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Best bars in Chicago

Best bars in Chicago
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  • Post #61 - January 26th, 2010, 1:57 pm
    Post #61 - January 26th, 2010, 1:57 pm Post #61 - January 26th, 2010, 1:57 pm
    HopLeaf, Long Room, Skylark, Matchbox, Bar DeVille, Ten Cat (I think), I know there's more...
    I love animals...they're delicious!
  • Post #62 - January 26th, 2010, 2:12 pm
    Post #62 - January 26th, 2010, 2:12 pm Post #62 - January 26th, 2010, 2:12 pm
    stewed coot wrote:HopLeaf, Long Room, Skylark, Matchbox, Bar DeVille, Ten Cat (I think), I know there's more...


    Bar DeVille has televisions.
  • Post #63 - January 26th, 2010, 2:27 pm
    Post #63 - January 26th, 2010, 2:27 pm Post #63 - January 26th, 2010, 2:27 pm
    I'd add California Clipper and The Violet Hour.
  • Post #64 - January 26th, 2010, 2:31 pm
    Post #64 - January 26th, 2010, 2:31 pm Post #64 - January 26th, 2010, 2:31 pm
    Let's throw Charleston into the mix.
    Drinkers with a Writing Problem:
    http://www.chibarproject.com
  • Post #65 - January 26th, 2010, 3:30 pm
    Post #65 - January 26th, 2010, 3:30 pm Post #65 - January 26th, 2010, 3:30 pm
    stewed coot wrote:HopLeaf, Long Room, Skylark, Matchbox, Bar DeVille, Ten Cat (I think), I know there's more...

    Matchbox has a TV above the door.
    -Mary
  • Post #66 - January 26th, 2010, 10:02 pm
    Post #66 - January 26th, 2010, 10:02 pm Post #66 - January 26th, 2010, 10:02 pm
    Rose's over on Lincoln has a small black and white on a table behind the bar for the owner to watch, but that doesn't really count.
    Great neighborhood bar.
    I hate kettle cooked chips. It takes too much effort to crunch through them.
  • Post #67 - January 28th, 2010, 12:31 pm
    Post #67 - January 28th, 2010, 12:31 pm Post #67 - January 28th, 2010, 12:31 pm
    Thank you for the great recommendations.

    I went to The Long Room last night to have a few pints and do some reading. It's a couple minute walk from the Irving Park brown line stop. It has a beautiful old Chicago bar feel to it, a superb beer selection, and is television-free. They don't serve food, but just as I was getting hungry, in came the Tamale [sic] Man. Everybody was friendly and the bartender shook my hand on the way out. I don't know what else you could ask for in a neighborhood pub.
  • Post #68 - March 20th, 2010, 11:27 am
    Post #68 - March 20th, 2010, 11:27 am Post #68 - March 20th, 2010, 11:27 am
    I'll go with: Reggie's Music Joint, Cigars and Stripes, The Hopleaf, Fitzgerald's The Clark Street Ale House, Delilah's and Harlem Ave. Lounge.
  • Post #69 - June 18th, 2010, 9:25 am
    Post #69 - June 18th, 2010, 9:25 am Post #69 - June 18th, 2010, 9:25 am
    The answer to the original question is Jak's Tap. :D
    All of the bars mentioned are great but not a lot fit the original description (from what 2 years ago)
    Also I found that Sweetwater (on a weekend night) is a viable choice, if by neighborhood feel, you mean the locals who live in the high rises in Lakeshore East (that's a neighborhood now right?)
  • Post #70 - June 18th, 2010, 10:14 am
    Post #70 - June 18th, 2010, 10:14 am Post #70 - June 18th, 2010, 10:14 am
    How about further north in the Roger's Park/Edgewater area? That's where I'll be moving soon, and I'll be looking for some good local hangouts...
  • Post #71 - June 18th, 2010, 11:06 am
    Post #71 - June 18th, 2010, 11:06 am Post #71 - June 18th, 2010, 11:06 am
    Kid Charlemagne wrote:How about further north in the Roger's Park/Edgewater area? That's where I'll be moving soon, and I'll be looking for some good local hangouts...


