Restaurant Review: Celebrate the wearing o’ the green at Ravenswood’s O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
Happy St. Patrick’s Week!💚
There is no better way to experience ‘community’ in Chicago than by sharing a meal at an Irish pub. And in this St. Patrick’s Week, when many establishments serve 21+ only, one Ravenswood restaurant is serving up family friendly fare year-round, including their own kid-sized Bangers & Mash plates.
As O’Shaughnessy’s Public House website states, the southeast corner of Wilson and Ravenswood “is forever tied to Chicago history, including at least two area legends. The Pickard Building was built by Pickard China in the 1890’s to house the artists who hand painted the imported white china stock.
These artists hailed from England and elsewhere in Europe. Foreman Brothers Bank were located in the building in the 1920’s.”
More recently, the building was longtime home of the (lamented and missed) Zephyr Ice Cream Shop.
The cosmic design elements of the Zephyr have been replaced by the warmth of a welcoming red exterior, reminiscent of a Dublin pub, warm, wood-toned interiors and Irish-themed, stained glass insets. To complete the pub atmosphere, Irish bands play nightly.
The emphasis here is the Irish pub fare, though a fair number of American and Mexican specialties (burgers, nachos) also reside here. Start with some unusual apps, like Shepherd’s Rolls… three egg rolls stuffed with Shepherd’s pie, and served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. Or, O’Schock’s Egg Rolls, stuffed with corned beef, cabbage, and Swiss cheese and served with Colman’s mustard aioli. Chips And Curry has Irish curry dipping sauce with fries.
It’s still Lent, so those giving up meat can indulge in their Fish Sandwich…a cod loin dipped and fried in O’Shaughnessy’s famous beer batter and served on marble rye, with melted Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Those who haven’t given up meat can tuck into their Corned Beef Sandwich, a delicious, homemade brisket with melted Swiss cheese, whole grain mustard aioli, and grilled onions, served panini-style on a French roll. The Sullivan, named after a favorite customer, is a great with smoked salmon, crispy smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy caper aioli served on toasted multigrain bread. Sandwiches come with a choice of sides, including homemade potato crisps, fries or a side salad. Other side choices, like mashed potatoes, are available with an upcharge.
Dinner entrees are classic Irish fare. Bangers & Mash hasIrish bangers (sausages), mashed potatoes, onion gravy, and baked beans. Chicken Curry is aclassic Irish Curry chicken, wild mushrooms, sweet peas, onions, carrots, served with choice of fries or rice or both. Shepherd’s Pie, atraditional Irish dish made with ground beef, carrots, and peas in rich, savory, seasoned gravy, is topped with a mashed potato and cheddar cheese crust.
Their ‘Wee’ menu serves your children. Besides a mini-plate of bangers & mash, there are ‘Wee’ Mac & Cheese and ‘Wee’ Fish & Chips, among other choices for the wee leanbh (child).
Mine is not the only positive opinion. Here’s what a couple of Google reviewers said:
“Chuy is the best bartender AND the fish’n’chips are the best in the city of Chicago, bar none! The cod is so fresh and flavorful, the batter is deep fried to perfection, the “chips” are perfectly done, tartar sauce delicious, and the cole slaw is pretty good too! Great beer selection and wines are good. We will be back!”
“Neighborhood bar with yummy food offerings. I enjoyed their Shepard’s pie wheels, and rolls. My hubby loved the fish and chips. The shrimp pasta was delicious. 🍔 Burger was tasty too”
O’Shaughnessy’s Public House is located at 4557 N. Ravenswood Avenue. Monday-Thursday 11am to 1am, Friday, 11am to 2:00am, Saturdays for brunch (featuring their traditional Irish Breakfast) from 10am to 2am, and Sunday, 10am to 1am. For more information, click here.
SLAINTE!
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
