Folks, this is Skokie. Which is Village Inn, Dusty's, Principal Pub, and Principal pub on Main. Its independent. Not a franchise. This is the BEST bar in Skokie. Its more modern than the rest. Clientle is diverse. Its clean. The food is good, and they have a decent liquor selection. The folks that work there are wonderful and welcoming. I love this place. I read the other reviews. Just cause its small, doesn't mean its a POS bar. Sometimes there are staffing issues, but the staff are great. How many times have you been to a bar/club, and they just don't get it. They would rather be elsewhere, or are incompetent. Thats not here, they have a wonderful staff. This is not a sports bar. If the jukebox is too loud, ask if they can turn it down. Its a good spot.
(5)
Mike K.
I've been coming to this authentic Irish Pub for over a year now and have to say it compares to not much else I've been to in the Chicago land area. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and eager to make sure you enjoy yourself. The food is excellent ! I've had the Irish Stew (better than I had in Kilarney), the corned beef and cabbage is the best I've had anywhere. And even when they go off the beaten path and offer specials like tacos, they don't disappoint. The whole atmosphere is a local joint - kinda like 'Cheers' "where everybody knows your name" It has lots of regulars, and I can see why. I've never been disappointed here.
(5)
Hans H.
Best pub in the neighborhood with great pub faire and shepherd's pie! Great place to hang out and watch a game, and the outdoor patio is covered, comfortable, and has a nice LCD TV to watch as well. Contrary to Craig S's review, however, I'm pretty sure they do have the standard soft drinks, as I had a Coke when I was there. Maybe it was just a fluke. Dec, Susan, and the rest of the staff are attentive, and the food and drinks are good. Add that to the ambiance and coziness of a local pub and you have a place worth being a regular at.
(4)
Craig S.
I've been watching this place being built/remodeled for a while now and have been dying for it to open (who doesn't like an Irish pub in the neighborhood). Finally got a chance to stop in tonight and wasn't disappointed. They've only been open for a couple of weeks, but it already has the feel of a well established neighborhood pub. We got there at 6pm, snagging the last table in the joint up front. Another 20 or so people came in after us and filled the relatively small space to the gills. Like most Irish pubs, quarters are tight, warm and friendly. There are a number of old Guinness ad tins on the wall and various phrases stenciled around the space (my personal favorite is toward the front: "Here's to the health of your enemies enemies"). The crowd is a mix of generations, with kids (ours; nice parenting, huh?) to gray heads. This is definitely not the trendy, meat market type pub you'd find down in Lincoln Park. The menu offers a pretty good selection of pub grub(cheeseburgers, chicken strips, etc.) and traditional Irish favs (Guinness fish & chips, Irish breakfast, corned beef & cabbage, etc.). We ordered the cheeseburger & fries ($7.49), kids chicken fingers & fries ($5.50) and Shepard's pie ($9.99). Portions sizes are generous; food was well cooked and very tasty. Service was quick and the server was attentive. Beer selection is nice, with a number (10 was my count) on tap (Guinness, Sam Adams, Stella Artois , Smithwicks to name a few) and double that amount in bottles. They also offer specialty beer combos like black and tan, black and blue, irish american and shandy as well as stiffer stuff ( irish whiskeys and scotch). Unfortunately for non drinkers (and kids), no soft drinks are available. There is an outdoor patio with 10+ tables that looks like it would be nice to hang out on if our dear Chicago weather demon ever decides to give us a warm day. Tables inside number at 8 and, as mentioned above, are tightly packed. Bar looks to seat 14 or so. There is parking in the back as well as on the street. I definitely will be back again and can see us becoming regulars at this place. While I love Nevin's in Evanston, it looks like I'm going to be getting my comfort food and Guinness fix a little closer to home.
(4)
Heather Z.
So I went to high school in Skokie. And I couldn't wait to get the hell out of dodge when high school ended. Skokie is old and boring and nothing ever changes. Well, thank god Skokie did change and actually added a bar that's fun to go to. The Curragh is that bar. All of my friends from HS say that it's like they took a bar from the city and transplanted it to Skokie. Its bright and clean and has a clientele which is more diverse than the AA flunkies and trailer park types that frequent many of the other bars in that town. For all the people my age, its a godsend. It is very small, especially when the outside is closed. But now we don't have to fight the crowds at Old Orchard or make the trek to Evanston to hang out with a hipper younger crowd. Curragh is always fun and I'm not ashamed to be seen there. And the bartender always makes a shamrock in my Guinness foam. I love that little shamrock. And I love Curragh.
(4)
Michael L.
Well, I've waited long enough to review this now established neighborhood bar. It's located on a small main street in Skokie, just blocks up from the downtown. In the heart of some of the Skokie's newer condominium developments lies a small Irish-American pub, serving the traditional Irish-influenced bar fare (fish and chips, cheese soup, etc) plus your usual burger and fried "everything elses." On tap are the classic lawn mower style drafts, along with some of the classic pint fillers - Guiness, Harp, and Smithwicks. The Curragh has a fully stocked bar (of course with Jameson and Bushmills) and can accommodate most mixed drink preferences, but beware as they don't have a running list of Dekuyper flavors for the softies that can't handle a good beer. Most nights the prices are very decent and comparable to the bars down the street, but their specials are phenomenal. At one point I believe that this bar actually influenced the neighboring watering hole, the Village Inn, to lower their Rush and Division prices - making it more suburbanite friendly. Going forward, let's talk about the joint. The Curragh is extremely small, but that's not to take away from how homey this place gets. The staff is extra nice and they do a good job making sure your cup isn't thirsty. I'd say that it's pretty easy to catch a buzz in there because your pint, bottle, or glass never stays empty for more than 2 minutes after your last sip. They have a few flat screens in there for the typical bar-hugging sports fanatic, but the place really makes you engage in conversation around you, since you're so close to everyone. If you need a little more room, during the warmer season (although they did put up a heated tent), you can go out on the patio and enjoy the weather. This is where you can get a little louder with your company, smoke a cigarette, watch the outside flatscreen tv, or get away from the shoulder to shoulder situation inside. Ok, speaking of the inside....it's usually filled with some of the people who probably used to hang out at the Village, but got sick of it and now try to turn this place into a locals only bar. What do I mean by that? Well, you'll recognize the in and outers who come in and get their buzz going by a decent hour, then leave. But the bar also houses some wannabe "this is my place" characters that really don't convince me enough. Again, not to take away from the initial welcoming vibe, but occasionally people will get the stop and stare entrance every once and awhile.....at that point (because I've fallen victim to the 4 bar stool and 3 pub table stare downs) the only thing I bite my tongue on is "dude, I get it. You're a municipal worker or you still live with your parents....back off." Don't think this is the only type of clientele this place harbors. You also have your fair share of police officers because the station is literally across the street, especially during shift changes (3, 7, and 11pm). They're cool, but sometimes you'll catch that little bitch from high school who thinks they grew some balls at the academy, and walks around the bar with their chest out. Again, we get it...get over it, you're still lame and no you don't look tough because you've been working out. Other than that, this place gets a big fat decent for being one of the only bars that isn't coke-infested (so I think) and you can get into the washroom to break the seal. Way to go.
(3)
Andy M.
Not a bad little bar. i went my usual bar hopping solo runs in Skokie the other day. I tried to watch some late afternoon football but they had the juke box blaring. It was really loud. It is kinda small, but for Skokie this is a classy place. the crowd looks kinda young and snobbish even for a sunday so keep that in mind if you go on a weekend. they had a small but expensive menu choice. Not many beer choices,but as long as they have guiness that is good enough.
(3)
Victoria h.
This is the best thing to happen to Skokie in a long time. There is an outdoor dining/drinking patio - BEWARE - it closes at 10 pm daily, weekends included, thanks Village of Skokie. Food - I tried Shepherd's pie and it was really yummy. The portions are large and enough to satisfy any appetite. They have appetizers, soups/salads, burgers, traditional Irish fare, and even desert. Drink - very reasonable prices. $5 for a pint of Guiness. Service - quick. Overall - if you live nearby, make a point to visit
(4)
Blackie L.
Great Burgers... Skokie generally blows, so you have to consider everything on a non-traditional Skokie scale. A regular "7" is a "Skokie 10" whether it's girls, food, bars or whatever. The Curragh is def a Skokie 10, maybe higher. The patio is really nice in the summer. The bar itself is good... not great... and they are a little too much into the fake Irish thing (read: soccer on the TVs and non-stop Pogues on the jukebox) but the staff is friendly and the food is good. all that said... the burger is AWESOME... probably in the top five in the north burbs, up there with Hackneys, Ubaa, Meier's, LWoods, etc.
(4)
Kevin B.
Great food, drinks, atmosphere......what else could you ask for you? They have awesome bartenders and waitstaff. Sad that I am moving away from it :( they also have good pandora stations on most of the time. Good place to catch the pga replay if rick is tendin bar
(5)
Steve J.
Very nice out door space. Pleasant pub. But fish and chips were awful. Breading was soggy; fish tasted like it was freezer burned. It was the worst fish and chips I have ever had.
(2)
rachel p.
to the management: its the first nice day of spring and you are one of very few restaurants in the area with outdoor seating; based on this logic, wouldn't you expect a busy lunch hour? you should have extra staff on the floor and extra food prepped in the back. to the chef: it should not take an hour to make 2 cobb salads! in fact, it shouldn't even take 20 minutes. every component of a cobb salad (sans chicken) should be pre-prepped. and finally to our server: when i ask 3 times about the status of our order and express that i only have an hour before i need to get back to work, i expect you to check on the food and possibly try to speed things along in the kitchen. don't keep telling me that they are grilling the chicken. if it'd been on the grill as long as you say, i would have been eating a grizzled meat puck. and since i've been waiting FOREVER i expect my iced tea to be replenished often and with something that tastes like tea. step it up skokie.
(2)
Sasha M.
When this place first opened, I thought it had one of the best Fish & Chips in the area. It's still very good, and it is my default dish. The Guinness Cheese Soup had some promise but ended up being too salty for my taste. Shepherd's Pie was also a little salty for me but still decent. Corned Beef and Cabbage is always pretty good. The kid's Mac N Cheese is actually really good, as is the Wings O Fire appetizer. The best part about this place is that it is never overly crowded. It has a nice pub feel with outdoor/patio seating options year-round. It also has a decent beer and drink list which is also a big plus. Good environment to enjoy a meal and drink.
(3)
Anthony C.
A great pub in Skokie that excells on every level. The alfresco dining on the patio in the summer is great and the small indoor bar has a cozy inviting atmosphere. The beer selection is good with Irish/English, German/Austrian & American microbrews on tap. The food is very good and the quality and portions have remained consistent since their opening a few years ago. Some particular favorites are the mozarella sticks, rueben sandwich, fish & chips and any of their salads. Service is outstanding, food is very good and ambiance is nice. A great place to dine outside on a warm summers eve.
(4)
Ron S.
Walked in on a Thursday afternoon with my wife and had the pub pretty much to ourselves! Wife had the Steak Salad and I had the Irish Stew. Be sure to check out their covered patio! It's perfect for enjoying the sun and breeze!
(4)
Rachel J.
Cute, clean and just what the doctor ordered for a dreary Saturday night. Our party opted for the covered patio, keeping us in the fresh air, and out of the rain. The outdoor television kept us entertained when the conversation lulled, and the service was spot on.....our gal was never too far away, but not stalker-ish. :D Available beers include Delerium, Smithwicks, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, and several other "fancy" beers. Stop by this quiet comforable place for a relaxing evening.
(4)
S P.
We waited about 15 minutes for the bartender to pay attention to us and take our drink order. There we only a handful of people there and no one else was taking away her attention ordering anything. She just paced back and forth not looking in our direction, and then was talking with the other people that worked there. Not giving a damn about your job is a huge understatement. Other than that when we finally did get our drinks they were ok, the salad was very fresh and tasty though.
(2)
Ted C.
It's an all right place, I did go there near last call and it was pretty empty. I guess bars in Skokie aren't busy on Thursday nights like ones in the city are. Typical line up of Guinness, Harp and other Irish beers but they did have Revolution and Half Acre on tap. It's all right, I guess.
(3)
Mark I.
Warm neighborhood atmosphere, and healthy, meat and potatoes eats. Feels like your relaxing in a friend's living room. Their shaded outdoor deck is a great place to relax.
(5)
Angela B.
Very glad I decided to give this place a second chance!! First of all.. excellent customer service. When management saw my previous review they quickly contacted me and offered to make it right. That, in itself, is awesome. This time around I tried the Fish & Chips.. it was fantastic!! My boyfriend had the BBQ Chicken sandwich, which was also great. Service was excellent.. food was yummy.. no complaints!! Huge improvement!! Big thanks to Lydia for taking such great care of us.. and Paul for setting it up. I will definitely be back!! :)
(4)
Y.D. K.
Good food, good pints. What's more to say? Okay, its comfy if not cozy inside, but also has seating outside for the warmer seasons. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Food, well, haven't had much besides a very good shepard's pie and a very decent fish n chips. But will come back to try more as it has a very good potential. And yes, I will be back since its good to go for all counts! But more in the next update... P.S. Is it really true that there is an Irish pub in every city? Mein friend says yes...I don't know...
(4)
Benjamin B.
Ventured into Curragh because another local establishment down the road was filled up. When i fist saw the size of the place I thought it was going to suck for sure. HOWEVER, after walking inside, I was very impressed with the small but functional set up around the bar as well as the extra seating in the patio area. The service was pretty solid. Our server was very friendly and always kept my water glass full, and the food was brought out in a timely manner. The bar has most liquors under the sun as well as a a decent sized list of craft beers (although only about 3/4 of them were currently in stock). The modestly priced menu offered the standard pub food, but also offered breakfast options. For viewing, Curragh three or four 42'' TV's in the bar area, which doesn't sound like much, but for the size of the place it worked, and almost every seat in the house had a suitable viewing angle. There are also an additional 2-3 televisions on the outdoor patio. My one complaint would be the lack of comfort from the stools around the surrounding high-tables. They were small, had little padding, no back, and had steel rivets in them that were not pleasant on the behind. next time I will be sitting at the bar (which had backs and grooved wood seats) or the steel chairs on the patio. Overall, I would definitely return to Curragh. I wish more places in Skokie would take a page from their book and put together similar clean and friendly establishments.
(4)
S R.
Have eaten there twice. One of the better Irish joints in the city.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
I wouldn't say that this place has the most amazing Irish Food I have ever had, but it is delicious! Great atmosphere and always great service! They have a great beer selection and have easy parking outside!!
(4)
Dean C.
This wonderful Irish-themed pub has been a welcomed harbor for my friends and I for four years now. I regret that I don't live closer as there is so much to like about this place. It is cozy without being cramped, dim without being gloomy and there is plenty of seating every time we've been there. For our most recent annual trip the wait staff was fast, friendly and not overwhelmed by the fact that they had a wedding party on the patio and our show's audience (from down the street at The Skokie Theatre) of 35 or so. I've really only had everything on the appetizer sampler and an odd bite or two of some sandwiches and burgers, but everything I've had has been utterly delicious. And while I'm not a beer drinker the bartender graciously indulged me in a Lager & Lime request without flinching too much. All of my friends who have eaten full meals there have expressed great appreciation for the food, too - and that has ranged from fish and chips to sandwiches. This place is just really comfortable: good food, good drinks, friendly staff, good service. While it is, at its essence, a pub with food, it is one that you'll want to make one of your regular stops.
(5)
Stacey P.
I am not usually the hugest fan of such foods--- pub types, or UK type food... however, I was pleasantly surprised by this Irish Pub in skokie! First of all, the patio is super awesome. It is covered, and they have these HUGE heat lamps so they can keep the patio /outdoor seating going well into the chillier times of year. yipee!! The service is super slow, but as long as you have time to sit, chat, watch a game, whatever... it's enjoyable. I got a chopped salad which had delicious tidbits of chicken, avocado, blue cheese (bleu? not sure how french the irish are), tortilla strips (hmm random) tomatoes and other fixins. It was good! Not super amazing salad awesomeness, but tasty and did the job of filling me up without weighing me down. Mother (who works nearby and I was meeting for lunch) ordered the Reuben but switched out the bread for a french roll. Hers came with fries. The sandwich was very good! The fries were alright. Anyway i'd definitely come back for a relaxing meal or to watch a game on the fancy outdoor patio!
(4)
Susan M.
If you are desperate for a place to eat, just go to Annie's pancake house. I was shocked at the fact this place was recommended as "family friendly", it is not, it is a pub. I made the mistake of following fellow YELP reviewers and brought my family here, major disappointment so I hope I save some families some misery. Family friendly is not just having a kids' menu, it means serve the kids first and don't make them wait over 30 minutes for overdone noodles. And please please please clean your bathrooms, GROSS! I am shocked because I have been at a Curragh Pub in other locations, so not sure what happened with this place. The servers were nice, but the food was not worth it. Oh, and clean your tap lines, yuck!
(2)
Shannon L.
I used to come here quite a bit when I worked near here. Haven't been here in a couple of years but when I walked in, the atmosphere was the same...very friendly, welcoming and laid back. This is your standard Irish Pub with a good selection of beer on tap and always a good special. I've had the fish &chips, burgers, etc and they were all good. Today I had the potato soup (special) and the Reuben. The soup was creamy and chunky and all around thumbs up. The Reuben was loaded with corned beef with just the right amount of sauerkraut and dressing...also a thumbs up. The beer was cold...what more can you ask for. Our business lunch ended up lasting almost 3 hours so they must have been doing something right to keep us there!
(4)
Kitty K.
Over time, the Curragh has lost their Irish employees, and service for a single female is less than stellar. Also their St. Patrick's Day menu and set up isn't the greatest, with a greatly reduced menu, printed instructions that state customers have only a limited time in the restaurant to "make space for other customers", and very little in the way of entertainment. They were offering what looked like green jello shots that day, but the waitress never even stopped at our table. Why is it that female waitresses avoid all female tables?
(3)
Vanessa P.
Outside seating was awesome for summer weather. The food was pretty good. Our group had a bacon cheeseburger, grilled portabella sandwich, and fish and chips. Beer/drinks were delicious except the mojitos. Only drawback was service was suuuuuuper slow. That's why I give it 3 stars instead of 4.
(3)
David R.
Americanized Irish pubbing at its best! Oh, I'm sorry, did the sarcasm not come through? Well, here I go again, being a pub snob. This is what passes for nightlife in Skokie. I don't doubt that this joint is a boon to the locals; however, it doesn't do much for me. First off, it's TAENY. It's WEE! There is outdoor seating, but during cold weather, I don't know how they can make any money because they can only fit maybe 25 people inside the building. There are no nooks and nowhere to hide; if you don't want to be bothered by whatever is on the multiple TV's, too bad! Secondly, it's too new. They went whole-hog on the Irish pub decor, but fresh paint and brand-new wood make it seem too shiny and fake. I can't disparage the crowd; they're a fair mix of locals of all ages. I would come here too if I lived in Skokie. The bar ought to have some more beers available. And the barkeep, while sporting an Irish accent, ought to knock off pulling a Guinness like a 22-year-old Iowan at Timothy O'Toole's with a long line of customers. Oh, and they were out of Tullamore Dew. BOOO!
(2)
Andy F.
