Like A Little Prayer

The Irish are known for a few things: Shepard’s Pie, Guinness, beef stew, fish and chips and beer. Lots of it. So how fitting for a former Irish Pub to be replaced by well, another Irish Pub with even more of the authentic fixings.

The Temple Bar replaced Fearon’s Pub last week. The new and improved Lakeview spot will offer whiskey flights, Irish breakfast anytime of the day, jam bands on Tuesdays and Irish acoustic Sundays to create a chill, neighborhood feel. Based on the actual Temple Bar in the heart of Dublin (in hopping tourist quarter Temple Bar Square), the goal was to bring even more Irish Pride to Chicago (though I don’t know how that’s physically possible). Owned by second generation Ireland natives Sean Fearon and Pat Keane and Liverpool native Anto Mussel, you can sense the authenticity from the breadth of the whiskey selection and beer menus.

Decorated in red lacquer and rich mahogany, the walls are clad with black-and-white snapshots from legendary punk rock photographer Philin Phlash who has captured the likes of the Ramones and the Sex Pistols to create a cultural drinking haven.

Bow down and thank the gods.

The Temple Bar, 3001 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago.