4. Restaurants

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
  • (773) 583-3066
  • Store is closed

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant Menu

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  • Melissa F.

    I have driven by this place a thousand times and never stopped in, mistake right there. The service is great and the food is wonderful good portions and a good price its not super cheap but well worth it. My waitress really made it a great experience and even when they didn't have a traditional desert she was open to hearing what it was and said she would suggest it to the Chef. Its Charming and Warm really a gem here in the city

    (5)

  • Brian W.

    Chief's is one of my favorite places. I stop in at least once every couple of weeks. The staff there is incredibly friendly, and they always make me feel welcome. They have a pretty good selection of craft beers, which for me is a huge reason for me going or not going to a restaurant. The food is also very good. I love the fish and chips with the mushy peas. I'd also recommend the Spinach-Artichoke-Goat Cheese Fondue with Pita chips. Most importantly, I proposed to my girlfriend here. I worked with Vanessa who runs their special events. The first time her and I spoke, all I knew was that I wanted to propose there. She gave me tons of ideas and recommended that I reserve the 2nd floor attic, which they could decorate for me to look really nice - they set up candles across all the tables and the bar, lit the fireplace, dimmed the lights and had soft Irish music playing in the background. Long story short, it was perfect. Definitely the happiest moment of my life, and I owe most of that to Vanessa's hard work. Definitely put Chief's on your list for general going out for food and/or drinks, and even events. They also do weddings and other events here. I've seen photos from weddings in the beer garden, and I was definitely impressed.

    (5)

  • marianne r.

    Worst night I have had in a restaurant in a long time...we made a reservation for 7.30 for six people and we got there to be told that they were short staffed so not to expect a server right away if they sat us..em,hello..first of all,staffing is not the customers issue and secondly,this is the second occasion in less than a month that we brought friends here for a celebration and were told the same thing.i consider myself a regular here since we moved to the neighborhood several months ago but if I set foot in here again it won't be anytime soon.had they called us before we had gotten to the restaurant to let us know that they were clearly having issues we would've made alternative arrangements but now we r stuck in sinking ship situation having had friends drive from various places in the city to meet us there .when they eventually led us to the patio our table wasn't even set up despite our reservation...what's the point in that ,right?may as well have walked in off the street and then we sat for literally 20 mins without ever having a server even come to our table.eventually one came and we ordered everything at once ,knowing that it was looking unlikely that the service would be epic at that point.after LITERALLY hearing the staff bitch about customers in front of us,we hoped for mediocre at best and they fell short of that.we finally got our first round of drink 30 mins after we sat down and three of us ordered another drink as we knew the wait for the second would probably be as long.2 drinks showed up 15 mins later with no explanation of where the third was...I sat and waited another 10 mins for her to come back with mine and received no apology or explanation as to why mine took so long.i guess that is the worst part of it all,no apparent concern for the shitty service they KNEW they were providing,no manager to help placate irate customers ,no sense of urgency from the staff at all..just nothing! After finishing our meal(the food was good )we sat for over 30 mins with dirty plates,no drinks and not even an offer of a dessert menu(Happy Birthday me!!) until all six of us,utterly exasperated ,got up and walked inside to find our server.stopped by another waitress,we were asked if we wanted to pay!!!!!when I expressed our annoyance at the lack of service I was told that out server had"gotten tied up inside"WTF???don't open a patio if u are gonna throw people out there and forget about them!!!!i can honestly say that this had happened twice now and as the old saying goes,fool me once ...Chief O Neills has the potential to be amazing but the constant crappy service in the dining area leaves me wishing I had gone somewhere else last night

    (1)

  • Nichø L.

    I had Sunday Brunch here today with my Dad for his birthday and if you haven't checked this place out for Brunch its a must. The selections are tremendious. I especially loved the smoked salmon and the carmel salted bread pudding for dessert, with chocolate covered strawberries. Definitely make a reservation, it was a little crowded. I was impressed with how they kept up with the demand for food on the buffet. Go early if you plan on trying everything including the huge dessert selections. ENJOY !!

    (4)

  • Will V.

    Dear Chief O'Neill's, I visited for brunch yesterday. We arrived at 1:30, after cycling for miles through the hot desert wind we were having, just so we could have brunch at Chief O'Neill's. We were promptly seated outside and immediately went to the buffet, came back and started eating. The food was delicious, the bacon in particular was scrumptious. But there was a problem. No one ever introduced themselves as our server, or even bothered to bring us water. We ate and sat there for over an hour, and no one even stopped by to ask us if we needed something. At first, I thought it was comical, and then it just became insulting. It was very plain to see we didn't have any drinks at all. Servers walked by us multiple times, ignoring us. Before we left, I refilled the water bottle I carried on my bike in the bathroom. Regards, Will PS- I am going to go ahead and put this on Yelp, even though I didn't plan on it, simply because the contact form on your website gave me no indication whether my message was sent after I carefully composed it and clicked submit. I feel I'm being generous for giving you two stars, but hey, my brunch was free! UPDATE: I initially received an apologetic email from the owner of Chief O'Neill's, then he saw my negative Yelp review, and sent me an angry email. This is how he treats a repeat customer, people. You couldn't pay me to go back to Chief O'Neill's.

    (1)

  • Chris K.

    Holy geez. Guinness infused bacon wrapped meatloaf is all that needs to be said....

    (5)

  • Veronica P.

    We chose Chief O'Neill's as a venue for our July wedding reception and it was a hit! During the planning process, their Events Manager, Lisa was super awesome. She really knows what she's doing, made really great recommendations, and accommodated every request. On the day of, everything was perfect. We had the reception in the beer garden which had just been beautifully updated and re-landscaped. The flowers and foliage were lovely and it was nice for us to get some credit for the scenery even though we didn't pay for it! The staff was so on top of everything. One server in particular, Ryan, was super attentive and gave us everything we needed before we even had to ask for it. I was getting a little sloppy towards the end of the night and dropped and broke a pint glass on the dance floor. Before I could even look up, Ryan was there with a mop and a brand new beer for me - in a plastic cup. :) Because Chief's is a bit tucked away in an industrial area, our guests were a little sketched out at first, but once they saw the beer garden, they were blown away. Everyone kept saying, "Is this place open to the public?!? Can I just come here anytime?!?" Haha. Oh, and the food was great too. I didn't eat much of it because I was on that typical wedding day adrenaline rush, but I will say that the late night grilled cheeses that i had forgotten I ordered, were well received by our drunken guests. The other thing we love about having our wedding reception at Chief O'Neill's is that we can come back anytime (and hopefully squeeze a comp beer out of the visit). Most people don't ever go back to their wedding venue. But we live in the neighborhood and go back there quite a bit - to have a few beers on the patio, enjoy some Irish music in the bar, or to indulge in the Friday Fish n' Chips.

    (5)

  • David R.

    St Patrick's Day at Chief O'Neill's gets two thumbs up! Besides my general fondness for the place and geographic convenience, a major reason that I selected them is their website. Some bars/pubs tell you jack squat about their 3/17 plans. Some tell you something vague such as "Irish music starting at 5" or "Live entertainment all day." Those places have bitten me in the past. The Chief O'Neill's website lists a detailed, comprehensive entertainment program for the day, as well as everything else that you would want to know (amount of cover charge, when it starts, buffet hours and prices, etc). Music started at 2, but the cover charge started at 4, so if you get there early you will pay nothing; and, of course, the longer you stay the better the value. We were there from about 2 to 5pm and during that time heard a couple of very solid performers. I was sorry to miss the later portions of the program, but dinner plans took us elsewhere. On future St Patrick's Days, I would definitely consider camping out at Chief O'Neill's in an all-day type of scenario. The buffet looked great ($10 for lunch and $14 for dinner), the atmosphere was very convivial but not debaucherous (lots of families and older folks), and you can't beat eleven solid hours of Irish music and dancing. A few other positive notes: + Free face-painting + Three bars from which to order drinks, plus roaming servers if you choose to take advantage + Lively but not crowded, though starting to fill up towards the late afternoon + "Visions of Ireland" DVD playing on the flat-screen above the performers, showing gorgeous travelogue video of all parts of Ireland, both rural and urban. This was a great touch which contributed nicely to the mood of celtophilia in the room (and especially in me). And one beef: I understand the plastic cups, I really do. I have a small beef with paying the usual price for 16 ounces instead of 20. However, my big beef is with the Guinness pours. The bartender just filled the cup and handed it to me rather than doing the standard two-part pour. This was at 2pm when there was no line waiting behind me. For shame! Thanks to that crappy pour, I switched from Guinness to Smithwick's for the rest of the day. For a bar which prides itself on winning 2009 "Best Pint of Guinness in America," they should take better care, even on busy days with plastic cups. Still, this experience rates 4.5 stars. Through all my years of searching for the perfect St Patrick's Day venue, Chief O'Neill's lands highest on the list.

    (5)

  • Silvana D.

    My husband and I have visited Chief O'Neill's almost weekly over the past 6 years. We come back for the PHENOMENAL staff, gorgeous beer garden and good food, all in that order. During the winter, when the patio is closed, we enjoy the cozy interior with a fireplace. They recently updated the menu, adding some delicious new items -- try the goat cheese salad and the oysters. The steak crostini with blue cheese are always delicious and a staple of their menu. The drink menu is extensive, so you will surely find what you need in that respect. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that the specials are pretty much non existent and change without notice, which can be frustrating. But, the great, friendly service, spacious beer garden and good food can always be counted on, so that more than makes up for it!!!

    (5)

  • Eduardo C.

    This is a hidden emerald gem in the Neighborhood. After catching an early dinner at a near by heavy metal bar. I meet up with a group of friends that insisted I meet them in what they refer to as "one of Chicago's hidden gardens". That being said , I was very intrigued. Upon entering, I was quickly greeted by a friendly host with a beautiful smile. When explaining that i was meeting a group of friends in "The Garden", she gladly got the attention of a server who escorted me to the The Garden. Even though it as a short walk, I was given a brief description of the different rooms, and where to locate the restrooms. An added bonus in my book. The hostess could have simply pointed me in the direction, but made sure I was accompanied. The server could have just walked me in silence, but set my mind at ease with small talk. This leaded me to believe that Chief's is ran very family like, and that the employees enjoy coming to work. A happy employee is a hard working employee, after all. After a short, brief walk down a hallway we came upon A doorway. As I entered through the door, I immediately realized why my friends insisted I meet with them. It was a spacious, very clean, well lit , extremely elegant garden. I can only imagine the beautiful kind of events that can be held here. After the sense of surprise finally wore off, I joined my friends. Where i was quickly greeted by another wonderful smile and menus. Though i kept my eating and drinking simple I really enjoyed going through the menu. The drink selection did not disappoint the thirsty pallet and the food was not your typical Irish fare. All in all, I had an amazingly great time at Chief O'Neill's. The staff was very welcoming and helpful. The space was surprisingly more beautiful than I had imagine or expected. It is a great date night location, or an amazing place to casually meet up and catch up with old friends and not have to worry about having to yell to be heard. Over all i had an amazing good time. Look forward to returning. Even though Chief was introduced to me as a "Hidden Garden" , I will tell my friends, and have those friends tell their friends, of this hidden gem.

    (4)

  • Kathy M.

    Had another great experience at Chief O'Neill's this past Friday night. The pub was hopping and we were seated promptly at a cozy table by the friendly host. Our server was super nice and got us a couple perfectly chilled dirty martinis and the steak crostini appetizers to start off the night which were really tasty. But the star of the show was definitely my salmon entrée served on Brussels sprouts with Coleman's mustard and raisins or currants and some beautifully browned red potatoes. DEELISH! Fish was moist and perfectly cooked - I ate every morsel. If I could give you an extra star I would so here's two thumbs up and a high five to the chef and staff at Chief's for another top notch meal and stellar service!

    (5)

  • Juliana R.

    My new favorite spot!! I have passed this place a million times never giving any thought to it, and I am SO happy to have finally stopped in! Both times our server was Susan, who is so sweet & attentive! We were served fresh soda bread before our meal, that was out of this world! The interior is just beautiful, especially around the holidays, I feel like I'm in a movie! Great beers on draft, and the food is cooked at perfection to say the least!

    (5)

  • Michael T.

    One of my favorite spots in Chicago. As a native NY'er I was looking for a spot that reminded me of home. This place is it! The food is on point! Literally the best chili I've ever had. I haven't had a bad meal here yet. The staff is great. I feel welcomed every time I walk in. whether its one of the many bartenders or waitstaff we've befriended or the owners themselves saying hi, it's just an all around great atmosphere. I highly recommend coming by and having a cocktail or two and seeing for yourself. Can't wait for the outdoor area to open. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Imelda P.

    Love this place!!! Fish N' Chips! Great beers on draught! Live Irish music! What else do you need? Great family atmosphere and friendly staff. I highly recommend Chief O' Neill's especially as it warms up. They have a beautiful patio.

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    Chief O'Neill's has the best brunch that I have been to in the city. The brunch is very affordable ($17) and has a wide assortment of items. Everything from your standard eggs benedict, waffles, and bacon to more "Irish" items like fish and chips, Guinness cheese soup, and corned beef hash. The service was stellar.

    (5)

  • Andrea B.

    I've only been here once and i immediately fell in love. I want to come back again and again because this seems like the bar I've been looking for. For one, I've never seen a bar so big. It's part restaurant, which you can tell from when you first walk in, but then it seems to go on forever, with a maze of doors and hallways that probably lead to even more awesome spots. I guess they do live music/singing here too, since when I arrived several people were tuning their voices in the hallway. The outdoor seating is AMAZING. It's large and spacious, and you almost forget you're in the city. You can sit pretty much anywhere; the gazebo (yes!! I said a gazebo!), by the large tree, by the little cabin-looking thing that looks like it's been there for a hundred years but still looks awesome, or the several tables and chairs strewn about. I can already tell that the Chief probably gets some hopping business in the summer due to this. Anyway, they have a good selection of beers, and the food is so so so good. I ordered the shepherd's pie and I think I went to Heaven for a bit it was so good. The only problem is dealing with the insects that come flying your way when there's food outside. I guess that's the price you pay, but be warned just the same. Our waiter was professional, attentive, and friendly; he acted like we were old regulars stopping by for a chat. I love that feeling in bars and pubs because it makes me want to come back time and time again. If the friend my boyfriend came to meet didn't have to catch a train, I think we would have stayed longer. As such, I can't wait to return.

    (4)

  • Jamie A.

    I'd have written this review a couple days ago, but I have been sick in bed with food poisoning symptoms from this pub. My partner and I just purchased a home in this area, and I've been excited to try Chief O'Neill's for a couple of months. The atmosphere is lovely. I was excited to finally try this place out. We made reservations for Thanksgiving dinner, arrived on time for our reservations, and waited to be seated for about ten to 15 minutes. The lady that I presume to be an owner or manager looked our way several times, and started to walk over to us several times, looking bewildered, but stopped short for some unknown reason. There was also a second man who she stopped to talk to, and they looked our way, and then disappeared. When the woman finally came over to us, we were not greeted, we were simply asked 'Do you have reservations?' Before answering her (yes, we did), I literally had to ask "Did we walk in the wrong door? Did we accidentally come in the back way?"'... We felt beyond unwelcome and completely confused. She sat us at a table that was missing a chair, which she noticed as she walked away, and grabbed a stool with no back and put it up to our table. Great. No menus were given to us. We sat another 10 to 15 minutes until a waitress noticed we needed them. I will say our server apologized for the poor service throughout the meal. It took about 20 minutes between courses. (soup, salad, entree) She in fact was actually very cool. Not big on turkey, I ordered the vegetarian option on the Thanksgiving menu. Oh. My. God. The minute I took a bite of that nasty tangy corn, I had a sinking suspicion something was not right. The barley that was served to me was cold and rubbery. The vegetable gratin was tasteless, hideous looking and also cold. Just after midnight, I had to run down the hall to the bathroom, and I threw up every bite I ate there, and I was sick for the next 36 hours. I think the food sat out and I believe it was mishandled. I cringe thinking about every penny I spent there. I contemplate asking for a refund, but figure these guys really don't care, and it would be pointless to ask. Their beer menu is nothing too special. Revolution should be embarrassed to have their beer served here. I won't return which is a shame because it is down the street from us. We deserve an apology from that blonde Irish lady for making us feel terribly unwelcome. Thanks for ruining Thanksgiving evening, Chief O'Neill's.

    (1)

  • J H.

    As far as Irish pubs go, this is as great as it gets. The food is top notch, the staff is friendly and responsive and the Guinness is delicious. Just a casual, nice go-to spot.

    (5)

  • Martha H.

    The Guinness and cheese soup is to die for! I could take a bath in it and eat my way out! Everything we have had here has been really yummy. Being Irish I tend to be super critical of Irish places but this is the first one I've found in Chicago that is just simply good all around.

    (5)

  • Anna T.

    I had my going away party here and it was amazing! Their beer garden is the perfect atmosphere for throwing a small or large party. Guests are able to sit down, walk around, etc. Additionally, waiters walked around serving appetizers and that gave it a really elegant feel. The party planner, Vanessa, is absolutely wonderful! She is always in contact with you whether it is via email, calling, or texting. She makes sure that you have everything you could ever want or need. I am definitely going to throw another party there one day!

    (5)

  • Kelly S.

    It doesn't get better than Chiefs for comfort food and a cozy atmosphere. This place is good for the whole family and is extremely welcoming. Come hungry, the portions are big but you really can't go wrong. Some of my favorites include the (obvious) fish and chips, steak crostini, mussels, chicken fingers, banger burger, and scotch eggs. We hosted our rehearsal dinner here and the service was flawless. Every time we come back, the host remembers us by name, which is so impressive since we don't go that often. The back patio must also be mentioned. There is so much space- no fighting or waiting for outdoor here.

    (5)

  • Kara A.

    *Review about the brunch buffet* Yesterday I found this place on Thrillist.com . It said $20 gets you access to the brunch buffet (with omelet station, seafood, and build-your-own sundaes), which includes a Bloody Mary bar. I looked on Yelp to see pictures and reviews of the place. Talked it over with my friends and we decided to go. Just by looking at the buffet everything looked great but I don't think it's worth $20. The cold fish wasn't so good. Fish in the fish in chips needed more flavor. The biscuits that went with the sausage gravy were hard. The two different egg dishes were ok. I liked the omelet station. The potatoes were ok. I love deviled eggs but these were meh. They also had tacos which I didn't bother to try. The dessert area had a chocolate fountain, ice cream, cookies, fruit and some other treats. I had the ice cream and some fruit. Probably won't go back for the buffet. Everything was just ok and needed more flavor

    (2)

  • Sonia B.

    Love Chief O'Neil's outdoor area!!!! I've been there for drinks and also celebrated a friend's wedding reception outside. It's beautiful! It's got a nice casual, yet romantic feel outside! Love the lights that they have strung up. The food was good. Mashed potatoes were yummy! I've only eaten what was served at the wedding reception. But, from what I hear...they have a very tasty brunch! Can't wait to try it! If you're looking for more of an Irish pub feel...you totally get that if you stay inside!

    (4)

  • kiya k.

    Holy unplanned amazing dinner! Ended up in the area, had the stuffed chicken INCREDIBLE

    (5)

  • Michelangelo V.

    Honest review the two appetizers the scotia eggs and the steak crustini were amaizing so was the meatloaf that was all to die for everything else not so good the shepards pie was okay the lamb stew was gross so was the corned beef was gross. The worst was the chili besides the food not being the greatest the service was good they have a band there n everything they have a huge beer selection all in all i wouldnt go again its far n i could make the food better at my house

    (1)

  • Mark V.

    Was visiting Chicago and my girlfriend's aunt took us here and raved about the Fish and Chips. The place has a warm inside. Nice wooden tables and a portrait of, whom I presume, was Mr. Cheif O'Neill on the wall. We sat in front of the gigantic fireplace. It was nice at first but after a few minutes we had to have them turn it off as it was burning us up. They were nice though and turned it off immediately. They had an unique selection of beers on draft, things I have never heard of. I got the Knock Knock Ned's Indian Pale Ale by Mc Gargles, which was very good. It didn't even really taste like an IPA. It didn't have that barky taste that some IPAs do. The other beer I got was a Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, by Half Acre Beer. This beer was also very good, it had the flowery notes of an IPA without the huge note of tree bark. These beers also packed a punch, something you should always expect from an Irish bar. The food. I ordered a cheddar and Guinness soup. The problem was that I only ordered a cup instead of a bowl. It was extra cheesy but so good. Something you could eat all day. The Fish and Chips also did not disappoint. The fish was surprisingly fresh and tasty and the steak fries were amazing. Malt vinegar just added to the party. The portions were also huge so you could share a bit of your meal. This came in handy as my girlfriend ordered the Irish Burger. DO NOT EAT THE IRISH BURGER. It was a burger with an Irish banger with gravy sauce. It doesn't sound appealing and it wasn't. The banger had flavor but the texture was a bit gross as it was too mushy. The burger was horrible under seasoned. Gravy on a patty, a burger does not make. This was gross. Now I contemplated on giving maybe four stars since the knowledge that an Irish burger existed on the menu. I decided that possibly the Irish Burger is more a by-product of Irish food sometimes not being great and not a direct reflection of the bar. The fish and chips (which can be horrible) were great and the soup was amazing so I think that this menu item is an anomaly. The beer and the steadfast menu items are definitely the way to go.

    (5)

  • Valerie W.

    I came to Chief O'Neill's over the weekend for a baby shower. At first I was a little bit concerned - a baby shower, in a bar? My concerns were quickly eased. Chief O'Neill's has a large banquet room upstairs, perfect for this party. It was private - which was nice, and had a bar, which was great - as there was a no-host cash bar. Side note: Chief O'Neill's makes a great Bloody Mary - $10 was a little steep for my wallet though. The hosts of the shower decided on a brunch buffet which included: Scrambled eggs with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese. Waffles with cinnamon whipped cream Rosemary roasted potatoes Bacon and sausage Salad House smoked atlantic salmon Mini bagels and croissants Fresh fruit Everything food-wise was on point. I'm not usually a fan of buffets, it's a little bit more tolerable when it is a private party when I know the people who are poking around my food. The food was delicious. Service was great as well - the one bartender was able to remember everyone's name! I was impressed. I have already decided that we have to come back to Chief O'Neill's for a non-party dining experience soon.

    (4)

  • Misty F.

    I really want to give this place a 3.5 but I decided to round down just for my dish alone. Atmosphere: we sat near a cozy fireplace that was great until we started burning our buns. They were nice enough to turn it off when we asked if we could move to a table a little farther away to escape the heat. The building has such a cool shape on the corner and the decor was interesting. A neighborhood atmosphere, with some raucous folks in the bar area. Food: my aunt lives near by and raved about the fish and chips here. She is totally right about the fish and chips as she said she has never ordered anything else. I should have taken her advice. My boyfriend ordered the Guiness and cheese soup. That was absolutely amazing. I feel like I could just sip that all day (and be 500 pounds). I love cheese and beer-cheese soups can sometimes have a weird tang to me so this one was a nice surprise as the proportions were just right. I had decided on the banger burger since I knew everyone else was going to get the fish and chips and that I could share. It was a mistake for me. The ingredients listed a demi-glace which I now know is a fancy word for brown gravy. I hate gravy so this was a total mistake on my part. All I paid attention to was that it was on a pretzel roll (yum because I love me some pretzel rolls), caramelized onions, and bangers. I had never had bangers before so I thought this would be a good way to kill 2 birds with one stone. So it was a bit of a surprise to receive a burger that had gravy poured all over it. The mashed potatoes on the side with gravy--yeah, I can see that but the amount of gravy on the burger itself really ruined it for me. It made a huge mess and overpowered the whole dish. Although I discovered that bangers are not my cup of tea, I was able to take those off. But when I did take a bite with the bangers on there and the falling apart roll because of the liquid gravy...just a disaster dish. If there were onions, I could not taste them. BUT...the fish and chips were dynamite. Huge portions but so damn delicious. Batter was the best I have had. Service: our waitress was attentive and friendly. Absolutely no complaints here. Overall, I was skeptical at first because I know that Irish/English food is really gross to me. It never appeals to me and I usually just prefer a liquid Irish meal (beer if you catch my drift). It exceeded my expectations in some areas and pretty much met them in others. I think this place should stay away from using fancy words (like demi-glace) just to justify the prices. This place is a few dollars per entree more than I think it should be which helps to justify me giving it just a 3 star rating.

    (3)

  • Lauren P.

    I've been to this place many times and it's one of my favorites! It has an incredibly fun, welcoming vibe where it's easy to meet random people. Tuesday and Sunday nights have live Irish music, which puts this place off the charts!!

    (5)

  • Veronica S.

    First time here and it did not disappoint. Very approachable and easy going. Plus, they have a mini leg lamp. Definitely a place to check out when in Avondale

    (5)

  • Nicolet B.

    Absolutely amazing service and really cool ambience. The pot roast was to die for and I don't even care for meat! Literally everything was perfect- can't believe I've been living right down the street for 6 months and Never went in. We will definitely be back this weekend for the Sunday brunch. Can't wait!

    (5)

  • Jennifer P.

    Tuesday nights you will find live Celtic music being played by, from what the musicians say, just a bunch of locals who happen to show up and throw down -- or would it be better broken down into a jam session. They are not a formal lot, I suppose, just music junkies. Lots of strings to be exact. I do love the added wind instruments. Tonight I was alone, and did not care to eat with anyone. I wanted my food to go. I called up the Chief and the woman who answered was not prepared to handle over-the-phone orders. In fact, she had a bit of an attitude. Everything I wanted was being repeated by her to whoever it was that was next to her. My feeling was that she passed her request to a wait staff that was even less inclined to take the order because the girl who answered the phone should have wrote down the order and taken it to the kitchen herself. When I arrived, the girl pointed me in the direction of the bartender. The bartender and the guy in the kitchen had no idea I even placed an order. I wasn't mad at the bar or the kitchen, I already knew the girl on the phone dropped the ball. I feel like that needs to be addressed immediately. I didn't get mad. Part of writing reviews means observing the situation and not responding to it until you have a chance to reflect on what happened later. As I waited for my order, I relaxed with a Blue Moon, and listened to the live Celtic music. I had heard it before at Chief O'Neill's. What blew my mind was that it was the same jig I heard months ago when I was here. I was a little shocked. They could at least learned some Loreena McKennitt covers, even if they don't have a vocalist. Perhaps if there was an actual band with their act together, it might provide the right kind of incentive for these locals to practice a little bit before showing up. Maybe they could at least bring sheet music for everyone to follow. The food here is excellent. Don't get me wrong. I am partial to the Lamb burger on a pretzel bun. My best experiences have always been with the bartenders, but when I have actually dined here, I find the staff to be easily overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, it does get busy here. I just think they could do a half step, to a full step better. All in all everyone is friendly, except for the lady who took my phone order tonight. I just think they need to be a little more aware of their customer flow. As for the phone lady, I think one of the managers need to sit down with the hostess and discuss the idea of taking on roles that occasionally drift outside of her perceived job description. All of us have do it at one point or another.

    (3)

  • Simon N.

    Excellent place for a big event or just a nice lunch for a special occasion! Back area porch is just priceless as to how nice it is in the summer. Was little confused about the police outfits but I guess Chief O'Neill was a police officer... didn't find that out until I was exiting the place (needs little more bland recognition :))) Food was great, get the turkey with mash potatoes, I could eat a ton of that! Will definitely be there again!

    (4)

  • Lizette Y.

    We've been to Chief O'Neill's many times and it's always been very nice. This time we came here with a large group (about 25 of us) following a performance. The friend organizing this outing said that the staff were super friendly and accommodating without harassing her for a big deposit of money in order to reserve a space for a large group, which is a plus. Now back to business. We get here and our drink orders were taken and delivered promptly. Food orders came out after some wait time, and after I witnessed a couple of the waitstaff arguing with each other in the middle of our party about how badly organized this group was (was she saying that about US being unorganized or the waitstaff not being organized about taking orders?!). I was a little turned off about that incident because it made me feel that perhaps they weren't prepared to handle our group, or even that we were pissing them off. Oh well, food tasted good and our personal server was very nice. I do appreciate a good beer and plenty of pescatarian-friendly items on the menu in an Irish restaurant. Good food, odd service (perhaps this was an anomaly), and cozy ambiance.

    (3)

  • Angelica B.

