This place has gone downhill in the last few years. The owner is an extremely unpleasant Irish fellow who is way too loud and opinionated for my taste. Last time I was in I, actually, threw down a $10 half way through my second beer and walked out I was so over this place. There are plenty of better bars, in the area: Trinity, Paddy Longs, Galway Bay, Hidden Shamrock...or buying a bottle of V.O. and drinking it in a private garbage can. read more

This is my favorite Irish Pub in the Chicagoland area and one of the friendliest confines to have a Guinness. The staff is amazing, they seem to host different events benefiting local charities. They have a full bar service and in the colder months offer Irish coffees. And most importantly they host karaoke, Thurs- Saturday, maybe Sunday m. They also have stand up comedy on Wednesday's and other fun shenanigans. read more

As of this writing, I've published over 700 reviews, and I've never updated a 2-star review to a 5 star. Until now. Back in 2012, maybe Harrigan's had a couple bad nights. Maybe there's new staff. Maybe there's new ownership. Whatever happened, I like it. Harrigan's is my Lakeview staple. The night begins as a chill pub, plenty of space at the bar to talk to your chums or to the bartenders. As the night goes on, the place gets more and more populated with good folk. Given the number of wild spots in Lakeview, it's hard to believe this place is in the same 'hood as the patrons just want to drink and enjoy themselves without getting belligerent. I've been back several times and Harrigan's consistently delivers a great experience. I know I'll be back. read more

Pros: $5 pints Friendly, Irish bartenders Not too loud Convenient location Tasty food menu from the restaurant next door Electronic darts Cons: Tiny, dingy, pretty typical pub decor Lackluster draft list Pretty average everything Food is cash only so plan accordingly read more

Coat Hooks: Yess, plenty but all too low for a long winter coat. Also: Great burgers, friendly staff, too much karaoke read more

I've had some great memories at Harrigan's. Since I use to live nearby, this was my usual go to bar to meet people. This Irish bar has a low-key atmosphere on most days and provides good beer for reasonable prices. Friday and Saturday nights is usually a bit crowded so I would recommend ordering a pitcher if you plan on staying for a while. Another great thing is that Harrigan's has great food since it's all brought in from the steakhouse next door (get the $10/20 wings). All of the photos on Yelp are old as the owner has renovated the interior, adding TVs, projector, and tables, which is great for the Bears/Hawks fans. Whether its a fun night out on the town or a quick beer (or 2 or 3) after work, Harrigan's is always a good place. read more

Coolest neighborhood bar in Chicago! Great Karaoke too!

I will write my brief review then post then copy and pasty this review/overview I found online. I love this place because you can walk in any night of the week and it won't be overcrowded and it will always be a good time. Most of the bartenders are Irish and they have live music on the weekends. It is very small, but great if you're coming with a group. I've closed this place down far too many times. You get a variety of different people here. I've seen everything from scenesters, to Russian Mobsters, to actual homeless who've stumbled in off the street. You never know what to expect. Give this place a try if you're sick of the typical Lincoln Park/Lakeview scene. This was a review by Sean Parnell on chicagobarproject.com: Located on one of the quietest blocks of Halsted on the North Side, is one of the best, least known Chicago bars. Harrigan's is the name and, if you can look beyond the clich shamrocks and other Irish memorabilia, American style, you'll find an excellent watering hole. Though nothing in particular stands out at in the physical sense, the atmosphere at Harrigan's is extremely conducive to having a few pints, chatting with friends and taking in some local R&B without loud, irritating dance music and uncomfortable tiny stools ala Durkin's and the Hidden Shamrock, respectively, located steps away. Harrigan's, often mistaken as Harrington's which is the name of the previous incarnation of the bar, can be found on Halsted Street, just north of Diversey. The recently redone, wooden faade, painted in black with gold trim, is often covered by the current beer special and is framed by twin Guinness signs and Irish flags that flap in the wind. A modest wooden sign hangs above from a metal pole that pierces this one-story, brick building's circular stone emblem. Pass through the door and you'll find a narrow barroom featuring a black & white checkered floor, old-fashioned ceiling fans that hang from green-painted tin, floor-to-ceiling wooden paneling filled with photographs and mirrored beer signs, and high-backed, wooden chairs that line the long bar running along the south end of the room. If you see a spot at the bar, grab it. There's only a few seats in the back and it's standing-room-only across from the bar. Harrigan's no longer has a foosball table but does have a Golden Tee machine and darts in the back, as well as a few televisions around the room for your entertainment. It was on one of these TVs that I first heard the news that Lady Diana had died in a horrific car crash. Not even the great vibe could counter the sorrow we all felt that night. On a lighter note, local R&B and rock bands like Phat Time take up the tiny "stage" - otherwise known as the 4' by 8' space just in front of the windows overlooking Halsted - around 10 p.m. on the weekends. Karaoke, that often fun to do yet foul to hear pastime, is featured on Thursday nights as well as comedic hijinx on Wednesday nights. Feeling a bit peckish? Harrigan's doesn't have a kitchen but instead offers a menu featuring steaks, burgers, and barbecue ribs from the Select Cut Steak House, located next door. The average entree ranges between $8 and $15 and can be washed down with one of 18 beers, including Stella Artois and Schlitz from the can. read more

