Welcome to Brehon Pub

Photo provided by SecondCityImage.com

Ung Roy! Ung Foy! Ung Loy!

One King! One Faith! One Law!

Brehon Pub proudly has been a River North establishment since 1980. Deriving its name from the ancient Irish legal system (Brehon Law), it was started appropriately by two Irish-American brothers practicing law in Chicago. Look for the “Burke” coat-of-arms over the front door.

Brehon Pub is housed in the historic building that dates back to the rebuilding of Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. The tin ceilings are the originals and the back bar was constructed by Brunswick for the Schlitz Brewing Company. Prior to the present ownership, the Chicago Sun-Times and Better Government Association used the bar as a front in a secret operation to set up crooked city inspectors. Fittingly call the “Mirage,” the sting led to 34 convictions. Publicity was world wide. Mike Wallace from 60 minutes even showed up to air a segment about it.

Brehon's Manager Ramiro Nunez and Blackhawks Goalie Antti Niemi

Through its history, Brehon Pub has been the setting for several movies, the TV show “Prison Break” and was the setting for orations in August 2003 by John Kerry and in 2004 by Barack Obama. But, most importantly, Brehon’s simply has enjoyed offering an authentic gathering place for so many who call Chicago home.

To fully experience the bar and its history, we invite you to take a look at all the photographs and mementos we’ve gathered throughout the years.

Half Irish - Half Chicago

Irish Classics		Chicago Favorites
Irish Nachos Bangers & Mash Guiness Stew Shepherd's Pie St. Patrick's Reuben		Pub Burger & Burger Bar Wells St. Chicken Wings Southside Chopped Salad Fish Tacos Chicken Club Wrap

Serving Guinness, Not Gimmicks, Since 1980

The Brehon Pub predates by far the area's high-end galleries, condos, restaurants and clubs. As a result, this humble corner bar holds a warm place in the hearts of River North pub enthusiasts, but also a spot in the folkloric annals of local Chicago history.

Text from ChiBarProject.com by Sean Parnell