Actor Neil Patrick Harris is known for his acting ability and his penchant for performing magic tricks, but the star is also a noted food connoisseur, and one Chicago eatery is on his short list of the best restaurants in the country.
As part of a collaboration with OpenTable, the actor has published a list of his favorite places to eat in the country, along with his favorite dishes and items at each of the locations.
When the actor comes to Chicago, Girl & the Goat, located in the city’s West Town neighborhood, is on his must-visit list.
n9 a.m. March 16
nThousands attend the iconic annual Chicago River Dyeing and Downtown Parade. For more than 40 years, members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union have turned the river a bright emerald green for about five hours by dumping dye off the sides of boats. One of the best locations to watch the dyeing is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
nNoon March 16
nRain or shine, the parade steps off at Balbo and Columbus, proceeding north. Typically, if St. Patrick's Day doesn't fall on a Saturday, the parade is held the Saturday before the holiday.
nNoon March 17
nThose who wish to attend both the South Side and Downtown St. Patrick's Day parades are in luck, considering they both fall on different days. The 2019 South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off from 103rd and proceed along Western Avenue to 115th Street.
n11:30 a.m. March 11
nA half-hour before the South Side Irish Parade, up to 500 runners can partake in a one-mile race down Western Avenue. Every runner receives beads and green running sunglasses at the finish line. Register here.
nNoon March 17
nThe 16th annual Northwest Side Irish Parade starts around William J. Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) at N. Neola Ave and W. Raven St. Proceeds from the parade go to community charities.
n1 p.m.-12 a.m. March 16
nThis annual festival at the Irish American Heritage Center blends music, dance, food and activities all under one roof immediately following the Downtown Parade. Revelers wishing to celebrate the holiday can come early and stay late, beating the bar crowds and cold weather. Tickets can be purchased by calling 773-282-7035, ext. 10 or here.
n10 a.m. March 16
nRunners can leap into St. Patrick's Day by participating in the 18th annual St. Paddy's Day 5K/8K run, formerly known as the Leprechaun Leap. Participants are encouraged to dress in all things green. Register here. Proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
n8:30 a.m. March 24
nThe Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle kicks off Chicago's running season with a fun 8K race and 2-mile walk through the city's Loop, starting and finishing in Grant Park. Register here.
n8 a.m-2 p.m. March 16
nComplete with a breakfast buffet, a gift card to use along the crawl, a free t-shirt and more than 15 bars to enjoy in Wrigleyville, this could be considered the ultimate St. Patrick's Day bar crawl. For tickets, visit here. All tickets include a selection of freebies.
nMarch 11-17
nThe ShamROCK Chicago 2019 will protect the city’s title as the “Greenest City in the World” by lighting up some of the city's most iconic buildings, monuments and streets. Check out the full list of participants who will light up green in support of ShamROCK Chicago 2019here.
“Every time I come to Chicago, I simply can’t skip out on this place,” he said in his OpenTable review. “With its small plates, you’ll have to resist yourself from ordering the entire menu.”
A pair of Michigan eateries also made the cut for the actor, including Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor and Roast, Chef Michael Symon’s restaurant in Detroit.
Other stars, including Christina Tosi and Jordin Sparks, have also participated in the collaboration.
