk people dancing/hooking up. Being there for 20 minutes was painful.
(1)
Jason P.
Great place to hit up for St. Pat's day but I wouldn't become a regular here. Kind of like trinity, but more expensive and a little tigher. They get a good crowd but i think it's purley due to the location. Ryan K hit it right on the money...i just needed to attest to it.
(3)
Justin W.
Decent place reminds me of every other generic Irish Pub in Chicago but at least there is a good size back room, plenty of tv's and the bathroom never has a line(always a plus). Now the bad, its laid out badly very narrow, its a pain to get a drink, that being said the staff is nice. The crowd is a mixed bag age wise but all under 35-ish some sloppy drunks but not out of hand. Not a bad place but not a hang out all night kind of place. The music was a mix of 80's monster ballads (yet no Bon Jovi) I like it others may not.
(3)
Steve S.
Let me preface by saying that although I've been to this bar a few times, I've never been at night. I don't know if that will influence your critique of my critique, but just know that going in. Okay, I just moved into the 'hood recently. On moving day, I had three friends help. We finished right around lunch time. And as you know, federal law states that you owe beer and food to any friend that helps you move. I knew the area peripherally, but didn't really know the best place to go. We decided to just strike out and see what tickled our respective fancy. That's when we happened upon the Hidden Shamrock. First off, I don't know why it's "hidden." It was right there on Halsted where you can see it! But I won't let a little something like extreme literalism tarnish my positive view. Anyway... everyone in the group is pasty and pale, so genetically inclined to like Irish Pubs. We went in, and the place was cool, quiet and uncrowded - perfect for our needs. The bartender (she was the only one working that I saw) came over and took our drink order swiftly. She brought the drinks to the table quickly, at which point she took our food order. The food came to the table surprisingly quickly, and everyone really enjoyed what they had. We had another drink after we ate, I paid the tab, and we went on our merry way. A very pleasant time was had by all. A couple weeks later I went back in with one of the friends that had helped me move. It was about the same time of day - early afternoon. The bar was again, uncrowded, cool and quiet. Some people prefer a huge crowd where they can bump and push and shove their way to the bar, but I'm not one of them. Finding a place to sit and where I can carry on a conversation is a major plus. We had the same bartender, and she actually remembered us- including what we'd had to drink last time. I don't know if I was flattered (because we were so memorable) or offended (because I looked like ass after moving and apparently didn't look any better this second visit). No, I'm just kidding - I was very impressed by that. We got some more food and drinks, and everything was great. So the second visit went very much like the first, showing consistent good service. Actually, as I was sitting here typing this, I realized I lied to you. I have been there at night. It was before I moved into the 'hood, a friend was visiting from out of town, and we stumbled onto the place in much the same fashion. Apparently when you're wandering in Lincoln Park and don't know where to go, all roads lead to The Hidden Shamrock. It was a week night (a Tuesday, I think), so probably not their busiest night. Although the place was slightly more crowded than it was during my day visits, I recall still liking it and commenting that I'd go back. Apparently I made good on it!
(4)
Joe M.
This place has better food than I expected. The drink specials are decent. The place could use a little more going on on some nights. The open mic they have here is great if they still have it.
(4)
Michael M.
LOL!!! I really don't know why I love this place so much, I just do. Every time I go here I end up very drunk, but in a great mood. Yes it gets crowded but great music and good people make this what it is, the best Pub in Lincoln Park!
(5)
Zack R.
I have a bias due to the incredibly close proximity to my apartment, but Ive eaten here a bunch of times and the food is really good (honestly Ive only had the burger but I'm hooked). It can get loud and crowded (like almost every bar out here) I have had my most enjoyable times coming here before 6-7pm when it's quieter and has a really nice local bar feel. I get a kick out of the books on the bookshelf in the back (the darkest corner of the place)
(4)
Charlie G.
This place has a lot of things going for it: lots of room (even on the weekends), a fireplace, a nice selection of beer, cheesy DJs in the front and a quieter room in the back. It is one of the best options is the area.
(4)
P W.
I was not into most bars in Lincoln Park. This one was decent. I tried to be a jukebox hero and played some Dio, Black Sabbath, Kristofferson and some other real good barroom music. I sat back down to enjoy my drinks. My selections ran out. Goddamn Kenny Rogers "The Gambler" blasts through the speakers. I put some more money in the digital box and put Bone Thugs N Harmony featuring 2Pac "Thug Love" on the queue. I have never heard so much belly aching and whining in my life when the song came on and cut off "The Gambler" in the middle of his verse. I had some words with a few of the Kenny Rogers fans. A girl asked, "What, are you from the south side or something?" Inappropriate question, dumb for asking. She later came back and said her apology. She claimed that she loves Bone and knows all the lyrics. I really doubt this as Bone is known for saying a lot of crazy lyrics without the majority of them being audible.
(2)
Sara C.
AVOID THIS PLACE!!! I used to like Hidden Shamrock because they make an excellent Irish Breakfast that can be ordered all day. However, following their recent customer service over their Groupon promotion ($20 for $40 worth of food and drinks) I would NEVER go back there again. We went there from brunch one day and when we went to pay, they refused to accept it, saying that it had already been used (it definitely HAD NOT). The waiter suggested calling a manager (who wasn't there) later about the situation. It took almost a week and half to get the manager on the phone and he refused to do anything to rectify the situation and was basically a huge ass about it. I don't know if it was an honest mistake (an employee checking off the wrong line previously) or of a more nefarious nature (reporting Groupons used that have not been either to give the discount to a different party or just so they get more money). Either way the situation was so poorly handled that I will never give them my business again. If we had used it already, would we really have gone to such great lengths and caused such a big stink about it?! I don't think so. You guys lost several repeat customers because of this. One thing Chicago isn't short of is Irish pubs.
(1)
Audra S.
Nothing is particularly special about this bar; it's generally just an Irish pub, like many of the bars in this vicinity. One stand out feature is their wait staff. I'm not sure if I have always had the same lady wait on me when I'm there or not. If not, they have authentic Irish lasses serving up your drinks, even if they are a bit on the weak side.
(3)
Geoff M.
I can't speak to the weekend crowds as I avoid places that remind me of my frat-tastic past. I do know that they are nice enough to host a bad ass trivia contest every Tuesday evening and have a plethora of flat screen TVs to entertain me with feats of sport between questions.
(3)
David K.
St. Pat's 2008 was the best St. Pat's of my life. Great bar, great people and kick-ass Guinness
(5)
Angela B.
On St. Patrick's Day, Hidden Shamrock is a blast. Every other day it is packed with a really young crowd and music BLASTING, despite the fact that it is supposedly an Irish pub and there is no dance floor in sight. Like a bad imitation of Durkins.
(3)
Shannon S.
Went here with some friends the other weekend. It was a cool atmosphere but at times seemed a little crowded. The bartender bought us a round of shots which is always a nice little touch. Not the best Irish pub I have ever been to, but a good place to go if you want to be surrounded by a good group of people.
(3)
Rachelle T.
Pretty much your typical dark, smokey, Irish pub. Interior is kind of dingy and on one especially lovely night we walked in to puke all over the front door (and you could tell it had been there for a while). Their 'open mic' night can be mildly entertaining and they've got a pool table, I guess that's a plus! There are a lot of better bars in the area to spend your time and money at.
(2)
Kathleen C.
Not a fan of Irish bars, but did have an entertaining evening once listening to the "live band" - a single guy playing New Order on a synthesizer. You had to wonder if he wasn't some drunk guy who just wandered in off the street.
(3)
Shannon W.
Not my favorite Irish pub but not the worst. Decent sized bar and oddly easy to get drinks on a Saturday night.
(3)
Ren H.
Awesome bar! If you go here ask for the bartender Mike, he's the coolest!
(3)
Cassie B.
this is a pretty good Irish bar. probably its location is the best thing going for it. not much else to say.
(3)
Nicola C.
This place for the most part is pretty good. It can be annoying if you get there too late and you don't have a seat, especially if there is a band playing. They do have pool tables in the back which can be fun. Its a good time with a bunch of friends.
(3)
Megan B.
boo. too crowded. too many men groping me. too many women groping my date and my friends. This is just not my scene I guess. That's what I get for hanging out with buisness-man types.
(2)
Julia B.
Pretty cool Irish Pub. The atmosphere was nice and the drinks were priced affordably!
(3)
Hungry H.
Good business acumen from the manager Sean.
(3)
Joe B.
Realistically, this bar is at the top of my list for any given night out in Chicago. Whether you're looking for some good old fashioned wholesome family fun, or a few quick shots and some friendly conversation, The Hidden Shamrock is the place to be. Graham, the bar manager and beer-selector extraordinaire, has my vote for best bar manager in Chicago, arguably in the world. Graham always keeps the freshest selection of beers on tap, seasonal and the classics. I never walk out of The Hidden Shamrock without trying some of the best beers available. The staff is friendly and always knows exactly what I need at the end of a long day of work. I work in construction, and the thing I love the most about the Shamrock is that it caters to all types of crowds. No matter who you are, you will always feel at home at the Shamrock. There is no better place to drink an ice cold beer and watch a great game on one of the many flat screen TVs that boast the headiest resolution in town. So clear it's like BEING AT THE GAME. I love that bar, and I love those people. Go there. Or 10 years of bad luck. GO STATE (it's a MSU bar). Liam's cool too.
(5)
Jeff M.
$3 Domestic Drafts, great wings, and the BEST NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS BAR IN CHICAGO. Other Patriots bars in Chicago are small and cramped this spacious with plenty of TV's and great sound quality. Def come here if you want to watch a Pats game.
(5)
Samantha V.
We came the Sunday before Memorial Day for trivia night, the place was jam packed with drunk bros and totally understaffed. Not sure if they didn't plan for the holiday rush or if something went wrong. Unfortunately, some random idiot went around telling people that trivia was canceled (which it wasn't) and so all the trivia goers left and then it really DID get canceled! Arg! The food looked ok, but it was standard, overpriced-because-we're-in-Lakeview fare. We canceled our order because it was just too congested and too expensive to stay without the incentive of trivia. To be honest, I would have probably given this place 2 or 3 stars based on my experience and the price, but the bartender who finally came to serve us after 20 minutes of waiting around was REALLY nice and apologetic and even gave us a round on the house for our inconvenience. This is good customer service right here. Unfortunately, so many of the selections recommended on Yelp heretofore were no longer available and I couldn't quite make up my mind. I think we had some sort of loaded fries that were decent. But I didn't pay for them, and as we all know...free food always tastes better. I would consider returning for a trivia night when it's NOT a bro's-night-out holiday, but I am not quite sold on the food selection and I don't drink alcohol so I have no opinion on the drinks other than I got the BIGGEST Shirley Temple I've ever seen, so that was satisfying.
(4)
Mathieu B.