    First time at Chief O'Neils and absolutely a awesome experience. On a Sunday they have a delicious brunch spread. The blood Mary's and mimosas were amazing. Best of the service was great! Seriously impressed everyone was so nice from the hostesses stand, our server and the bartender.

    (5)

  • Ben A.

    Before I begin my review, I should preface I was here for an event in the large room in the rear. Great service, fast and friendly. I ordered a few Daisy cutters and the bangers and mash. Bangers and mash were fantastic! I inhaled the dish before I realized I forgot to take a pic. Anyways the dish is prepared with mashed potatoes, 4 sauages and carmelized onions. Simple, hearty dish. Perfect for a cold night. I would return for that dish and to experience the bar side.

    (4)

  • Jill A.

    I always say this is the only pub that matters in Chicago. Fantastic food, focus on authentic, traditional Irish music, great service and atmosphere. The bar itself is really beautiful and has a true, family pub feeling. The service for private events is great. My husband and I hosted a family welcome party here the night before our wedding on their patio and everything was just great. There are also fun music events like the monthly hooley gathering. It's off the beaten path, but you should really check it out!

    (5)

  • Rohan D.

    One of the most beautiful bars I've ever leaned on, even before drinking. The interior is really attractive, parts of having been imported from Ireland, it's really a nice place to have a drink. There's never been any deceptive hidden up charges here, just the opposite, straight whiskey drinkers are welcome here. They have an excellent selection of whiskeys from the United Kingdom, bartenders who know what glasses to put them in, and some filling high cholesterol Irish and American pub food to slake the appetite that results from the ethyl alcohol induced hypoglycemia from said whiskey consumption.

    (4)

  • Anneli K.

    When I think of Irish fare, it's generally in the form of alcoholic beverages, so I didn't have any expectations going in there on a Saturday afternoon. FOOD: We started with the Scotia Eggs appetizer because, I'll try just about anything twice. I'd never heard of such a creation before. They are hard boiled eggs, wrapped in minced lamb, coated with breading and fried to a crisp, set atop a little bed of greens, with honey dijon and Coleman's Mustard Vidalia Sweet Onion Relish Rémoulade for the dipping. It wasn't something my palate was used to, but at the end of it all, they were really, really good. The crispiness - good. The meatiness - good. The egg - good. The dipping sauce - good. For my meal, I went with Shepherd's Pie. Sure, I could have ventured into something else beyond my usual palate, but I realized that all my life, I'd never actually had it before, so why not? It must be the rosemary and thyme, because I never thought something so simple would be so doggone delicious. I'd say that the portions are appropriate for a pro athlete, so I had to box most of my meal to go. It made me sad to do so. DRINK: Their drink offerings were impressive (to me). I think it was the Blackberry Blossom that I went with, along with a Woodchuck. My cocktail was flavorful, but not boozy, and had I been there to watch a game at the bar, I might have enjoyed another. SERVICE: Our service was fantastic. We got there after visiting the National Veterans Art Museum (which just moved, but I still recommend going), so we slipped in between the lunch and dinner crowds. Our server was pleasant and very knowledgeable about the menus - drink and food. He was also quick with drink recommendations to a somewhat indecisive me. The tempo of the service felt deliberate and refined. I appreciated having enough time for one course, before having the next put in front of me. I also really appreciated the server's patience with me after our meal, when I realized that my Irish coffee (like any coffee I drink) needed loads of cream and sugar. Okay, I'll admit that the Irish coffee seemed boozy to me, but I don't normally drink whiskey, so I can't really tell theirs from anybody else's. OVERALL: I quite enjoyed my visit, and I hope to go again soon. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant. The atmosphere is nice, food is great, prices are fair, and service was quite pleasant.

    (5)

  • Michaela J.

    I'd been wanting to visit this place for a long time (especially after seeing in on Check, Please!). My husband and I finally made it out and it didn't disappoint! Pulling up I was a bit worried, but this gem is a true testament to the fact that looks can be deceiving. It's quaint inside and feels authentically Irish (unlike other pubs that try too hard). It brought back memories of Ireland! Not only is the main area nice but they also have additional seating toward the back, upstairs (with a totally different classy airy feel), AND a large outdoor space too. I had the Lamb Burger and my husband had the Cod Sandwich - seriously GOOD food. The portions are large so we both had left overs. I wish we lived closer to this place, so if you do, take advantage!

    (5)

  • Yvonne B.

    We saw Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant in a recent episode of Check Please! I'm on a major Irish Pub kick and M was allured by the lilting sounds of live, spontaneous music. We made the game-time decision to go one Sunday evening and discovered that it's true. Every Sunday evening people are welcome to stop by with their instruments and join in to make Irish music. I haven't the foggiest how they do it since the folks making the music seemed to be a mixed bag and included a young girl playing a violin. None of them had sheet music. M told me that it must be like playing jazz where it's possible to "just go with it" and it sounds good. We were quickly seated at a high-top table near where the musicians congregated. We had an enviable view of a television (showing the Olympics), the bar, and the musicians. Two tables near the fireplace were composed of families each having their own celebrations (one a baby shower and another a birthday). There was a back room that M reported was dead. At first I thought that Chief O'Neill's was infested with cops. Then I noticed that the servers wore mock-police uniforms. I was able to compare them to the table of four real police officers sitting at a table. If I were paying better attention to Check Please! I would have remembered the connection between this establishment and the Chicago Police Department! The bar tender at Chief O'Neill's poured us a mean pint of Guinness complete with an imprint of a clover in the foam (see my picture). It was delicious! What was also delicious was the bread they brought to our table. It was warm and had a hint of sweetness. The bread was divine with butter. This is note-worthy only because I don't normally go for bread but this was fabulous and I enjoyed at least two slices. I was disappointed that Chief O'Neill's didn't have a Traditional Irish Breakfast but I sufficed with their fish and chips. It was adequate. I mean, it was better than McNally's in St. Charles but could not hold a candle to Irish Times in Brookfield. We really did enjoy Chief O'Neill's and might very well return. It was a fun and casual dinner. We commented that it would be impossible to go and be glum because the atmosphere was so effervescent! Then, what should happen? A couple was seated right next to us who proved us wrong. The guy must have had a stick lodged up his butt that he forgot to remove before coming in. Fortunately for us, his negativity only served as a source of amusement at Chief O'Neill's!

    (4)

  • Michelle D.

    I've been to Chief O'Neil's many times and the service and food was really great. On our last visit things must have gotten really confused. We made a reservation for seating outside. On the same day a big party was also outside-but their food was buffet style so it shouldn't have affected the kitchen as by the time we got there the buffet line was in progress. Our group trickled in so we knew we were going to sit for awhile before we ordered. When we finally ordered a good 50 minutes went by and our server told us that the kitchen was not making any more food for awhile. I looked around and counted maybe 10 tables outside and the inside was vacant. By this time we were feeling very hungry and were not digging anymore bread. All the server was allowed to bring us was free soup. Our food arrived 90 minutes after we ordered it. Not sure what the issue was in the kitchen but it wasn't the greatest situation. My dish was meh. Hopefully it was a just a fluke because it is a go to spot in the neighborhood. We seriously at one point almost considered paying our drink bill and going down the street to Honey Butter Fried Chicken. I felt bad for the server.

    (3)

  • Jackie F.

    I live really close to Chief O'Neill's so I've been there several times. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in a small Irish Pub. Every time I have been there the staff was friendly and accommodating. I strongly suggest that you go when you can sit outside. The outdoor garden is beautiful!! You can choose to sit underneath a tree, sit in the grass, or sit on a patio area. There are hanging Edison lights that create a beautiful atmosphere. As far as drinks, they make an excellent Black and Tan. They also have a small cocktail list. I ordered the "Red Haired Lass" and it was delicious!! There food is pretty good. We ordered the chicken tenders (which were quite delicious and seemed like a better quality that frozen tenders) and the veggie flat bread. I must say the flat bread was delicious and had a great balsamic dressing on it. Overall I would recommend this place for a fun relaxing night with friends. I would also love to have a party here in their amazing outdoor garden!

    (5)

  • David W.

    sunday mornings is the day to go - super huge lunch benefit that consist of a whole room being turn into a buffet. huge chocolate foundation for some treats - its around $17 or so for the benefit but totally worth it if you can keep up. there is usually a full house but not over packed. enjoy!

    (4)

  • Josh B.

    Insanely great. I keep finding myself back here week after week, even though it's not easy to get to from the El. The best brunch I have seen outside the Makati Shangri-La and Bloody Mary Mix with 17 ingredients.

    (5)

  • Mike H.

    After waiting in line for 2.5 hours at Hot Doug's like an idiot a couple weeks back, I decided I needed a beer after my "adventure". A short walk away was a hidden gem I had heard about, Chief O'Neills. I figured it was a great day to have a perfect pint of Guiness. I will say I had actually heard of this place by watching Bar Rescue. They were rescueing The Abbey Pub, and Tafer wanted to check out what a REAL Irish Pub in the neighborhood looked like, so he stopped into this bar, and he had good reason to. I admit, I don't usually appreciate what good Irish pubs look like, as the extent of my Irishness (besides being really pale) is usually starting at the river on St Patty's day and bar hopping all the way to Wrigleyville, blacked out by 10 am. But this day, I was ready. To prepare, I google'd how a perfect pint is poured, so I could be a d*** and critique them (the bartender passed). I also looked up how to drink the perfect pint (drink beneath the foam, try to drink it in 8 sips) and pretended I gave a s*** about soccer so I would look like an Irish Pub pro. The atmosphere was what I would assume a pub would look like in Ireland. There was even a real Irish person with an accent to greet me at the door! It also has to be mentioned that they have an amazing beer garden that is one of, if not the biggest, in Chicago. I also have heard rave reviews about their extensive Sunday brunch buffet, and their food in general. I didn't get a chance to check that out, but I will definetly be returning to try it out! Side note: This place was way better than Chief O'Keef's, which had a bunch of s*** I don't like (snitches, f***'s, sneak dissers, etc).

    (5)

  • Matthew W.

    Stopped in here on a recent Sunday with a guy friend after an afternoon play featuring copious amounts of male frontal nudity. Too much information, I know, but afterwards, we decided we needed something stiff, so we headed to Chief O'Neill's for a drink! We were promptly seated on the elevated portion of the dining area that allowed us to overlook the main dining area. Atmosphere is cozy; dim lights, stained glass, lots of dark wood - typical decor for an Irish bar. After a few Stars of Munster (think: Sazerac), a few rounds of Reaping the Rye (think: Manhattan), and a rousing discussion on the finer artistic points of the play porn we'd just taken in, we ordered some food: Steak crostini, Irish cottage salad, Chief's Pub Burger, and Corned Beef sandwich. Food items were promptly consumed and deemed decent; drinks were strong, well made, and replenished promptly when requested. Side note: we were both pleasantly surprised by the variety of food offerings. There are some bars in this city with menus that would have you think that all one can expect in an Irish-themed bar are fish and chips, Shepherd's pie, or some questionable sausage/potato pairing. Good drinks, decent food, prompt service; worth a return visit.

    (3)

  • Angela S.

    I'm back in love with the Chief. Not in love with the prices (at all), but you get what you pay for and the quality is again top notch! And how can I hold a grudge when I'm in the bar? It is what Germans call "gemutlich" - which is to say welcoming, perfectly lit, not too noisy and just plain comfortable in every way. Went there for my son's birthday last week and had the BEST fish and chips of my life. Our party was larger than expected, and the accommodated us with no problem. Service was top notch! I'm so happy to be back in good with the Chief!

    (4)

  • Cynthia K.

    I had a party for family there this weekend. We had contacted them a few wells ago. As it for closer the numbers changed, and my daughter asked to have more mingling space at the bar. All of the staff who talked with us, problem solved and listened were so accommodating. I was surprised at flexibility and humor. They have lovely all-ages friendly Irish musicians on Sunday eve, it was so much fun! We ended up in a nice room upstairs, could handle 50 +people. Our server Rich was friendly, timely, and always there when we needed anything. He had just the right suggestions for us. All in all, Chief ONeil's has a great irish neighborhood bar feel with beautiful themed decorations, nice beer selections and good food. Best of all- the warm attention. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Jen M.

    This review is for their brunch. I have a passionate distaste for all-you-can eat buffets, so when my in-laws suggested Chief O'Neill's for brunch Thanksgiving weekend, I was disappointed. Plus I lived in this area for years and just remember this place as being a local bar...reinforced by the fact that I saw it on Bar Rescue (not as the bar being rescued but the bar the host visited to show what a real, good Irish pub should be.) Anyway, I had no idea what I was missing The breakfast food served at the buffet is delicious and fresh tasting stuff that you would order as a plated entree. It is huge, and all for just $20! My recommendations: Bacon, Sausage, Eggs (standard breakfast fare, no big deal) Corned Beef Hash (yum) Shrimp (had to go back a couple times since they kept running out!) Fish and Chips (melts in your mouth) Calamari Potatoes Various delicious pastries and fruits I didn't do the carving station or omelet station, but yes they do have them and the people I was with said they were great. Service was friendly and fast. The place is huge and easily accommodated our group of 20 (call for reservations!) Bonus: The waiters and waitresses are kinda dressed like strippers dressed like cops. Sexy.

    (5)

  • Rebekah H.

    OMG, you must do the brunch buffet on Sunday...TO DIE FOR! Lots of great choices and the food is hot and fresh!

    (5)

  • Christopher M.

    I'm pretty shocked the Chief only has 4 stars. I can't think of a better Irish bar in the city. I see some people complaining it gets too crowded. Find me a restaurant that isn't crowded on a Friday or Saturday night and I will show you a pretty lousy restaurant. Chief O'Neill's is best enjoyed in the warmer months in their beautiful beer garden. The comfort food is excellent, and they pour a healthy Guinness. 169/365

    (5)

  • Mike J.

    I have never had a bad time here. Good food, good service, and good music. The outdoor area is very nice. Sunday brunch is great and has a large variety of food.

    (5)

  • Yvonne Y.

    Good: Stick to the beer and sandwiches and you should be fine. Children menu. Takes reservation. Guinness-infused meatloaf was tasty. Easy parking. Bad: Driest corned beef I've ever had coupled with undercooked, flavorless potatoes and carrots. Fish in the fish and chips was tasteless but batter was acceptable. Guinness cheddar soup was a bit grainy and the bread in the soup could have been chopped smaller for bite size.

    (2)

  • Chris J.

    Great drinks, excellent scotch selections and delicious food. Staff is great and knowledgeable. Food is fresh. Cozy fireplace. Brunch Brunch Brunch!!!

    (5)

  • Ashley L.

    We had our wedding reception at Chief O'Neill's this past May and it was such a wonderful experience. I have heard from so many of our guests that it was one of the best events (weddings included!) that they have been to. The food was absolutely amazing. We had an appetizer passing hour with the bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and steak crostinis! Wonderful! For dinner we had the fish & chips (to die for!!! a guest favorite!), herb chicken, penne pasta, caprese salad, spring mix salad, roast potatoes, and mushroom quinoa. I could not have asked for a better spread and was great for those that were vegetarian as well. Throughout the entire planning process our event planner (Vanessa!) was absolutely wonderful. She was very accomodating with setting up time to discuss the details, let us come in and check out set up of another event, letting us know what options we had for set up, for A/V, for food, etc. I could not have had anyone more helpful to guide us through the process. I did not feel anxious at all - as knew we were in great hands. The day of the event we had a beautiful day. We had the entire backroom reserved as well as tables in the patio/garden. It was so beautiful and again so many compliments from our guests (I have uploaded some photos!). We had wonderful service. Our bartenders were awesome, our servers were so nice and friendly. Did not have a time where we couldn't find what we needed or help. I would recommend Cheif's as a great place to hold an event - and obviously just for dinner as well. Those fish and chips.... soooooooooooooooo wonderful. My friends keep asking me when we can go back!

    (5)

  • Janet P.

    I love this place. I live nearby and come here all the time. Almost everything on the menu I've loved, especially the Guinness cheddar soup and cheese curds. Desserts are hit or miss. Customer service is also hit or miss but the food and atmosphere makes up for it. Another suggestion for the restaurant... for Sunday brunch the restaurant should serve the same food for all hours or charge less. I waited close to an hour for my brunch reservation, where I saw people getting shrimp and salmon but when we finally got our table there wasn't any left and we paid the same. My mom asked the waitress about restocking the items and they were never stocked.

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    I want to like this place more, but I can't.. Been here for brunch and other times and it's the same Good, but just that.. Nothing special

    (3)

  • Lisa B.

    I love Chiefs! This is my neighborhood bar, and we come here twice a week to grab drinks & sometimes dinner. The food is very rich, so I mostly get salads, but my boyfriend LOVES the pork & lamb shank dinners. The lamb burger and meatloaf are also super tasty. Warning: the portions are HUGE, so the $20 price will get you dinner and lunch the next day if you portion your food. The bartenders are nice and remember your name, and regulars get a free drink here/there which is always super sweet. The weekend brunch is AMAZING; definitely come hungry on Sunday for the $20 all-you-can eat. The brunch is also a great way to try many of their menu signature items. Love this place!

    (5)

  • Amanda P.

    I have no idea why I haven't written a review sooner!!! Where to start where to start...Ok, the beer garden is amazing, one of the biggest and prettiest in city, you wouldn't even know you're in the city out there they actually hold weddings out there. St. Patrick's day is well another world there, the CPD marching band and the irish dancing girls all the best things happen there way better than a bunch of drunk frat boys in LP. Brunch is PHENOMENAL HUGE and I wish I had a bigger stomach when I go, it simply cannot be compared to other brunches I don't care what anyone says, I am a brunch addict and have tried tons, if you are talking food and quality of food (not free cheap drinks), Chief's beats out hands down.

    (5)

  • Suzi K.

    Great Night Out! I just saw Music Mad at Chief O'Neill's. This is a great night out for all ages. The show is about Irish Music in Chicago and Chief O'Neill's contribution. The show is both entertaining and fun. Great for all ages. Then we stayed for dinner. Who knew Irish food could be so good. Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Scott O.

    I was here once before after seeing a show at Factory Theatre. That night, I just had a glass of wine and a Caesar Salad but, I have to say, it was hands down the best Caesar Salad I had in years. Tonight, we wound up here after a frustrating experience at Little Bucharest (see other review) and they saved our dinner time. Good Harps, good wine, amazingly huge burger (my dog thanks them for the leftovers). Great steak fries and cole slaw. All around nice experience. The people who live in this neighborhood are lucky.

    (4)

  • Rob R.

    Back when I thought I was part Irish (before my genealogical research), this homely and down-to-earth bar was my gateway to re-enacting the Irish stereotypes which I believed were encoded in my DNA. St. Patrick's day, alternating rounds of Guinness, Jameson, and Baileys... GuinnessJamesonBaileys, GnssJamsn Bails GsJamsBlys GneJema HUUAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!! My Irish ancestry was expurged all at once. Now I'm Polish.

    (4)

  • Nathan W.

    Friend: "We need a place nearby to talk business. Some place that has coffee." Friend 2: "There's a pub just up the street" Friend 1: "Do they have coffee?" Me: "IRISH coffee..." I was just kidding, but in the very back of their menu, they actually do have 'Adult Coffee'. They also have wireless available and a private dining room that some of my friends reserved last week for the Battlestar Galactica series finale. Their menu is also quite expansive. Being that I went the day before St. Patty's, I decided to try the fish & chips. Everyone else got burgers with various meats in the middle. I think I might have ordered the wrong thing because their food looked delicious and I was disappointed with my two lumps of fish on a bed of fries. It just didn't seem like a lot of food for the price. As I read in another review, we also were a bit confused at first with the seating situation, I think you really just have to show up and sit down. Hopefully the next time I come here - I'm part of a group that meets nearby - I'll get to bite into one of those delicious looking burgers. Oh and the Nashoes were the highlight of the meal now that I think of it! (see pictures)

    (3)

  • Ellen M.

    Very laid back, comfortable Irish pub. Anyone can feel comfortable - couples, groups, families with kids and/or grandparents, etc. I was there a couple weeks ago with several Yelpies and although we were the most rowdy table in the beergarden, it seemed everyone was in a good mood. Good beer selection, including Czechvar, a beer I've never heard of but was a popular choice of our group. Dave S. let me taste his shepard's pie - next time I'll wear my eating pants and get one all to myself. My cheeseburger was delicious though. The beergarden is beautiful. The vines on the wrought-iron fence are lush, with lots of flowers about. The service was good, if leisurely, but all around a nice experience. Best of all, you can easily park in this neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Katie P.

    Oh, my, yes! The Sunday brunch buffet here is the best! It isn't a place you should probably hit up more than once or twice a year but boy is it good! The Irish Eggs Benedict are soooo good but if you get there and they've been there for a little while and there's only a couple left, wait for a new batch... well worth it! You can get omelets made to order, desserts as far as the eye can see! Fish and Chips, calamari, bacon, waffles, any and every breakfast, brunch, lunch item you can think of! I love breakfast! :)

    (4)

  • Hayden C.

    this place was great.

    (5)

  • Andy D.

    3 stars for the wonderful beer garten, but the food has really gone downhill lately. I got the fish sandwich, supposedly served on an "artisan" roll. It was just a white bun out of a bag. My wife got the corned beef sandwich, "piled high" with beef. The beef was super skimpy though. In these tough economic times you need to innovate, not just serve lower quality foods for the same inflated prices.

    (3)

  • Logan S.

    Chief's, you're breaking my heart. My family decided to go out for Thanksgiving and our group has a fondness for this restaurant, especially when it's beautifully decorated for the holidays. The food was quite good, as usual. (This was a very limited holiday menu.) The squash soup was great and the Guiness soup was its usual good, gooey self. Our turkey dinners were great and our one beef eater was happy with his meal, too. But - drinks were slow to arrive and the coffee took nearly forever. Bread/rolls didn't arrive at the table with the soup or with the salad; the basket was hurriedly thrown on half a dozen tables by a fast-moving young man, midway through the entree. Dirty dishes sat on the table throughout the meal, which turned out to be helpful, since there were no plates on the dessert buffet table. We went back to our table to get a couple of our dishes to use for dessert and saw a few other people doing the same. (And, while the desserts were okay, it was not the former sumptuous feast of choices we've come to expect, nor was the dessert table well-maintained.) The first and second seatings of the day didn't nearly fill the restaurant and it only seemed to fill up after the third seating began filtering in. (It could be that people are tiring of the lackluster service here.) I mean, while I love my family, there is NO reason this meal should have taken over two hours, except the glacially slow service. One should not have to beg repeatedly for coffee, pile one's own plates in a corner of the table, or haul used dishes off to the dessert table. From what we could see (and two of us have worked in restaurants), the place was woefully understaffed and the waitstaff was pleasant and kind, but extremely overextended. I have no misconceptions any longer. If you have no expectations, you can't be disappointed, so I will stop holding out hope for better service here. I may stop in for a burger sometime down the road, but I'm pretty much over my former love for Chief O'Neill's.

    (2)

  • Dann B.

    People may scream but I think this is one of the best Irish Pubs in the city. Large bar with wide variety of drinks, awesome food, it truly is sooooo delicious, fabulous brunch, and spacious outdoor beer garden. I think it's the decor that gives it a lot of it's charm and if you go on the right night you'll hear live Irish music while you dine and drink. FYI Cheif O'Neill was a supercop around the turn of the last century who obviously rose through the ranks to become Chief of all Chicago Police. He was a bad ass with a passion for Irish music.

    (5)

  • Scott H.

    HUGE outdoor garden, great food, great bar, good people. Need I say more?

    (5)

  • Luis B.

    Really nice place with pretty good food. Sometimes I think some of their dishes are overrpriced but nothing too crazy either. The brunch is absolutely amazing. Arguably one of the best places to do brunch in the city. Especially in the summer time where they open that awesome patio. I only have two complaints. The first is that it can be so DARK in there. While I know this is supposed to be an Irish bar, it's still too dark. I mean the windows are covered up for crying out loud. the only place where it's not so dark is the larger back room. But the first room and the upstairs is way too dark. The second is that when it comes to nightime drinking this place is just a hit or miss. You can go in one Friday night and the place is literally hopping, crowded and tons of fun and then you go the next Friday and you are one of only like 5 people there. I recommend this place for food, brunch, and maybe to catch a couple of drinks before going out. I think it has potential to be a good hot spot for Avondale Nightlife, but it really doesn't capitalize on it. Don't come here for nightlife but for everything else, definitely yes.

    (4)

  • Scot G.

    I stopped in here on a chilly December night because Kumas had a two hour wait. What a nice surprise. Great Irish pub food done well. I had the delicious fish and chips and my wife had the shepards pie. Both were hearty and filling. We took half of the pie home and I finished the fish but was uncomfortable. So you get healthy portions. They poured a good Guinness and had a ton of whiskey that I wasn't able to get into as it was a school night and I was driving. I hope to go back and sip a few. This place was super cozy. They had a warm fireplace and nice big wooden tables. There was also a poker tourney going on in the back room. I'm not sure how often that happens but if that's your bag get down with it. Big Chief's is noice.

    (4)

  • Meg H.

    Went for St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities and had a great time. Irish dancers, Emerald Society, and an Irish band kept everyone entertained. There was a $10 cover, but it was well worth it. I also went there for the Sunday brunch. The bloody Mary bar was fantastic. And the buffet had so many delicious choices! Eggs Benedict, build your own omelet, hash brown casserole, and then there were tons of desserts too. Definitely caused a food coma! I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Ivankah S.

    I love this place! I first went here for St. Patricks day. It was buffet style (not my fav) but the food was yummy. I've been back several times and have not been disappointed. The fish n' chips are great. the meatloaf is incredible. The blue cheese dressing is so good, I could eat it like a soup. The corn beef is tender and flavorful. I'm hoping to go back soon and try the mussels. It's a bummer I haven't tried the snicker and cookie dough egg roll. I'm always too full with beer and food when dessert comes around. The only downfall about this place is the service is slooow. Sometimes I think the waiters there are volunteers or something. A seat at the bar usually insures good service. I also love the family atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Frank A.

    I attended brunch today with a group of friends to enjoy St. Patty's Day. Wow, was I disappointed. The experience started when they made me and my friend stand by our table for awhile, with no urgency to get us chairs. The service was extremely bad, I know the place was busy but still were customers and should be getting a great dining experience. We barely spoke to our waitress and when we did place an order for a drink it took a while. Food: Yes, they provided a huge assortment of items. However, the quality wasn't stellar. A few of the dishes felt like they were sitting out for a while. The reason I am giving it two stars is because a few of the dishes were great, like the eggs benedict and corn hash. Also, I really enjoyed the bloody mary. Price: The buffet was around $17 (not including drinks) and I was okay with that but wasn't okay that they added a massive tip to the bill. It's buffet style, we should tip accordingly. I don't recommend the place for brunch but it might be a fun place to get a drink during the weeknight or weekend.

    (2)

  • Marcel M.

    We headed there for their famous, but "secret" Sunday brunch. Wow, I was impressed by the food. Salad was great. The cold grilled shrimp was delicious (perfectly cooked). The fried calamari was amazing along with their sauce. Southern Fried Chicken was good to the bone. Even the meat of the breast pieces had deep flavor. The fish and chips item was damn tasty (could be just a little bit crispier, but who cares) especially with the malt vinegar and tartar sauce (or whatever it is). Wooo... if you noticed a trend, I ate a ton of fried food. I only went up twice since I was stuffed midway through my second plate. So, one big tip, plan your choices accordingly! :) Oh yeah, I applaud the variety, but avoid the sushi. The rice is not cooked enough (too hard). I have to give it four stars since the service was pretty bad. Our group of 7 only had only 3 visits by the waitress. We had to clear out most of our plates also. But hell, the $18.95 was worth it!

    (4)

  • I B.

    So you've got family in town from a place with no culture, like Phoenix or Boca Raton. They want to go to someplace Chicago but your three year old has a more sophisticated palate. This is the place to go -- it's beautiful inside and out, and has more Irishy food than the many of the fake Irish pubs around Chicago. Plus, there's memorabilia strewn about, in case the family needs something that looks like Applebee's to feel happy. No kidding -- a family member in from out of town wanted to go out for "ethnic food but not pizza." I was then informed that she didn't like "Asian food" -- did she mean Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian? Yes. The whole continent of Asia was off limits. I suppose I could have taken her to one of the southeastern European places in the hood -- but that's too close to Asia. So we went to Chief O'Neill's. Her only complaint? Being a resident of the warmer climes, we sat in the beer garden on an August evening and she was cold. If you're reading my body of work here, you know that being kid friendly is important to me -- and Chief O'Neill's definitely is. Though I'm not sure if they have a changing table in the men's room.

