Kids & Family

New Pub Brings True Traditions of Ireland to Oak Lawn

Clancy's is authentically Irish, and its owner would know.

By Erin Gallagher,
Patch Contributor 

When County Clare won the all-Ireland Hurling Championship, the Liam McCarthy Cup made its way to Oak Lawn. That's as important to the Irish community as the Lord Stanley Cup. The lucky pub? Oak Lawn's newly opened Clancy's. 

This was an especially proud moment for owner Kevin O'Kennedy, whose dad came over from Doonbeg in Clare. His mother Gertie is from Mayo. O'Kennedy, who is originally from Detroit, is no stranger to the Irish pub business. He owns two in Hawaii named Mulligan's. When he fell in love with his sweetheart, Katie Clancy, who is a South Side girl, he named the next after her.

"It's a real friendly atmosphere with a family-friendly, clean environment," O'Kennedy said. 

Located at 4624 W. 103rd St., the pub features Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's on tap, and prepares fresh homemade food. "Come for the pizza, stay for the pint," is the pub's slogan.

And don't forget the music. Guests can hear traditional Irish music four nights a week. Musician John Williams, founder of the band Solas, with five all-Ireland titles to his credit, hosts a traditional session Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., and Fridays at 8 p.m.

O'Kennedy, along with Richie Z, co-host an acoustic Irish open mic on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

"It's not uncommon for us to have four generations of musicians here playing on any given night," O'Kennedy said.

Open on Sept. 1, Clancy's Irish Pizza Pub gives credit to the Village of Oak Lawn. O'Kennedy said he has received tremendous support and assistance in getting permits and licenses quickly and easily.

"The welcome that I got from the mayor, to the city manager, Larry Deetjen, on down has been tremendous," O'Kennedy said. "To give a small business support like that means a whole lot. I am just extremely grateful."

Clancy's works with local parishes to offer gift certificates for school fundraisers. O'Kennedy says that's one reason the business gets rousing support from its community.

Clancy's Irish Pizza Pub is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Clancy's offers a full Irish breakfast on weekends and delivery.

For more information, click to www.eatatclancys.com or call 708-422-1110.


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