St. Patrick’s Day is over but that doesn’t mean you still can’t be Irish! (Though I do recommend you leave the giant green leprechaun hat at home).

One of my favorite all year round Irish pubs is the Grafton Pub and Grill located at 4530 N. Lincoln Ave. This slice of old Ireland takes its name from the famous street in the heart of Dublin. It’s no easy feat to find the best Irish pub in Chicago. Everyone claims to know (or be) the most authentic and the only way to tell for sure is by checking out the bar. The Grafton offers on tap beer selections like Boddington’s, Conway’s Irish, Mudpuppy, and of course Guinness. They offer a new burger and beer special each month. For April you can check out their mouthwatering 1/2lb Angus patty topped with pepperjack cheese, orange-chipotle aioli and, just for fun, a grilled Jalepeno cheddar bratwurst. Wash it down with the beer special for this month, "The Hops" beer flight.  For a mere $7.50 you will get a taste of Bridgeport Hop Czar, Founders Double Trouble and Uinta Dubhe. A great deal!

Prefer your burger without the meat?  The Grafton offers all their burgers from the “Beckett” to the “Sweet Chutney” with turkey or black bean instead of beef. They also offer a large variety of salads, soups, and appetizers including spicy curry chips. But most customers come for a taste of Ireland, and you won’t leave disappointed. The Grafton’s claims to fame are their fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a full Irish breakfast complete with white and black pudding. Finish it off with beer, wine, or indulge in worldwide whiskey list.

No Irish feast is complete without a little music. Musicians drop by several days a week to play their favorites. We stopped in on a Sunday to enjoy the regular Irish Session led by Pat Finnegan. He teams up with students and professional musicians from the nearby Old Town School of Folk Music. I suggest grabbing a booth up front so you can enjoy people watching along with the fiddle and your beer.

For larger parties you can reserve the back area and create a private section of your own. The Grafton is super family friendly but it does get a bit rowdy as the sun goes down. On Friday and Saturday evenings it is standing room only and the out of tune Irish ballads can be heard from the street. If you’re looking for a quieter side of Ireland come by in the afternoon or Sunday evening for the music and company.