Been here a good number of times and I like the place. Sure it's a bit out of the way, but the fireplace and Irish beer keep you warm in the winter. The music and bartender's irish drawl make you think you might be in ireland and the food is excellent. Unfortunately, it seems to me like the place is shutting down...one of the few reliable bars in my neighborhood might not make it. Was in here today and the kitchen was closed...food was being ordered from a nearby italian joint. It was quite sad really...I hope this place makes it, but sadly, I don't think it will be the only one of my haunts not to make it through these tough times. If you like this place, get your butt in there.
(4)
Jolene R.
I love this place. The food is excellent and Guinness is fantastic. The owner and staff are very friendly. It does get very noisy and crowded, so we always leave as soon as the band starts setting up, but I'll be the first to admit that I prefer a quiet pub to a noisy one and Atlantic offers the best of both worlds. I get my quiet pub until 7 or 8PM, then the noisier crowd gets their hopping boisterous pub into the wee hours. Win-win.
(4)
Parker L.
We just moved into the area and have spent a few nights at the atlantic. I have to say that we have enjoyed going. Food and specials are great. (for the exception of their beef skewers which I think were raw and cold when I got them - which is why I took off a star). But otherwise very good.
(4)
Katherine K.
Great bar, great staff. We threw an engagement party in the back room and it was awesome. Everyone was super laid back - we brought our own music, decorated, and there was a fridge to store the goodies. Thank you Carl and everyone for your hospitality. Their house Atlantic beer was great as well! Would recommend the backroom for parties!
(5)
Mark L.
Went to this bar the other night. The waitress there is this little redhead who is sooooooo FINE!! She was very sweet too and made sure we were always taken care of. I would go to this place again and again just to see her! Besides that, the place is cool...check it out.
(5)
Kelly G.
My husband and I went here last week for the first time. We sat right next to the fireplace, which was sooooo nice. The food was surprisingly good and the service was decent. It was a bit empty for a Thursday evening, but considering how freezing cold it was outside, I'm not surprised.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
I stopped in the Atlantic after a plug from my co-worker insisting I tried it out. I'm happy I did. I really enjoyed this pub and will be back in the near future. I went in with a girlfriend I hadn't seen in quite some time to catch up and it was a perfect spot. We ordered a few pints of smithwicks and just chatted for a few hours. The place is clean and the environment is inviting. The staff is super friendly and the bartender also seemed to know his stuff. We had just grabbed dinner so I didn't get a chance to try the food, but what I saw others ordering looked pretty good, so I will definitely give the dinner menu a glance next time I stop in.
(4)
Joe B.
All I have to say is Welcome to the Neighborhood!! This is right next to the White Hen Pantry on Lincoln Avenue, North of Lawrence. If you live around here you know that there is nothing else like this place North of Lawrence and West of Western. Nice Irish Pub with above average bar food that skews towards the seafood side of things. Fish Fry, Crab Cakes, Calamari and the usualy burgers and chicken sandwiches. All of it done in a sort of upscale bar food manner. The biggest surprise is how much they have done with the space. It's very comfortable with a fireplace in front and a pool table in the back room. Lots of dark wood and it looks like they spent a lot of money on the bar. It's been pretty full with locals, so I hope they can keep it up. Also, they have live Irish music on the weekends and other entertainment during the week.
(4)
D R.
I visited the Atlantic when it first opened and discovered that the Irish owner knows first hand about Irish pubs. Almost as if planning for the future, this place has supplanted a Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville quality bar into the north-of-Lawrence Lincoln corridor. I keep going back because of friendly staff. They also have food, the Atlantic salmon is good, and the Shepard's pie is hearty. Don't forget to ask for the daily specials. Evident true Irish culture and friendliness has echoes of certain south side Irish bars, but these are Cub fans and everyone is welcome. This place is ideal for locals in this area, but also draws the international crowd seeking a true Irish pub. (Which football is on today?) It's modern and new in terms of flatscreen tv's but old fashioned in the ways of tending bar. There is plenty of space for private parties or high volume nights in the back, which is a cross between a game room and speakeasy. Darts, foosball, "bags" in the summer, softball teams, mmm beer...
(4)
Amanda G.
We went to Atlantic Bar last weekend and had a good time. The bar is divided into 2 rooms--the front area, which has the traditional wood bar and was packed with people, and then there was the back room, which was big and empty and cold and felt unattached to the rest of the bar. Nevertheless, I don't hold it against them. I was happy to get a seat. The pool table was fun and the service was great. The patrons had a bit of a "hooligan" attitude, but it was charming.....or something like that.
(4)
Rebecca H.
Come for the fish & chips but stay for the company! I have been missing this place since I moved out of Lincoln Square but it's about time I make my way back. Great service, reasonable prices and a very relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
Valerie W.
We came into the Atlantic on a Friday night for karaoke and a late dinner. Karaoke starts at 9, so we arrived right around that time. There are probably 6-10 tables as well as a large bar, so it is definitely a smaller, neighborhood feel to it, which I like. Seamus was the server and bartender. It would probably be helpful to have a server and a bartender on nights when the Atlantic will get busy, like karaoke, because as soon as it began to fill up, Seamus was no longer able to come to our table to refill drinks or even bus the table. We don't mind having to go to the bar for drinks, but having dirty plates sitting for hours was a little off-putting. Maybe they were having an off night, because the food was pretty meh as well, and left much to be desired. The fish in the fish and chips and fish sandwich didn't seem fresh and lacked flavor. The chicken fingers were definitely frozen - my boyfriend's comment "they're FLAT." The fries were the only good part, really. Karaoke was a blast, and the kjay knows what he's doing and how to keep a crowd entertained. We will absolutely be back for karaoke, but maybe eat at home or somewhere else first. My only other criticism was that there was no air conditioning, and there was only one very small window open at the front of the bar. It was stifling in there.
(3)
Jessica G.
Really friendly, down to earth, hole in the wall place. The food is pretty ok, with the fish n chips being a standout good choice. Come on Sunday evenings for folk music jam, on Fridays for non-judgmental karaoke.
(4)
Kelly C.
The Atlantic Grill is a great local bar run by the best of folks. Every time I come in here they remember me even if it's been months. When I first moved to Chicago I looked for the first Irish pub I could find. Like a light in the distance I saw the flag and I was not disappointed! Cal poured me a shot to welcome me to the neighborhood and I've loved the place ever since. Their food is also great! Go for the stew with a Jameson on the rocks and you'll be one happy camper.
(5)
Robert S.
The food is great and the owner and staff couldn't be any nicer. But, I never see any review about their entertainment! We swing by nearly every Friday night for Karaoke...great song selection, a great and professional host who keeps the night moving. There is GREAT karaoke on Lincoln Avenue and this is where to find it!
(5)
Diana R.
Seriously took over an hour to get our poutine fries, it's only fries with gravy, what the heck! Not a good bar
(2)
Michael H.
Cool bar up on North Lincoln Ave with a TRUE Euro/Irish feel! The owner is behind the bar making sure everything is running smooth and offering a drink or shot to the regs. They do a "Fish Fry" on Fridays which is quite good and authentic, great batter! Good beer selections on tap with an emphasis on European Brew such as Carlsberg, etc. Gets pretty crowded on Fridays for the fry so be prepared to wait a bit! A tad on the expensive side but the food is of good quality....get dat did
(4)
Dougie M.
This is a cute place, we went Saturday at 5pm, it was pretty empty - but I can imagine it being busy later on. Really nice space, fireplace as well. Food was good, we had these 'Shepard pie nachos' - they were a little well, different but good! Fish and chips were good too. The owner was working and was really really friendly - definitely made us want to go back again. Felt like a really happy place!
(4)
Venessa F.
I was impressed by the review via Yelp so set out for this place on a nice Fridzay evening by foot. From the outside the place looked like a two level bar which interested my beer garden love but there was no such outdoor area. There was live music so I knew conversation was out of the question but the music wasn't terrible. A band called Slate that's been around for over 30 years, in fact, was playing genres all over the map. There's a very impressive drink selection and I was happy to see hard cider as a choice, as well as hard root beer on tap- ($10 for a root beer that was too sweet to finish). There are many activities such as bowling, fooz ball, pool, "video crack" machines and a wide variety of people to chat with. Had I not been sweating from the lack of air, perhaps I would have tried.
(4)
Erin E.
huh. i thought i liked this place. while it doesn't totally suck-- the food is pretty decent-- there are similar establishments where i'd rather spend my time (brownstone, mrs. murphy & sons). it felt a little... grimy. and even with a $25 off from restaurant.com , we still dropped some cash up in here. (i guess 3 drinks per person plus entrees will do that, but still.) i'm crossin' this one off my list.
(2)
Yvonne B.
We loved this place. I found it on Yelp when I searched for "bars cute men" and this place was .2 miles from our restaurant. Yelp was spot on too! Atlantic Bar & Grill is an Irish bar that has about five televisions showing different sports on each. Even though rugby wasn't one of the sports we could tell that Atlantic Bar & Grill is a big fan. They had rugby stuff on the walls. Anyway, the televisions were easy to see but weren't distracting from our conversation. The bar had a lively din but was not so loud where I couldn't easily hear my friends. Later, they told me that I was Drunky McDrunkerson and speaking loud enough for the whole bar to hear me talk about my Leprechaun friend and which guys I thought were hot enough for my sister. HOW embarrassing. ANYWAY, our server guy was Irish and I loved him to pieces. He was funny and on top of things. He didn't seem to mind me calling him my Leprechaun if it's true that the whole bar could hear me saying that. We all liked our drinks. We also liked the cheese fries and the curry tater tots. My sister liked her Ruben sandwich. There were hot men to be seen but not in such quantities that it was intimidating. In fact, the vibe of the bar was really familial and casual. When we first walked in there was a young woman holding a baby with a toddler in a stroller (heck - I thought I'd walked into The Alibi Room in "Shameless"). We all loved it and want to go back. SO - if anyone from Atlantic Bar & Grill reads this, I am sorry for speaking in such a loud voice and I promise to speak more appropriately next time. I hope that I didn't offend anyone. P.S. My sister LOVED that she could park for free in the parking lot next door. The lot belongs to Atlantic Bar & Grill.
(5)
Whitney J.
I love you, Atlantic. Returned again for another drink meet up with a gal pal. This place is great. The atmosphere and noise level were PERFECT. I so appreciated that I didn't have to shout to be heard by a friend sitting right next to me. Service was great, and the food smelled amazing. I'll have to order some grub next time I'm in.
(5)
Dan B.
This place is the best example that I can think of for a pub done right, I absolutely love this place! The staff here are very friendly, and treat each patron well. All manner of traditional Irish cuisine is available from the kitchen, and is extremely well prepared and delicious. And, as if that weren't enough, the drinks prepared behind the bar match the exceptional quality of the food served. Additionally, if you are a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, this is the place for you (and me)! They are open for nearly every Spurs fixture, and the atmosphere on matchday is electric. In summary, you would be hard pressed to find a better pub in Chicago. The Atlantic is my absolute favorite! COYS
(5)
Andre W.
Great bar to celebrate a friend's b'day on a frosty Saturday night. It was a little tight in the front area near the door but we definitely made it work with a nice sized group. I noticed there was a huge room in the back that seemed to accommodate huge bday parties. The guy that seemed to manage/own the place was very nice as he hooked us up with a free round of shots as we told him we were celebrating a b'day. They have a pretty nice beer selection and a really good staff. Would def check thick this place out again!
(4)
Arden H.
One of the top 5 Irish pubs in the city. Plus they have Karaoke on Friday nights, which is always a blast. Great bangers and mash! Good selection of beer and whiskey. Friendly people.
(5)
Kellie M.
Love this place! Service is super friendly! Everyone that works here treats you like family. The food is very unique for a bar and really really good! It's very real "Irish Pub".
(5)
SarA M.
no hipsters in this bar...
(5)
Keith A.
Boxing day was my first trip to the Atlantic Bar & Grill. Why is that significant, because there are always English Premier League matches played on Boxing day of course. I started off my day at the Globe with my life being quickly aged by United's piss poor defense, but from there it was to meet a Spurs supporting friend of mine at the Atlantic. And that's where the fun really begins. See, the Atlantic is a Spurs bar. Now, you don't have to be a spurs supporter to come here, but this is where Chicago's critical mass of spurs supporters like to watch their matches. I've experienced this group before at the Globe, so I knew how much fun I was gonna be in for. Only now, they're funnier and louder which means that they're even more fun. As a neutral I was absolutely loving it as this kind of passion is what the beautiful game brings. The service was better than could be expected. There were like 50 people there with only 1 guy tending bar. Still, it wasn't hard to get a beer or put in a food order. With every person there wanting a beer (or four) and him being the only one, I have to tip my cap and say: sir, you killed it. The beer selection was very good. It was mostly midwest based, but certainly had a craft focus without anything being too obscure. While the selection wasn't massive, it hit all the right points which is all that can really be asked IMO. I need to come here again to watch a Spurs match when there isn't a conflict. I had a complete blast and was loving every second of it. It's one of those things where if you can't have some sort of fun watching this passion, then you're probably a vampire or someone who sucks. Since I don't suck, I wholeheartedly approve of the Atlantic.
(4)
Kathleen E.
I love a quaint Irish bar. Good people, laughs, drink, food and music. The only thing is I wish they were closer to the square. Either way it's a great place to go and they run a lot of events. ENJOY and GO IRISH!!!
(4)
Ann M.
