Location: 1240 N. Wells St
Phone: 312.642.5522
Website: declansirishpub.com

Declan’s, home to Old Town boozers and University of Oklahoma fans since 1972, was one of the friendlier bars on our Old Town crawl. Quiet on a weeknight, our group was able to grab a table and enjoy conversation without screaming into each others’ ears. The 140-year old mahogany bar was as gorgeous as advertised, and was backed by a solid selection of Irish whiskies, as well as a giant Gatorade cooler filled with vodka lemonade.

Looking back, I wish we had tried some of the food (I hear the fish & chips are great), but all I felt like ingesting at the time was whatever beer was on special and a couple shots of Jager. I blame Andrew.

Though I don’t feel moved to call Declan’s a destination bar, you could do far worse for a watering hole in the area. Beverages were decently priced and our server was prompt and had a good sense of humor, something that’s borderline requisite for dealing with this group of alcoholic rejects (read: the wonderful UPChicago.com staff).