Celtic Crossings

Specialties

At some «Irish» bars, the most they have in common with Ireland is Guinness on tap and cardboard shamrocks taped to windows. Not so here. John Phelan and John Colgan hail from Ireland; customers, some ruddy and red-​haired, talk about their last visit to «the island.» With a working stone fireplace made by George Nugent of County Clare, it aims to be like a Dublin pub. You’ll find 13 beers on tap, mostly imports like Murphy’s, Newcastle, Guinness and Harp. A good crowd comes to listen and sometimes dance to live Irish music on Sunday, but mainly people just socialize. Phelan, who’s from Waterford, states «Most of the bars back home are just drinkin’ bars, you have a chat and you’re out the door.»

History

Established in 1995.

Celtic Crossings was started by John Phelan «The Original Barman.» John, originally from Waterford Ireland, has over thirty years experience behind a bar. In 1995 John sold his bar, «6511 Club», in Brookfield and bought the property at 751 N. Clark Street. The goal was to have a real pub with friendly people and plenty of conversation. The stone fireplace, dark wood, and great art collection makes the pub feel like home. USA Today rated Celtic Crossings in the top ten authentic Irish pubs in the country.