Possibly my new favorite place in the area. My roommate and I went here on a Tuesday night for some dinner. We were greeted by the bartender who I believe might own the place (I am only assuming because he was telling us about all the things that happen each day like karaoke and improv plus he had an Irish accent). He was super friendly and accommodating. I decided to try the tater tots and cheese and of course they were delicious. We sat right next to the fire place and big screen TV, it was perfect. Very cozy and relaxing. We came back another time for some karaoke and sang "gettin jiggy with it"... possibly a huge mistake as it sounded terrible but people seemed to enjoy it because everyone was hammered like ourselves. We live just down the street from this place so we will definitely be coming back again. It's a great place, I recommend you check it out!
(4)
Jack P.
I had only been here once before for a drink in the evening a few years back. And I joked with my friend as we sat there alone around noon on a Tuesday, that we could rob the place blind, as there seemed to be no-one around. But he was hesitant to start a life of crime at the age of eighty-eight. Then a young chap emerged from the back. At the same time, three other patrons arrived, took a table near us, and one gent sat at the bar. They have a Monday through Friday lunch special of any sandwich on the menu with salad or soup for $8. We thought we'd check it out. It's kind of an odd special in that you save just a buck from the menu prices, but you do get a starter. Apparently, the old $5 lunch items are a thing of the past. Understandable. Well, it soon became clear that the guy I figured might be the busser was that and more. He was the bartender, the server and the cook! And inspite of this, he seemed happy, as I asked if he was "holding down the fort." So of course I thought we should prepare for a long wait. We both ordered the tuna melt, having had a tuna salad conversation earlier in the car. Came with a salad. Ordered a couple of drafts. The lunch menu is a fairly limited one, and while I expected some British fare, there was none available (shepherd's pie, etc.) Pretty much basic burgers, reuben, and other sandwiches with a few sides. The salads came out quickly, and the young bartender/server/cook whipped up all our meals rather swiftly and delivered them with a smile. The tuna melts were not opened faced, but like a regular sandwich with cheese on it. Tuna salad made from fresh tuna, too. Generous portions. Steak fries well done. Halfway through the meal, the Irish owner showed up. Well, what a treat he is! Visited us all in the bar as if we were his long lost friends. Chatted us up real good, he did. I love it when that happens. And it was a great ending to what I feared was going to be a possibly disappointing lunch. I'm sure we'll be back, if for nothing else but the great hospitality of the host , and maybe the thought of those cheesy tater tots we didn't order this time around.
(3)
David W.
Good pint of cider, and nice looking place with friendly folks running the place, but food was awful. Fish and chip buffet? Really? Fish needs to be crisp, hot and served immediately, NOT in a pan, greying, over sterno lamps. I avoided. Had battered chicken tenders, terrible greasy flavor. Bangers and mash, boxed potatoes, and over powering gravy. Awful. Shepherds pie was nothing like there'll thing, but tasty meat mixture, made it just OK. Won't come again, for the food anyway. Hardly touched it. And I am from across the pond so I know what this is supposed to be like. Avoid the food. Spent $50 on this debacle. That really amounts to $25 per cider!
(2)
Sonia L.
We went here for happy hour. The waiter was RIDICULOUS. He came around for food orders, and I honestly was not ready, and I told him I needed a few minutes - he rolled his eyes at me and sighed heavily. (They really weren't that busy, not that this matters.) Later, I asked him if he would play a Big Ten football game, and he replied back that that was the last of his worries and he didn't want to deal with that right now. How's that for great service! Again, they weren't that busy. He was obviously easily stressed, and I think there was a cultural gap here. Also, it was 90 degrees outside yesterday and inside the bar, it was about 85. We were sweating balls. The food is fine and the beer selection is fine. I would not go here again.
(2)
Diego O.
Last Saturday, after having a night out, we decided to end it at the Atlantic Bar & Grill. It ended pretty well. We had drunk for a few hours and felt like a solid snack or meal while sampling what this Bar and Grill had to offer. I had just moved into the neighborhood and invited some old friends from out of town for the weekend. I was happy to find that there was free parking and the service was great! This is one Irish Pub that's not overly stated and offers fantastic meals and a good collection of beers and Irish Whisky. We all ordered corned beef & sauerkraut along with curry fries. I will make it a point of going back for more of the wonderfully spiced offerings and try out something new as it all seemed so good. There's a jukebox and live music that plays Irish music as well giving a touch of authenticity.
(4)
Chad D.
Authentic Irish pub. Delicious curry fries (we actually ordered the curry sauce on the tater tots - even better). Fairly certain our waiter was actually the owner, too - a very nice Irishman. Pours a solid pint of Guinness. Soccer on the TVs. Loved the experience and can't wait to come back!
(5)
AJ G.
I like the bar a lot, good food, and good drinks. I had the Angry Orchard on tap, but my bf had a something Revolution beer that was good. Wings were good. Fries were good. Normally I'd do five stars, but I have a single complaint. The menus have prices on them but the beers don't have prices. So after four of us drank and ate a bit for the first half of the bears game, we were surprised at how much our bill was, $115. Doesn't seem that high for four people, but we were expecting less, and the check was not that transparent with prices either. We paid it, and we like the place, but if the check could be more transparent, especially for a group to see what they owe, it's helpful. Great local bar, and definitely a great place to watch a game.
(4)
Joey M.
Pretty solid place to enjoy a sporting event, especially football on a lovely weekend morning. Everyone who works here is really great. Service is exceptional and I always end up getting something bought for me (a beer, or a shot) if I spend any amount of time there at all. The owner is there a lot of the time and he certainly takes a lot of pride in running the place. There is seemingly always a solid $4 draft special any time you go. They also have a neverending parade of interesting goings-on--from sea shanty sing alongs to 'saved by the bell' trivia nights--but I haven't partaken in any of those. Yet. They are also very helpful in regard to our local side--Chicago Fire Soccer Club. You should always support businesses that support the organizations about which you are passionate.
(4)
Kathleen G.
Great neighborhood bar with a fireplace and free parking. I highly recommend the curry tots. If you want to sample a variety, they have small plates which offer a nice alternative to a full dinner.
(4)
Jessi B.
Happened on this gem on a Friday night. Great atmosphere (especially if you are a footie fan). Menu has small plates- which is great if you're not sure what to get. I had small plates if bangers and mash and curry tots and was full. Great service-by Irish bartender... :) I am planning to bring a friend here when she comes in July.
(5)
Pascal M.
After a long bike ride, I needed a shot of whiskey and a beer. Atlantic appeared to be the place, and was it ever! The bartender was great, straight from Ireland I believe. He was inviting and full of energy. The interior was full of Irish flare and I imagine it would be a great place to watch some soccer. They have Paddy's Whiskey on hand, which blows Jameson out the water. So I'm a huge fan already. Plus he pours a perfect Guinness, step two is done. We were famished, so had a quick nibble on their curry fries. Super solid! Perfect pairing for some beer. The Atlantic is far from my neck of the woods, but I'd love to be a regular at a place like this. Atlantic's the kind of bar that would be full of good memories and the occasional drink on the house. Slainte!
(5)
Mark T.
Sunday mornings are usually reserved for laundry, big brunches and church. Last weekend I decided to break from the norm and check out the Atlantic for a pint and two solid hours of soccer. Being that I had just become a Tottenham Hotspurs fan in the past year, what better way to spend a Sunday than with like-minded individuals, cheering on your favorite team? I got there about 40 minutes before kickoff (2nd person in the bar!) and set up shop at the corner of the bar in front of one of the TVs. Quickly ordered a pint of Guinness and spinach dip w/ pitas for an appetizer. The food and drink came after 15 minutes and the bar slowly began to fill up with soccer fans. By kickoff, there were at least 60 people crammed in there. The most amazing thing is, more and more people began to show up throughout the morning and there was only this older gentleman who tended the bar and got all food and drink orders. It was a great atmosphere; people were patient as they waited for their drink/food orders and the bartender was always very cheerful. To add on to the overall atmosphere; the fans didn't go crazy...many broke out in chants from kickoff to the final whistle (some of which were hilarious). Overall, the place has typical bar food; I didn't expect much. You do come visit for the friendly faces that serve you and for the great atmosphere that the place provides. I'm already planning my next visit.
(3)
Andy M.
From what I can remember, I had a very good time. Guiness may be the Nectar of the Gods, but it's a Nectar that can bite you in the ass. The Atlantic is amazing. It's a Irish bar that employs real Irish people, has a real Irish singer (from Ireland) and serves real Irish booze. In all seriousness, the singer was awesome. He sang a mix of traditional, Irish folk songs with a few American folk ballads mixed in. He was quite the talented (Irish) fellow. I made the mistake of having dinner before my visit to the Atlantic, so I didn't get a chance to sample the food. The menu is quite reasonably priced and the food looked awesome. They serve a decadent, cheesy tater tot dish that looked like a artery hardening, good time. My visit to the Atlantic could not have been more fun. I have finally found a great bar to hang out at that's fairly close to my house. I can't wait to go back and sample the debauchery again.
(5)
Esther S.
Love this place. The owners and staff are all fantastic and welcoming. It's nice and cozy, everything you would want in an Irish pub.
(4)
Jacob J.
Shock top Belgian ale drafts and Shiner Bock, great selection of beers on draft. Nightly specials with drinks under $5 bucks and a cutie bartender (on some rare nights). Oh and street parking which is never busy. When Atlantic closes and you realize you need food, White Hen pantry is next door with the Digiorno's that's on your mind. If you know your going to be drinking drunken bring a friend and call them ahead of time for a reservation on their bus. They'll provide the transportation home, that's an awesome FREE service you can't find anywhere.
(3)
Christoph B.
Some football (soccer) loving friends and I needed a new bar to watch the Euro 2012. Enter Atlantic Bar & Grill. We were drawn in by the $25 All you can eat and drink special for the tournament. Unfortunately this deal was only good PER GAME. So if you want to stuff your face for more than 90 minutes you'll have to either drink a lot very quickly (raises hand) or pay a bit more. Overall this is a fine Irish bar. The drinks were good. Magners, anyone? But the chicken sandwich I had was rather dull. Oh well, I guess I won't be coming back for the eats, but I might check it out for another game or two or twenty.
(3)
Sarah B.
Even free off street parking will not induce me to ever come here again. Should have known from the average of 4 people in the place on a Saturday night. I ordered a Cider/Guinness, it was warm! BF was drinking Guinness. He said his was fine. Guinness was supposed to be on Special for $5, but when we got the bill they were regular priced at $6. And Mine was 10! WTF. $10 for a beer? Dinner gets worse. I ordered crab cakes sandwich, he had burger. Crab cake was hardly cooked, super soggy and disgusting I ate the edges that weren't raw and left the rest. it really was a disgusting disappointment. Its not like the kitchen was busy and they had to rush. No Remoulade sauce or anything. Just plain mayo on the bun. I felt bad that my BF had to pay for it. So many other choices in the city, I will never waste my money on this place that obv does not give a shit about their food or bev.
(1)
Al I.
Nice pub, good service. We've been here a couple of times for karaoke on Friday nights. The bartender was very friendly and kept our drinks full, and he even came out from behind the bar to serve us regularly. The karaoke DJ was funny and really knew her stuff. Haven't eaten here yet but plan to soon -- the curry fries smell really good.
(4)
Wendy R.
Added a star because I just love the owner and staff. Added a star because they have updated the menu with some more options...hoping it will be better! I have to say...this review kind of breaks my heart. I love the location, the owner, the beers but the food just stinks! The menu changed about two years ago and since it has all been iffy at best. I could do somersaults home from this place so I want to love it so much. I will still go here and have a beer but I wish that they would work on the menu.
(4)
Ted C.
In the interest of full disclosure I have started a business relationship with this place. Aside from that though I enjoyed coming here for dinner and a beer. Wednesday night was Shepherd's pie for 6.95 it was delicious, warm and savory and exactly what I needed to warm up this winter. I started with the curry fries which is a delicious appetizer, and reminded my brief vacation in England. The fries are thick cut, steak fries and the curry sauce was just the right balance of spice. My friend ordered the chicken wings, nothing special but not bad either, not spicy enough but still tasty. Can I say that I'm amazed that there's an Irish bar in Chicago actually owned and operated by Irish people? The owner Col, is friendly and has an accent so thick that it's almost hard to understand him. Every bartender there seems to be Irish and they even pour little shamrocks into the heads of Guinesses, a nice touch that I've often heard about but have never seen until now. I brought a large group of friends here this weekend and everyone loved it, it was a place that didn't mind 9 people talking loudly, telling slightly off color jokes and laughing obnoxiously. Everyone agreed that this was a great find and my sister even wants to work part time here. They're starting a pick up/drop off service free of charge soon, a great idea for a bar if I ever heard one and soon they'll have college and ladies night in February. Atlantic, I'll be seeing more of you and I'll bring more friends.
(4)
Roberto F.
I've been here a couple of times and I have to say it's pretty hit or miss. I thinks it's a good place to watch football a.k.a. soccer. Plenty of TVs to watch and good snack food to keep your belly fully. Stick with the Tots and curry fries and don't delve to deep in the other food. Down sides? There package was only good per game so I had to change my game plan from slow and steady to all out sprint. I might have been better not getting the deal. Lack of help. This bar goes through major swings in the amount of people in the bar. When it's half full service is steady but when it gets slammed you have two people working the bar and the tables and the food orders which definitely slows things down. Positive note: Easy to reserve tables for a party and they have a larger back room where you can set things up. I'm sure I'll be back again but not anytime soon.
(3)
Ed A.