Came here after work one day and was deeply impressed with the service from the bartender Courtney. She was generous with the drinks and tolerated my very unfriendly drinking buddy at the time. Will definitely love to come back here again. One of the best neighborhood bars in the area. Friendly people and the food is REALLY GOOD. The wings are phenomenal and the drinks deliciously potent. Thank you for excellent service and even better ambience
(3)
Allison B.
Came to the Hidden Shamrock for brunch with my girls today and this will without a doubt be our new spot. Between the three of us we got the Crab Cake Benedict, Steel Cut Oats with Roasted Pork Shoulder and Sweet Griddled Bread Pudding and I honestly could not pick a favorite. I was so pleasantly surprised with all the food, awesome cocktails and extensive beer and whiskey selections that I can't wait to come back for more. This is definitely a must try spot for anyone even if you're not in the Lincoln Park area.
(5)
S M.
Fantastic remodel, much need for this particular part of Halsted. Good menu with a nice gourmet twist to bar food. Excellent customer service, bartenders that actually say hi and can have a conversation...priceless! John and Kara thanks for a wonderful time. ..we'll be back
(5)
Tony A.
I was here on business travel and had some time to kill on a Wednesday night and had a great corned beef sandwich and great beer selection which was very affordable. Cara was a very friendly bartender who made it a point to know everyone's name who sat down. Very welcoming place!
(5)
Tom T.
This is a fun neighborhood bar. Not pretentious like other parts of the city. There are tons of TVs with the game on and the bartenders are friendly. I also love the Trivia on Thursday nights. Robert is a great host. It usually runs from 8 to 10 PM and he ensures it's a fun atmosphere.
(5)
Francesca R.
I can't count on my fingers and toes how many times I've visited The Hidden Shamrock. Whether it be the typical late night weekend, birthday parties (including my own), football Sunday Funday's, Trivia on Thursday's, or just a chill night playing pool and shuffle board with friends - it's safe to say it's my ideal spot to be! I've watched the menu go from good to great in a matter of months with various food specials throughout the week. Also, being the craft beer snob that I am, I love the fact that there's ALWAYS without fail new bottles and drafts that I'm able to try. Not to mention how incredibly awesome, friendly and attentive the staff is. Go in there a few times and you'll be remembered - if you're ever craving that cheers-family vibe. Finally, I love the fact that I've been able to bring all of my out of town friends, co-workers and family here and the environment adapts to whatever kind of night that I want it to be. It's a plus that everyone I bring there loves the environment just as much as I do. I'm excited to stick around and see how my favorite spot continues to prosper.
(5)
Mihir P.
If you're a Boston sports fan, you'll find many of your crew here. The service is friendly and food is decent bar food. The one thing I don't understand is that they spent a ton of money to renovate and they didn't put in any decent TV's in the back room. So try to get a seat in the front room.
(2)
Padma A.
Stopped in for drinks with friends and really liked the place. Trendy and casual, the servers very friendly. I ordered the Tullamore Hot Toddy and liked it, my friends ordered assorted beers. Will go back if in the neighborhood.
(5)
Amy F.
I went here a few months ago in the dead of winter and their Shepherd's pie was perfect! I also like that the menu has quite a bit of Irish cuisine and drink offerings... I will have to try their brunch food someday.
(4)
David F.
Friendly bartenders and great food. Doesn't have the bro feel like so many other Lincoln Park bars. Also a great place to catch a game, play darts, pool or shuffleboard.
(5)
James T.
Was here last night for Hawks championship. Place was packed, food was good and beer selection was also very good. Nothing really bad to report other than they were simply understaffed for such an event. The bartenders were humping but couldn't really keep up. It took more than 20 just to be able to close out our tab.
(3)
Connor F.
The new renovation is awesome and the food makes it that much better. I strongly recommend the Shepherds Pie.
(5)
Jessica L.
Just left Hidden Shamrock for $ .25 wing night. Great atmosphere (exposed brick, cherry oak counter tops, mirrors, plasmas), two seperate bar areas w/ pool table in back, games on, no obnoxious music, extra fatty wings in different flavors (all sauces, including ranch dipping, are home-made there!) Spicy garlic was my fave. Our server Liam made the overall experience even better! Very nice guy, customer service oriented. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Brianna K.
Great remodel! I used to go to this bar before the remodeling and never had that great of a time. They have really done a good job updating the place and it feels much cleaner and high-end! The food has also been updated. We took a risk and split the sweet potato sandwich, which was awesome! We met the general manager who seemed generally interested in us having a good time. Sad to see people had bad experience on nye. Not 5 stars simply because it was not the best bar I have been to in chi but definitely a great bar for a chill night to watch a game and get some great food. The fries were amazing!
(4)
Stephanie H.
I went here a couple weekends ago on a Saturday night. It was comedy night in the back, and most of the acts were pretty funny! The drink specials were great, and the mac and cheese was delicious. Friendly staff too!
(4)
Melanie M.
We went to this place before seeing the Blue Man Group just down the street. Very cute little restaurant. It was like a cozy Irish pub. They have plenty of TVs with sports going, and they have a big bar which looked to be stocked pretty well. The service was great, our particular server was very attentive and friendly. There was an issue with the kitchen being out of some ingredients, but they handled it very well. They were upfront about it and gave us a discount off the bill, which we really appreciated. Good customer service! The food we ordered was phenomenal! We got the fish and chips and the R.B.L.T.. The breading on the Fish and Chips was outstanding. It was light and crunchy, the way it should it be. The BLT is made with brie cheese, which was a delicious combination. They also make their own fries, which were pretty good! Overall, we had a great time at this place. The building itself was cute, the food was very tasty, and the service was excellent. We will go back the next time we are in the area.
(5)
Natalia K.
Came here to use a groupon, which I would normally get for an Irish pub to use on Guinness, but there was a food requirement. Well ok, we can be hungry. The Guinness, by the way, was well-poured in a Guinness glass with just the right amount of head and tasted fresh. Yum. Ordered the spicy lemon green beans which were amazing. I love a crispy green bean and the lemon and pepper really elevated them to something craveable. I wish they had come out before the entrees because I wanted to chow on them only and not be distracted by my sandwich, but they were a good closer as well. For our sandwiches we ordered the steak because they were featured on the food network. Seriously worthy. With some gruyere and arugula, they aren't your standard pub fare and were quite tasty. The fries were also cut in potato-length strips, which was a surprise, and with the right amount of seasoning, they were quite good. The atmosphere was a bit lacking, however, with it being super dark on a summery afternoon and it was hot, really hot. The back was air-conditioned, but empty. And the front was mostly empty and the fans weren't on at full blast. It was 95 degrees and we were looking to cool off. If not for the tasty food and beer, we would have had an unpleasant experience there and so that's why I had to take away a star. But in the winter, perhaps, when warm and dark is what I'm looking for, Hidden Shamrock, you shall stay hidden to me no more.
(4)
Austin M.
This place has apparently been renovated not a year ago, and as someone who has visited Irish bars in Ireland, this place feels like the real deal. My girlfriend and I dropped in on a Friday night - the servers were extremely friendly and attentive (as was the manager), the food was excellent (cheese and beer soup was to die for, as was the Shepherd's pie), and the beer list was extremely extensive. Absolutely loved the atmosphere and will be coming again when we are in town again. Would highly recommend it to those looking for a quant, warm atmosphere with some good beer and food.
(5)
Jose D.
Sometimes you are happy you wander... These guys just redid their place and it feels really comfy, Kara is a sweetheart, lots of beer to chose from, excellent bar food, just right! Going to revisit this place for sure.
(5)
Mad I.
A bit biased...had my first "city" birthday party here when I was like 23 so I have fond memories :) We visited recently on a Saturday around 3, place was empty....no really amazing specials either...
We came here on Labor Day weekend on Sunday night. You would think that it would be a little busier considering most people didn't have to work the next day. Not here. This place was DEAD. We ordered a few drinks, which were comparable in price to other places around. The bartender was nice (also the only one working), but when we asked if we could still order food he said the kitchen staff may get angsty if we ordered food now since the kitchen closes in 25 minutes. Would you be angsty if I gave you my money as well? Me thinks not. We ended up getting their fries that come with a soup-like dip and their pretzel sticks (like pretzel bread sticks) that come with honey mustard and a nacho cheese dip. The food was good (cheese dip could have been warmer), and it would have been nice if they had a different mustard. The whole place was really dark and just...dreary. Not a place to come if you want to have tons of fun. I doubt we will be going back here.
(3)
John B.
Great remodel of a classic - super staff , food was really good , the cheddar soup is worth the trip . Definitely heading back soon !
(5)
Walter P.
The beer selection is good, food is very good and the service was great. I had the fish and chips sandwich and my partner had the RLT sandwich - both excellent. We were there to watch the Baylor football game and there was a big crowd. Fun place. Definitely a place to go back to -
(5)
Andre W.
Not a bad spot...not a whole lot to it either Its a bar basically and they serve drinks...I had beer The chick behind teh bar was nice and she wanted make sure me and my lady had enough to drink They have a nice window that usually stays open during teh summer months to catch a nice breeze
(3)
Harty K.
From the outside this place looks like a typical Chicago dive, but that is not the case whatsoever. Beautiful interior, expansive beer and liquor selection, surprisingly innovative menu, excellent service. Definitely recommend the potato dumpling appetizer--and I never order any potato dishes.
(5)
Ted C.
The place is right around the corner from my friend's house but we had never been there until a while ago. Wednesday was half price wing night but none of us ordered them. My buds ended up ordering the sweet potato tater tots-I don't care for the sweet potato but they thought it was delicious. I ordered the 'Irish Breakfast Burger' which had and egg and Irish bacon on it. Delicious! Egg on a burger is normal but the Irish bacon-think more like ham or Canadian bacon was phenomenal. They also had $4 dollar premium pints which wasn't that bad but our waitress was a little absent minded and confused things a little. Not too bad, not so bad that kept us from going again later. I had the Spicy Shamrock the next visit which was also a good burger. I love spicy food and this was pretty good. Their special that evening was $4 Miller lite or High Life tallboys which is okay for a weekend special but I am not a fan of either of those beers. A pretty good neighborhood bar with some pretty good burgers and good. 3.5 stars
(3)
Ericka A.
