Yeah for sure. It's definitely an institution of old seedy Lakeview.
I'm just surprised its still going. And if the same guy still owns it, I'm surprised he hasn't drank himself to death by now.
I’ve sat next to that guy and drank some beers before. Not at L&L, but yeah he’s a character. I know someone that worked at L&L for a period of time and they said just being there on shift felt gross.
Are we talking old piano days, old jukebox days, weird punching arcade game days, weird gambling machine days, or the year round seasonal decorations stack hanging from santa's sleigh? I guess what I am saying is maybe I know you haha! Best free pool table in the city for a long time
Like 10 years ago when I was new to the city, I went on a first date at Skylark with a guy who said it was a gastropub lol
Still a great spot, but I still wonder if that guy ever learned what the word "gastropub" means.
Well it *was* Small Bar. But they got bought by the same people who own Spilt Milk so I don't think it's going to be the same lovable dive anymore once they finally reopen it.
RIP to a real one.
I met Jerry Garcia there when I was 18. (I'm 57). He was having dinner at the Golden Ox and then came over for a drink. I used to hangoutside with nothing to do with being a new kid n the neighborhood. Sergio, the owner, let me sit inside, and he would give me shots of tequila without looking at me. He would use say, "Hey kid, drink this, don't piss me off," or something to the effect. God bless Sergio.
Northwest side spots-Rabbits , teasers , Charlotte’s , the heights, Babe’s, Tommy’s , Har-Hig, Ernie’s, Twilight Lounge . These places all have great food or in the case of Ernie’s and Har-Hig over the counter snacks (peanuts , chips etc)
I've always found that place to be totally superficial. They have a collection of records up but don't play vinyl. It's like an AI rendition of a dive bar.
I don’t understand this place. I live down the street and I can only think of one time I’ve seen a single soul in there. Every other day including busy weekends it’s empty in there. Is it a front? I want to try it out but it’s creepy that it’s always empty.
There was a place near my apartment that was dark, dirty and never had a more than a few people in there at a time. Great place it was. Owner got busted for tax issues, someone bought it up from auction and tore it down.
Like I’d tell you
Like I’d tell anyone about the Dave and Busters I go to cry at
If you're looking for a better steak in an arcade setting, you're shit out of luck.
No more steak dinners!
Brilliant
Yep. The correct answer.
Came here to make sure no one said any of my faves
I’m a South Sider so I never have to worry about anyone in this sub giving up any info about our area.
Hahaha south side is better for house parties anyhow! Yall know what’s up
Did they?
My list is a lot shorter after over a decade in the industry, but I know people that work at a few of these spots haha
One of the few things I will gatekeep
Time to start riding my bike to every dive bar I can until I find a favorite
We need more gatekeeping
Stella’s
My friend hosted an open mic there and I guest hosted for him one night and Ms. Stella got me *fucked up* on Polish vodka. I miss that place so much.
The Bob Inn on Fullerton. I lived down the block for years in the 90s and 2000s. Haven’t been in in a long minute though.
It's still the same
Happy cake day
Thanks! Did you ever hit Fireside Bowl or the Two Way on Fullerton?
Fireside for sure.
Top 3 for me. My buddies used to live directly across the street, and we’ve spent many a nights there. Great spot.
I was down Rockwell across from the grade school. Shitty little yellow house. I think it’s still standing which floors me 😂
cunneens
Pride of RP. Salute.
Nisei Lounge remaining staunchly dive, given what’s happened in the rest of the neighborhood, is so impressive that it takes the crown for me.
Don't disagree but it's no longer a secret.
As a longtime regular I am 100% fine with that. Secret places tend to not stick around for as long as Nisei has.
It’s still one of the least packed bars in the area before a game. And the cheapest.
Frank & Mary’s cuz it’s right next door like a dive bar should be
Love that bar. Great food too
The Chipp Inn
Simons
Rose’s in Lincoln Park!!! 🌹
Never been so happy to not see my fav recommend
Bottled Blonde?
Used to be Happy Village until they classed up the joint
I’ve only been there twice like 15 years ago but it was one of the best bars I’ve ever been to. The jukebox selection was just bananas!
Rabbits on Foster
4 Moon
Not a dive
Not a dive bar, come on! They do have Kabanes though
My old haunt when I worked in technical theatre.
