The best bars for St. Patrick’s Day

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O’Donovan’s (2100 W Irving Park Rd, 773-478-2100)
The proper start to a St. Pat’s weekend is a big breakfast, one that includes drinking at least a portion of your first meal of the day. So head here Saturday, where the $25 breakfast includes eggs, bacon, biscuits and four hours of free mimosas, beer, screwdrivers and “Fat Marys.”

Cityscape (350 W Mart Center Dr, 312-836-5000)
Because it’s situated 15 stories above the river, this bar may seem like an odd choice for getting in on the action on the street. But if you really want to see green water, this is the best view. Besides, are they handing out free apps from 5–7:30pm on Saturday in the street? We didn’t think so.

J. Patrick’s Irish Bar & Grill (1367 W Erie St, 312-243-0990)
You have to make a choice: Do you take the J. Patrick’s bus to the South Side parade Sunday, a $20 ride that includes plenty of alcohol during the trip (and saves you from terrorizing the road)? Or do you screw the parade and stay here for the $15 buckets of Coors?

Mrs. Murphy and Sons (3905 N Lincoln Ave, 773-248-3905)
There will be no green beer here, nor will you see any “leprechauns.” Instead, this weekend you’ll get specials on classics like Guinness stew and shepherd’s pie, and, most important, a great whiskey list.

The Pony (1638 W Belmont Ave, 773-828-5055)
If you really must have green beer, please, do yourself a favor and get it here. It will be in abundance, as will all of the debauchery you can find at the dingier, older Irish bars around town. But because the interior here is so classy, you’ll still be able to respect yourself in the morning.

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