I've been to Hidden Shamrock twice now. The first time was for a hash and the second time was for a live music event. Both times were pretty good. It's a standard bar with an assortment of beer and hard liquor. At the hashing event they provided us with complimentary 312 beer. This was our kinda-sorta half-way point and we stopped in for just 15 minutes. They handed out a ton of beer and left us to our own devices. I downed two beers, used the bathroom, and we were on our way. It wasn't much time to get a real feel for the bar, but I was able to actually remember that I came here before. I'm kind of impressed with my intoxicated memory. The second time I came here was over the weekend. I was there to see a band and got to check out a couple other acts as well. This time we were in the back bar and I've got to say that I prefer it to the front. We also ordered the Loaded Tater Tots and they were pretty damn good. Real nacho cheese sauce and smothered in bacon, sour cream and chives. The tots were chewy inside and crispy outside. Perfect. As far as drinks - overpriced. Large PBR for $6. Yikes! That's real beer prices and PBR is not real beer. Granted, it's a beer I love sometimes. But they practically give you PBR for free where I come from. And Guinness was a whopping $7. I figured I'd make up for it by claiming my "free shot" through foursquare, but you didn't get to pick your shot. It was Jameson, which I promptly handed over to my boyfriend. Irish bars seem to be notoriously overpriced. I won't object to coming here for concerts or special events. They have a pretty good set up and the bartenders are on it. I just don't think I'll go out of my way to come here. It's OK.
(3)
Lesli S.
This place has become one of my favorite places in Chicago! Good atmosphere, good music and really damn good food! For a run down bar that got a complete face lift...this place rocks! They have James Oliver Rye Whiskey on tap as well as Lazzaroni Amaro...sweetness! Get the Short Rib Shepards Pie...delish! Also try a unique cocktail, Samuel Beckket's Sling. Good price for good quality drinks and grub!
(5)
Taylor M.
I have been here a couple of times and it is just your typical Lincoln Park bar. A very young crowd. It does differ from other Lincoln Park bars because it is not as run down. It is actually fairly clean. This might be because it is never really been that crowded and no one ever seems overly drunk. The service is kind of slow. Nothing I would write home about!
(3)
Sara V.
I can't remember the last time I thought to myself "totally yelping this" or for that matter the last time I wrote a low star review. Hidden Shamrock brought both out in me. I've been a waitress. I am well aware that things get busy and hectic sometimes. I am well aware that Things Happen and other things Slip Through The Cracks. But not on a slow Tuesday night when you have four tables, all right next to each other, all in full view of your spot at the bar next to your friends with whom you appear to be having a lovely time watching the game. I feel bad. Because honestly our waitress was a nice girl. But over an hour wait for tater tots (which were already ridiculously overpriced at $6 given that it didn't come with anything else) is unacceptable. Especially when you had to be reminded that they had been ordered 45 minutes after my friend had ordered them. Again, you weren't busy, so why did you forget? I won't go into anything else, like how often I attempted to get her attention (so many times) or order another beer only to fail, miserably. (And I'm no wallflower at this). But as my friend stated, we may have come here with a Livingsocial deal, but we were fully prepared to patronize it again given its good weekday deals and proximity to her job. Sadly, bad service makes me never want to go back. And reading other reviews, it seems as if bad service is a norm here. And as a sidenote: It's a Tuesday night. The live music was nice but the volume was Too Loud. If I want to scream at my friend I'll pick a fight or take her to a real concert venue. I noticed another table also having difficulties continuing their conversation. This is the kind of thing, Hidden Shamrock, that makes patrons leave before they have bought as many beers from you as they had previously intended. Just turn the volume down a teensy bit so that we may all enjoy the music, but still speak at a normal enough volume. Seriously. My throat is actually sore this morning.
(1)
Megan G.
My boyfriend has played two shows in the back room here recently, and when I first found out where he was playing, I considered boycotting. A bar near DePaul in LP during football playoffs? No thanks. I will say Hidden Shamrock totally exceeded my (granted, very low) expectations. I have little experience with the front section of the bar, but it appeared to be about what I expected - crowded, loud, and filled with people much younger than I am. The back section of the bar is actually really nice, though! It was much quieter and relaxed and the sound system is actually pretty good. We ordered food for everyone (pizzas and onion rings and other assorted fried items) - the food was fine, nothing great, but certainly not inedible. Drink selections are pretty decent, but a little overpriced. My Blue Moon was a pretty standard $5, but Guinness is an insane $7 per pint (this was a Sunday, and now I'm starting to wonder if I didn't get overcharged...I'm not sure I've ever seen Guinness that expensive anywhere...) So yeah, this place is A-Ok. I'll make no special effort to go back, but I would definitely come back for live music in the back room.
(3)
Tristan C.
the best thing about this place is that it's across from a bike shop and it's not far from our house. ordinary beer selection, no atmosphere, and probably THE WORST FOOD I HAVE HAD IN CHICAGO. And that's saying something. Will only make the mistake once. Give it a miss.
(1)
Carolyn L.
Young DePaul crowd, cheap drinks, fun music, live performances in the back. This place is kind of a smorgasbord of weird things that you can do under the age of 25. I went to see someone perform in an a capella group in the back and was promptly greeted by people about 5 years younger than me, some of whom heckled me and the performers (I was just trying to squeeze by!). Not my favorite place and I will not go again unless I have a good reason to.
(2)
stephanie f.
Your typical dive bar. Pool table, dark lights, back alleyways, buckets'o'beer. all in all a good time when you are looking for a dive and just want to hang with good friends.
(3)
Joe M.
It's a hidden gem sitting right out in the open at Halsted just south of Diversey. Decent drink specials ($1 beer Thursdays, decent other day specials), cool atmosphere - went for a book club thing one Sunday and saw a trivia going on in the back on a Thursday, and good food - though if it's not a special, some things can be a little bit pricey (but delicious). They also have some great craft beers on tap so definitely a place to check out.
(4)
Greg L.
I was heading to dinner with friends when we decided we were too early to go straight to the restaurant. So we stopped at the Hidden Shamrock. The NCAA tournament had just started and we arrived about 5 minutes before the crown gathered to watch the Marquette game. It was a fun time, there are drink specials every day. I was impressed with how easy getting drinks at the bar was, but that usually changes with the crowd and time of day.
(3)
Nichole M.
I have only been once, but from what I could tell this is a pretty fun bar. You can either sit in the back with tables and comfy chairs where it's not so crowded, or you can hang out in the front, where there's a little more action. The servers are really nice, but not too quick, so beware on a Saturday night when it's crowded. Prices were reasonable, they had really good beer specials. I will def visit again.
(4)
Kekoa C.
I visited Hidden Shamrock for some rambunctious Apples to Apples fun on a Tuesday. Now, they have different specials each night. On Tuesdays, they have: $2 Select Drafts $4 Premium Drafts 1/2 Price Apps 4pm-8pm $3 Jamo Shots I didn't have a Jamo Shot so I don't know what that's about. I did have 3 pints and an order of chicken fingers with fries. My bill came out to $14! Come on! Coming from Los Angeles, such prices are unheard off. They had a decent amount of brews on tap. I had the Batch 19. The chicken fingers portion with fries was plentiful, and hit the spot after 3 brews. Plus, our server was great so can't vouch for the other reviews. Also, at 9:30 p.m. they also have live music. If you're in the area, check it out!
(4)
Dave H.
fun pub, good beer, not a wallet buster
(4)
Sue K.
Went there with no expectations at all because we were unfamiliar and someone in our group had a coupon for the place. We almost left because it seemed kind of empty and the menu just looked like typical bar food. But it turned out to be trivia night which really appealed to one member of our group, so we decided to give it a try. So glad we did! The food was amazing! My stuffed burger was great and so were the steak & cheese and the Portobello and the chicken breast sandwiches others ordered. Their spicy green beans alone were to die for. While the trivia was really hard and we certainly didn't come out on top, it was fun and kept us there much longer than planned. Drinks were good, and we even ordered dessert, a warm red velvet-type cake that was yummy. We had a surprisingly great night and would definitely go back.
(5)
Jenna S.
Like a lot of people, I still only come here on Tuesday nights. I'm not at all sure what it's like on the weekends, but I presume like any shitty Lincoln Park Bar. Tuesday nights, though, are awesome! They have Trivia Night, which is very excellent. The trivia is $20 for a team of up to four or $25 for five people. No more than five people on a team so no cheating! The questions are just the right amount of difficult - it's not too cheesy but it's not so hard that you don't have a shot at winning. There are seven rounds that are just the right amount of time. Quiz starts at 8:00 and ends around 10. The quiz at the Full Schilling on Clark takes FOREVER because they guy insists on slowly grading every round after its complete and then reading the answers. It's good questions, but not worth your time. Sorry, I got off track. Anyway, this place also has good beer and good prices. On Tuesdays they have $3.50 Blue Moon pints and $2.50 Miller Family Bottles. Those are pretty good prices for an LP bar (not better than Trinity next door, but that's a different story). They have a wide array of beers on tap and a ton of bottled selections (domestic and international). Their food is also pretty good, as well. I wish they had food specials (half price apps or something) because the prices are a bit lofty, but the Loaded Fries (cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives) are delicious. I like the Hidden Shamrock. I'm not sure if I'd be able to stomach it on the weekends but on Tuesday nights the only people in the place are there for the quiz so it's nice and spacious. There's room for everyone (not hard to get a table for your group) and you can sit anywhere (front or back) to play the quiz.
(4)
Beth A.
egh i luv the location and setup of the bar but the bartenders are beyond hit n miss u ask for one drink and get another or umm maybe not at all...tabs get screwed up...ppl disappear from behind the bar lol ill head back again and see if the bartenders still play the 'presto-chango' routine
(3)
Annie N.
I went here twice within a week so you think I'd give it a better review. Well, the first time I went with my roommates, and we all were starving, hence the foods tasted good. We had a groupon and the bill came out to be 94 cents, so I was excited to come back here couple days later. The second time was, however, not so hot. I ordered an Irish Breakfast burger because my one roommate had it couple days back, and it looked amazing. Mine came out WITHOUT the irish bacon (which was the reason why I got the burger in the beginning). I asked the waitress (who was no where to be seen and I had to wait forever for her to come back. She then had to check the menu and then went to the kitchen to check with the "chef." She came back a bit later and said that the bacon is in there under the egg - I looked and it was ONE sad skinny piece of bacon, not IRISH bacon, and only ONE piece? Worse, she acted like I was the one who was mistaken. I didn't want to be a snob and argue but c'mon, Irish bacons are like hams, they're thick, and delicious, and I SAW MY ROOMMATE HAD THEM in the same burger couple days before. You'd think because this place is an "Irish" bar they'd know their "Irish food." not so much. If you're going to order the same thing, check with your server first.
(2)
Michelle L.
Great local bar that has a cozy and neighborhood atmosphere. We went here because we just moved in and there was a groupon for half off.The food was really good and they had a nice selection of beer and daily drink specials!
(4)
Rahul S.
I had a blast here. There was an event going on in the back (Dating for Nerds). I never had a chance to come to these events. But today (on a very very cold day), I decided to try this. It was well worth it (although it seemed cheezy). We were playing board games (typical nerdy thing to do). There were 7 tables. The guys at table would switch tables every round, while the chicks would stay at the same table. I'm glad I went. It was a good way to meet people.......instead of getting trashed at bars. Also, I had nachos. It was great. It had onions, a lot of cheese, sour cream, jalepenos. It was filling. I guess I was starving, so it tasted really good.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Lauren J.