    (4)

  • Jarod P.

    There was a time when Chief's would have been four or five stars for me. There also was a time when it would have been one. Now that the dust has settled, I'll split the diff. Back in the day, my friends and I would descend upon Chief's every Friday after work to make some noise and spend a serious ton of money. The food was just awesome pub grub - terrific corned beef and cabbage, hot wings, the Kilkenney flat bread (like an Irish pizza). Just greasy enough. They made a perfect Irish Car Bomb and served us noisy round after noisy round. The crowd was young and fairly rowdy, and their back patio is seriously nice; spacious and green. Those were fun times. And then they hired some fancy chef and tried to make it more of a family place. Seriously? An Irish pub that's packed on weekends and you want to do what now? The fun food was gone, replaced by odd "hey look, it's Irish with a twist!" concoctions like "fettucine with bangers and cream sauce" and other head-scratchers. "Oh, we're the CLASSY Irish pub for the WHOLE FAMILY!" I mean, does such a thing even need to exist? Being part Irish, the concept deeply offends me. You could say it gets my Irish up. But with the passage of time, I would say that Chief's is probably a decent place to get a decent meal on a nice summer night. The corned beef and cabbage is always good. The patio is still a great place to chill. They still serve Guinness. It is what it is.

    (3)

  • Maria D.

    Chief O'Neill's is one of my favorite Irish bars on the city and, not coincidentally, one of the least obnoxious. Part of it is the somewhat isolated location; it's sort of in the middle of nowhere but conveniently right across the street from the Factory Theater, so I stop by every time I see a show. Their Guinness cheese soup is absolutely amazing, the curry chips are hot and crispy, they have several other appetizers of note (spinach-artichoke dip, potato skins which I order without bacon) and though I tend to stick with what I've already listed I've had a good salad or two as well. Can't speak for the Irish food as I don't eat meat but the Irish beer and whiskey selection is top-notch. They also have a surprisingly good wine list. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, it's nice to sit by the fire in the winter and out on the patio in the summer. Live Irish music only adds to the fun, I think they always have a session on Sunday. Only negative from my point of view is that they don't take American Express! Service can also be a little spotty when it's really crowded, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Sit back, relax and enjoy your drink; you'll hardly notice.

    (4)

  • D. K.

    What a nice and cozy place. I have lived in the area for several years and finally went in. They were busy and there was a wait so we made our way to the bar. The bartending duo were hilarious, I want to hang with them! Got a table in the pub area after a 10 minute wait. Ordered fish and chips and our server suggested mussels as a starter, thank you Nick, delicious! Fish and chips were out of this world and we went with irish coffees to end our meal. Food was fab, server was awesome, will def go back and hang out at bar.

    (5)

  • Sarah V.

    We've always been treated great here, everyone we've gone with has loved the Brunch. and I hope to go there this weekend. i'm hungry! :)

    (5)

  • Lisa S.

    My friends had their wedding reception here last weekend and everything was stellar. Gorgeous patio, great food (seriously, the best vegetarian meal I've ever received at a wedding), and awesome bartenders (Dahlia and Ryan).

    (5)

  • Carol K.

    Wow! Chief O'Neills lived up to all the hype I had heard about it when we stopped in the other night to enjoy some Summer weather in their giant beer garden. First of all, there was live Irish music on the Sunday night we were there. A group of people just sitting around the piano playing their fiddles, accordions and percussion instruments that made for a huge first impression. The bartender warmly welcomed us and we sat t the bar at first to eat so that we could enjoy the impromptu concert before heading out to the more quiet beer garden. The menu is pretty large. We couldn't decide so ended up with the Irish stew (quite good) the Shepard's Pie (huge with lots of mashed potatoes on top) and an entree salad with some great mustardy dressing that put it over the top for me. Of course, there is plenty of Guinness on tap as well as other choices and lots of Irish whiskey to be had. The interior is full of dark wood, low lighting and Celtic knot design on the tin ceiling. But the real gem is when you wander out back into one of the largest beer gardens in the city of Chicago. This area will seat about 300 people (according to our server) and is lovely accented with pear trees (watch out for falling pears) and other plantings. The service was just as good out there as it was in the bar and for a moment, I felt like I was in someone's back yard and not at a busy intersection on the north side. Parking is also super easy around here. There is unmetered street parking along the building with plenty of spaces. This part of town usually has to be a destination for me as it is pretty far north and west of my usual haunts. But now that I've been to Chief O'Neills- I now have a destination in mind!

    (4)

  • Lainie P.

    I've been here twice now for brunch and find Chief O'Neill's buffet to be tasty and reasonably priced. Nothing on the menu is going to knock your socks off (except for the excellent corned beef hash), but there is a lot of variety, so most customers (vegans would be a notable exception) will likely be able to fill their plates and bellies. Offerings include various salads, peel and eat shrimp, maki and custom made omelets in addition to standard American breakfast foods (waffles, bacon, Eggs Benedict) and Irish fare (fried fish). Plenty of deserts on offer (try running some fruit under one of the chocolate fountains). (I only wish that they would serve maple syrups out of carafes rather than offering patrons a stack of individually packaged syrup cups.) Chief O'Neill's sets up its buffet in the bar area, and it gets really crowded in there. (Try making a reservation for a dining room table.) Service is generally good and friendly, though during busy times your used plates may begin to pile up.

    (3)

  • Craig P.

    On a nice summer night outside seating here is absolutely perfect. We have eaten here twice in the last two weeks and feel we have found a real gem. Food and drink options are brilliant. On our visit last night, 7/13/2013, we had a poor server experience but last week the service was delightful and attentive. The quality food, drink and atmosphere make this restaurant & pub truly a winner. Excellent kids menu and prices are spot on for what you might expect. Count on our family returning for a third visit.

    (4)

  • Ron S.

    I ordered the Dublin London Broil and it was delcious. It was one of the best London Broil's I've ever had. So, why just 3 stars? Unfortunately, the portion was very small. Just 4 pieces of London Broil that were, on average, the size of a large chicken tender. (I did receive a heaping mound of mashed potatos though.) For $19 I expected more. I would have gladly paid $5 to $7 more for more meat and less potatos. The pub is beautifully decorated with a variety of Chicago Police and Irish artifacts and Celtic music playing that lends a cozy atmosphere. Although there are a couple of TV's in the bar area, they are not obtrusive and do not detract from the ambience. Our server, Bill, was excellent and offered a couple of IPA samples for me to try. They have approximately 8-10 beers on tap and its a nice selection but only one lager. I know I'lll be back. The food is very good although just a tad expensive. I don't mind spending the $$$ but I don't like walking out hungry.

    (3)

  • Charles S.

    This is my neighborhood pub and although not every visit has been 5 stars they are still one of the best out there. Unique menu that you won't find at the chain restaurants. Great place to take out of town visitors for that unique local Chicago experience. Sunday brunch rivals that of the downtown 5 star hotels but for about half the price. Wait staff seems to turnover a bit but are generally friendly and knowledgeable. Have great new uniforms with the Chicago flag on them. Outdoor patio is great in the summer time (maybe not this particular summer) and is dog friendly every Monday which is cool.

    (5)

  • Eric D.

    I had such high hopes walking into this local hole in the wall but to my dismay was truly disappointed. I met up with a large group of people on a Friday night and we didn't get the table we were told we would get for about 25 minutes. The wait wasn't a big deal except for the fact that nobody was at our table and it was ready to be sat the whole time. When we asked where our server was three people including the manager said they weren't sure and would find out for us. When our server finally came around he was talking about how they were so busy upstairs and he wasn't sure what was going on himself. I ordered a seasonal drafts and wanted to go ahead and order my food but was cut off and told that he wasn't taking orders for food until everyone at the table had a drink. I had waited far too long for just the beer it wasn't really happy with the seven or eight screaming children sitting around me and their highchairs so I decided to leave early and not experience the fishing chips I was told about. I'm normally not the guy to complain, I'm just the guy that won't ever go back.

    (1)

  • Scott L.

    It has a classic Irish pub feel. There was a lot of space and a very nice beer garden, perfect for enjoying a drink outside.

    (4)

  • Randall K.

    My wife and our youngest ended up here for a Sunday night dinner. What a pleasant Suprise. I had looked at the menu before and took a pass. Big mistake. I wish I had all the kids with us. We will go back. The food was above average, but the backyard garden.....AWSOME!!!! What a great outdoor eating venue. This would be great for a family outing OR a couples night out. The outdoor garden ROCKED. Worth the trip just for that. The service was pretty good. We were seated right away, and the waiter was frendly and attentive. He had a nice recommendation for my wife on a beer selection and she really enjoyed it. My daughter had the kids chicken fingers and ate most of them which means she liked them. My wive had the "Irish BLT" and enjoyed it. It was a little different from a typical BLT. I had the fish sandwich. Not bad. The cod was very good. Cooked perfectly and was not overwhelmed by the deep fry breading. Here is the best part of all 3 dishes. The fry's were fantastic. They were steak fry's and were great. The final bill was very reasonable. All in all, a pleasant dining experience and worth the trip back. We just need to decide if the trip is with kids or adults only!!!!

    (4)

  • Máirín G.

    I've been coming to Chief O'Neill's for a couple of years now and I think my appreciation grows each time! First, the venue is great. It has a very traditional Irish feel with gorgeous woodwork, celtic decor and a lovely beer garden (my favorite!). Second, the food is delicious-even the bread they bring out for free is tasty! Third, the service is great. Every server, bartender and even the owners are so gracious and friendly. I would highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • J B.

    I got to give this place 5 stars. We came in on a Sunday with that glorious buffet. All I can say is taco bar which is very minor to the good stuff. You know If they have a taco bar you are in for a good old fashion time!

    (5)

  • Robert R.

    So my wife and I live in Albany park and we love venturing around the area to find really good food. Well we found it. Chief O'Neill's is about the best irish oriented food you could expect to find outside of Ireland. The environment was super classy, with Celtic tunes playing and the wait staff was really on point. Typically i'm pretty critical of Irish restaurants given my heritage but this place really delivers. I would recommend this place to any friends, even if you haven't tried irish cuisine before just drag your self here and try some. The menu may seem intimidating at first but the wait staff is more then willing to help you decide without being pushy.

    (5)

  • Sheri S.

    As I sit in my office eating my leftover banger stuffed chicken breast I thought I also needed to write a review for the NEW Chief O'Neill's. There is a new chef here and WOW what a great menu and meal. Irish fusion is what I would call it, but there are still the traditional Irish dishes one would expect. I have always been a fan of the patio which is just beautiful, but now that the food has vastly improved I will be a summer regular. Great upgrade in food Chief!

    (5)

  • John B.

    In the words of Vizzini the dwarf, it is inconceivable to me that I have not written a review of Chief O'Neill's. I've been here many times, generally with Yelpers in tow (or in tow of Yelpers, I suppose), and yet I have not put pixels to screen. Granted, copious amounts of lagers and stouts, Scotch and Irish Whiskey may have clouded my memory. And yet, even through that alcoholic haze, images remain. Summer is the best time to visit the Chief, because of their huge backyard patio. O'Neill's is on a triangular lot at Elston and Albany, so the beer garden is almost the size of a standard city lot. Lots of tables, plenty of seating, and only one neighbor, who is obviously used to having a bunch of drunkards outside their windows. Great Irish pub food and booze. Shepherd's Pie, Irish Stew, Bangers & Mash, Corned Beef & Cabbage -- you get the drill. And lest we forget -- Guiness cheddar soup. Mmmmm. Needless to say, you can wash your dinner down with a fine selection of beer, Scotch, and Irish whiskeys. Need I say that Guiness, Harp, and Smithwick's are all on tap? But if your tastes go more to Blue Moon or Stella Artois, you're still in luck. I hear rumors they can even rustle up a Bud Light if you really need one. I do have a couple of bones to pick with the Chief. On several occasions, I've found service to be spotty. As in, "where the hell did our server go?" Or, "did you have to go all the way to Scotland for that single-malt?" This isn't usually a problem, because I'm with a group and we're not in a hurry. But there are those moments when everyone's glasses are empty at once -- and have been for some time -- and we've been abandoned. The other problem -- and this is not O'Neill's fault -- is that the neighborhood is very cab-unfriendly. It's not a long walk to the near-intersection of Elston, Addison, and Kedzie, but even that doesn't increase your odds of grabbing a cab substantially. Other bars I have known have developed relationships with cab companies, and will call a cab for you. O'Neill's will give you the number of a cab company they recommend, but if you tell them you're at Chief O'Neill's, that doesn't help -- they still need an address. And if you don't have a cell phone, you're SOL. It's a niggling complaint, but the fact that I don't know how I'm going to get home from O'Neill's make me go there less often.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth A.

    My boyfriend and I visited tonight, probably one of the last nice nights before the chilly Chicago winter takes over, and sat in the beer garden. The atmosphere there is WONDERFUL at night -- incredibly relaxing and beautiful. We didn't get to see any of the inside because there was a wedding going on but it looks beautiful as well. The only problem I had was that there were several kids out there and one had parents who clearly didn't teach him ANY manners. He was throwing stuff around, running, and even ended up hitting some other patrons. Yikes! Anyway, the food here was delicious; I was very pleasantly surprised. It's an Irish place and we don't eat red meat & chicken so I thought there would be only appetizers to munch on...but they have fish & veggie yummies abound. We had Bruschetta (fresh & flavorful), Guiness & Cheddar soup (super cheesy but super yummy), Harp Battered Cod with Steak Fries (Very well cooked & scrumptious), and a Black & Tan (good. :)). Our server was also very nice and our food arrived quickly. All in all, very much recommended and especially, if you can avoid the cold weather and stop by the beer garden.

    (5)

  • Victoria W.

    I felt compelled to finally write a review of Chief O'Neill's because the new menu (and chef) are really worth recommending now. We used to like the pub because of the decor and patio and music, but I never found the food to be memorable. Boy has that changed. It looks like from a few of the recent reviews that some people don't find the new menu to be appropriate for an Irish pub. But I have to say that the food here is much more like the food we ate in respected restaurants in Ireland. There are plenty of "Irish pubs" to choose from in Chicago, so I am excited to have the chance to eat Irish food now at Chief O'Neill's.

    (4)

  • Brian F.

    Food is above average for Irish Fare though the corned beef was slightly dry and the cabbage a little tough. My daughter had the fish and chips which were excellent. The Irish Soda bread is awesome as well. Stopped by here with my daughter to attend an "Adult Singing Workshop" with a famous Irish singer, Seamus Begley. According to the advertising the workshop was to last between 6:00p and 7:15p and we were going to "Learn to sing traditional Irish songs with one of today's best Irish singers. No experience necessary". Well that didn't happen. The workshop started around 6:30p, not 6:00p. About 10 of us paid $30 each to sit in a room with Seamus for 1/2 an hour, while he asked us for song suggestions, and sang those he liked. There was no instruction whatsoever and the one Irish song I knew "Dirty Old Town", he wouldn't sing. He could not come up with ANY ideas himself so much of the short time we had was spent trying to jog his memory so he could remember a song. Kind of Pathetic. He did have a beautiful voice so it wasn't a total loss. The pub is cute and authentic looking, they have banquet rooms for parties which are beautiful, and they have an outdoor beer garden, I would go back if in the area, but I won't be doing any more "workshops".

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    Authentic, off the beaten path Irish Pub complete with the "Fireplace" in front bar! I really liked the front Bar Room, very well laid out and cozy. The back area seemed more like the "Family Area" which I was not interested in at all. I would honestly say that the same people that built The Abbey built this Joint?! Spitting Image almost! Onto The Guinness, they pour one of the best pints I've had in Chicago..seemed very fresh and standard Guinness glass which is becoming a rare commodity these days. Ya, I want a pint of Guinness in a shitty Cheater pint glass? Really nice rail at the main bar as well as tons of Whiskeys and Single Malts. Extensive menu featuring Irish Favs and they are known for their Fish & Chips and Corned Beef which we did not try..only had an App which was just fine! I will be back to sample the goods...GTFJD

    (4)

  • Den M.

    I had a craving for fish so after searching yelp, I decided on Chief O'Neill. I was disappointed because the breading on the fish slide right off. It didn't hold for nothing! I couldn't even pick it up(hand or fork) without it falling apart. Being an Irish Pub I just couldn't believe it. Granted the size of the fish was plentiful and fresh. The fries complimented the fish, and the cold slaw was decent. Customer service was nice. Please work on the batter. Thx

    (3)

  • Kristina C.

    I have eaten here on several occasions and have never been disappointed. Excellent fish and chips and traditional Irish nibbles in a very welcoming atmosphere. This place is also great for just drinks - outstanding live Irish music. The friendly service will make sure you want to visit again.

    (4)

  • Mrs. H.

    Got there at 6:30pm. We were left at the door. Finally given a little table up the stairs and left to fend for ourselves. Waited and waited to be waited on. Got our own beer from the bar. My husband is a good man, and said that it's so busy, it's not their fault. I'm not as forgiving. I don't like having to call someone over after waiting 25 minutes to be served. Hire more staff if you're so busy. And your fish fry wasn't all that.

    (2)

  • Lois A.

    This is an awesome Irish pub that serves up some of the best fish and chips in the city. They have a great beer list and the interior is really cool. I took my mother here and she totally loved it. Their outdoor area is massive and extremely beautiful - it is no surprise so many people get married or have parties here. Soda bread comes to the table with each meal and it's great. Service is friendly and parking is easy. There are only about three places I go to where I always get the fish and chips and this place is now one of them. I highly recommend coming here on a Friday night and sitting outside but I can't wait to come here in winter and enjoy the cozy interior.

    (4)

  • Joel R.

    I'm a big fan of this place. The Sunday Brunch is fantastic and the booze selection is great! The atmosphere is good and the staff is very attentive. In additon, the beer garden is huge and very nice. Great place, if you haven't been there and live nearby, go!

    (4)

  • David M.

    We get here often...can' t believe we haven't rated it yet. First off...drinks.....wife likes the red wine selection (altho I am not sure of the role of red wine in an Irish pub).....the beers are 'just okay' / falling behind the craft beer rage. The food? Excellent and getting better. I alternate between the Shepards Pie and the Meat Loaf with an occasional Fish and Chips....wife likes the wider and wider variety of meals on the expanding menu. All in all...excellent.

    (4)

  • Colin M.

    Chief O'Neill's is a great spot for a large gathering of family or friends. We reserved the space upstairs for a mini-family reunion in October and had a great time. The staff was very helpful and accommodating. We had a few bottles of wine and pitchers of beer with appetizers, then sat down to share salads and to order entrees off the menu. The food came quickly and the portions were generous. Would definitely come back with a group and would love to see the live Irish music sometime.

    (4)

  • Jen F.

    I want to love this bar, I really do. I've been coming here off and on for the past several years (8 or so?) and have seen it change over the years. I recently went back to give it another try and was very disappointed. The food is overpriced for what they deliver. Last time I was there I got the bruschetta, and the crostini was literally dripping with oil. Yikes. I also had some of my friend's potato skins, which were fried beyond belief. I knew they would be fried, don't get me wrong, but you know when they are SO fried they almost don't resemble food anymore? Yeah, they were like that. I had the burger, which was a decent burger, but again with the grease! I had wanted to order a salad, but they all seemed very heavy and covered in creamy dressings and cheese. The drink prices are a little high for the neighborhood. The servers I've had, with the exception of a few of the actual bartenders, have been spotty and a couple even seemed angry I was there and they had to wait on me. Not cool. Overall, I don't go here unless someone I'm with really wants to go or if I'm in the mood for a patio. Too bad, since I live so close.

    (2)

  • Jess S.

    This place is great. Food. Beverage. Ambiance. It has it all. Definitely an old standby off the beaten path. The answer to (what seems to be like) hundreds of faux-Irish yuppie pubs. I need to get back over here soon to experience the beer garden and weekend brunch.

    (4)

  • Ralph F.

    Great little out of the way place that I've been to multiple times. The interior is very old school irish bar, roomy and comfortable. Food is above average bar nosh - you don't see many bars with a salmon salad on the menu. Chili is good, fish n chips are good, burger was great as was that salad. Traditional Irish music is played once or twice a week, which is very cool. Drink specials are hit or miss, but there's usually something good available for $4 or under. I really liked the many varieties of scotch they have available - ask your server for suggestions. My favorite thing about this bar is the beer garden out back. It's HUGE! Waitstaff is the only quibble I have with them, one night they will be chronically understaffed and hurried, the next they'll be near empty yet still sluggish. Every bartender I've had has been great though.

    (4)

  • Handyman Rich E.

    I've driven by this place for years & years, & last night had a taste for a friday night fish fry. The place is very nice w/ lots of natural wood, interesting ceiling tiles, a huge beer garden, & a nice selection of single malt scotch. The fish was tasty, the single malt(s) were good, the server pleasant, & the disappointment for having waited much to long to stop in here is significant. I'm going back Wed for a Scotch & Cigar event.

    (5)

  • Jessica L.

    I absolutely love, love, love Chief O'Neill's. It's one of the best places to go near my place and I've been here tons of times for brunch, lunch and dinner and will continue to go back. Great food, friendly service, relaxing atmosphere and an AWESOME outdoor patio. My ultimate favorite is the all you can eat fish and chips on Friday--pair that with a snakebite and you're all set.

    (4)

  • Janeen L.

    My boyfriend and I decided to bring his sister and her boyfriend, who were visiting for the weekend, to Chief O' Neills brunch. I was so excited being my first time there for brunch and had high expectations since I've always had such great experiences here. And of course their brunch exceeded my high expectations... it was fantastic! We made reservations and requested the pub area and we were seated in my favorite booth. We had excellent service and the brunch spread was beautifully presented and had everything from breakfast favorites to desserts that were just delicious (and the bloody mary's). Great great job and now you're my favorite brunch place! Thanks for the brunch and we will be back! :) Janeen

    (5)

  • Tracy C.

    Just went for brunch! What an awesome side-yard, beer garden! So nice out there. The brunch was great! $16.95 per person! For a pretty decent buffet, gotta try the Guinness/cheese soup, yum! ! Bloody Mary was a little "thick" for my taste, but I drank it. Oh, and the kids loved it too, not to mention none of the snotty looks from anyon for having our children eating out with us! Nice service, friendly staff, will definetly be a place to brunch in the future.

    (4)

  • Patrick W.

    I'm really surprised that I never wrote about this place before... this has always been one of my favorite bars in the city, and I actually think it's gotten better with time. I first heard of it when it was featured on an episode of the old Wild Chicago show on channel 11 several years ago. I gave it a try and have been a fan ever since. Went to New Years Eve here one year (and so ends the stories about THAT night), took my princess here for one of our first dates, and an episode in which I was drinking my Guinness faster than my friend Tony and once I was a full glass ahead of him and about to lap him a second time, the bartender grabbed my glass and refilled it most of the way up to "even things out." You had to be there but it was great fun. The Chief has my absolute favorite fish & chips in town, and on Friday, it's all you care to eat. Wow... the calorie counter must just spin around like a pinwheel, but it's remarkably worth it. They also have a great burger and Irish stew. I've also just recently discovered the best kept secret in brunch- their Sunday brunch buffet! Food, glorious food! All glorious and scrumptious... an amazing variety of food, and everything I tried was outstanding. It's not a cheap breakfast but when you take into consideration the variety and quality of the food (did I mention their fish and chips are on the buffet line, along with a prime rib carvery?), it's an outstanding value, especially since you won't need to eat for several hours afterward. This is head and shoulders above all the other faux irish bars in town. The food is outstanding, the decor is the real thing, the service is always excellent, and I just can't say enough great things about this place. Long live the Chief!

    (5)

  • Tyler B.

    Ah. This pub shares some grand memories. I began a great relationship with my ex here. Back then it was dark, smoky and there was live Irish music. It was the place to be. Love there bangers and mash and the artichoke dip is to die for. Good selection at the bar. Atmosphere- its done up to look like a traditional Irish pub but its very American. Large in scale but still quite homey. In the colder months the other half of the year its warm and inviting by the fireplace. The patio is comfortable and shady in the summer. I spent many a birthday and occasion within this establishment and never had a dull moment. I miss the live music. This has always been my favorite Irish pub of Chicago and that will never change. Second to it would have to be Cullen's. Raise a pint to Chief's.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    Living in the suburbs, a place has to be pretty special for me to travel into the city, on I-90 on on Friday night. Boy was I ever happy I did. I don't think I can accuaratly put into words just how good this food tasted, but I'll do my best. My wife and I went down to Chief O'Neill's with four other people, one of whom had been there before. I've always been a big fan of the "Irish Pub" scene and this place has the look down pat. We however sat outside in the huge beer garden. Wonderful weather and night. Now that we have the background out of the way, lets get to the good stuff. The real reason people need to frequent this place? The food, and the booze. Because most of us hadn't been there before, we tried to order a good sample of things on the menu. We all got beer, mine was big, cold, and good (as well as reasonably priced for booze in the city). We started with appetizers and passed things around. Great. My wife and I ordered the bree in phyllo dough, it came with a raspberry sauce and it was awesome. Also ordered, eaten and enjoyed were the mussels, and the artichoke dip. FANTASTIC. Then there was the main course...when I tell you that you'll get your moneys worth, I mean it. I left there about two hours ago and I'm still stuffed. Most of use took some home. I ordered the Angus steak sandwich. Cooked to perfection and well seasoned. My wife ordered the Irish stew, Awesome. One of my friends got the Guinness infused meatloaf...I've never had such good meatloaf in my life. Another friend who have been there before ordered this HUGE burger (the banger burger), that also had sausage on it...I didn't try it, but he looked like he was in heaven. Then to top it all off, the staff there was EXTREMELY friendly, which is a real asset because a bad experience with staff will turn me off to a place faster then you can say boo. Needless to say, I'll be back and bring more friends for sure. This is a spot you can't miss, particularly in the summer for the beer garden.

    (5)

  • Robyn S.

    I've been contacted about this review and I am so impressed with Chief O'Neill's! Siobhan has written me with concern about the customer service we received on Sunday, 8/2. He has gone to great lengths to keep me as a happy customer and I can't believe it! No one has EVER done that for me before! I don't usually complain because the last time I did (it was a limo service), I was told, "Well, too bad and we don't care what you do." I am in customer service myself, so I appreciate it when it is reciprocated. The food is awesome and now I can say that the customer service is awesome! We will be going back and will tell everyone we know about it as well!

    (5)

  • P S.

    It's cozy. It's right around the corner from home. It's got a great beer selection... other than that, I keep going back hoping to be impressed but it just doesn't happen. I had the skate wing special, too salty. The Cobb Salad had great chicken but was just ok. The date's salmon burger went over well but I thought the salmon was way overcooked (and why do you need two big pieces of cibata bread with salmon?)... but the Guinness cheese soup is always great, as is the chili. I do love the bangers and mash though, and should probably just stick with it. Plus, it can be hard to find Smithwicks in my neck of the woods. The Chief is good in a pinch, but isn't fabulous. 9 March 2008 update: I ordered fish and chips for takeout because I had a serious jonze going. Mistake. The Guinness Cheese soup is still good and always good, but the fish and chips is to be avoided. There were so few chips in the order, they barely covered the bottom of the to-go container and the fish so greasy the fries were soaked. That's it, Chief. I'm done with you. You're good for a pint and the soup but that is it. Sorry, buddy.

    (3)

  • Andrew V.

    So I had visited here a handful of times in the past, but largely in the fall/winter months. The heavily wooden atmosphere combined with a pint and some Irish fare was always comforting when it was cold out. I had heard that Chief O'Neill's had a good garden but just never got around to checking it out - until last week. Wow. A) Its huge. B) Its green - plenty of grass throughout the outside seating area; a welcome sight in my book. Tables are not on top of each other which is good because it is also fairly kid/family friendly. There must have been half a dozen toddlers running around when I was there. Nice that they can play in the yard while their folks can enjoy a beer I suppose. Perhaps not necessarily the best beer garden in Chicago but certainly worth your while if you want some above average pub grub and cold beer outside on a warm summer day.

    (4)

  • Moe f.

    Fantastic brunch buffet!! Shrimp, salmon, and corned beef hash being the highlights. And eggs benedict, omelettes, and a taco bar. Followed by a chocolate fountain and about 20 different deserts from creme brulee to rice krispie treats. It was heaven!!

