In true Irish style, River North's Brehon Pub is so rich in history that it takes a few minutes to focus on the menu. The historic building it calls home dates back to the rebuilding of Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871; original tin ceilings and a bar constructed for the Schlitz Brewing Company outfit the space. Before the current owners got a hold of it, the Chicago Sun-Times and Better Government Association used the bar as a front in a secret operation to set up crooked city officials.

Nowadays, a long wooden bar occupies most of the space, along with small wooden tables, a pool table and a few dingy arcade games. Between the green and white striped floors and awnings to the impressive collections of photographs and memorabilia—pictures of famous Irish writers and a 1994 World Cup football jersey—the place has no shortage of Irish pride.

One glance at the menu, though, indicates that Brehon is as much Chicagoan as it is Irish. In addition to Finn McCool's House Wings and St. Patrick's Blessed Reuben you'll find options like Wells St. Chicken Wings, Greek Town Mediterranean Salad and Northshore Grilled Sirloin Sandwich. None of the entrees break $12, and the bar stocks 17 beers on draft. Take your pint outside on sunny days.

Centerstage Reviewer: Emily Browne