Good atmosphere for a neighborhood bar. We went to watch the Bears game and it wasn't too crowded, we were able to get a table and get service. Food was okay but service was great.
(3)Jaime S.
I'm the first to admit that in my late teens and early twenties (aka 2 years ago), I was a little bit of club trash. Fake baked orange, lots of sequins, and inappropriately short dresses really paired well with my Northwestern education. I hated bars and if there wasn't a $20 cover that my friends and I bypassed by batting some lashes, I wouldn't go in. All that said, the fact that I kind of LOVE Hidden Shamrock is still mind boggling. It is not very big, but it's cozy and has coat hooks all around or booths where you can set down your stuff. Drinks are reasonably priced, and bartenders are friendly and attentive.
(4)Joshua N.
The bartender was cool as hell and was from Philly which simply tickled my heart. There was someone playing live cover music which was actually super entertaining. I went on a Wednesday night. There were a plethora of $2 beers to choose from and a $3 Jamo shots which everyone in Chicago seems so enamored with. There isn't much out of the ordinary at this place. But I saw a sign for a movie night which might bring me back in the future. It was a really chill place though and that will defintiely bring me back.
(3)Val B.
This is a nice, chill little bar near the Diversey stop. I live in the Loop, where hardly anything is chill, and if it is, that means it's totally lame and boring, so it's nice to find a regular ol' hangout-type bar. Beers are cheap, with pitchers running about $10 or a couple dollars per beer. Service isn't bad either - unless there's a bar crawl going on, it's a sit-at-the-bar-and-don't-be-bumped kind of place. The crowd is diverse and generally good-natured, which makes for a good night. Plus, no one uses the juke box, so if you pay for a song it comes up next. Score.
(4)Chuck K.
This bar has a lot going for it. Lots of space and plenty of TVs. The backroom is awesome with pool tables, large leather chairs and a fireplace. A lot of fun after midnight on a Friday or Saturday. Music is great and the crowds are decent. The food here is really good too and reasonably priced. Drink prices aren't any super exciting, but they're not too much either.
(4)Jonathan H.
As a frequent guest at the Hidden Shamrock, I am always amazed at how nice the bar is to just sit in and eat. Mose Irish bars around don't have food, and if they do it isn't great food. But the Hidden Shamrock delivers. A Smithwicks pint and a shepard's pie make me a happy boy!
(4)Sarah E.
The food is absolutely awful; to the point inedible. I had the fish sandwich (cod in an Irish pub you'd think is a safe bet - it's not). It was rubbery. I chose the tater tots vs. the fries - a bad plan. They were so overcooked I didn't eat but one (and I LOVE crispy tater tots). My boyfriend had the cheese, bacon and tomato panini. It was made with nasty cooking oil which tasted old, and well, like cooking oil; it was soggy; the bacon was under cooked. Terrible. The fries were the only good thing on the plate. Even the beer tasted stale. I felt like I needed a shower after eating (and I wasn't even full - not worth continuing to eat it!). This is the first review I have posted on yelp - I use it all the time to check reviews, but have yet posted one. Simply due to how horrible this dining experience was I had to spread the word. Also, the server never checked back and never asked how it was... I think it's because he knew.
(1)Michael H.
I popped in here for the first time in over 10 years the other night... hasn't changed one iota!! Classic Irish Pub with a fireplace and a great staff, always ready to do a shot or two...
(3)Max B.
didnt stay long, went to see a friend... place seems nice... barter charged me for two drinks, then couldnt remember what i ordered...( i was the only person at the time that placed an order) guess he was to busy talking with the ladies...
(2)Tina F.
This bar has a great atmosphere most of the time. Occasionally it's too crowded for my liking, but 99% of the time it's great! They have some deals on poggled, so my friends and I like to get those, but they have awesome brunchs on the weekends, and during the week, the regular menu is pretty stellar too.
(4)Andy M.
This bar was pretty shitty. I went there for a football game and the bartender was paying more attention to the game than patrons. This place is just an average small irish bar although the back part is pretty cool looking. If it did not have this prime location with yuppie Depaul jerks I am sure that it would not be so widely known.
(2)Andrew P.
This place is great for a mid-afternoon pint. The place was empty as it was 2pm when we wandered into this fun little establishment. I enjoyed the decor - being a traditional American-Irish pub. Around 430pm, though, this little place started to fill up with peeps looking for shelter from the heat outside. To my horror, a small hippy man and woman came walking out of some back room and proceeded to sit down on a couple of stools and yammer away with their crappy acoustic music. I am all for live music, i love it, love it, love it... But damn, I could have done without these two howling away. It was a Sunday afternoon, and i don't know if it is a regular thing - but i won't be back in around 430pm on a Sunday again.
(3)Iman W.
Decent enough bar. The prices were fine, and there's pool and darts in the back. There's also sports on the TV if you don't mind not being able to hear it.
(3)Matt P.
I feel like I've went through 3 ownership changes with regards to the Shamrock ... finally, their shepherds pie is not back up to snuff, but literally, some of the best I've ever had. It's not too loud, or busy, so you can chat amongst your friends, or sit and watch whatever game in relative peace ... the only thing that I didn't like was that the beer prices are wrong on the menu to what they actually charge you.
(4)Brett G.
This place has provided me with many a beverage, and as a result, many a hangover. Hidden Shamrock is large enough, with two rooms, plenty of seating, pool tables, and TVs so you can get your game-watching on if that's your thing. I've never experienced the trivia thing, cause I would probably get annoyed. Whenever I've been here the atmosphere isn't too Lincoln Park/chad/trixie (read - bad) despite its location. Good beer specials, nice jukebox, and not too-crowded. Merits a trip back when in the area, but not necessarily a special trip there.
(3)Amie C.
Stopped in for a drink with friends. I preferred hanging out in the back where it felt like there was more room. Pool table in the back and the $3.50 Blue Moon special was great. Service was a bit slow in the front but it was pretty packed after all. They serve food pretty late and I appreciated that the server came around to make the announcement just before the kitchen closed.
(3)Gfiddy F.
Great party venue.
(5)Joe M.
I've only been here on Tuesday nights when they have trivia so my review is probably irrelevant to someone looking for a weekend haunt. That said, for you trivia lovers, this is a fine establishment to flex your pop culture muscles. What really sets the Hidden Shamrock apart from the other trivia joints I've been is that the host writes his own questions, keeping things more topical and interesting. Most other pub trivias I've attended use the same cookie cutter trivia questions they order each week (and the fact they order them from a company is confirmed as I've heard many repeat questions from place to place and have had other trivia teams say this as well). The food specials aren't bad, the drink specials aren't either. There's a nice fireplace lounge area in the back and the place generally makes for an enjoyable night of trivia. This is a good place to go if...you like answering questions and drinking beer.
(4)Santiago A.
This place is ok. The food was decent. $2 PBRs are also good, plus they have 312 (which is always a plus in my book). It has a nice back area with lots of large booths with pooltables and dart boards. If you come here en masse, then you're sure to have a good time. I've never been here for trivia night, but when I go and if it's good then this place is sure to earn an extra star.
(3)Sonia B.
I came here for a friend's birthday, and had a really great time. The staff is super friendly and the drinks are strong. There was a pretty good mix of people that night, so it was nice that there was a bunch of different music playing. Very fun place to go to with some friends for some drinks or even a bite. I would definitely love to go back sometime!
(4)Vivi W.
Great neighbourhood bar. Very nicely priced beer, drinks and shots. Bar tenders are always nice. They make great drinks. Always like to come back to this place.
(5)J R.
This is a good, go-to type of bar. I like the atmosphere a lot because it usually isn't very packed on a weekend night. I can't stand loud and packed bars most of the time. The prices are really good. The other night I had a tab for $16.50 and this was for 5 drinks. I would have paid about $50 downtown. I also like that they have board games because those can be entertaining when drinking. I will definitely return for weekend fun.
(4)Mike M.
great atmosphere, surprisingly delicious food - I don't recommend many veggie burgers but I am recommending the Hidden Shamrock veggie burger! Open mic on Wednesdays, cute bar staff, solid Irish fare, I'm in.
(5)Kelli B.
Kathleen and her sister (Maureen - Margaret? Ugh, I'm so bad with names!) are both sweethearts. Once again the bar was great to our rowdy running club and we all had a blast. I saw quite a few Irish breakfasts being ordered by my friends (and it was 4pm!) and they looked delicious. I opted for the Shepherd's Pie which was top notch. The waitresses were very friendly and attentive as always. Thanks again Hidden Shamrock (or "The Rock" as we like to call it) you're still on my "top 5 favorite Irish bars" list! :)
(5)Jen B.
Hidden Shamrock hosted a Fireplace Series event for CitySwarm (if you haven't heard of it, do yourself a favor: cityswarmchicago.com ) on Leap Day - a Wednesday night. We took over the back room which has it's own bar and a fireplace to huddle around. The atmosphere is really cozy and low-key, and the bartender and server were nice enough. We tried the featured drinks, Spicebox whiskey concoctions, and they were actually great. The spiciness added a nice element to my usual whiskey ginger. Also tried the spinach artichoke dip. Really tasty and rich. It comes with chips which is a little weird (hello, pita?!). The other appetizers looked pretty great, too, and ran about $8-10 a pop. Not sure if the drinks are always this cheap ($4 cocktails, $3 beers) but I'm guessing you won't be dropping the usual $10-12 per drink that you would in River North/Gold Coast/Streeterville. All in all, I would come back to Shamrock for a chill middle of the week drink. On the weekends, this place gets pretty jammed with super drunk college kids so consider yourself warned.
(4)Susan F.
Not too shabby! Nice size, considering it neighbors many other bars and small joints. Big tvs on most corners and nice booths near the back. Bartenders are really nice, too!
(4)Carolyn G.
We met friends here for Fish and Chips on Friday night. The special is $5 for fish and chips on Friday, but they are regularly priced at $10. At $5, it's a good deal. At $10, it's a rip off - so not worth it. We ultimately paid $10 because we were using a Groupon and they don't let you apply the Groupon to specials. Okay, I can appreciate that, but I'm not likely returning, so it was a better deal in the end to pay full price and apply the Groupon.
(3)Katie G.
Skip this place over and head to Trinity or Harrigan's. My biggest complaint about this bar are the booths. They are highly uncomfortable, too far from the table, and cut the circulation in your legs. Also, the food was cold the last time I ordered food.
(2)Mary and Matthew Q.
Wednesday night's open mic is a true gem in Chicago. It's currently hosted by Your Little Ponies, who can guarantee a laugh every time. There are a lot of regulars, but don't be scared; they're not the non-welcoming regulars. Drink specials are decent, and the bartenders are always friendly. Highly recommended on Wednesday nights, but it can become a frat part on the weekends.