    (4)

  • Alea E.

    I'm so sad to have to give them so few stars. I had been there several times before and it was one of my favorite brunch places of all times. Recently, I had a bad experience, and a friend who goes regularly said the past few times she had gone were also bad. They told us they changed chefs and they were very happy with them. I did not agree! It was the same food, but none of it tasted good anymore. The only thing that was still ok was the hash brown casserole. The french toast with whipped cream tasted awful!!! Most of the food that I was used to eating was inedible. So sad! Come back old chef!

    (2)

  • Tom B.

    I must not have learned my lesson from my previous experiences, before last night, I had dinned at Chief's on several occasions. On a few occasions the food was decent, the service excellent, and there was almost no wait. This place seems to also have days where everything is rotten. I honestly believe that one can stop here and have a great time, decent food, and great service, and on the next day have an awful experience. I think it depends on who is working that day. Last night will be the last time I eat here. The service is random: sometimes good, sometimes non-existent. Most of the time the food is overpriced bland bar food. The atmosphere...try Applebees vs Irish Pub in Kansas...fake. I ordered what must have been the worst Martini I have ever had even (they said they made it with Grey Goose). It tasted like what I can only imagine floor polish tastes like mixed with pickles. My food was cold and soggy and our waiter disappeared. I can stomach bad service, I can even stomach bad food and an occasional bad drink. However, when I walk out of the restaurant with over a $50 dollar bill after an order of potato skins, fish and chips, a coke, one beer, and one bad martini it means I won't be returning soon to a place with random service and quality.

    (2)

  • Skip B.

    Fish & Chips on a Saturday night Patio Seating, great Fish, warm fries, great black & tan service!

    (4)

  • Scott H.

    One of the great Irish pubs in Chicago and it flies well below the radar for many in Chicago because of it's relatively isolated Elston Ave. location. What a treat for everything from a leisurely Guinness in the front pub to a full meal in the rear dining room or in the spacious outdoor garden! AYCE fish and chips on Friday is a gluttonous feast. Gotta get back for this brunch I hear so many good things about!

    (4)

  • Angela P.

    I've eaten here a few times... well years ago. A friend's brother worked there. Had great food each time we went. The pub is awesome. Had an awesome st patty's day celebration there they put u a tent out back and makes the place even bigger. Loads of fun I have to say my fave meal was the steak and mashed potatoes yum

    (4)

  • Yoyo M.

    This place is SO Irish. I love it. Dimly lit, all wood interior, a beautiful outdoor patio/garden, old, wonderful fireplace. It's like a giant, welcoming Irish home. It has class, yet is definitely a bar, and is family oriented during the day. At night, it's a pub and the food is superb, always. Rich and delicious Irish food. It's never too noisy and never too quiet and big enough to sit away from the loud areas if you choose to have an actual conversation. Worth the trip down Elston.

    (4)

  • Andy M.

    Just thought i would add another five star review. Nothing I can say that has not already been said and when it comes to pubs I am picky

    (5)

  • Kryste N.

    The pub you've been practicing for indeed! My husband and I stopped here 10 years ago on our way home from the auto show in January, in Chicago, after a long walk back to our car on the lakefront. We were chilled to the bone and decided to stop for lunch. They had something called Guiness Cheese soup on the menu, which we ordered, it warmed us right up and was delicious...and the rest is history. Every year we come here with friends the Saturday after Thanksgiving to celebrate my husbands birthday, their food is so yummy, the Guiness Cheese soup is still on the menu and is perfection, the holiday decor puts me right into the Christmas spirit. We also come here every year for their St Patty's day celebration, and then in summer to enjoy the beer gard. Truly a gem of a pub that has something for everyone.

    (4)

  • Thomas J.

    My wife and I have been to Chief O'Neills a few times now, twice for Sunday brunch and once on a night out drinking. Its a comfy neighborhood Irish bar with above average food. The spread for their Sunday buffet is better than most. Its a very wide selection of food for even discriminating tastes. From waffles and french toast to calamari and shrimp with a couple of chocolate fountains, you won't leave hungry. I gave it four stars because we did have one sub-par experience there, but we will continue to patronize their establishment.

    (4)

  • Colleen B.

    Very good. Never been disappointed. I can't wait for spring, so I can go stuff my face and drink beers on the HUGE patio. But then, I love the cozy feel with the fireplace in the winter. I've had many of the standards on the menu and all have been more than satisfactory. Heaping portions of crispy battered fish, juicy corned beef, creamy potatoes, and sausage... yum. Definitely remember to get a side of curry... everything is better with the curry. Sometimes the weird tables cramp my style a bit, and the place is rather large... but, no fears! You will be well taken care of at the Chief's.

    (4)

  • Brad T.

    Simply the best traditional Irish Pub food in the Northwest side. Great staff, great English/Irish/Scottish beer selection, good specials and great atmosphere. The pub itself is stunning, truly gorgeous and wholly authentic especially on those cold winter afternoons when they've got the fireplace going. The food is outstanding, try the Guinness cheese soup. Fantastic. The staff is friendly and there's alot of deals throughout the week. Not a meat market or a trixie joint in the least; a solid, classy pub with charm to spare.

    (5)

  • C. Benjamin W.

    My coworkers love this place and I think it's okay. I suppose that means they make a lot more money than I do. Chief O'Neil's has great bar food, but aside from that, it is not all that remarkable in the world of Chicago Irish pubs. You can look forward to a $5 draft of beer and not many options when it comes to 'budget' drinks. So it's no place for the spendthrift. The service was great. I can absolutely say that without any hesitation. Last time I visited with a gaggle of teachers, our waiter was cozy enough with us to do a sight gag practical joke on one of our group. One thing that I thought was a little strange was a note in the men's room encouraging people not to tap their feet or accept toilet paper in the stalls. I understand that in light of Sen. Craig's troubles, bars probably don't want people trolling for anonymous sex in their washrooms. But pressing the point with signage strikes me as a bit homophobic, especially if they are doing it to be humorous. I don't have much insight into the gay lifestyle, but I'd assume that being told not to have anonymous sex in the washroom is kind of patronizing. Save that advice for Republican "pro-family values" senators.

    (3)

  • Geoffrey H.

    We had our rehearsal dinner here and it could not have been better. They had private rooms available but we opted to stay in the main dinning area so our guests could enjoy the atmosphere. We had approximately 20 people and our server, Andy, was amazing. He was extremely attentive and everyone felt well taken care of. Aside from the wonderful place and the great service, the food was incredible. On a separate occasion we came here for brunch and I have never seen it's equal. You will feel like the children in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory except the sweets are exchanged for delicious food. Also, if you are a whisk(e)y lover the selection here is very respectable.

    (5)

  • Jocelynne G.

    This place is awesome. A close friend of my Mom's who is an Irish immigrant took us out to dinner here one night, since she used to be a waitress at Chief O'Neill's. The owner is extremely kind, and even gave my Mom and I a tour of the place because we were simply amazed by our surroundings. Our waiter was really funny too. He was wearing a name tag that stated, "Mr Cup o' Cino" and when I asked him why he told me, "It's a surprise, you'll see." After we had our dessert (baked pumpkin pudding, yummm!) He came by with a cup that looked like it was filled with hot coffee topped off with whipped cream and cinnamon. Just as he was about to serve it to us, he TIPS the cup over onto my Mom!! We all shriekd and gasped, but then realized that it was only a coffee mug stuffed with a white napkin, and sprinkled with cinnamon. For the rest of the evening we watched with delight as the waiter went outside to the patio, repeating the same prank to the other tables. One guy was so surprised by it that he tumbled back out of his chair! Haha. Anyway great atmosphere, amazing irish food, I can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Zach T.

    As if this place needs any more positive reviews, I shall provide another. This is the type of bar I've wanted to live by all my life and I'm extremely thankful that I do now. They've got the classics on draft and a great selection of whiskey's which automatically won me over. The single greatest part about Chiefs is that its the type of place you don't want to leave. Every bar hop we've done in the area ends with Chiefs for a round of Guinness. If you're not a drinker then I'd recommend the Banger Burger.

    (5)

  • Paul S.

    Man, I wanted so much more from this place. I have a major penchant for Irish Pubs. I love the food, the atmosphere and the general feel of a good one. This place is like a big, heavy, well wrapped Christmas present. It gets your hopes up with its appearance, then crushes your childlike enthusiasm as soon as you see what is really inside. The decor is great. Corner entrance, dark wood paneling, nice layout. Great knotwork painted on the ceilings. Loved it so far. The beer garder was cool and inviting as well. Now then, the food. Irish stew.... hm. I usually love the stuff. (I myself am nearly full-blooded Irish) The lamb was really dry. It had the consistency of beef jerky. And I swear I have tasted that gravy before... Oh wait. I have. Campbell's Chunky Soup. Lame. Service was way off too with the waitress completely overwhelmed. At one point, carrying 15+ drinks on one tray. Either she was a spaz and wasn't doing her job, or the managers screwed up. Either way, my black and tan was warm when I got it 15 minutes later. Mediocrity, thy name is Chief O'Neill.

    (2)

  • E M.

    I've always loved this bar. In a city of bad sports bars thinly disguised as Irish bars, this place stands out as authentic, and does actually remind me of a few pubs I visited in Ireland. We always make sure we come here around St. Pat's -- the buffet in the back tent is not to be missed; even the fish and chips are great, which you can rarely say for buffet-style. Their drinks are great, even on St. Patrick's day -- the best snakebites in the city, unlike the poor examples I've had in a couple other bars *cough* O'Hagan's *cough.* This year, however, I have to mention a few things that REALLY disappointed me and my friends. We bust our a**es to get to the bar from the far north 'burbs by 1:00 so we could avoid the $10 cover charge. We walked in at exactly 1:00, and were told we still had to pay. It seems a bit ridiculous, considering once you get in, their buffet is $14 for one pass. There were a few other disgruntled patrons that mentioned the door guy had been taking money since about 12:45, because the manager had told him to. My husband asked to talk to the manager and when he mentioned the e-mail that we got advertising that cover charges started at 1:00, the manager refunded our money. We were the only ones who complained to the manager, so everyone else sitting around us was still pretty disgruntled about the whole thing. The other thing we noticed was that there was a sign on the door guy's podium that was requesting a $5.00 cover charge for kids, even though they had advertised kids were free. Pretty cheesy. Our waitress was pretty lacking. I know it's busy the Saturday before St. Pat's, but she was definitely not in the game, and when we mentioned it to her, she told us "It takes me as long to get a drink as it takes you." And so I should give you a tip, why? I got up and got my own beer faster, thanks. The same waitress yelled at my friend's 5 y.o. daughter for taking a bit of shiny green off a decoration to wrap around her wrist. We asked the door guy beforehand if she could do that, and he said go ahead. Then our "waitress" comes along, and almost brings the poor kid to tears. She is definitely not a brat, and never would have done it if she hadn't had permission. Dear waitress: quit your job and join the police force if it makes you feel better. All in all, I still love the place and will go back. I just wish it wasn't so obviously all about the dollar signs.

    (3)

  • Bess R.

    Nice bar, wish I would have come by sooner! Tried to go to Kuma's, but I refuse to wait for a burger at 8pm on a Tuesday, so we made our way over to Chief's. We sat in the bar area, but it looked like there was a dining portion and a nice outside area. They had some Irish-y musicians playing, which I enjoyed but it annoyed my ladyfriends. What can I say, Guinness always puts me in a good mood! My burger was pretty good, and we had the artichoke dip that was very artichoke-y and came with delicious pita crisps. mmm. Nice server, cool place. Will have to come back on a weekend and check it out.

    (4)

  • Eric R.

    The theater ensemble that I spend 73% of my life at (the legendary Factory Theater...16 years and counting!) comes to this pub A LOT. We throw parties here, have benefits here, and drink profusely here. Many hangovers were started at the Chief's. Good beer selection (I wish they hadn't raised their prices), good bartenders (hey Rick!), and some tasty dishes. And, if you can get up early enough, one of the best Sunday brunch buffets in the city with a build-yer-own bloody bar. COME ON! Slainte!

    (4)

  • Edward H.

    Man am I lovin' the Chief! I was introduced to this place when I went for a friendly gathering with some fellow Yelpy Yelpers - had a great time and some great food. I was told that they had a really nice Sunday brunch on the cheapy cheap. This prior weekend, I figured it was as good a time as any to check this bad boy out. My partner in crime and I were greeted with wafty scents of uber-all-you-can-eatness within a few feet past the doorway. The sound CHA-CHING went off in my head as I took in the scenery. (I'll continue my traditional listing of offerings below) Station #1 - Fish'n'Chips, BBQ, Eggs Benedict, Bacon/Sausage, Corned Beef and Hash, French Toast/Waffles, Fruit Salad, Croissants Station #2 - Salmon, Shrimp, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Regular Salad, Calamari, Chili w/ Fixin's, *?SUSHI?*, Bagels, Cheeses, Made-to-Order Omelettes Station #3 - Brownies, Cakes, Eclairs, Danishes, Cinnamon Rolls, and then some PLUS, they have a build your own bloody mary station fully stocked w/ shrimp (costs extra but so damn cool!). There was plenty of comfortable seating in the dining room. The service was excellent - our server was friendly and attentive; the bus staff moved in like ninjas taking away our plates with mad quickness and stealth skillz. The food was all delicious (the sausage a bit too bland for my taste though). All this eating left us rolling out the door with big bellies full of good eatin'. The cost you ask? Somewhere in the teens... HOLY CRAP right? Well I say right your are my friend... right you are.

    (4)

  • Kristin M.

    What tips the scales for Chief O'Neill's from 3 to 4 stars is the outdoor seating area. In a word, its fantastic! Its a huge outdoor yard and part of a patio surrounded by trees, flowers and grass under your feet! Even though its a huge space, being under the stars and the table top candles make it totally romantic! The food was decent, I unfortunately tried the stuffed chicken which wasn't too impressive (salty and dry), but my fiancee tried the fish fry (which was fabulously all-you-can-eat on Friday!) and that was great! Lightly battered (with Harp beer) and delicately fried to a crispy, golden perfection and paired with yummy chips with malted vinegar... Yum! I'm definitely going back for the all-you-can-eat fish! As far as service goes, the hostess was great! Super friendly and willing to make suggestions, and she came back to check on us to see how our meal was going. The waiter on the other hand... not so good. I think he may have been drunk or high, I'm not sure. Drinks took forever, as did dinner and the check, he rarely checked on us, I received a drink that was in a glass that was so horribly cracked I'm lucky it didn't break in my hand, and when my fiancee wanted to order another order of fish fry the waiter was no where to be found! Despite the fact that we were seated right away our dining experience lasted well over two hours! Thankfully, it was a beautiful night so we didn't mind to much. Oh, and watch out for spiders, the down side of having such a o'natural patio.

    (3)

  • Melissa B.

    I highly recommend their Sunday brunch. Yes, I've had better fish 'n' chips, but there's so many other things there! I didn't even make it to the omelette bar, I was too busy with all the other yummies. We didn't get to try the bloody marys, but from what we saw at other people's tables, it took a lot of restraint not to steal their drinks while they were loading up at the buffet. We liked it so much we made reservations for Mother's Day. My mom will really dig the Irish theme.

    (4)

  • Scott W.

    I have been to this place multiple times and have confirmed it is a great place to wine, dine, or both. The neighborhood isn't saturated with restaurants and bars like Lakeview or Lincoln Park, which may not make it jammed pack with the younger crowd, but parking is a simple task in Avondale. The menu is mostly in the $8-$18 dollar range but everything I have tried has been top-notch. They have a little bit of everything on it: reubens, fish and chips, shepards pie, salmon burger, porkchops, ribeye, bangers, and alot more. All the meats they serve have great flavor in my opinion. Domestic draft pints run $4 and import drafts run $5. There are lots of beers (Guiness, Harp, domestics) on tap and some other rarer ones in bottles. There is a large beer garden outside. The inside features mahogany woodwork and a Irish music paraprenalia. There are two large screens near the fully-stocked bar. Chief O'Neill's police uniform is in a display case in the pub. The restrooms were draped with advertisements and clean. The bartenders and waitstaff are first-class. Chief O'Neill's is open till 2am every night, except Saturday when the doors stay open till 3am. Live Irish music and trivia competitions are featured on select nights. I'd say this place is a "must-try" for any Chicagoan.

    (5)

  • Efrain F.

    My wife and I like this place. We usually go in the summertime and sit in their outdoor area. It reminds me of a cookout in someones backyard. The have very hearty sandwiches. My favorite dish is the fish-n-chips... with a black-and-tan. We've also tried their Sunday brunch. It was excellent. A good variety of food and reasonably priced.

    (3)

  • Lauren H.

    went here for the all you can eat buffet brunch. It was a very good price, $12.96, a decent sized selection, and we got seated immediately at 11 am, but the food to me was only mediocre.

    (3)

  • Justin M.

    Another neighborhood pub that I love! Cheif's has an excellent beer selection on tap. The bartenders are always nice and the wait staff is very prompt and considerate. The Sunday brunch is ridiculous. They have all types of food available for the brunch, which includes prime rib, fish n chips, calamari, and their most excellent chili. No bullshit, their chili is really good! One downside of Chiefs is the owner, or the main hostess. I am not sure what rank she carrys, but what an old windbag! I have delt with her before regarding Bears games and dining service. She does whatever she wants, she says random things aloud that are confusing and inappropriate and she acts almost like she doesn't want to be there. Boo old lady....boo!! Nobody likes their grandma being a nuisance!

    (4)

  • Ted C.

    Chief O'Neill's was the place I'd go for drinks and food. The Guinness and cheese soup is excellent and it's got a great beer garden in the summer. It can get a little hectic during busy nights but it's still easy to grab a table if you're hungry and want a bite. A great place to hang out on any night. The first place I went to when I came home for leave-and once my friend let it known that I was home from Iraq I didn't have to pay for any drinks.

    (5)

  • Laura A.

    I haven't been to Chief O'Neill's in probably around 7 years. It didn't take long to remember why it's been so long. First downer was the several minute wait standing by the front door to be seated. They were not busy whatsoever. I was about 30 seconds from leaving, as I could see a table of 3 looking around as if they were being ignored, too. The service turned out to be ok, though. No complaints after that. The food is still mediocre. They brought back the Guinness and Cheese soup since last I was there, which is a winner...although they could skip the melted cheese on top. Kind of redundant. The garden salad with blue cheese dressing was another highlight. Fresh greens, and the dressing was excellent. I should have went with the Bangers and Mash. Maybe next time. Instead, I did some broiled cod entree. It was not good at all. The fish, while not smelly or anything seemed like it was frozen, or maybe just overcooked. Dry and rubbery. Van de Kamps is often better. It was served atop a warm (hot, actually) potato salad with asparagus and blue cheese. When the blue cheese melted, it combined with the citrus sauce intended for the fish. There was just way too much going on with this plate. I didn't eat much. The special, a "blackened" prime rib wasn't bad, but it wasn't blackened. It was simply char-grilled, and fairly black on the outside. That is not what most would consider blackened. Also, most items on the appetizer and entree menus were I would say about $2 more than they should be on average. Kind of overpriced. I see that they do breakfast. Maybe we'll give that a try sometime. But I'm in no big rush to go back for dinner.

    (2)

  • E W.

    Wonderful pub, great food, friendly people. Feels like Ireland!

    (5)

  • Johnny R.

    We finally tried their brunch. It was very impressive. I liked the chocolate fountain in a manly way. I was like the person with an eating disorder locked into an OCB... So many things to try. If you want fish and chips, you got that. If you want bacon and eggs, you got that. If you just want to eat 15-20 deserts... Well you can do that too. I think it was $15.99 per person. For some reason the bees loved our table so I'd like see those guys burn some citronella candles but that was a rare occurrence.

    (4)

  • Bryan D.

    Best beer garden in the city. The Sun. brunch is pretty decent for the price too.

    (5)

  • Jeff H.

    This was one of the first places my wife took me when we first started dating and has been one of our favorite places to come back to ever since. Of all the Irish Pubs I've been to in my life, this one has to be my favorite. Its decor, entertainment, food and Guinness on tap make it the best

    (5)

  • Jamie J.

    I've lived a half-mile away for over a year, and just made it there for the first time last night. I had been craving fried fish all day (ah Catholic upbringing) and decided to invite a couple friends for dinner and a late birthday celebration for myself. Good choice, self. We were not the only ones coming for all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips on the first Friday in Lent, so there was a 5-minute wait. There's plenty of room to stand while you wait, which helped. We got seated at the second booth from the door when it was in the twenties out, but I was drinking Guinness and that warmed me up fine. Our server was about our age and a pretty cool guy. He laughed when my friend (jokingly) ranted about them being out of his favorite scotch, and he tried to talk our fourth friend into getting the cheese soup when 3 of us ordered it. But really, this trip was all about the fish 'n chips. They did take awhile to come out. But like I said, we were drinking Guinness so no biggie.When they did come out, we were a very happy table. They were PIPING hot, incredibly crispy and yet meaty at the same time, and weren't fishy at all. One of my friends decided to get the curry sauce to dip his fries in. Curry fries were good, but Jeezus, curry fish is even better! After we all finished our initial plates, the question arose: seconds? The server came back and we asked, specifically, for "3 or 4" more pieces. Ten minutes later he came back with a tray of food that looked about to fall over. There were seven gigantic pieces of fish piled on top of a bed of french fries. We looked at him like he was crazy. We did our best to stuff the fried monstrosity into our guts but still had to take more than half of the second serving home. Oh, I'll be back. Possibly after a 24-hour fast.

    (4)

  • Elisa E.

    We went to the Sunday brunch. The front room, which was where the buffet was being served, smelled like a wet dog. Most of the food was inedible: incredibly greasy fish and chips, lukewarm eggs benedict, coagulated mac n' cheese. Custom-made omelettes were cooked at a very high heat with vegetable oil; they were rubbery and flavorless. I did like the bacon and fresh fruit. However, it wasn't worth $14 bucks per person.

    (2)

  • Andrew P.

    I usually hate places like this, as most Irish Bars in this city are full of trixies, shamrock budweiser ads (czechs in ireland?), and 22 year old mortgage brokers with burgeoning golf-guts. This place, however, was the real deal. Best fish and chips I've had in the city, great beers, and AMAZING beer garden (really, it was like being in a pub in the Mendips...not on Elston). I would highly recommend sitting in the garden to relax on a beautiful summer evening. Inside seemed nice as well. PS: Good service, and good veggie options. Child friendly as well (they like to reel 'round the fountain)

    (4)

  • Courtney B.

    Great outdoor space for summer nights! And perfect beer cheese soup that will warm you up in winter. I always stop in before seeing a show at the theatre across the street.

    (4)

  • Laurie V.

    Rats! So we went to Chief O'Neil's to celebrate my husband's promotion and my new haircut and color. (Note to self: Right review of Salon Salome ) We live in the neighborhood and eat there fairly often, usually bringing friends. The food isn't't spectacular, but it's good and we like the atmosphere. It was a beautiful night so we went to be seated outside in the garden/patio. Our first table was on the paved area but after about ten minutes the hostess lady mentioned in another review said we had to move because a party was there. (A party that in the hour and a half we were there never appeared.) OK. We asked for a cute little four top in the corner by the plants where we could see the whole patio. It was delightful until we saw our first rat. Then it was kind of gross, but also kind of funny. Now we are not easily offended and we know how hard it can be to control the rat population. We also know that other people are not as understanding and we thought the staff might want to scare it off before that mystery party appeared. So we flagged one guy down and let him know what was happening. "Oh snap!" was his response. We convinced him to stomp around a bit to shoo it away. He offered to let us move but the other seating options were not far enough away from Ratville to make a difference or else they were in the smoking area or finally, up against the windows of the dining room where a private party of old people were listening to some guitar player. We debated sitting there and just putting our faces up against the glass and looking longingly at the private event but decided to stay where we were. Now our waitress was slammed in the front section of the bar and we were her only table outside which left us waiting for long periods of time for drinks, bread, food etc. She was nice when she was there but the waits were a bit ridiculous. So we entertained ourselves with naming the rats, Napoleon and Dynamite. Making Ratatouille jokes,. Singing songs where we replaced the real lyric with the word "rat." "Blinded by the Rat" "Cold Hearted Rat", Oops I Ratted Again". When our server appeared again we told her about our urban wildlife and she was totally freaked out. We did it in a subtle way because we didn't't want to upset the other diners on a rather full night. She offered again for us to move but since the rats were a fair distance away we decided to stay. We saw her notify the manager lady and we expected her to come over and thank us for being cool, or apologize but nothing. Husband and I debated whether or not we would yelp this part of the experience because we weren't sure if we wanted to "Rat them out". Ha! There were several other rat jokes like "Rats off to you", etc. The food finally arrives and it was good, not great. The Bangers and Mash had a really flavorful onion gravy that we loved. The chips were good but the fish was kind of greasy. Then the rat peeked out at me about a foot away. I screamed. Loud. I didn't mean to but it was right there. Then we started laughing. "Nothing to see here, folks!" A table of four sees their first rat and the men casually point while the women pick up their hand bags from the ground and I can hear the one woman keep saying, "that's a rat, a RAT!" Then they got up and leave for the smoking section. We waited another round of forever for another item and then a new server comes up and apologizes that our original server was not coming back because it was too busy up front. We ask for our check and I sit back to finish my drink. Then the rat RAN ACROSS MY FOOT! Right. Across. My. Foot. I SCREAMED, yanking my feet up under me. So much for subtlety. My husband leaps up and was like, "that's it we're outta here." I won't put my feet down until he assures me the furry demon is gone. Now everyone is looking and I didn't care. We leave our half finished drinks and race for the door. A guy says, "OK what was it?" and I say, "RATS!" I explain what happened to the servers and the girl looks at me and says, "Oh. I saw a squirrel there earlier." I am all like, "I know what a rat looks like. You have them all over the patio. Other tables have seen them and moved. You have RATS!" Then my husband paid the check, in full, and we left, , explaining to our earlier server what had happened as we passed. Now I am sorry, but if a rat runs across a patron's foot the patron deserves an apology and quite possibly, a free drink. Not to be told that it was a squirrel as you are handed the check. As we left my husband said, "Honey, you have some Yelping to do!"

    (1)

  • Bryan C.

    Everything written about this place and its Sunday Brunch is Spot on! The best fish and Chips I have found in the city, or for that matter in this country. I have spent extended time in the UK and am quite picky about what masquerades in this country as proper fish and chips. The selections of food for the Sunday Buffet are great and all at a very fair price! I just wish the booths were a bit more comfortable!

    (4)

  • John W.

    Best Guinness in the city. Period. Nice bar and probably an upgrade from the Abbey which is down the street a ways. Not too over the top with Irish decor but way over the top with Irish / European service. I went there once before a show and after sitting in the back for an hour, someone finally took my order. About an hour later she came back and told me they were out of fish n chips and wanted to know if I wanted to order something else. I have no idea why it took so long but at that point I didn't have time to wait another 3 hours for them to cook something else and had to end up eating at Taco Bell to make the show on time. I was so pissed and not pissed in an Irish way either. Oh, they have a $24 glass of Johnny Walker. I remember their fries being kind of soggy. They probably spit in your food too.

    (2)

  • joe m.

    Lovely place. Charming and cozy. A great spot for the winter. I swear I'm going to start bringing a book and sidling up to that fireplace. Oh, also, live traditional Irish jam on Tuesdays. Definitely recommended.

    (5)

  • M O.

    If you like all-you-can-eat buffet brunches, this place is a great bargain. For $14.95 (as of this writing), you get most of what you'd find at those big buffet brunches elsewhere for $25. Of course something that's been sitting in a chafing dish for a while won't be as good as something specially prepared, but if your parents like this kind of thing as much as mine do, this is the place to go. They have an omelet station, and the day we went they offered all the usuals (peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked salmon, salads, breads, waffles, french toast, bacon & sausage) plus some nice hot entrees ( fried chicken, pulled pork, fish & chips, irish eggs benedict, and some very nice corned beef hash). A nice surprise was fried calamari. The desert area was very nice and even offered creme brulee and a chocolate fountain, The staff here is very friendly and the place has a nice neighborhood atmosphere. It's relaxed, laid-back, and very attractive.

    (4)

  • Alexis R.