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If you've been to Vaughn's on Sheffield then you've been here/ Exact Carbon Copy! I think I was more annoyed with the clientele than anything.. not a bad place by any means. On one end there was some woman doing a "Tavern Tour" with a super annoying voice and on the other end a bunch of dudes with Papa Johns Pizza? This is Chicago, we don't order from that joint!! Overall, decent Irish Spot.. GTFJD read more

Totally fine bar, awkward bouncer may put his hands on your for no reason, heads up. I took a few friends here because it had been a fun time a a while ago, buddy walked in first I guess the bouncer wasn't paying attention and he walked right past and I went to follow and the guy grabs my collar from behind and pulls me back toward him as I'm walking in. I turn around and show him my ID (I'm 30 and look it) that was bizarre. Bar is totally fine, get rid of the weird guy at the door, awkward and unnecessary. We stayed for a beer out of confusion read more

This place has a much more Irish feel than many Irish places around town. The draft beer has a certain mustiness that it generally unpleasant and unwelcome, but it is that same musty draft taste you expect in an expat bar, in my opinion (and I've been to many in other countries, always hoping to find a nice English-language conversation but showing up too late for anyone to be coherent any longer). When it's slow, it's generally quite slow...normally the bartender and one or two of his friends. Sometimes the occasional weird alone person sits at the bar having conversations with anyone coming along. I won't say that this place is remarkable, but it's standard, and standard can be good when it comes to an Irish place. It smells and tastes Irish, and there are hundreds of Irish pennies waxed into the bartop, which I thought was pretty cool. Eh. read more

Visiting from the far away land of Fort Mill, SC - me and my wife took a random trip north along the redline to find a store on Halsted, got thirsty and found this little gem. The food was awesome - I highly recommend the burger or the ribeye sandwich, the drinks were great. We were some of the first customers there, and received tons of attention from the owner/bartender, even as the place started to pack them in. Coming from downtown Chicago, Charlotte, NC and NYC, the biggest surprise was the bill at the end of our evening. I did a double take at the low cost and thought there must be a mistake - but there wasn't. Just a great local joint - well worth the trip for outsiders - probably half-way to Wrigley, and easy stop and walk from Redline train getting off at Fullerton Ave. Need to pay cash for the food which is a little odd - but so worth it. read more

Bartenders are always super nice here. Great Irish bar to stop into in the neighborhood. They even have a menu to order from next door. Easily one of my favorites when I'm out. read more

This place is a blast for karaoke! Went last night which was a Saturday. There was a good size crowd but nothing crazy. The bartenders were nice! The drinks were good and reasonably priced as well. The KJ was so fun and got all our group up in a pretty timely manor. Definitely will go back! read more

DO NOT DRINK THE BEER ON TAP. 2 people in our group got 2 different beers from the tap and both tasted flat and gross. They need to do some serious quality control of their beer; maybe clean the tap lines too. Stick with cans and bottles. On the other hand, the bartender is friendly and the open mic comedy provides some interesting entertainment. read more

"the official steelers overflow bar!" there were WAY too many people around the corner at durkins, and even i was not yet crunk enough to stand in a corner by the bathroom in the name of team spirit. we walk outside, and some random dude pops out of harrigans and is like "i saw you guys looking in the window! we have the steelers game and food, and you have to come inside!" he was the only one in there, but we were hungry, and i wanted to see the game. GREAT bartender! he never let our glasses get close to empty. they had $8 miller lite pitchers, and the food from select cut next door was tasty and timely. cash only for the food, but the dude told us ahead of time, so it wasn't a problem. and wii sports on a big screen! we got crunk, the steelers lost, but i was somewhat mollified when we got a bowling game going with some other peeps at the bar and made an evening out of it. really the bartender made the place, but the whole package was perfect. i'll be there on sunday for sure! read more

Harrigan's is THE irish bar, at least as far as I'm concerned after stopping by as part of the Chicago Beer Experience. The owner/bartender is a rock star and will educate you if you wish whilst getting you good and tipsy. Only after my trip to Harrigan's did I realize that probably more then half the time I order a Guinness, it's poured wrong. But oh man, when it's right, so sweet when it hits the lips... read more

I used to live right by Harragan's and only after I moved did I start frequenting the place more often. Since then it has become a regular haunt of me and some friends of mine. The bartenders usually know exactly what we are drinking before we sit, which is disturbing for my liver, but still nice in a "Cheers" sort of way. It's a small unassuming bar, but there is big fun to be had inside. read more

I've been here three times and I love this place. I can get Effen, Magner's (if only it was on tap), and "chick shots" from our favorite bartender Aaran for a decent price. Decent music on the jukebox. read more

I've only been here once and Yelp keeps houding me to write a review because apparently I checked in...which I do not remember doing...Anywhoo, this is pretty much your typical neighborhood bar. I liked that it wasn't super crowded on a Friday night, so it was a good place to come with a group of about 10 people. I'll have to come back and visit so I can write a more detailed review, and hopefully have a better memory of the experience :) read more

I went here with a bunch of girls over summer. I love it. Bar tender hooked us up. Great deals on our drinks and we even watched people sing kereoke. It was pretty funny. Good times. Good place for a low key Irish bar. read more

After six months of living in the city and wanting to try the Red Lion English pub, my English husband and I decided to take the walk up to Lincoln and do it. When we get there we read the sign on the door that they've closed until August to remodel. Figures. So we decided to walk around and find another pub. There were a few on Halsted that were either packed or empty. We finally came to Harrigans where there were a few people, most of who were eating, so we decide to go in. The place is pretty small, fewer than ten tables, but cozy. The bartender came right over and asked what we wanted. He was really nice throughout the who fiasco which was to follow. So we're drinking our Sam Adamses and eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Sloppy Larry (a BBQ ans sliced steak sandwich) and my husband's curry chips and hot wings, when loud herd of men walk in. Clearly they are already drunk and on some sort of bachelor party pub crawl. At first they are just loud but leave me alone. Pretty soon, however, each one of the idiots starts coming up to me and asking me if I have a golf ball. Which, of course, I don't. I guess this is some sort of party game men play before getting married, but it made no sense. Anyway, the groom to be eventually comes up and hands me a golf ball. Which I refused to take because I want to eat my damn sandwich, not be a pawn in a ridiculous game. This seems to upset them and they pay for their beers and leave. The bar tender runs up to us and apologizes profusely, saying how it's never this busy, and he wanted us to come back, so we got a beer on the house. So I'm drinking my free beer when another group walks in. They were celebrating cuatro de Marcho, which they made up all on their own because they didn't think it was fair that only Irish and Mexicans get a holiday to go out drinking. There had to be 45 of them and they were even drunker than the bachelor party. This, we decided, was our cue to go. As I'm standing at the bar waiting to pay I got offered three shots and two phone numbers. The bartender - who is still the only one working - must have apologized twenty more times. The food was good enough to make me come back anyway, but that bartender was so sweet (and obviously embarrassed by the idiots at the bar) that I'd come back just to leave him a tip. *** You can only pay cash for food*** read more

Fine beer menu. Decent service. Good mellow bar feel when it isn't crowded... when it is crowded, well, it's still a good time, but it's a small place, so it can be a little much. Overall, I have gone to Harrigan's for a laid back time with friends, and have not been disappointed. I think they get their food from the restaurant next door; it's not amazing, but good variety and completely eatable. One of the more tolerable establishments in this area. read more

I love Harrigan's. I am definitely what you would call a regular in that place. It has just the right lighting, its comfortable, and its a place where everybody knows your name. I have never had anything stolen there! I don't know what happened to that girl earlier. I love Harrigan's...I hope it stays the awesome place that it is. read more

Love me some Harrigans! My bar hopping days are over, but if i ever leave the house for a drink, this is one of the few places i will go to. Great drink prices and selection, great deals everyday and drinks specials you can count on....and all served by Sam, a legendary Bartender and all around class act. The food comes from the restaurant next door on order, but its' outstanding bar cuisine. The burgers are delicious, the BLT is top notch and the tater-tots are killer. Even my vegetarian girlfriend loves the veggie plate and grill cheese options. Trivia night (wednesday) is a must. All you need are some friends, $5 and a dream and you could win enough money to cover all your food and drinks tabs combined with some to go home. The questions are challenging and fun and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. What more can you ask for in a north side watering hole? read more

Really relaxed nice atmosphere, and they have karaoke! It's a really fun place in looking forward to going back sometime.

Harrigan's is my new Monday night hang out spot. They have live Irish music from 8 until 10 or so. This week there were about 5 people performing together. The main two artists, Ian and Eva, are super talented. They crowd is small, so you are almost guaranteed a good spot to listen in and have a pint or two with friends. See you next week, Harrigan's! read more

Terry is the best bartender I have ever met in my life. I walked into this bar randomly on a whim and will come back for the bartender.

Really relaxed atmosphere. Good type of divey-ish bar. Affordable, talkative, meet other people type of bar.

A small Irish bar in yuppieville. it seemed to much of an average college bar to me and being near depaul maybe it is. it is small and hardly has any televisions. People here will be playing the crap out of the juke box at all times. read more

I came here on a Monday night and the live Irish music was spectacular. The group that plays are extremely talented and seem very passionate about their craft. A great, chill spot to start off the week with some friends and a cold beer! read more

Met the love of my life here last weekend great spot nice bar tenders, can't sing but that doesn't stop them from letting me up on the stage. I'll be back this weekend bring your ear plugs guys :) read more

This place is legit. You have super friendly Irish bartenders who know how to pour Guinness and in the right glass as well. Unfortunately, they do karaoke on some nights which is fairly lame but losers appeared to be enjoying it. However, it's not too obnoxious where you'll have to leave immediately if you hate that sort of thing like I do. You'll get a nice neighborhood crowd which just feels right for this place / location. I'll be back... just not for karaoke night. read more

Harrigan's is a great neighborhood bar with friendly service. It seems to be frequented by a lot of regulars since the barkeep knows them by name. You won't have to wait for a drink long, because they're quick with refills - and they always remember what you've been drinking. read more

Under new, non-customer-friendly management. My friend and I used to go to Harrigan's once in a while on Wednesdays for trivia. We would pay $10 for a chance to win the pot, and second place would earn a giftcard. We won the $40 giftcard last July, but then the bar refused to honor it. They were completely unwilling to reach a compromise with us, and wouldn't even let us finish our beers. The "manager" was just some barfly who wouldn't look us in the eyes when we spoke to him. This is the kind of establishment that doesn't deserve to be in business. read more

Their food comes from Select Cut! You can get one of the best burgers in the citry (Select Cut) for like $7. The Terriyaki is awesome. Stay away from the sloppy Larry. It tastes like it sounds. The onion rings are magnificent. read more

I really liked this place. I went there on a Sunday night of a Holiday weekend and the bar tender was very friendly and chatty. I feel like I could hang out there by myself if I just really wanted to get out of the house. read more

i come here a lot b/c it is in my neighborhood. the other reviews are right...the bartenders are awesome - so friendly. on the weeknights, it's all very friendly and fun but on the weekends, this small bar gets a bit too crowded for its own good. and for some reason, whenever i order a blue moon, it's warm. oh, and one time last summer, the women's bathroom was full of flies. i still go back though, so that's gotta say something. read more

I've always had fun whenever I go to this place. Type of bar where it is what you make of it. Bartenders have always been nice to me and they're straight out of Ireland which adds to the authenticity of the place. I've brought several people here who have never been before and everyone always has a great time! read more

i definitely found my new go to bar! a friend and i were walkin around town for a place to sit and chill and fell upon harrigans and went in for the $2 beers and found ourselves chillin in their for hours! this place was PERFECT because the low background music where i could have a convo with people and not yell at the top of my lungs. I LOVED IT! the bartender was AWESOME! he was so fun to chat with and very friendly! and he has an awesome drink called pimp juice haha. something he's workin on, quite the delicious!! its like a watermelon party in your mouth! anywho...this is the place to be if you are lookin for a good neighborhood pub. love it! read more