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There’s nothing like a little competition to put a spark in your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. For the past three weeks, you've voted in showdowns between new bars (plus one South Side standby that got new life after an addition more than doubled its size) toasting their first St. Patrick’s Day. Then the winners competed in a final faceoff for a chance at the title of best new Irish pub. On St. Patrick's Day we revealed the winner ... Paddy Longs, which received almost 9,800 reader votes! Read more about the contenders below.
D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
Our first faceoff was a feverish race to the finish line, but D4 kept its lead over Wilde Bar & Restaurant. Located inside slick residential highrise The Streeter, D4 draws a steady downtown crowd of tourists and professionals for its hearty portions of modern pub grub with Irish flair, plus about 50 whiskeys and scotches.
>> Faceoff No. 1 -- Click here to read more about the winner of round one, D4 Irish Pub & Cafe.
What you’re saying about D4:
"My friends had bangers and mash and the fish and chips; both said they were very good. We sampled a few of the many draft beers, including a few that we hadn’t seen at other pubs in the city."—WrigleyWorldSeries
"I can best describe it as [old-fashioned] with a smooth blend of ‘the now.’ It’s a scene that can be both upscale and relaxed, for major parties or just a quick lunch—and by that I mean a Guinness. The food is fantastic."—Redsoxnavy, out-of-towner
Finley Mahony’s
This Lakeview pub beat a spot with a similar name, Mahoney’s Pub & Grille. Here, the name is a nod to Finley, the youngest son of co-owner Dominic O’Mahony. Brick walls, black paneling and long wooden tables create an upscale, yet cozy scene where young Lakeview locals and older professionals nosh Irish grub and bar food standbys.
>> Faceoff No. 2 -- Click here to read more about the winner of round two, Finley Mahony's.
What you’re saying about Finley Mahony’s:
"Talk about the best selection and quality of Euro draft beers. Wait until you try the food: awesome. Great location and close to Wrigley [Field]."—Joey B.
"Finley Mahony’s is such a great addition to this neighborhood. The atmosphere inside is magic … I feel like it’s really [welcoming] to quite a diverse cross-section of drinkers or eaters. The staff really are fantastic too … worth stopping in for a pint and some fish and chips." —Kevin D.
Paddy Long’s
In our closest race yet, this North Side spot edged out Beverly pub Cork & Kerry. Dublin natives opened Paddy Long’s inside the 73-year-old Lawry’s Tavern space, gutting the interior and adding a baby-blue exterior and red door. Standard bar fare makes up most of the menu, but there’s also an all-day Irish breakfast, Guinness beef stew, and fish and chips. Sixteen taps include Guinness and Smithwick’s.
>> Faceoff No. 3 -- Click here to read more about the winner of round three, Paddy Long's.
What you’re saying about Paddy Long’s:
"Paddy Long’s has a cool vibe, excellent beer selection, friendly and efficient staff, and they do the best chicken wings in town (extra crispy!). Food selection is good for a bar, and the jukebox is eclectic."—Brendan K.
"Great beer selection. This could be one of the only bars in Chicago that has Tetley’s on tap. Awesome! Friendly staff, and [it’s] easy to catch a cab at the end of the night."—L.L.L.
>> Click here to check out more photos of all the bars.
[ Reader reviews were compiled from postings on metromix.com. Story updated March 17 to reflect the winner of the reader poll. ]
metromix@tribune.com
