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The Pub: English or Irish or who cares?
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The Pub
You should know up front that the Pub at the University of Chicago is only open to people who are affiliated with the university and their guests (who pay a $3 cover charge). Nonetheless, if you know someone who does have access, this is a pretty cool pub for chilling. It is very pubby, complete with a large number of booths and tables, and it mainly caters to those who want to hang out and chat. At the same time, the Pub offers a variety of entertainment including a jukebox, TVs, pool, board games, and shuffleboard.
As for Irishness, well, this pub seems to be going for more of a British feel, but that begs the question of what the real difference between British, Scottish, and Irish pubs is. This pub evokes British pubs in its large size, brighter lighting, lack of Irish food, and quiet, keep-to-yourselves ambiance. And shuffleboard. But as far as essence goes, I have found that British, Scottish, and Irish pubs are very similar. They all are set up to encourage conversation instead of drunkenness, they have very similar drink menus (featuring European beers, whiskey, and perhaps a few other types of hard alcohol), and if they have food, it's pub grubby. There are subtle differences that distinguish each, but really, they evoke the same feelings and expectations from patrons. So the Pub is not really Irish per se, but if you like Irish pubs, you're likely to enjoy it.
On the gastronomical side of things, the Pub has a very extensive selection of foreign beers which is particularly impressive given that this part of town has a distinct lack of pubs. The food is definitely pub grub. Nothing too special there, but it still tastes good, and the pub is famous for their burgers and chicken wings.
So if you find southern Chicago unable to fill your need for Irish pubs, grab someone at the University of Chicago, and head down to the Pub.
The University of Chicago Pub
Ida Noyes Lower Level
1212 E. 59th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-9737