We came here after a night of stuffing our faces, pleasant company and good conversation. It too early to end the night so we decided to spread out and enjoy a night cap. I was surprised, pleasantly, by the look of the bar. From the outside, it looked rather plain and matter-of-fact. But the inside pleased my eyes, with a long bar, well-stocked with assorted liquors and beers, and plenty of seating. It was a comfortable and modest bar. I greatly appreciated that it wasn't so loud Irish. Some Irish bars aesthetics just scream at you to pay attention to its Irishness, with Notre Dame banners and four leaf clovers in the urinals. Thankfully, they only take the leprechaun out once a month, St. Patrick's Day and after midnight novenas. The music selection was pretty good. I didn't eat this night but look forward to coming back and trying the menu. The food selection was pretty good and seemingly reasonably priced. I was only there for a short while but enjoyed myself quite a bit. Go Irish!
(4)
Brian L.
I used to live in this neighborhood, so I used to come here with my then roommate quite often. We'd usually get the same thing, the friendly staff gets to know you and know your order, etc etc. Though after a while, they completely changed the menu and most of our favorites were gone! The chef even joked about it when we were in 7-11 next door "Man, they took away all of your favorites!" I guess that was the beginning of the end for us there, but I have since moved anyway. Their beer selection is good, and they don't skimp on drinks. It's somewhat of a sports bar, they seem to be big on soccer games but without the douchey sports fans that you get in Wrigleyville. Seamus is the main dude in there and he's a real cool guy. If you live in the hood, then this could definitely be 'your spot' so check it out.
(3)
Christine H.
Good place with good food and a decent drink selection. We were there in January and the fireplace up front was just a little too hot and they couldn't turn it down. So don't sit by the fireplace if you can help it.
(4)
Nicole S.
Good local spot that serves food and drinks. The parking lot is next door or you can find parking on the surrounding streets. The kitchen was only serving light bites when we got there. The cheesy tots were very good but the spinach dip was just okay. My friends said their chicken strips were lackluster. Considering there was only one person working front of house, service was quick and friendly. The host trivia nights as well.
(4)
Christine S.
Charming Irish Bar... Ahhhh, I love you so! Great drink prices. Great food! Awesome (saturday) bartender! They have bags in back for you to play while you're drinking (that's cornhole for you southern fried weirdos) I love Irish bars and Irish guys, so this place is perfect... and I'll be back.
(4)
Kim D.
This place is the bomb! Awesomest selection on tap which includes Magners Irish Cider (yummmm) , Sam Adams Seasonal, Stella and my newly discovered favorite - Smithwicks! (Pronounced 'Smiddicks' or somethin' like that). Also as equally awesome is their FOOD! So far have tried the Fish & Chips (which is their special on Fridays for $10) = the bomb; their McGinty Burger (burger made to order w corned beef & sauerkraut & i believe swiss cheese on top) = soOoOo deLiCiOuS!; and their CURRY FRIES = best I've ever had !! Have only been early evening and they are usually playing traditional Irish music but they do have a jukebox so maybe the scene gets more interesting at night. Anywho, if you want some tasty Irish food + drinks, get here! *UPDATE* Quick tip - I DO NOT recommend coming here for dinner during St. Patrick's Day weekend. Unfortunately they were understaffed, and kitchen seemed to be low on ingredients as my corned beef & cabbage was definitely not up to par. IMO they should not have continued serving it and should have just said they've run out. Oh wells.
(4)
Julia K.
This place is my home away from home! The burgers are out of this world and I love the way Cahal pours the liquor! Other than that: I love the layout of the place: It is nice and open to the front and doesn't have this cave-feeling most Irish pubs are fond of. The staff is friendly and makes you feel like you are part of the family. They are very open for events you want to host (I am a meet up organizer) and they even have a free (!) party room in the back for private parties. In the wintertime they always have their fireplace going and lately they offer a variety of events like pub quiz, karaoke, open mic and bluegrass jam which is all a good alternative to lame tv programs!
(5)
Dean V.
My favorite local pub. Decent food and usually a nice quiet place to watch the game. The wife is a Magner's Irish Cider girl and they have it on tap. I, personally, prefer Guinness which they also have on tap. Overall, just a good local watering hole.
(5)
Liz J.
I was sitting on Yelp wondering "Did I remember to review Atlantic after we had our wedding reception there?" Egads! I did not. Way back in August I married the love of my life in a big-fat-gay-gazebo wedding, complete with parade to the Atlantic for the reception. The back room was lovely for our super-cas, relaxed, Saturday afternoon reception. We didn't want a full bar package, and so they let us customize what we wanted and also gave us a few extra appetizers since we went veggie and Seamus seemed convinced that people would be famished if they didn't round out their options with tater tots and onion rings. Eamon and Seamus were great to work with, and we got a very reasonable price for the space. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good, relaxed place for an event. The back room fit our 75+ people just fine. It's also a nice place to stop in for a pint and some tasty, tasty curry fries.
(5)
Pete G.
I am pretty sure that last night was the first time I've ever had a meal of buffalo wings and curry fries. While my digestive tract is protesting wildly today, it was a magnificent trans-Atlantic meal last night, enjoyed in front of a Monday Night Football blowout and washed down with a couple Atlantic Stouts. Sure, it was a little quiet, but we were there on a Monday and besides, the four of us made enough noise for everyone. Great neighborhood joint with surprisingly classy ambience and delicious food. Go there, enjoy it - spend enough on booze and your curry fries might get comped, too!
(5)
David V.
Great mellow down to earth bar felt welcomed and a place to relax and have a drink wit friends or family. Food was great PS. Like the fireplace.
(5)
Nic D.
Food was mediocre and the waitstaff were dicks. Wanted to use my Scoutmob to try them out fully willing to make up for the discount with my tip, but the owner refused because the Wednesday, I repeat Wednesday "Simpsons Trivia night" was a special night and he wouldnt accept it. Again, Beers were super expensive $6 for a domestic beer and food was mediocre.
(1)
Kate W.
I am about to write 5 words I never thought I would ever write: This is my favorite bar. I know, it's crazy, but while I will go to a bar I've never really been in love with one before. They all serve alcohol and have TVs, what else is there really? Well, Atlantic has a few things that make me love it. First is the fact that everyone that works here is Irish. Literally, off the boat Irish. They're also friendly, funny, helpful, and waste no time getting you food or drinks. These guys are what every server should be, and they do it while smiling and having fun. The second reason I love this place is that they offer one of my all time favorite meals: corned beef and cabbage. And as I saw from the plates of the 2 people that ordered it, they don't skimp on the portion. Large slices of beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots... Yum!! I was able to snag a couple of bites of cabbage and it was delicious. It reminded me of when my mom would spend the day making a corned beef for dinner, only better. There are also the best curry fries I've ever had, and tots covered in faux cheese. After some fries and tots I didn't have room for the corned beef :( The thing that really tipped the scales for me to fall in love with this place is that the night I happened to stop in there was live entertainment. Usually this would not impress me except that this guy was Irish and was singing a great mix of Irish folk songs mixed with remakes of some seriously amazing songs. By the end of the night I wanted to take the Irish guy home purely so that he could sing to me all the time. While I have never been to Ireland, after I left I couldn't help but feel that I had just spent a few hours in a real Irish Pub.
(5)
Mindy S.
They have been generously allowing the Peterson Garden Project to hold orientations in the back room. I only had time to enjoy a pint during the orientation, but there was some wonderfully smelling food being consumed around me. Bonus of free parking in the lot. Will be back!
(5)
Michael E.
From the outside you'd think this particular bar was a hidden little hole in the wall when infact it is a friendly, clean place to drink inexpensive drinks. When I wrote hidden I wasn't kidding. This is somewhat of a distance from "Lincoln Square" but walking from the Western Brown Line stop is easy.......and much better than driving around....particularly after you had several of their inexpensive pitchers of beer. They actually have space in the back to play "Corn Hole" which was a game I learned about when I first moved to the mid-west to the town of Cincinnati......I swore never to play a game named after a part of the body my kinfolk in the mountains of North Carolina use to call it, but somehow.......perhaps the cheap pitches were the cause.........had me playing a few fun games. Great place deserving of all the stars it receives.
(4)
joe t.
Best football (soccer) pub in Chicago!! Dedicated Tottenham Hotspur pub, great food, great drinks and specials. If you are a Tottenham supporter and are in the area during match days they are open for us. No matter the time or day. The official clubhouse for Tottenham Hotspur Chicago. 6 HDTV's and we always have our team on and always have sound.
(5)
Nancy M.
The Atlantic is a pub, a meeting place, a restaurant, and most importantly, it has a super friendly atmosphere. On a Tuesday in September of 2011, my (now) husband and I decided to get married. My sisters threw us a last minute reception in the back room of the Atlantic. The staff were accommodating, the food delicious, the joy was everywhere! Could not have asked for any better. In fact, when we had our big wedding in 2014 (church, reception, everything) we came back to the Atlantic with our bridal party and had a quick drink before going to the reception. Tammy took amazing care of us and it was probably the most relaxed I felt during the whole day. The food is so good and reasonably priced. The Atlantic burger is a solid cheeseburger. Their curry is delicious as well. They play a variety of sports and are very accommodating with music and the jukebox. Their bartenders are great at their jobs and get to know their customers. It is definitely "our local" and every time I want to go out, my friends already know where I'm going to suggest... Seriously, I'm so thankful to have this place. You should really consider trying it out! Cheers!
(5)
Jelena Z.
The Atlantic is just brimming with Irish charm and hospitality! The bartender ordered a pizza and shared it with all of his patrons... he walked over to each of us and offered a few slices! "No, take more!", he said. And that is the short story of how the Atlantic won this girl over. $5 domestic pitchers on Thursday nights. Word.
(4)
Patrick W.
I stopped into the Atlantic on a Saturday at lunch time. This place is a true authentic Irish bar with soccer on the TV and a heavily accented server. The server was very attentative and checked back a few times. They had a half slab of rib special for $9.95 and I was blown away by how good the ribs where. The literally fell off the bone and were cooked perfectly. The sauce was good as well. I would recommend The Atlantic highly.
(4)
Beth W.
Great beer selection. Great veggie burger. Great curry chips. The snug is warm and the owner and staff are super friendly & attentive. Wish I lived a bit closer 'cause then I'd stop in more often! :)
(4)
M M.
Friendly place, and the food was delicious. Big, generous sandwiches. Smithwick is on tap. On the Saturday night we went, live music was coming on at 9:00. We'd come again !
(5)
Kerry S.
The Atlantic is our "walk through Winnemac" place. It's a beautiful Irish pub, and I always enjoy talking to the owner. They pour some beautiful beers, and have not-your-average weeknight dinner specials. (Shepherd's Pie and the like.) There's a big party room in the back that you can reserve free-of-charge. There's a nice sized bar, tables, and a bag set (corn hole to you south-siders) that you are free to use. We already booked it for next year's family Christmas party. Now if we can only get all the burbs relatives to drive to the big, scary North side of Chicago...
(4)
Ali H.
I come to the Atlantic semi-regularly for fiddle club meetings in the back room. I'm amazed at the variety of music groups that they support; there are always tons of ads up for upcoming (and fun!) sounding events. There was a fish fry just finishing up in the back room the last time I went; I was sad that I hadn't gotten there a few minutes earlier! They have a lot of beer on tap and the prices are reasonable. The ambiance is not great; the lighting is weird pretty much everywhere and I just generally don't love the flow of the bar. Also, it is located on a dark and semi-deserted stretch of lincoln. On the upside, they do have a parking lot that I'm usually able to find a spot in.
(4)
Casey M.
Finally, I have eaten at The Atlantic. I had the Shepherd's Pie Special, Curry Fries and a pint of Guinness. The Shepherd's Pie was simple, but delicious. Layers of sauteed ground beef, carrot and peas topped off with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and a layer of melted cheddar cheese. The Curry Fries were steaming hot and perfectly seasoned with a decedent rich curry sauce ladled on top. They pour a perfect pint of Guinness each time and every time. Perfect cascading head and temperature and served in an official Guinness pint glass. Delicious. Overall eating experience at The Atlantic was great and I will be back to try their Corned Beef.
(4)
George A.
Good place to watch soccer. Drinks were reasonable.
(3)
Josh H.
This is my favorite bar in Chicago. I visit the Atlantic almost every Saturday morning throughout the European soccer season and have never had a bad experience. The staff is excellent and incredibly friendly (as attested by the numerous other reviews here) and I'm assured that their shepherd's pie is the best in Chicago.
(5)
Victoria W.
I can't believe I haven't written a review for the Atlantic yet. We've been here a dozen times in the past year, and each time I have been impressed with the quality of food and friendly service. Some may think the prices are high for a bar, but this is restaurant-quality food handmade by chefs you can watch while they personally cook your salmon dinner ($14) and pile high the all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Friday ($10). It can get noisy at night, but early in the evening you're more likely to see families. The Atlantic reminds us of the pubs we went to in Ireland (they even give me a glass with ice for my cider), and we always have a great experience here.
(5)
Carolynne M.
Don't let the crappy cell phone pics posted above fool you. The Atlantic is a beautiful, authentic Irish pub with great food and perfectly poured Guinness. Live music on the weekends, and a special on something every day of the week. Go. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
art s.