I've had take out sandwiches from here before, so brought in my family for an early dinner with their Groupon.. The corned beef, as always was excellent! Everything else though was put together with little thought. The chopped salad was not chopped and had overcooked chicken. The fish and chips were "fair." Ordered the chicken quesadilla only because wanted a bit more and they had 1/2 price appetizers at the time - it was not too good - only worth half the price. Then, they charged us full price only because we had a Groupon - even though the Groupon covered all the full priced food we already ordered. When I pointed this out, the server told me how, if they gave me the discount, management would take it out of her paycheck.... really? So, I talked to the supervisor (the manager was out) and she said the same thing. I called the manager later and she denied this...and she didn't care about the comments on the dicey food...commenting about my Groupon's fine print, yada yada. So....if you go there to eat...stick to the traditional Irish dishes and forget the rest. As for service...this seems to be one of those places that gives a Groupon and then blames the customer for 'taking advantage' of them...and taking money out of the servers' pocket... great way to win customers.
(2)
Matt B.
Have you tried those mozzarella sticks? They're the size of baby arms! FAT baby arms! (And just as, if not more, delicious.) Also, the waitresses are nice. But I wish they wouldn't let people smoke in their beer garden.
(4)
Kevin Y.
Went here yesterday afternoon with a couple of buddies to grab a bite to eat. It gave off a pretty good Irish pub vibe. Being the only person in my group who isn't 21 yet, I didn't order anything to drink. However, my friends each ordered a draught Stiegls. I ordered the fish and chips for my entree. Pretty solid dish. Two large slices of nicely breaded fish, crispy fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. If I were to change anything, I would season the fish a little bit more, as I found it just slightly under seasoned. Still delicious though. One of my friends ordered the Irish breakfast and seemed to enjoy it, as did my friend who ordered the corned beef. Overall, a good place to grab a bite to eat and have a drink with some Irish flair.
(4)
Kate H.
A nice looking pub with friendly staff but lackluster food. Ordered the fish and chips - thick cut frozen fries were bland, the batter on the fish was nicely crisp but the fish itself was tasteless. Irish breakfast came without the white pudding. Mushroom Burger needed salt, and was, like everything else, competent but not exceptional.
(2)
David O.
Has been a fun and hospitable place every time I've visited. I've gone during all different hours and it's never a scuzzy crowd like some nearby establishments. They can rotate the drafts a bit more, and I miss Michelle who seemed way cool, yet other than that I can't say enough good things about them.
(4)
Hillary M.
Went her for a friend's birthday dinner, and the service was great- attentive, accommodating, all we could ask for. The food wasn't bad, but nothing amazing either. We ran the gamut of Irish favorites in our orders - from corned beef and cabbage, to Irish breakfast, to fish and chips. I personally split the fish and chips and a chopped salad - and both were alright. Good meaty steak fries, but the fish felt soggy, and was nothing to write home about. The chopped salad had decent flavor but I didn't love the iceberg lettuce making up the majority of the lettuce. The grilled chicken had good flavor though. One thing that redeemed the food completely though was the birthday desserts we ordered for our birthday girl - profiteroles, and the brownie. They were topped with chocolate sauce, ice cream and this crunchy gooey caramel sauce. So many sweet flavors and textures combined in both desserts - they made the night! The beer selection was nice, with a lot of local choices. I had the 5 Lizard - always a good amber ale standby. I would go back if someone else planned something there, but I wouldn't initiate it myself.
(3)
Chanoy M.
Good burgers! Nice ambiance! Sort of rustic look. Good for family during the days! Fish and chips are pretty good too. They always have the games on. Bartenders are cool and service is always good. If you're looking for a place to relax and have a beer this is definitely the place. Located across the old Skokie police station.
(4)
Courtney C.
Went here the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. The food was great and tasted authentic. The live performer added a great ambiance.
(5)
Konnie A.
This place has really good burgers. The atmosphere is fun and the drink list is great! I found a local beer which has now become my favorite! The style inside the establishment makes you feel like your on a movie set for an Irish themed movie. Lots of wood, unique chairs, and scarred up tables. Very fun environment. This is a great place to hang out in, eat in, or even order out from.
(4)
Gina T.
I got the salty watermelon margarita. It was a really refreshing drink. I would def order it again. I loved the mozzarella sticks. Best ones I've ever had. So fresh and tasty! Also, their wings well done are amazing. By far the best wings and sauce I've ever had. Make sure to ask to have them well done if you like them a bit crispier. Service was a bit slow but didn't mind it since we were with a group of friends. Overall, we will definitely be coming back for the food and drinks.
(4)
michael w.
Deal tip - $5 10 oz burger thurs with beverage purchase We stopped in for a one and done later on a saturday night, ghost town, super dead. Bad sign? The place is cute, small, cozy, has outside patio seating as well. We both had a bear and rolled. The bartender corrected me on how to properly pronounce Smithwick, that was a first. We think we will come back to try the burger special sometime.
(3)
Shaun S.
The Curragh is our go-to place in Skokie. The beer selection is excellent (which pleases my boyfriend) and I love that the top-shelf liquors are reasonably priced-especially when compared to other eating establishments in the area. In terms of food, they do a great job. The talapia is among the freshest I have had and I have ordered it several times-and I am not a fish eater normally. I was reading other reviews and some of them are not accurate. We have been there both during the week and on weekends and 9 times out of 10 they have specials. I love their steak quesadillas and philly cheesesteak specials and wish they would put them on the menu! We have been going there over three years and have seen some wonderful bartenders and waitstaff come and go-but the owner/manager Lydia is very hands-on and only the best staff is there long term. Dia is an amazing bartender who always gets my drinks perfect, Erin is super cheerful and fun (and also gets my drinks perfect-are you sensing a theme here?) and Kathryn from Arkansas is always there to greet customers and make them feel at home. They have a steady stream of customers most nights, and I am glad they are not more popular for purely selfish reasons! I also appreciate that they help support schools in the district by donating a portion of the bill on the first Tuesday of every month.
(5)
Larry G.
Second best fish and chips in the area after Mrs. Murphy's and Sons. The waitress was friendly and attentive. This is an Irish pub so there was little room for those who want to sit at a table inside and eat rather than drink. There is plenty of room outside but the night we went we were warned there were flies outside. Has a very cozy atmosphere.
(4)
Jennifer s.
Love the burgers! Love the bartenders! Love the atmosphere, usually. Drinks are great and at a great price. Even have a nice outdoor patio and family-friendly. I like being able to go to a bar and being able to talk to the people you're with and have a fun time while having good food and drinks!
(5)
Valerie W.
I was slightly underwhelmed by Curragh. Maybe it's because of the BOMB fish and chips I had while in Disney World, that nothing can compare... but I figured a traditional Irish Pub would fit the bill. We arrived for Monday Night Football to a completely empty bar. I didn't realize the fine folks of Skokie had so many choices that this place would be completely dead. It was the three of us and the bartender. That's it. As I mentioned, I ordered the fish and chips. They were nothing memorable, except bland. Bland, and poorly prepared. The fish was definitely frozen "chunks" and the batter fell right off and was soggy. Such a bummer from an Irish Pub. We stayed through the game and the bill wasn't too steep for 3 people eating and drinking. The decor was nice and felt cozy, I liked that they had the large outdoor patio area with TV's for those who wanted to sit outside. Maybe they just don't draw a big American football crowd?
(3)
Howard L.
I dropped in for an evening drink(s), and I would say 4.5 stars for the pub environs and beer selections. In other words, I liked it! I did not try any food, but heard it was quite decent, and it looked so from what I saw. Judging from alternative reviews, and unit proven otherwise, I'm thinking this may be the best pub in Skokie. They have good draft selection, and also have beer blends (combos) - black and blue (Guinness and blue moon), and black and tan (Guinness and Bass ale). Prices are good - about $5.50 for a pint. I also tried their Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA - despite being 8.0% ABV, it's still the same $5.50 for a 16 oz pint - so a great deal! It's a nice place to chat, and if they could have turned the music down just one notch, it would have been perfect. My partner says that was nothing though!
(4)
Gerry T.
We've been to the Skokie location at least 5 times and the fish and chips is definitely our favorite meal. The fish planks are huge, crunchy on the outside while nice and hot and flaky on the inside. The place is cozy and the bar area is very prominent. They also have an outdoor area with outdoor heating. There's always available street parking and this pub is quite popular with the lunch time crowd. Now they could use a few framed pics of U2 and the place would be complete.
(4)
Vicki D.
I do NOT recommend this place. My nephew's elementary school promotes going here on a particular day, and part of the proceeds go to the Skokie PTO. To be supportive, we went for an early dinner and my son ordered orange juice. He told me it tasted funny, I tasted it and it was spoiled. The fish and chips were not good, they were soggy. At the end of the night 2 out of 3 of us got diarreah. When I called the manager that evening to complain, she was not available and I never got a call back. Sorry, this was bad food and very bad customer services. Maybe another location would be better.
(1)
Peter O.
Very good, good good. Indoors or outdoors on their mostly clear plastic covered and heated patio, this original location of the Curragh chain has been our preferred nearby Irish pub for a long time now, even though it is owned by a charming Greeks lass. Given that, one would expect proper lamb stew, but no . . . their Irish stew is made with beef. It's still delicious. The always friendly bartenders know how to double pour a Guinness at the right temperature, through cleanish lines so it tastes just right. Wines selection is well, that of a typical Irish pub. Their burgers, Paddy's Melt and Bangers and Mash are some of the best pub main courses around. Ask for medium rare and it's medium rare. Thick steak fries and house made onion rings are top notch and their Celtic Spuds potato skins appetizer is pretty good, if ordinary. Ask for them crispy and they're crispy. Cheers! kitchen staff. Malt vinegar is on the table. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)
Ieshia C.
My waitress Ashleigh was horrible. We had no silverware or napkins. We literally had 7 fries per plate with our burgers. I give it 1 star for the TV's.
(1)
Nineveh B.
Wednesday trivia nights are the best! The out door patio is amazing for summer time. The employees are very attentive and the food is great.
(4)
angela l.
Stopped in to have a quick bite while running errands in Skokie. Maybe due to the rain not many patrons, just 2 tables in the open terrace. But there were a handful of people sat around the bar watching sports programs on TV inside. The young lady served us was very polite and pleasant. My Dublin burger was generous in portion and side salad was decent fresh. Nothing fancy nor out of ordinary but stomach warming and filling food-especially on a cool, rainy day.
(3)
Jennifer Q.
I'm not going to lie I felt a tad weary when I stepped in but I decided to give it a shot. The food was pretty yummy, prices are moderate and the bartender was very friendly. He even made his own twist on a regular drink I ordered and it was delicious. Clean bathroom, can't complain. Try their onion rings they're super yummy and you can tell it was made fresh from scratch not store bought like other bars. Fish and chips are really good too. Will come back
(4)
Whitney N.
My husband and I have now been to The Curragh, Skokie location, twice and have had excellent service and food both times. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly (especially the bartender), and the prices were more than fair for what we received. Again, the food was delicious!!! The fish was cooked to perfection and the corn beef was to die for. Thanks for two great dates :))
(5)
Nate M.
This restaurant has a sister restaurant in holland Michigan where I grew up. I have now been to both and they are very different. The holland version is a college pub - it's located very close to Hope College's campus and is very much a hang out place. This restaurant is more of a sports bar. They have all the typical bar food, Irish style of course. Large patio with TVs as well. I'd go back.
(4)
Michael S.
Go to any Curragh you can find and drink you Guinness away. The bar food is actually very very good. Get a car bomb before you leave.
(5)
Nektaria R.
Food is pretty good here. Burgers, salads, lots of yummy food for a leisurely lunch. They do have specials depending on the day and time. Gotta read the fine print though, cause they won't honor them if you gone read it all of it. I do like the outdoor patio area. It's great for the winter and fall to protect you from the elements while enjoying fresh air.
(4)
Chuck E.
Let me begin by explaining my five star review: I frequent all types of establishments. I've been in the industry for ten years now, and if you read my reviews you will see that I only write about places that really catch my interest, as I don't believe writing bad reviews because is rather tell management directly and give it another shot. this place fits every star for the homey, comfortable, relaxed feel I expect from a pub. The drinks are beyond reasonably priced, and the staff goes out of their way to remember you. It feels like cheers, but a lot less cheesy. In all seriousness this a perfect neighborhood bar. The beer selection is small, yet diverse. However, the whiskey, scotch, and bourbon selection are admirable. I really can't emphasize enough how cozy and lovable this place is. Highly recommend.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Hosted a birthday party for my mother-in-law there. The food was okay, not great but not horrible...what I would expect for more of a bar environment. Things turned bad when the bill came though. They charged us for 4 more meals than people who were there. When we made our reservation we told them it would be for 14-17 people...we were never told we would be charged for 17 people no matter how many showed up. If we had been told that, we would have either changed the reservation or changed the restaurant. What doesn't make sense is the food we got was ordered straight off the menu...it wasn't a buffet so it's not like there was wasted food. When we spoke with the manager she made several excuses as to why we were being charged (none of which made any sense). When she said she was going to still charge us $100 more than what we actually had we asked her for the meals to go. She fought us on it but eventually gave them to us. Having a background in the restuarant industry, I have NEVER experienced anything like this. Also, as we were leaving there was a drunk and rowdy crowd forming...none of our family members or friends will be returning. Perhaps if their customer service had been better, this may be a different review. My advice is to go somewhere else...they don't value their customers here.
(2)
Elaine M.
Having recently been to Ireland there was a nice authentic feel to the pub. Cozy, comfortable, and friendly with lovely Guinness signs all about. We arrived early on a Friday night and the place was already pretty crowded. We ate in the bar area. Began our meal with one pint of Guinness and one of Smithwicks. Both authentic just take your pick. I had the fish and chips and my husband the Ruben sandwich. The fish and chips were good. Fairly decent for America, just a bit greasy but the coating was nice. The tartar sauce was not good and the "chips" average. The Ruben sandwich was fine and the corned beef of good quality. Once our waitress arrived the service was very good.
(4)
S M.
Cool atmospheric pub, makes me feel like I'm in Wales again. It's got great outdoor patio for the summer time and even when it gets cold, they turn the heaters on. Kitchen open till late and the drinks are on point served by a friendly staff.
(5)
Dan C.
Good food, great servers, and overly noisy bartenders. If you are going for dinner great.
(2)
Babou T.
I love this place. My husband and I live In walking. Distance and this is our go to place. Awesome food! Great tasty variety! Great Drinks too. We always have a great time and love love love it in the summer. The out door patio is so relaxing. The staff seems to be fun and nice too. YUM!
(5)
Carlynn U.
This place had pretty good food, but I didn't really like their non-meat choices. I ordered the mozzarella sticks (which were very wide and absolutely delicious) and had no alcoholic drinks. My party had a choice of many different adult beverages, which they liked, but I just didn't care for the place. It was cramped inside. There is an outdoor eating area which is nice in the summer months, though. The place was pricey, too, in regards to eating.
(3)
francisco c.
Good food, good people, and great place! I come here with friends and family for the cheese sticks and a very under rated beer selection in the area.... Patio is awesome on a beautiful evening!)
(5)
Foodie A.
Saturday March 15, 2014 Time: 2:15 Street Parking easy I swung by here with my father and a friend for the first time. We sat in the bar at a hightop table with stool backings. So, it was quite comfortable. We were greeted by the bartender and upon sitting a waitress clad in green for St Patty's weekend asked for our drink preference. We all had a brew and ordered the hot wing appetizer. Very good hot wings and no grease! Did I say, no grease, yes, that is correct. We hung for a bit before ordering and sat and drank the following beers: Guinness with a nice head, Redberger Pilsner and a Harp. All very tasty and cold. Second beer choices for two of us were Smithwick's Irish Ale and Gumballhead...Oh, we are out of that, lol, ok. We are also out of Delirium Tremens and Golden Traak. Ok, no worries. I had the same Redberger Pilsner. Wait staff is attentive and politely fun and knowledgable. We all ordered a rueben sandwich. The rueben sandwich was absolutely the best corn beef I have ever consumed. This sandwich alone is a must replay every day. It comes with thick fries, a pickle, lettuce and a tomato slice. So yummilicious! Yum! Just thinking about the rueben is making my mouth water. Portion size is perfect, not too much, not too small. Just right. Where can you go and eat cabbage and corn beef? (my next visit) the Curragh Irish Pub We ate at the Skokie location. Check it out today. Clean and courteous help
(4)
Larry J.
Have to give this place 5 stars. Food is good, service is friendly and attentive. They even asked me my name before I left. They make it a point to try to get to know you. Lydia was all hands on deck to welcome me. She even suggested a new drink to me due to me not being so much of a drinker of the finer tastes of liquor. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Nataliya A.
Less than impressed, and clearly lots of others feel the same way because this place was empty on a Saturday night. Food: Fish and Chips, instead of fries had mashed potatoes, bf had a burger Drinks: Lemond drop martini, bf had Blue Moon The fish was extremely fried on the outside, the inside wasn't bad, very soft and pretty tasty fish. The mashed potatoes were okay, they weren't hot as I would have preferred. My boyfriend was not a fan of his burger. He has tried burgers at many places, so this was for sure one of the worst. He even noted that I had to mention in my review that the burger sucked. The lemon drop martini was probably the worst I've ever had. It just tasted very watered down, not very lemony, not sweet and not liquory. I love lemon drop martinis and get them at many places, this one resembled nothing of a lemon drop martini. The blue moon was a blue moon, the restaurant couldn't mess it up. I did like the patio outside. It was heated and it was clean. I am a fan of that. Overall the food wasn't impressive nor were the drinks. The only positive I found here was the patio and the fact that its an awesome space to meet with friends because it can accomodate lots of people.
(3)
Mike W.
Stopped in with my family on a Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed some lunch and a few drinks. Very nice atmosphere small but well chosen beer list. Food is surprisingly good especially the hummus and lamb stew. Recommended!
(4)
Geoff J.
Popped in here to watch some NCAA tourney and use a Groupon this past Saturday. I was a little leary to go in when I saw that there were no cars in the parking lot at 4pm. We decided to go in anyways and we were right. We had the entire place to ourselves. It was cool though, ordered up some Stiegl and had them turn on the games for us. People started trickling in as the afternoon/evening wore on. What I like about this place is that they serve a nice mix of draft beer: Irish, German/Austrian, and Regional (IL, MI, etc). If you can't find a beer to like here then something is wrong with you. We also ordered some apps and sammiches. Both were pretty good for pub food. I must say that I like this Irish joint better than Nevin's in Evanston, although it is in Skokie =( Will I be back, possibly, if I feel like driving over to Skokie. Food, drinks and waitresses were all good!
(4)
Jacob J.
Weekday lunches are good stuff. Food is better than the average bar. BBQ chicken sandwich is tasty and served up a bit different than the standard, a big breast piece. Sauce is tasty. Service, complete other story. Not sure if it's inexperience to handle a rush or what. Weekday lunches can be busy but not where every table is filled. In regards to service for return customers versus new ones, we all get the same service, that same look I gave my co-workers is given by the couple with their baby that eat here a few times a week. A look meaning, where the heck is our waitress and how long will we wait on this food! If it's a work lunch, order ahead. For nightlife there are a few cuties that can be seen in here during the warmer months, but, nothing too impressive about it to get me running to come back. This is a Skokie bar for kids that live in Skokie and want to drink at a better than dive place like, Skokie house. Their beer garden is nice and they have a cover for it during the winter months when it's heated during this time. Beer gardens in the nearby Chicago burbs are hard to come-by, with that said for what it is, its A-okay.
(3)
D. W.
Stopped in for lunch. Food and service were great. I espically liked the steak sandwich and the servers! The bartender is awesome. I will be back.
(5)
Christina A.
This is a great pub with delicious food! One of the best places to go in downtown Skokie! Its got great patio seating too! It's one of my favorite pubs in the northern burbs.
(5)
Don F.
Great beers, many choices. Last time we tried the Corn beef and the fish and chips, both were great. This time I tried the Hawaiian Burger. Much better than Carl Jr's!!! Good selection of beers still.