(5)Katelyn C.
I always have fun when I go here! I pass it every night coming home from work and it is full, as well as the street with those who went outside to smoke or converse. They have amazing food and drink specials every night. The bar is large but there are also great tables to dine at. Sadly enough I haven't been here for any live music so I can't quite comment on that, but other friends have said it is great! The waitress was nice and paid the perfect amount of attention to us. Before I forget, they had green beer around st. patricks day which was really fun! I had a burger that was large and filling. My friend had a philly cheesesteak and said it was almost as good as the one we tried in philly! I love this place and will definitely go back!
(5)Justin B.
Stupid Pink Elephant ... Things that happen when a bar serves the Pink Elephant: (1) A grown man stared absentmindedly into a glass admiring the fact that he could see outlines of elephants in his beer; (2) An adult woman spikes your drink with green food coloring, somehow dying your fingers in the process; (3) A grown man marvels at the fact that the bartender advised him that his beer cost $8 a glass; (4) A grown man walked out on his bar tab only to send out a text the next day to see who covered him; (5) A grown man started passing gas, announcing it, and then walking away quickly. And yet despite all this debauchery, I managed not to have a hang over the next day. Remarkable ...
(4)David G.
Hands down this is my favorite bar to hang out. Their good selection and friendly staff always make me come here again and again. Do try the Batch 19, great stuff!
(5)Desire' M.
I was jonesing for a Reuben fix and satisfied it at the Hidden Shamrock. Had to dole out $10 for it but that seems to be the going rate in Wrigleyville. The seasoned fries that came with it were plentiful. Sat at the table by the fireplace which was nice on that chilly evening. Service was alright.
(3)Brad S.
Large bar with pooltables and dart boards. I came here to cap off the night so I did not do much of anything but drink and watch the live entertainment. Although the guy playing music was not a 5 star act, he had synth music while playing piano and singing over top of it to popular pop and 80's songs. I must stress this was very entertaining. We also watched a 30 something bald man come in and hit on a 24 year old girl. She was embarassed about making out with him yet she continued all night and ended up leaving with her. Everytime she would dance with him we would crack up. Imagine Seth Rogen in Knocked up minus the dice move... that is about all this guy had. His best move was shake his butt back and forth. Drinks were cheap and there was plenty of seating for anyone who wanted it. I would come back to this place in hopes of seeing such awkward hook-ups and the guy playing music again.
(4)Suzy B.
Hidden Shamrock is a great bar!!! Its perfect for parties, with a huge, comfty back room- complete with couches, board games, and sporting events on tv. The staff is friendly, fun and makes sure you always hae a drink in hand. The food is great- I am a huge fan of their wings! There si always a great drink special- and the juke box always provides hours of entertainment! For a change of pace and great time, Id definitely suggest you check this place out!!!
(5)Wendy S.
It depends on what you're looking for... if it's a friendly atmosphere, after 10, want to hang out w/ Chicago people in their mid-twenties... this is the place. Good bar food if you've been drinking, absolutely great bartender Em, and a stellar place for beer pong on Sundays. If you're looking for something uppity and trendy with a huge menu of food - this probably isn't your place. However, I've always had fun everytime I've visited. :)
(4)Amy H.
This is a great bar to watch a game at. There are high-def flat screens everywhere! Other than that, it's just a bar. They have beer. They have food.
(4)Jacob J.
Is it really this cheap for booze or was the bartender sweet on me ? Maybe she knew it was my birthday... I really don't know. All I know is that I ordered a bunch of shots, more than a few beers and the total was very affordable. How much you say? Well.. I don't want to share that. You can find out on your own. Plus if this is how cheap it is all the time, I don't want to know. I'll stay in my la la land and love the price I got. We had a great time there on a Friday night. I say we because we were all smiles upon exit. Met many people while there, shared smiles quite often, good times. Bar in the front and additional in the rear mainly to service parties and those playing games like pool or darts. Spot lighting which kept some areas dim, perfect for those wanting intimacy amongst the loud music. It's brilliant when a bar can be awesome and offer some decent nightly specials that cover the weekend as well.
(4)Sara E.
Went last night... typical Chicago Irish bar. Would liked to have heard the band that was warming up, but it was a school night and I apparently had to get back home to brush my teeth and be read my bedtime story. I'm not a late-night person. By late-night, I mean 10pm. Yeah.
(3)Melissa T.
Dear Hidden Shamrock: If your actual closing time is 1:45am on Fridays, change your sign to reflect that at the door. Do not turn on the lights at 1:30 two minutes after selling me my last drink and start screaming for everyone to get out. Do not yell at my friends and me, including my pregnant friend, to leave. And especially don't forcibly guide my friend out the door with your angry little bouncer hand when she is practically already through the threshold. I felt like I was at a bad frat party. Lame.
(1)Samantha H.
If you make pizza in the kitchen, why isn't it on your menu? This only bugs me because the pizza seems to be the best thing on their menu. I visit the Hidden Shamrock frequently to watch college football. It is currently home to Miami Hurricanes fans. It's all about the U. The servers are very friendly and you are never kept waiting too long for food or drink. The only problem is the previously mentioned pizza. Why not highlight it? Their other food is mediocre (Corn in a quesadilla? Confusing.) Drinks are fairly priced and atmosphere is your typical Irish pub. Nothing to write home about, but, as I say, it's A-Ok.
(3)Ben K.
I have never been here for trivia on tuesdays. What I will say is that on weekends, this bar is just another in the long line of Lincoln Park bars. There really isn't much else to say about this place except that I was really excited to discover there is a pool table in the back room. Then I broke up the first rack and 80% of the balls situated themselves on the left side of the table. This sad pool table is about as sturdy as my old neighbor's three legged dog.
(3)Jennie H.
Great neighborhood pub. I have lived near the Hidden Shamrock for a year but only recently checked it out. We were bored, looking for something to do besides watch bad reality TV, so we decided to check out the Tuesday night pub trivia. Last year, we had gone to the Local Option's seasonal Pub Trivia night pretty regularly with friends who have been doing it for years. The trivia at HS is much different. First of all, though the MC uses a mic, he isn't screaming or being obnoxiously loud. Second, he writes the questions himself, as opposed to using a franchise-type quiz like most places do. Pretty impressive! Third, and most importantly, there was only ONE sports question the entire night, which just thrilled me because I might as well be at another bar when those are asked. It's a bit quieter, less raucous than the one at Local Option, but still fun. A nice, low-key, Tuesday night kind of fun. Also, the waitstaff were so friendly--it was really refreshing. Oddly, the Mediterranean salad was beautiful. It was the best salad I have ever had at a pub. Just to avoid being too healthy, I paired it with chicken fingers which were pretty standard. Also, the jukebox is REALLY REALLY GOOD! I'm a big jukebox ho so this is important to me! I will definitely be back for more trivia, though it sounds like a place I would avoid on a weekend night.
(4)Nicole B.
This was a good bar, I had a good time, but didn't find anything special about it. I went here for the Steelers playoff game after finding my usual place, Durkins, jam packed. I know this isn't a "sports bar" but they had lots of TVs in the back room, but only one with the HD Satellite, and that was the nice TV with "the mirrors." So of course I'm spoiled and wanted to watch that one, unfortunately, all the other TVs were the "TV of the future." The delay really stinks when you hear every body yell, then you see that Jacksonville has intercepted for the 3rd time. Also, my first beer, a Fat Tire, was nasty. I think I had the first pull or the lines were bad. The bartender did give me my second on the house thankfully. But I'm not rushing to go back.
(3)kate t.
I've only been for Saturday football (I'm a Miami fan and they're a Miami bar) but I definitely enjoyed it. The bartender was very friendly and hung out with me while I waited on the rest of my party. He was very attentive the whole time, very cool guy. We then moved to the back room to watch with the rest of the Miami fans and ordered some food. I had the grilled cheese which hit the spot - nothing fantastic but what I needed after drinking for a few hours. Prices were good. Would definitely recommend stopping by. My only complaint is they should have some more TVs, in the back room especially. But overall, I give this place the thumbs up.
(4)Vanessa P.
On Sat night, my high school reunion was here. We were able to reserve the room in the back and have a package of $23 per person for 3 hours that included all beer, wine and well drinks. The bartender was nice and did a pretty good job of keeping up with the 50 or so people who were there. And of course, we did an awesome job of making sure we used that $23 bar package... a little too good of a job. I wouldn't avidly seek out this place next time, but it would be a good place to use that bar package again.
(3)Jennifer B.
Rumor is that "Hidden Shamrock" describes a strategically placed tattoo that one of the owners has... I, myself, can not confirm such things... but if anyone out there can, please do tell. This is actually a fairly cool place, and if you must go out in the Halstead /Diversey area... this is one of the most bearable of the frat-tastic bars. The fireplaces are a nice touch, and the Guiness is pretty good too.
(3)Kara M.
I've been here a few times. The UVA Chicago Alumni Club meets here to watch the wahoos play and i've also just been to grab a drink at the bar. it's pretty much like the bars on halsted, but i give it a push since it has a Virginia flag outside
(4)Rob L.
This is not the greatest bar in the world... no sadly it is not. The crowd can get very meat markety on Fridays and Saturdays nights. It can get loud, drunken people packed in this dark bar. It is very much a call to the college days if you will, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. That being said... it has its off times where you can have a fine pint with a friend or three, watch a game, play some pool and have a good night, perhaps if it is cold... you can curl up by the fireplace as well. Its not a blow me away bar.... but it'll do for a drink or two... it'll do....
(3)Taylor O.
Been there twice. Once early on in the night and it wasn't happening at all. The other time the last 2 hours was crazy with attractive young yuppie girls raining down like cats and dogs. So soak it up or bring an umbrella. Cool area nearby all around so make a stop near the end of the night here if you're going strong and want late night craziness.
(3)Erin D.
This place is only "hidden" before 7pm! I enjoy the staff and locals after work but retreat before I'm hit on by a group of freshman from DePaul. But hey, maybe that's your thing. Now, other than youngsters they have great beer specials and the food is outstanding. I highly recommend for some after work blowing off of steam at a great price with a bit of nosh before you head home to start another day of working for the "man".
(3)Martha D.
Ahhhh my first one star - and no place is more deserving. The Hidden Shamrock is a terrible bar. It's dark, depressing and full of obnoxious sloppy drunk people dancing/hooking up. Being there for 20 minutes was painful.
(1)Jason P.
Great place to hit up for St. Pat's day but I wouldn't become a regular here. Kind of like trinity, but more expensive and a little tigher. They get a good crowd but i think it's purley due to the location. Ryan K hit it right on the money...i just needed to attest to it.
(3)Justin W.