Overview: If you're in the neighborhood and you don't mind smoke, the Atlantic is a decent place for a few low-key Thursday night drinks. On the weekends it might even be worth a bit of a trek, as their back room appears to be set up for massive sports viewing fests. The interior is new, clean and comfortable. Service is pretty good and the food is okay. Most of the time I was here I was focused on catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in a while so I didn't absorb every detail of the place, but there were a few things that stood out: - Smoking. Seems like the Atlantic is holding out until the last possible minute on the smoking thing and the clientele is making the most of that. At least half of the people in here (~ 15 - 20 overall) were smoking and it was palpable to those of us who weren't. - TVs. There were a couple well positioned in the front room, and the back room seemed to have some massive screen, which would clearly be useful for NFL Sundays. - Service. I'm not decided on whether this is an example of good service or bad service. I'll just relay what happened and you can come to your own judgments about it. After two glasses of 312 I ordered a glass of Miller Lite to begin the wind down phase of the evening. It tasted off. At first I thought it might just be the sequence of 312 before Lite that influenced my taste buds. But after 3 or 4 sips, it was clearly off. So I brought it back to the bartender and told him I'd be glad to pay for another beer if I was wrong, but I thought the Lite was off. He said it wouldn't be a problem and poured me another 312, telling me the Lite was at the end of the keg. It was nice that he quickly poured me another beer, but if he knew the Lite keg was beyond its last legs, why didn't he mention that when I ordered it? For more of my reviews see travelcasserole.blogspot…
(3)
Scott B.
I've been coming here on & off for nearly a year now. Initially, I would come just for drinks, NOT food, because the menu & cooks were atrocious. The owners have made immense improvements to the menu, and have hired two really good chefs. I, honestly love the food at the Atlantic now. Granted, it's a tad pricey, but if you learn to compensate for a stingy economy by ordering specials, it's not too bad on the wallet. As far as a few of my faves on the menu, here's what sticks out: The Atlantic burger is awesome---thick burger with your choice of cheese and flavorful, greasy bacon, and accompanied by fresh, hand cut steak fries. BUT, The Atlantic, in my opinion, has a damn good brunch. Steak & eggs---yum! Breakfast buffet---awesome! Now, let's discuss the service. Seamus is usually the main bartender, and he's very personable, and always offers top notch service. Tony, the weekend brunch bartender is hilarious, and very friendly as well---oh yeah, he makes a killer bloody too! The owner, Kyle is a true Irishman---friendly, and always remembers who you are. All around, you can't go wrong with The Atlantic Bar. 5 STARS!
(5)
MaryAnne M.
It's a well known fact that the Irish are the most hospitable people in the world. The staff at The Atlantic proves it. This is no "Mc pub". It's Irish owned and operated. I've been here several times (including the after party following YATW) Most recently for my nephew's graduation party. The back party room is really nice. It seats about 50 or so people. Dart boards are back there too. Real reason for 5 stars: Staff is amazing, from the owner, to the bartender, to the food runner. They were accommodating and helpful. Menu was great too, bangers & mash, lemon chicken and pasta.
(5)
Jim F.
It's easily the nicest and newest bar on the block that isn't some BS yuppie magnet. I live right next door to this place. It is a very cozy bar that is bona fide Irish owned and operated. (if that matters to you). They have a fire place and frequently have live music. There is a back room if you want to escape the Irish crooners. It's a sports bar but they show more Soccer than anything else. They have a GREAT Sunday brunch. The rest of the menu is a tad over priced for what is. It's essentially dressed up bar food albeit slightly better than average bar food. Not a very big menu. They have approximately 12 beers on draft. Their bar offers a nice mix of domestic and standard imported beers with a few rarities from time to time. Seamus is a bartender I've seen there many times. He's very nice and pours a decent drink. I deducted two stars for slightly overpriced food but more over, drunken malcontents who frequently have me walking right out. Depending on when you go, you might happen upon a collection of dregs at the bar. It's usually not an issue but has happened enough for me to warn you about it. The bar is big enough to avoid these jags but the fact that they don't ever get "cut off" or asked to leave is obnoxious. Many of them are friends of the owner. It's like your very own "Norm" from "Cheers" except instead of being a wise cracking beer drinking buddy, it's a racist soccer hooligan who wants to punch you in the face because you bumped into the back of his chair walking the bathroom. One of these drunk douche bags grabbed the remote for the juke box and canceled several of my buddies songs...that he PAID for... the bartender did nothing. It's that kind of stuff that is annoying and tarnishes an otherwise fantastic tavern. It doesn't happen a lot. In fact I'd say it's a rarity. I still very much like this bar and go there from time to time. Don't let that scare you away. Just know that there are regulars there and some of them are jerks. Most of them are very very nice.
(3)
Ramon L.
Lived in the neighborhood for many years and always noticed this bar sitting on the corner of Winnemac and Lincoln. Tonight we decided to stop by to watch the opening game of the NFL season (2010). I was the first to arrive and my first impression was that it was a bar wiling to welcome all who entered. Nothing pretentious about the place nor was t a place that you got stares because you were not a regular. The bartender was friendly and knowledgable about their offerings. The bar was not over crowded but enough people there to drown out other tables conversations. There are plenty of tables and a different selection of tables, which is nice. Some were bar stool height, while others were standard table with four place settings. The food was average for a bar and grill and the beer selection decent. As a neighborhood bar that is low key but offers exactly what a bar should have this is the place. Also, they have the College Football and NFL Packages.
(4)
I'm D.
I always feel so welcomed when we go to the Atlantic. The owner really goes out of his way to make you feel like you are at home. He's always smiling. I'm also thrilled that they've updated their menu so I have more options being a vegetarian. My husband came here for his bachelor party when Ronnie Vegas was performing and they had a great time. They also offer a ride home after a long night of drinking! Plenty of flat screens to watch sports and always a special on food or drinks. Cozy up the fire and just enjoy the low key atmosphere.
(5)
Barbara M.
OMG.........I can not say enough about this place!! It's owned by two of the nicest Irishmen you could ever meet. It's a great neighborhood bar to go and have a pint of Guinness or a wonderful meal anytime of the day. I planned a family party there this past weekend for over 60 people in their beautiful party room. The room is spacious enough for any kind of gathering and the full bar back there is gorgeous. They recently installed two sets of beautiful french doors which adds even more light into this great party room. The owners worked with my budget (being a single mom of two), it's not like my last name is Hilton, Rockefeller or Kennedy. I can't tell you how many people came up to me and raved about how good the food was. The menu consisted of Irish sausages, lemon chicken (which was so tender & juicy you could practically cut it with a fork), mashed potatoes and a scrumptious pasta alfredo. The staff went out of their way to make sure I was happy and everything ran smoothly and were absolutely wonderful every step of the way. If you're planning a party, this is the place to go!!
(5)
John B.
The bartender/owner (?) is one of the nicest and most attentive barkeeps I've met. Even though we weren't sitting at the bar, he kept an eye on us and made sure we had everything we needed. Which generally amounted to more booze. I seem to recall him even throwing a round in there somewhere. Within 15 minutes, we were talking to him as if we'd known him all our lives. Such hospitality is appropriate for an Irish pub. The Atlantic claims to have the best Shepherds Pie "this side of the pond." While I can't testify to that, I can tell you that they have a nice selection of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, along with a couple of salads, one or two of which even come without meat. They've also got some tasty curry fries and bacon and bleu cheese mashed potatoes. Irish specialties, such as Bangers and Mash and Beef and Guinness Pie, nestle comfortable alongside American dishes like Reubens and Mini Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. There's a $5 lunch menu Mon through Fri, and dinner specials every night of the week. I haven't had everything on the menu, but there's nothing I wouldn't try. If you're not hungry, don't worry. The Atlantic has a dozen beers on tap, and plenty more in the bottle. And with beer specials every night, you should be able to find something with your name on it. There's live music on Saturday nights, and a huge party room in the back. All this and clean bathrooms -- how can you lose?
(4)
Lynn M.
Sorry. Five stars for curry fries. 1 star for slow service and very burned shepherds pie coated in butter to hide the taste.
(1)
Heidi N.
I've got friends who roll in improv circles, and the back room at Atlantic is where a lot of shows are held. So really, I've only been here on Sunday afternoons for the shows. That being said, it's a pretty solid bar from what I've seen. It's a smallish place, but it's cozy, especially the tables right across from the bar. I'm not too crazy about the food, hence the one star deduction. But the bartender Tony is pretty great.
(4)
John E.
Great Irish pub with really friendly staff. Hasn't been very busy the times I've been, but I think that's a good thing. Try the beer that they have brewed specifically for them, it's tasty.
(5)
Elaina B.
Right, so I've experienced my fair share of pubs in my lifetime within Chicago and abroad; I'd like to think that I know a good one when I experience it. With that in mind, this place could use a little improvement. Yesterday we were approached by a friendly gentleman handing out free drink passes at Mayfest. We decided to head up there after the fest closed down to have some food and take the opportunity to have one last "free" drink. Well, we got there and were attended to right away, which was nice but when I asked what beers they had on tap I got an eye roll, a heavy sigh and was told there are 12 on tap. Then he begrudgingly tells me what they are. Sorry to put you out of your way, buddy. He takes our drink order and we all take out our drink cards on the table, he leaves and returns with drinks & takes our orders. Vibe: It's a sport's bar. It's a little loud but overall, it's what you'd expect from any sports bar who just happens to have an Irish "theme" and Irish servers. Typical, really but the bar itself is clean and nice to sit in. Food: the food was good, to be honest. The curry fries were fabulous as was my fish and chips. The Shepard's pie had what tasted like a cheese layer over the mash, which was weird but overall the dish was good. Well, we have our meal and the bill arrives. We explain that we have those nifty cards that have been lying in full view of the table and were told we had to give it to him before we started ordering and he wouldn't take them from us. Even though we ordered full meals and appetizers, as good patrons with drink cards should do. Right. So that left a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, I'm chalking it up to a bad, unaccommodating server who needs a lesson or two on American culture/hospitality. With a little improvement I think this bar can be somewhere I hope to visit again.
(3)
Celtic B.
My wife and I had dinner last night, while watching a performance in the back room. Seamus, the bartender was great. The room was full, but he didn't miss a beat. We both split an Atlantic burger and a Reuben, with sides of curry sauce and cheese for our fries. the burger was fine, an above average bar burger, but nothing I would go out of my way for. the Reuben was excellent, and the curry sauce for the fries was quite tasty. they have about 10 different pours on tap and it is a nice clean and friendly bar.
(4)
Lori B.
We frequent here to watch Packer games when not on regular TV. Great breakfast, great burgers, & great staff!
(4)
Scott W.
This place is great on Friday night for dinner. Small and never over-crowded and the two Irish owners are pleasant. I really like their Friday night fish-fry and would totally head to this place to grab a cold-one.
(5)
Chris J.
A great little place in Lincoln Square that's not too crowded or pretentious! The food is pretty decent, standard pub fare. Fish and chips weren't amazing but good enough. Good beer selection although the person I was with got a Guinness that seemed like it must have been the bottom of the keg. The owners are very nice and definitely will chat with you if you want. Feels much more personal of a place than some of the other bars in the area and I could see myself wandering in again sometime soon.
(4)
Aaron S.
This place was such a nice surprise. Laid back, clean, friendly -- their bartending staff and even the bad was as friendly as could possibly be. We walked into the bar around 12:30am and there were plenty of seats, a great selection of whiskeys and beers. I need to head back there during the week for their specials, but they look cheap, and my friends tell me their food is excellent. On the service, the atmosphere, the actual Irish owner/bartender and the coziness of the place, it may well become the regular bar I've been searching for.
(4)
Erika G.
Yelp after party. While the bar itself is pretty nondescript, they were able to handle the onslaught of Yelpers, that I warned them would arrive, quite handily - and with considerable aplomb. Three stars for that alone.
(3)
Andy M.
The bar looks good but the night I went on a Sunday to watch the night football game there was a bad odor. I hope this place doesn't have this all of the time. I ordered some tacos and a burger and the food was pretty awful. The young cook looked like an illegal and not very experienced cooking food. This place should just serve drinks like atypical iris bar and I wonder if the weird odor was because of the kitchens proximity to the bar. I never like the places where you can look right into the kitche and see the cook cook. other than that and the bad food I liked the number of good irish beer on tap and how the place looked overall.
(3)
arpan s.
first time there...slow service had one employee for 25 people ...plus chef...server got upset that i didnt mention the coupon until after we ate...thought thats how you were supposed to do it..why would it make a difference anyways? answers to question i had on the food/drink menu were short, one worded, and careless.
(3)
Travis G.
Very cozy and welcoming Irish bar. We started with a very nice salad with goat cheese and then had the fish and chips and the half slab of ribs. For 6.95 the half slab was pretty good (a little heavy on the onion flavor, but totally worth the price) the fish was perfectly fried, and the chips were nice thick finger fries served with vinegar. The staff and clientele were extremely friendly. The place was nice and clean. The usual lame Internet jutebox and crack (video) machine in the front, but a Foosball table in the back. Super friendly, wish we would have found this place when the weather was colder so we could have enjoyed the fireplace.
(4)
Ellie B.
I really enjoyed this Irish pub, but then again, I tend to enjoy most of them! Any places that keeps Smithwicks on tap is alright by me! The bartender served up two rounds of free shots because it was my birthday. That earns them two stars right there. When we walked in though, the air conditioning was off and it was hellish! We had to ask after about 20 minutes what happened to the air and she said that she had turned it off. WHY??? It was about 90 degrees in there! Oh well, I'll be back to try the grub!
(4)
Kristen W.
A very welcome addition to the Lincoln Square scene! Don't miss this great little pub on Lincoln Avenue. Not the best location compared to the square, so I'm hoping people seek it out. I had the Irish breakfast. Yum. One of my favorite meals of all time, especially with a nice frosty beer. You cannot go wrong any time of day with this combination. The bar was very busy the night I was there but service was great. Love the decor and live Irish music. Really happy to have this place nearby- I plan to frequent.
(4)
liz s.