    I am a big fan of Chief's, though I have not been here in awhile - great food, including the Cheddar Ale soup and the traditional pub grub. If you are seeing a show at one of the theaters across the street, go early and have dinner at Chief's. Better yet, go back after and enjoy a beer in the beer garden!

    (4)

  • Yvonne O.

    Went here for a party last week and tried some of the food and drink while there. I was very impressed that although the waitress was not familiar with "shandy", she had them make it for me - and it was spot on! I gave the sheperd's pie a go and thought it was really well-done for the area. Perhaps a bit too much sage, but certainly nothing like the mess you get downtown (with weird cinnamon or a bad meat to veggie ratio) This was a nice sauce, not too sweet, not too spicy and the right amount of potato crust to mix in. A lot of people were having the salmon burgers as well and raved about them. I will defnitely be back to have a quiet dinner and enjoy some of the soup!

    (4)

  • bj f.

    o.k., now i'm officially in love with this place. first, the bartender is an alien, because no one can be that consistently nice with every freaking patron, regardless of sobriety. and the leather couch that fronts their fake fireplace is the best way to pass time sipping wine while waiting for takeout. and the food, once again, is also better than it should be. that being said, remember, this is bar fare, not haute cuisine. the seafood pasta looks like a FAIL, because it sports the kind of pasta that you use because someone else has used up the good stuff when you weren't aware. it's a strange corkscrewed macaroni number, but mine was seriously tasty, with good sized shrimp and not overcooked scallops. and the shepherd's pie with its piped on mashed potato blanket looks suspect, but according to my carnivore daughter, it's a tasty mess. as is their pound cake layered with berries and custard; heavy, but tasty. so leave your critical eye at the door while you chow down on bar food goodness. this place was a great find. and i haven't even mentioned its beer garden. or wait, yes i have, so go see it for yourselves.

    (4)

  • CJ D.

    My wife and I were looking to get out of the house on a Friday night with our 9 month old. Obviously options were limited. Through a friend with kids we decided to have a bit here and had a great time. This place is very family friendly, the servers pleasant and the owner chatted us up as we were leaving. Great food, good beer selection to boot. Really enjoyed it. Will be back for sure.

    (4)

  • Adam M.

    i went there last night for St Patricks day with a friends from work. it was Great they had a Bagpipe group and an Irish band. to be expected ot was pretty crowed. the bar tenders were nice and fast with all the Drink orders. i have never eaten there but i have heard the food is good. it is my Favorite Irish bar in Chicago, its a good place to have Guinness and hang with friends if you are by this place i would check it out

    (5)

  • Wendy F.

    Didn't know what to expect because I had never heard of this place before. When we walked in at around 7 on a Tuesday, it was kind of full so we went to have a drink at the bar while they got us a table. There was a circle of musicians practicing and they seated us at a table about 5 feet away from them. I was nervous because I thought it would be too loud for dinner conversation but we had the best seats in the house! The 5 of us were able to enjoy conversation and the music. It was pretty cool that more and more people kept joining the circle with their instruments - they were really good! The food was awesome. Since I had eaten a bag of popcorn before I left the office, I felt that I should pretend to be healthy for the rest of the evening. I had the County Cork chicken - amazing!! I don't usually go for lemony anything but it complemented the sauce instead of overpowering the entire meal. They gave 3 huge pieces of chicken with GARLIC mashed potatoes. Along with plum tomatoes, artichoke hearts, zucchini, shallots AND fried capers, I was in hog heaven. I stole from everyone else's plates because they couldn't stop raving about their food either. The filet, the bangers & mash, the fish & chips and the steak sandwich were all wonderful but I am going to go back for the chicken. I had enough for a snack and lunch the next day. We all had more than a few beers before and during dinner and along with the music, we realized that we didn't want to leave after we ate. The people were all really nice and so was the waitress even though I felt the need to tell her every time she came to the table how good the chicken had been. I blame the beers. We stayed for a bit longer and if it wasn't for work, I would have stayed all night. I definitely will be going back (the brunch menu looked awesome) and suggest that you do as well!

    (4)

  • tim g.

    I had a really good time there last night. I highly suggest Chief O'Neills the food was good and its an authentic Irish pub.

    (4)

  • Ernie C.

    I went here for a salad and to watch game 3 of the NBA finals on Sunday June 5th. The steak salad was good but unforturnately not enough meat. On the other hand, the bartender, Dahlia, was delightful and very personable, and cute too. I will most definately come again on a Sunday night to enjoy her personality.

    (4)

  • Cesar V.

    Very good typical Irish bar. Very good because of the weekend brunch and the outdoor patio. Make sure to bring your eating pants!

    (3)

  • Karen L.

    Good beer, food and atmosphere. It is a laid back Irish pub with lots of food choices. The mussels were really yummy--they were in some kind of cream sauce, which usually I don't like! Not a big fan of their fries since they were thicker cut but I won't hold them to that. They had a nice extensive menu so anyone can find something good to eat there! I opted for a fish sandwich, which was decent. It was very cozy in there, too, which was nice. The only thing was it is kind of far out there.

    (3)

  • Mairin B.

    Chief O'Neil's has a beautiful interior that you wouldn't expect based on the exterior... It is decorated authentically and with very little pretention. They have a large pub, a lovely dining room, and HUGE back yard/patio. I can't imagine a nicer place to have a summer meal... Speaking of which, the food is GREAT! I haven't tried their traditional Irish dishes yet, because I felt like eating vegetarian food when I was there. I had the grilled veggie "burger," which was certainly NOT what it sounds like! It was a grilled portobella "steak" with zucchini, onions, asparagus, and MMMMM... MANGO! What a taste sensation! I bet it is even better when the mango is a bit more in season. I plan to take my parents here asap. It is certainly the type of place you can take your friends and family, whether you are looking for wholesome fun or otherwise.

    (5)

  • ryan w.

    I've been going to this place and introducing my friends to it for years because the food is always amazing and the bar and dining rooms are spacious and beautiful. The music is good if you happen to catch it as well. My only issue is that the wait staff is absent-minded or rude about 80 percent of the time I go. It's a minor complaint in the scheme of things but it has led me to check out other pubs on a few occasions.

    (4)

  • Anna G.

    This was a perfect introduction to an "authentic " Irish restaurant/pub for me. Upon arrival, the waitress warned me that they didn't have a blender, so my usual frou frou drinks were out of the question. ("Hun, this is an Irish pub. We don't have daquiris.") What can I say about the food, other than it was absolutely delicious. Friendly service and inviting atmosphere. Can't say one bad thing about this place. I never imagined that Irish food could be this good. Looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship . . .

    (5)

  • Edmund W.

    Took a good friend here and had a great time. We sat outside which I definitely recommend...unless it's snowing then i would recommend inside seating. whew glad we got that covered. the outside seating area is vast and is really nice; it would be a great place for a party. The wait staff was very friendly as well. We had quite a long wait for our food but we weren't in a rush so it wasn't a big deal. I had the shepherd's pie and a couple of smithwick's on tap. Great experience, good eats, and good drinks. I'll definitely be coming back.

    (4)

  • Paul S.

    My experience with Chief O'Neills has consistently been extremely positive. And from what I can tell, the negative reviews I have seen seem to be the result of an increasing sense of unwarranted entitlement that has besieged our generation. If the only way an establishment will earn a four to five star rating from you is if they don't accept your money because you have cancer, then you might want to reassess your ability to objectively review restaurants and bars. I have been in off and on for 3 years and the food has been exemplary. From the Irish Stew to the Mussels to the signature Guinness Cheese soup, the food has been exemplary. The staff has always been exceptionally friendly, the facilities clean, the drink selection enormous, and despite whining to the contrary, considering I paid $10 for a single Powers on the rocks last night at a south loop bar, $5.50 for a cocktail is far from the most expensive in the city. I have been in for the brunch, and while it wasn't piping hot and from-the-oven fresh (unless I got there as it was being placed), it was rotated out by the staff every 30-45 minutes, which, considering the usual buffets out there, this is heads and shoulders better than the rest i have eaten at. If you want hot and fresh, then don't go to a buffet. Only a mental defective would think otherwise. My only compliant would be the service speed, of which I would rack up to not being prepared of how popular they have become. They have been consistently growing in how crowded they are on weekends, and having more staff on hand would be a very welcome addition.

    (4)

  • Connie C.

    If you're looking for an authentic Irish Pub, look no further. They have an extensive Irish menu with all the right stuff - very tasty. And if you're lucky, you'll get to hear some real live Irish music being played over a few beers! Such a nice environment!

    (4)

  • Jen M.

    Great pub! This is the ideal place to go before or after a performance at the Factory Theather. The bar area is great and the bartenders are so friendly. I was disappointed that my chili had mushrooms in it (so weird!) but my salad was really good. The dining room is dimly lit so good luck reading the menu. Service is pleasant and quick.

    (4)

  • John L.

    Excellent chow! The all-u-can-eat Friday night Fish Fry rocks! Not sure what's up with the cloth napkins and nicely dressed wait staff, but the Chief seems to be trying to be something it's not. It's as though the Abbey or Ginger's is trying to be upscale in a non-upscale neighborhood. But, who knows, Avondale could suffer what Logan Square did...a yuppie invasion for which the Chief will be ready. Nice looking beer garden for summertime too.

    (5)

  • Jami M.

    I have to say that his is a very chill, very cool place. Once their even coordinator was back from vacation I was able to start planning a b-day party in their "attic" space - which is awesome for private parties (they have an iPod docking station /c no music upstairs, which is fine). I had a lot of changes to the amount of poeple, the food, etc. - was so I was generally a pain in the ass customer , but Judy handles it all very gracefully and patiently. When I had a significant change in my plans, they very graciously refunded me the money, and weren't unpleasant AT ALL. They definitely went out of their way to accomodate me! I'd say go fo a nite of drinkin' and laughing!

    (4)

  • Mr-ALEX-LitreBeer C.

    Chief O'neils HANDS DOWN is my favorite Irish pub in Chicago. Not because I used to live half a block away from it, but the food is SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS!!!! As I said this used to be the local watering hole many of nights for me. I've seen many bartenders & servers come & go. Some of the older where my favs for the specialty drinks they had and some just had heavy hands when pouring lol. But the current staff is fine. The corned beef & cabbage is great and defiantely covers the plate and fills you up, the pub burger will make you sit for a extra few minutes due to its size along with the steak fries. Sunday brunch is a adventure all on its own that you shouldn't miss. As for the decor its as Irish as it gets there still may be a few potato bugs burrowed in some of the wood since being shipped from Ireland. They have a very nice upsstairs for private parties or when its a real crowded night they open it up to they have really cool 3d pics upstairs. The owners are usually there and very friendly and will chat with you especially when sitting at the bar GREAT PLACE can't wait to go back for more corned beef and cabbage

    (5)

  • Katherine R.

    This Irish pub has great food and great cocktails. They also have brunch on the weekends which is really good; there is a ton to choose from and it's all fresh and delicious. I've been here a few times, trying different things on the menu each time. The fish and chips are great, not too much breading and big pieces of fish. The bangers and mash are outstanding and the stew is a prefect comfort food. Good place in the winter to warm you up quick, but the beer garden is also a popular hot spot int the summer.

    (4)

  • Tony G.

    I really like the Chief. They have some really good dinner specials, though I've never eaten there. It's your typical Irish pub, but I think it's been remodeled in the last few years because on my recent visit it didn't look at all like I remembered it from a few years ago. Typical Irish ales and lagers are on tap, along with a few that are more atypical and a bit less common (O'Haras and Smithwick's, specifically). It's not really easily accessible by el, but the parking is plentiful.

    (4)

  • S to the izzo F.

    It's a bar with better than Really great food! I stopped in here because a fellow yelper had mentioned it. I'm building across the street and needed to get some dinner. They open at 4 pm so I'm not usually around to eat here, but I had to stay late and didn't feel like driving back to the burbs in rush hour traffic. so I stopped in! I have to say thank Goodness that I did! First of all the service was first rate. Jay our busboy and Shannon our server were awesome. Then! Then I ate! I had to try the soup, the Guinness and Cheddar soup....one word............. DECADENT! one of the most rich soups I ever had....I had a cup because a bowl of this stuff will kill you! I could feel my arteries and veins hardening right at the table! But Damn was it delicious. I followed my soup with their stuffed Flounder and roasted potatoes with a veggie side and again Daaaaaaaaaaaamn Good! It's comfort food at its very best! but that's not it!!!! I had to try the pumpkin bread pudding with caramel drizzled on top and it brought a tear to my eye! Let me tell you, I have to run on the treadmill an extra 40 mins tonight but Chief O'Neils is totally worth the extra effort! a bar with some of the best damn comfort food I have ever had the joy of eating, it was almost spiritual! God Bless the Irish for this place! P.S. huge huge beer garden can't wait for summer

    (5)

  • D Q.

    This is a beautiful pub and restaurant. Really gorgeous. Bartenders are great, but I have had a couple of pretty clueless waitresses. It's definitely worth a visit for the food, the gorgeous bar, and the HUGE beer garden with fire pits.

    (4)

  • Steve R.

    Nice little Irish-y type joint. If ya want to plan bachelorette night out or have one of those drink 'n puke type outings, this is not the place. The bar is decent enough, but what makes it is the beer garden. It's massive, and the bar is out of the way enough so that you can even get a seat there pretty reliably. Plus, the upstairs event room is very cool, like one of those old boy's club type places that rich men used to go to (maybe they still do). It's very kid friendly and good for all ages, like the kind of place you can comfortably go have a drink with your dad.

    (4)

  • Dave S.

    Stopped up here for a couple of drinks tonight and I was ultra surprised at how empty this place was! This is a very typical Irish pub with the dark wood and the Celtic music playing. The beer garden was one of the bigger ones i have seen within the city limits and there are plenty of trees for shade and to get some privacy from the street. They had TV issues so they could not get the Cubs game on. Kelly the bartender was great. She is the master of efficiency and then some. She was really cool too. Next time I am going to have to eat here as I only saw what the waitresses were bringing everyone! I was thoroughly impressed!

    (4)

  • Elle J.

    I went to a wedding reception at this place a few years ago - yes, a wedding reception. The bride & groom rented the whole place out, so it wasn't just confined to the upstairs party room (that room ended up more like a hang out for all the bride & groom's Coast Guard friends - which was perfect). I recall the food being fairly decent and the atmosphere being kind of cool/novelty-ish, simply considering it was a wedding reception at a bar. Mind you, these folks could have afforded to have their reception just about anywhere, but they chose one of their favorite haunts. That being said, because the way the place is laid out, they had guests all over the place, chopped up in different rooms and most of the time, no one knew what was going on b/c no one could see the head table in the other room! That was probably the worst part. And, if they made some kind of announcement like "The bride & groom are going to cut the cake now" there was nowhere to go to stand & watch as everyone was cramming into a door jamb to catch a peek around a corner. I've also been to Chief O'Neill's for a late lunch with the hubby & kid. Obviously, the atmosphere was MUCH different than the wedding reception. The place actually looked dirty - like it hadn't had a good cleaning in 50 years or so. The food was extremely plain and tasteless, and the service was crappy. Considering there were only about 4 tables full of people (basically empty) and at least 2 servers, you'd think the service would be better, but nope. Oh yeah... one last thing.... We were thinking about renting the upstairs party room for a surprise combo-surprise birthday party for my parents (their b-days are 2 days apart). The upstairs party room would have been perfect - except for a few key issues. 1) you had to provide your own music. They have a sound system, but we would have had to either hire our own DJ, or bring our own Cd's - no iPod hook up, at least not at that time (Nov. '05). 2, I recall it being EXTREMELY dark up there. No windows, very dim lighting, etc. Might be great for some parties, but I didn't think it would work so well for the 55+ crowd. Last, but most importantly, I thought... 3) The upstairs is not easily accessible by those with issues walking upstairs (older people, handicapped people, folks with breathing issues, etc.) and there is no way in hell you could get a wheelchair up there if you had to - the stairwell is too narrow. The "stair" issue was what actually broke the deal for us. Probably not a big deal for the younger crowd, but good to know, nonetheless. Overall, Chief's seems like a cool place to hang out and have a few cold beverages, but skip the food if you can. I'd probably go back here, but not for a full lunch or dinner - just drinks & maybe bar food.

    (2)

  • Rocky B.

    I love Chief O'Neil's. The Cheese Guiness Soup...oooooooooo, sooo good! The service can be a bit iffy but the food is delicious and the beer garden is very nice.

    (3)

  • Meaghan A.

    We had our wedding here this weekend and it was a hit!!! Anybody looking for an elegant, warm and friendly setting for their wedding (or any other event) should check this place out. I am Irish-American and my new husband is from Ireland plus we both love Irish music, we were both raised listening to and appreciating Irish music. Given the background of the owners and the namesake of the pub we knew we had to have our wedding here. Lisa is the event coordinator and together with Brendan and Siobhan, they ensured that our day was nothing but perfect. During the planning they were nothing but kind and helpful. Lisa literally returned calls and emails w/in minutes sometimes. Even our bartender, Joe, was great and our server Vanessa was so attentive. AMAZING STAFF!!! When I arrived at the pub on the evening of the wedding it was more elegant than I envisioned, Lisa did a fabulous job. The food was top knotch, so delicious. We had shepherd's pie, oven roasted chicken, vegetables, spuds and and Irish salad of some sort, SOOOO GOOD!!!!! My mother and I are still getting calls about the food and the party. One guest said it best, the pub gives an elegant and comfortable feeling without being "too much". You definitely felt that it was okay to kick off your shoes and dance, which is exactly what I wanted. Thanks to my husband and the band leader out music was amazing. Our friend, Finbarr Fagan put together an amazing band for our party (check him out @ paddygoez.com ). They did a great mix of traditional Irish music, some rebel songs and very cool American music. We also had some musicians in attendance who hopped on stage for a bit, I believe at one point we had 7 musicians on stage. That said, Chief O'Neill's can definitely accommodate your music for your party whether it's a DJ or 7 piece band. Brendan, one of the owners, even joined in the band for a song or two!! A great time was had by all, full bellies, a cold drink in hand and a toe or two tapping at our wedding reception thanks to Chief O'Neill's. We've been told by a few who were not at the wedding that they were told it was a fantastic party, from the food to the music and everything in between. My mom joked that when the time comes we'll have to have a Christening party at Chief O'Neill's. If you have a party to host, definitely check out Chief O'Neill's. Thanks to all the staff who made our party a memorable one!!!!

    (5)

  • B. L.

    If your looking for a place for a cold Guiness in a big Irish bar this is a great option. They have a large beer garden and they have live music here sometimes. There are some tasty snacks here as well.This is an Irish bar, so no American Indian jokes about the whole Chief thing.

    (4)

  • sarah l.

    5 stars because I don't think I've ever had bad food at this place. My co-workers and I used to come here for happy hour every week. Since that ended, I'm sad to say Chief O'Neill's doesn't cross my mind enough.. Like other reviewers said, it's a pretty safe place to introduce people to and be sure they will be happy. The beer garden is great in the summer, and in the winter the indoor atmosphere is inviting. Whenever I eat here I feel like I can just slow down and relax for a bit. Easy parking, quiet neighborhood. Make sure to try the curry fries and the Sunday brunch (not at the same time though)!

    (5)

  • Brian J.

    I have never been to this restaurant but have always heard amazing things about this place from friends. When we walked in we were warmly greeted by a hostess/server(not sure because she was serving tables as well). Our server whose name I didn't catch, (really long blond hair) was amazing. I love scotch, and this place had a long list full of them. The server was nice enough to suggest one which she thought I would like. I ordered the seafood pasta which was amazing, and my friend ordered the fish and chips, both were delicious! The waitress was cool, and it genuinely seemed liked she enjoyed her job and our conversation. Overall the food and service was great!

    (3)

  • Chas V.

    The preferred watering hole of the Factory Theater gets high marks from me for arguably the best beer garden in the city AND for something known as "Jenny's Chicken Sandwich" which is nothing less than perfection on a plate. (or as perfect as a Chicken Sandwich gets anyways) I'd give 'em the full 5 stars but they just raised the drink prices and one of my favorite bartenders quit recently.

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    Been here for casual fish & chips as well as a large dinner party--great place for either. Back garden is perfect for relaxing on a Sunday afternoon with a plate of better-than-average pub grub and an ice-cold Magner's.

    (4)

  • Karla S.

    This place is disgusting. The food was bad and everything was dirty. If your a clean person you wont like it either. Too bad i even had to give it one star it deserves ZERO.

    (1)

  • Stacy S.

    Great place to gather with friends. Food is good, but not exceptional. Although, the Guiness Beer Soup is awesome! Can be a bit too smokey at times, but over all not too bad. The Irish music on the weekends is pretty good too.

    (4)

  • LA S.

    Saturday night, 7:45 pm, in the back room. The kitchen was backed up like an HOUR. We saw our friendly waitperson about once every 25 minutes. It was just...out of control. CUTE that many staff wore costumes...And everything was pretty good when it finally arrived (at about 8:55) but seriously, who's minding the store? Smarter to reduce tables than to give anyone the kind of experience we had...it burns future goodwill to warm this month's balance sheet.

    (2)

  • Brent C.

    One of the better places to grab a bit and a drink in the neighborhood. I cannot wait to enjoy the beergarden this summer. There is live Irish music on Sundays and Thursdays. Nice if you like it- tourture if you dont...

    (4)

  • Terry S.

    This place is horrible, when i went in for what i thought would be a nice family brunch I was wrong. It took a while for any of the staff to acknowledge us in fact i was greeted by roaches before the staff... that's right i saw all kind of critters throughout my visit. They took long, were very rude and when i noticed an error on my bill, the manager/owner guy came up trying to imply that it was right and i wasn't in the "hood" so to stop being cheap.... wild guess? Yes i am African American. Ive never been so embarrassed in front of my family and every one else in the restaurant. I will never go to this dirty rude and racist sorry effort of a restaurant again.

    (1)

  • Erin J.

    was in from out of town and we hit this place for brunch. french toast rocked, even the Guiness Hollandaise sauce was good! (i was scared) fun little neighborhood place to knock back a few drinks, i'd go there again.

    (4)

  • Laura D.

    I went for the first time to Chief O'Neil's today with my daughter for the Mother's Day Brunch. It was awesome food and atmosphere. What I didn't like was that the fee they charged of $25.95 did not include beverages or even coffee. Every year my daughter and I try a different place and this is the first time I was charged extra. Even the Mamosa, that's usually free to Mom's, I was charged for. For what I actually ended up paying, I could have gone to the loop to eat. I was told this place was pricey. No break's for mom's on Mother's Day.

    (3)

  • Mich G.

    Hands down best Irish food I've ever had!!! Saturday brunch is the best .. there's a $5 menu and trust me, the plates are small! Whether you're eating inside indulging in the Irish culture or sitting outside in their beautiful garden, you'll enjoy everything.

    (5)

  • Ingrid G.

    Chief O'Neill's used to be a pig themed biker bar called Oinkers. I have mixed feelings about the Chief. On the one hand, it has the advantage of location. It is an enormous space, with a large bar and dining room area, great for groups. Always parking, never crowded, and very easy to get to from different parts of the city. But what really sells me is the "beer garden." It is the size of a small park. If you sit out there during the day you'll feel like you are at a large family party. I don't have kids, but if I did I would visit this place regularly because the kids can run around safely in the grass while mom and dad can have a beer. Also the crowd is a nice mix of old and young. Now, here's the bad. The service here in general is fair to poor. I have had folks forget the order, not bring the check, or bring the wrong order. So, if you visit--and you should at least once--you might expect to be there a while. The food is not bad-- typical Irish pub fare.

    (3)

  • Kathleen S.

    This is a very family-friendly place in the summer, because the kids can run around pretty freely in the beautiful beer garden and the adults can sit back and enjoy the beautiful beer garden. The food is much better than your average bar food, although not super authentic or outstanding. I recommend the fish & chips or the salad with scallops.

    (4)

  • Gene W.

    I went here for St. Patrick's Day this last year, and despite what I thought, I did have a good time. Of course there was a line, but for an extra ten bucks the bouncer was more than happy to let us slip in the back, which saved us roughly an hour of drinking time. The prices were decent ($5 for a Smithwick's/Harp/Guiness) and the bartenders were exceptionally nice. Not only were they constantly supplying wavering drunks with water, but they did shots with us and chatted about Irish whiskey, which was a huge plus. The whole bar is decorated nicely and it's all very clean. They have plenty of big screens showing whatever game is on, so this would be an ideal place to catch some sports action. The only reason I can't go higher than three stars is because of crowd this place attracts. I imagine, of course, that it was worse than usual because it was St. Patrick's Day, but while I was there I did meet some less than desirable "regulars". I love Irish pubs, but I don't understand why they attract to many collar-popping douche bags.

    (3)

  • Ebru Y.

    This is a very nice place. I enjoy going there for drinks with my boyfriend and sit out in the patio and just enjoy ourselves. You can also go with a big group, I think they have plenty of space! I haven't tried much on the menu but they all sound great. The service is very fast too. I read other people's reviews and found out that they have live music on the weekends, I will definitely check that out!

    (5)

  • Stacey F.

    We've been coming here after Mass for years now. Not only is the brunch selection one of the largest and yummiest I've ever seen, but we also recently used their upstairs private room for my daughter's christening reception. It is spacious and quaint and very nicely done. The bartenders were friendly and fast.

    (5)

  • Danielle M.

    I would give this zero stars if I could. My boyfriend and I walked in only to wait 15 minutes to order food. Once we ordered, it took another 30 minutes for our SOUP to come out followed by another 20 for our dinner. Once we got our food, our waitress was no where in sight for the rest of the night. We had to flag someone down for our check, and yet again..another 15 minutes goes by. One recommendation is for everyone to not sit by the door, as it gets cold! One positive thing I will say is that the ambiance is very cute in there and the bread is great!

    (1)

  • Terese C.

    Love this bar, wish it was in my neighborhood! Great selection of beers. Stopped by for a drink and to see if they had a live band.

    (4)

  • Linda G.

    I think we were eager eaters/drinkers that night. Our server said we were Very Special and earned a $10 bucks off coupon stamp to come back in within a month.

    (5)

  • Kymberly J.

    if you're not planning on kissing anyone for the next 6 hours, order the County Cork Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, otherwise stick with something a little less " fragrant." The chicken was lightly breaded, juicy and delish! The menu description made it seem like it was going to come with a lot of veggies, but it didnt so if you're a veggie person like me, consider a side salad or a side of veggies which the waiter gladly brought for us. So Guinness in the states pretty much suck when it's on draft. I heard it was dependent on clean draft lines or some garbly gook like that. I had it 3 times here since i returned from Ireland and it was awful. It really wasnt that bad at Chief O'Neill's. Maybe I should have ordered it from an irish pub all along.

    (4)

  • Julia H.

    I may now believe in a God. Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch buffet on Sundays? Make a reservation (they strongly encourage this) and behold this glory: Waffles, French toast, fish & chips, homemade macaroni and cheese, fresh smoked salmon, a personal omelette bar, hummus, multiple salads, fresh fruit, then several tables full of dessert: White chocolate and regular fondue fountains to dip strawberries in, petite cakes, creme brûlée, vanilla ice cream and sprinkles, cookies, cupcakes and eclairs. All after a weekend of fun. Chief O'Neill's is a religious experience. Pick up your phone and make a reservation for next Sunday.

    (5)

  • Christopher Q.

    Great music, food medium, good beer, best outdoor space in the city. Lot of fun.

    (4)

  • Colleen C.

    BEST HANGOVER BRUNCH. (Sunday) That's my vote. However, I was NOT actually hungover...but had I been, damn...I'da been singing songs of joy and doing a real damn jig when I viewed the buffet spread up in here. It's quite possibly the largest array of food for $14.95 you'll find anywhere. SERIOUSLY, and not just Irish food. At all. Granted there are the corned beef and hash, baked potato + all the fixins, fish 'n chips...but so MUCH more! Eggs Benedict, chili, sliced beef, omelettes made-to-order, an entire salad bar that included poached salmon. Fried chicken, french toast...HOLY CRAP, is that sushi!? Yes. Sushi. Weird, but they have it. Pulled pork, soda bread, mac 'n cheese with BACON, crispy strips of bacon, sausages...ok, you get it. A lot of food. Unlimited, hot, fresh, awesome food. For $14.95. I was a little disappointed they didn't have Irish brekkie ingredients for me to make my own plate, but this was overshadowed by the intense table of desserts. HOLY. WOW. Nutter butters dipped in a chocolate fountain? Fresh fruit, eclairs, pudding cups, creme brulee...and the list continues. Whoa. Diet Coke was some of the best I've had. Super bubbly. Coffee was hot and refilled often. Secret: OMG, they have fried chicken and waffles...separately. But combine them for the best ever thing you've tasted. Trust me. What've you got to lose? It's all-you-can-eat, so TRY! Large group? Make a reservation. They've a lot of seats, but it fills up fast. Can you see why!?

