Gilhooley's Grande Saloon
Offer Great Food And Fun Times at Gilhooley’s
A large Statue of Liberty greets you just inside the entrance to Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, 3901 W. 103rd St., in Chicago, just over the border from Oak Lawn.
But it’s the Irish fare and wide ranging menu of foods that will grab your attention inside this restaurant-bar that offers a mellow atmosphere framed by dark-wood, polished brass and stained glass windows.
The menu offers a wide range of burgers, hot sandwich dishes and pastas, along with an assortment of appetizers. And each day offers a “special.” Last week, I was lucky enough to land on a day when the special was Irish Monte Cristo sandwiches. A thick combination of ham, turkey, bread stuffed with Swiss cheese and batter dipped and fried for only $6.95.
The side dish I chose was Louisiana Red Bean and sausage soup, not as Irish as one might expect, but an alternative to the corn chowder that has to be very popular and tasty, too.
I had to ask a restaurant waiter how to eat the sandwich, which is less a sandwich and more a hearty meal. He instructed me to use a knife and fork (duh!), which maybe saved me from looking like a goofy tourist on the prowl.
Located near St. Xavier University, this place hops on weekends with the younger crowd guzzling domestic and imported “boggles” and draft beers of Guinness, Blue Moon, Stella Artois, Harp and Hacker-Pschorr for only $4 each.
At lunch, you can sit at the hi-top tables near the bar, which is decorated with bright green Irish novelties for St. Patrick’s Day like hats, flags and beads; of course, maybe it’s like that all year round.
Or, you can mosey on in to the Heritage Room, which is probably less raucous on weekends and that visitors often inquire as to its availability for weddings and receptions.
The reddened walls of the restaurant are covered by a gallery of artwork. One large majestic painting of an Irish saloon, a picture that must be to the Irish what a portrait of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is to Muslims who live amongst the high concentration of Irish on Chicago’s South Side and in Oak Lawn.
But they also feature dozens of stylized posters by such artists as Toulouse-Lautrec, Cheret and Blanche Ostertag, giving it a more European eclectic flavor that adds to the enjoyment.
At night, lights from the ceiling chandeliers, shiny lanterns and two working fireplaces must sparkle through the cut and stained glass of the attractive wood bar. On weekends, there is a schedule of entertainment, open mikes on Wednesday nights and karaoke on Thursday nights. Call ahead to find out who’s crooning.
Check out their menu and have a great meal at this excellent choice not only for families but also the young of age and heart.
And for what you get, the low prices are even more the attraction.
The 411
Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon
3901 W. 103rd St.
Chicago, Il 60655
(773) 233-2200
Just east of Oak Lawn – on the east side of Pulaski Road
Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon
3901 W. 103rd St.
Chicago, Il 60655
(773) 233-2200
Just east of Oak Lawn – on the east side of Pulaski Road