We stopped by the Atlantic for a burger fix on Saturday with both kids in tow. The owner seems a really nice guy. We both had the Atlantic burger, he did not bat an eye when we both ordered rare. Rare it came. Mooing. They do season their meat, which isn't what I prefer, but it was good and the meat was fresh. My daughter didn't want the Soup of the Day (Cream of Mushroom) but I asked for an off-menu item, a grilled cheese. They were happy to oblige and charged a very fair $3.50 for it with fries. We'll be back. It was very quiet, only a handful of people and just the owner and the cook working at 1pm on a Saturday.
(5)
Brett G.
The Atlantic is a beautiful, clean, upscale-looking Irish pub with a very friendly bartender (who gave me and my friends a free shot on my birthday). The service is very attentive. I've heard the food is really good as well. Although it's not in the square, it's a welcome break! No reason for the lack of one star other than the fact I wasn't blown away. Worth a trip to check it out.
(4)
Maggie H.
To call the staff friendly is an understatement. After going there for a delicious lunch on a Saturday, my boyfriend and I walked by on a Sunday, heading up Lincoln to run errands. Seconds after walking by the door, the wonderfully Irish bartender came out the door to say, "You didn't mean to walk by, did you?" After that, of course we didn't. The food is perfect Irish comfort food, including a Shepherd's Pie to die for. They also have a good selection of beers. It's well the trip up Lincoln.
(5)
Jennifer B.
Love, love, love the Atlantic Bar. ALL of the bartenders here are the best: Tony, Seamus & the owner, Kyl are super, super cool people. Good beer selection, and tasty food make this place a regular stop for me!
(5)
Daniel Y.
Very friendly bar staff and good beer selection. It can get a little noisy at times but otherwise it's a great neighborhood pub.
(4)
anthony o.
you can watch all WORLD CUP GAMES.there are raffles for jerseys,replica world cup. you should come on by watch and win..7 hd tvs one projector screen in back room. good peeps good food good time.
(5)
Tom B.
Really bad food priced really high. Sub Par service, waited over an hour for two breakfast plates. Not reasonably priced. Locals come here just to support the place but I would never go back. New Managment? Only thing good things about this place are 1.) that they open early and 2.) the German Techno they started blasting after Germany beat Argentina
(2)
Jason M.
I just recently moved to Lincoln Square and have been on the hunt for a good pub to call "my home away from home". I found a couple places that were pretty decent but nothing that was knocking my socks off. Until a friend from work told me about a not too well known pub called Atlantic Bar & Grill. Fortunately he passed the info. on to me on a Friday, so after work that day I stopped in to have a Guinness. First, the Guinness is a perfect pour! There's nothing worse than ordering a Guinness and getting a mug full of old stuff that's been sitting in the lines for days. Not here! And the food is out of this world! Best sheperds pie and reuben sandwiches around! The Friday I went in the owner happened to be there and he's a super friendly guy. Atlantic is having their 3 year anniversary this Saturday, part of which will be a free pig roast, and I wouldn't miss it for the world!!
(5)
Deirdre L.
So... I really wanted this to work with us, Atlantic. I really did. Your nice warm woodsy interior, your plentiful (but not overdone) TV's, your owner who seems cool, your quick-cab-ride location... I really wanted us to work this out but you have become that bad boyfriend I keep coming back to because you're cute or convenient or it just seems like we should be a good fit. I've been giving you more chances than you deserve, but its over, Atlantic. We are never going to be a good fit. Your sparse menu and mediocre food (that gave me a bit of a tummyache last Sunday). Your lack of enthusiasm during Bear's games (I think there was 8 people there last week -including- me and my 3 friends), your funky sewage smell after a heavy rain, your bathroom that has a funk as well (hence the candle that is always lit in there), your meh staff, your just slightly too-out-of-the-way location... its just not gonna work out. I wish I could say it has been fun... I wish I could say we had some beautiful memories... I wish I could say your good specials really saved me a ton of $$. I can't say any of those things. Good bye, Atlantic.
(2)
William K.
The $5.95 all you can eat Friday Night fish fry is really good , Guinness is near perfect, and the smoking ban seems to have cleaned out the drunks.
(4)
Lydia J.
Went here with my sister and a few of her college friends. It's a very down to earth genuine Irish pub and restaurant. Small, but quaint. Our waiter was actually Irish, with the accent and all! There are plasma screen TVs strategically located so that your fellas can watch whichever game is on. My companions said their burgers were delicious, my sister had cream of mushroom soup and was very satisfied, and I had their salmon with french fries instead of mashed potatoes because they were out of mashed potatoes, and apparently run out of potatoes quite frequently (insert Irish potato famine joke here) nevertheless the salmon was delicious. My only other complaint (besides not having potatoes) was that, even though I understand that it IS a bar, they did not have a very good selection of non-alcoholic drinks. I intended to order a root beer, but the wait informed me they didn't serve root beer, so I had to settle for a very sugary cranberry juice cocktail. Not ideal. But I did get to sneak a sip of my friend's Atlantic Ale (their house brew) and it was quite good. I'll make sure to come back once I'm of age and get the full experience.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live, Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Chris P.
Been here a good number of times and I like the place. Sure it's a bit out of the way, but the fireplace and Irish beer keep you warm in the winter. The music and bartender's irish drawl make you think you might be in ireland and the food is excellent. Unfortunately, it seems to me like the place is shutting down...one of the few reliable bars in my neighborhood might not make it. Was in here today and the kitchen was closed...food was being ordered from a nearby italian joint. It was quite sad really...I hope this place makes it, but sadly, I don't think it will be the only one of my haunts not to make it through these tough times. If you like this place, get your butt in there.
(4)Jolene R.
I love this place. The food is excellent and Guinness is fantastic. The owner and staff are very friendly. It does get very noisy and crowded, so we always leave as soon as the band starts setting up, but I'll be the first to admit that I prefer a quiet pub to a noisy one and Atlantic offers the best of both worlds. I get my quiet pub until 7 or 8PM, then the noisier crowd gets their hopping boisterous pub into the wee hours. Win-win.
(4)Parker L.
We just moved into the area and have spent a few nights at the atlantic. I have to say that we have enjoyed going. Food and specials are great. (for the exception of their beef skewers which I think were raw and cold when I got them - which is why I took off a star). But otherwise very good.
(4)Katherine K.
Great bar, great staff. We threw an engagement party in the back room and it was awesome. Everyone was super laid back - we brought our own music, decorated, and there was a fridge to store the goodies. Thank you Carl and everyone for your hospitality. Their house Atlantic beer was great as well! Would recommend the backroom for parties!
(5)Mark L.
Went to this bar the other night. The waitress there is this little redhead who is sooooooo FINE!! She was very sweet too and made sure we were always taken care of. I would go to this place again and again just to see her! Besides that, the place is cool...check it out.
(5)Kelly G.
My husband and I went here last week for the first time. We sat right next to the fireplace, which was sooooo nice. The food was surprisingly good and the service was decent. It was a bit empty for a Thursday evening, but considering how freezing cold it was outside, I'm not surprised.
(4)Elizabeth H.
I stopped in the Atlantic after a plug from my co-worker insisting I tried it out. I'm happy I did. I really enjoyed this pub and will be back in the near future. I went in with a girlfriend I hadn't seen in quite some time to catch up and it was a perfect spot. We ordered a few pints of smithwicks and just chatted for a few hours. The place is clean and the environment is inviting. The staff is super friendly and the bartender also seemed to know his stuff. We had just grabbed dinner so I didn't get a chance to try the food, but what I saw others ordering looked pretty good, so I will definitely give the dinner menu a glance next time I stop in.
(4)Joe B.
All I have to say is Welcome to the Neighborhood!! This is right next to the White Hen Pantry on Lincoln Avenue, North of Lawrence. If you live around here you know that there is nothing else like this place North of Lawrence and West of Western. Nice Irish Pub with above average bar food that skews towards the seafood side of things. Fish Fry, Crab Cakes, Calamari and the usualy burgers and chicken sandwiches. All of it done in a sort of upscale bar food manner. The biggest surprise is how much they have done with the space. It's very comfortable with a fireplace in front and a pool table in the back room. Lots of dark wood and it looks like they spent a lot of money on the bar. It's been pretty full with locals, so I hope they can keep it up. Also, they have live Irish music on the weekends and other entertainment during the week.
(4)D R.
I visited the Atlantic when it first opened and discovered that the Irish owner knows first hand about Irish pubs. Almost as if planning for the future, this place has supplanted a Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville quality bar into the north-of-Lawrence Lincoln corridor. I keep going back because of friendly staff. They also have food, the Atlantic salmon is good, and the Shepard's pie is hearty. Don't forget to ask for the daily specials. Evident true Irish culture and friendliness has echoes of certain south side Irish bars, but these are Cub fans and everyone is welcome. This place is ideal for locals in this area, but also draws the international crowd seeking a true Irish pub. (Which football is on today?) It's modern and new in terms of flatscreen tv's but old fashioned in the ways of tending bar. There is plenty of space for private parties or high volume nights in the back, which is a cross between a game room and speakeasy. Darts, foosball, "bags" in the summer, softball teams, mmm beer...
(4)Amanda G.
We went to Atlantic Bar last weekend and had a good time. The bar is divided into 2 rooms--the front area, which has the traditional wood bar and was packed with people, and then there was the back room, which was big and empty and cold and felt unattached to the rest of the bar. Nevertheless, I don't hold it against them. I was happy to get a seat. The pool table was fun and the service was great. The patrons had a bit of a "hooligan" attitude, but it was charming.....or something like that.
(4)Rebecca H.
Come for the fish & chips but stay for the company! I have been missing this place since I moved out of Lincoln Square but it's about time I make my way back. Great service, reasonable prices and a very relaxed atmosphere.
(5)Valerie W.
We came into the Atlantic on a Friday night for karaoke and a late dinner. Karaoke starts at 9, so we arrived right around that time. There are probably 6-10 tables as well as a large bar, so it is definitely a smaller, neighborhood feel to it, which I like. Seamus was the server and bartender. It would probably be helpful to have a server and a bartender on nights when the Atlantic will get busy, like karaoke, because as soon as it began to fill up, Seamus was no longer able to come to our table to refill drinks or even bus the table. We don't mind having to go to the bar for drinks, but having dirty plates sitting for hours was a little off-putting. Maybe they were having an off night, because the food was pretty meh as well, and left much to be desired. The fish in the fish and chips and fish sandwich didn't seem fresh and lacked flavor. The chicken fingers were definitely frozen - my boyfriend's comment "they're FLAT." The fries were the only good part, really. Karaoke was a blast, and the kjay knows what he's doing and how to keep a crowd entertained. We will absolutely be back for karaoke, but maybe eat at home or somewhere else first. My only other criticism was that there was no air conditioning, and there was only one very small window open at the front of the bar. It was stifling in there.
(3)Jessica G.
Really friendly, down to earth, hole in the wall place. The food is pretty ok, with the fish n chips being a standout good choice. Come on Sunday evenings for folk music jam, on Fridays for non-judgmental karaoke.
(4)Kelly C.
The Atlantic Grill is a great local bar run by the best of folks. Every time I come in here they remember me even if it's been months. When I first moved to Chicago I looked for the first Irish pub I could find. Like a light in the distance I saw the flag and I was not disappointed! Cal poured me a shot to welcome me to the neighborhood and I've loved the place ever since. Their food is also great! Go for the stew with a Jameson on the rocks and you'll be one happy camper.
(5)Robert S.
The food is great and the owner and staff couldn't be any nicer. But, I never see any review about their entertainment! We swing by nearly every Friday night for Karaoke...great song selection, a great and professional host who keeps the night moving. There is GREAT karaoke on Lincoln Avenue and this is where to find it!
(5)Diana R.
Seriously took over an hour to get our poutine fries, it's only fries with gravy, what the heck! Not a good bar
(2)Michael H.
Cool bar up on North Lincoln Ave with a TRUE Euro/Irish feel! The owner is behind the bar making sure everything is running smooth and offering a drink or shot to the regs. They do a "Fish Fry" on Fridays which is quite good and authentic, great batter! Good beer selections on tap with an emphasis on European Brew such as Carlsberg, etc. Gets pretty crowded on Fridays for the fry so be prepared to wait a bit! A tad on the expensive side but the food is of good quality....get dat did
(4)Dougie M.
This is a cute place, we went Saturday at 5pm, it was pretty empty - but I can imagine it being busy later on. Really nice space, fireplace as well. Food was good, we had these 'Shepard pie nachos' - they were a little well, different but good! Fish and chips were good too. The owner was working and was really really friendly - definitely made us want to go back again. Felt like a really happy place!
(4)Venessa F.
I was impressed by the review via Yelp so set out for this place on a nice Fridzay evening by foot. From the outside the place looked like a two level bar which interested my beer garden love but there was no such outdoor area. There was live music so I knew conversation was out of the question but the music wasn't terrible. A band called Slate that's been around for over 30 years, in fact, was playing genres all over the map. There's a very impressive drink selection and I was happy to see hard cider as a choice, as well as hard root beer on tap- ($10 for a root beer that was too sweet to finish). There are many activities such as bowling, fooz ball, pool, "video crack" machines and a wide variety of people to chat with. Had I not been sweating from the lack of air, perhaps I would have tried.
(4)Erin E.
huh. i thought i liked this place. while it doesn't totally suck-- the food is pretty decent-- there are similar establishments where i'd rather spend my time (brownstone, mrs. murphy & sons). it felt a little... grimy. and even with a $25 off from restaurant.com , we still dropped some cash up in here. (i guess 3 drinks per person plus entrees will do that, but still.) i'm crossin' this one off my list.
(2)Yvonne B.
We loved this place. I found it on Yelp when I searched for "bars cute men" and this place was .2 miles from our restaurant. Yelp was spot on too! Atlantic Bar & Grill is an Irish bar that has about five televisions showing different sports on each. Even though rugby wasn't one of the sports we could tell that Atlantic Bar & Grill is a big fan. They had rugby stuff on the walls. Anyway, the televisions were easy to see but weren't distracting from our conversation. The bar had a lively din but was not so loud where I couldn't easily hear my friends. Later, they told me that I was Drunky McDrunkerson and speaking loud enough for the whole bar to hear me talk about my Leprechaun friend and which guys I thought were hot enough for my sister. HOW embarrassing. ANYWAY, our server guy was Irish and I loved him to pieces. He was funny and on top of things. He didn't seem to mind me calling him my Leprechaun if it's true that the whole bar could hear me saying that. We all liked our drinks. We also liked the cheese fries and the curry tater tots. My sister liked her Ruben sandwich. There were hot men to be seen but not in such quantities that it was intimidating. In fact, the vibe of the bar was really familial and casual. When we first walked in there was a young woman holding a baby with a toddler in a stroller (heck - I thought I'd walked into The Alibi Room in "Shameless"). We all loved it and want to go back. SO - if anyone from Atlantic Bar & Grill reads this, I am sorry for speaking in such a loud voice and I promise to speak more appropriately next time. I hope that I didn't offend anyone. P.S. My sister LOVED that she could park for free in the parking lot next door. The lot belongs to Atlantic Bar & Grill.
(5)Whitney J.
I love you, Atlantic. Returned again for another drink meet up with a gal pal. This place is great. The atmosphere and noise level were PERFECT. I so appreciated that I didn't have to shout to be heard by a friend sitting right next to me. Service was great, and the food smelled amazing. I'll have to order some grub next time I'm in.
(5)Dan B.
This place is the best example that I can think of for a pub done right, I absolutely love this place! The staff here are very friendly, and treat each patron well. All manner of traditional Irish cuisine is available from the kitchen, and is extremely well prepared and delicious. And, as if that weren't enough, the drinks prepared behind the bar match the exceptional quality of the food served. Additionally, if you are a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, this is the place for you (and me)! They are open for nearly every Spurs fixture, and the atmosphere on matchday is electric. In summary, you would be hard pressed to find a better pub in Chicago. The Atlantic is my absolute favorite! COYS
(5)Andre W.
Great bar to celebrate a friend's b'day on a frosty Saturday night. It was a little tight in the front area near the door but we definitely made it work with a nice sized group. I noticed there was a huge room in the back that seemed to accommodate huge bday parties. The guy that seemed to manage/own the place was very nice as he hooked us up with a free round of shots as we told him we were celebrating a b'day. They have a pretty nice beer selection and a really good staff. Would def check thick this place out again!
(4)Arden H.
One of the top 5 Irish pubs in the city. Plus they have Karaoke on Friday nights, which is always a blast. Great bangers and mash! Good selection of beer and whiskey. Friendly people.
(5)Kellie M.
Love this place! Service is super friendly! Everyone that works here treats you like family. The food is very unique for a bar and really really good! It's very real "Irish Pub".
(5)SarA M.
no hipsters in this bar...
(5)Keith A.
Boxing day was my first trip to the Atlantic Bar & Grill. Why is that significant, because there are always English Premier League matches played on Boxing day of course. I started off my day at the Globe with my life being quickly aged by United's piss poor defense, but from there it was to meet a Spurs supporting friend of mine at the Atlantic. And that's where the fun really begins. See, the Atlantic is a Spurs bar. Now, you don't have to be a spurs supporter to come here, but this is where Chicago's critical mass of spurs supporters like to watch their matches. I've experienced this group before at the Globe, so I knew how much fun I was gonna be in for. Only now, they're funnier and louder which means that they're even more fun. As a neutral I was absolutely loving it as this kind of passion is what the beautiful game brings. The service was better than could be expected. There were like 50 people there with only 1 guy tending bar. Still, it wasn't hard to get a beer or put in a food order. With every person there wanting a beer (or four) and him being the only one, I have to tip my cap and say: sir, you killed it. The beer selection was very good. It was mostly midwest based, but certainly had a craft focus without anything being too obscure. While the selection wasn't massive, it hit all the right points which is all that can really be asked IMO. I need to come here again to watch a Spurs match when there isn't a conflict. I had a complete blast and was loving every second of it. It's one of those things where if you can't have some sort of fun watching this passion, then you're probably a vampire or someone who sucks. Since I don't suck, I wholeheartedly approve of the Atlantic.
(4)Kathleen E.
I love a quaint Irish bar. Good people, laughs, drink, food and music. The only thing is I wish they were closer to the square. Either way it's a great place to go and they run a lot of events. ENJOY and GO IRISH!!!
(4)Ann M.
Possibly my new favorite place in the area. My roommate and I went here on a Tuesday night for some dinner. We were greeted by the bartender who I believe might own the place (I am only assuming because he was telling us about all the things that happen each day like karaoke and improv plus he had an Irish accent). He was super friendly and accommodating. I decided to try the tater tots and cheese and of course they were delicious. We sat right next to the fire place and big screen TV, it was perfect. Very cozy and relaxing. We came back another time for some karaoke and sang "gettin jiggy with it"... possibly a huge mistake as it sounded terrible but people seemed to enjoy it because everyone was hammered like ourselves. We live just down the street from this place so we will definitely be coming back again. It's a great place, I recommend you check it out!
(4)Jack P.
I had only been here once before for a drink in the evening a few years back. And I joked with my friend as we sat there alone around noon on a Tuesday, that we could rob the place blind, as there seemed to be no-one around. But he was hesitant to start a life of crime at the age of eighty-eight. Then a young chap emerged from the back. At the same time, three other patrons arrived, took a table near us, and one gent sat at the bar. They have a Monday through Friday lunch special of any sandwich on the menu with salad or soup for $8. We thought we'd check it out. It's kind of an odd special in that you save just a buck from the menu prices, but you do get a starter. Apparently, the old $5 lunch items are a thing of the past. Understandable. Well, it soon became clear that the guy I figured might be the busser was that and more. He was the bartender, the server and the cook! And inspite of this, he seemed happy, as I asked if he was "holding down the fort." So of course I thought we should prepare for a long wait. We both ordered the tuna melt, having had a tuna salad conversation earlier in the car. Came with a salad. Ordered a couple of drafts. The lunch menu is a fairly limited one, and while I expected some British fare, there was none available (shepherd's pie, etc.) Pretty much basic burgers, reuben, and other sandwiches with a few sides. The salads came out quickly, and the young bartender/server/cook whipped up all our meals rather swiftly and delivered them with a smile. The tuna melts were not opened faced, but like a regular sandwich with cheese on it. Tuna salad made from fresh tuna, too. Generous portions. Steak fries well done. Halfway through the meal, the Irish owner showed up. Well, what a treat he is! Visited us all in the bar as if we were his long lost friends. Chatted us up real good, he did. I love it when that happens. And it was a great ending to what I feared was going to be a possibly disappointing lunch. I'm sure we'll be back, if for nothing else but the great hospitality of the host , and maybe the thought of those cheesy tater tots we didn't order this time around.
(3)David W.
Good pint of cider, and nice looking place with friendly folks running the place, but food was awful. Fish and chip buffet? Really? Fish needs to be crisp, hot and served immediately, NOT in a pan, greying, over sterno lamps. I avoided. Had battered chicken tenders, terrible greasy flavor. Bangers and mash, boxed potatoes, and over powering gravy. Awful. Shepherds pie was nothing like there'll thing, but tasty meat mixture, made it just OK. Won't come again, for the food anyway. Hardly touched it. And I am from across the pond so I know what this is supposed to be like. Avoid the food. Spent $50 on this debacle. That really amounts to $25 per cider!
(2)Sonia L.
We went here for happy hour. The waiter was RIDICULOUS. He came around for food orders, and I honestly was not ready, and I told him I needed a few minutes - he rolled his eyes at me and sighed heavily. (They really weren't that busy, not that this matters.) Later, I asked him if he would play a Big Ten football game, and he replied back that that was the last of his worries and he didn't want to deal with that right now. How's that for great service! Again, they weren't that busy. He was obviously easily stressed, and I think there was a cultural gap here. Also, it was 90 degrees outside yesterday and inside the bar, it was about 85. We were sweating balls. The food is fine and the beer selection is fine. I would not go here again.
(2)Diego O.
Last Saturday, after having a night out, we decided to end it at the Atlantic Bar & Grill. It ended pretty well. We had drunk for a few hours and felt like a solid snack or meal while sampling what this Bar and Grill had to offer. I had just moved into the neighborhood and invited some old friends from out of town for the weekend. I was happy to find that there was free parking and the service was great! This is one Irish Pub that's not overly stated and offers fantastic meals and a good collection of beers and Irish Whisky. We all ordered corned beef & sauerkraut along with curry fries. I will make it a point of going back for more of the wonderfully spiced offerings and try out something new as it all seemed so good. There's a jukebox and live music that plays Irish music as well giving a touch of authenticity.
(4)Chad D.
Authentic Irish pub. Delicious curry fries (we actually ordered the curry sauce on the tater tots - even better). Fairly certain our waiter was actually the owner, too - a very nice Irishman. Pours a solid pint of Guinness. Soccer on the TVs. Loved the experience and can't wait to come back!
(5)AJ G.
I like the bar a lot, good food, and good drinks. I had the Angry Orchard on tap, but my bf had a something Revolution beer that was good. Wings were good. Fries were good. Normally I'd do five stars, but I have a single complaint. The menus have prices on them but the beers don't have prices. So after four of us drank and ate a bit for the first half of the bears game, we were surprised at how much our bill was, $115. Doesn't seem that high for four people, but we were expecting less, and the check was not that transparent with prices either. We paid it, and we like the place, but if the check could be more transparent, especially for a group to see what they owe, it's helpful. Great local bar, and definitely a great place to watch a game.
(4)Joey M.
Pretty solid place to enjoy a sporting event, especially football on a lovely weekend morning. Everyone who works here is really great. Service is exceptional and I always end up getting something bought for me (a beer, or a shot) if I spend any amount of time there at all. The owner is there a lot of the time and he certainly takes a lot of pride in running the place. There is seemingly always a solid $4 draft special any time you go. They also have a neverending parade of interesting goings-on--from sea shanty sing alongs to 'saved by the bell' trivia nights--but I haven't partaken in any of those. Yet. They are also very helpful in regard to our local side--Chicago Fire Soccer Club. You should always support businesses that support the organizations about which you are passionate.
(4)Kathleen G.
Great neighborhood bar with a fireplace and free parking. I highly recommend the curry tots. If you want to sample a variety, they have small plates which offer a nice alternative to a full dinner.
(4)Jessi B.
Happened on this gem on a Friday night. Great atmosphere (especially if you are a footie fan). Menu has small plates- which is great if you're not sure what to get. I had small plates if bangers and mash and curry tots and was full. Great service-by Irish bartender... :) I am planning to bring a friend here when she comes in July.
(5)Pascal M.
After a long bike ride, I needed a shot of whiskey and a beer. Atlantic appeared to be the place, and was it ever! The bartender was great, straight from Ireland I believe. He was inviting and full of energy. The interior was full of Irish flare and I imagine it would be a great place to watch some soccer. They have Paddy's Whiskey on hand, which blows Jameson out the water. So I'm a huge fan already. Plus he pours a perfect Guinness, step two is done. We were famished, so had a quick nibble on their curry fries. Super solid! Perfect pairing for some beer. The Atlantic is far from my neck of the woods, but I'd love to be a regular at a place like this. Atlantic's the kind of bar that would be full of good memories and the occasional drink on the house. Slainte!
(5)Mark T.
Sunday mornings are usually reserved for laundry, big brunches and church. Last weekend I decided to break from the norm and check out the Atlantic for a pint and two solid hours of soccer. Being that I had just become a Tottenham Hotspurs fan in the past year, what better way to spend a Sunday than with like-minded individuals, cheering on your favorite team? I got there about 40 minutes before kickoff (2nd person in the bar!) and set up shop at the corner of the bar in front of one of the TVs. Quickly ordered a pint of Guinness and spinach dip w/ pitas for an appetizer. The food and drink came after 15 minutes and the bar slowly began to fill up with soccer fans. By kickoff, there were at least 60 people crammed in there. The most amazing thing is, more and more people began to show up throughout the morning and there was only this older gentleman who tended the bar and got all food and drink orders. It was a great atmosphere; people were patient as they waited for their drink/food orders and the bartender was always very cheerful. To add on to the overall atmosphere; the fans didn't go crazy...many broke out in chants from kickoff to the final whistle (some of which were hilarious). Overall, the place has typical bar food; I didn't expect much. You do come visit for the friendly faces that serve you and for the great atmosphere that the place provides. I'm already planning my next visit.
(3)Andy M.
From what I can remember, I had a very good time. Guiness may be the Nectar of the Gods, but it's a Nectar that can bite you in the ass. The Atlantic is amazing. It's a Irish bar that employs real Irish people, has a real Irish singer (from Ireland) and serves real Irish booze. In all seriousness, the singer was awesome. He sang a mix of traditional, Irish folk songs with a few American folk ballads mixed in. He was quite the talented (Irish) fellow. I made the mistake of having dinner before my visit to the Atlantic, so I didn't get a chance to sample the food. The menu is quite reasonably priced and the food looked awesome. They serve a decadent, cheesy tater tot dish that looked like a artery hardening, good time. My visit to the Atlantic could not have been more fun. I have finally found a great bar to hang out at that's fairly close to my house. I can't wait to go back and sample the debauchery again.