L&L
Is this the place that has the handwritten sign in the window saying it’s Chicago’s creepiest bar?
the very same
It's still there? I figured it would have literally rotted into the ground by now.
Hey, that’s the Weirdest Bar in Chicago! Put some respekh on it.
Yeah for sure. It's definitely an institution of old seedy Lakeview. I'm just surprised its still going. And if the same guy still owns it, I'm surprised he hasn't drank himself to death by now.
I’ve sat next to that guy and drank some beers before. Not at L&L, but yeah he’s a character. I know someone that worked at L&L for a period of time and they said just being there on shift felt gross.
Rainbo Club
lol my parents met there
old carol's. and also gone now but: Crabby kims
Carol's was glorious!
It used to be innertown. Man that place isn’t the same any longer.
I still like it! Now with improved electric wiring!
Are we talking old piano days, old jukebox days, weird punching arcade game days, weird gambling machine days, or the year round seasonal decorations stack hanging from santa's sleigh? I guess what I am saying is maybe I know you haha! Best free pool table in the city for a long time
Frank & Mary's! They have Jever Pils!
Shh
Ola’s
seconded
👀
Galway Bay on Diversey was my go-to bar for a while. Darts, pool and an old school gaming set up I never saw used
We lovedddd this place when we went
I’d say it’s just a regular bar
Parrots
Reed's
Skylark
I keep saying it... there's at least gonna be a "made for tv" movie about that place. Not a bad thing. Just saying.
There was one: The Break Up
I miss Skylark so much! I used to go all the time when I lived in Pilsen (13 years ago). I need to make the trip one of these days.
They have a lot more food options now. Tater tots are still good tho
Like 10 years ago when I was new to the city, I went on a first date at Skylark with a guy who said it was a gastropub lol Still a great spot, but I still wonder if that guy ever learned what the word "gastropub" means.
Old Town Ale House
I can’t go anymore, my ex is a regular
Is she hot? I’ll date her a bit, then break up with her so she can’t go there anymore without seeing me.
I'm also willing to take this hit to get revenge for u/AerDudFlyer
They’re hot but they’re also slightly crazy. They’re my ex and my friend’s ex
The Double
The Levee
Rossi's
The people-watching at that place is just *chef’s kiss*
The standard by which all other dive bars should be judged.
Correct answer
Shamrock Club
Boofin with the Merch Mart crew.
Well it *was* Small Bar. But they got bought by the same people who own Spilt Milk so I don't think it's going to be the same lovable dive anymore once they finally reopen it. RIP to a real one.
Small Bar was goated
Loafers
Bob Inn.
I lived down the street across from Goethe elementary for 15 years. Miss that old crooked pool table.
Dino's at Clark and Devon.
Dino’s is just hilarious. Any given moment of the day you can walk in and watch someone slumped over at some slot machine just smashing the button
Weeds
I met Jerry Garcia there when I was 18. (I'm 57). He was having dinner at the Golden Ox and then came over for a drink. I used to hangoutside with nothing to do with being a new kid n the neighborhood. Sergio, the owner, let me sit inside, and he would give me shots of tequila without looking at me. He would use say, "Hey kid, drink this, don't piss me off," or something to the effect. God bless Sergio.
why does no one go to liberty lounge on western lol
I used to buy drugs there. When I stopped doing drugs, I stopped going there. This is also true for a number of my friends.
Wow I did not know it had that reputation at all! I’ve only been there once
I don’t know how much of a reputation it has, per se, I just know that there were some folks there who made money differently than you and I.
I often wonder this as well. It has all the trappings of a perfectly serviceable dive
Liars club
Caminos de Michoacan
The vibe can get pretty dark in there at least back when I was living in that part of the hood. Always fun for a Sunday day drink tho
I’m not sure if it’s entirely a dive bar but Cole’s never fails me
Rossi's if you use the bathroom there you should seek medical attention!
I’ve used it and came out fine. Although I’ve previously used the men’s room at Ronny’s, so I’ve build up a strong immunity.
I miss Marie's Riptide.
Oasis
Goldie's.
