Grace O'Malley's has only been open for a couple of years in Chicago. In terms of history, it can not compete with other bars here in the Windy City. However, it is located in the South Loop and is fairly close to McCormick Place. The food and drink is authentically Irish and the decor of the place is head and shoulders above some other 'Irish' pubs here in the city. If you are looking to get away from the convention site for lunch, this place is ideal. You might miss an afternoon session, but nothing more. This place is also great if you want to get a little Chicago flavor but not wander too far off.
Grace O'Malley is quite an interesting character in Irish history. She was a contemporary of England's Queen Elizabeth and the two met over matters of foreign policy. She held enormous power for a women in her time although, ironically of course, not as much as Queen Elizabeth. O'Malley was somewhat of a pirate and there have been several books and dramatic works dedicated to her story. A new musical based on her life, 'The Pirate Queen', is opening in April on Broadway after playing a pre-Broadway try out right here in Chicago. You won't find a ton about Grace O'Malley at the restaurant/bar, but it's a fascinating story nevertheless.
What you will find at the restaurant/bar is a great selection of Irish refreshments. Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's, Magners Cider, Black 'n' Tans, Black Velvet's make up the core and you can also order other European greats, Stella Artois, Carlsburg, Blue Moon, and Bass just to name a few. What Irish bar isn't full without Jameson and Bailey's on hand either? My girlfriend swears by their Grilled Atlantic Salmon and I'm a fan of the Guinness Barbeque Half Chicken. Dinner will set you back $12-$20 while full lunch sandwiches are $8-$10. Those European lagers are usually at $4.75 for bottles and $5.50 for drafts. Domestic beers are at $3.75 with the only exception for domestics is $3.00 for the Chicago favorite Old Style.
Again this place is not out of this world or filled with Chicago history, but if you are famished after getting into Chicago, want a quick bite close by, or want that one last beer before turning in, Grace O'Malley's has you covered. All you need to do to get here is hop on the #3 King Drive northbound bus and take it for about 7 minutes. Get off at the 14th & Michigan Ave stop and you will practically walk into Grace O'Malley's right then and there. Grace O'Malley's is at 1416 S Michigan Ave.