(5)Esther S.
Love this place. The owners and staff are all fantastic and welcoming. It's nice and cozy, everything you would want in an Irish pub.
(4)Jacob J.
Shock top Belgian ale drafts and Shiner Bock, great selection of beers on draft. Nightly specials with drinks under $5 bucks and a cutie bartender (on some rare nights). Oh and street parking which is never busy. When Atlantic closes and you realize you need food, White Hen pantry is next door with the Digiorno's that's on your mind. If you know your going to be drinking drunken bring a friend and call them ahead of time for a reservation on their bus. They'll provide the transportation home, that's an awesome FREE service you can't find anywhere.
(3)Christoph B.
Some football (soccer) loving friends and I needed a new bar to watch the Euro 2012. Enter Atlantic Bar & Grill. We were drawn in by the $25 All you can eat and drink special for the tournament. Unfortunately this deal was only good PER GAME. So if you want to stuff your face for more than 90 minutes you'll have to either drink a lot very quickly (raises hand) or pay a bit more. Overall this is a fine Irish bar. The drinks were good. Magners, anyone? But the chicken sandwich I had was rather dull. Oh well, I guess I won't be coming back for the eats, but I might check it out for another game or two or twenty.
(3)Sarah B.
Even free off street parking will not induce me to ever come here again. Should have known from the average of 4 people in the place on a Saturday night. I ordered a Cider/Guinness, it was warm! BF was drinking Guinness. He said his was fine. Guinness was supposed to be on Special for $5, but when we got the bill they were regular priced at $6. And Mine was 10! WTF. $10 for a beer? Dinner gets worse. I ordered crab cakes sandwich, he had burger. Crab cake was hardly cooked, super soggy and disgusting I ate the edges that weren't raw and left the rest. it really was a disgusting disappointment. Its not like the kitchen was busy and they had to rush. No Remoulade sauce or anything. Just plain mayo on the bun. I felt bad that my BF had to pay for it. So many other choices in the city, I will never waste my money on this place that obv does not give a shit about their food or bev.
(1)Al I.
Nice pub, good service. We've been here a couple of times for karaoke on Friday nights. The bartender was very friendly and kept our drinks full, and he even came out from behind the bar to serve us regularly. The karaoke DJ was funny and really knew her stuff. Haven't eaten here yet but plan to soon -- the curry fries smell really good.
(4)Wendy R.
Added a star because I just love the owner and staff. Added a star because they have updated the menu with some more options...hoping it will be better! I have to say...this review kind of breaks my heart. I love the location, the owner, the beers but the food just stinks! The menu changed about two years ago and since it has all been iffy at best. I could do somersaults home from this place so I want to love it so much. I will still go here and have a beer but I wish that they would work on the menu.
(4)Ted C.
In the interest of full disclosure I have started a business relationship with this place. Aside from that though I enjoyed coming here for dinner and a beer. Wednesday night was Shepherd's pie for 6.95 it was delicious, warm and savory and exactly what I needed to warm up this winter. I started with the curry fries which is a delicious appetizer, and reminded my brief vacation in England. The fries are thick cut, steak fries and the curry sauce was just the right balance of spice. My friend ordered the chicken wings, nothing special but not bad either, not spicy enough but still tasty. Can I say that I'm amazed that there's an Irish bar in Chicago actually owned and operated by Irish people? The owner Col, is friendly and has an accent so thick that it's almost hard to understand him. Every bartender there seems to be Irish and they even pour little shamrocks into the heads of Guinesses, a nice touch that I've often heard about but have never seen until now. I brought a large group of friends here this weekend and everyone loved it, it was a place that didn't mind 9 people talking loudly, telling slightly off color jokes and laughing obnoxiously. Everyone agreed that this was a great find and my sister even wants to work part time here. They're starting a pick up/drop off service free of charge soon, a great idea for a bar if I ever heard one and soon they'll have college and ladies night in February. Atlantic, I'll be seeing more of you and I'll bring more friends.
(4)Roberto F.
I've been here a couple of times and I have to say it's pretty hit or miss. I thinks it's a good place to watch football a.k.a. soccer. Plenty of TVs to watch and good snack food to keep your belly fully. Stick with the Tots and curry fries and don't delve to deep in the other food. Down sides? There package was only good per game so I had to change my game plan from slow and steady to all out sprint. I might have been better not getting the deal. Lack of help. This bar goes through major swings in the amount of people in the bar. When it's half full service is steady but when it gets slammed you have two people working the bar and the tables and the food orders which definitely slows things down. Positive note: Easy to reserve tables for a party and they have a larger back room where you can set things up. I'm sure I'll be back again but not anytime soon.
(3)Ed A.
We came here after a night of stuffing our faces, pleasant company and good conversation. It too early to end the night so we decided to spread out and enjoy a night cap. I was surprised, pleasantly, by the look of the bar. From the outside, it looked rather plain and matter-of-fact. But the inside pleased my eyes, with a long bar, well-stocked with assorted liquors and beers, and plenty of seating. It was a comfortable and modest bar. I greatly appreciated that it wasn't so loud Irish. Some Irish bars aesthetics just scream at you to pay attention to its Irishness, with Notre Dame banners and four leaf clovers in the urinals. Thankfully, they only take the leprechaun out once a month, St. Patrick's Day and after midnight novenas. The music selection was pretty good. I didn't eat this night but look forward to coming back and trying the menu. The food selection was pretty good and seemingly reasonably priced. I was only there for a short while but enjoyed myself quite a bit. Go Irish!
(4)Brian L.
I used to live in this neighborhood, so I used to come here with my then roommate quite often. We'd usually get the same thing, the friendly staff gets to know you and know your order, etc etc. Though after a while, they completely changed the menu and most of our favorites were gone! The chef even joked about it when we were in 7-11 next door "Man, they took away all of your favorites!" I guess that was the beginning of the end for us there, but I have since moved anyway. Their beer selection is good, and they don't skimp on drinks. It's somewhat of a sports bar, they seem to be big on soccer games but without the douchey sports fans that you get in Wrigleyville. Seamus is the main dude in there and he's a real cool guy. If you live in the hood, then this could definitely be 'your spot' so check it out.
(3)Christine H.
Good place with good food and a decent drink selection. We were there in January and the fireplace up front was just a little too hot and they couldn't turn it down. So don't sit by the fireplace if you can help it.
(4)Nicole S.
Good local spot that serves food and drinks. The parking lot is next door or you can find parking on the surrounding streets. The kitchen was only serving light bites when we got there. The cheesy tots were very good but the spinach dip was just okay. My friends said their chicken strips were lackluster. Considering there was only one person working front of house, service was quick and friendly. The host trivia nights as well.
(4)Christine S.
Charming Irish Bar... Ahhhh, I love you so! Great drink prices. Great food! Awesome (saturday) bartender! They have bags in back for you to play while you're drinking (that's cornhole for you southern fried weirdos) I love Irish bars and Irish guys, so this place is perfect... and I'll be back.
(4)Kim D.
This place is the bomb! Awesomest selection on tap which includes Magners Irish Cider (yummmm) , Sam Adams Seasonal, Stella and my newly discovered favorite - Smithwicks! (Pronounced 'Smiddicks' or somethin' like that). Also as equally awesome is their FOOD! So far have tried the Fish & Chips (which is their special on Fridays for $10) = the bomb; their McGinty Burger (burger made to order w corned beef & sauerkraut & i believe swiss cheese on top) = soOoOo deLiCiOuS!; and their CURRY FRIES = best I've ever had !! Have only been early evening and they are usually playing traditional Irish music but they do have a jukebox so maybe the scene gets more interesting at night. Anywho, if you want some tasty Irish food + drinks, get here! *UPDATE* Quick tip - I DO NOT recommend coming here for dinner during St. Patrick's Day weekend. Unfortunately they were understaffed, and kitchen seemed to be low on ingredients as my corned beef & cabbage was definitely not up to par. IMO they should not have continued serving it and should have just said they've run out. Oh wells.
(4)Julia K.
This place is my home away from home! The burgers are out of this world and I love the way Cahal pours the liquor! Other than that: I love the layout of the place: It is nice and open to the front and doesn't have this cave-feeling most Irish pubs are fond of. The staff is friendly and makes you feel like you are part of the family. They are very open for events you want to host (I am a meet up organizer) and they even have a free (!) party room in the back for private parties. In the wintertime they always have their fireplace going and lately they offer a variety of events like pub quiz, karaoke, open mic and bluegrass jam which is all a good alternative to lame tv programs!
(5)Dean V.
My favorite local pub. Decent food and usually a nice quiet place to watch the game. The wife is a Magner's Irish Cider girl and they have it on tap. I, personally, prefer Guinness which they also have on tap. Overall, just a good local watering hole.
(5)Liz J.
I was sitting on Yelp wondering "Did I remember to review Atlantic after we had our wedding reception there?" Egads! I did not. Way back in August I married the love of my life in a big-fat-gay-gazebo wedding, complete with parade to the Atlantic for the reception. The back room was lovely for our super-cas, relaxed, Saturday afternoon reception. We didn't want a full bar package, and so they let us customize what we wanted and also gave us a few extra appetizers since we went veggie and Seamus seemed convinced that people would be famished if they didn't round out their options with tater tots and onion rings. Eamon and Seamus were great to work with, and we got a very reasonable price for the space. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good, relaxed place for an event. The back room fit our 75+ people just fine. It's also a nice place to stop in for a pint and some tasty, tasty curry fries.
(5)Pete G.
I am pretty sure that last night was the first time I've ever had a meal of buffalo wings and curry fries. While my digestive tract is protesting wildly today, it was a magnificent trans-Atlantic meal last night, enjoyed in front of a Monday Night Football blowout and washed down with a couple Atlantic Stouts. Sure, it was a little quiet, but we were there on a Monday and besides, the four of us made enough noise for everyone. Great neighborhood joint with surprisingly classy ambience and delicious food. Go there, enjoy it - spend enough on booze and your curry fries might get comped, too!
(5)David V.
Great mellow down to earth bar felt welcomed and a place to relax and have a drink wit friends or family. Food was great PS. Like the fireplace.
(5)Nic D.
Food was mediocre and the waitstaff were dicks. Wanted to use my Scoutmob to try them out fully willing to make up for the discount with my tip, but the owner refused because the Wednesday, I repeat Wednesday "Simpsons Trivia night" was a special night and he wouldnt accept it. Again, Beers were super expensive $6 for a domestic beer and food was mediocre.
(1)Kate W.
I am about to write 5 words I never thought I would ever write: This is my favorite bar. I know, it's crazy, but while I will go to a bar I've never really been in love with one before. They all serve alcohol and have TVs, what else is there really? Well, Atlantic has a few things that make me love it. First is the fact that everyone that works here is Irish. Literally, off the boat Irish. They're also friendly, funny, helpful, and waste no time getting you food or drinks. These guys are what every server should be, and they do it while smiling and having fun. The second reason I love this place is that they offer one of my all time favorite meals: corned beef and cabbage. And as I saw from the plates of the 2 people that ordered it, they don't skimp on the portion. Large slices of beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots... Yum!! I was able to snag a couple of bites of cabbage and it was delicious. It reminded me of when my mom would spend the day making a corned beef for dinner, only better. There are also the best curry fries I've ever had, and tots covered in faux cheese. After some fries and tots I didn't have room for the corned beef :( The thing that really tipped the scales for me to fall in love with this place is that the night I happened to stop in there was live entertainment. Usually this would not impress me except that this guy was Irish and was singing a great mix of Irish folk songs mixed with remakes of some seriously amazing songs. By the end of the night I wanted to take the Irish guy home purely so that he could sing to me all the time. While I have never been to Ireland, after I left I couldn't help but feel that I had just spent a few hours in a real Irish Pub.
(5)Mindy S.
They have been generously allowing the Peterson Garden Project to hold orientations in the back room. I only had time to enjoy a pint during the orientation, but there was some wonderfully smelling food being consumed around me. Bonus of free parking in the lot. Will be back!
(5)Michael E.
From the outside you'd think this particular bar was a hidden little hole in the wall when infact it is a friendly, clean place to drink inexpensive drinks. When I wrote hidden I wasn't kidding. This is somewhat of a distance from "Lincoln Square" but walking from the Western Brown Line stop is easy.......and much better than driving around....particularly after you had several of their inexpensive pitchers of beer. They actually have space in the back to play "Corn Hole" which was a game I learned about when I first moved to the mid-west to the town of Cincinnati......I swore never to play a game named after a part of the body my kinfolk in the mountains of North Carolina use to call it, but somehow.......perhaps the cheap pitches were the cause.........had me playing a few fun games. Great place deserving of all the stars it receives.
(4)joe t.
Best football (soccer) pub in Chicago!! Dedicated Tottenham Hotspur pub, great food, great drinks and specials. If you are a Tottenham supporter and are in the area during match days they are open for us. No matter the time or day. The official clubhouse for Tottenham Hotspur Chicago. 6 HDTV's and we always have our team on and always have sound.
(5)Nancy M.
