Miller’s, Irish for pub.

Miller's Pub on Wabash.

Saturday, the real St. Patrick’s Day- as many Chicago locals may attest, I was in search of an authentic Irish Pub of which to indulge in my adoptive holiday. As the majority of my day was spent in the Loop, I was pleased to learn that Miller’s Pub, a local hot spot, was within walking distance and highly rated online.

I all but skipped to the restaurant: 1) For the knowledge of delicious food to come to my increasingly angry and growling belly, and 2) For a cold beer. Arriving on site, a bouncer (a bouncer?!) greeted us at the door and requested my I.D. Understandable. But when he asked me to remove my sunglasses to inspect whether I was “too drunk” to come in, I almost laughed in his face. I guess I wasn’t celebrating hard enough. As we walked in, the hostess cheered us for missing the line that apparently wrapped around the block that morning.

Though the restaurant was literally packed to the brim, we were sat in relatively good time. The menu offered Irish favorites such as corned beef and cole slaw and all the Guinness one could want.

I opted for a more tame selection. A blue cheese and bacon burger, side of seasoned fries, and a Red Stripe. (I’m sure they celebrate St. Patty’s Day in Jamaica..)

The burger was expertly cooked and left my place almost as soon as it arrived.

As to be expected, the pub was a bit overbooked. Our frantic waitress repeatedly apologized for the wait, of which we brushed off with our lazy Saturday attitude of, what else are we going to do? To repay us for our patience, she explained that her family owned the restaurant and she would love to give us a round of Guinness on the house. Please and thank you!

I highly recommend Miller’s to anyone who is looking for a little traditional Irish flair this St. Patty’s Day. And it may be in your best interest to pay your waiter or waitress a little respect.

Located at 134 S. Wabash.

-Ileana