Shamrock Club

Chicago, Illinois

Field Note

Finding down-to-earth dive bars in Chicago’s River North neighborhood can be a more difficult task than it first seems, the density of the area more conducive to high-end cocktail & dining options rather than locals-focused corner pubs. Thankfully, Shamrock Club, sometimes referred to by local patrons as “The Rock,” offers at least one solution to this problem of dive bar scarcity, operating across the street from Merchandise Mart since 1989.

The slogan here is simple, proclaiming Shamrock Club as “River North’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill” thanks to a long white sign to that effect hanging over the bar’s front door. The distinction is difficult to argue with, the vibe inside very much communal and very much inhabited by steady streams of regulars and nearby residents. The space is slender, a door and a window cut into the brick facade stretching back to a single, shotgun-style room.

Unsurprisingly, the accent color inside is decidedly green, the counter, ceiling trim, kitchen area and all manner of decoration playing into the Irish theme of the River North dive bar. A bar counter (green of course) runs about halfway through the space, terminating in the kitchen area that cranks out bar staples like sandwiches, burgers and salads within what look to be tight confines. The kitchen typically stays open late but hours can vary based on the nature of the crowd.

Where green paint doesn’t dominate, the exposed brick of the building mixes with wood paneling behind the bar to create more of a pub-like atmosphere than a dimly lit dive bar. The best seating is most definitely found near the front of the bar where a recessed door marks for a small alcove in the front window inhabited by a small set of tables with efficient access to the bar and prime viewing of the busy sidewalk outside.

String lights, neon beer signs and an array of sports-themed memorabilia ranging from framed photos to faded plaques adorn the walls. A row of coat hooks can be found conveniently located toward the front of Shamrock Club, a surprisingly rare dive bar feature helpful when interior space is limited and Chicago weather demands more than a single layer. Typically closed on Sundays, Shamrock Club makes up for that lost day by offering a supremely generous 11 AM to 7 PM Happy Hour that focuses on beer bucket and shot specials.

While televisions are available here, they are fairly spaced out, making the bar more conducive to conversation than truly huddling around a game. As signs around the bar make clear, no side is taken in the Cubs vs. White Sox debate, both teams represented in this near-central Chicago location. Past the kitchen, the room widens a bit to accommodate the bar’s pool table, though busy weekend and even weekday evenings can make completing a game challenging thanks to the encroaching crowds.