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    Great large bar/restaurant, good bar food, excellent back patio area. Did I mention yet again, the back patio/beer garden? Fantastic!!!! While this out of the way establishment is not in a fancy neighborhood, the charm, great staff and space is fantastic!!! You will have to find street parking, which isn't hard and actually we parked right in front of the door - yes, rockstar parking!!! This is actually a great venue to host a family dinner, birthday party, going away party, any party for any reason - this is a charming pub!!!

    (4)

  • Alena H.

    I've lived near Chief O'Neill's for a while now and have been wanting to check it out- without knowing anything about it, I was expecting a dive-y Irish pub and after walking in I could tell that boy was I wrong! Amazingly cozy and warm atmosphere, maybe even something out of Lord of the Rings...there was a fire blazing, great woodwork throughout and cheery, tasteful Christmas decor up for the holidays. Our server's name started with a D, Dan or Dave or something, and he was great! He happily helped me sample some different drafts of beer, offering recommendations and showing vast knowledge of both the bar and the menu which you don't seem to find everywhere these days. His friendly attitude really made us feel welcome. When it came time to order, the food was delicious- from the warm loaf of sweet bread that came before our food to the quinoa beet salad and fish burger we ordered, everything was very tasty and amply portioned. The salad I got was perfectly dressed and had lots of great toppings. I'm giving only 4 instead of 5 stars because the food felt slightly pricier than what would make me be back more frequently- but I know when I do return, I will be getting plenty of delicious food for my money. All in all I was very impressed with Chief O'Neill's and will be back again for sure.

    (4)

  • Joseph B.

    Never lets me down. Best Guinness pour in Chicago, good food and service.

    (5)

  • Vivian Y.

    Wow! Huge fan of their $5 breakfast selections! I mean, how do they make money? I ordered the Irish eggs benedict topped with Guiness Hollandaise sauce and it was yummy. Not at the top of my Egg Benny's "best" list, but definitely a runner-up. I can't decide if I loved their hollandaise of not. I really enjoyed the taste, but I think I prefer a richer, more buttery / yolky mouthfeel. This was probably healthier as it was lighter (yet still thick). I did like the addition of the thick slice of beefsteak tomato beneath a perfectly poached egg. Great $3 bloody Mary (I suspect they use Mr.&Mrs T's mix) and very good coffee. Service was a bit lacking even though there were only 3 full tables at 9:30am but maybe they were having a slow start. (oh, they also have $3 mimosas!) I love the ambiance here. The interior design, coupled with the Irish folk music made me feel like I was in what I imagine to be a countryside pub in Ireland.

    (4)

  • Theresa C.

    I haven't been to the brunch, yet, but it gets raved about. I have been here for a private party on the patio. It was gorgeous. The patio is very large and very pretty, and blocked off from the busy Elston so you don't have to heard or see traffic. The catering was very good for the private event. I think it was mostly smaller, app-sized versions of their regular menu stuff. The staff were very attentive to our large group and worked to make sure everyone had a good time. I've also had dinner here, it's a little pricey for average Irish pub fare, but the meals were good and the portions were decent. It's definitely worth checking out.

    (4)

  • Charles A.

    "The Pub we've been practicing for" Guinness with Jameson Chaser + Irish Stew + Meatloaf. Excellent fare. Great ambiance. Great service. One star removed for the Jazz Sax Performer honking accompaniment to the shitty speaker. We would've stayed longer but that auditory torture was too intense.

    (4)

  • Vanessa P.

    This restaurant is a lot bigger inside and out than it looks. Plenty of space to have gatherings and enjoy the Irish atmosphere. Their "beer garden" is one of the loveliest in the city. It's a large backyard with more than enough tables, a huge lawn and a gazebo. One word of advice: try not to sit under the pear tree as it tends to drop pears at any point during the evening. The food is good (I had the fish sandwich), but can be more expensive than other restaurants around. But, it is quality Irish fare. They have daily specials for food and beer. The service was spot-on and the waiter kept the beer coming. All in all, a nice respite and I will be sure to be back again.

    (4)

  • Diana M.

    I loved this place before, but last weekend we had our wedding ceremony and reception there and it exceeded all of our expectations. Lisa, the event coordinator, was absolutely delightful to work with. She had everything under control and everyone raved at what a good time they had! Bonus: the weather cooperated and stayed warm-ish until 11:00pm, so we got to take advantage of the huge, beautiful garden area. We had the ceremony in the pub, in front of the fireplace. It was a perfect spot! We had a buffet dinner set up in the pub and about 100 people spread out throughout the dining room and the pub. The dining room was full, but not uncomfortable. The food was the star (after us, the bride and groom!) We had the lemon chicken and corned beef and cabbage. I thought for sure the corned beef would be dry, but it was moist and delicious even after 30 minutes in the chafing dish! The au gratin (or were they scalloped?) potatoes were fantastic! Chunks of flaky potatoes, drizzled in cheese. So. Good. The Caesar salad was full of garlicky goodness. Yum. The green beans were fresh and steamed perfectly. Truly, everything was great! My dad, who was a food distributor for most of his life, was a bit wary of having a wedding at bar/restaurant, but he gave Chief O'Neill's high praise. Something he doesn't do often! Well done, Chief's! Thanks to Lisa for making this such a successful event!

    (5)

  • Chrisa H.

    I dropped in to Chief O'Neills with a friend last Saturday for a late lunch. The place was pretty quiet, but I was immediately intrigued by the decor - nice fireplace, well spaced tables, and a very inviting bar surrounded by artifacts less kitchy than I would have expected for an Irish Pub. We were greeted warmly and asked to choose anywhere we liked to sit. The menu is typical pub fare - burgers, salads, sandwiches, and the obligatory Shepherd's Pie. I chose a regular burger - no cheese, nothing fancy, as, I find, the quality of a burger tells you a lot about the quality of the rest of the food on the menu. When it came I was dumbfounded. It was enormous, cooked to perfection, still juicy and steaming hot. The pretzel bun on which it sat was fluffy and scrumptious. It came with a side of fries that were easily some of the best fries I've had in quite some time. How can you screw up a french fry you ask? Try one of these and you'll realize most fries you've had in the past were woefully sub-standard. The waitress was pleasant and checked on us twice to refill our drinks, and I enjoyed the soft Celtic music wafting over the sound of a TV that, unlike many bars on a Saturday afternoon, was not on loud. All in all, a pleasant afternoon meal in a pub I will be sure to visit again.

    (4)

  • Gabe M.

    Came her for some Fish n Chips. There were two nice white fish fillets, there wasn't much of a taste, but that is what fresh fish tastes like. The steak fries were nice. They have a huge beer menu, but when ordering my favorite Gumball Head, they came back to say they didn't have it. I think places that have large beer lists, should update their list every few days so customers dont get their hopes up. The decor and wood is nice. Its a fun place. Overall was pretty good, but wish the fish was kicked up a bit, overall good food, good service.

    (3)

  • Annie W.

    We went here for their yummy Sunday brunch! As far as buffets go, this one really has it going on - there's tons of food & variety, and it's very tasty! But it's the presentation can't be beat - everything is very beautifully set-up on dishes and fountains and trays, as opposed to row after row of metal pans with warming lights over them. It was a perfect day to sit outside, and I loved the ambience of children running on the lawn while I was eatting - made it feel like I was at someone's home. Always a nice place for brunch!

    (3)

  • Lorna S.

    I used to frequent this place, and stopped for a while. After going back recently, I'm not sure why I stopped going. The place is beautiful, and the food is very tasty. The servers are also friendly. We sat at a table in the upper bar area, and it was very pleasant. Sometimes they even have a live band playing, which is nice. I recommend Chief O'Neills Pub & Restaurant!

    (4)

  • Tita P.

    I have passed by this place several times and assumed it was another tiny pub on the corner. BOY was I wrong! Chief O'Neill's is a hidden gem with a large patio, beer garden, or whatever you call it. It was a very pleasant surprise and I will return!

    (3)

  • Jesse L.

    All I could say is HAVE THE BURGER! One of the Best burger around. 1.5 lb of Beef on a pretzel bun top off with bacon,mushroom,blue cheese,lettuce,tomatoes & last but not the least a fried egg. Be prepare to share because it is very hard to try to finish beast by yourself. Let one of my girlfriend said " this is so juicy & good i almost had the big O". Yes Folks, it is that good :)

    (4)

  • Paul K.

    Brunch in Chicago hmm? This is a locals place and boy am I glad I found it. You can just tell by the way the tables are arranged that they cater to large groups of family and friends. We were darn lucky to get a table. The place is loud because everyone at every table is talking to each other(like they would at a dinner in your home}. Kind of a neat thing to see a true gathering place. Food was very good. Brunch to the best of my memory had, Corned Beef Hash, Eggs Benedict, Waffles, Sausage, Bacon, potato O'Brien, fish and chips, made to order eggs and omelets, prime rib, shrimp, calamari, and desserts from cookies to cannoli. I did not leave the gun but I did take the cannoli. Bad very bad of me. I should not have eaten them but I did and now I will pay for it in diet and exercise. This and the Red Apple are now on my list of places I go to in Chicago.

    (4)

  • Jamie B.

    The highlight of Chief O'Neil's is definitely the back garden area. There is a large grassy area with tables surrounding it and lots of flowers around the exterior. It's nice getting to enjoy some drinks and a meal outside without either feeling like you're eating with the strangers next to you because they pack the tables so close, or getting bothered by dogs and shopping bags, as is the way with many restaurants that house sidewalk patios. The interior of the restaurant is actually really nice as well, so don't discount it in the winter months or on a blistering hot day when the thought of being outside is nauseating. The service we received was a little spotty. It took a while to get our drinks, and we didn't even get to put in our orders until after waiting for about 30 minutes. I think they may have been understaffed though since it was supposed to rain in the evening, but turned out to be a really warm night. The server recognized things were really slow starting off and got better as the evening went on. Once our order was in we actually got our food pretty quickly. I got the fish n' chips and the cod itself was really good but there were some consistency issues with the breading/fried part. One of the pieces of fish had such a crispy exterior it just flaked off in one piece when I tried to cut it, and on the other piece, the underside of the fish that was touching the plate got pretty soggy.

    (3)

  • Steven N.

    Serious food coma alert!! We came here for a Sunday brunch prior to today's Bears game (boo...btw), and I was blown away by how much food I was able to put away! I was very pleasantly surprised by the tremendous amount of choices they have for their brunch buffet. You would imagine a buffet to taste like, well, a buffet, blah...but not this place. The flavor is just right. You have the standard omelette guy, bacons, sausages, etc. But they also served some delicious prime ribs, eggs benedicts, ground beef hash brown, fruit medley, fish and chips, biscuits & gravy, and last but not least...a whole panic table worth of desserts - how many places would have a chocolate fondue available for brunch?! For $18 a head, this is a great deal. I walked away bloated...very bloated!

    (4)

  • Danielle G.

    My fiance and I went here for the first time last night. So sad that we have lived in the neighborhood for a year and half and didn't go until the WEEK we are moving out to the burbs! Chief O'Neill's has an AMAZING beer garden! And "garden" is the perfect word for it! Its set up like a huge backyard! Flowers, a gazebo, a fountain! Its so wonderful to sit there and drink a beer! It was lightly raining but there are lots of tables on a covered porch so we were able to still enjoy dinner outside! The food was decent....though maybe just a little pricey. I had the Shephard's Pie and it was ok, Not amazing but not bad. My fiance had the Banger Burger which was a burger with sausage and gravy on it. It too was decent, but the burger meat its self was nothing special. We will go back though just for the beer garden!!

    (3)

  • Jacky A.

    This is one of the best restaurants in Chicago! Great food, awesome beer garden, and a fun and friendly staff! They have the best grilled romaine steak salad, unlike anything I've ever had before! Anytime I have friends or family in town I always bring them here because I know they will enjoy it as much as I do! I can't wait to celebrate St. Pattis day here!

    (5)

  • ann d.

    We have been going to O'Neills since 2007. We used to like it so much that we have held "the house is sold" and "got a job" and "so-and-so is here from out of town " and other celebrations for large-ish groups there, not to mention many trips just because we enjoyed the place and the food so much. But there was no pleasure today. The used-to-be-top-notch Sunday buffet is served from 10-2. By the time I joined my party at 1 pm, (allowing myself an hour to enjoy the buffet) there was nothing left of the salmon, there were only 2 shrimp left, there were NO eggs benedict available, there were NO biscuits for the biscuits and gravy, and there were about 6 strawberries left. When I inquired about more salmon, we were informed that there had been a large baby-shower party of 30, so there would be no more salmon for the rest of us. The corned beef hash tasted of vinegar, and my dining companions, previously great fans of the eggs benedict that I arrived too late to have, said that the hollandaise sauce smelled and tasted pretty much like a cardboard box. Just one or even two of these infractions would not have caused me to write with a low rating of Chief O'Neill's, partly because it has been consistently a pleasure to dine there, and partly because even a great place is entitled to an occasional gaffe here and there. But all of this added up to too much disappointment at one time for all of us. We found it odd that there was no management available for us to express our concerns to as the Sunday brunch typically brings in quite a crowd, as was the case today. Our waiter took one brunch off our tab in an effort to "make things right", and the hostess politely made empathetic and apologetic noises, but that just didn't suffice. Ultimately, it cost the 4 of us $60 for our disappointment. But we hadn't gone to Chief O'Neills to get cheap food; we had gone to get good food, and the fact that we didn't will most likely motivate us to find another Sunday buffet.

    (1)

  • Jean C.

    I've had dinner here a few times before this past experience but I'm writing solely on BRUNCH. For those of you who don't know me, I love brunch. Really love brunch. A co-worker of mine recently moved to Chicago and told me about their $6 Tuesday night special of Shepard's pie. That made me revisit Chief O'Neill's website and I noticed their brunch menu. That was it. I was sold. We arrived on Sunday around 10:30am. The place was already packed and we got a cute two top in the back along the scenic windows looking out to their now bare patio. On a side note, the patio is awesome during the warm season so I highly recommend that for drinks and meals. The hubs went first to get his plate and when he came back, he immediately told me that I am going to love it. And boy was he right. Eggs benedict, waffles, french toast, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, carving station, omelette station, chicken, salads, mac and cheese, etc and a huge variety of desserts including a white AND milk chocolate fountain. All for around $17/per person. The food was excellent and the service was friendly. As we waddled out and later parked it on the couch, we were so full for the rest of the day that dinner was out of the question. This is a great place for a group or for a party of two. Can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Meghan O.

    LOVE IT!!! I can't believe I haven't done this yet for such a fine establishment..... BESIDES their buffet on the weekend (Sundays) CO offers: -Food, delicious! I try something new every time and I have yet to be let down. -Beers are good and there's usually a drink special of some sort. What I like most about this place is the auth Irish music they will have (live)....And the overall lack of pretentiousness. By far one of the most welcoming bars in this city... and can we say PATIO???? HOLY SH!T@! You HAVE to come here. You won't want to leave.

    (5)

  • Christmas D.

    Sometimes life is just SO unfair. I've lived in Chicago my whole life. I've lived a short drive from Chief O'Neill's for 6 1/2 years and, in a month's time, will be moving away. Tonight is the first time I've ever visited Chief O'Neill's and all I can say is...NOT FAIR!!! Being a fish 'n' chips fanatic, not to mention a big fan of Guiness and single-malt scotch, I've been to a LOT of Irish joints. From the first moment of walking in the door I knew this place was special. It's rich with dark wood, dimly lit with amber light, warm from the fireplace and smiling, friendly staff. The decorative details of the place, down to the celtic-knot painted ceiling tiles, are a feast for the eyes. Speaking of feast, if I hadn't had my heart set on fish 'n' chips it would've been near impossible for me to choose from the menu...there were AT LEAST 12 things on there I wanted to order! My husband insisted that we just had to choose and then come back in a couple days to try more....OW OW OW OW...TWIST my arm! However, we did break down and order a Shepherd's pie to split BESIDES our respective chosen entrees. What?!?! It was on special for $6! My husband had the braised lamb shank and, while I am usually not a fan of braised lamb, this was FANTASTIC. The broccoli on the side was not at all overcooked (a common mistake), but he did complain it tasted a little old. And I have to say that the fish 'n' chips were not the best I've ever had. The filets were too big...impossible to pick up with your fingers and dip in malt vinegar. Plus, the batter wasn't crispy, but rather floppy and wet. But the fish was of high quality and not at all overdone. My son's child-size filets looked a little more like what I prefer. But the Shepherd's pie was easily the best I've ever had and the quality of everything else well made up for the un-ideal fish and the HUGE selection of menu items will make choosing something else plenty easy. Chief O'Neill's is my ideal type of place to cozy-up into on a cold, snowy winter night. Considering that they offer breakfast/brunch on the weekends and have PLENTY of specials during the week, I plan to visit again at least twice before we move out of the area. Luckily to do so no arm-twisting will be required for anyone in the family;)

    (5)

  • Anthony M.

    My brother and I came here on a whim as I had a taste for Shepard's Pie after a viewing of Julie Taymor's 1999 Titus. (A gold star goes to anyone who knows why this is). I read some good reviews before heading out, not even fully knowing if they had the pie I desired. Walking thru the door was a "whoa" moment. Being Irish I succumbed to the ambiance right away. Later I was told that most of the furniture and decor in the pub was indeed shipped from Ireland. Even after the initial impressions the hits just kept on coming. First and foremost was the fact that they did indeed have Shepard's Pie. Our server was attentive and mindfully mentioned that our food wouldn't be as speedy since they were prepping food for a party. The Guinness I ordered was perfectly poured and some tasty bread n' butter was given to us to stay our appetites. Luckily our food didn't take as long as expected. I had a taste of the fish n' chips my brother ordered. Both his meal and mine were tasty and the portions were satisfactory. Sitting there my brother and I began to state how this place could easily become a hangout for everything it had going for it. One of the most important aspects being, as one Yelper mentioned, that this place is seemingly one of the least obnoxious and least aggravating Irish Pubs in town. I'm pointing at you, Fado! I can't wait to try Chief O's traditional Irish breakfast and Sunday brunch. Slainte!

    (5)

  • Erin O.

    My boyfriend lives in the area and has frequently spoken about the solid food, tasty beer and horrible service (he's been stopping by off and on for five years) at Chief O'Neill's. This is probably why we subconsciously avoided it for almost a year. That, and the last time he was in he ran into old Rod Blago, which was hilarious and terrifying at the same time. We were craving fish n' chips and beer last Tuesday around 730 and decided to give it a go, hoping he'd just hit a five-year series of off nights. Wow, were we wrong. 1. It took our server Karen 30 minutes to even approach our table with menus. By that time my boyfriend was waiting at the bar trying to order, with no success. 2. Once we ordered it took one-and-a-half hours for our food to reach the table. Yes, you read that correctly: 1.5 hours!! The only reason we didn't leave was because it had reached 930pm by that point and we didn't know where else to go. 3. Our server Karen was totally unapologetic about the wait. I've waited on plenty of tables in my life, and understand that long food waits are not always the fault of the server. That said, I also know that even if it isn't your fault, you always apologize to the customer and try to make them feel better. You're working in customer service, after all. 4. The icing on the cake? A two top that sat down 30 minutes after us got their food before we did. Karen tried her hardest to avert her eyes from us when this was happening. 5. HOWEVER, once the food finally arrived it was really tasty, which is the only reason I'm giving it three stars, They have actual "chips" here, not skinny fries like almost everywhere else. The fish tasted fresh and there was plenty of malt vinegar to go around (though we had to trek to the bar to get it, as Karen didn't offer it to us). They even have curry sauce for the fries, which we were still charged for despite the mammoth wait. It was very similar to what I ate when I lived in Lincolnshire UK a few years ago. This is the type of place that is in the neighborhood and by virtue of that doesn't have to try very hard, as there aren't many choices. But dear lord, I had no idea it would take almost two hours. Come here expecting to be treated like dirt and then rewarded with tasty fish n' chips for your troubles. Anything else, and you'll be sorely disappointed.

    (3)

  • Pat C.

    I live close to Chief O'Neill's (I remember when it was Oinkers!) and it is a beautiful, classy restaurant and pub. I co-hosted a Sunday brunch there yesterday and all 40 plus folks were thrilled with the great food and dessert selection, the fabulous Bloody Mary's and the Attic room and the service. Thanks so much for everything, Siobhan! We will be back, we cannot wait! My favorites included having calamari and delicious fish and chips for breakfast!

    (5)

  • Stef B.

    I came up here on Saturday for the first time with my parents. We walked around before, during and after lunch to read everything throughout the restaurant. This place is so warm and welcoming! You have to try the Irish Potato Skins (corned beef, cabbage and swiss cheese) and their fish (bigger than my head!). There is also a desert - triple chocolate with cookie dough fried in a wonton crust... with ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries. I stayed an extra half hour trying to finish it - it was huge and delicious! I even went here last night for some homework help with a friend. Lighting was dim, but the drinks and the food helped me focus. I love this place and will gladly become a regular.

    (5)

  • Whitney J.

    Food's alright. Pricey. Nice scotch and whiskey list. Service? Don't ask. Went with friends after a show at the Prop and the waitress was running around. I get it. I've worked as a waitress and bartender both. I ordered a hot toddy and after waiting long after my friends got their drinks, she shows up and gives me a green tea to go with it. ? I ask for black and I got a snippy "if I can find it." If you don't have it, let me know. I understand being out of something, but let me know and I'll choose something else. Then she doesn't let us know when the kitchen's closing but begs for one dessert for one person. Her response? "maybe she'll let you all have a bite." levity not appropriate. Asking for a split check? More, "well... I guess. If I can remember what you ordered.". Whatever. I'll go again because it's near the prop, but I won't order food other than dessert.

    (2)

  • sarah s.

    You know, eating alone is never really a treat for me, but today I really wanted to get out of the office for lunch. I go here fairly often, and the food is normally really good, the weekend brunch is awesome, and the patio is lovely, so I head to Chief's. Hello from the bartender and a directive that the patio is open, so I head on back. Now I know that a party of one doesn't tip as well as a party of six, but hey, I was here first and I haven't even gotten a menu yet, let alone a drink order in. Ok, fine, take care of the big party. I was being patient, sitting here texting and trying not to look desperately alone. The only two other tables were all done and getting their checks. Not like they were really crazy busy. The pisspoor service just added to my suck-ass day, and so I left without ever seeing a menu or waitress heading my way. I'm sure I'll go back, but perhaps wearing reflective clothing and strobe lights.

    (3)

  • Chris B.

    What a great combination of tasty food, live music and Chicago history! I have been lucky enough to come for both the amazing brunches and the odd weekday night with live impromptu jam sessions. Love the feel of the place and the little ones like running around the frenced in outdoor eating and playing with the "pig"

    (4)

  • barbara g.

    For dinner, their food is okay but maybe a bit overpriced and since they really jam in as many tables and chairs as they possibly can, it's kind of obnoxious unless you thrive on being around as many people as possible. A better value all around is to go there for breakfast which is really quite tasty and there aren't as many people. Good beer which is best enjoyed in the nice garden during the late afternoon (weather permitting).

    (4)

  • John R.

    We will never go back to this place since the service flat out bad. They apparently can't afford to hire enough staff to keep customers happy. While we were being waited on the waitress was not only taking orders, but cleaning tables and taking drink orders while you had a hostess and the owners kid who did nothing except chat to one another while the waitress was doing all the work. From the time we finished our dinner, it took 25 minutes to get the check. We then had to go to the bar to try to pay the bill since the waitress was to busy taking care of other tables. I felt sorry for the waitress but this place has poor management. Not happy at all and will not be going back.

    (1)

  • Mandy S.

    Definitely my new favorite Irish pub in the city. Please don't tell the others I am cheating on them. It has taken me awhile to "find" this place. I drive past it often on Elston and didn't think much of it as its along the industrial Elston Corridor. I have had heard good things about the restaurant, inside and the outdoor beer garden as well as the Irish music. I learned about it on a Channel 11 history special on Irish Chicago this past Saint Patrick's Day. I wouldn't even call the back a beer garden... it would be doing it a great disserve as it more closely resembles a family backyard set up for a summer party... and I mean this is a good way. What a great change from the crammed in beer gardens I am used to in my neighborhood. We went for dinner with friends at 8 pm on a Friday night and could not be happier with the food, service, and atmosphere. I liked the, in general, older crowd of adults--the exception being small children which I'd gladly take over overly drunk twenty-somethings these days. In one sense, I wish it was closer to my home. In another sense, I am glad it is off the beaten path as it means it secures all the above that I enjoy about it. I cant wait to go back in the summer to enjoy the backyard, and although it pains me to think about fall, I look forward to going back and cozying up to the interior details, decorations, bar, music, fireplace, etc.

    (5)

  • josie w.

    Went here for St. Patrick's Day- it's a really nice bar with intricate woodwork and glasswork! It wasn't high energy but that at least kept me from drinking myself to oblivion like some past years :0)

    (5)

  • Arista O.

    This place gets 4.5 stars for the dinner, and 1 star for the sunday brunch. The atmosphere is always great, and the servers are super nice. I've always enjoyed dinner here, despite it being a bit on the expensive side. After hearing people rave about the brunch for almost 3 years, I finally decided to check it out....It seemed initially impressive, as the spread took up quite a bit of space. HOWEVER, most of consisted of what appeared to be store-bought desserts...The brunch was sub par to a continental breakfast at a Howard Johnson....cold, stale waffles. Cold eggs benedict on an un-toasted, soggy, english muffin. Cold, overfried, store-bought french toast sticks....I don't get it. Why does everyone rave about brunch here? For two people, for the brunch and a coffee, it was over $40 dollars and it's safe to say I could have made a far better breakfast at home (for less than a quarter of the price). Even their coffee wasn't that great. :-/ I don't mean to put them down entirely. My only qualm is with their brunch. I love the occasional live music here, the bartenders, the outdoor garden. I love the fireplace. Many good conversations and memories have been had here.

    (3)

  • Jacob a.

    I wasn't really sure what to expect when I arrived there. I knew that I was with three of my close friends and we wanted to try something different than the same ol thing. I walked in and everything was decorated for the holidays. The place was nice and cozy. Dim lit wood tables everywhere. I felt like I was in ireland. They had live irish folk players playing and the atmosphere was great. I had some 10 year old whiskey and smithwicks beer! The food and service was excellent. our server Noe was very kind and took very good care of us.

    (5)

  • Danielle C.

    YUM! Obviously I ate at a different place than the other reviewers.... I was in the bar. Maybe they were in the family friendly restaurant section? Kids do tend to make a mess, I don't know, but ... Chief's was clean, friendly, and served tasty food! We had the calamari for an appetizer. It came with a great remoulade sauce, so good that my friend stole it to go with her meal. I split the fish and chips with one of my friends, more than enough for two! One of the other members of our party had the Shepard's pie. The dinner dishes were awesome!! The fish and chips was perfect, savory, not too greasy, and not fishy! The Shepard's pie, ummm... heavenly!!

    (4)

  • Valerie H.

    We went there recently for a mid-afternoon lunch/dinner. They took the chicken wings off the menu unfortunately that my husband really liked. I got the Arugula Salad for $9 which was excellent. Fresh greens, tasty goat cheese, sunflower seeds, avacado, red onion, dressed with a pink grapefruit vinaigrette. Very delicious. My husband got a juicy cheese burger that came on a yummy looking pretzel type of bun with huge salty peppery steak fries.

    (4)

  • Audrey S.

    The servers and other staff were very nice. The food and wine were good. We sat outdoors which was perfect - it seems bigger than the interior! I'll definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Margaret N.

    +1 star: Delicious brunch spread with all-you-can- eat bacon, waffles, cheesy potatoes, carving stations, make your own omelet station, eggs benedict, french toast, fresh fruit, shrimp cocktail, cheesecake brownies, creme brulee, chocolate (milk & white)

    (4)

  • Howard H.