Decent place reminds me of every other generic Irish Pub in Chicago but at least there is a good size back room, plenty of tv's and the bathroom never has a line(always a plus). Now the bad, its laid out badly very narrow, its a pain to get a drink, that being said the staff is nice. The crowd is a mixed bag age wise but all under 35-ish some sloppy drunks but not out of hand. Not a bad place but not a hang out all night kind of place. The music was a mix of 80's monster ballads (yet no Bon Jovi) I like it others may not.
(3)Steve S.
Let me preface by saying that although I've been to this bar a few times, I've never been at night. I don't know if that will influence your critique of my critique, but just know that going in. Okay, I just moved into the 'hood recently. On moving day, I had three friends help. We finished right around lunch time. And as you know, federal law states that you owe beer and food to any friend that helps you move. I knew the area peripherally, but didn't really know the best place to go. We decided to just strike out and see what tickled our respective fancy. That's when we happened upon the Hidden Shamrock. First off, I don't know why it's "hidden." It was right there on Halsted where you can see it! But I won't let a little something like extreme literalism tarnish my positive view. Anyway... everyone in the group is pasty and pale, so genetically inclined to like Irish Pubs. We went in, and the place was cool, quiet and uncrowded - perfect for our needs. The bartender (she was the only one working that I saw) came over and took our drink order swiftly. She brought the drinks to the table quickly, at which point she took our food order. The food came to the table surprisingly quickly, and everyone really enjoyed what they had. We had another drink after we ate, I paid the tab, and we went on our merry way. A very pleasant time was had by all. A couple weeks later I went back in with one of the friends that had helped me move. It was about the same time of day - early afternoon. The bar was again, uncrowded, cool and quiet. Some people prefer a huge crowd where they can bump and push and shove their way to the bar, but I'm not one of them. Finding a place to sit and where I can carry on a conversation is a major plus. We had the same bartender, and she actually remembered us- including what we'd had to drink last time. I don't know if I was flattered (because we were so memorable) or offended (because I looked like ass after moving and apparently didn't look any better this second visit). No, I'm just kidding - I was very impressed by that. We got some more food and drinks, and everything was great. So the second visit went very much like the first, showing consistent good service. Actually, as I was sitting here typing this, I realized I lied to you. I have been there at night. It was before I moved into the 'hood, a friend was visiting from out of town, and we stumbled onto the place in much the same fashion. Apparently when you're wandering in Lincoln Park and don't know where to go, all roads lead to The Hidden Shamrock. It was a week night (a Tuesday, I think), so probably not their busiest night. Although the place was slightly more crowded than it was during my day visits, I recall still liking it and commenting that I'd go back. Apparently I made good on it!
(4)Joe M.
This place has better food than I expected. The drink specials are decent. The place could use a little more going on on some nights. The open mic they have here is great if they still have it.
(4)Michael M.
LOL!!! I really don't know why I love this place so much, I just do. Every time I go here I end up very drunk, but in a great mood. Yes it gets crowded but great music and good people make this what it is, the best Pub in Lincoln Park!
(5)Zack R.
I have a bias due to the incredibly close proximity to my apartment, but Ive eaten here a bunch of times and the food is really good (honestly Ive only had the burger but I'm hooked). It can get loud and crowded (like almost every bar out here) I have had my most enjoyable times coming here before 6-7pm when it's quieter and has a really nice local bar feel. I get a kick out of the books on the bookshelf in the back (the darkest corner of the place)
(4)Charlie G.
This place has a lot of things going for it: lots of room (even on the weekends), a fireplace, a nice selection of beer, cheesy DJs in the front and a quieter room in the back. It is one of the best options is the area.
(4)P W.
I was not into most bars in Lincoln Park. This one was decent. I tried to be a jukebox hero and played some Dio, Black Sabbath, Kristofferson and some other real good barroom music. I sat back down to enjoy my drinks. My selections ran out. Goddamn Kenny Rogers "The Gambler" blasts through the speakers. I put some more money in the digital box and put Bone Thugs N Harmony featuring 2Pac "Thug Love" on the queue. I have never heard so much belly aching and whining in my life when the song came on and cut off "The Gambler" in the middle of his verse. I had some words with a few of the Kenny Rogers fans. A girl asked, "What, are you from the south side or something?" Inappropriate question, dumb for asking. She later came back and said her apology. She claimed that she loves Bone and knows all the lyrics. I really doubt this as Bone is known for saying a lot of crazy lyrics without the majority of them being audible.
(2)Sara C.
AVOID THIS PLACE!!! I used to like Hidden Shamrock because they make an excellent Irish Breakfast that can be ordered all day. However, following their recent customer service over their Groupon promotion ($20 for $40 worth of food and drinks) I would NEVER go back there again. We went there from brunch one day and when we went to pay, they refused to accept it, saying that it had already been used (it definitely HAD NOT). The waiter suggested calling a manager (who wasn't there) later about the situation. It took almost a week and half to get the manager on the phone and he refused to do anything to rectify the situation and was basically a huge ass about it. I don't know if it was an honest mistake (an employee checking off the wrong line previously) or of a more nefarious nature (reporting Groupons used that have not been either to give the discount to a different party or just so they get more money). Either way the situation was so poorly handled that I will never give them my business again. If we had used it already, would we really have gone to such great lengths and caused such a big stink about it?! I don't think so. You guys lost several repeat customers because of this. One thing Chicago isn't short of is Irish pubs.
(1)Audra S.
Nothing is particularly special about this bar; it's generally just an Irish pub, like many of the bars in this vicinity. One stand out feature is their wait staff. I'm not sure if I have always had the same lady wait on me when I'm there or not. If not, they have authentic Irish lasses serving up your drinks, even if they are a bit on the weak side.
(3)Geoff M.
I can't speak to the weekend crowds as I avoid places that remind me of my frat-tastic past. I do know that they are nice enough to host a bad ass trivia contest every Tuesday evening and have a plethora of flat screen TVs to entertain me with feats of sport between questions.
(3)David K.
St. Pat's 2008 was the best St. Pat's of my life. Great bar, great people and kick-ass Guinness
(5)Angela B.
On St. Patrick's Day, Hidden Shamrock is a blast. Every other day it is packed with a really young crowd and music BLASTING, despite the fact that it is supposedly an Irish pub and there is no dance floor in sight. Like a bad imitation of Durkins.
(3)Shannon S.
Went here with some friends the other weekend. It was a cool atmosphere but at times seemed a little crowded. The bartender bought us a round of shots which is always a nice little touch. Not the best Irish pub I have ever been to, but a good place to go if you want to be surrounded by a good group of people.
(3)Rachelle T.
Pretty much your typical dark, smokey, Irish pub. Interior is kind of dingy and on one especially lovely night we walked in to puke all over the front door (and you could tell it had been there for a while). Their 'open mic' night can be mildly entertaining and they've got a pool table, I guess that's a plus! There are a lot of better bars in the area to spend your time and money at.
(2)Kathleen C.
Not a fan of Irish bars, but did have an entertaining evening once listening to the "live band" - a single guy playing New Order on a synthesizer. You had to wonder if he wasn't some drunk guy who just wandered in off the street.
(3)Shannon W.
Not my favorite Irish pub but not the worst. Decent sized bar and oddly easy to get drinks on a Saturday night.
(3)Ren H.
Awesome bar! If you go here ask for the bartender Mike, he's the coolest!
(3)Cassie B.
this is a pretty good Irish bar. probably its location is the best thing going for it. not much else to say.
(3)Nicola C.
This place for the most part is pretty good. It can be annoying if you get there too late and you don't have a seat, especially if there is a band playing. They do have pool tables in the back which can be fun. Its a good time with a bunch of friends.
(3)Megan B.
boo. too crowded. too many men groping me. too many women groping my date and my friends. This is just not my scene I guess. That's what I get for hanging out with buisness-man types.
(2)Julia B.
Pretty cool Irish Pub. The atmosphere was nice and the drinks were priced affordably!
(3)Hungry H.
Good business acumen from the manager Sean.
(3)Joe B.
Realistically, this bar is at the top of my list for any given night out in Chicago. Whether you're looking for some good old fashioned wholesome family fun, or a few quick shots and some friendly conversation, The Hidden Shamrock is the place to be. Graham, the bar manager and beer-selector extraordinaire, has my vote for best bar manager in Chicago, arguably in the world. Graham always keeps the freshest selection of beers on tap, seasonal and the classics. I never walk out of The Hidden Shamrock without trying some of the best beers available. The staff is friendly and always knows exactly what I need at the end of a long day of work. I work in construction, and the thing I love the most about the Shamrock is that it caters to all types of crowds. No matter who you are, you will always feel at home at the Shamrock. There is no better place to drink an ice cold beer and watch a great game on one of the many flat screen TVs that boast the headiest resolution in town. So clear it's like BEING AT THE GAME. I love that bar, and I love those people. Go there. Or 10 years of bad luck. GO STATE (it's a MSU bar). Liam's cool too.
(5)Jeff M.
$3 Domestic Drafts, great wings, and the BEST NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS BAR IN CHICAGO. Other Patriots bars in Chicago are small and cramped this spacious with plenty of TV's and great sound quality. Def come here if you want to watch a Pats game.
(5)Samantha V.
We came the Sunday before Memorial Day for trivia night, the place was jam packed with drunk bros and totally understaffed. Not sure if they didn't plan for the holiday rush or if something went wrong. Unfortunately, some random idiot went around telling people that trivia was canceled (which it wasn't) and so all the trivia goers left and then it really DID get canceled! Arg! The food looked ok, but it was standard, overpriced-because-we're-in-Lakeview fare. We canceled our order because it was just too congested and too expensive to stay without the incentive of trivia. To be honest, I would have probably given this place 2 or 3 stars based on my experience and the price, but the bartender who finally came to serve us after 20 minutes of waiting around was REALLY nice and apologetic and even gave us a round on the house for our inconvenience. This is good customer service right here. Unfortunately, so many of the selections recommended on Yelp heretofore were no longer available and I couldn't quite make up my mind. I think we had some sort of loaded fries that were decent. But I didn't pay for them, and as we all know...free food always tastes better. I would consider returning for a trivia night when it's NOT a bro's-night-out holiday, but I am not quite sold on the food selection and I don't drink alcohol so I have no opinion on the drinks other than I got the BIGGEST Shirley Temple I've ever seen, so that was satisfying.
(4)Mathieu B.
Came here after work one day and was deeply impressed with the service from the bartender Courtney. She was generous with the drinks and tolerated my very unfriendly drinking buddy at the time. Will definitely love to come back here again. One of the best neighborhood bars in the area. Friendly people and the food is REALLY GOOD. The wings are phenomenal and the drinks deliciously potent. Thank you for excellent service and even better ambience
(3)Allison B.
