The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen

-Grubbing in Chicago
Irish Pub Food in Avondale

I’ve always loved the World Cup but my interest in soccer never grew much past that despite the greatest tournament in sports  being one of my favorite sporting events. I’d watch a Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona game here and they’re back when Messi was battling Ronaldo for player of the year trophies but that was about it. But that all switched after the most recent World Cup. It turned me into a full fledged soccer fan after watching Messi become the greatest footballer of all time and I’m now just as likely to watch an important Premier League game as I am an NFL one. I even watched most of the Euro Cup this past summer on top of the COPA America Cup which was being played at the same time. Today’s post is a visit to one of the drinking spots I enjoyed watching all that international soccer at this past summer, a place I plan on returning to this winter to watch some club games. 

Locals Favorite in Avondale

Wolfhound Bar & Kitchen is a laid back Irish style pub right off the California, Elston, and Belmont intersection in Avondale. It’s owned by a Chicago Firefighter so the food takes after an old Irish Pub and also a meal at the firehouse. It’s a very modern menu with bits and pieces of Chicago spread through out. For ex. the sausage rolls are made with mini links from Winston’s Sausages on 63rd St. I really like these one bite snacks wrapped in a puff pastry, especially at their happy hour prices (1/2 off apps from 4p-6p on Thurs). The Dijon mustard dipping sauce pairs up perfectly with these elegant pigs in a blanket. Fresh cut fries are also outstanding and a steal of a deal during happy hour as $4 gets you a basket big enough for 2-3 people to share. They’re golden on the outside with a delicious creamy interior - Chicago really does fries with the best of them as these would be a standout dish at most spots outside the Chicago area but here in the city they’re pretty much standard. The cheese curds are also a hit - beer battered with white cheddar and a delicious creamy dill forward dressing. 

Appetizers at The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen 

Wolfhound does lunch (Wed. - Fri.) and dinner (Tues. - Sat.) but I haven’t visited for the latter - options like the French Dip are tempting and even the pizza looks pretty good. They have a fish sandwich special now and then that I’d also like to try one of these days. They also do brunch on the weekends (Sat & Sun) from 10:30a-2p. The Full Irish is one of their most popular offerings as it’s available for both brunch and dinner. I wouldn’t say the appropriately named Full Irish or the similar in style “Full English” is my favorite breakfast dish but I do enjoy one every now and then. Wolfhound does a pretty good version by American standards. It comes with two pieces of bangers, rashers, black & white pudding, two fried eggs, bakes beans, tomato, mushrooms, fried potatoes, and house made brown bread. It’s an absolute feast best enjoyed on a day you don’t have much to do except watch some football. Not only is the food at Wolfhound good but so are the Guinness pours so check them out if you’re looking for a chill spot to watch sports and eat some food from across the pond.

Irish Breakfast

The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen
3188 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 234-2736
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