A concept bar (I didn’t realize this for a long time, the three Chicago locations probably should have tipped me off, but I think that speaks to the quality of the place. I’ll also go out on a limb here and say this review is interchangeable for all three of those, and maybe the rest of them around the country too). It’s done up in what most people think of as a traditional English style, complete with exposed brick, wooden bar and brass fixtures.
The bar is quite popular with the young professional crowd that works in the offices surrounding it, so get here before 5 if you like sitting down with your drink. It offers a vast selection of scotch and beers, with an emphasis on brews from the British Isles. I’m always happy to find some solid Belgian beers on tap rotating through as well (the Leffe Abbey Ale I had recently was gorgeous, and even served in the proper glass). The bartenders know what they’re doing, and are as good as any place I’ve been in the city.
As with most bars run by a committee hundreds or even thousands of miles away, The Elephant and Castle is consistent and high-quality if contrived. I can’t really find an obvious fault, the place is just a little boring. The music is too loud, too. So, combine that with the full house and you’ll be doing more yelling than talking. As a result, this is a good bar to drink alone in, lost in the crowd.
Elephant and Castle | The Loop, Chicago
A concept bar (I didn’t realize this for a long time, the three Chicago locations probably should have tipped me off, but I think that speaks to the quality of the place. I’ll also go out on a limb here and say this review is interchangeable for all three of those, and maybe the rest of them around the country too). It’s done up in what most people think of as a traditional English style, complete with exposed brick, wooden bar and brass fixtures.
The bar is quite popular with the young professional crowd that works in the offices surrounding it, so get here before 5 if you like sitting down with your drink. It offers a vast selection of scotch and beers, with an emphasis on brews from the British Isles. I’m always happy to find some solid Belgian beers on tap rotating through as well (the Leffe Abbey Ale I had recently was gorgeous, and even served in the proper glass). The bartenders know what they’re doing, and are as good as any place I’ve been in the city.
As with most bars run by a committee hundreds or even thousands of miles away, The Elephant and Castle is consistent and high-quality if contrived. I can’t really find an obvious fault, the place is just a little boring. The music is too loud, too. So, combine that with the full house and you’ll be doing more yelling than talking. As a result, this is a good bar to drink alone in, lost in the crowd.