Came to the Hidden Shamrock for brunch with my girls today and this will without a doubt be our new spot. Between the three of us we got the Crab Cake Benedict, Steel Cut Oats with Roasted Pork Shoulder and Sweet Griddled Bread Pudding and I honestly could not pick a favorite. I was so pleasantly surprised with all the food, awesome cocktails and extensive beer and whiskey selections that I can't wait to come back for more. This is definitely a must try spot for anyone even if you're not in the Lincoln Park area.
(5)S M.
Fantastic remodel, much need for this particular part of Halsted. Good menu with a nice gourmet twist to bar food. Excellent customer service, bartenders that actually say hi and can have a conversation...priceless! John and Kara thanks for a wonderful time. ..we'll be back
(5)Tony A.
I was here on business travel and had some time to kill on a Wednesday night and had a great corned beef sandwich and great beer selection which was very affordable. Cara was a very friendly bartender who made it a point to know everyone's name who sat down. Very welcoming place!
(5)Tom T.
This is a fun neighborhood bar. Not pretentious like other parts of the city. There are tons of TVs with the game on and the bartenders are friendly. I also love the Trivia on Thursday nights. Robert is a great host. It usually runs from 8 to 10 PM and he ensures it's a fun atmosphere.
(5)Francesca R.
I can't count on my fingers and toes how many times I've visited The Hidden Shamrock. Whether it be the typical late night weekend, birthday parties (including my own), football Sunday Funday's, Trivia on Thursday's, or just a chill night playing pool and shuffle board with friends - it's safe to say it's my ideal spot to be! I've watched the menu go from good to great in a matter of months with various food specials throughout the week. Also, being the craft beer snob that I am, I love the fact that there's ALWAYS without fail new bottles and drafts that I'm able to try. Not to mention how incredibly awesome, friendly and attentive the staff is. Go in there a few times and you'll be remembered - if you're ever craving that cheers-family vibe. Finally, I love the fact that I've been able to bring all of my out of town friends, co-workers and family here and the environment adapts to whatever kind of night that I want it to be. It's a plus that everyone I bring there loves the environment just as much as I do. I'm excited to stick around and see how my favorite spot continues to prosper.
(5)Mihir P.
If you're a Boston sports fan, you'll find many of your crew here. The service is friendly and food is decent bar food. The one thing I don't understand is that they spent a ton of money to renovate and they didn't put in any decent TV's in the back room. So try to get a seat in the front room.
(2)Padma A.
Stopped in for drinks with friends and really liked the place. Trendy and casual, the servers very friendly. I ordered the Tullamore Hot Toddy and liked it, my friends ordered assorted beers. Will go back if in the neighborhood.
(5)Amy F.
I went here a few months ago in the dead of winter and their Shepherd's pie was perfect! I also like that the menu has quite a bit of Irish cuisine and drink offerings... I will have to try their brunch food someday.
(4)David F.
Friendly bartenders and great food. Doesn't have the bro feel like so many other Lincoln Park bars. Also a great place to catch a game, play darts, pool or shuffleboard.
(5)James T.
Was here last night for Hawks championship. Place was packed, food was good and beer selection was also very good. Nothing really bad to report other than they were simply understaffed for such an event. The bartenders were humping but couldn't really keep up. It took more than 20 just to be able to close out our tab.
(3)Connor F.
The new renovation is awesome and the food makes it that much better. I strongly recommend the Shepherds Pie.
(5)Jessica L.
Just left Hidden Shamrock for $ .25 wing night. Great atmosphere (exposed brick, cherry oak counter tops, mirrors, plasmas), two seperate bar areas w/ pool table in back, games on, no obnoxious music, extra fatty wings in different flavors (all sauces, including ranch dipping, are home-made there!) Spicy garlic was my fave. Our server Liam made the overall experience even better! Very nice guy, customer service oriented. Definitely recommend.
(5)Brianna K.
Great remodel! I used to go to this bar before the remodeling and never had that great of a time. They have really done a good job updating the place and it feels much cleaner and high-end! The food has also been updated. We took a risk and split the sweet potato sandwich, which was awesome! We met the general manager who seemed generally interested in us having a good time. Sad to see people had bad experience on nye. Not 5 stars simply because it was not the best bar I have been to in chi but definitely a great bar for a chill night to watch a game and get some great food. The fries were amazing!
(4)Stephanie H.
I went here a couple weekends ago on a Saturday night. It was comedy night in the back, and most of the acts were pretty funny! The drink specials were great, and the mac and cheese was delicious. Friendly staff too!
(4)Melanie M.
We went to this place before seeing the Blue Man Group just down the street. Very cute little restaurant. It was like a cozy Irish pub. They have plenty of TVs with sports going, and they have a big bar which looked to be stocked pretty well. The service was great, our particular server was very attentive and friendly. There was an issue with the kitchen being out of some ingredients, but they handled it very well. They were upfront about it and gave us a discount off the bill, which we really appreciated. Good customer service! The food we ordered was phenomenal! We got the fish and chips and the R.B.L.T.. The breading on the Fish and Chips was outstanding. It was light and crunchy, the way it should it be. The BLT is made with brie cheese, which was a delicious combination. They also make their own fries, which were pretty good! Overall, we had a great time at this place. The building itself was cute, the food was very tasty, and the service was excellent. We will go back the next time we are in the area.
(5)Natalia K.
Came here to use a groupon, which I would normally get for an Irish pub to use on Guinness, but there was a food requirement. Well ok, we can be hungry. The Guinness, by the way, was well-poured in a Guinness glass with just the right amount of head and tasted fresh. Yum. Ordered the spicy lemon green beans which were amazing. I love a crispy green bean and the lemon and pepper really elevated them to something craveable. I wish they had come out before the entrees because I wanted to chow on them only and not be distracted by my sandwich, but they were a good closer as well. For our sandwiches we ordered the steak because they were featured on the food network. Seriously worthy. With some gruyere and arugula, they aren't your standard pub fare and were quite tasty. The fries were also cut in potato-length strips, which was a surprise, and with the right amount of seasoning, they were quite good. The atmosphere was a bit lacking, however, with it being super dark on a summery afternoon and it was hot, really hot. The back was air-conditioned, but empty. And the front was mostly empty and the fans weren't on at full blast. It was 95 degrees and we were looking to cool off. If not for the tasty food and beer, we would have had an unpleasant experience there and so that's why I had to take away a star. But in the winter, perhaps, when warm and dark is what I'm looking for, Hidden Shamrock, you shall stay hidden to me no more.
(4)Austin M.
This place has apparently been renovated not a year ago, and as someone who has visited Irish bars in Ireland, this place feels like the real deal. My girlfriend and I dropped in on a Friday night - the servers were extremely friendly and attentive (as was the manager), the food was excellent (cheese and beer soup was to die for, as was the Shepherd's pie), and the beer list was extremely extensive. Absolutely loved the atmosphere and will be coming again when we are in town again. Would highly recommend it to those looking for a quant, warm atmosphere with some good beer and food.
(5)Jose D.
Sometimes you are happy you wander... These guys just redid their place and it feels really comfy, Kara is a sweetheart, lots of beer to chose from, excellent bar food, just right! Going to revisit this place for sure.
(5)Mad I.
A bit biased...had my first "city" birthday party here when I was like 23 so I have fond memories :) We visited recently on a Saturday around 3, place was empty....no really amazing specials either...
(3)Mark A.
The remodeled Hidden Shamrock is very well done and the food is excellent. The short rib sheppard's pie was one tasty meal. If you have room for dessert try the Bailey's Creme Brûlée. They have an excellent drink menu as well. Plenty of TVs to catch football game. Save me a seat for the Bears game !
(4)Danielle S.
We came here on Labor Day weekend on Sunday night. You would think that it would be a little busier considering most people didn't have to work the next day. Not here. This place was DEAD. We ordered a few drinks, which were comparable in price to other places around. The bartender was nice (also the only one working), but when we asked if we could still order food he said the kitchen staff may get angsty if we ordered food now since the kitchen closes in 25 minutes. Would you be angsty if I gave you my money as well? Me thinks not. We ended up getting their fries that come with a soup-like dip and their pretzel sticks (like pretzel bread sticks) that come with honey mustard and a nacho cheese dip. The food was good (cheese dip could have been warmer), and it would have been nice if they had a different mustard. The whole place was really dark and just...dreary. Not a place to come if you want to have tons of fun. I doubt we will be going back here.
(3)John B.
Great remodel of a classic - super staff , food was really good , the cheddar soup is worth the trip . Definitely heading back soon !
(5)Walter P.
The beer selection is good, food is very good and the service was great. I had the fish and chips sandwich and my partner had the RLT sandwich - both excellent. We were there to watch the Baylor football game and there was a big crowd. Fun place. Definitely a place to go back to -
(5)Andre W.
Not a bad spot...not a whole lot to it either Its a bar basically and they serve drinks...I had beer The chick behind teh bar was nice and she wanted make sure me and my lady had enough to drink They have a nice window that usually stays open during teh summer months to catch a nice breeze
(3)Harty K.
From the outside this place looks like a typical Chicago dive, but that is not the case whatsoever. Beautiful interior, expansive beer and liquor selection, surprisingly innovative menu, excellent service. Definitely recommend the potato dumpling appetizer--and I never order any potato dishes.
(5)Ted C.
The place is right around the corner from my friend's house but we had never been there until a while ago. Wednesday was half price wing night but none of us ordered them. My buds ended up ordering the sweet potato tater tots-I don't care for the sweet potato but they thought it was delicious. I ordered the 'Irish Breakfast Burger' which had and egg and Irish bacon on it. Delicious! Egg on a burger is normal but the Irish bacon-think more like ham or Canadian bacon was phenomenal. They also had $4 dollar premium pints which wasn't that bad but our waitress was a little absent minded and confused things a little. Not too bad, not so bad that kept us from going again later. I had the Spicy Shamrock the next visit which was also a good burger. I love spicy food and this was pretty good. Their special that evening was $4 Miller lite or High Life tallboys which is okay for a weekend special but I am not a fan of either of those beers. A pretty good neighborhood bar with some pretty good burgers and good. 3.5 stars
(3)Ericka A.
I've been to Hidden Shamrock twice now. The first time was for a hash and the second time was for a live music event. Both times were pretty good. It's a standard bar with an assortment of beer and hard liquor. At the hashing event they provided us with complimentary 312 beer. This was our kinda-sorta half-way point and we stopped in for just 15 minutes. They handed out a ton of beer and left us to our own devices. I downed two beers, used the bathroom, and we were on our way. It wasn't much time to get a real feel for the bar, but I was able to actually remember that I came here before. I'm kind of impressed with my intoxicated memory. The second time I came here was over the weekend. I was there to see a band and got to check out a couple other acts as well. This time we were in the back bar and I've got to say that I prefer it to the front. We also ordered the Loaded Tater Tots and they were pretty damn good. Real nacho cheese sauce and smothered in bacon, sour cream and chives. The tots were chewy inside and crispy outside. Perfect. As far as drinks - overpriced. Large PBR for $6. Yikes! That's real beer prices and PBR is not real beer. Granted, it's a beer I love sometimes. But they practically give you PBR for free where I come from. And Guinness was a whopping $7. I figured I'd make up for it by claiming my "free shot" through foursquare, but you didn't get to pick your shot. It was Jameson, which I promptly handed over to my boyfriend. Irish bars seem to be notoriously overpriced. I won't object to coming here for concerts or special events. They have a pretty good set up and the bartenders are on it. I just don't think I'll go out of my way to come here. It's OK.
(3)Lesli S.
This place has become one of my favorite places in Chicago! Good atmosphere, good music and really damn good food! For a run down bar that got a complete face lift...this place rocks! They have James Oliver Rye Whiskey on tap as well as Lazzaroni Amaro...sweetness! Get the Short Rib Shepards Pie...delish! Also try a unique cocktail, Samuel Beckket's Sling. Good price for good quality drinks and grub!
(5)Taylor M.
I have been here a couple of times and it is just your typical Lincoln Park bar. A very young crowd. It does differ from other Lincoln Park bars because it is not as run down. It is actually fairly clean. This might be because it is never really been that crowded and no one ever seems overly drunk. The service is kind of slow. Nothing I would write home about!
(3)Sara V.
I can't remember the last time I thought to myself "totally yelping this" or for that matter the last time I wrote a low star review. Hidden Shamrock brought both out in me. I've been a waitress. I am well aware that things get busy and hectic sometimes. I am well aware that Things Happen and other things Slip Through The Cracks. But not on a slow Tuesday night when you have four tables, all right next to each other, all in full view of your spot at the bar next to your friends with whom you appear to be having a lovely time watching the game. I feel bad. Because honestly our waitress was a nice girl. But over an hour wait for tater tots (which were already ridiculously overpriced at $6 given that it didn't come with anything else) is unacceptable. Especially when you had to be reminded that they had been ordered 45 minutes after my friend had ordered them. Again, you weren't busy, so why did you forget? I won't go into anything else, like how often I attempted to get her attention (so many times) or order another beer only to fail, miserably. (And I'm no wallflower at this). But as my friend stated, we may have come here with a Livingsocial deal, but we were fully prepared to patronize it again given its good weekday deals and proximity to her job. Sadly, bad service makes me never want to go back. And reading other reviews, it seems as if bad service is a norm here. And as a sidenote: It's a Tuesday night. The live music was nice but the volume was Too Loud. If I want to scream at my friend I'll pick a fight or take her to a real concert venue. I noticed another table also having difficulties continuing their conversation. This is the kind of thing, Hidden Shamrock, that makes patrons leave before they have bought as many beers from you as they had previously intended. Just turn the volume down a teensy bit so that we may all enjoy the music, but still speak at a normal enough volume. Seriously. My throat is actually sore this morning.
(1)Megan G.
My boyfriend has played two shows in the back room here recently, and when I first found out where he was playing, I considered boycotting. A bar near DePaul in LP during football playoffs? No thanks. I will say Hidden Shamrock totally exceeded my (granted, very low) expectations. I have little experience with the front section of the bar, but it appeared to be about what I expected - crowded, loud, and filled with people much younger than I am. The back section of the bar is actually really nice, though! It was much quieter and relaxed and the sound system is actually pretty good. We ordered food for everyone (pizzas and onion rings and other assorted fried items) - the food was fine, nothing great, but certainly not inedible. Drink selections are pretty decent, but a little overpriced. My Blue Moon was a pretty standard $5, but Guinness is an insane $7 per pint (this was a Sunday, and now I'm starting to wonder if I didn't get overcharged...I'm not sure I've ever seen Guinness that expensive anywhere...) So yeah, this place is A-Ok. I'll make no special effort to go back, but I would definitely come back for live music in the back room.
(3)Tristan C.
the best thing about this place is that it's across from a bike shop and it's not far from our house. ordinary beer selection, no atmosphere, and probably THE WORST FOOD I HAVE HAD IN CHICAGO. And that's saying something. Will only make the mistake once. Give it a miss.
(1)Carolyn L.
Young DePaul crowd, cheap drinks, fun music, live performances in the back. This place is kind of a smorgasbord of weird things that you can do under the age of 25. I went to see someone perform in an a capella group in the back and was promptly greeted by people about 5 years younger than me, some of whom heckled me and the performers (I was just trying to squeeze by!). Not my favorite place and I will not go again unless I have a good reason to.
(2)stephanie f.
Your typical dive bar. Pool table, dark lights, back alleyways, buckets'o'beer. all in all a good time when you are looking for a dive and just want to hang with good friends.
(3)Joe M.
It's a hidden gem sitting right out in the open at Halsted just south of Diversey. Decent drink specials ($1 beer Thursdays, decent other day specials), cool atmosphere - went for a book club thing one Sunday and saw a trivia going on in the back on a Thursday, and good food - though if it's not a special, some things can be a little bit pricey (but delicious). They also have some great craft beers on tap so definitely a place to check out.
(4)Greg L.
I was heading to dinner with friends when we decided we were too early to go straight to the restaurant. So we stopped at the Hidden Shamrock. The NCAA tournament had just started and we arrived about 5 minutes before the crown gathered to watch the Marquette game. It was a fun time, there are drink specials every day. I was impressed with how easy getting drinks at the bar was, but that usually changes with the crowd and time of day.
(3)Nichole M.
I have only been once, but from what I could tell this is a pretty fun bar. You can either sit in the back with tables and comfy chairs where it's not so crowded, or you can hang out in the front, where there's a little more action. The servers are really nice, but not too quick, so beware on a Saturday night when it's crowded. Prices were reasonable, they had really good beer specials. I will def visit again.
(4)Kekoa C.
I visited Hidden Shamrock for some rambunctious Apples to Apples fun on a Tuesday. Now, they have different specials each night. On Tuesdays, they have: $2 Select Drafts $4 Premium Drafts 1/2 Price Apps 4pm-8pm $3 Jamo Shots I didn't have a Jamo Shot so I don't know what that's about. I did have 3 pints and an order of chicken fingers with fries. My bill came out to $14! Come on! Coming from Los Angeles, such prices are unheard off. They had a decent amount of brews on tap. I had the Batch 19. The chicken fingers portion with fries was plentiful, and hit the spot after 3 brews. Plus, our server was great so can't vouch for the other reviews. Also, at 9:30 p.m. they also have live music. If you're in the area, check it out!
(4)Dave H.
fun pub, good beer, not a wallet buster
(4)Sue K.
Went there with no expectations at all because we were unfamiliar and someone in our group had a coupon for the place. We almost left because it seemed kind of empty and the menu just looked like typical bar food. But it turned out to be trivia night which really appealed to one member of our group, so we decided to give it a try. So glad we did! The food was amazing! My stuffed burger was great and so were the steak & cheese and the Portobello and the chicken breast sandwiches others ordered. Their spicy green beans alone were to die for. While the trivia was really hard and we certainly didn't come out on top, it was fun and kept us there much longer than planned. Drinks were good, and we even ordered dessert, a warm red velvet-type cake that was yummy. We had a surprisingly great night and would definitely go back.
(5)Jenna S.
Like a lot of people, I still only come here on Tuesday nights. I'm not at all sure what it's like on the weekends, but I presume like any shitty Lincoln Park Bar. Tuesday nights, though, are awesome! They have Trivia Night, which is very excellent. The trivia is $20 for a team of up to four or $25 for five people. No more than five people on a team so no cheating! The questions are just the right amount of difficult - it's not too cheesy but it's not so hard that you don't have a shot at winning. There are seven rounds that are just the right amount of time. Quiz starts at 8:00 and ends around 10. The quiz at the Full Schilling on Clark takes FOREVER because they guy insists on slowly grading every round after its complete and then reading the answers. It's good questions, but not worth your time. Sorry, I got off track. Anyway, this place also has good beer and good prices. On Tuesdays they have $3.50 Blue Moon pints and $2.50 Miller Family Bottles. Those are pretty good prices for an LP bar (not better than Trinity next door, but that's a different story). They have a wide array of beers on tap and a ton of bottled selections (domestic and international). Their food is also pretty good, as well. I wish they had food specials (half price apps or something) because the prices are a bit lofty, but the Loaded Fries (cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives) are delicious. I like the Hidden Shamrock. I'm not sure if I'd be able to stomach it on the weekends but on Tuesday nights the only people in the place are there for the quiz so it's nice and spacious. There's room for everyone (not hard to get a table for your group) and you can sit anywhere (front or back) to play the quiz.
(4)Beth A.
egh i luv the location and setup of the bar but the bartenders are beyond hit n miss u ask for one drink and get another or umm maybe not at all...tabs get screwed up...ppl disappear from behind the bar lol ill head back again and see if the bartenders still play the 'presto-chango' routine
(3)Annie N.
I went here twice within a week so you think I'd give it a better review. Well, the first time I went with my roommates, and we all were starving, hence the foods tasted good. We had a groupon and the bill came out to be 94 cents, so I was excited to come back here couple days later. The second time was, however, not so hot. I ordered an Irish Breakfast burger because my one roommate had it couple days back, and it looked amazing. Mine came out WITHOUT the irish bacon (which was the reason why I got the burger in the beginning). I asked the waitress (who was no where to be seen and I had to wait forever for her to come back. She then had to check the menu and then went to the kitchen to check with the "chef." She came back a bit later and said that the bacon is in there under the egg - I looked and it was ONE sad skinny piece of bacon, not IRISH bacon, and only ONE piece? Worse, she acted like I was the one who was mistaken. I didn't want to be a snob and argue but c'mon, Irish bacons are like hams, they're thick, and delicious, and I SAW MY ROOMMATE HAD THEM in the same burger couple days before. You'd think because this place is an "Irish" bar they'd know their "Irish food." not so much. If you're going to order the same thing, check with your server first.
(2)Michelle L.
Great local bar that has a cozy and neighborhood atmosphere. We went here because we just moved in and there was a groupon for half off.The food was really good and they had a nice selection of beer and daily drink specials!
(4)Rahul S.
I had a blast here. There was an event going on in the back (Dating for Nerds). I never had a chance to come to these events. But today (on a very very cold day), I decided to try this. It was well worth it (although it seemed cheezy). We were playing board games (typical nerdy thing to do). There were 7 tables. The guys at table would switch tables every round, while the chicks would stay at the same table. I'm glad I went. It was a good way to meet people.......instead of getting trashed at bars. Also, I had nachos. It was great. It had onions, a lot of cheese, sour cream, jalepenos. It was filling. I guess I was starving, so it tasted really good.
(4)