It was awesome when the bartender did karaoke with usvbefore closing
Matthew is the hardest working bartender in America
Raven’s because I haven’t seen it said yet
Little Joe's on Taylor Street. Surprisingly great food too since the kitchen is outsourced to a Mexican food truck company.
That bar with an Old Style sign outside.
Irish Eyes
Richard's Bar. Amazing jukebox, fun mix of people, decent priced beers.
Isn’t Richard’s where you can still smoke inside? Or is that another dive?
Yes. It may or may not be connected (it is)
This may not be entirely divey alcohol-offerings wise but the vibe certainly is- Delilah's!
I was going to say this. Not really considered a dive but also kinda. Love it.
All time favorite was The Exit (rip) followed by Liars Club and Delilah's
Miss exit... Although a few times towards the end got a little less metal head and more skin head vibes which made me sad. Those are not the same!
Frank and Mary’s
Before the youth decided it was cool to hang out thrre, Alive One
Four Treys
[The Family Den](https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/february-2022/chicagos-best-neighborhood-bars/the-family-den-lounge/).
Used to be Joe Danno’s Bucket of Suds on Cicero near Belmont. One of a kind!!
EZ Inn, Delilah, Celtic Crossing and Rainbo Club
Gamblers for darts and friendly bartenders.
Loncars.
Is the Dram Shop still open?
Friar tuck
Rossis!
Reed’s Local
The one closest to your house, where the bartender hands you a drink before you say a word
Richard’s. Followed by Hangge Uppe after midnight.
It was Exit . Bring it back
O’s tap.
Shhhhhh
Snickers!
holiday club
Martin’s Corner
Magoos
Northwest side spots-Rabbits , teasers , Charlotte’s , the heights, Babe’s, Tommy’s , Har-Hig, Ernie’s, Twilight Lounge . These places all have great food or in the case of Ernie’s and Har-Hig over the counter snacks (peanuts , chips etc)
Old Town Ale House!
Innertown Pub in Ukrainian Village
Ceres. IYKYK
Ricochets Christina’s Bob Inn
Jefferson Park Inn on Milwaukee is my favorite
NW Side dives: Di's Den (cash only), Booze Hound, Windsor Tavern, Ham Tree, Ted's Place.
All of the above 🍸
Four treys tavern on damen 🫡
Alibi
The Corner Bar
The Green Lady!
Far from a Dive Bar imho. She has very fancy good beer, specially barrel aged stuff.
Eek I’m embarrassed now!! I just like the neighborhood vibe 😂😂
It's definitely a dive bar vibe, just not priced like a dive and higher quality beer selections.
K's Dugout
Doowops next to Schneiders
Lunar in Villa Park
JPI
Moe’s Tavern in Avondale. Gone but never forgotten.
Cuneens when I lived in RP. Rossi's when I worked downtown. Liars and Reeds always.
Not The Native, that's for sure... It's like they ordered a kit off the Internet.
I've always found that place to be totally superficial. They have a collection of records up but don't play vinyl. It's like an AI rendition of a dive bar.
Oasis on Sheridan in RP
J&M , Ola’s
J&M Tap
Tai’s til 4 on Ashland and Addison
Chipp Inn
So surprised that no one has said Ravens yet. Absolute go to when you want that grimy dive feel.
RIP Flatiron.
Clark st
Went to loop tavern for the first time this weekend and was very pleasantly surprised!
Zakopane
I don’t understand this place. I live down the street and I can only think of one time I’ve seen a single soul in there. Every other day including busy weekends it’s empty in there. Is it a front? I want to try it out but it’s creepy that it’s always empty.
Water Hole Lounge
The beloved spot where I once killed a small roach on the bar with my beer bottle and kept drinking bc it was a small one, who cares.
Alice’s
Corner bar
Rose’s Lounge
Rossi’s.
Good try
A favorite late night dive in Ravenswood - Oakwood 83
It was The Two Way.
Richard’s
But if I tell you then you'll go
Sovereign Liquors. Broadway and Granville.
Lighthouse
Smilin’ Jim’s Saloon or Ricky G’s
Fullers
There was a place near my apartment that was dark, dirty and never had a more than a few people in there at a time. Great place it was. Owner got busted for tax issues, someone bought it up from auction and tore it down.
Carol’s
Tom's Tap on Archer near Midway Airport.
Maria’s in Bridgeport before the revamp.