Tag Archives: Chicago
Bluebird | Wicker Park, Chicago
So, I didn’t actually drink here, but I think I got a pretty good feel for it. We stepped in on a Saturday night and the hostess took a name for our group of five and informed us it’d be a 20 minute wait. We scanned the crowd dressed entirely in shades of black, gray [...]
Old Timer’s | The Loop, Chicago
I haven’t seen the snowmobile parking spots myself, but they must exist. How else can you rationalize the blaze orange and camouflage and Starter jackets? It doesn’t make any sense without it. * * * I’m at Old Timer’s with two of my coworkers. We’re in the minority — this is a blue collar bar [...]
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 [...]
Violet Hour | Wicker Park, Chicago
Less is more. So true. You know what you’re doing, you don’t need choices. Make everybody the same perfect drink. Start to slide? Bring on choice. Like a Denny’s or an Olive Garden — too damn many food choices. Violet Hour is starting to slide. And it’s too bad. I don’t line up to drink. [...]
Burwood Tap | Lincoln Park, Chicago
I hate this place. I cannot be more clear. I hate it more because it should be great. It should be a neighborhood bar with regulars in overalls and cheap beer and jovial, coarse barmaidens (with ample cleavage). It should be the place where your usual is getting poured as you walk in after work. [...]
Club Lago | Near North Side, Chicago
If you get a 16-ounce drink at a bar, it should be a beer. If it’s a martini, leave. Say goodbye to the Cheesecake Factory, or wherever you happen to be, it’s a shithole. Cocktails are supposed to be 1) strong and 2) not huge. Ever wonder why Hemmingway was able to down so many [...]
Weather Mark Tavern | South Loop, Chicago