(4)
Jennifer s.
Love the burgers! Love the bartenders! Love the atmosphere, usually. Drinks are great and at a great price. Even have a nice outdoor patio and family-friendly. I like being able to go to a bar and being able to talk to the people you're with and have a fun time while having good food and drinks!
(5)
Chuck E.
Let me begin by explaining my five star review: I frequent all types of establishments. I've been in the industry for ten years now, and if you read my reviews you will see that I only write about places that really catch my interest, as I don't believe writing bad reviews because is rather tell management directly and give it another shot. this place fits every star for the homey, comfortable, relaxed feel I expect from a pub. The drinks are beyond reasonably priced, and the staff goes out of their way to remember you. It feels like cheers, but a lot less cheesy. In all seriousness this a perfect neighborhood bar. The beer selection is small, yet diverse. However, the whiskey, scotch, and bourbon selection are admirable. I really can't emphasize enough how cozy and lovable this place is. Highly recommend.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Hosted a birthday party for my mother-in-law there. The food was okay, not great but not horrible...what I would expect for more of a bar environment. Things turned bad when the bill came though. They charged us for 4 more meals than people who were there. When we made our reservation we told them it would be for 14-17 people...we were never told we would be charged for 17 people no matter how many showed up. If we had been told that, we would have either changed the reservation or changed the restaurant. What doesn't make sense is the food we got was ordered straight off the menu...it wasn't a buffet so it's not like there was wasted food. When we spoke with the manager she made several excuses as to why we were being charged (none of which made any sense). When she said she was going to still charge us $100 more than what we actually had we asked her for the meals to go. She fought us on it but eventually gave them to us. Having a background in the restuarant industry, I have NEVER experienced anything like this. Also, as we were leaving there was a drunk and rowdy crowd forming...none of our family members or friends will be returning. Perhaps if their customer service had been better, this may be a different review. My advice is to go somewhere else...they don't value their customers here.
(2)
Michael S.
Go to any Curragh you can find and drink you Guinness away. The bar food is actually very very good. Get a car bomb before you leave.
(5)
Nektaria R.
Food is pretty good here. Burgers, salads, lots of yummy food for a leisurely lunch. They do have specials depending on the day and time. Gotta read the fine print though, cause they won't honor them if you gone read it all of it. I do like the outdoor patio area. It's great for the winter and fall to protect you from the elements while enjoying fresh air.
(4)
Elaine M.
Having recently been to Ireland there was a nice authentic feel to the pub. Cozy, comfortable, and friendly with lovely Guinness signs all about. We arrived early on a Friday night and the place was already pretty crowded. We ate in the bar area. Began our meal with one pint of Guinness and one of Smithwicks. Both authentic just take your pick. I had the fish and chips and my husband the Ruben sandwich. The fish and chips were good. Fairly decent for America, just a bit greasy but the coating was nice. The tartar sauce was not good and the "chips" average. The Ruben sandwich was fine and the corned beef of good quality. Once our waitress arrived the service was very good.
(4)
David O.
Has been a fun and hospitable place every time I've visited. I've gone during all different hours and it's never a scuzzy crowd like some nearby establishments. They can rotate the drafts a bit more, and I miss Michelle who seemed way cool, yet other than that I can't say enough good things about them.
(4)
Kate H.
A nice looking pub with friendly staff but lackluster food. Ordered the fish and chips - thick cut frozen fries were bland, the batter on the fish was nicely crisp but the fish itself was tasteless. Irish breakfast came without the white pudding. Mushroom Burger needed salt, and was, like everything else, competent but not exceptional.
(2)
Craig S.
I've been watching this place being built/remodeled for a while now and have been dying for it to open (who doesn't like an Irish pub in the neighborhood). Finally got a chance to stop in tonight and wasn't disappointed. They've only been open for a couple of weeks, but it already has the feel of a well established neighborhood pub. We got there at 6pm, snagging the last table in the joint up front. Another 20 or so people came in after us and filled the relatively small space to the gills. Like most Irish pubs, quarters are tight, warm and friendly. There are a number of old Guinness ad tins on the wall and various phrases stenciled around the space (my personal favorite is toward the front: "Here's to the health of your enemies enemies"). The crowd is a mix of generations, with kids (ours; nice parenting, huh?) to gray heads. This is definitely not the trendy, meat market type pub you'd find down in Lincoln Park. The menu offers a pretty good selection of pub grub(cheeseburgers, chicken strips, etc.) and traditional Irish favs (Guinness fish & chips, Irish breakfast, corned beef & cabbage, etc.). We ordered the cheeseburger & fries ($7.49), kids chicken fingers & fries ($5.50) and Shepard's pie ($9.99). Portions sizes are generous; food was well cooked and very tasty. Service was quick and the server was attentive. Beer selection is nice, with a number (10 was my count) on tap (Guinness, Sam Adams, Stella Artois , Smithwicks to name a few) and double that amount in bottles. They also offer specialty beer combos like black and tan, black and blue, irish american and shandy as well as stiffer stuff ( irish whiskeys and scotch). Unfortunately for non drinkers (and kids), no soft drinks are available. There is an outdoor patio with 10+ tables that looks like it would be nice to hang out on if our dear Chicago weather demon ever decides to give us a warm day. Tables inside number at 8 and, as mentioned above, are tightly packed. Bar looks to seat 14 or so. There is parking in the back as well as on the street. I definitely will be back again and can see us becoming regulars at this place. While I love Nevin's in Evanston, it looks like I'm going to be getting my comfort food and Guinness fix a little closer to home.
(4)
Den D.
Folks, this is Skokie. Which is Village Inn, Dusty's, Principal Pub, and Principal pub on Main. Its independent. Not a franchise. This is the BEST bar in Skokie. Its more modern than the rest. Clientle is diverse. Its clean. The food is good, and they have a decent liquor selection. The folks that work there are wonderful and welcoming. I love this place. I read the other reviews. Just cause its small, doesn't mean its a POS bar. Sometimes there are staffing issues, but the staff are great. How many times have you been to a bar/club, and they just don't get it. They would rather be elsewhere, or are incompetent. Thats not here, they have a wonderful staff. This is not a sports bar. If the jukebox is too loud, ask if they can turn it down. Its a good spot.
(5)
Mike K.
I've been coming to this authentic Irish Pub for over a year now and have to say it compares to not much else I've been to in the Chicago land area. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and eager to make sure you enjoy yourself. The food is excellent ! I've had the Irish Stew (better than I had in Kilarney), the corned beef and cabbage is the best I've had anywhere. And even when they go off the beaten path and offer specials like tacos, they don't disappoint. The whole atmosphere is a local joint - kinda like 'Cheers' "where everybody knows your name" It has lots of regulars, and I can see why. I've never been disappointed here.
(5)
Hans H.
Best pub in the neighborhood with great pub faire and shepherd's pie! Great place to hang out and watch a game, and the outdoor patio is covered, comfortable, and has a nice LCD TV to watch as well. Contrary to Craig S's review, however, I'm pretty sure they do have the standard soft drinks, as I had a Coke when I was there. Maybe it was just a fluke. Dec, Susan, and the rest of the staff are attentive, and the food and drinks are good. Add that to the ambiance and coziness of a local pub and you have a place worth being a regular at.
(4)
Peter O.
Very good, good good. Indoors or outdoors on their mostly clear plastic covered and heated patio, this original location of the Curragh chain has been our preferred nearby Irish pub for a long time now, even though it is owned by a charming Greeks lass. Given that, one would expect proper lamb stew, but no . . . their Irish stew is made with beef. It's still delicious. The always friendly bartenders know how to double pour a Guinness at the right temperature, through cleanish lines so it tastes just right. Wines selection is well, that of a typical Irish pub. Their burgers, Paddy's Melt and Bangers and Mash are some of the best pub main courses around. Ask for medium rare and it's medium rare. Thick steak fries and house made onion rings are top notch and their Celtic Spuds potato skins appetizer is pretty good, if ordinary. Ask for them crispy and they're crispy. Cheers! kitchen staff. Malt vinegar is on the table. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)
Ieshia C.
My waitress Ashleigh was horrible. We had no silverware or napkins. We literally had 7 fries per plate with our burgers. I give it 1 star for the TV's.
(1)
Nineveh B.
Wednesday trivia nights are the best! The out door patio is amazing for summer time. The employees are very attentive and the food is great.
(4)
angela l.
Stopped in to have a quick bite while running errands in Skokie. Maybe due to the rain not many patrons, just 2 tables in the open terrace. But there were a handful of people sat around the bar watching sports programs on TV inside. The young lady served us was very polite and pleasant. My Dublin burger was generous in portion and side salad was decent fresh. Nothing fancy nor out of ordinary but stomach warming and filling food-especially on a cool, rainy day.
(3)
Jennifer Q.
I'm not going to lie I felt a tad weary when I stepped in but I decided to give it a shot. The food was pretty yummy, prices are moderate and the bartender was very friendly. He even made his own twist on a regular drink I ordered and it was delicious. Clean bathroom, can't complain. Try their onion rings they're super yummy and you can tell it was made fresh from scratch not store bought like other bars. Fish and chips are really good too. Will come back
(4)
Whitney N.
My husband and I have now been to The Curragh, Skokie location, twice and have had excellent service and food both times. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly (especially the bartender), and the prices were more than fair for what we received. Again, the food was delicious!!! The fish was cooked to perfection and the corn beef was to die for. Thanks for two great dates :))
(5)
Nate M.
This restaurant has a sister restaurant in holland Michigan where I grew up. I have now been to both and they are very different. The holland version is a college pub - it's located very close to Hope College's campus and is very much a hang out place. This restaurant is more of a sports bar. They have all the typical bar food, Irish style of course. Large patio with TVs as well. I'd go back.
(4)
Hillary M.
Went her for a friend's birthday dinner, and the service was great- attentive, accommodating, all we could ask for. The food wasn't bad, but nothing amazing either. We ran the gamut of Irish favorites in our orders - from corned beef and cabbage, to Irish breakfast, to fish and chips. I personally split the fish and chips and a chopped salad - and both were alright. Good meaty steak fries, but the fish felt soggy, and was nothing to write home about. The chopped salad had decent flavor but I didn't love the iceberg lettuce making up the majority of the lettuce. The grilled chicken had good flavor though. One thing that redeemed the food completely though was the birthday desserts we ordered for our birthday girl - profiteroles, and the brownie. They were topped with chocolate sauce, ice cream and this crunchy gooey caramel sauce. So many sweet flavors and textures combined in both desserts - they made the night! The beer selection was nice, with a lot of local choices. I had the 5 Lizard - always a good amber ale standby. I would go back if someone else planned something there, but I wouldn't initiate it myself.
(3)
Chanoy M.
Good burgers! Nice ambiance! Sort of rustic look. Good for family during the days! Fish and chips are pretty good too. They always have the games on. Bartenders are cool and service is always good. If you're looking for a place to relax and have a beer this is definitely the place. Located across the old Skokie police station.
(4)
Courtney C.
Went here the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. The food was great and tasted authentic. The live performer added a great ambiance.
(5)
Konnie A.
This place has really good burgers. The atmosphere is fun and the drink list is great! I found a local beer which has now become my favorite! The style inside the establishment makes you feel like your on a movie set for an Irish themed movie. Lots of wood, unique chairs, and scarred up tables. Very fun environment. This is a great place to hang out in, eat in, or even order out from.
(4)
Gina T.
I got the salty watermelon margarita. It was a really refreshing drink. I would def order it again. I loved the mozzarella sticks. Best ones I've ever had. So fresh and tasty! Also, their wings well done are amazing. By far the best wings and sauce I've ever had. Make sure to ask to have them well done if you like them a bit crispier. Service was a bit slow but didn't mind it since we were with a group of friends. Overall, we will definitely be coming back for the food and drinks.
(4)
michael w.
Deal tip - $5 10 oz burger thurs with beverage purchase We stopped in for a one and done later on a saturday night, ghost town, super dead. Bad sign? The place is cute, small, cozy, has outside patio seating as well. We both had a bear and rolled. The bartender corrected me on how to properly pronounce Smithwick, that was a first. We think we will come back to try the burger special sometime.
(3)
Valerie W.
I was slightly underwhelmed by Curragh. Maybe it's because of the BOMB fish and chips I had while in Disney World, that nothing can compare... but I figured a traditional Irish Pub would fit the bill. We arrived for Monday Night Football to a completely empty bar. I didn't realize the fine folks of Skokie had so many choices that this place would be completely dead. It was the three of us and the bartender. That's it. As I mentioned, I ordered the fish and chips. They were nothing memorable, except bland. Bland, and poorly prepared. The fish was definitely frozen "chunks" and the batter fell right off and was soggy. Such a bummer from an Irish Pub. We stayed through the game and the bill wasn't too steep for 3 people eating and drinking. The decor was nice and felt cozy, I liked that they had the large outdoor patio area with TV's for those who wanted to sit outside. Maybe they just don't draw a big American football crowd?
(3)
Howard L.
I dropped in for an evening drink(s), and I would say 4.5 stars for the pub environs and beer selections. In other words, I liked it! I did not try any food, but heard it was quite decent, and it looked so from what I saw. Judging from alternative reviews, and unit proven otherwise, I'm thinking this may be the best pub in Skokie. They have good draft selection, and also have beer blends (combos) - black and blue (Guinness and blue moon), and black and tan (Guinness and Bass ale). Prices are good - about $5.50 for a pint. I also tried their Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA - despite being 8.0% ABV, it's still the same $5.50 for a 16 oz pint - so a great deal! It's a nice place to chat, and if they could have turned the music down just one notch, it would have been perfect. My partner says that was nothing though!
(4)
Gerry T.
We've been to the Skokie location at least 5 times and the fish and chips is definitely our favorite meal. The fish planks are huge, crunchy on the outside while nice and hot and flaky on the inside. The place is cozy and the bar area is very prominent. They also have an outdoor area with outdoor heating. There's always available street parking and this pub is quite popular with the lunch time crowd. Now they could use a few framed pics of U2 and the place would be complete.
(4)
Vicki D.
I do NOT recommend this place. My nephew's elementary school promotes going here on a particular day, and part of the proceeds go to the Skokie PTO. To be supportive, we went for an early dinner and my son ordered orange juice. He told me it tasted funny, I tasted it and it was spoiled. The fish and chips were not good, they were soggy. At the end of the night 2 out of 3 of us got diarreah. When I called the manager that evening to complain, she was not available and I never got a call back. Sorry, this was bad food and very bad customer services. Maybe another location would be better.
(1)
Shaun S.
The Curragh is our go-to place in Skokie. The beer selection is excellent (which pleases my boyfriend) and I love that the top-shelf liquors are reasonably priced-especially when compared to other eating establishments in the area. In terms of food, they do a great job. The talapia is among the freshest I have had and I have ordered it several times-and I am not a fish eater normally. I was reading other reviews and some of them are not accurate. We have been there both during the week and on weekends and 9 times out of 10 they have specials. I love their steak quesadillas and philly cheesesteak specials and wish they would put them on the menu! We have been going there over three years and have seen some wonderful bartenders and waitstaff come and go-but the owner/manager Lydia is very hands-on and only the best staff is there long term. Dia is an amazing bartender who always gets my drinks perfect, Erin is super cheerful and fun (and also gets my drinks perfect-are you sensing a theme here?) and Kathryn from Arkansas is always there to greet customers and make them feel at home. They have a steady stream of customers most nights, and I am glad they are not more popular for purely selfish reasons! I also appreciate that they help support schools in the district by donating a portion of the bill on the first Tuesday of every month.
(5)
S M.
Cool atmospheric pub, makes me feel like I'm in Wales again. It's got great outdoor patio for the summer time and even when it gets cold, they turn the heaters on. Kitchen open till late and the drinks are on point served by a friendly staff.
(5)
Dan C.
Good food, great servers, and overly noisy bartenders. If you are going for dinner great.
(2)
Babou T.
I love this place. My husband and I live In walking. Distance and this is our go to place. Awesome food! Great tasty variety! Great Drinks too. We always have a great time and love love love it in the summer. The out door patio is so relaxing. The staff seems to be fun and nice too. YUM!
(5)
Foodie A.
Saturday March 15, 2014 Time: 2:15 Street Parking easy I swung by here with my father and a friend for the first time. We sat in the bar at a hightop table with stool backings. So, it was quite comfortable. We were greeted by the bartender and upon sitting a waitress clad in green for St Patty's weekend asked for our drink preference. We all had a brew and ordered the hot wing appetizer. Very good hot wings and no grease! Did I say, no grease, yes, that is correct. We hung for a bit before ordering and sat and drank the following beers: Guinness with a nice head, Redberger Pilsner and a Harp. All very tasty and cold. Second beer choices for two of us were Smithwick's Irish Ale and Gumballhead...Oh, we are out of that, lol, ok. We are also out of Delirium Tremens and Golden Traak. Ok, no worries. I had the same Redberger Pilsner. Wait staff is attentive and politely fun and knowledgable. We all ordered a rueben sandwich. The rueben sandwich was absolutely the best corn beef I have ever consumed. This sandwich alone is a must replay every day. It comes with thick fries, a pickle, lettuce and a tomato slice. So yummilicious! Yum! Just thinking about the rueben is making my mouth water. Portion size is perfect, not too much, not too small. Just right. Where can you go and eat cabbage and corn beef? (my next visit) the Curragh Irish Pub We ate at the Skokie location. Check it out today. Clean and courteous help
(4)
Larry J.
Have to give this place 5 stars. Food is good, service is friendly and attentive. They even asked me my name before I left. They make it a point to try to get to know you. Lydia was all hands on deck to welcome me. She even suggested a new drink to me due to me not being so much of a drinker of the finer tastes of liquor. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Nataliya A.
Less than impressed, and clearly lots of others feel the same way because this place was empty on a Saturday night. Food: Fish and Chips, instead of fries had mashed potatoes, bf had a burger Drinks: Lemond drop martini, bf had Blue Moon The fish was extremely fried on the outside, the inside wasn't bad, very soft and pretty tasty fish. The mashed potatoes were okay, they weren't hot as I would have preferred. My boyfriend was not a fan of his burger. He has tried burgers at many places, so this was for sure one of the worst. He even noted that I had to mention in my review that the burger sucked. The lemon drop martini was probably the worst I've ever had. It just tasted very watered down, not very lemony, not sweet and not liquory. I love lemon drop martinis and get them at many places, this one resembled nothing of a lemon drop martini. The blue moon was a blue moon, the restaurant couldn't mess it up. I did like the patio outside. It was heated and it was clean. I am a fan of that. Overall the food wasn't impressive nor were the drinks. The only positive I found here was the patio and the fact that its an awesome space to meet with friends because it can accomodate lots of people.
(3)
Mike W.
Stopped in with my family on a Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed some lunch and a few drinks. Very nice atmosphere small but well chosen beer list. Food is surprisingly good especially the hummus and lamb stew. Recommended!
(4)
Carlynn U.
This place had pretty good food, but I didn't really like their non-meat choices. I ordered the mozzarella sticks (which were very wide and absolutely delicious) and had no alcoholic drinks. My party had a choice of many different adult beverages, which they liked, but I just didn't care for the place. It was cramped inside. There is an outdoor eating area which is nice in the summer months, though. The place was pricey, too, in regards to eating.
(3)
francisco c.
Good food, good people, and great place! I come here with friends and family for the cheese sticks and a very under rated beer selection in the area.... Patio is awesome on a beautiful evening!)
(5)
Geoff J.
