St. Patrick's Day in Evanston: Where to Go

Want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day but don't want the hassle of going to Chicago for the parade or river dying? You can party close to home at one of these bashes hosted by Evanston bars and restaurants, where you'll find plenty of food, drink and entertainment.

The Celtic Knot Public House (626 Church St., 847-864-1679) is hosting the biggest party in town. Their 9th annual hooley runs all weekend long, kicking off with Baal Tinne playing traditional Irish music from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday. Irish dancers from The Sheila Tully Academy of Dance perform from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, followed by Irish folk act Tim O'Shea and Friends at 6 p.m. and Mad Bread playing their mix of folk, blues and bluegrass at 9:30 p.m. The Irish Dancers perform at noon again Sunday, when the lineup also includes The Public House Band, The Holy Hour House Band and One of the Girls.

“I think that we’re more authentically Irish than other places partially because my husband and I are the owners and he’s Irish," co-owner Liz Breslin said. "We have a terrific lineup of musician throughout.”

The bar will be serving up a limited menu all weekend, showcasing pub favorites like corned beef, shepherd's pie and fish & chips.

Evanston's other Irish bar, Tommy Nevin's Pub (1454 Sherman Ave., 847-869-0450) is also hosting two days of performances. The Trinity Irish Dancers perform at 11 a.m. Saturday, with live music from Plough Boys at noon, Rico Quinn at 4 p.m. and Chancey Brothers at 9 p.m. Sunday's lineup features Coyote Riot at 11 a.m., the Trinity Irish Dancers at 2:30 p.m., Irish Sessions at 3 p.m. and John Williams and Friends at 8 p.m.

New restaurant and music venue 27 Live is hosting the Chicago's cover band 80s Proof, which will perform in tribute to Irish rock bands such as Thin Lizzy, Stiff Little Fingers, Rory Gallagher and U2. Live music starts at 8 p.m. and goes to 2 a.m. Entry is $5 in advance or $8 at the door.

"This St. Patrick's Day we're raising a pint to the Irish rock influence with a great band and one heck of a party," says spokesperson Jackie Olson.

Bar Louie (1520 Sherman Ave., 847-733-8300) is focusing on drinking Irish with its offerings: $3.50 20-ounce green Miller Lite drafts, $5 Jameson and $6 Irish car bombs. The bar also hosts karaoke at 9 p.m. Saturday.

While it serves Asian rather than Irish fare, Koi (624 Davis St., 847-866-6969) is also getting into the St. Patrick's Day spirit with specials including $3 green Sapporo drafts and $3 sake bombs.