St. Paddy Day pub suggestions: Chicago/Boston

[Black Irish]

My St. Patrick's Day plans are still up in the air. Since it's on a Saturday, the wife and I want to make a weekend of it & go somewhere further away than a day trip. We've been talking about Chicago or Boston (San Francisco's an outside shot, because my sister wants us to visit). Any IE locals have suggestions on good Irish pubs to visit? I'm looking for corner bar, locals type places; not some Irish pub replica built in the last few years. Someplace with character; faded sports pennants on the walls, scuffed up floors, and genuine craic. A good (Irish) whiskey selection is also important, since I'm not a beer drinker. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rhode Irish]

Saturday: Newport, RI
Sunday: South Boston, MA ("Southie")

Two best St. Paddy's day celebrations in the northeast. NYC is cool, too, but its a little played out and its a tradition with the guys I grew up with to do these two spots.

Newport, RI could be the most slept-on St. Paddy's in the country. (The town itself is a well-kept secret - do it in the summer if you like beaches and food and your lady likes shopping.)

If you're wondering, its about an hour and twenty minutes from Newport to Southie.

 

[ksexton25]

If you make it to Chicago, go to emmit's (near west side), although it will be packed for the downtown parade.

 

[GBdomer]

Anybody going to be downtown Chicago come find me. please

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Purple Shamrock, Hurricane O'Reilly's or The Black Rose in Boston. Get there early, like next week early.