Popped in here to watch some NCAA tourney and use a Groupon this past Saturday. I was a little leary to go in when I saw that there were no cars in the parking lot at 4pm. We decided to go in anyways and we were right. We had the entire place to ourselves. It was cool though, ordered up some Stiegl and had them turn on the games for us. People started trickling in as the afternoon/evening wore on. What I like about this place is that they serve a nice mix of draft beer: Irish, German/Austrian, and Regional (IL, MI, etc). If you can't find a beer to like here then something is wrong with you. We also ordered some apps and sammiches. Both were pretty good for pub food. I must say that I like this Irish joint better than Nevin's in Evanston, although it is in Skokie =( Will I be back, possibly, if I feel like driving over to Skokie. Food, drinks and waitresses were all good!
(4)
Jacob J.
Weekday lunches are good stuff. Food is better than the average bar. BBQ chicken sandwich is tasty and served up a bit different than the standard, a big breast piece. Sauce is tasty. Service, complete other story. Not sure if it's inexperience to handle a rush or what. Weekday lunches can be busy but not where every table is filled. In regards to service for return customers versus new ones, we all get the same service, that same look I gave my co-workers is given by the couple with their baby that eat here a few times a week. A look meaning, where the heck is our waitress and how long will we wait on this food! If it's a work lunch, order ahead. For nightlife there are a few cuties that can be seen in here during the warmer months, but, nothing too impressive about it to get me running to come back. This is a Skokie bar for kids that live in Skokie and want to drink at a better than dive place like, Skokie house. Their beer garden is nice and they have a cover for it during the winter months when it's heated during this time. Beer gardens in the nearby Chicago burbs are hard to come-by, with that said for what it is, its A-okay.
(3)
D. W.
Stopped in for lunch. Food and service were great. I espically liked the steak sandwich and the servers! The bartender is awesome. I will be back.
(5)
Christina A.
This is a great pub with delicious food! One of the best places to go in downtown Skokie! Its got great patio seating too! It's one of my favorite pubs in the northern burbs.
(5)
Don F.
Great beers, many choices. Last time we tried the Corn beef and the fish and chips, both were great. This time I tried the Hawaiian Burger. Much better than Carl Jr's!!! Good selection of beers still.
(4)
S P.
We waited about 15 minutes for the bartender to pay attention to us and take our drink order. There we only a handful of people there and no one else was taking away her attention ordering anything. She just paced back and forth not looking in our direction, and then was talking with the other people that worked there. Not giving a damn about your job is a huge understatement. Other than that when we finally did get our drinks they were ok, the salad was very fresh and tasty though.
(2)
Ron S.
Walked in on a Thursday afternoon with my wife and had the pub pretty much to ourselves! Wife had the Steak Salad and I had the Irish Stew. Be sure to check out their covered patio! It's perfect for enjoying the sun and breeze!
(4)
Rachel J.
Cute, clean and just what the doctor ordered for a dreary Saturday night. Our party opted for the covered patio, keeping us in the fresh air, and out of the rain. The outdoor television kept us entertained when the conversation lulled, and the service was spot on.....our gal was never too far away, but not stalker-ish. :D Available beers include Delerium, Smithwicks, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, and several other "fancy" beers. Stop by this quiet comforable place for a relaxing evening.
(4)
Sasha M.
When this place first opened, I thought it had one of the best Fish & Chips in the area. It's still very good, and it is my default dish. The Guinness Cheese Soup had some promise but ended up being too salty for my taste. Shepherd's Pie was also a little salty for me but still decent. Corned Beef and Cabbage is always pretty good. The kid's Mac N Cheese is actually really good, as is the Wings O Fire appetizer. The best part about this place is that it is never overly crowded. It has a nice pub feel with outdoor/patio seating options year-round. It also has a decent beer and drink list which is also a big plus. Good environment to enjoy a meal and drink.
(3)
Anthony C.
A great pub in Skokie that excells on every level. The alfresco dining on the patio in the summer is great and the small indoor bar has a cozy inviting atmosphere. The beer selection is good with Irish/English, German/Austrian & American microbrews on tap. The food is very good and the quality and portions have remained consistent since their opening a few years ago. Some particular favorites are the mozarella sticks, rueben sandwich, fish & chips and any of their salads. Service is outstanding, food is very good and ambiance is nice. A great place to dine outside on a warm summers eve.
(4)
Mark I.
Warm neighborhood atmosphere, and healthy, meat and potatoes eats. Feels like your relaxing in a friend's living room. Their shaded outdoor deck is a great place to relax.
(5)
Angela B.
Very glad I decided to give this place a second chance!! First of all.. excellent customer service. When management saw my previous review they quickly contacted me and offered to make it right. That, in itself, is awesome. This time around I tried the Fish & Chips.. it was fantastic!! My boyfriend had the BBQ Chicken sandwich, which was also great. Service was excellent.. food was yummy.. no complaints!! Huge improvement!! Big thanks to Lydia for taking such great care of us.. and Paul for setting it up. I will definitely be back!! :)
(4)
Ted C.
It's an all right place, I did go there near last call and it was pretty empty. I guess bars in Skokie aren't busy on Thursday nights like ones in the city are. Typical line up of Guinness, Harp and other Irish beers but they did have Revolution and Half Acre on tap. It's all right, I guess.
(3)
Y.D. K.
Good food, good pints. What's more to say? Okay, its comfy if not cozy inside, but also has seating outside for the warmer seasons. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Food, well, haven't had much besides a very good shepard's pie and a very decent fish n chips. But will come back to try more as it has a very good potential. And yes, I will be back since its good to go for all counts! But more in the next update... P.S. Is it really true that there is an Irish pub in every city? Mein friend says yes...I don't know...
(4)
Victoria h.
This is the best thing to happen to Skokie in a long time. There is an outdoor dining/drinking patio - BEWARE - it closes at 10 pm daily, weekends included, thanks Village of Skokie. Food - I tried Shepherd's pie and it was really yummy. The portions are large and enough to satisfy any appetite. They have appetizers, soups/salads, burgers, traditional Irish fare, and even desert. Drink - very reasonable prices. $5 for a pint of Guiness. Service - quick. Overall - if you live nearby, make a point to visit
(4)
Stacey P.
I am not usually the hugest fan of such foods--- pub types, or UK type food... however, I was pleasantly surprised by this Irish Pub in skokie! First of all, the patio is super awesome. It is covered, and they have these HUGE heat lamps so they can keep the patio /outdoor seating going well into the chillier times of year. yipee!! The service is super slow, but as long as you have time to sit, chat, watch a game, whatever... it's enjoyable. I got a chopped salad which had delicious tidbits of chicken, avocado, blue cheese (bleu? not sure how french the irish are), tortilla strips (hmm random) tomatoes and other fixins. It was good! Not super amazing salad awesomeness, but tasty and did the job of filling me up without weighing me down. Mother (who works nearby and I was meeting for lunch) ordered the Reuben but switched out the bread for a french roll. Hers came with fries. The sandwich was very good! The fries were alright. Anyway i'd definitely come back for a relaxing meal or to watch a game on the fancy outdoor patio!
(4)
Susan M.
If you are desperate for a place to eat, just go to Annie's pancake house. I was shocked at the fact this place was recommended as "family friendly", it is not, it is a pub. I made the mistake of following fellow YELP reviewers and brought my family here, major disappointment so I hope I save some families some misery. Family friendly is not just having a kids' menu, it means serve the kids first and don't make them wait over 30 minutes for overdone noodles. And please please please clean your bathrooms, GROSS! I am shocked because I have been at a Curragh Pub in other locations, so not sure what happened with this place. The servers were nice, but the food was not worth it. Oh, and clean your tap lines, yuck!
(2)
Shannon L.
I used to come here quite a bit when I worked near here. Haven't been here in a couple of years but when I walked in, the atmosphere was the same...very friendly, welcoming and laid back. This is your standard Irish Pub with a good selection of beer on tap and always a good special. I've had the fish &chips, burgers, etc and they were all good. Today I had the potato soup (special) and the Reuben. The soup was creamy and chunky and all around thumbs up. The Reuben was loaded with corned beef with just the right amount of sauerkraut and dressing...also a thumbs up. The beer was cold...what more can you ask for. Our business lunch ended up lasting almost 3 hours so they must have been doing something right to keep us there!
(4)
Kitty K.
Over time, the Curragh has lost their Irish employees, and service for a single female is less than stellar. Also their St. Patrick's Day menu and set up isn't the greatest, with a greatly reduced menu, printed instructions that state customers have only a limited time in the restaurant to "make space for other customers", and very little in the way of entertainment. They were offering what looked like green jello shots that day, but the waitress never even stopped at our table. Why is it that female waitresses avoid all female tables?
(3)
Vanessa P.
Outside seating was awesome for summer weather. The food was pretty good. Our group had a bacon cheeseburger, grilled portabella sandwich, and fish and chips. Beer/drinks were delicious except the mojitos. Only drawback was service was suuuuuuper slow. That's why I give it 3 stars instead of 4.
(3)
Matt B.
Have you tried those mozzarella sticks? They're the size of baby arms! FAT baby arms! (And just as, if not more, delicious.) Also, the waitresses are nice. But I wish they wouldn't let people smoke in their beer garden.
(4)
Kevin Y.
Went here yesterday afternoon with a couple of buddies to grab a bite to eat. It gave off a pretty good Irish pub vibe. Being the only person in my group who isn't 21 yet, I didn't order anything to drink. However, my friends each ordered a draught Stiegls. I ordered the fish and chips for my entree. Pretty solid dish. Two large slices of nicely breaded fish, crispy fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. If I were to change anything, I would season the fish a little bit more, as I found it just slightly under seasoned. Still delicious though. One of my friends ordered the Irish breakfast and seemed to enjoy it, as did my friend who ordered the corned beef. Overall, a good place to grab a bite to eat and have a drink with some Irish flair.
(4)
David R.
Americanized Irish pubbing at its best! Oh, I'm sorry, did the sarcasm not come through? Well, here I go again, being a pub snob. This is what passes for nightlife in Skokie. I don't doubt that this joint is a boon to the locals; however, it doesn't do much for me. First off, it's TAENY. It's WEE! There is outdoor seating, but during cold weather, I don't know how they can make any money because they can only fit maybe 25 people inside the building. There are no nooks and nowhere to hide; if you don't want to be bothered by whatever is on the multiple TV's, too bad! Secondly, it's too new. They went whole-hog on the Irish pub decor, but fresh paint and brand-new wood make it seem too shiny and fake. I can't disparage the crowd; they're a fair mix of locals of all ages. I would come here too if I lived in Skokie. The bar ought to have some more beers available. And the barkeep, while sporting an Irish accent, ought to knock off pulling a Guinness like a 22-year-old Iowan at Timothy O'Toole's with a long line of customers. Oh, and they were out of Tullamore Dew. BOOO!
(2)
Andy F.
I've had take out sandwiches from here before, so brought in my family for an early dinner with their Groupon.. The corned beef, as always was excellent! Everything else though was put together with little thought. The chopped salad was not chopped and had overcooked chicken. The fish and chips were "fair." Ordered the chicken quesadilla only because wanted a bit more and they had 1/2 price appetizers at the time - it was not too good - only worth half the price. Then, they charged us full price only because we had a Groupon - even though the Groupon covered all the full priced food we already ordered. When I pointed this out, the server told me how, if they gave me the discount, management would take it out of her paycheck.... really? So, I talked to the supervisor (the manager was out) and she said the same thing. I called the manager later and she denied this...and she didn't care about the comments on the dicey food...commenting about my Groupon's fine print, yada yada. So....if you go there to eat...stick to the traditional Irish dishes and forget the rest. As for service...this seems to be one of those places that gives a Groupon and then blames the customer for 'taking advantage' of them...and taking money out of the servers' pocket... great way to win customers.
(2)
Benjamin B.
Ventured into Curragh because another local establishment down the road was filled up. When i fist saw the size of the place I thought it was going to suck for sure. HOWEVER, after walking inside, I was very impressed with the small but functional set up around the bar as well as the extra seating in the patio area. The service was pretty solid. Our server was very friendly and always kept my water glass full, and the food was brought out in a timely manner. The bar has most liquors under the sun as well as a a decent sized list of craft beers (although only about 3/4 of them were currently in stock). The modestly priced menu offered the standard pub food, but also offered breakfast options. For viewing, Curragh three or four 42'' TV's in the bar area, which doesn't sound like much, but for the size of the place it worked, and almost every seat in the house had a suitable viewing angle. There are also an additional 2-3 televisions on the outdoor patio. My one complaint would be the lack of comfort from the stools around the surrounding high-tables. They were small, had little padding, no back, and had steel rivets in them that were not pleasant on the behind. next time I will be sitting at the bar (which had backs and grooved wood seats) or the steel chairs on the patio. Overall, I would definitely return to Curragh. I wish more places in Skokie would take a page from their book and put together similar clean and friendly establishments.
(4)
S R.
Have eaten there twice. One of the better Irish joints in the city.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
I wouldn't say that this place has the most amazing Irish Food I have ever had, but it is delicious! Great atmosphere and always great service! They have a great beer selection and have easy parking outside!!
(4)
Dean C.
This wonderful Irish-themed pub has been a welcomed harbor for my friends and I for four years now. I regret that I don't live closer as there is so much to like about this place. It is cozy without being cramped, dim without being gloomy and there is plenty of seating every time we've been there. For our most recent annual trip the wait staff was fast, friendly and not overwhelmed by the fact that they had a wedding party on the patio and our show's audience (from down the street at The Skokie Theatre) of 35 or so. I've really only had everything on the appetizer sampler and an odd bite or two of some sandwiches and burgers, but everything I've had has been utterly delicious. And while I'm not a beer drinker the bartender graciously indulged me in a Lager & Lime request without flinching too much. All of my friends who have eaten full meals there have expressed great appreciation for the food, too - and that has ranged from fish and chips to sandwiches. This place is just really comfortable: good food, good drinks, friendly staff, good service. While it is, at its essence, a pub with food, it is one that you'll want to make one of your regular stops.
(5)
Larry G.
Second best fish and chips in the area after Mrs. Murphy's and Sons. The waitress was friendly and attentive. This is an Irish pub so there was little room for those who want to sit at a table inside and eat rather than drink. There is plenty of room outside but the night we went we were warned there were flies outside. Has a very cozy atmosphere.
(4)
Andy M.
Not a bad little bar. i went my usual bar hopping solo runs in Skokie the other day. I tried to watch some late afternoon football but they had the juke box blaring. It was really loud. It is kinda small, but for Skokie this is a classy place. the crowd looks kinda young and snobbish even for a sunday so keep that in mind if you go on a weekend. they had a small but expensive menu choice. Not many beer choices,but as long as they have guiness that is good enough.
(3)
Heather Z.
So I went to high school in Skokie. And I couldn't wait to get the hell out of dodge when high school ended. Skokie is old and boring and nothing ever changes. Well, thank god Skokie did change and actually added a bar that's fun to go to. The Curragh is that bar. All of my friends from HS say that it's like they took a bar from the city and transplanted it to Skokie. Its bright and clean and has a clientele which is more diverse than the AA flunkies and trailer park types that frequent many of the other bars in that town. For all the people my age, its a godsend. It is very small, especially when the outside is closed. But now we don't have to fight the crowds at Old Orchard or make the trek to Evanston to hang out with a hipper younger crowd. Curragh is always fun and I'm not ashamed to be seen there. And the bartender always makes a shamrock in my Guinness foam. I love that little shamrock. And I love Curragh.
(4)
Blackie L.
Great Burgers... Skokie generally blows, so you have to consider everything on a non-traditional Skokie scale. A regular "7" is a "Skokie 10" whether it's girls, food, bars or whatever. The Curragh is def a Skokie 10, maybe higher. The patio is really nice in the summer. The bar itself is good... not great... and they are a little too much into the fake Irish thing (read: soccer on the TVs and non-stop Pogues on the jukebox) but the staff is friendly and the food is good. all that said... the burger is AWESOME... probably in the top five in the north burbs, up there with Hackneys, Ubaa, Meier's, LWoods, etc.
(4)
Kevin B.
Great food, drinks, atmosphere......what else could you ask for you? They have awesome bartenders and waitstaff. Sad that I am moving away from it :( they also have good pandora stations on most of the time. Good place to catch the pga replay if rick is tendin bar
(5)
Steve J.
Very nice out door space. Pleasant pub. But fish and chips were awful. Breading was soggy; fish tasted like it was freezer burned. It was the worst fish and chips I have ever had.
(2)
rachel p.
to the management: its the first nice day of spring and you are one of very few restaurants in the area with outdoor seating; based on this logic, wouldn't you expect a busy lunch hour? you should have extra staff on the floor and extra food prepped in the back. to the chef: it should not take an hour to make 2 cobb salads! in fact, it shouldn't even take 20 minutes. every component of a cobb salad (sans chicken) should be pre-prepped. and finally to our server: when i ask 3 times about the status of our order and express that i only have an hour before i need to get back to work, i expect you to check on the food and possibly try to speed things along in the kitchen. don't keep telling me that they are grilling the chicken. if it'd been on the grill as long as you say, i would have been eating a grizzled meat puck. and since i've been waiting FOREVER i expect my iced tea to be replenished often and with something that tastes like tea. step it up skokie.
(2)
Michael L.
Well, I've waited long enough to review this now established neighborhood bar. It's located on a small main street in Skokie, just blocks up from the downtown. In the heart of some of the Skokie's newer condominium developments lies a small Irish-American pub, serving the traditional Irish-influenced bar fare (fish and chips, cheese soup, etc) plus your usual burger and fried "everything elses." On tap are the classic lawn mower style drafts, along with some of the classic pint fillers - Guiness, Harp, and Smithwicks. The Curragh has a fully stocked bar (of course with Jameson and Bushmills) and can accommodate most mixed drink preferences, but beware as they don't have a running list of Dekuyper flavors for the softies that can't handle a good beer. Most nights the prices are very decent and comparable to the bars down the street, but their specials are phenomenal. At one point I believe that this bar actually influenced the neighboring watering hole, the Village Inn, to lower their Rush and Division prices - making it more suburbanite friendly. Going forward, let's talk about the joint. The Curragh is extremely small, but that's not to take away from how homey this place gets. The staff is extra nice and they do a good job making sure your cup isn't thirsty. I'd say that it's pretty easy to catch a buzz in there because your pint, bottle, or glass never stays empty for more than 2 minutes after your last sip. They have a few flat screens in there for the typical bar-hugging sports fanatic, but the place really makes you engage in conversation around you, since you're so close to everyone. If you need a little more room, during the warmer season (although they did put up a heated tent), you can go out on the patio and enjoy the weather. This is where you can get a little louder with your company, smoke a cigarette, watch the outside flatscreen tv, or get away from the shoulder to shoulder situation inside. Ok, speaking of the inside....it's usually filled with some of the people who probably used to hang out at the Village, but got sick of it and now try to turn this place into a locals only bar. What do I mean by that? Well, you'll recognize the in and outers who come in and get their buzz going by a decent hour, then leave. But the bar also houses some wannabe "this is my place" characters that really don't convince me enough. Again, not to take away from the initial welcoming vibe, but occasionally people will get the stop and stare entrance every once and awhile.....at that point (because I've fallen victim to the 4 bar stool and 3 pub table stare downs) the only thing I bite my tongue on is "dude, I get it. You're a municipal worker or you still live with your parents....back off." Don't think this is the only type of clientele this place harbors. You also have your fair share of police officers because the station is literally across the street, especially during shift changes (3, 7, and 11pm). They're cool, but sometimes you'll catch that little bitch from high school who thinks they grew some balls at the academy, and walks around the bar with their chest out. Again, we get it...get over it, you're still lame and no you don't look tough because you've been working out. Other than that, this place gets a big fat decent for being one of the only bars that isn't coke-infested (so I think) and you can get into the washroom to break the seal. Way to go.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Den D.
