Peggy Kinnane's: The Emerald Isle in Arlington Heights
Visitors might not expect to find anything more authentically Irish than a pint of Guinness in Arlington Heights, but Peggy Kinnane’s would definitely prove them wrong. This pub and restaurant is serving up Irish food, drinks and a hearty helping of Irish ambiance thousands of miles from the Emerald Isle, smack dab in the middle of the northwest suburbs.
What sets Peggy Kinnane’s apart from so many Chicago Irish pubs is the fact that most of Peggy’s actually is from Ireland. The interior is constructed mainly from original Irish stone from County Clare, and all of the extensive interior woodwork and bars were built and shipped from Ireland. The walls are even covered in genuine Irish family memorabilia, including those of the owner’s mother, Peggy Kinnane.
The sprawling corner pub includes several bars, dining areas, private party rooms and even an outdoor patio perfect for warm weather days. More than a dozen beers are available on tap daily, as well as many Irish, vintage and Scotch whiskeys. Sunday breakfasts are a terrific time for an Irish Fry, including Irish bacon and sausage, black and white pudding, baked beans and potato pancakes, just like the home country serves.
Other Irish offerings throughout the day include bangers and mash (pork sausages with mashed potatoes), lamb stew, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef and cabbage. Traditional boxties (a thick baked potato pancake) are available in chicken mushroom, seafood or vegetable, and come with delectable lemon dill, garlic or white wine cream sauce.
More traditional fare can also be found on the menu, with pasta, steak, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and even meatloaf. And of course, what Irish meal would be complete without a bite of delicious bread pudding, served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
Though prices can be a little on the high side here (many entrees run more than $14), the portions are plentiful and the flavors are spot on. Patrons will delight in sampling the foods of Ireland, enjoy the ambiance of an authentic Irish pub, and make sure to plan a return trip to Peggy Kinnane’s.
- by D.J. Siegel, Arlington Heights Reporter for HelloMetro
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