Half Irish, Half Chicago.

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 a 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 called 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.

Through its history, Brehon Pub has been the setting for several movies, the TV show "Prison Break" and was visited in August 2003 by John Kerry himself. 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.

Thanks and enjoy,

Brehon Pub, Serving Guinness not gimmicks since 1980.