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Pub Tour: Near North

  • Exterior of Irish pub on street corner; red brick building with beige awnings
Experience Chicago’s Near North side: a blend of historic architecture, Italian heritage, and vibrant pub culture
  • Exterior of Irish pub on street corner; red brick building with beige awnings

Explore the variety of living spaces in the Near North neighborhood, part of River North. High rise living among micro-unit apartments interspersed with various hotels broaden the idea of working from home.

Duration
2.5+ hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Northside
Architects and Styles
Meet

Weeknights: Clark Street Ale House, 742 N Clark Street.

Sunday Afternoons: Celtic Crossings, 751 N. Clark Street.



Historically a destination for Italian immigrants, where their first Italian parish was constructed, Near North has been one of Chicago’s entertainment districts for decades and that tradition continues with a mix of pubs to satisfy your craft beer interests.


Know before you go:
  • Clark Street Ale House is just 2 blocks west of the Chicago & State Red Line "L" stop. The tour ends at Orleans and Huron, just 2 blocks south/1 block west of the Chicago Brown Line stop.
  • Participants of this tour must be 21 years of age or older and will pay for their own drinks at each stop.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

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      All three pubs featured on the Near North tour are incredibly interesting. The Clark Street Ale House, Brehon Pub and Green Door Tavern are wonderful throwbacks to a classic era of Chicago drinking culture.
      Bob SutterCAC Docent
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    The Godfrey Hotel. Photo by Steve Hall.

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    Clark St Ale House. Photo by Thomas Hawk.

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    Photo by Ian Freimuth.

  • Exterior corner view of modern building with dark metal frame.

    The Poetry Foundation.

Buildings on This Tour

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FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

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Group & Private Tours

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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