    Here are some nearby. I can't speak to some of the original requirements such as sports/TVs. For me, they are part of the background unless I'm someplace by myself and need the extra entertainment.

    Hop Leaf
    5148 N Clark

    Fireside Restaurant And Lounge
    5739 N Ravenswood

    Heartland Cafe
    7000 N Glenwood Ave

    A relatively new brewpub in the area is Hamburger Mary's (5400 N Clark). I haven't been in though and online reviews are mixed. I believe most say the food is decent pub grub but the beers could be hit-or-miss. I believe they have a pub area with several TVs though.

    Some a little southwest (Lincoln Square) I've either been to or heard good things about are:

    Fountainhead
    1970 W Montrose

    The Bad Apple
    4300 N Lincoln

    I don't think Fountainhead has TVs but they do have a great beer and spirits lineup. The food menu looked good too when I visited.
  • Post #72 - June 18th, 2010, 11:57 am
    Post #72 - June 18th, 2010, 11:57 am Post #72 - June 18th, 2010, 11:57 am
    Kid Charlemagne wrote:How about further north in the Roger's Park/Edgewater area? That's where I'll be moving soon, and I'll be looking for some good local hangouts...

    The Edgewater Lounge is mentioned above and in other places on LTH. Surprisingly good bar food, good beer selection.

    Before moving from Rogers Park to Edgewater, I finally discovered Duke's Hideaway on Glenwood. Wished I had found it earlier. Friendly, neighborhood vibe, eclectic music programming, good beers, regular shot and a beer specials.

    This topic addresses al fresco drinks in Rogers Park.

    Dukes Hideaway
    6920 N. Glenwood Ave.
    (773) 764-2826‎

    Edgewater Lounge
    5600 N. Ashland Ave.
    (773) 878-3343‎
    -Mary
  • Post #73 - June 18th, 2010, 2:25 pm
    Post #73 - June 18th, 2010, 2:25 pm Post #73 - June 18th, 2010, 2:25 pm
    jpreiser wrote:
    Kid Charlemagne wrote:How about further north in the Roger's Park/Edgewater area? That's where I'll be moving soon, and I'll be looking for some good local hangouts...


    Here are some nearby. I can't speak to some of the original requirements such as sports/TVs. For me, they are part of the background unless I'm someplace by myself and need the extra entertainment.

    Hop Leaf
    5148 N Clark

    Fireside Restaurant And Lounge
    5739 N Ravenswood

    Heartland Cafe
    7000 N Glenwood Ave

    A relatively new brewpub in the area is Hamburger Mary's (5400 N Clark). I haven't been in though and online reviews are mixed. I believe most say the food is decent pub grub but the beers could be hit-or-miss. I believe they have a pub area with several TVs though.

    Some a little southwest (Lincoln Square) I've either been to or heard good things about are:

    Fountainhead
    1970 W Montrose

    The Bad Apple
    4300 N Lincoln

    I don't think Fountainhead has TVs but they do have a great beer and spirits lineup. The food menu looked good too when I visited.


    Fountainhead has one TV at the bar. When I was there on Saturday, it was on but the sound was off.
  • Post #74 - June 18th, 2010, 3:37 pm
    Post #74 - June 18th, 2010, 3:37 pm Post #74 - June 18th, 2010, 3:37 pm
    perhaps I missed it, but Simon's is one of my favorite in that area:

    Simon's
    5210 North Clark Street
    Chicago, IL 60640-2102
  • Post #75 - August 31st, 2010, 10:37 am
    Post #75 - August 31st, 2010, 10:37 am Post #75 - August 31st, 2010, 10:37 am
    The Local Option is our favorite place to drink good beer. Check out beermenus.com for a tap list, this is a great resource to find out whats on tap before you head out to any bar. Good bar food and they do have tvs for sports, I think maybe 4 or 5 strategically placed. They are at 1102 W Webster.
    West Lakeview Liquors
    2156 W Addison
    Chicago, IL 60618
  • Post #76 - December 6th, 2018, 6:38 pm
    Post #76 - December 6th, 2018, 6:38 pm Post #76 - December 6th, 2018, 6:38 pm
    geno55 wrote:
    parnellsf wrote:Here's our two cents on the best bars in Chicago for the year ended 2009:

    http://www.chibarproject.com/Features/Best/Best2009.htm

    Let us know what we missed!

    No Bar DeVille, no Whistler, no Tiny Lounge tells me all I need to know about this list.

    North Center Fancy Drink Hideaway Tiny Lounge to Close After 19 Years

    https://chicago.eater.com/2018/12/6/181 ... ar-closing
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #77 - April 29th, 2019, 5:19 pm
    Post #77 - April 29th, 2019, 5:19 pm Post #77 - April 29th, 2019, 5:19 pm
    Santander wrote:
    really cool, well-balanced bars


    a good number of TVs

    On the flipside, finding a sports bar ("good number of TVs") with an engaging, food, and quality brews and wines is tough. Other than the McPubs (Rock Bottom, Dave and Buster's, Seven Ten, Lucky Strike, dare I say one or more of the Goose Island / Cubby Bear locations), I think your best bet might be an independent like Gamekeeper's http://www.gamekeeperschicago.com/).

    After 35 years of college sports, bar food, and drinks until 4 a.m., Gamekeepers Tavern & Grill has closed at the corner of Lincoln, Sedgwick, and Armitage.

    https://chicago.eater.com/2019/4/29/185 ... eal-estate
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #78 - April 29th, 2019, 11:58 pm
    Post #78 - April 29th, 2019, 11:58 pm Post #78 - April 29th, 2019, 11:58 pm
    My current favorite is Christina's at Kedzie and Grace, partly because it's two blocks from my house, but mainly because this Google description:

    snug neighborhood bar offering snacks & beer specials in informal surrounds with a convivial vibe


    is exactly right. Convivial is the perfect word. Worth a stop if you're nearby.

    Christina's Place
    3759 N Kedzie
    (773) 463-1768
  • Post #79 - April 30th, 2019, 10:13 am
    Post #79 - April 30th, 2019, 10:13 am Post #79 - April 30th, 2019, 10:13 am
    My Bride and I had a very satisfying post dinner visit to the LTH favorite and GNB...

    Weegee's Lounge
    3659 W Armitage Ave, Chicago

    Not much has changed, dimly lit, nicely mixed cocktails, nice drink menu, no TV's.

    D531A12D-A72E-45E1-9C3C-62E3A1D72450.jpeg

    Didn't see the owner (Alex?) there (midweek visit) but the bartender did a fine job. Modest crowd.

    Still worthy!
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #80 - July 17th, 2019, 9:26 am
    Post #80 - July 17th, 2019, 9:26 am Post #80 - July 17th, 2019, 9:26 am
    If you ever venture out to Riverside, IL try Mollie's Public House. Its very British/Irish pub in appeal in every way and they have good bar food, excellent burgers. Quincy Street Distillery is a quirky cocktail type bar too, worth a visit. The James Joyce in Berwyn also has its adherents, I've never been there because they don't serve food.
    Toria

    "I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it" - As You Like It,
    W. Shakespeare
  • Post #81 - July 17th, 2019, 11:40 am
    Post #81 - July 17th, 2019, 11:40 am Post #81 - July 17th, 2019, 11:40 am
    toria wrote:If you ever venture out to Riverside, IL try Mollie's Public House. Its very British/Irish pub in appeal in every way and they have good bar food, excellent burgers. ...

    Mollie's Public House
    31 Forest Ave, Riverside

    We went with hopes of authentic Irish food but the offerings were weak in both space on the menu and quality. Bar food and burgers dominated the menu.