    I've been here twice; both times for carryout. First, both times I've been there I felt largely ignored and took a while the staff to acknowledge me. Second, their food, including their burger, is drenched in salt.

    (2)

  • Shawn F.

    They get 5 stars for the Sunday brunch alone. Irish chips are good. Love the back beer garden. Almost as good as Resis.

    (5)

  • B. S.

    Good food, good atmosphere, reasonably priced as well. Will be going back another Friday night.

    (4)

  • John H.

    I try to avoid the flavor of the month answers, but after my first visit here a few days ago, I can already see the Chief becoming a fast favorite of mine. And hell, I knew it right when we walked in. There were about a dozen fiddlers honing their craft. Between a few perfectly poured Guinnesses and a meal that was the very definition of comfort food, I'm looking forward to making the Chief one of my mainstays.

    (5)

  • Angelique R.

    We've been hitting the outskirts of our neighborhood lately, scoping out the food wares. We spotted the Chief after opting out of a 2+ hour wait at Kuma's. The place looks really awesome inside and the staff was super friendly. The portions were quite large, so we got a bonus meal to take home with leftovers. The grilled vegetable "burger" was pretty delicious sans mango. It sounded intriguing but alas I couldn't get the taste to mesh well with the rest of the veggies. My fiance says the Guinness meatloaf was very sweet (which he doesn't dig so much, but some may). The mashed potatoes were delicious. My nephew dug the Jenny's chicken breast sandwich. He's a big kid and still had some to take home. We will be back to the Chiefs. I'm hoping winter will finally end so we can enjoy some outdoor seating!!

    (4)

  • Tony M.

    For 16 dollars great brunch buffet very good service great food poached eggs where awsome corned beef A++

    (5)

  • Kristin R.

    We held our wedding at Chief O'Neill's a few months back in September. The decision to do so was easy after we walked in and experienced the warm atmosphere, great food, and stellar service. We couldn't have been more pleased with the entire planning process and assistance of their Event Coordinator, Lisa. She was accomodating, helpful, kind, understanding, and helped us work within our budget, NEVER making us feel uncomfortable about how much we were able to spend. The day of the wedding, everything was gorgeously arranged, and that inviting feel that first attracted us to Chief O'Neill's permeated the entire space. We had good weather, and we felt blessed to have the outdoor space for friends and family to enjoy cocktails, sunshine, and bocce ball throughout the entire evening. We had PLENTY of room for a photo booth, live Irish Musicians (which the owner Siobhann graciously coordinated for us), a DJ, dancing, and dinner and cocktails for the 100 guests in attendance. Family and friends alike commented that the food was excellent, and the space superb, warm, and "not stuffy." It is so nice to be able to go to Chief O'Neill's whenever we want to saddle up to the bar, grab a pint, and relive those special memories from such a lovely day.

    (5)

  • Erin J.

    Went here for brunch last weekend and thought all was well and good. The food, if a little boring, was tasty. The price was about right ($15), and the venue itself is well-taken care of. The service was sort of what I expect for a buffet - attentive at first, but tapering off to nothingness by the time you're ready for the check. I had to ask three times, which was mildly annoying. I was digging the "backyard" atmosphere out back, with the families eating together after church, the singles eating after a late night, enjoying a little hair of the dog...it was a varied and diverse crowd and I really liked it. I don't know as if we'd come back right away, but it is a pleasant alternative to our usual diner breakfast.

    (3)

  • Eileen E.

    We had a gift certificate to Chief O'Neils so we went and had a couple beers and dinner. The goat cheese fondue appetizer was AWESOME!!!! We split the fish and chips, which was a hearty portion. The Guinness was super cold and poured to perfection. It has a typical Irish bar feel, but has a pretty decent menu with more than just bar food. Would definitely recommend this spot.

    (3)

  • Keely B.

    I dig on this place. I went for the first time in January for a choir performance after-party. We had a buffet. It was quite tasty, though the salad had meat in it (please don't do this, or at least label it if you decide to--vegetarians assume that salad is safe. It's usually the only thing they've got), but the chicken was delicious. The soda bread is also pretty damn amazing. I've had drinks a handful of times, and I took my parents here before a show. My dad said it's his favorite restaurant in the city thus far, so bonus points with the parents makes this place an extra-win.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    Stopped in here on Saturday for lunch and I was very pleased with Chief's! I saw outside on a huge banner that they do $5 breakfast on the weekends and that is a total steal. I thought you could only get deals like this in the suburbs? I had a big bowl of broccoli cheese soup and a side chopped salad for lunch. The soup was very flavorful and I could taste the Guinness in there! I was dipping soda bread in the soup and it was a filling and comforting lunch. I tried their mashed potatoes and they are out of this world! Very creamy and the gravy was delish. The fish and chips look really tasty too. They do a $12 all you can eat Friday fish fry. I will be back to sample the breakfast on the cheap and the Friday fish. Our service was attentive and helpful. The restaurant is very spacious and there is a large private room in the back. There was a private party going on Saturday afternoon and it held a big crowd. There is also an intimate dining area right by the fireplace. When summer finally rolls around (and stays) there is a big beer garden way in the back!

    (4)

  • Patricia K.

    Adorable pub from a decor standpoint. But we had some hangups with the service that hinder this review. Our first server was very personable and attentive. He gets a solid 4 stars. When his shift ended and we closed out the first tab, the problems began. When we received the bill, there were multiple errors with the pricing. Had we not been paying attention, they would have overcharged us by several dollars. Our server took full blame and worked to correct it right away, even though it was a computer issue and not technically his fault. I thought that was pretty stand-up of him. The only reason we closed the tab was because he was clocking out. He assured us a new server would be checking on us shortly. 45 minutes later, I actually had to flag someone down to help us. While she wasn't rude, she did hesitate a bit at first. She did get us our requested drinks though but wasn't nearly as personable as the first guy.

    (2)

  • Eli S.

    This place is so nice and accomadating and loverly! The first time I went here my friends and I ended up being there because Kuma's was packed to the gills as per usual. My friend suggested they had good burgers. They do. They also have good calamari, mexican dip appetizers, and bruschetta. mmm! Their drink prices are more than reasonable and their beer list is halfway decent (but their scotch list is better). I recommend them to anyone especially because they're great for special events. We called them the day before the battlestar galactica finale and asked if we could use their backroom and television to watch it. We promised twenty people, and brought probably forty. They accomodated loud volumes, TV fumbles, complaints, and tons of orders (which, really, they probably liked). Good food, good people, good service, LOVE IT!

    (5)

  • Casey S.

    I live right across from this place. Literally right across the street. Since I'm broke I try not to eat out to often, but it's great having such a warm, welcoming place so close by. Their bartenders are awesome - super friendly, very prompt service, and make you feel like you're old friends in no time flat. The BF and I came here on NYE because we were feeling lazy and had a blast. The eclectic mix of suburbanites-on-holiday and hoodrats made for an interesting evening. I especially loved the couple that was grinding on the dance floor - loved the free show I got with my champagne! I would have given it 5 stars except that I've always been less than impressed with the service when dining in. The servers don't seem to have much urgency which is fine by me except when my beer glass sits empty for close to 20 minutes. Sober = no bueno.

    (4)

  • Borracho G.

    Great Irish place with a huge outdoor beer and dinning garden. Really good fish and chips and all you can eat on Friday. I can't do more than one plate because the first plate is generous with servings. I usually go for the Guinness and Jameson shots but will eat there once in a while. If you visit enough you'll start to see who pretty much lives at the bar and they are some pretty interesting characters. Bartenders are great and service is the same. Try the Sunday brunch, its a bit pricey but it has everything to make it well worth it.

    (3)

  • Karen C.

    Chief O'Neills for the yum on Thanksgiving. Great service from our waiter Nick. The place was all decked out for the holidays and it was so charming and warm and lovely. So much better than having to cook and clean. Thanks to all the staff that worked today so I didn't have to.

    (5)

  • Carolynne M.

    Oh wow. Hadn't been to the Chief in a while, and had no idea they served brunch. Holy hell this is the biggest, craziest brunch I have ever seen. The tables for all the food take up almost the entire front room. Everything you could ever hope to want is here. Cold salads, calamari, salmon, chicken, fish & chips, corned beef hash, Guinness & cheese soup...dear god I cant even think of it all. There is even a huge dessert table and omelet station (which I never even looked at because I was so full) and a bloody mary bar. Good stuff. Will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Michelle E.

    I have been here once for dinner (after getting denied at Kuma's) and wasn't all that impressed. However, Katarina X recommended brunch here, and I was skeptical. Really? At an Irish pub? Mr Man was even LESS excited about venturing away from his favorite breakfast place. I think this is my new favorite neighborhood breakfast place! We went on Saturday for the $5 Brunch. At first I was thinking, "OK, this won't be that great. The portions are probably really small." I was WRONG! They have a nice selection of both sweet and savory dishes, and the portions are comparable to what you would get at your average breakfast joint. I had the Irish Eggs Benedict, which is a traditional eggs benedict, but with Guinness in the hollandaise! It gave it a bit of a sweeter taste, and it was really, really good! There were also tomatoes on the benedict, which I don't believe is traditional, but it was still a nice addition. Came with a side of hash browns. YUMMY. Mr Man had one of the skillets, the one with bangers. (heh heh, bangers!) While he thought the bangers could have used more spicing up, the potatoes were well seasoned, his eggs were perfectly cooked, and he was satisfied! His came with a side of toast or english muffin. Oh, and even the strawberries served as garnish were delish! How often do you actually EAT your garnish? I never do! 2 full tummies and 2 coffees, and our total bill was $15!!! Nice! The atmosphere is also pretty cute, I don't know why I didn't notice before! Maybe because last time I was too busy having a pity party for myself from the disappointment of not being able to get into Kuma's. There are nice spacious wooden booths and pretty stained-glass windows. We sat at a cozy little table in front of the fireplace, that was a low table with little stools. I'd love to come back and try the Traditional Irish Breakfast, which at $12.95 still sounds like a deal, since it is ALOT of food! I am also looking forward to gorging myself on the all-you-can-eat Sunday Buffet, which from everyone's reviews, sounds promising!

    (4)

  • Katarina X.

    Bartending on the night of a major holiday is necessary public service. Like a fireman, police officer or a doctor. And why isn't it listed here? chicagonow.com/blogs/red… It's family-friendly, calm and reliable. Essential. At least, in regards to how I feel about the holidays... or visiting family during the holidays... the pub is a recovery necessity! And this one is open on Thanksgiving evening!

    (5)

  • Marilynn B.

    Ate here w/ a large party after the Music Mad play. Wait staff, very friendly, but slow. Irish Soda Bread delicious - unlike any I've ever had (with caraway). Sandwiches (corned beef) very disappointing. An Irish pub should be able to knock that sandwich out of the park!

    (2)

  • Laura H.

    My husband went on Valentines day this year because we wanted a more low-key non-crowded atmosphere. Boy were we pleasantly surprised!!! First off the service was awesome and MIKE our server was really nice and easy to talk to and very helpful!! I ordered the Guinness meatloaf and my husband has the Shepard's pie. YUM!!! pretty much sums it all up. We were just expecting simple pub grub and instead were pleasantly surprised to get food that was elegantly plated so well and that tasted sooo good!! Honestly, I think we will make it a valentines day tradition! I would highly recommend this place to anyone who likes good comfort food with a laid back atmosphere!!! WE LOVED IT!!!

    (5)

  • Mike P.

    I can't believe in almost 3 years on Yelp, I haven't reviewed Chief O'Neil's. A lot of negatives can be said about Chief's. It's a zoo for St. Patrick's Day. It can be overpriced. For me, the place has got a ton of memories. I've enjoyed many a happy and sad pint here and though I don't get back as often as I like, I always look forward to the next time I can.

    (5)

  • Kt B.

    my boyfriend and i fell in love with chief o'neill's the first day we stumbled in for a quick bite and a beer. The atmosphere was so warm, the staff so friendly. We really vibed to the traditional irish music that was going on in the background. Everything about the place was oh, so cozy... We found out about their sunday brunch buffets that day and made a plan to go back the following sunday. we've been brunching here for a while now and ever since it is still a favorite of ours. (the free jelly belly machine is a plus, too)

    (5)

  • Kathleen C.

    I've been really impressed with Chief O'Neill's in two recent visits. I only recently heard of this spot and then saw it almost immediately after that on Check, Please! The restaurant is a little off the beaten path (and by that I just mean that it's not in an area with a ton of bars and restaurants, so you may not find it by walking by). The staff is really warm and friendly as soon as you enter the restaurant and I have to say that I was happy that the spot wasn't totally packed on a Friday night during my first visit, so we were able to get a table pretty quickly. I realize I probably should have had an Irish specialty, but instead, I opted for the burger - and wow - it was so wonderful! I was almost literally licking the plate. I did try a bit of shepard's pie as well (also quite tasty). A great beer selection and all of the Irish favorites as you might imagine round out a great and reasonably priced menu. There are also cocktails and a wine list for those of you (including me) who don't drink a lot of beer. The atmosphere is really fun and lively with all sorts of interesting artifacts on the walls (police uniforms, old sheets of music, etc). Definitely worth a visit!

    (5)

  • Kate P.

    Honestly, don't know why I keep giving this place a shot. Actually, I do know why- it's the beer garden (which is the only reason I did give 2 stars). The food is just okay and for the neighborhood the food is a couple dollars over priced. Though my most recent annoyance with this place was their website... well actually with the management (or a combo of both). The website lists "specials" and being a beautiful Thursday I figured, hey sitting out in the beer garden for an appetizer and a drink would be great ONLY IF they had a good special going on. The website lists Thursday specials as, "1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine, $4 Blue Moon Pints, $4 Stella Artois" which would be a perfect combo special of beer for myself (a wine fan) and my husband (a beer fan). So we walk down the street to give this place ANOTHER chance. We get seated in the beautiful beer garden and ask the waitress about the special. She says, "oh the manager hasn't told us if that's going on today." Wait, what? How can you list specials on your website and then say "we aren't doing that today"? We say okay, and just order drinks and an appetizer anyway. Thinking this waitress might be confused we ask another server the specials. He also says "the manager hasn't given us the okay to do that special today." So now I've been duped into coming to this place AGAIN. And $65 later I am under impressed. I should have gone to Mirabell.

    (2)

  • Daniel G.

    Chief O'Neill's. I've been coming here for years, especially around St.Paddy"s for their awesome corned beef and cabbage. Today I stopped in for the seared Atlantic cod which is flown in 3 times a week (from the waiter). Irish music is playing in the background. The portion was very tasty but huge. I had to take it home. Waitstaff very nice and friendly. The bartender Mike actually shook my hand. Moderately priced for large portions.

    (4)

  • Michael B.

    I saw the same Check Please as my Yelp idol Yvonne B and read her 2/17 review so had this place on my list. I went on Sat night so no live music (Sun & Tues) and sat at the bar. The pour a killer Guinness, (in my case more than one) and the bartender was friendly and personable. The pub itself is charming, authentic and welcoming to young and old alike, as a pub should be. They crashed and burned with the food delivery, not the food. We had the meatloaf, which was very moist and tasty. The cabbage, cheese and arugula flatbread also held its own. It just took over an hour to serve us the food. We were told it was a flood of non reservation customers that overwhelmed the kitchen and comped a second Guinness, which was appreciated and the right thing to do. The friendly and accommodating staff and pub's charm will bring us back for another try and review.

    (3)

  • Anne M.

    A large, homey-feeling place that can accommodate you and a friend for a few drinks - or - your entire family for a celebratory meal. I've been here a few times via the family gathering route, and Chief's has been a good choice because it's a. big enough to handle large groups, and b. food/service has been good. The back room is where I've been sat both times, which has been nice because there's still a bar feel to it, but it's not full on bar (more private and laid back). Our server was very friendly and did a decent job taking care of our big party. We were left alone for slightly too long of stretches after the food came out, i.e. when we needed him for refills on drinks and fish (Fridays = unlimited fish fries). I hear the brunch here is amazing - I've never tried it, but I'd like to.

    (4)

  • Karma K.

    I love this place! Here are my reasons why. 1. I saw a nun at Sunday Brunch once and she was eating with with one of CPD's finest 2. Sunday Brunch in general 3. Sunday Brunch Bloody Mary bar 4. Their outside seating area is really quite an anomoly for Chicago; it's huge, private and beatiful 5. Fish and Chips 6. Their Bar is very cool 7. I have never had a bad meal here 8. Great waitstaff; now sure what to order, ask them and they'll steer you in the right direction 9. Diverse customer base 10. We are lucky to always snag a parking spot Yep, I love this place and Avondale peeps are lucky to have it in their hood.

    (5)

  • Andre W.

    Nice sized Irish Pub, but looks smaller on the outside We ran over here as it was pouring down raining as we left Honey butter Fried Chicken. Looks like your typical Irish Pub on the inside. The workers have on what seems to be fire chief uniforms..the girls look nice in them...lol They make a good Snakebite (Harp & Cider with a dash of black current) here...I had 2 of them According to numerous reviews from friends of mine on here, they have one of the best brunches in the city...have to come back for that!

    (4)

  • Stephanie H.

    **This review is for brunch only** No. I will not go back for brunch. I am a big fan of all you can eat, but this one didn't work for me. The place itself seemed fine and it has a great patio so I would be willing to go back for drinks, except the location isn't really that great... Back to the brunch. As many have noted it's more of a dessert buffet... catered by Jewel. There were plenty of desserts and pastry that definitely came out of a box or a plastic case. There's also a chocolate and vanilla fountain. I'm not much of a dessert person, but I thought the mini creme brulees were cute. The rest of the buffet was pretty meh as well. There were bland tacos, bland chili, bland potatoes and you get the idea. I don't care for hollandaise sauce so my only egg options were from the omelet station. The omelet I got was fine. Our service was fine. For $20 you get what you pay for, but I think your money and taste buds get more for your buck at even say, Mystic Celt for brunch. The website recommends reservations, but we went at 10:30 and left after 12 noon. It was half empty the whole time we were there. Maybe because it's winter? I would not wait for a table for brunch.

    (2)

  • Melissa N.

    This place has a good reputation, but unfortunately my experience here was less than pleasant. I was here for a large party and service was just awful. It can't even be blamed on the staff being busy with a large party, because there were multiple servers, and ours was the worst. All the other tables received their entrees approximately half an hour before I was able to flag down our waiter so the people at our table could place an order. We were all in the same party!!! I had a champagne split to drink and the goat cheese/strawberry/pecan salad, which I added grilled chicken to. When my salad came out, it was missing the grilled chicken. I sent it back, and it took more than 20 minutes to get it back. Two of my friends also received their entrees without the extra toppings. Because service was so slow, one friend didn't even want to take the time to send his food back since he was basically starving at that point. Another person at our table ordered an entree salad and was served a side salad WITH her entree salad. It was very, VERY strange. I am amazed one waiter could mess up an eight-person table so badly. The salad itself was very good, but not at all worth the hassle. At least the other people at the party seemed to have a much better experience than we did.

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Food was great! Atmosphere is very Irish and a cool place to hang out. The beer garden is gorgeous but now they have no smoking section in the garden! And have to stand in the street with the hobos. I guess I need to find a new bar with a smoking section.

    (1)

  • Jeff B.

    Excellent Sunday brunch. Live the corned beef and cabbage. Lots of variety. Con: background music way too loud!

    (4)

  • Nicki S.

    After recently moving to the neighborhood, Chief O'Neill's has become our easy neighborhood hangout. I've had their Sunday brunch before but it's been a while so I'd like to revisit that. The shepherd's pie, meatloaf, and lamb burger are my favorites thus far and they always have good beer on tap. I can't wait for warmer weather so the patio can be utilized!

    (4)

  • Lindsey M.

    Oh Chief's. I've been here for pretty much everything, brunch, dinner, drinking, St. Paddy's day. It's beer garden in the summer is probably one of the best places to drink and catch up with friends. The fence and trees block the view of Elston, there's a chandelier hanging from a tree, there's a gazebo, and on Monday's you can bring your dog. The staff is always nice: they have solid suggestions if your indecisive, are personable, and take good care of their customers. On to the good stuff, the food As far as I can remember the only thing I've eaten that I didn't like was the Peat-smoked Shrimp- wholly mackerel there's a lot of peat taste. Everything else is been tasty and "lick the plate". First timers try the Corned Beef & Cabbage or Shepard's Pie; looking for something new I love the Bangers and Mash or the Grilled Vegetable Focaccia sandwich.

    (5)

  • Marty A.

    Fish n Chips was fantastic. Service was okay just seemed like they where overwhelmed.

    (3)

  • Amanda W.

    I was so stoked to try this place based on other reviews that I suggested my fiancé and I go there in person for dinner this past Monday night. What a complete and utter waste of our time, and just terribly disappointing. We walked in and although there were a few other customers scattered about, the only staff member we saw was a bartender puttering around behind the bar. We sat ourselves at a booth a little confused about what to do, but hungry and ready to chow down. Sadly, ten minutes went by (nope, not an exaggeration) and we were never even acknowledged much less given a menu or even some indication of what the hold-up was. Funny, the bartender looked our way a couple of times too. And in case you're wondering if we were those jerks that walk into a joint 10 minutes before closing, nope! It was 7pm. And not packed at all. Towards the end of our time there, we finally saw a waiter bring some people out their food...right after *another* confused couple walked in, sat themselves and got ignored. He proceeded to ignore us both and went back to what I can only assume was NOT a seminar on how to provide good customer service. I imagine someday I'll drive by this place and it'll be closed because crappy service like that finally caught up to them, and I won't feel bad one bit.

    (1)

  • Franklin D.

    Went to a gathering in an upstairs party room. 50 or 100 people were in there, with "open bar" and "free food". Totally appreciated the sentiment of the organizers.... but the food ran out way fast and the single bartender was pouring drinks in slow motion.

    (3)

  • William C.

    The atmosphere is about as Irish as you can get without going to Ireland. The beer and whisky selection was great. Our server was very knowledgeable about the food and drink selections. At our table we all had something different and all was prepared to perfection. I had a very authentic and tasty Shepard's Pie. My son had the lamb burger, served on o pretzel roll. Others has fish and chips and the Irish BLT. All were delicious. I look forward to going to this place again to try the Sunday brunch.

    (5)

  • Ken L.

    The menu here has many Irish standards and more. It's in my neighborhood so I lean on them fairly often when no one is in the mood for cooking. The standouts are the meat loaf with mashed (excellent comfort food) and the Banger Burger (burger with English sausages). The burger is great when you are ravenous and want some serious meat. I'm working my way thru the menu and have always been pleased with my entree. Prices are pretty good for what you get - this is a substantial step above your basic bar food. The bar is gorgeous with authentic wood paneling and trim everywhere. There are TVs so you can definitely enjoy watching a game while having a few cold ones. The outdoor area is spacious and can accommodate large groups. The staff is laid-back, friendly and attentive. This is a good place for either dining or drinking. Business here seems to vary greatly for no apparent reason. I've often waited for a table but also been there when the place was half-empty. It's a nice place both ways.

    (3)

  • Stefanie K.

    Right down the street from me, so I've gone a couple times. Really beautiful woodwork and pretty large dining rooms inside. Outside beer garden is beautiful w lots of greenery, gazebos, etc, pretty large too. Food is a bit better than bar food, a step up. Drinks also. Def will be returning.

    (4)

  • hazel j.

    Love Sunday brunch at this place. The Bloody Marie's are great since you have the option to add your own garnishings. The dessert bar is great and our family loves the kids get a nice food selection from there as well.

    (5)

  • Kat D.

    I have been here a couple times both in a large group. Servers tend to be on top of things and the food has always been delicious. Their outside area is amazing! We came here on Father's Day and enjoyed a beautiful Chicago summer day in their giant outside patio. They had live music playing which was a nice touch. All in all great place to eat and enjoy a nice cold Guinness!

    (4)

  • Christina G.

    I came here for the birthday brunch of a friend and had a great time. We were seated right away in the huge back garden. That alone deserved 4 stars! A place in the city with so much outdoor space? Sold! We all did the brunch buffet, which is $16.95/person, I believe. That does not include drinks, not even a coffee. Minus one star for that. Boo. Aside from the lack of coffee, this place is pretty great. There are so many food choices from traditional breakfast items of french toast, eggs benedict, and waffles, to lunch items like fish and chips, guinesss-cheddar soup, sushi, and mac and cheese. Throw in the extensive dessert options (including a chocolate fountain!) and this isn't your typical Sunday brunch. I definitely ate too much, but it was so worth it. We ended up being there quite a long time, probably over 3 hours, but our waiter didn't even bat an eye, checking on us often, but keeping his distance so we could get some serious chatting done. Parking was a bit tricky, but we were able to eventually find a spot on a side street. I'll be back the next time I'm looking for some serious brunch!

    (4)

  • Damarys K.

    We finally ordered from Chief O'Neill's again. Two salads, one with chicken and blue cheese and one with steak and ranch dressing( the ranch dressing was great, I am a fan of homemade ranch not bottled or whatever you find at most places), the salad was composed of all fresh veggies, no limp greens and it wasn't full of iceberg lettuce and the steak was cooked perfectly. We also ordered the corned beef and cabbage which had great flavor, not overly salty, the vegetable were great, not over cooked. Finally we ordered one kids order of chicken strips with fries. The chicken strips did not resemble the typical frozen chicken tenders and amazingly the fires were still crisp. Everything was delicious, the order was correct and delivered in a timely manner. Complete redemption! Will absolutely order form them again, might even stop in for brunch.

    (5)

  • Bill M.

    I really liked this place. Finally, after so many copies, an Irish Pub that gets it right! The decor and feel of the place just can't be beat and by the looks of the crowd when I was there, I'm far from the only one satisfied. There seem to be a lot of regulars there, which is always a good sign. Although I was there in winter, the place has what appears to be a great and fairly large patio outside. I'd like to return and try it. The food was very good! We tried the steak crostini, fried chicken and the plank salmon. My wife raved about the fish but also the root vegetables that come with the meal. The food was served very hot and they certainly don't skimp as you see many other places. While Irish pubs are not known for great food, they really do a great job putting a very strong meal offering in front of you. Excellent beer and drink offerings. Now on service, I was mixed. The servers are decked out in Chicago police uniforms, which I thought was incredibly clever. Our server was very pleasant and helpful but one complaint kept me from going from 4 stars to 5.... While in fairness, she warned us ahead of time that the kitchen is "running slow" tonight, they really should be better prepared for crowds like that (staff on call, etc). The food took A LONG time to appear in front of us, to the point where we had wondered out loud a few times where our meal was. Also, we had asked that our candle on the table (had gone out) to be replaced, that was ignored. Character / Overall feel of the place: a definite A, Food / quality: B-, Service a C or C-. They get that kitchen in order, and I'd be happy to re-review. I'll likely return.

    (4)

  • Gemma B.

    Had a super amazing Sunday brunch here. I only offer 4 stars instead of 5 because neither the chefs nor waitstaff were familiar with what was actually in most of the dishes. I have a nut allergy and the chef couldn't pinpoint what was safe for me to eat or not, so that was kind of a downer. The other thing, I recommend making reservations, especially on Sundays as they get busy **fast**. We got sat without them, but we were also the first ones in the door. We did get a tiny table in the corner, and sat on stools, which was kind of awkward.

    (4)

  • Stan H.

    On May 2nd, my husband and I threw a party for my 60th, birthday, which is huge, at Chief O'Niels first floor back room. Cannot tell you enough how great it was to work with Chief O'Neills professional staff. Heather is the party planner for the business, she is very efficient and organized, but best of all, she listens to your requests, a hard trait to find. Allison was our wait staff who awesome, she took care of everyones individuals needs, she flew around the room. Eddie and Isaac did a great job of putting the room together for the event, always reassuring everything was going to be great. Robert the bartender, again, so professional and courteous. Together, they produced a magic evening. The food, the atmosphere, the choice of beverages, outstanding.

    (5)

  • Linda P.

    While looking for a Saturday brunch for Mother's Day, we were thrilled to find that Chief O'Neill's offered one. We live in Orland Park, but felt the drive was worth it. We arrived for our 2pm seating right on time. It was a little crowded but our table was fine. The brunch food was wonderful and plentiful. My complaint was after eating a couple of plates of food, I took a break to let my stomach digest a little and then decided to head up and grab dessert. It was 3:20 and much to my surprise all the plates had been removed and the food was being put away. After driving an hour, I really wanted to just relax and have a nice long brunch, but obviously the Irish eat fast and get out. So I would not recommend their Saturday Mother's day brunch unless you like to eat fast and get out.

