Enjoy a cold one at a Windy City dive bar.
From working Joe's to college kids who don't fit in with the chic and trendy crowd, some folks just prefer a hole-in-the-wall kind of place.They are affordable, casual and there is something comforting about the overall worn-out quality. If you are in the Chicago area, you'll find dive bars in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ed and Jean's
Feel right at home in cozy Ed and Jean's, a Bucktown neighborhood staple for over 50 years. Ed and Jean's has the feeling of small town bar. The interior is full of second-hand curios and the walls are wood-paneled. Customers can pick songs on the jukebox and enjoy a game of pool on the undersized pool table. Beer and cocktails--including dollar lemon drops--are available, however no food service is offered.
Ed and Jean's
2032 W. Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
no phone
O'Lanagan's
Head to the Lakeview area of town and kick back with the older neighborhood folks and longtime bartender Olga at O'Lanagan's. OLanagan's has beer, cocktails and serves food at lunchtime. As of 2010, a burger costs about $3. Cigar smokers are also welcome in this dive bar. Old-time country and western music is a popular jukebox choice and the pool table, where groups of guys like to gather and chew the fat, shows the signs of a lot of love.
O'Lanagan's
2335 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
773-583-2252
Big Joe's
In Lincoln Square, Big Joe's is a mellow, no-frills bar that can get fairly rowdy during Friday night turtle races and when there is a Bear's game on TV. For optimum game watching, the bar is equipped with three televisions. With two floors, Big Joe's is a fairly spacious establishment and also has pool tables, dartboards and a jukebox with selections ranging from country music to hip-hop. Live music and DJs are also occasionally featured.
Big Joe's
1818 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
773-784-8755
Kildare's
Situated in the Albany Park neighborhood is Kildare's, which is located behind the liquor store of the same name. Kildare's is a spacious environment with an upbeat but laid back atmosphere. While having a drink at the bar, guests can also order classic, American tavern-fare. Ribs are the restaurants specialty. Kildare's periodically features live music but Saturday nights are reserved for karaoke.
Kildare's Liquor and Restaurant
4300 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60686
773-777-7033
Memories
Punk rockers and other proud misfits will feel right at home at Memories in Portage Park. This dive bar is crowded, messy and loud--and don't be surprised if you encounter a scuffle or two between patrons. Live bands, including alternative, punk and Goth bands, are featured regularly. When there is no live music, heavy metal songs from the likes of Megadeth and Pantera are popular jukebox selections.
Memories
4358 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
773-286-8640
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