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Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub
Master Critic Review
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub
7.9
Along the river at the edge of Streeterville, Lizzie McNeill’s is a long-running Irish pub with a big patio, dog-friendly policy, and a menu of shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bar snacks. It’s less polished than hotel bars nearby, but regulars rely on it for late-night pints and casual group meetups by the water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad with Tater Kegs
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 6.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Riverfront Irish pub with a sprawling patio and neighborhood-regular energy.
Who should go: Groups wanting casual pub food, pints, and river views late.
When to visit: Warm evenings from happy hour through late night on the patio.
What to order: Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, chicken bacon salad with kegs.
Insider tip: Head straight for the riverfront patio; inside fills fast on game days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking in the surrounding blocks; availability tight on warm patio nights and game days.
Dress code: Casual and pub-friendly — jeans, team gear, and patio wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud in the evenings (especially inside on game nights); patio seating is generally more conversational when not at peak.
Weekend wait: Often a wait on warm-weather evenings and during major sports events; expect 20–45 minutes for patio tables when busy.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of open tables except during nearby convention surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, snacks, occasional pub mains), though the menu leans classic pub comfort food.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes include dairy or meat; modifications may be possible on select items.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some salads and proteins may work with adjustments; no dedicated gluten-free fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure hangs than a romantic first date — the riverfront patio can feel fun and relaxed, but noise and crowds can pick up at night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily first-come, first-served. Arrive earlier on warm evenings if you want a patio table by the river.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly during daytime and early evening on the patio; it skews more adult-oriented later at night and during busy bar periods.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meetups, dog-friendly patio hangs, and riverside pints without the polish or formality of nearby hotel bars.
Skip if: You want refined cocktails, quiet conversation, or chef-driven food — nearby upscale lounges and restaurants will be a better fit.