Folks, this is Skokie. Which is Village Inn, Dusty's, Principal Pub, and Principal pub on Main. Its independent. Not a franchise. This is the BEST bar in Skokie. Its more modern than the rest. Clientle is diverse. Its clean. The food is good, and they have a decent liquor selection. The folks that work there are wonderful and welcoming. I love this place. I read the other reviews. Just cause its small, doesn't mean its a POS bar. Sometimes there are staffing issues, but the staff are great. How many times have you been to a bar/club, and they just don't get it. They would rather be elsewhere, or are incompetent. Thats not here, they have a wonderful staff. This is not a sports bar. If the jukebox is too loud, ask if they can turn it down. Its a good spot.
(5)Mike K.
I've been coming to this authentic Irish Pub for over a year now and have to say it compares to not much else I've been to in the Chicago land area. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and eager to make sure you enjoy yourself. The food is excellent ! I've had the Irish Stew (better than I had in Kilarney), the corned beef and cabbage is the best I've had anywhere. And even when they go off the beaten path and offer specials like tacos, they don't disappoint. The whole atmosphere is a local joint - kinda like 'Cheers' "where everybody knows your name" It has lots of regulars, and I can see why. I've never been disappointed here.
(5)Hans H.
Best pub in the neighborhood with great pub faire and shepherd's pie! Great place to hang out and watch a game, and the outdoor patio is covered, comfortable, and has a nice LCD TV to watch as well. Contrary to Craig S's review, however, I'm pretty sure they do have the standard soft drinks, as I had a Coke when I was there. Maybe it was just a fluke. Dec, Susan, and the rest of the staff are attentive, and the food and drinks are good. Add that to the ambiance and coziness of a local pub and you have a place worth being a regular at.
(4)Craig S.
I've been watching this place being built/remodeled for a while now and have been dying for it to open (who doesn't like an Irish pub in the neighborhood). Finally got a chance to stop in tonight and wasn't disappointed. They've only been open for a couple of weeks, but it already has the feel of a well established neighborhood pub. We got there at 6pm, snagging the last table in the joint up front. Another 20 or so people came in after us and filled the relatively small space to the gills. Like most Irish pubs, quarters are tight, warm and friendly. There are a number of old Guinness ad tins on the wall and various phrases stenciled around the space (my personal favorite is toward the front: "Here's to the health of your enemies enemies"). The crowd is a mix of generations, with kids (ours; nice parenting, huh?) to gray heads. This is definitely not the trendy, meat market type pub you'd find down in Lincoln Park. The menu offers a pretty good selection of pub grub(cheeseburgers, chicken strips, etc.) and traditional Irish favs (Guinness fish & chips, Irish breakfast, corned beef & cabbage, etc.). We ordered the cheeseburger & fries ($7.49), kids chicken fingers & fries ($5.50) and Shepard's pie ($9.99). Portions sizes are generous; food was well cooked and very tasty. Service was quick and the server was attentive. Beer selection is nice, with a number (10 was my count) on tap (Guinness, Sam Adams, Stella Artois , Smithwicks to name a few) and double that amount in bottles. They also offer specialty beer combos like black and tan, black and blue, irish american and shandy as well as stiffer stuff ( irish whiskeys and scotch). Unfortunately for non drinkers (and kids), no soft drinks are available. There is an outdoor patio with 10+ tables that looks like it would be nice to hang out on if our dear Chicago weather demon ever decides to give us a warm day. Tables inside number at 8 and, as mentioned above, are tightly packed. Bar looks to seat 14 or so. There is parking in the back as well as on the street. I definitely will be back again and can see us becoming regulars at this place. While I love Nevin's in Evanston, it looks like I'm going to be getting my comfort food and Guinness fix a little closer to home.
(4)Heather Z.
So I went to high school in Skokie. And I couldn't wait to get the hell out of dodge when high school ended. Skokie is old and boring and nothing ever changes. Well, thank god Skokie did change and actually added a bar that's fun to go to. The Curragh is that bar. All of my friends from HS say that it's like they took a bar from the city and transplanted it to Skokie. Its bright and clean and has a clientele which is more diverse than the AA flunkies and trailer park types that frequent many of the other bars in that town. For all the people my age, its a godsend. It is very small, especially when the outside is closed. But now we don't have to fight the crowds at Old Orchard or make the trek to Evanston to hang out with a hipper younger crowd. Curragh is always fun and I'm not ashamed to be seen there. And the bartender always makes a shamrock in my Guinness foam. I love that little shamrock. And I love Curragh.
(4)Michael L.
Well, I've waited long enough to review this now established neighborhood bar. It's located on a small main street in Skokie, just blocks up from the downtown. In the heart of some of the Skokie's newer condominium developments lies a small Irish-American pub, serving the traditional Irish-influenced bar fare (fish and chips, cheese soup, etc) plus your usual burger and fried "everything elses." On tap are the classic lawn mower style drafts, along with some of the classic pint fillers - Guiness, Harp, and Smithwicks. The Curragh has a fully stocked bar (of course with Jameson and Bushmills) and can accommodate most mixed drink preferences, but beware as they don't have a running list of Dekuyper flavors for the softies that can't handle a good beer. Most nights the prices are very decent and comparable to the bars down the street, but their specials are phenomenal. At one point I believe that this bar actually influenced the neighboring watering hole, the Village Inn, to lower their Rush and Division prices - making it more suburbanite friendly. Going forward, let's talk about the joint. The Curragh is extremely small, but that's not to take away from how homey this place gets. The staff is extra nice and they do a good job making sure your cup isn't thirsty. I'd say that it's pretty easy to catch a buzz in there because your pint, bottle, or glass never stays empty for more than 2 minutes after your last sip. They have a few flat screens in there for the typical bar-hugging sports fanatic, but the place really makes you engage in conversation around you, since you're so close to everyone. If you need a little more room, during the warmer season (although they did put up a heated tent), you can go out on the patio and enjoy the weather. This is where you can get a little louder with your company, smoke a cigarette, watch the outside flatscreen tv, or get away from the shoulder to shoulder situation inside. Ok, speaking of the inside....it's usually filled with some of the people who probably used to hang out at the Village, but got sick of it and now try to turn this place into a locals only bar. What do I mean by that? Well, you'll recognize the in and outers who come in and get their buzz going by a decent hour, then leave. But the bar also houses some wannabe "this is my place" characters that really don't convince me enough. Again, not to take away from the initial welcoming vibe, but occasionally people will get the stop and stare entrance every once and awhile.....at that point (because I've fallen victim to the 4 bar stool and 3 pub table stare downs) the only thing I bite my tongue on is "dude, I get it. You're a municipal worker or you still live with your parents....back off." Don't think this is the only type of clientele this place harbors. You also have your fair share of police officers because the station is literally across the street, especially during shift changes (3, 7, and 11pm). They're cool, but sometimes you'll catch that little bitch from high school who thinks they grew some balls at the academy, and walks around the bar with their chest out. Again, we get it...get over it, you're still lame and no you don't look tough because you've been working out. Other than that, this place gets a big fat decent for being one of the only bars that isn't coke-infested (so I think) and you can get into the washroom to break the seal. Way to go.
(3)Andy M.
Not a bad little bar. i went my usual bar hopping solo runs in Skokie the other day. I tried to watch some late afternoon football but they had the juke box blaring. It was really loud. It is kinda small, but for Skokie this is a classy place. the crowd looks kinda young and snobbish even for a sunday so keep that in mind if you go on a weekend. they had a small but expensive menu choice. Not many beer choices,but as long as they have guiness that is good enough.
(3)Victoria h.
This is the best thing to happen to Skokie in a long time. There is an outdoor dining/drinking patio - BEWARE - it closes at 10 pm daily, weekends included, thanks Village of Skokie. Food - I tried Shepherd's pie and it was really yummy. The portions are large and enough to satisfy any appetite. They have appetizers, soups/salads, burgers, traditional Irish fare, and even desert. Drink - very reasonable prices. $5 for a pint of Guiness. Service - quick. Overall - if you live nearby, make a point to visit
(4)Blackie L.
Great Burgers... Skokie generally blows, so you have to consider everything on a non-traditional Skokie scale. A regular "7" is a "Skokie 10" whether it's girls, food, bars or whatever. The Curragh is def a Skokie 10, maybe higher. The patio is really nice in the summer. The bar itself is good... not great... and they are a little too much into the fake Irish thing (read: soccer on the TVs and non-stop Pogues on the jukebox) but the staff is friendly and the food is good. all that said... the burger is AWESOME... probably in the top five in the north burbs, up there with Hackneys, Ubaa, Meier's, LWoods, etc.
(4)Kevin B.
Great food, drinks, atmosphere......what else could you ask for you? They have awesome bartenders and waitstaff. Sad that I am moving away from it :( they also have good pandora stations on most of the time. Good place to catch the pga replay if rick is tendin bar
(5)Steve J.
Very nice out door space. Pleasant pub. But fish and chips were awful. Breading was soggy; fish tasted like it was freezer burned. It was the worst fish and chips I have ever had.
(2)rachel p.
to the management: its the first nice day of spring and you are one of very few restaurants in the area with outdoor seating; based on this logic, wouldn't you expect a busy lunch hour? you should have extra staff on the floor and extra food prepped in the back. to the chef: it should not take an hour to make 2 cobb salads! in fact, it shouldn't even take 20 minutes. every component of a cobb salad (sans chicken) should be pre-prepped. and finally to our server: when i ask 3 times about the status of our order and express that i only have an hour before i need to get back to work, i expect you to check on the food and possibly try to speed things along in the kitchen. don't keep telling me that they are grilling the chicken. if it'd been on the grill as long as you say, i would have been eating a grizzled meat puck. and since i've been waiting FOREVER i expect my iced tea to be replenished often and with something that tastes like tea. step it up skokie.
(2)Sasha M.
When this place first opened, I thought it had one of the best Fish & Chips in the area. It's still very good, and it is my default dish. The Guinness Cheese Soup had some promise but ended up being too salty for my taste. Shepherd's Pie was also a little salty for me but still decent. Corned Beef and Cabbage is always pretty good. The kid's Mac N Cheese is actually really good, as is the Wings O Fire appetizer. The best part about this place is that it is never overly crowded. It has a nice pub feel with outdoor/patio seating options year-round. It also has a decent beer and drink list which is also a big plus. Good environment to enjoy a meal and drink.
(3)Anthony C.
A great pub in Skokie that excells on every level. The alfresco dining on the patio in the summer is great and the small indoor bar has a cozy inviting atmosphere. The beer selection is good with Irish/English, German/Austrian & American microbrews on tap. The food is very good and the quality and portions have remained consistent since their opening a few years ago. Some particular favorites are the mozarella sticks, rueben sandwich, fish & chips and any of their salads. Service is outstanding, food is very good and ambiance is nice. A great place to dine outside on a warm summers eve.
(4)Ron S.
Walked in on a Thursday afternoon with my wife and had the pub pretty much to ourselves! Wife had the Steak Salad and I had the Irish Stew. Be sure to check out their covered patio! It's perfect for enjoying the sun and breeze!
(4)Rachel J.
Cute, clean and just what the doctor ordered for a dreary Saturday night. Our party opted for the covered patio, keeping us in the fresh air, and out of the rain. The outdoor television kept us entertained when the conversation lulled, and the service was spot on.....our gal was never too far away, but not stalker-ish. :D Available beers include Delerium, Smithwicks, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, and several other "fancy" beers. Stop by this quiet comforable place for a relaxing evening.
(4)S P.
We waited about 15 minutes for the bartender to pay attention to us and take our drink order. There we only a handful of people there and no one else was taking away her attention ordering anything. She just paced back and forth not looking in our direction, and then was talking with the other people that worked there. Not giving a damn about your job is a huge understatement. Other than that when we finally did get our drinks they were ok, the salad was very fresh and tasty though.
(2)Ted C.
It's an all right place, I did go there near last call and it was pretty empty. I guess bars in Skokie aren't busy on Thursday nights like ones in the city are. Typical line up of Guinness, Harp and other Irish beers but they did have Revolution and Half Acre on tap. It's all right, I guess.
(3)Mark I.
Warm neighborhood atmosphere, and healthy, meat and potatoes eats. Feels like your relaxing in a friend's living room. Their shaded outdoor deck is a great place to relax.
(5)Angela B.
Very glad I decided to give this place a second chance!! First of all.. excellent customer service. When management saw my previous review they quickly contacted me and offered to make it right. That, in itself, is awesome. This time around I tried the Fish & Chips.. it was fantastic!! My boyfriend had the BBQ Chicken sandwich, which was also great. Service was excellent.. food was yummy.. no complaints!! Huge improvement!! Big thanks to Lydia for taking such great care of us.. and Paul for setting it up. I will definitely be back!! :)
(4)Y.D. K.
Good food, good pints. What's more to say? Okay, its comfy if not cozy inside, but also has seating outside for the warmer seasons. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Food, well, haven't had much besides a very good shepard's pie and a very decent fish n chips. But will come back to try more as it has a very good potential. And yes, I will be back since its good to go for all counts! But more in the next update... P.S. Is it really true that there is an Irish pub in every city? Mein friend says yes...I don't know...
(4)Benjamin B.
Ventured into Curragh because another local establishment down the road was filled up. When i fist saw the size of the place I thought it was going to suck for sure. HOWEVER, after walking inside, I was very impressed with the small but functional set up around the bar as well as the extra seating in the patio area. The service was pretty solid. Our server was very friendly and always kept my water glass full, and the food was brought out in a timely manner. The bar has most liquors under the sun as well as a a decent sized list of craft beers (although only about 3/4 of them were currently in stock). The modestly priced menu offered the standard pub food, but also offered breakfast options. For viewing, Curragh three or four 42'' TV's in the bar area, which doesn't sound like much, but for the size of the place it worked, and almost every seat in the house had a suitable viewing angle. There are also an additional 2-3 televisions on the outdoor patio. My one complaint would be the lack of comfort from the stools around the surrounding high-tables. They were small, had little padding, no back, and had steel rivets in them that were not pleasant on the behind. next time I will be sitting at the bar (which had backs and grooved wood seats) or the steel chairs on the patio. Overall, I would definitely return to Curragh. I wish more places in Skokie would take a page from their book and put together similar clean and friendly establishments.
(4)S R.
Have eaten there twice. One of the better Irish joints in the city.
(4)Elizabeth C.
I wouldn't say that this place has the most amazing Irish Food I have ever had, but it is delicious! Great atmosphere and always great service! They have a great beer selection and have easy parking outside!!
(4)Dean C.
This wonderful Irish-themed pub has been a welcomed harbor for my friends and I for four years now. I regret that I don't live closer as there is so much to like about this place. It is cozy without being cramped, dim without being gloomy and there is plenty of seating every time we've been there. For our most recent annual trip the wait staff was fast, friendly and not overwhelmed by the fact that they had a wedding party on the patio and our show's audience (from down the street at The Skokie Theatre) of 35 or so. I've really only had everything on the appetizer sampler and an odd bite or two of some sandwiches and burgers, but everything I've had has been utterly delicious. And while I'm not a beer drinker the bartender graciously indulged me in a Lager & Lime request without flinching too much. All of my friends who have eaten full meals there have expressed great appreciation for the food, too - and that has ranged from fish and chips to sandwiches. This place is just really comfortable: good food, good drinks, friendly staff, good service. While it is, at its essence, a pub with food, it is one that you'll want to make one of your regular stops.
(5)Stacey P.
I am not usually the hugest fan of such foods--- pub types, or UK type food... however, I was pleasantly surprised by this Irish Pub in skokie! First of all, the patio is super awesome. It is covered, and they have these HUGE heat lamps so they can keep the patio /outdoor seating going well into the chillier times of year. yipee!! The service is super slow, but as long as you have time to sit, chat, watch a game, whatever... it's enjoyable. I got a chopped salad which had delicious tidbits of chicken, avocado, blue cheese (bleu? not sure how french the irish are), tortilla strips (hmm random) tomatoes and other fixins. It was good! Not super amazing salad awesomeness, but tasty and did the job of filling me up without weighing me down. Mother (who works nearby and I was meeting for lunch) ordered the Reuben but switched out the bread for a french roll. Hers came with fries. The sandwich was very good! The fries were alright. Anyway i'd definitely come back for a relaxing meal or to watch a game on the fancy outdoor patio!
(4)Susan M.
If you are desperate for a place to eat, just go to Annie's pancake house. I was shocked at the fact this place was recommended as "family friendly", it is not, it is a pub. I made the mistake of following fellow YELP reviewers and brought my family here, major disappointment so I hope I save some families some misery. Family friendly is not just having a kids' menu, it means serve the kids first and don't make them wait over 30 minutes for overdone noodles. And please please please clean your bathrooms, GROSS! I am shocked because I have been at a Curragh Pub in other locations, so not sure what happened with this place. The servers were nice, but the food was not worth it. Oh, and clean your tap lines, yuck!
(2)Shannon L.
I used to come here quite a bit when I worked near here. Haven't been here in a couple of years but when I walked in, the atmosphere was the same...very friendly, welcoming and laid back. This is your standard Irish Pub with a good selection of beer on tap and always a good special. I've had the fish &chips, burgers, etc and they were all good. Today I had the potato soup (special) and the Reuben. The soup was creamy and chunky and all around thumbs up. The Reuben was loaded with corned beef with just the right amount of sauerkraut and dressing...also a thumbs up. The beer was cold...what more can you ask for. Our business lunch ended up lasting almost 3 hours so they must have been doing something right to keep us there!
(4)Kitty K.
Over time, the Curragh has lost their Irish employees, and service for a single female is less than stellar. Also their St. Patrick's Day menu and set up isn't the greatest, with a greatly reduced menu, printed instructions that state customers have only a limited time in the restaurant to "make space for other customers", and very little in the way of entertainment. They were offering what looked like green jello shots that day, but the waitress never even stopped at our table. Why is it that female waitresses avoid all female tables?
(3)Vanessa P.
Outside seating was awesome for summer weather. The food was pretty good. Our group had a bacon cheeseburger, grilled portabella sandwich, and fish and chips. Beer/drinks were delicious except the mojitos. Only drawback was service was suuuuuuper slow. That's why I give it 3 stars instead of 4.
(3)David R.
Americanized Irish pubbing at its best! Oh, I'm sorry, did the sarcasm not come through? Well, here I go again, being a pub snob. This is what passes for nightlife in Skokie. I don't doubt that this joint is a boon to the locals; however, it doesn't do much for me. First off, it's TAENY. It's WEE! There is outdoor seating, but during cold weather, I don't know how they can make any money because they can only fit maybe 25 people inside the building. There are no nooks and nowhere to hide; if you don't want to be bothered by whatever is on the multiple TV's, too bad! Secondly, it's too new. They went whole-hog on the Irish pub decor, but fresh paint and brand-new wood make it seem too shiny and fake. I can't disparage the crowd; they're a fair mix of locals of all ages. I would come here too if I lived in Skokie. The bar ought to have some more beers available. And the barkeep, while sporting an Irish accent, ought to knock off pulling a Guinness like a 22-year-old Iowan at Timothy O'Toole's with a long line of customers. Oh, and they were out of Tullamore Dew. BOOO!
(2)Andy F.
I've had take out sandwiches from here before, so brought in my family for an early dinner with their Groupon.. The corned beef, as always was excellent! Everything else though was put together with little thought. The chopped salad was not chopped and had overcooked chicken. The fish and chips were "fair." Ordered the chicken quesadilla only because wanted a bit more and they had 1/2 price appetizers at the time - it was not too good - only worth half the price. Then, they charged us full price only because we had a Groupon - even though the Groupon covered all the full priced food we already ordered. When I pointed this out, the server told me how, if they gave me the discount, management would take it out of her paycheck.... really? So, I talked to the supervisor (the manager was out) and she said the same thing. I called the manager later and she denied this...and she didn't care about the comments on the dicey food...commenting about my Groupon's fine print, yada yada. So....if you go there to eat...stick to the traditional Irish dishes and forget the rest. As for service...this seems to be one of those places that gives a Groupon and then blames the customer for 'taking advantage' of them...and taking money out of the servers' pocket... great way to win customers.
(2)Matt B.
Have you tried those mozzarella sticks? They're the size of baby arms! FAT baby arms! (And just as, if not more, delicious.) Also, the waitresses are nice. But I wish they wouldn't let people smoke in their beer garden.
(4)Kevin Y.
Went here yesterday afternoon with a couple of buddies to grab a bite to eat. It gave off a pretty good Irish pub vibe. Being the only person in my group who isn't 21 yet, I didn't order anything to drink. However, my friends each ordered a draught Stiegls. I ordered the fish and chips for my entree. Pretty solid dish. Two large slices of nicely breaded fish, crispy fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. If I were to change anything, I would season the fish a little bit more, as I found it just slightly under seasoned. Still delicious though. One of my friends ordered the Irish breakfast and seemed to enjoy it, as did my friend who ordered the corned beef. Overall, a good place to grab a bite to eat and have a drink with some Irish flair.
(4)Kate H.
A nice looking pub with friendly staff but lackluster food. Ordered the fish and chips - thick cut frozen fries were bland, the batter on the fish was nicely crisp but the fish itself was tasteless. Irish breakfast came without the white pudding. Mushroom Burger needed salt, and was, like everything else, competent but not exceptional.
(2)David O.
Has been a fun and hospitable place every time I've visited. I've gone during all different hours and it's never a scuzzy crowd like some nearby establishments. They can rotate the drafts a bit more, and I miss Michelle who seemed way cool, yet other than that I can't say enough good things about them.
(4)Hillary M.
Went her for a friend's birthday dinner, and the service was great- attentive, accommodating, all we could ask for. The food wasn't bad, but nothing amazing either. We ran the gamut of Irish favorites in our orders - from corned beef and cabbage, to Irish breakfast, to fish and chips. I personally split the fish and chips and a chopped salad - and both were alright. Good meaty steak fries, but the fish felt soggy, and was nothing to write home about. The chopped salad had decent flavor but I didn't love the iceberg lettuce making up the majority of the lettuce. The grilled chicken had good flavor though. One thing that redeemed the food completely though was the birthday desserts we ordered for our birthday girl - profiteroles, and the brownie. They were topped with chocolate sauce, ice cream and this crunchy gooey caramel sauce. So many sweet flavors and textures combined in both desserts - they made the night! The beer selection was nice, with a lot of local choices. I had the 5 Lizard - always a good amber ale standby. I would go back if someone else planned something there, but I wouldn't initiate it myself.
(3)Chanoy M.
Good burgers! Nice ambiance! Sort of rustic look. Good for family during the days! Fish and chips are pretty good too. They always have the games on. Bartenders are cool and service is always good. If you're looking for a place to relax and have a beer this is definitely the place. Located across the old Skokie police station.
(4)Courtney C.
Went here the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. The food was great and tasted authentic. The live performer added a great ambiance.
(5)Konnie A.
This place has really good burgers. The atmosphere is fun and the drink list is great! I found a local beer which has now become my favorite! The style inside the establishment makes you feel like your on a movie set for an Irish themed movie. Lots of wood, unique chairs, and scarred up tables. Very fun environment. This is a great place to hang out in, eat in, or even order out from.
(4)Gina T.
I got the salty watermelon margarita. It was a really refreshing drink. I would def order it again. I loved the mozzarella sticks. Best ones I've ever had. So fresh and tasty! Also, their wings well done are amazing. By far the best wings and sauce I've ever had. Make sure to ask to have them well done if you like them a bit crispier. Service was a bit slow but didn't mind it since we were with a group of friends. Overall, we will definitely be coming back for the food and drinks.
(4)michael w.
Deal tip - $5 10 oz burger thurs with beverage purchase We stopped in for a one and done later on a saturday night, ghost town, super dead. Bad sign? The place is cute, small, cozy, has outside patio seating as well. We both had a bear and rolled. The bartender corrected me on how to properly pronounce Smithwick, that was a first. We think we will come back to try the burger special sometime.
(3)Shaun S.
The Curragh is our go-to place in Skokie. The beer selection is excellent (which pleases my boyfriend) and I love that the top-shelf liquors are reasonably priced-especially when compared to other eating establishments in the area. In terms of food, they do a great job. The talapia is among the freshest I have had and I have ordered it several times-and I am not a fish eater normally. I was reading other reviews and some of them are not accurate. We have been there both during the week and on weekends and 9 times out of 10 they have specials. I love their steak quesadillas and philly cheesesteak specials and wish they would put them on the menu! We have been going there over three years and have seen some wonderful bartenders and waitstaff come and go-but the owner/manager Lydia is very hands-on and only the best staff is there long term. Dia is an amazing bartender who always gets my drinks perfect, Erin is super cheerful and fun (and also gets my drinks perfect-are you sensing a theme here?) and Kathryn from Arkansas is always there to greet customers and make them feel at home. They have a steady stream of customers most nights, and I am glad they are not more popular for purely selfish reasons! I also appreciate that they help support schools in the district by donating a portion of the bill on the first Tuesday of every month.
(5)Larry G.
Second best fish and chips in the area after Mrs. Murphy's and Sons. The waitress was friendly and attentive. This is an Irish pub so there was little room for those who want to sit at a table inside and eat rather than drink. There is plenty of room outside but the night we went we were warned there were flies outside. Has a very cozy atmosphere.
(4)Jennifer s.
Love the burgers! Love the bartenders! Love the atmosphere, usually. Drinks are great and at a great price. Even have a nice outdoor patio and family-friendly. I like being able to go to a bar and being able to talk to the people you're with and have a fun time while having good food and drinks!
(5)Valerie W.
I was slightly underwhelmed by Curragh. Maybe it's because of the BOMB fish and chips I had while in Disney World, that nothing can compare... but I figured a traditional Irish Pub would fit the bill. We arrived for Monday Night Football to a completely empty bar. I didn't realize the fine folks of Skokie had so many choices that this place would be completely dead. It was the three of us and the bartender. That's it. As I mentioned, I ordered the fish and chips. They were nothing memorable, except bland. Bland, and poorly prepared. The fish was definitely frozen "chunks" and the batter fell right off and was soggy. Such a bummer from an Irish Pub. We stayed through the game and the bill wasn't too steep for 3 people eating and drinking. The decor was nice and felt cozy, I liked that they had the large outdoor patio area with TV's for those who wanted to sit outside. Maybe they just don't draw a big American football crowd?
(3)Howard L.
I dropped in for an evening drink(s), and I would say 4.5 stars for the pub environs and beer selections. In other words, I liked it! I did not try any food, but heard it was quite decent, and it looked so from what I saw. Judging from alternative reviews, and unit proven otherwise, I'm thinking this may be the best pub in Skokie. They have good draft selection, and also have beer blends (combos) - black and blue (Guinness and blue moon), and black and tan (Guinness and Bass ale). Prices are good - about $5.50 for a pint. I also tried their Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA - despite being 8.0% ABV, it's still the same $5.50 for a 16 oz pint - so a great deal! It's a nice place to chat, and if they could have turned the music down just one notch, it would have been perfect. My partner says that was nothing though!
(4)Gerry T.
We've been to the Skokie location at least 5 times and the fish and chips is definitely our favorite meal. The fish planks are huge, crunchy on the outside while nice and hot and flaky on the inside. The place is cozy and the bar area is very prominent. They also have an outdoor area with outdoor heating. There's always available street parking and this pub is quite popular with the lunch time crowd. Now they could use a few framed pics of U2 and the place would be complete.
(4)Vicki D.
I do NOT recommend this place. My nephew's elementary school promotes going here on a particular day, and part of the proceeds go to the Skokie PTO. To be supportive, we went for an early dinner and my son ordered orange juice. He told me it tasted funny, I tasted it and it was spoiled. The fish and chips were not good, they were soggy. At the end of the night 2 out of 3 of us got diarreah. When I called the manager that evening to complain, she was not available and I never got a call back. Sorry, this was bad food and very bad customer services. Maybe another location would be better.
(1)Peter O.
Very good, good good. Indoors or outdoors on their mostly clear plastic covered and heated patio, this original location of the Curragh chain has been our preferred nearby Irish pub for a long time now, even though it is owned by a charming Greeks lass. Given that, one would expect proper lamb stew, but no . . . their Irish stew is made with beef. It's still delicious. The always friendly bartenders know how to double pour a Guinness at the right temperature, through cleanish lines so it tastes just right. Wines selection is well, that of a typical Irish pub. Their burgers, Paddy's Melt and Bangers and Mash are some of the best pub main courses around. Ask for medium rare and it's medium rare. Thick steak fries and house made onion rings are top notch and their Celtic Spuds potato skins appetizer is pretty good, if ordinary. Ask for them crispy and they're crispy. Cheers! kitchen staff. Malt vinegar is on the table. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)Ieshia C.
My waitress Ashleigh was horrible. We had no silverware or napkins. We literally had 7 fries per plate with our burgers. I give it 1 star for the TV's.
(1)Nineveh B.
Wednesday trivia nights are the best! The out door patio is amazing for summer time. The employees are very attentive and the food is great.
(4)angela l.
Stopped in to have a quick bite while running errands in Skokie. Maybe due to the rain not many patrons, just 2 tables in the open terrace. But there were a handful of people sat around the bar watching sports programs on TV inside. The young lady served us was very polite and pleasant. My Dublin burger was generous in portion and side salad was decent fresh. Nothing fancy nor out of ordinary but stomach warming and filling food-especially on a cool, rainy day.
(3)Jennifer Q.
I'm not going to lie I felt a tad weary when I stepped in but I decided to give it a shot. The food was pretty yummy, prices are moderate and the bartender was very friendly. He even made his own twist on a regular drink I ordered and it was delicious. Clean bathroom, can't complain. Try their onion rings they're super yummy and you can tell it was made fresh from scratch not store bought like other bars. Fish and chips are really good too. Will come back
(4)Whitney N.
My husband and I have now been to The Curragh, Skokie location, twice and have had excellent service and food both times. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly (especially the bartender), and the prices were more than fair for what we received. Again, the food was delicious!!! The fish was cooked to perfection and the corn beef was to die for. Thanks for two great dates :))
(5)Nate M.
This restaurant has a sister restaurant in holland Michigan where I grew up. I have now been to both and they are very different. The holland version is a college pub - it's located very close to Hope College's campus and is very much a hang out place. This restaurant is more of a sports bar. They have all the typical bar food, Irish style of course. Large patio with TVs as well. I'd go back.
(4)Michael S.
Go to any Curragh you can find and drink you Guinness away. The bar food is actually very very good. Get a car bomb before you leave.
(5)Nektaria R.
Food is pretty good here. Burgers, salads, lots of yummy food for a leisurely lunch. They do have specials depending on the day and time. Gotta read the fine print though, cause they won't honor them if you gone read it all of it. I do like the outdoor patio area. It's great for the winter and fall to protect you from the elements while enjoying fresh air.
(4)Chuck E.
Let me begin by explaining my five star review: I frequent all types of establishments. I've been in the industry for ten years now, and if you read my reviews you will see that I only write about places that really catch my interest, as I don't believe writing bad reviews because is rather tell management directly and give it another shot. this place fits every star for the homey, comfortable, relaxed feel I expect from a pub. The drinks are beyond reasonably priced, and the staff goes out of their way to remember you. It feels like cheers, but a lot less cheesy. In all seriousness this a perfect neighborhood bar. The beer selection is small, yet diverse. However, the whiskey, scotch, and bourbon selection are admirable. I really can't emphasize enough how cozy and lovable this place is. Highly recommend.
(5)Stephanie S.
Hosted a birthday party for my mother-in-law there. The food was okay, not great but not horrible...what I would expect for more of a bar environment. Things turned bad when the bill came though. They charged us for 4 more meals than people who were there. When we made our reservation we told them it would be for 14-17 people...we were never told we would be charged for 17 people no matter how many showed up. If we had been told that, we would have either changed the reservation or changed the restaurant. What doesn't make sense is the food we got was ordered straight off the menu...it wasn't a buffet so it's not like there was wasted food. When we spoke with the manager she made several excuses as to why we were being charged (none of which made any sense). When she said she was going to still charge us $100 more than what we actually had we asked her for the meals to go. She fought us on it but eventually gave them to us. Having a background in the restuarant industry, I have NEVER experienced anything like this. Also, as we were leaving there was a drunk and rowdy crowd forming...none of our family members or friends will be returning. Perhaps if their customer service had been better, this may be a different review. My advice is to go somewhere else...they don't value their customers here.
(2)Elaine M.
Having recently been to Ireland there was a nice authentic feel to the pub. Cozy, comfortable, and friendly with lovely Guinness signs all about. We arrived early on a Friday night and the place was already pretty crowded. We ate in the bar area. Began our meal with one pint of Guinness and one of Smithwicks. Both authentic just take your pick. I had the fish and chips and my husband the Ruben sandwich. The fish and chips were good. Fairly decent for America, just a bit greasy but the coating was nice. The tartar sauce was not good and the "chips" average. The Ruben sandwich was fine and the corned beef of good quality. Once our waitress arrived the service was very good.
(4)S M.
Cool atmospheric pub, makes me feel like I'm in Wales again. It's got great outdoor patio for the summer time and even when it gets cold, they turn the heaters on. Kitchen open till late and the drinks are on point served by a friendly staff.
(5)Dan C.
Good food, great servers, and overly noisy bartenders. If you are going for dinner great.
(2)Babou T.
I love this place. My husband and I live In walking. Distance and this is our go to place. Awesome food! Great tasty variety! Great Drinks too. We always have a great time and love love love it in the summer. The out door patio is so relaxing. The staff seems to be fun and nice too. YUM!
(5)Carlynn U.
This place had pretty good food, but I didn't really like their non-meat choices. I ordered the mozzarella sticks (which were very wide and absolutely delicious) and had no alcoholic drinks. My party had a choice of many different adult beverages, which they liked, but I just didn't care for the place. It was cramped inside. There is an outdoor eating area which is nice in the summer months, though. The place was pricey, too, in regards to eating.
(3)francisco c.
Good food, good people, and great place! I come here with friends and family for the cheese sticks and a very under rated beer selection in the area.... Patio is awesome on a beautiful evening!)
(5)Foodie A.
Saturday March 15, 2014 Time: 2:15 Street Parking easy I swung by here with my father and a friend for the first time. We sat in the bar at a hightop table with stool backings. So, it was quite comfortable. We were greeted by the bartender and upon sitting a waitress clad in green for St Patty's weekend asked for our drink preference. We all had a brew and ordered the hot wing appetizer. Very good hot wings and no grease! Did I say, no grease, yes, that is correct. We hung for a bit before ordering and sat and drank the following beers: Guinness with a nice head, Redberger Pilsner and a Harp. All very tasty and cold. Second beer choices for two of us were Smithwick's Irish Ale and Gumballhead...Oh, we are out of that, lol, ok. We are also out of Delirium Tremens and Golden Traak. Ok, no worries. I had the same Redberger Pilsner. Wait staff is attentive and politely fun and knowledgable. We all ordered a rueben sandwich. The rueben sandwich was absolutely the best corn beef I have ever consumed. This sandwich alone is a must replay every day. It comes with thick fries, a pickle, lettuce and a tomato slice. So yummilicious! Yum! Just thinking about the rueben is making my mouth water. Portion size is perfect, not too much, not too small. Just right. Where can you go and eat cabbage and corn beef? (my next visit) the Curragh Irish Pub We ate at the Skokie location. Check it out today. Clean and courteous help
(4)Larry J.
Have to give this place 5 stars. Food is good, service is friendly and attentive. They even asked me my name before I left. They make it a point to try to get to know you. Lydia was all hands on deck to welcome me. She even suggested a new drink to me due to me not being so much of a drinker of the finer tastes of liquor. I will definitely go back.
(5)Nataliya A.
Less than impressed, and clearly lots of others feel the same way because this place was empty on a Saturday night. Food: Fish and Chips, instead of fries had mashed potatoes, bf had a burger Drinks: Lemond drop martini, bf had Blue Moon The fish was extremely fried on the outside, the inside wasn't bad, very soft and pretty tasty fish. The mashed potatoes were okay, they weren't hot as I would have preferred. My boyfriend was not a fan of his burger. He has tried burgers at many places, so this was for sure one of the worst. He even noted that I had to mention in my review that the burger sucked. The lemon drop martini was probably the worst I've ever had. It just tasted very watered down, not very lemony, not sweet and not liquory. I love lemon drop martinis and get them at many places, this one resembled nothing of a lemon drop martini. The blue moon was a blue moon, the restaurant couldn't mess it up. I did like the patio outside. It was heated and it was clean. I am a fan of that. Overall the food wasn't impressive nor were the drinks. The only positive I found here was the patio and the fact that its an awesome space to meet with friends because it can accomodate lots of people.
(3)Mike W.
Stopped in with my family on a Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed some lunch and a few drinks. Very nice atmosphere small but well chosen beer list. Food is surprisingly good especially the hummus and lamb stew. Recommended!
(4)Geoff J.
Popped in here to watch some NCAA tourney and use a Groupon this past Saturday. I was a little leary to go in when I saw that there were no cars in the parking lot at 4pm. We decided to go in anyways and we were right. We had the entire place to ourselves. It was cool though, ordered up some Stiegl and had them turn on the games for us. People started trickling in as the afternoon/evening wore on. What I like about this place is that they serve a nice mix of draft beer: Irish, German/Austrian, and Regional (IL, MI, etc). If you can't find a beer to like here then something is wrong with you. We also ordered some apps and sammiches. Both were pretty good for pub food. I must say that I like this Irish joint better than Nevin's in Evanston, although it is in Skokie =( Will I be back, possibly, if I feel like driving over to Skokie. Food, drinks and waitresses were all good!
(4)Jacob J.
Weekday lunches are good stuff. Food is better than the average bar. BBQ chicken sandwich is tasty and served up a bit different than the standard, a big breast piece. Sauce is tasty. Service, complete other story. Not sure if it's inexperience to handle a rush or what. Weekday lunches can be busy but not where every table is filled. In regards to service for return customers versus new ones, we all get the same service, that same look I gave my co-workers is given by the couple with their baby that eat here a few times a week. A look meaning, where the heck is our waitress and how long will we wait on this food! If it's a work lunch, order ahead. For nightlife there are a few cuties that can be seen in here during the warmer months, but, nothing too impressive about it to get me running to come back. This is a Skokie bar for kids that live in Skokie and want to drink at a better than dive place like, Skokie house. Their beer garden is nice and they have a cover for it during the winter months when it's heated during this time. Beer gardens in the nearby Chicago burbs are hard to come-by, with that said for what it is, its A-okay.
(3)D. W.
Stopped in for lunch. Food and service were great. I espically liked the steak sandwich and the servers! The bartender is awesome. I will be back.
(5)Christina A.
This is a great pub with delicious food! One of the best places to go in downtown Skokie! Its got great patio seating too! It's one of my favorite pubs in the northern burbs.
(5)Don F.
Great beers, many choices. Last time we tried the Corn beef and the fish and chips, both were great. This time I tried the Hawaiian Burger. Much better than Carl Jr's!!! Good selection of beers still.
(4)Jennifer s.
Love the burgers! Love the bartenders! Love the atmosphere, usually. Drinks are great and at a great price. Even have a nice outdoor patio and family-friendly. I like being able to go to a bar and being able to talk to the people you're with and have a fun time while having good food and drinks!
(5)Chuck E.
Let me begin by explaining my five star review: I frequent all types of establishments. I've been in the industry for ten years now, and if you read my reviews you will see that I only write about places that really catch my interest, as I don't believe writing bad reviews because is rather tell management directly and give it another shot. this place fits every star for the homey, comfortable, relaxed feel I expect from a pub. The drinks are beyond reasonably priced, and the staff goes out of their way to remember you. It feels like cheers, but a lot less cheesy. In all seriousness this a perfect neighborhood bar. The beer selection is small, yet diverse. However, the whiskey, scotch, and bourbon selection are admirable. I really can't emphasize enough how cozy and lovable this place is. Highly recommend.
(5)Stephanie S.
Hosted a birthday party for my mother-in-law there. The food was okay, not great but not horrible...what I would expect for more of a bar environment. Things turned bad when the bill came though. They charged us for 4 more meals than people who were there. When we made our reservation we told them it would be for 14-17 people...we were never told we would be charged for 17 people no matter how many showed up. If we had been told that, we would have either changed the reservation or changed the restaurant. What doesn't make sense is the food we got was ordered straight off the menu...it wasn't a buffet so it's not like there was wasted food. When we spoke with the manager she made several excuses as to why we were being charged (none of which made any sense). When she said she was going to still charge us $100 more than what we actually had we asked her for the meals to go. She fought us on it but eventually gave them to us. Having a background in the restuarant industry, I have NEVER experienced anything like this. Also, as we were leaving there was a drunk and rowdy crowd forming...none of our family members or friends will be returning. Perhaps if their customer service had been better, this may be a different review. My advice is to go somewhere else...they don't value their customers here.
(2)Michael S.
Go to any Curragh you can find and drink you Guinness away. The bar food is actually very very good. Get a car bomb before you leave.
(5)Nektaria R.
Food is pretty good here. Burgers, salads, lots of yummy food for a leisurely lunch. They do have specials depending on the day and time. Gotta read the fine print though, cause they won't honor them if you gone read it all of it. I do like the outdoor patio area. It's great for the winter and fall to protect you from the elements while enjoying fresh air.
(4)Elaine M.
Having recently been to Ireland there was a nice authentic feel to the pub. Cozy, comfortable, and friendly with lovely Guinness signs all about. We arrived early on a Friday night and the place was already pretty crowded. We ate in the bar area. Began our meal with one pint of Guinness and one of Smithwicks. Both authentic just take your pick. I had the fish and chips and my husband the Ruben sandwich. The fish and chips were good. Fairly decent for America, just a bit greasy but the coating was nice. The tartar sauce was not good and the "chips" average. The Ruben sandwich was fine and the corned beef of good quality. Once our waitress arrived the service was very good.
(4)David O.
Has been a fun and hospitable place every time I've visited. I've gone during all different hours and it's never a scuzzy crowd like some nearby establishments. They can rotate the drafts a bit more, and I miss Michelle who seemed way cool, yet other than that I can't say enough good things about them.
(4)Kate H.
A nice looking pub with friendly staff but lackluster food. Ordered the fish and chips - thick cut frozen fries were bland, the batter on the fish was nicely crisp but the fish itself was tasteless. Irish breakfast came without the white pudding. Mushroom Burger needed salt, and was, like everything else, competent but not exceptional.
(2)Craig S.
I've been watching this place being built/remodeled for a while now and have been dying for it to open (who doesn't like an Irish pub in the neighborhood). Finally got a chance to stop in tonight and wasn't disappointed. They've only been open for a couple of weeks, but it already has the feel of a well established neighborhood pub. We got there at 6pm, snagging the last table in the joint up front. Another 20 or so people came in after us and filled the relatively small space to the gills. Like most Irish pubs, quarters are tight, warm and friendly. There are a number of old Guinness ad tins on the wall and various phrases stenciled around the space (my personal favorite is toward the front: "Here's to the health of your enemies enemies"). The crowd is a mix of generations, with kids (ours; nice parenting, huh?) to gray heads. This is definitely not the trendy, meat market type pub you'd find down in Lincoln Park. The menu offers a pretty good selection of pub grub(cheeseburgers, chicken strips, etc.) and traditional Irish favs (Guinness fish & chips, Irish breakfast, corned beef & cabbage, etc.). We ordered the cheeseburger & fries ($7.49), kids chicken fingers & fries ($5.50) and Shepard's pie ($9.99). Portions sizes are generous; food was well cooked and very tasty. Service was quick and the server was attentive. Beer selection is nice, with a number (10 was my count) on tap (Guinness, Sam Adams, Stella Artois , Smithwicks to name a few) and double that amount in bottles. They also offer specialty beer combos like black and tan, black and blue, irish american and shandy as well as stiffer stuff ( irish whiskeys and scotch). Unfortunately for non drinkers (and kids), no soft drinks are available. There is an outdoor patio with 10+ tables that looks like it would be nice to hang out on if our dear Chicago weather demon ever decides to give us a warm day. Tables inside number at 8 and, as mentioned above, are tightly packed. Bar looks to seat 14 or so. There is parking in the back as well as on the street. I definitely will be back again and can see us becoming regulars at this place. While I love Nevin's in Evanston, it looks like I'm going to be getting my comfort food and Guinness fix a little closer to home.
(4)Den D.
Folks, this is Skokie. Which is Village Inn, Dusty's, Principal Pub, and Principal pub on Main. Its independent. Not a franchise. This is the BEST bar in Skokie. Its more modern than the rest. Clientle is diverse. Its clean. The food is good, and they have a decent liquor selection. The folks that work there are wonderful and welcoming. I love this place. I read the other reviews. Just cause its small, doesn't mean its a POS bar. Sometimes there are staffing issues, but the staff are great. How many times have you been to a bar/club, and they just don't get it. They would rather be elsewhere, or are incompetent. Thats not here, they have a wonderful staff. This is not a sports bar. If the jukebox is too loud, ask if they can turn it down. Its a good spot.
(5)Mike K.
I've been coming to this authentic Irish Pub for over a year now and have to say it compares to not much else I've been to in the Chicago land area. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and eager to make sure you enjoy yourself. The food is excellent ! I've had the Irish Stew (better than I had in Kilarney), the corned beef and cabbage is the best I've had anywhere. And even when they go off the beaten path and offer specials like tacos, they don't disappoint. The whole atmosphere is a local joint - kinda like 'Cheers' "where everybody knows your name" It has lots of regulars, and I can see why. I've never been disappointed here.
(5)Hans H.
Best pub in the neighborhood with great pub faire and shepherd's pie! Great place to hang out and watch a game, and the outdoor patio is covered, comfortable, and has a nice LCD TV to watch as well. Contrary to Craig S's review, however, I'm pretty sure they do have the standard soft drinks, as I had a Coke when I was there. Maybe it was just a fluke. Dec, Susan, and the rest of the staff are attentive, and the food and drinks are good. Add that to the ambiance and coziness of a local pub and you have a place worth being a regular at.
(4)Peter O.
Very good, good good. Indoors or outdoors on their mostly clear plastic covered and heated patio, this original location of the Curragh chain has been our preferred nearby Irish pub for a long time now, even though it is owned by a charming Greeks lass. Given that, one would expect proper lamb stew, but no . . . their Irish stew is made with beef. It's still delicious. The always friendly bartenders know how to double pour a Guinness at the right temperature, through cleanish lines so it tastes just right. Wines selection is well, that of a typical Irish pub. Their burgers, Paddy's Melt and Bangers and Mash are some of the best pub main courses around. Ask for medium rare and it's medium rare. Thick steak fries and house made onion rings are top notch and their Celtic Spuds potato skins appetizer is pretty good, if ordinary. Ask for them crispy and they're crispy. Cheers! kitchen staff. Malt vinegar is on the table. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)Ieshia C.
My waitress Ashleigh was horrible. We had no silverware or napkins. We literally had 7 fries per plate with our burgers. I give it 1 star for the TV's.
(1)Nineveh B.
Wednesday trivia nights are the best! The out door patio is amazing for summer time. The employees are very attentive and the food is great.
(4)angela l.
Stopped in to have a quick bite while running errands in Skokie. Maybe due to the rain not many patrons, just 2 tables in the open terrace. But there were a handful of people sat around the bar watching sports programs on TV inside. The young lady served us was very polite and pleasant. My Dublin burger was generous in portion and side salad was decent fresh. Nothing fancy nor out of ordinary but stomach warming and filling food-especially on a cool, rainy day.
(3)Jennifer Q.
I'm not going to lie I felt a tad weary when I stepped in but I decided to give it a shot. The food was pretty yummy, prices are moderate and the bartender was very friendly. He even made his own twist on a regular drink I ordered and it was delicious. Clean bathroom, can't complain. Try their onion rings they're super yummy and you can tell it was made fresh from scratch not store bought like other bars. Fish and chips are really good too. Will come back
(4)Whitney N.
My husband and I have now been to The Curragh, Skokie location, twice and have had excellent service and food both times. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly (especially the bartender), and the prices were more than fair for what we received. Again, the food was delicious!!! The fish was cooked to perfection and the corn beef was to die for. Thanks for two great dates :))
(5)Nate M.
This restaurant has a sister restaurant in holland Michigan where I grew up. I have now been to both and they are very different. The holland version is a college pub - it's located very close to Hope College's campus and is very much a hang out place. This restaurant is more of a sports bar. They have all the typical bar food, Irish style of course. Large patio with TVs as well. I'd go back.
(4)Hillary M.
Went her for a friend's birthday dinner, and the service was great- attentive, accommodating, all we could ask for. The food wasn't bad, but nothing amazing either. We ran the gamut of Irish favorites in our orders - from corned beef and cabbage, to Irish breakfast, to fish and chips. I personally split the fish and chips and a chopped salad - and both were alright. Good meaty steak fries, but the fish felt soggy, and was nothing to write home about. The chopped salad had decent flavor but I didn't love the iceberg lettuce making up the majority of the lettuce. The grilled chicken had good flavor though. One thing that redeemed the food completely though was the birthday desserts we ordered for our birthday girl - profiteroles, and the brownie. They were topped with chocolate sauce, ice cream and this crunchy gooey caramel sauce. So many sweet flavors and textures combined in both desserts - they made the night! The beer selection was nice, with a lot of local choices. I had the 5 Lizard - always a good amber ale standby. I would go back if someone else planned something there, but I wouldn't initiate it myself.
(3)Chanoy M.
Good burgers! Nice ambiance! Sort of rustic look. Good for family during the days! Fish and chips are pretty good too. They always have the games on. Bartenders are cool and service is always good. If you're looking for a place to relax and have a beer this is definitely the place. Located across the old Skokie police station.
(4)Courtney C.
Went here the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. The food was great and tasted authentic. The live performer added a great ambiance.
(5)Konnie A.
This place has really good burgers. The atmosphere is fun and the drink list is great! I found a local beer which has now become my favorite! The style inside the establishment makes you feel like your on a movie set for an Irish themed movie. Lots of wood, unique chairs, and scarred up tables. Very fun environment. This is a great place to hang out in, eat in, or even order out from.
(4)Gina T.
I got the salty watermelon margarita. It was a really refreshing drink. I would def order it again. I loved the mozzarella sticks. Best ones I've ever had. So fresh and tasty! Also, their wings well done are amazing. By far the best wings and sauce I've ever had. Make sure to ask to have them well done if you like them a bit crispier. Service was a bit slow but didn't mind it since we were with a group of friends. Overall, we will definitely be coming back for the food and drinks.
(4)michael w.
Deal tip - $5 10 oz burger thurs with beverage purchase We stopped in for a one and done later on a saturday night, ghost town, super dead. Bad sign? The place is cute, small, cozy, has outside patio seating as well. We both had a bear and rolled. The bartender corrected me on how to properly pronounce Smithwick, that was a first. We think we will come back to try the burger special sometime.
(3)Valerie W.
I was slightly underwhelmed by Curragh. Maybe it's because of the BOMB fish and chips I had while in Disney World, that nothing can compare... but I figured a traditional Irish Pub would fit the bill. We arrived for Monday Night Football to a completely empty bar. I didn't realize the fine folks of Skokie had so many choices that this place would be completely dead. It was the three of us and the bartender. That's it. As I mentioned, I ordered the fish and chips. They were nothing memorable, except bland. Bland, and poorly prepared. The fish was definitely frozen "chunks" and the batter fell right off and was soggy. Such a bummer from an Irish Pub. We stayed through the game and the bill wasn't too steep for 3 people eating and drinking. The decor was nice and felt cozy, I liked that they had the large outdoor patio area with TV's for those who wanted to sit outside. Maybe they just don't draw a big American football crowd?
(3)Howard L.
I dropped in for an evening drink(s), and I would say 4.5 stars for the pub environs and beer selections. In other words, I liked it! I did not try any food, but heard it was quite decent, and it looked so from what I saw. Judging from alternative reviews, and unit proven otherwise, I'm thinking this may be the best pub in Skokie. They have good draft selection, and also have beer blends (combos) - black and blue (Guinness and blue moon), and black and tan (Guinness and Bass ale). Prices are good - about $5.50 for a pint. I also tried their Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA - despite being 8.0% ABV, it's still the same $5.50 for a 16 oz pint - so a great deal! It's a nice place to chat, and if they could have turned the music down just one notch, it would have been perfect. My partner says that was nothing though!
(4)Gerry T.
We've been to the Skokie location at least 5 times and the fish and chips is definitely our favorite meal. The fish planks are huge, crunchy on the outside while nice and hot and flaky on the inside. The place is cozy and the bar area is very prominent. They also have an outdoor area with outdoor heating. There's always available street parking and this pub is quite popular with the lunch time crowd. Now they could use a few framed pics of U2 and the place would be complete.
(4)Vicki D.
I do NOT recommend this place. My nephew's elementary school promotes going here on a particular day, and part of the proceeds go to the Skokie PTO. To be supportive, we went for an early dinner and my son ordered orange juice. He told me it tasted funny, I tasted it and it was spoiled. The fish and chips were not good, they were soggy. At the end of the night 2 out of 3 of us got diarreah. When I called the manager that evening to complain, she was not available and I never got a call back. Sorry, this was bad food and very bad customer services. Maybe another location would be better.
(1)Shaun S.
The Curragh is our go-to place in Skokie. The beer selection is excellent (which pleases my boyfriend) and I love that the top-shelf liquors are reasonably priced-especially when compared to other eating establishments in the area. In terms of food, they do a great job. The talapia is among the freshest I have had and I have ordered it several times-and I am not a fish eater normally. I was reading other reviews and some of them are not accurate. We have been there both during the week and on weekends and 9 times out of 10 they have specials. I love their steak quesadillas and philly cheesesteak specials and wish they would put them on the menu! We have been going there over three years and have seen some wonderful bartenders and waitstaff come and go-but the owner/manager Lydia is very hands-on and only the best staff is there long term. Dia is an amazing bartender who always gets my drinks perfect, Erin is super cheerful and fun (and also gets my drinks perfect-are you sensing a theme here?) and Kathryn from Arkansas is always there to greet customers and make them feel at home. They have a steady stream of customers most nights, and I am glad they are not more popular for purely selfish reasons! I also appreciate that they help support schools in the district by donating a portion of the bill on the first Tuesday of every month.
(5)S M.
Cool atmospheric pub, makes me feel like I'm in Wales again. It's got great outdoor patio for the summer time and even when it gets cold, they turn the heaters on. Kitchen open till late and the drinks are on point served by a friendly staff.
(5)Dan C.
Good food, great servers, and overly noisy bartenders. If you are going for dinner great.
(2)Babou T.
I love this place. My husband and I live In walking. Distance and this is our go to place. Awesome food! Great tasty variety! Great Drinks too. We always have a great time and love love love it in the summer. The out door patio is so relaxing. The staff seems to be fun and nice too. YUM!
(5)Foodie A.
Saturday March 15, 2014 Time: 2:15 Street Parking easy I swung by here with my father and a friend for the first time. We sat in the bar at a hightop table with stool backings. So, it was quite comfortable. We were greeted by the bartender and upon sitting a waitress clad in green for St Patty's weekend asked for our drink preference. We all had a brew and ordered the hot wing appetizer. Very good hot wings and no grease! Did I say, no grease, yes, that is correct. We hung for a bit before ordering and sat and drank the following beers: Guinness with a nice head, Redberger Pilsner and a Harp. All very tasty and cold. Second beer choices for two of us were Smithwick's Irish Ale and Gumballhead...Oh, we are out of that, lol, ok. We are also out of Delirium Tremens and Golden Traak. Ok, no worries. I had the same Redberger Pilsner. Wait staff is attentive and politely fun and knowledgable. We all ordered a rueben sandwich. The rueben sandwich was absolutely the best corn beef I have ever consumed. This sandwich alone is a must replay every day. It comes with thick fries, a pickle, lettuce and a tomato slice. So yummilicious! Yum! Just thinking about the rueben is making my mouth water. Portion size is perfect, not too much, not too small. Just right. Where can you go and eat cabbage and corn beef? (my next visit) the Curragh Irish Pub We ate at the Skokie location. Check it out today. Clean and courteous help
(4)Larry J.
Have to give this place 5 stars. Food is good, service is friendly and attentive. They even asked me my name before I left. They make it a point to try to get to know you. Lydia was all hands on deck to welcome me. She even suggested a new drink to me due to me not being so much of a drinker of the finer tastes of liquor. I will definitely go back.
(5)Nataliya A.
Less than impressed, and clearly lots of others feel the same way because this place was empty on a Saturday night. Food: Fish and Chips, instead of fries had mashed potatoes, bf had a burger Drinks: Lemond drop martini, bf had Blue Moon The fish was extremely fried on the outside, the inside wasn't bad, very soft and pretty tasty fish. The mashed potatoes were okay, they weren't hot as I would have preferred. My boyfriend was not a fan of his burger. He has tried burgers at many places, so this was for sure one of the worst. He even noted that I had to mention in my review that the burger sucked. The lemon drop martini was probably the worst I've ever had. It just tasted very watered down, not very lemony, not sweet and not liquory. I love lemon drop martinis and get them at many places, this one resembled nothing of a lemon drop martini. The blue moon was a blue moon, the restaurant couldn't mess it up. I did like the patio outside. It was heated and it was clean. I am a fan of that. Overall the food wasn't impressive nor were the drinks. The only positive I found here was the patio and the fact that its an awesome space to meet with friends because it can accomodate lots of people.
(3)Mike W.
Stopped in with my family on a Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed some lunch and a few drinks. Very nice atmosphere small but well chosen beer list. Food is surprisingly good especially the hummus and lamb stew. Recommended!
(4)Carlynn U.
This place had pretty good food, but I didn't really like their non-meat choices. I ordered the mozzarella sticks (which were very wide and absolutely delicious) and had no alcoholic drinks. My party had a choice of many different adult beverages, which they liked, but I just didn't care for the place. It was cramped inside. There is an outdoor eating area which is nice in the summer months, though. The place was pricey, too, in regards to eating.
(3)francisco c.
Good food, good people, and great place! I come here with friends and family for the cheese sticks and a very under rated beer selection in the area.... Patio is awesome on a beautiful evening!)
(5)Geoff J.
Popped in here to watch some NCAA tourney and use a Groupon this past Saturday. I was a little leary to go in when I saw that there were no cars in the parking lot at 4pm. We decided to go in anyways and we were right. We had the entire place to ourselves. It was cool though, ordered up some Stiegl and had them turn on the games for us. People started trickling in as the afternoon/evening wore on. What I like about this place is that they serve a nice mix of draft beer: Irish, German/Austrian, and Regional (IL, MI, etc). If you can't find a beer to like here then something is wrong with you. We also ordered some apps and sammiches. Both were pretty good for pub food. I must say that I like this Irish joint better than Nevin's in Evanston, although it is in Skokie =( Will I be back, possibly, if I feel like driving over to Skokie. Food, drinks and waitresses were all good!
(4)Jacob J.
Weekday lunches are good stuff. Food is better than the average bar. BBQ chicken sandwich is tasty and served up a bit different than the standard, a big breast piece. Sauce is tasty. Service, complete other story. Not sure if it's inexperience to handle a rush or what. Weekday lunches can be busy but not where every table is filled. In regards to service for return customers versus new ones, we all get the same service, that same look I gave my co-workers is given by the couple with their baby that eat here a few times a week. A look meaning, where the heck is our waitress and how long will we wait on this food! If it's a work lunch, order ahead. For nightlife there are a few cuties that can be seen in here during the warmer months, but, nothing too impressive about it to get me running to come back. This is a Skokie bar for kids that live in Skokie and want to drink at a better than dive place like, Skokie house. Their beer garden is nice and they have a cover for it during the winter months when it's heated during this time. Beer gardens in the nearby Chicago burbs are hard to come-by, with that said for what it is, its A-okay.
(3)D. W.
Stopped in for lunch. Food and service were great. I espically liked the steak sandwich and the servers! The bartender is awesome. I will be back.
(5)Christina A.
This is a great pub with delicious food! One of the best places to go in downtown Skokie! Its got great patio seating too! It's one of my favorite pubs in the northern burbs.
(5)Don F.
Great beers, many choices. Last time we tried the Corn beef and the fish and chips, both were great. This time I tried the Hawaiian Burger. Much better than Carl Jr's!!! Good selection of beers still.
(4)S P.
We waited about 15 minutes for the bartender to pay attention to us and take our drink order. There we only a handful of people there and no one else was taking away her attention ordering anything. She just paced back and forth not looking in our direction, and then was talking with the other people that worked there. Not giving a damn about your job is a huge understatement. Other than that when we finally did get our drinks they were ok, the salad was very fresh and tasty though.
(2)Ron S.
Walked in on a Thursday afternoon with my wife and had the pub pretty much to ourselves! Wife had the Steak Salad and I had the Irish Stew. Be sure to check out their covered patio! It's perfect for enjoying the sun and breeze!
(4)Rachel J.
Cute, clean and just what the doctor ordered for a dreary Saturday night. Our party opted for the covered patio, keeping us in the fresh air, and out of the rain. The outdoor television kept us entertained when the conversation lulled, and the service was spot on.....our gal was never too far away, but not stalker-ish. :D Available beers include Delerium, Smithwicks, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, and several other "fancy" beers. Stop by this quiet comforable place for a relaxing evening.
(4)Sasha M.
When this place first opened, I thought it had one of the best Fish & Chips in the area. It's still very good, and it is my default dish. The Guinness Cheese Soup had some promise but ended up being too salty for my taste. Shepherd's Pie was also a little salty for me but still decent. Corned Beef and Cabbage is always pretty good. The kid's Mac N Cheese is actually really good, as is the Wings O Fire appetizer. The best part about this place is that it is never overly crowded. It has a nice pub feel with outdoor/patio seating options year-round. It also has a decent beer and drink list which is also a big plus. Good environment to enjoy a meal and drink.
(3)Anthony C.
A great pub in Skokie that excells on every level. The alfresco dining on the patio in the summer is great and the small indoor bar has a cozy inviting atmosphere. The beer selection is good with Irish/English, German/Austrian & American microbrews on tap. The food is very good and the quality and portions have remained consistent since their opening a few years ago. Some particular favorites are the mozarella sticks, rueben sandwich, fish & chips and any of their salads. Service is outstanding, food is very good and ambiance is nice. A great place to dine outside on a warm summers eve.
(4)Mark I.
Warm neighborhood atmosphere, and healthy, meat and potatoes eats. Feels like your relaxing in a friend's living room. Their shaded outdoor deck is a great place to relax.
(5)Angela B.
Very glad I decided to give this place a second chance!! First of all.. excellent customer service. When management saw my previous review they quickly contacted me and offered to make it right. That, in itself, is awesome. This time around I tried the Fish & Chips.. it was fantastic!! My boyfriend had the BBQ Chicken sandwich, which was also great. Service was excellent.. food was yummy.. no complaints!! Huge improvement!! Big thanks to Lydia for taking such great care of us.. and Paul for setting it up. I will definitely be back!! :)
(4)Ted C.
It's an all right place, I did go there near last call and it was pretty empty. I guess bars in Skokie aren't busy on Thursday nights like ones in the city are. Typical line up of Guinness, Harp and other Irish beers but they did have Revolution and Half Acre on tap. It's all right, I guess.
(3)Y.D. K.
Good food, good pints. What's more to say? Okay, its comfy if not cozy inside, but also has seating outside for the warmer seasons. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Food, well, haven't had much besides a very good shepard's pie and a very decent fish n chips. But will come back to try more as it has a very good potential. And yes, I will be back since its good to go for all counts! But more in the next update... P.S. Is it really true that there is an Irish pub in every city? Mein friend says yes...I don't know...
(4)Victoria h.
This is the best thing to happen to Skokie in a long time. There is an outdoor dining/drinking patio - BEWARE - it closes at 10 pm daily, weekends included, thanks Village of Skokie. Food - I tried Shepherd's pie and it was really yummy. The portions are large and enough to satisfy any appetite. They have appetizers, soups/salads, burgers, traditional Irish fare, and even desert. Drink - very reasonable prices. $5 for a pint of Guiness. Service - quick. Overall - if you live nearby, make a point to visit
(4)Stacey P.
I am not usually the hugest fan of such foods--- pub types, or UK type food... however, I was pleasantly surprised by this Irish Pub in skokie! First of all, the patio is super awesome. It is covered, and they have these HUGE heat lamps so they can keep the patio /outdoor seating going well into the chillier times of year. yipee!! The service is super slow, but as long as you have time to sit, chat, watch a game, whatever... it's enjoyable. I got a chopped salad which had delicious tidbits of chicken, avocado, blue cheese (bleu? not sure how french the irish are), tortilla strips (hmm random) tomatoes and other fixins. It was good! Not super amazing salad awesomeness, but tasty and did the job of filling me up without weighing me down. Mother (who works nearby and I was meeting for lunch) ordered the Reuben but switched out the bread for a french roll. Hers came with fries. The sandwich was very good! The fries were alright. Anyway i'd definitely come back for a relaxing meal or to watch a game on the fancy outdoor patio!
(4)Susan M.
If you are desperate for a place to eat, just go to Annie's pancake house. I was shocked at the fact this place was recommended as "family friendly", it is not, it is a pub. I made the mistake of following fellow YELP reviewers and brought my family here, major disappointment so I hope I save some families some misery. Family friendly is not just having a kids' menu, it means serve the kids first and don't make them wait over 30 minutes for overdone noodles. And please please please clean your bathrooms, GROSS! I am shocked because I have been at a Curragh Pub in other locations, so not sure what happened with this place. The servers were nice, but the food was not worth it. Oh, and clean your tap lines, yuck!
(2)Shannon L.
I used to come here quite a bit when I worked near here. Haven't been here in a couple of years but when I walked in, the atmosphere was the same...very friendly, welcoming and laid back. This is your standard Irish Pub with a good selection of beer on tap and always a good special. I've had the fish &chips, burgers, etc and they were all good. Today I had the potato soup (special) and the Reuben. The soup was creamy and chunky and all around thumbs up. The Reuben was loaded with corned beef with just the right amount of sauerkraut and dressing...also a thumbs up. The beer was cold...what more can you ask for. Our business lunch ended up lasting almost 3 hours so they must have been doing something right to keep us there!
(4)Kitty K.
Over time, the Curragh has lost their Irish employees, and service for a single female is less than stellar. Also their St. Patrick's Day menu and set up isn't the greatest, with a greatly reduced menu, printed instructions that state customers have only a limited time in the restaurant to "make space for other customers", and very little in the way of entertainment. They were offering what looked like green jello shots that day, but the waitress never even stopped at our table. Why is it that female waitresses avoid all female tables?
(3)Vanessa P.
Outside seating was awesome for summer weather. The food was pretty good. Our group had a bacon cheeseburger, grilled portabella sandwich, and fish and chips. Beer/drinks were delicious except the mojitos. Only drawback was service was suuuuuuper slow. That's why I give it 3 stars instead of 4.
(3)Matt B.
Have you tried those mozzarella sticks? They're the size of baby arms! FAT baby arms! (And just as, if not more, delicious.) Also, the waitresses are nice. But I wish they wouldn't let people smoke in their beer garden.
(4)Kevin Y.
Went here yesterday afternoon with a couple of buddies to grab a bite to eat. It gave off a pretty good Irish pub vibe. Being the only person in my group who isn't 21 yet, I didn't order anything to drink. However, my friends each ordered a draught Stiegls. I ordered the fish and chips for my entree. Pretty solid dish. Two large slices of nicely breaded fish, crispy fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. If I were to change anything, I would season the fish a little bit more, as I found it just slightly under seasoned. Still delicious though. One of my friends ordered the Irish breakfast and seemed to enjoy it, as did my friend who ordered the corned beef. Overall, a good place to grab a bite to eat and have a drink with some Irish flair.
(4)David R.
Americanized Irish pubbing at its best! Oh, I'm sorry, did the sarcasm not come through? Well, here I go again, being a pub snob. This is what passes for nightlife in Skokie. I don't doubt that this joint is a boon to the locals; however, it doesn't do much for me. First off, it's TAENY. It's WEE! There is outdoor seating, but during cold weather, I don't know how they can make any money because they can only fit maybe 25 people inside the building. There are no nooks and nowhere to hide; if you don't want to be bothered by whatever is on the multiple TV's, too bad! Secondly, it's too new. They went whole-hog on the Irish pub decor, but fresh paint and brand-new wood make it seem too shiny and fake. I can't disparage the crowd; they're a fair mix of locals of all ages. I would come here too if I lived in Skokie. The bar ought to have some more beers available. And the barkeep, while sporting an Irish accent, ought to knock off pulling a Guinness like a 22-year-old Iowan at Timothy O'Toole's with a long line of customers. Oh, and they were out of Tullamore Dew. BOOO!
(2)Andy F.
I've had take out sandwiches from here before, so brought in my family for an early dinner with their Groupon.. The corned beef, as always was excellent! Everything else though was put together with little thought. The chopped salad was not chopped and had overcooked chicken. The fish and chips were "fair." Ordered the chicken quesadilla only because wanted a bit more and they had 1/2 price appetizers at the time - it was not too good - only worth half the price. Then, they charged us full price only because we had a Groupon - even though the Groupon covered all the full priced food we already ordered. When I pointed this out, the server told me how, if they gave me the discount, management would take it out of her paycheck.... really? So, I talked to the supervisor (the manager was out) and she said the same thing. I called the manager later and she denied this...and she didn't care about the comments on the dicey food...commenting about my Groupon's fine print, yada yada. So....if you go there to eat...stick to the traditional Irish dishes and forget the rest. As for service...this seems to be one of those places that gives a Groupon and then blames the customer for 'taking advantage' of them...and taking money out of the servers' pocket... great way to win customers.
(2)Benjamin B.
Ventured into Curragh because another local establishment down the road was filled up. When i fist saw the size of the place I thought it was going to suck for sure. HOWEVER, after walking inside, I was very impressed with the small but functional set up around the bar as well as the extra seating in the patio area. The service was pretty solid. Our server was very friendly and always kept my water glass full, and the food was brought out in a timely manner. The bar has most liquors under the sun as well as a a decent sized list of craft beers (although only about 3/4 of them were currently in stock). The modestly priced menu offered the standard pub food, but also offered breakfast options. For viewing, Curragh three or four 42'' TV's in the bar area, which doesn't sound like much, but for the size of the place it worked, and almost every seat in the house had a suitable viewing angle. There are also an additional 2-3 televisions on the outdoor patio. My one complaint would be the lack of comfort from the stools around the surrounding high-tables. They were small, had little padding, no back, and had steel rivets in them that were not pleasant on the behind. next time I will be sitting at the bar (which had backs and grooved wood seats) or the steel chairs on the patio. Overall, I would definitely return to Curragh. I wish more places in Skokie would take a page from their book and put together similar clean and friendly establishments.
(4)S R.
Have eaten there twice. One of the better Irish joints in the city.
(4)Elizabeth C.
I wouldn't say that this place has the most amazing Irish Food I have ever had, but it is delicious! Great atmosphere and always great service! They have a great beer selection and have easy parking outside!!
(4)Dean C.
This wonderful Irish-themed pub has been a welcomed harbor for my friends and I for four years now. I regret that I don't live closer as there is so much to like about this place. It is cozy without being cramped, dim without being gloomy and there is plenty of seating every time we've been there. For our most recent annual trip the wait staff was fast, friendly and not overwhelmed by the fact that they had a wedding party on the patio and our show's audience (from down the street at The Skokie Theatre) of 35 or so. I've really only had everything on the appetizer sampler and an odd bite or two of some sandwiches and burgers, but everything I've had has been utterly delicious. And while I'm not a beer drinker the bartender graciously indulged me in a Lager & Lime request without flinching too much. All of my friends who have eaten full meals there have expressed great appreciation for the food, too - and that has ranged from fish and chips to sandwiches. This place is just really comfortable: good food, good drinks, friendly staff, good service. While it is, at its essence, a pub with food, it is one that you'll want to make one of your regular stops.
(5)Larry G.
Second best fish and chips in the area after Mrs. Murphy's and Sons. The waitress was friendly and attentive. This is an Irish pub so there was little room for those who want to sit at a table inside and eat rather than drink. There is plenty of room outside but the night we went we were warned there were flies outside. Has a very cozy atmosphere.
(4)Andy M.
Not a bad little bar. i went my usual bar hopping solo runs in Skokie the other day. I tried to watch some late afternoon football but they had the juke box blaring. It was really loud. It is kinda small, but for Skokie this is a classy place. the crowd looks kinda young and snobbish even for a sunday so keep that in mind if you go on a weekend. they had a small but expensive menu choice. Not many beer choices,but as long as they have guiness that is good enough.
(3)Heather Z.
So I went to high school in Skokie. And I couldn't wait to get the hell out of dodge when high school ended. Skokie is old and boring and nothing ever changes. Well, thank god Skokie did change and actually added a bar that's fun to go to. The Curragh is that bar. All of my friends from HS say that it's like they took a bar from the city and transplanted it to Skokie. Its bright and clean and has a clientele which is more diverse than the AA flunkies and trailer park types that frequent many of the other bars in that town. For all the people my age, its a godsend. It is very small, especially when the outside is closed. But now we don't have to fight the crowds at Old Orchard or make the trek to Evanston to hang out with a hipper younger crowd. Curragh is always fun and I'm not ashamed to be seen there. And the bartender always makes a shamrock in my Guinness foam. I love that little shamrock. And I love Curragh.
(4)Blackie L.
Great Burgers... Skokie generally blows, so you have to consider everything on a non-traditional Skokie scale. A regular "7" is a "Skokie 10" whether it's girls, food, bars or whatever. The Curragh is def a Skokie 10, maybe higher. The patio is really nice in the summer. The bar itself is good... not great... and they are a little too much into the fake Irish thing (read: soccer on the TVs and non-stop Pogues on the jukebox) but the staff is friendly and the food is good. all that said... the burger is AWESOME... probably in the top five in the north burbs, up there with Hackneys, Ubaa, Meier's, LWoods, etc.
(4)Kevin B.
Great food, drinks, atmosphere......what else could you ask for you? They have awesome bartenders and waitstaff. Sad that I am moving away from it :( they also have good pandora stations on most of the time. Good place to catch the pga replay if rick is tendin bar
(5)Steve J.
Very nice out door space. Pleasant pub. But fish and chips were awful. Breading was soggy; fish tasted like it was freezer burned. It was the worst fish and chips I have ever had.
(2)rachel p.
to the management: its the first nice day of spring and you are one of very few restaurants in the area with outdoor seating; based on this logic, wouldn't you expect a busy lunch hour? you should have extra staff on the floor and extra food prepped in the back. to the chef: it should not take an hour to make 2 cobb salads! in fact, it shouldn't even take 20 minutes. every component of a cobb salad (sans chicken) should be pre-prepped. and finally to our server: when i ask 3 times about the status of our order and express that i only have an hour before i need to get back to work, i expect you to check on the food and possibly try to speed things along in the kitchen. don't keep telling me that they are grilling the chicken. if it'd been on the grill as long as you say, i would have been eating a grizzled meat puck. and since i've been waiting FOREVER i expect my iced tea to be replenished often and with something that tastes like tea. step it up skokie.
(2)Michael L.
Well, I've waited long enough to review this now established neighborhood bar. It's located on a small main street in Skokie, just blocks up from the downtown. In the heart of some of the Skokie's newer condominium developments lies a small Irish-American pub, serving the traditional Irish-influenced bar fare (fish and chips, cheese soup, etc) plus your usual burger and fried "everything elses." On tap are the classic lawn mower style drafts, along with some of the classic pint fillers - Guiness, Harp, and Smithwicks. The Curragh has a fully stocked bar (of course with Jameson and Bushmills) and can accommodate most mixed drink preferences, but beware as they don't have a running list of Dekuyper flavors for the softies that can't handle a good beer. Most nights the prices are very decent and comparable to the bars down the street, but their specials are phenomenal. At one point I believe that this bar actually influenced the neighboring watering hole, the Village Inn, to lower their Rush and Division prices - making it more suburbanite friendly. Going forward, let's talk about the joint. The Curragh is extremely small, but that's not to take away from how homey this place gets. The staff is extra nice and they do a good job making sure your cup isn't thirsty. I'd say that it's pretty easy to catch a buzz in there because your pint, bottle, or glass never stays empty for more than 2 minutes after your last sip. They have a few flat screens in there for the typical bar-hugging sports fanatic, but the place really makes you engage in conversation around you, since you're so close to everyone. If you need a little more room, during the warmer season (although they did put up a heated tent), you can go out on the patio and enjoy the weather. This is where you can get a little louder with your company, smoke a cigarette, watch the outside flatscreen tv, or get away from the shoulder to shoulder situation inside. Ok, speaking of the inside....it's usually filled with some of the people who probably used to hang out at the Village, but got sick of it and now try to turn this place into a locals only bar. What do I mean by that? Well, you'll recognize the in and outers who come in and get their buzz going by a decent hour, then leave. But the bar also houses some wannabe "this is my place" characters that really don't convince me enough. Again, not to take away from the initial welcoming vibe, but occasionally people will get the stop and stare entrance every once and awhile.....at that point (because I've fallen victim to the 4 bar stool and 3 pub table stare downs) the only thing I bite my tongue on is "dude, I get it. You're a municipal worker or you still live with your parents....back off." Don't think this is the only type of clientele this place harbors. You also have your fair share of police officers because the station is literally across the street, especially during shift changes (3, 7, and 11pm). They're cool, but sometimes you'll catch that little bitch from high school who thinks they grew some balls at the academy, and walks around the bar with their chest out. Again, we get it...get over it, you're still lame and no you don't look tough because you've been working out. Other than that, this place gets a big fat decent for being one of the only bars that isn't coke-infested (so I think) and you can get into the washroom to break the seal. Way to go.
(3)