    I might stop by and give their burgers a whirl.

    For better food (and maybe atmosphere) give...

    Irish Times
    8869 Burlington Ave, Brookfield

    ... a whirl. They have a strong selection of authentic Irish items on menu.

    At any given time the bar will be busy with patrons tossing back Guinness.
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #82 - October 10th, 2020, 8:32 pm
    Post #82 - October 10th, 2020, 8:32 pm Post #82 - October 10th, 2020, 8:32 pm
    Anyone have any intel on Huettenbar in Lincoln Square? Their phone does not appear in service and the website is not active. I am specifically not entering this on the Opening & Closing page, because I don't have any specific information, and I haven't walked by to check for signage, but the inability to contact them and speculation on a neighborhood Facebook page is worrisome
  • Post #83 - October 10th, 2020, 8:38 pm
    Post #83 - October 10th, 2020, 8:38 pm Post #83 - October 10th, 2020, 8:38 pm
    Smassey wrote:Anyone have any intel on Huettenbar in Lincoln Square? Their phone does not appear in service and the website is not active. I am specifically not entering this on the Opening & Closing page, because I don't have any specific information, and I haven't walked by to check for signage, but the inability to contact them and speculation on a neighborhood Facebook page is worrisome

    The Google shows it as permanently closed.
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #84 - October 10th, 2020, 8:53 pm
    Post #84 - October 10th, 2020, 8:53 pm Post #84 - October 10th, 2020, 8:53 pm
    Dave148 wrote:
    Smassey wrote:Anyone have any intel on Huettenbar in Lincoln Square? Their phone does not appear in service and the website is not active. I am specifically not entering this on the Opening & Closing page, because I don't have any specific information, and I haven't walked by to check for signage, but the inability to contact them and speculation on a neighborhood Facebook page is worrisome

    The Google shows it as permanently closed.

    That was my assumption, but didn't have confirmation. Their last FB post advertising carryout options was September 26, so this appears abrupt. At the least, it is a reminder of how slim the margins are for most small businesses, with a very thin line between survival and closure
  • Post #85 - February 10th, 2021, 7:33 pm
    Post #85 - February 10th, 2021, 7:33 pm Post #85 - February 10th, 2021, 7:33 pm
    Sadly yes to Smassey and Dave148, I have that gut feeling they did close for good. I also noticed they had taken down their exterior sign, sometime in October or fall of last year. :(

    It's sad, that I have this big fear that all the business hours reductions and temporary closings due to COVID will kill off a lot of mom and pop bars. :( Another example was Guthrie's on Addison west of Clark, which closed in July 2020. I'm glad I did a final visit there, right after the closing announcement that month. Honestly I'm a little more bummed about Huettenbar shutting down, since I didn't even get a final visit into there in 2020 before they closed for good.

    Someone else in this thread mentioned Irish Times in Brookfield, and thankfully I can report they are still open. This past December though at the time they weren't open for dine-in and were closing earlier than usual(9pm due to COVID business hour of operation reductions they were doing since their business was way down), I got takeout food there since we came from Brookfield Zoo's equivalent event to the Lincoln Park Zoolights. The food I got was pretty good, and I'd gladly go back. Once the weather warms up a little(at least back to 20s and 30s highs), and since indoor dining/drinking is now allowed again in Illinois, maybe I'll revisit there later on. Potentially in spring of this year.

    Nearly forgot to talk about Fountainhead, that was ANOTHER great bar. I'm not sure why someone else posted that they didn't have TVs, since they DEFINTELY did in both their inside and outdoor(rooftop) patio areas. Sadly they closed this past November, but from what I heard from talking to employees there that the owner is eventually planning to open a new restaurant/bar in that space down the road. Also, the new restaurant/bar will still have the whiskey collection that Fountainhead had, over so many years. I think Fountainhead Market(their beer to go store and etc) was going to remain open for now, though.

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