Celtic Knot Public House — Restaurant in Evanston Township

As a resident of the Carlson Building, I try to stop into the Celtic Knot from time to time just to support neighborhood business. But I've started to love this place for so much more than being a nearby place to get food and drinks. Patrick and his staff are not only incredibly friendly and welcoming, making for an authentic and homey experience, but they also serve up some of the best Irish food I've ever had. I've tried a different traditional Irish meal & beer every time I visit, and every time it is fantastic. I treated my friends to the Knot when they helped me move in, I've taken dates there, I've sat and enjoyed meals all by myself - it's great for every occasion, and every time I come to love the place more and more. On top of all that, even though I haven't been able to visit for live music yet, I am able to hear it through the walls on some nights, and every time it reminds me of my trip to Ireland and cheering on the bands in Temple Bar! This place is clearly an Evanston favorite, and it has become a favorite of mine. The owners and staff deserve all the business they can handle just for being lovely people. The Celtic Knot is the best neighbor a guy could ask for, and I look forward to bringing in friends & family for...

It's as if someone's very cleverly plucked a pub right off its cobbled Dublin street and plunked it down on Church. The fish and chips are exactly like I remember from that summer in Ireland, the atmosphere is warm, sophisticated yet relaxed, and family-friendly, and when there isn't a live group performing, the proprietor's taste for the Pogues and classic Motown is a refreshing change of pace from the hipster-folk stuff that seems to permeate so many other bars and pubs in the area.

There's more to their menu than pub grub, too-- their smoked salmon with capers was sublime with a finger of 15-year Dalwhinnie, and my Mum, always picky about her fish, adored the rainbow trout from the Catch of the Day menu. For a vegetarian option, try the marinated portobello sandwich-- you won't regret it!

With the Premier League starting today, this is absolutely going to be my place of choice to catch a...

This is an institution. I have been there dozens of times, and given how long it has existed that isn't that many times a year. I have enjoyed their regular food (not varied, but well done) and their bar food (which is available quite late, an important feature). However, the food, at the end of the day, is what costs them a star. I've had equally good presentations of "pub grub" in other places. Theirs is nothing special. Their beer list is not broad but it is good if you like the style they are featuring (they do a great "black 'n tan"). And I have been there on several nights (though not lately) when they have had wonderful Celtic groups playing live, and clearly playing for love. Definitely a...