The Atlantic is a pub, a meeting place, a restaurant, and most importantly, it has a super friendly atmosphere. On a Tuesday in September of 2011, my (now) husband and I decided to get married. My sisters threw us a last minute reception in the back room of the Atlantic. The staff were accommodating, the food delicious, the joy was everywhere! Could not have asked for any better. In fact, when we had our big wedding in 2014 (church, reception, everything) we came back to the Atlantic with our bridal party and had a quick drink before going to the reception. Tammy took amazing care of us and it was probably the most relaxed I felt during the whole day. The food is so good and reasonably priced. The Atlantic burger is a solid cheeseburger. Their curry is delicious as well. They play a variety of sports and are very accommodating with music and the jukebox. Their bartenders are great at their jobs and get to know their customers. It is definitely "our local" and every time I want to go out, my friends already know where I'm going to suggest... Seriously, I'm so thankful to have this place. You should really consider trying it out! Cheers!
(5)Jelena Z.
The Atlantic is just brimming with Irish charm and hospitality! The bartender ordered a pizza and shared it with all of his patrons... he walked over to each of us and offered a few slices! "No, take more!", he said. And that is the short story of how the Atlantic won this girl over. $5 domestic pitchers on Thursday nights. Word.
(4)Patrick W.
I stopped into the Atlantic on a Saturday at lunch time. This place is a true authentic Irish bar with soccer on the TV and a heavily accented server. The server was very attentative and checked back a few times. They had a half slab of rib special for $9.95 and I was blown away by how good the ribs where. The literally fell off the bone and were cooked perfectly. The sauce was good as well. I would recommend The Atlantic highly.
(4)Beth W.
Great beer selection. Great veggie burger. Great curry chips. The snug is warm and the owner and staff are super friendly & attentive. Wish I lived a bit closer 'cause then I'd stop in more often! :)
(4)M M.
Friendly place, and the food was delicious. Big, generous sandwiches. Smithwick is on tap. On the Saturday night we went, live music was coming on at 9:00. We'd come again !
(5)Kerry S.
The Atlantic is our "walk through Winnemac" place. It's a beautiful Irish pub, and I always enjoy talking to the owner. They pour some beautiful beers, and have not-your-average weeknight dinner specials. (Shepherd's Pie and the like.) There's a big party room in the back that you can reserve free-of-charge. There's a nice sized bar, tables, and a bag set (corn hole to you south-siders) that you are free to use. We already booked it for next year's family Christmas party. Now if we can only get all the burbs relatives to drive to the big, scary North side of Chicago...
(4)Ali H.
I come to the Atlantic semi-regularly for fiddle club meetings in the back room. I'm amazed at the variety of music groups that they support; there are always tons of ads up for upcoming (and fun!) sounding events. There was a fish fry just finishing up in the back room the last time I went; I was sad that I hadn't gotten there a few minutes earlier! They have a lot of beer on tap and the prices are reasonable. The ambiance is not great; the lighting is weird pretty much everywhere and I just generally don't love the flow of the bar. Also, it is located on a dark and semi-deserted stretch of lincoln. On the upside, they do have a parking lot that I'm usually able to find a spot in.
(4)Casey M.
Finally, I have eaten at The Atlantic. I had the Shepherd's Pie Special, Curry Fries and a pint of Guinness. The Shepherd's Pie was simple, but delicious. Layers of sauteed ground beef, carrot and peas topped off with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and a layer of melted cheddar cheese. The Curry Fries were steaming hot and perfectly seasoned with a decedent rich curry sauce ladled on top. They pour a perfect pint of Guinness each time and every time. Perfect cascading head and temperature and served in an official Guinness pint glass. Delicious. Overall eating experience at The Atlantic was great and I will be back to try their Corned Beef.
(4)George A.
Good place to watch soccer. Drinks were reasonable.
(3)Josh H.
This is my favorite bar in Chicago. I visit the Atlantic almost every Saturday morning throughout the European soccer season and have never had a bad experience. The staff is excellent and incredibly friendly (as attested by the numerous other reviews here) and I'm assured that their shepherd's pie is the best in Chicago.
(5)Victoria W.
I can't believe I haven't written a review for the Atlantic yet. We've been here a dozen times in the past year, and each time I have been impressed with the quality of food and friendly service. Some may think the prices are high for a bar, but this is restaurant-quality food handmade by chefs you can watch while they personally cook your salmon dinner ($14) and pile high the all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Friday ($10). It can get noisy at night, but early in the evening you're more likely to see families. The Atlantic reminds us of the pubs we went to in Ireland (they even give me a glass with ice for my cider), and we always have a great experience here.
(5)Carolynne M.
Don't let the crappy cell phone pics posted above fool you. The Atlantic is a beautiful, authentic Irish pub with great food and perfectly poured Guinness. Live music on the weekends, and a special on something every day of the week. Go. You won't be disappointed.
(5)art s.
Overview: If you're in the neighborhood and you don't mind smoke, the Atlantic is a decent place for a few low-key Thursday night drinks. On the weekends it might even be worth a bit of a trek, as their back room appears to be set up for massive sports viewing fests. The interior is new, clean and comfortable. Service is pretty good and the food is okay. Most of the time I was here I was focused on catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in a while so I didn't absorb every detail of the place, but there were a few things that stood out: - Smoking. Seems like the Atlantic is holding out until the last possible minute on the smoking thing and the clientele is making the most of that. At least half of the people in here (~ 15 - 20 overall) were smoking and it was palpable to those of us who weren't. - TVs. There were a couple well positioned in the front room, and the back room seemed to have some massive screen, which would clearly be useful for NFL Sundays. - Service. I'm not decided on whether this is an example of good service or bad service. I'll just relay what happened and you can come to your own judgments about it. After two glasses of 312 I ordered a glass of Miller Lite to begin the wind down phase of the evening. It tasted off. At first I thought it might just be the sequence of 312 before Lite that influenced my taste buds. But after 3 or 4 sips, it was clearly off. So I brought it back to the bartender and told him I'd be glad to pay for another beer if I was wrong, but I thought the Lite was off. He said it wouldn't be a problem and poured me another 312, telling me the Lite was at the end of the keg. It was nice that he quickly poured me another beer, but if he knew the Lite keg was beyond its last legs, why didn't he mention that when I ordered it? For more of my reviews see travelcasserole.blogspot…
(3)Scott B.
I've been coming here on & off for nearly a year now. Initially, I would come just for drinks, NOT food, because the menu & cooks were atrocious. The owners have made immense improvements to the menu, and have hired two really good chefs. I, honestly love the food at the Atlantic now. Granted, it's a tad pricey, but if you learn to compensate for a stingy economy by ordering specials, it's not too bad on the wallet. As far as a few of my faves on the menu, here's what sticks out: The Atlantic burger is awesome---thick burger with your choice of cheese and flavorful, greasy bacon, and accompanied by fresh, hand cut steak fries. BUT, The Atlantic, in my opinion, has a damn good brunch. Steak & eggs---yum! Breakfast buffet---awesome! Now, let's discuss the service. Seamus is usually the main bartender, and he's very personable, and always offers top notch service. Tony, the weekend brunch bartender is hilarious, and very friendly as well---oh yeah, he makes a killer bloody too! The owner, Kyle is a true Irishman---friendly, and always remembers who you are. All around, you can't go wrong with The Atlantic Bar. 5 STARS!
(5)MaryAnne M.
It's a well known fact that the Irish are the most hospitable people in the world. The staff at The Atlantic proves it. This is no "Mc pub". It's Irish owned and operated. I've been here several times (including the after party following YATW) Most recently for my nephew's graduation party. The back party room is really nice. It seats about 50 or so people. Dart boards are back there too. Real reason for 5 stars: Staff is amazing, from the owner, to the bartender, to the food runner. They were accommodating and helpful. Menu was great too, bangers & mash, lemon chicken and pasta.
(5)Jim F.
It's easily the nicest and newest bar on the block that isn't some BS yuppie magnet. I live right next door to this place. It is a very cozy bar that is bona fide Irish owned and operated. (if that matters to you). They have a fire place and frequently have live music. There is a back room if you want to escape the Irish crooners. It's a sports bar but they show more Soccer than anything else. They have a GREAT Sunday brunch. The rest of the menu is a tad over priced for what is. It's essentially dressed up bar food albeit slightly better than average bar food. Not a very big menu. They have approximately 12 beers on draft. Their bar offers a nice mix of domestic and standard imported beers with a few rarities from time to time. Seamus is a bartender I've seen there many times. He's very nice and pours a decent drink. I deducted two stars for slightly overpriced food but more over, drunken malcontents who frequently have me walking right out. Depending on when you go, you might happen upon a collection of dregs at the bar. It's usually not an issue but has happened enough for me to warn you about it. The bar is big enough to avoid these jags but the fact that they don't ever get "cut off" or asked to leave is obnoxious. Many of them are friends of the owner. It's like your very own "Norm" from "Cheers" except instead of being a wise cracking beer drinking buddy, it's a racist soccer hooligan who wants to punch you in the face because you bumped into the back of his chair walking the bathroom. One of these drunk douche bags grabbed the remote for the juke box and canceled several of my buddies songs...that he PAID for... the bartender did nothing. It's that kind of stuff that is annoying and tarnishes an otherwise fantastic tavern. It doesn't happen a lot. In fact I'd say it's a rarity. I still very much like this bar and go there from time to time. Don't let that scare you away. Just know that there are regulars there and some of them are jerks. Most of them are very very nice.
(3)Ramon L.
Lived in the neighborhood for many years and always noticed this bar sitting on the corner of Winnemac and Lincoln. Tonight we decided to stop by to watch the opening game of the NFL season (2010). I was the first to arrive and my first impression was that it was a bar wiling to welcome all who entered. Nothing pretentious about the place nor was t a place that you got stares because you were not a regular. The bartender was friendly and knowledgable about their offerings. The bar was not over crowded but enough people there to drown out other tables conversations. There are plenty of tables and a different selection of tables, which is nice. Some were bar stool height, while others were standard table with four place settings. The food was average for a bar and grill and the beer selection decent. As a neighborhood bar that is low key but offers exactly what a bar should have this is the place. Also, they have the College Football and NFL Packages.
(4)I'm D.
I always feel so welcomed when we go to the Atlantic. The owner really goes out of his way to make you feel like you are at home. He's always smiling. I'm also thrilled that they've updated their menu so I have more options being a vegetarian. My husband came here for his bachelor party when Ronnie Vegas was performing and they had a great time. They also offer a ride home after a long night of drinking! Plenty of flat screens to watch sports and always a special on food or drinks. Cozy up the fire and just enjoy the low key atmosphere.
(5)Barbara M.
OMG.........I can not say enough about this place!! It's owned by two of the nicest Irishmen you could ever meet. It's a great neighborhood bar to go and have a pint of Guinness or a wonderful meal anytime of the day. I planned a family party there this past weekend for over 60 people in their beautiful party room. The room is spacious enough for any kind of gathering and the full bar back there is gorgeous. They recently installed two sets of beautiful french doors which adds even more light into this great party room. The owners worked with my budget (being a single mom of two), it's not like my last name is Hilton, Rockefeller or Kennedy. I can't tell you how many people came up to me and raved about how good the food was. The menu consisted of Irish sausages, lemon chicken (which was so tender & juicy you could practically cut it with a fork), mashed potatoes and a scrumptious pasta alfredo. The staff went out of their way to make sure I was happy and everything ran smoothly and were absolutely wonderful every step of the way. If you're planning a party, this is the place to go!!
(5)John B.
The bartender/owner (?) is one of the nicest and most attentive barkeeps I've met. Even though we weren't sitting at the bar, he kept an eye on us and made sure we had everything we needed. Which generally amounted to more booze. I seem to recall him even throwing a round in there somewhere. Within 15 minutes, we were talking to him as if we'd known him all our lives. Such hospitality is appropriate for an Irish pub. The Atlantic claims to have the best Shepherds Pie "this side of the pond." While I can't testify to that, I can tell you that they have a nice selection of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, along with a couple of salads, one or two of which even come without meat. They've also got some tasty curry fries and bacon and bleu cheese mashed potatoes. Irish specialties, such as Bangers and Mash and Beef and Guinness Pie, nestle comfortable alongside American dishes like Reubens and Mini Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. There's a $5 lunch menu Mon through Fri, and dinner specials every night of the week. I haven't had everything on the menu, but there's nothing I wouldn't try. If you're not hungry, don't worry. The Atlantic has a dozen beers on tap, and plenty more in the bottle. And with beer specials every night, you should be able to find something with your name on it. There's live music on Saturday nights, and a huge party room in the back. All this and clean bathrooms -- how can you lose?
(4)Lynn M.
Sorry. Five stars for curry fries. 1 star for slow service and very burned shepherds pie coated in butter to hide the taste.
(1)Heidi N.
I've got friends who roll in improv circles, and the back room at Atlantic is where a lot of shows are held. So really, I've only been here on Sunday afternoons for the shows. That being said, it's a pretty solid bar from what I've seen. It's a smallish place, but it's cozy, especially the tables right across from the bar. I'm not too crazy about the food, hence the one star deduction. But the bartender Tony is pretty great.
(4)John E.
Great Irish pub with really friendly staff. Hasn't been very busy the times I've been, but I think that's a good thing. Try the beer that they have brewed specifically for them, it's tasty.
(5)Elaina B.
Right, so I've experienced my fair share of pubs in my lifetime within Chicago and abroad; I'd like to think that I know a good one when I experience it. With that in mind, this place could use a little improvement. Yesterday we were approached by a friendly gentleman handing out free drink passes at Mayfest. We decided to head up there after the fest closed down to have some food and take the opportunity to have one last "free" drink. Well, we got there and were attended to right away, which was nice but when I asked what beers they had on tap I got an eye roll, a heavy sigh and was told there are 12 on tap. Then he begrudgingly tells me what they are. Sorry to put you out of your way, buddy. He takes our drink order and we all take out our drink cards on the table, he leaves and returns with drinks & takes our orders. