When traveling in and around Skokie, one will notice various locations promoting goods and services spanning a wide range of cultures. A short drive can reveal Mexican restaurants, Jewish businesses, Muslim establishments, and Assyrian fooderies, all representative of the local communities’ vast ethnic makeup. To many students and young people, places of these cultures have always been here with not much deviation from said cultures. Older citizens, however, may remember other places of other cultures, some of which have closed as time has passed. However, one Evanstonian staple has returned, open to all and offering a unique cultural experience.
The Celtic Knot Public House (KELL-tick) is an Irish pub and restaurant located on Central Street, less than a ten-minute drive from Niles North. Originally established in downtown Evanston, 17 years ago, married owners and “life partners” Patrick and Liz Breslin sought to create a community experience with their then-new, unique establishment. First opened in January 2005, the location became a popular culinary staple of Evanston before closing down due to an increasing lack of business and climbing rent, according to Mr. Breslin. When the opportunity arose to reopen, the owners looked beyond Evanston to find the right place, eventually settling just two miles from their original location, officially reopening on Dec. 12, 2024.
Walking into the building, one immediately notices that the building is split in two; the bar is on the right and the dining tables hug the left wall, lined with framed pictures featuring Irish culture, food, and Guiness beer. For those too young to drink beer, an array of Irish food is available, immersing oneself in the cultural cuisine. These items include Bangers & Mash ($19), Shepherd’s Pie ($18), Lamb Stew ($20), Fish & Chips ($20), Corned Beef & Cabbage ($22), and the Celtic Collection ($24) featuring a little bit of everything. Other, less cultural items are also available for the less familiar crowd of customers, including Chicken Breast ($17), Cheese in Toast ($16), and a BLT ($15).

While the food and decor of the place are all well and good, it’s the community spirit of the location that truly sets it apart from surrounding establishments. While also being quintessentially Irish, Celtic Knot, being a pub, fosters a social environment, with a unique backdrop to boot, for people of all ages and backgrounds. As Mr. Breslin describes, “That’s what a pub is.”
“Our goal is to become a really great neighborhood pub and also a community hub. [Celtic Knot] is pretty much the only Irish pub in Evanston and the near-north suburbs. It’s more [of] a community gathering place for all ages. You might notice there are a lot of people in conversation. It’s the sort of place where people gather and find things in common with each other.”

The prioritization of a community environment isn’t just prevalent because it’s a pub, but it’s been there since the very beginning. While “Celtic Knot” might sound like a cute, on the spot name for a quaint Irish place, it represents an artistic idea beyond the surface level. As described on the pub’s menu, the Celtic Knot (as a symbol), “…represents the idea that there is no beginning or end to our lives and relationships, that we all weave through each other’s lives and that we are all eternally connected.” Hoping to foster continuous and long-lasting friendships, The Celtic Knot finds itself at the center of much conversation delivered by people with happy stomachs.
“The Celtic Knot has been an Evanston institution for decades,” Fey said. “When I was in graduate school at Northwestern, back in the ‘90s, I would go to the Celtic Knot’s location at the time. It was great.”
Now back in business, Celtic Knot can once again become an experience for the old who remember and the young who didn’t know. With delicious food, refreshing drinks, enjoyable music, and a lot of people, everyone can find something to do at this Irish public house. Given recent success, one can see The Celtic Knot once again becoming a staple of Evanston for everyone to enjoy.