    (2)

  • Joel G.

    Well it was St Patty's day so this rating should be taken with a grain of salt. Crowded and crazy but what more would you expect. I was liquored up so no big deal. Food was somewhat disappointing but it was made for 100,000 drunk folks so what more do you want... little pricey at $15 but hey I had to eat something so 4 lbs of corned beef will due.

    (2)

  • Peter S.

    I have dined here three times. Except for tonight, two were for lunch. Every time, I have tried something different. All good. Tonight, I had the Irish BLT. It was a combination of Irish soda bread, rashers (Irish bacon), Brie cheese, tomato, and leafy lettuce. Not at all greasy and served with hand cut fries. Very tasty. Afterwards, it just so happened there was a comedy night going on at the pub, in an upstairs area called The Attic. There were 5 comedians who were all funny. My wife and I thought we would catch one act and leave. We stayed for the whole show. The hostess tonight introduced herself as Vanessa and was very attentive to all the guests both in the restaurant and comedy area. We'll continue to go to this great Irish Pub.

    (5)

  • Luli S.

    This place had perfection for every one of our picky dinners. I had the Atlantic salmon (that my friend who "never eats seafood" tried and loved.) He had the beef tips and I had to cheat from my no red meat kick cuz they looked so good. SO worth that bite. Fish is chips is a no brainer here. It's always good. Last time we did carry out and the bartender was so nice. He showed us the back outdoor area and I usually always opt to not sit outside-but I could definitely see making an exception for this place. It's huge so ur not jammed into a row of tables in front of the place like most outdoor dining. It's also behind a solid gate so some privacy is always nice. Great menu options, cool staff and it's always immaculate.

    (5)

  • Tyler B.

    Beer garden, food, and brews. It wasa great place for great food that could definately fit small to larger groups. The portions are huge so bring a big appetite or get meals to share. Service was great and the experience and ambiance was very appealing. I would definately go back and frankly can't wait to try more of the items on the menu. The burgers and fries were fantastic.

    (5)

  • Cassie M.

    This review is based one the one time I have ordered delivery, so I cannot speak about customer service. However, the food was FANTASTIC. They make a great reuben (second only to Wilde's) & the meatloaf was a dream come true. Most restaurants really just offer a sub-par meatloaf, but this was wonderful. Down a star just because the fries were pretty limp, but that could be due to delivery, so if I eat in restaurant & they are different, I'll update my review.

    (4)

  • Andrew C.

    So it was my friends 21st and we wanted to celebrate at a bar with character but also not a crazy establishment. Chief O'Neill's turned out to be one of the best pubs I have been too in Chicago. Too start off I got a Blue Moon nothing fancy, but they do have a wide selection of normal beers and also craft beers. The highlight of the drinks though was my friends order. He got was called Angry Balls. I think it was a pint of Angry Orchard with a shot of Fireball Whiskey. One the best drinks I have tried in awhile. I ended up ordering the Fish and Chips. The chips were great and the fish was excellent. My only complaint of the night was that the fish did break apart very easily so it was harder to eat, but I got over that. My other friend ordered the Guinness flavored Meatloaf which was amazing. There was so much taste and the mashed potatoes underneath the meatloaf was nothing to complain about. The other two friends got the Irish BLT and the Banger Burger, both good but also its not hard to mess up those orders. The service was a bit slow for a slow night but I think there was only one waiter working. What set this pub apart from other places was easily the atmosphere. The Beer Garden in the back looked great too bad it was mid-November. There was massive fireplace in the middle of the pub and the walls were lined with paintings, photos, and other historical items. There was live music finishing up. The only issue is the location is a bit tricky to get to but the distance was worth the experience.

    (5)

  • AJ M.

    I saw this bar on a TV show called Brew Dogs. It was stated that it is not only one of the best Irish bars in Chicago but also in America! So I was glad when one of my buddies decided to have his bday there a week ago. Located on the corner of the street, it was under construction. I walked in and saw a classic Irish bar interior, it looked great. But my party was outside. The outside "beer garden" was nice. It really gave a homey feel. It felt like i was in someones backyard, I dont know if thats a good thing or bad. The food was great, I got the fish n chips and stuck to Guinness and whiskey drinks to keep it real. The staff was great and even split a very large tables tab! But overall I wouldn't say it lived up to the hype. This spot is not completely a "bar" I would say a more casual restaurant. It has a large dining room in the middle. I know people have weddings here which is nice but not what i would consider to be done in an Irish bar. This is a great spot for food and drinking outdoors but not my cup of tea or should i say Guinness.

    (3)

  • M S.

    I loved this place. Sad I didn't find it sooner and can't wait to go back. The food was awesome - best fish and chips around. Our waiter Nick was fabulous. Not pricey at all. I will also be visiting in the summer- their beer garden looks like a lot of fun. I wish in could give it 10 stars.

    (5)

  • Melissa C.

    Best Brunch yet!!!

    (5)

  • Greg B.

    All of the wonderful expressions that have been made about this excellent restaurant are true. I wish to express our family's gratitude to our fantastic waitress, Joanne. She is totally amazing: Joanne was on top of everything, she took care of all our needs, and she is very friendly. Thank you Joanne -- please know that you are one of the best waitresses in Chicago, and whatever dreams you have in your career, they will come true, because you are so wonderful.

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    Went with my wife and brother-in-law...great fish and chips, awesome bangers and mash, and their beet salad was great! A little taste of the Irish in Chicago!

    (5)

  • Jackie M.

    Lots of folks I know are getting married. I remember hearing from the best man say that it will be at Chief O'Neil's. In my head, I thought, isn't that a bar???? okay......(O_o) So on the day of the wedding, I was contemplating on putting on a pair of jeans. Wow. Incredible. Charming. Lovely. The garden, a wonderful escape, and the Irish pub atmosphere felt like I was in Ireland. Fortunately, I had enough sense to put on a nice dress and heels as the space was beautiful. I thought it was really cool how everything went, from the ceremony, to the cocktail hour (we had a small bar in the back room) to the BBQ (might I say pretzel roll). Everything was simple and elegant at the same time. (note: this review was for Sept 2012 when it was actually warm!)

    (4)

  • Steve H.

    This place used to be a shining star for my family as my dad loves some good Irish pub nostalgia. He used to love it so much that we decided to throw his surprise 60th BDay party here four years ago. Alas that excitement isn't there anymore. Dish prices have increased substantially and service is lacking and slow. What used to be a regular and memorable visit each time has gone down the wayside for a huge disappointment.

    (2)

  • elizabeth b.

    Just got married at Chief O'Neill's, and since I had a really hard time finding information about weddings there in the past, hopefully this will help someone in the future. We had a fantastic experience with everyone at Chief's--Heather, the wedding coordinator, did an INCREDIBLE job and put in a ton of work to make everything perfect and flow seamlessly. We rented out the entire restaurant (large wedding) and had our ceremony in front of the gazebo in the garden. Cocktail hour was inside, dinner was outside, and dancing was inside in the back area. We asked to hang string lights the day before the wedding and were allowed to do so before the restaurant opened. I'm not sure why they don't have string lights already in place because it looked incredible and it would have been really dark without them. Hopefully they put up lights in the future because it was a hassle to put them up but totally worth it for the ambiance. The food was great, of course, and we were allowed to order some gluten-free/allergen-free meals for a few guests, who indicated that this has never happened at a wedding before and the kitchen staff did a great job with those along with everything else. Dinner is served buffet-style, with the buffet set up along the windows outside. I posted a few pictures of what the outdoor area looked like during our reception. If you're looking for a gorgeous outdoor wedding venue in the city that won't cost you an arm and a leg, Chief's is it. Their prices were very reasonable, especially when compared with the other outdoor venues in the city. We had tons of compliments on the set up and food--it was a great experience and I definitely recommend checking them out.

    (5)

  • John K.

    Sunday Brunch is the best in Chicago!

    (5)

  • Amanda C.

    By far the best Irish bar and restaurant of Chicago. The outdoor garden is the best in the summer and the live hooligan band is amazing!!! Try the spicy bloody Mary's, chicken, meatloaf and fish and chips!!! Yummy! The owners are beyond delectable and hospitable!!!

    (5)

  • Michael O.

    I've been here previously and always had a great experience. I recently had an event after party and thought that Cheifs was a great place to have it. Boy am I glad I did.!!! Due to an overwhelming response we had double the number of people we expected. Not only did the staff handle with grace and responsiveness but they helped put extra food out and work with us to make sure our guest were taken care of. The planning team really took time to understand our objectives and offer helpful suggestions. I would recommend this place 10X over if I could for events or just a great place to hang out!!!

    (5)

  • john l.

    Been here several times for dinner, just drinks and of course the music. Never once has my wife or myself had anything bad to say. Only compliments. Service is great! Food is great! Drinks are great! My top Irish pub in the city and beyond. Good Job Chief O'Neills

    (5)

  • Bill C.

    The wife and I went based on a recommendation from a coworker. We live in Addison and it was quite the drive but my coworker assured me it was worth it. Fact is, after having been there for a dinner and a Sunday brunch I would drive five times the distance to go there again and we plan to. Fantastic food, service was great, reasonably priced. Its a trifecta!

    (5)

  • James M.

    This pub has very large potions of very good pub food. Friendly staff and of course beer. The only thing that stopped it from getting 5* is no hot mustard! Just sweet and regular yellow. Good Craic

    (4)

  • Fancy N.

    Wait, am I in a Vegas buffet?! Yes, its a mega taste bud overload! I was here for a family party brunch and boy was I surprised at all the breakfast/lunch options in the buffet. From an omlet station, to french toast, pretty good eggs Benedict, to salads, calamari, it was all pretty darn good. The food was restocked quickly and often as soon as it got low. The sweet table is probably as big as the food part of the buffet, it had a white and dark chocolate fountain, but no strawberries to dip, just marshmallows. I was like, no way there are no strawberries or other fruit to dip. I looked around, and nada zip zilch. So disappointing and pointless to have a chocolate fountain with nothing to dip in it. Another disappointing fact is that coffee/tea is not included in the buffet, sort of surprised me. So why no 4 stars? Well we were here on a organized event, and bar/drink service was not attentive, most folks had to go to the bar to get drinks (even though we had a party tab already going). For a group of 50, we only had 1 waitress, 1 waiter. I only met the waiter at the end when he thanked us for coming. Where was he when I was dieing for a mimosa?! I'll be back, this time with loose pants and comfy attire, so I can really pig out.

    (4)

  • Patti O.

    I won't be back. I was excited to go as my great grandfather and Francis O'Neill were first cousins in Ireland. We were disappointed from the moment we arrived, The hostess acted like she didn't have a clue about anything. There was no manager on duty. We were there 75 minutes and got a salad, bread and drinks. Our entrees never arrived in 75 minutes, so we left. Our server didn't seem to care....I guess the owners will have to rely on the musicians for their business... I won't go back.

    (1)

  • Ryan M.

    Best Irish bar/restaurant I've been to in Chicago. Great food and drinks, tentative but laid back service and an Irish trad session happening every Sunday. Simply awesome.

    (5)

  • Susan K.

    My husband's parents were in town and we wanted to take them to a unique restaurant. One of my husband's favorite places is Chief Oneills; and his parents were in Ireland this time last year. We were able to sit in their lively pub by the fireplace. Our server was friendly and very knowlegable about the menu and specials for the evening. My inlaws were giddy. They felt like they were in Ireland, especially after the first bite of soda bread. I ordered the Mahi Mahi which was made to perfection and finished off with a light lemon cream sauce. My husband ordered the pot roast which was fork tender and complimented with winter vegetables and homemade mashed potatoes. My inlaws loved everything and they hard to please. They can not wait to come on a sunday and check out a session in the pub.

    (5)

  • Michelle R.

    What a fantastic place for brunch! They had such a great selection of food and it was all kept clean and fresh. For $20 each and the selection of food from waffles to chocolate fondue to taco bar to fish and chips it was a great deal The only thing I would like to say was that the booth I was sitting in was a tad hard to get into (I have big legs lol) Other than that I am recommending this place to anyone looking for a great brunch place-just make sure you get a reservation!

    (4)

  • Natalija S.

    So I went here with my best friend to celebrate her dad's birthday with the rest of the family. Boy, am I glad they celebrated it here. The service is good, but the food is where it's at. Steak appetizer...yum...Bruschetta...tasty...burger...­delicious...steak fries...my goodness do they put crack in it? 'Cause those are some of the best fries I have ever had. Really interested in trying the fish and chips next time...with a side of steak fries of course.

    (4)

  • Donna F.

    Chief O'Neill's Sunday Brunch Buffet has officially ruined all other buffets for me personally. The only buffet that give's it a run for it's money is the buffet at The Bellagio buffet in Las Vegas. Well worth the money. Definitely will be returning to Chief O'Neills. The whole family loved it. Super friendly staff and awesome food.

    (5)

  • Xl G.

    I've been coming to Chief O'Neill's for a few years now since we lived in the neighborhood for so long. The menu has some traditional Irish items on it that are sure to delight any palate. I recently had dinner there with my sisters and wasn't feeling too well so I opted to have their Guinness cheddar soup with a warm slice of sourdough bread and it made me feel all the better. The servers and staff are wonderful as well. In face we almost asked her to have a seat and chat with us some more. She had great recommendations on the wine selections as well. I recently attended a Saturday birthday lunch for a family member and loved the selection of hors d'oeuvres that were served (stuffed mushrooms and brushetta were my favorites). The outdoor patio is amazing and also one of my favorite parts of dining here. Playfully decorated with fun hats and glasses by the event planner, Vanessa who went above and beyond for the family. She even helped video the family members special birthday message. A wonderful day made even more wonderful by the great staff here.

    (4)

  • Marc R.

    I am not a fan of Irish pubs. My mom is Irish and I had to listen to enough Irish music and hear all the stories my whole life, but, this place is a top notch Irish pub with good Chicago and Irish beers, excellent whiskey selection, and a real Irish pub menu. Don't be surprised if you are sitting around with firemen and cops and the daughters of firemen and cops (so behave yourself). Friendly staff, and a family friendly environment make this an excellent spot on the Northwest Side of the city for families, and drinkers alike.

    (4)

  • Shauna D.

    @Suzanne P. .. I hate to invalidate your entire review, but I was there on St. Patrick's Day as well, and OF COURSE it was busy, this is the among the most authentic Irish pubs in the city. The reason you didn't get seated or see servers at tables was bec

    (4)

  • Suzanne M.

    This place is great. Great bar, great garden, great atmosphere, great drinks and fantastic food. I really love it. Although I get the same thing almost every time I go here, the shepherd's pie, because I love it so much, I really have never had anything bad to eat here, and neither have the people I've dined with. I definitely recommend this Avondale Irish pub.

    (5)

  • Bobby C.

    Great pub. Came for a wedding dinner. Catered food was gourmet and delish... Good beer selection and friendly staff. Great open ambiance. Great place to have an event.

    (4)

  • Bill D.

    Chief O'Neills is a nice bar and restaurant, I went there because I had originally wanted to go to Hot Doug's the weekend before it closed, only to find out that the line for a hot dog closed at 8:15 that morning and people were waiting since 2:00 AM! After that disappointment I stumbled upon Chief O'Neills and enjoyed my experience. We didn't have anything crazy, just chicken fingers and a corned beef sandwich, but it was very good and filling. I also liked the history behind Chief O'Neill and was surprised to find that a wedding was taking place there the day I went.

    (4)

  • Carolyn F.

    Even with a free round of Jameson's shots, I was very disappointed with my group experience here. Food and drink orders were ignored, and our waitress handed off our table to another server without telling us. One group member left after being so frustrated. Drink orders took forever with attitude to boot. I brought a Meetup group here and quite frankly, was embarassed at the poor service and apologized to the group profusely. If they cannot accommodate a group of 15 people before the big holiday, I can't imagine what St. Pat's weekend will look like here. I used to cocktail waitress, bartend and wait tables. I would have been fired if I treated a group like this. The server was very unapologetic.The hostess did however apologize but when I asked for a manager she told me there was nobody here that night. What?????? A female employee finally came over after all these errors with a large round of Jameson's shots to help ease the pain of the poor experience. It helped a little, but it was more like placing a bandaid on a gunshot wound. The damage was done. Maybe small groups or tables of 2 or 4 are more their forte. I wanted to like this place - I really did. I'm Irish and it breaks my heart to write this. But it's going to be awhile before I return and I won't bring a group here again after this experience.

    (2)

  • Mandi N.

    In 2 years, I've been here 3 times for Sunday brunch. I wish it could be more often but prices call for a "special occasion", once in a while kind of place. Which I think keeps this as a nice treat. My family loves it here as well. Eggs Benedict is so good here :)

    (5)

  • Susanne P.

    If I could give this zero or half a star, I would, but I am forced to give this one whole star. It will be a while before I return. Came here on St. Patrick's Day with eager anticipation to have a good corned beef and cabbage dinner. There was no hostess at the podium so we went in and found a table to sit at. The table itself was unstable and the top nearly overturned with the slightest amount of weight applied to it! After 20 minutes, no one had come by or even acknowledged our presence at all. I went in search of a better place to sit; the only server I ever saw whizzed past the people and sat herself down at a table to listen to the Irish band playing. One bartender would grab his cellphone and start typing away on it whenever anyone approached him, so all of the patrons swamped the other bar to buy their drinks. He was busy enough that we didn't have a prayer of getting his attention, much less have him find us a server. We left hungry and with alternative options dwindling having wasted our time tryong to find any service at all. For St. Patrick's Day, a day when an Irish Pub would likely be the busiest, they were very understaffed and apathetic about providing service to their patrons.

    (1)

  • Michael S.

    I discovered your restaurant about a week ago as always looking for an alternative to pizza type places and have spent about $250 in that time frame as i eat out allot. 1st order ) went well little under done but all in all good. 2nd order) 3 different burgers all to be cooked differently and they where just not on the burger ordered as such patties switch all over still lived with it. 3rd order) a total screw up ordered bowls of Chile got cups, ordered 2 fish and chips got 1 as well as the soup. Fish was extremely oily and was ordered because of reviews on how great it was, really? So I called spoke with a woman took my info said all would be taken care of. A few moments latter got a call from the manager cool, I thought. Was told kitchen cook and prepped all food and was in disbelief that i didn't receive it all, which was spoken in a slightly insinuating manner. At this point he still was unclear on what items where missing or wrong, after I corrected his info, I was sent out a replacement order with an extra burger that their had been no problem with, wont complain. So after the 1st three orders not going well I will say because of the inconsistency of the kitchen, They Have lost a potentially long time customer.

    (1)

  • Valerie H.

    We rented their party space for my father's 35 year retirement from the Fire Department. The execution was absolutely flawless. The event staff helped us decorate, organized where memorabilia would be placed, had perfectly timed (and delicious) food service, and the bartenders kept up with the thirsty crowd with a joke and a smile for everyone. He had a wonderful time, we couldn't be happier with our decision to use them.

    (5)

  • Carrie S.

    chiefs. Chiefs. CHIEFS!!! I wish I could calculate how much of my live I've spent at this pub. Er, wait... no I don't. But suffice it to say as a Factory stalwart I spend a LOT of time at this bar while we're in production and I've come to feel as comfortable and welcome here as I ever did at my first favorite bar, The Bel Air Lounge (RIP). The prices can be a little daunting for the artsy-set but the owners will almost always figure out a drink special or two, and the regular nightly drink specials are good deals, too. The brunch is KILLER. Hands down. The beer garden is MASSIVE. And there's nowhere I'd rather go after a show or a strike to enjoy a glass of wine, or Guinness, or Stella or scotch. The owners (the lovely Siohban and gregarious Brendan) are staunch supporters not just of the Factory, but of all arts on the Northwest side. I am extremely proud to partner with them on both our fundraisers and my liver's slow demise.

    (5)

  • Laura F.

    Food is good, the service is great, the interior is beautiful, and if you're lucky the table next to you might house a handful of fiddles and an accordion. My husband and I have been a few times and always try new things, we've loved all the food so far. Can't wait to head back this winter and enjoy a good bowl of Guiness Cheddar soup!

    (4)

  • Keyla R.

    I have been needing to write this review of one of my favorite Irish pubs, and now during Lent and with St. Pats so fast approaching, there is no better time. All I can say about the Chief is go. The place is so full of atmosphere that you'll get carried away...you may even do a jig or two. Especially on days when they have live music or Irish dancers. On a cold Chicago winter's day, you can hit the Chief for dinner and sit by their fireplace. Start with the Guinness and Cheddar Soup. No lie, it's great. We have a friends who insist on dinner there every time they visit Chicago just for this soup. Usually we order the Fish and Chips, the Bangers and Mash or the Corned Beef. It's just pub fare. Nothing nearly as good as the soup. As far as food goes, the soup is best of the bunch. But the rest is acceptable. It's pub fare, so don't expect haute cuisine. As an aside, that fireplace has some great small tables for just grabbing a beer and having a chat (in true Irish pub style) with friends. Now, St. Pats at the Chief is done up big. We have gone every year for the past 3 years. They always have Irish dancers. Fantastic dancers. And people have a great time. Just don't go for the food on St. Pats, We've never enjoyed it. They have this buffet thing that is expensive and not so tasty. But go for the beer and the party. That's what its all about anyways. My only complaint about the Chief is the cost of a meal there. It will set you back a pretty penny. I mean. Fish and Chip is $14. For cod fish and french fries. Just plain pub grub should come with a pub grub price. But even with this drawback, I still love the Chiefs. The atmosphere and the booze make up for everything else. And besides, who needs food anyways?

    (4)

  • Radhika K.

    Visiting Chicago and looking for an Irish pub with beautiful patio and cool drinks to relax after an long day.. Chief O Neill's is the perfect spot for dinner n drinks. Though its away from downtown and action... this pub has has everything for a date night or friends reunion. Must try ! You will not be dissapointed.

    (5)

  • G. V.

    We had a nice time here yesterday. Very cozy atmosphere with the Irish decor and warm lighting. The food was great, and they don't skimp on the portions. My wife and I shared the lamb burger, delic!! Of course, me and a buddy were doing the beers, but some in our group are not beer drinkers. Luckily, they were very pleased to find a decent wine list to choose from, so everybody was happy. Jessica was our server and she was great, very attentive, very friendly, total pro. All the staff seemed very friendly, which just made for an overall good vibe, very nice! We got to chat a little with the owner as well. He told us about the ghost in the attic, which I personally think he should capitalize on with a ghost tour, ha! So to wrap it up, this place is a winner, we'll be back sometime.

    (5)

  • Robert T.

    Rated one of top 10 best Irish Pubs in the world for a very good reason. Great food, Great service, great atmosphere, and above all else, a fantastic pint of Guinness.

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    The interior is classy and gorgeous. The lunch and dinner offerings are rich and tasty, with generous portions. But this review is about the brunch. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THE SUNDAYS OF MY LIFE? For $17 you have access to a foodstuff wonderland of epic proportions. Hot entrees a-plenty, fruit so juicy and tender, a dessert-encrusted tower of sweets crowned by twin towering fountains in white and milk chocolate. It's like stepping into Brazilian Carnival, but there are eggs benedict instead of bikinis and there's fruit instead of beads. The desserts table is better than all the flotillas of whimsy and the hot food tables are lined up like a parade of delicious soldiers. It's three tiers of food, and all of it fresh. And they usually have live fiddlers playing to accompany the om nom nom.

    (5)

  • Jeff G.

    went on friday night at 8pm for a quick bite, but it turned out not to be so quick our server and the service was absolutely horrible. it took her 10 min to come to our table and when we ordered she said "ok, it's going to be ahwhile" and she was right, it took about 30 min for our burger and corned beef to come out. really? how long does it take to fry some fries that werent even that good and to make a burger and corned beef sammy? and it wasn't even that crowded. the back room was full and there was live music, but the front seating area was half empty. burger was not good, though the homemade corned beef was indeed tasty

    (2)

  • Mark B.

    We took in O'Neill's and the place simply hit a bull's eye for authenticity and atmosphere. The food is great pub-style dining with Irish flair, from an excellent soda bread to dessert; sitting near the front fireplace, it made a rainy night go by with warmth and friendliness. I had the bacon-wrapped meatloaf,infused with Guiness and layered on top of a big mound of mashed potatoes, it came with french fried onions on top and a veggie mix on the side... and more than I could possibly eat. My wife had the fish and chips: delicate and plentiful, scored with us. The artichoke dip comes with warm fried pita pieces, and a few beers in, you won't want to move. We've been to Ireland, and done the pubs; I'm happy to report that O'Neill's has so much authenticity, it rivals anything on the planet... at least those corners we've been to. We'll be back for one of the upcoming Irish bands and the brunch; our server was terrific in recommendations and that just tipped the scales for this being good to perfection. There are no negatives here; friendly, attentive staff and warm atmosphere leaves nothing out. Anyone from Dublin would be damned happy.

    (5)

  • Katelyn B.

    Lovely outdoor setting, to the point where I don't know why anyone would sit inside in the summer. Friendly and knowledgeable waitress who pointed me to a couple tasty ciders. Ordered the cod sandwich--it was huge and smothered in cheese but also tasty. The fries were not memorable however and not particularly fresh. Would go back for the outdoor seating!

    (4)

  • Kim S.

    I made a reservation for 16 people. Called the week of reservation just to confirm as I had out of town people and one person in a wheelchair. I was told that our reservation was confirmed. Four hours before the reservation a woman from the restaurant called to tell me that they were canceling my reservation that night for sixteen people because they were having a wedding inside! Absolutely terrible customer service. Then they said they would send me a gift certificate and asked for my address. They NEVER sent it!! Again, very bad business! I wouldn't go back to this restaurant the way they treated me. Nor will any of the other people in my reservation.

    (1)

  • Tom H.

    I attended a tasting of single malt scotch at Chief O'Neill's earlier this evening. Nice place, divided between a dark wood bar area with booths in the front and a more open restaurant area with many tables at the back, where I sat. The restaurant section has a small raised stage, suitable for music, but it was perfect for the presenter to use while guiding us through the scotch tasting. Some interesting memorabilia of the Chicago Police Chief who almost single-handedly saved traditional Irish music back in the early 20th Century, by writing down tunes he heard Chicagoans play or even just whistle while riding on a bus. This place was built by musicians who care for the musical traditions of Ireland. I tasted four different bottlings from the Highland Park distillery in the Orkney Islands north of Scotland, which, I learned, is the northernmost distillery in the world. Each bottling: the 12 year old, the 15, the 18 and the 25 were unique to themselves. I had a few nibbles of hors d'oeuvres the pub generously supplied, which were good: one was a little dumpling wrapped in phyllo dough, the other a mini-bruschetta with the addition of a little dollop of sour cream. I understand the Chief has a fairly new but accomplished chef, Alan Lake (jazzfood/"the Lake Effect"), late of Evanston's Pensiero Ristorante. I'd like to come back here and try one of the normal meals when I can.

    (4)

  • Billy K.

    I had my b-day party there on March 1st. Everything was perfect!! The food, staff and service was everything you can ask for and more!! I recommend it highly!!

    (5)

  • Gerry X.

    I gave this place 4 stars, not cause of anything bad...I only came here to meet a friend and have a drink, so I didn't eat...but I would love to come back. (Pretty positive it would get 5 stars anyway) :) First off...I walked in and thought it was a great bar, with the atmosphere, festive sounds (and the Christmas decor was pretty awesome itself) And I was relaxed and observed the front room, which in itself was pretty big. Live celtic music in the corner playing, waitresses running around, people laughing (I posted pics, but I will link the video) and our bartendress was friendly. It has its own area (I assume) for parking, along the side of it so like 5 or six cars?But you can park on Elston also. Link to the video. flickr.com/photos/gxydis…

    (4)

  • Andy M.

    Believe it, or not. The best brunch in town is at a Irish Pub. The Buffet Spread was amazing!! Not only is the Brunch laid out in a beautiful and classy manor, the food is delicious. Some of the delicacies that I devoured included, Bacon, Sausage, Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Gravy, French toast, Waffles and the tasty goodness from their fresh Omelet station. Chief O'Neill's offers more goodies than you can possibly sample in one visit. I walked in a skeptic, I walked out fat, full and happy. The next time you are in the mood for a weekend gorge fest, head on down to the Chief. Your belly will be happy you did.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :4:00 pm - 1:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : Yes
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Brunch, Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Live
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant

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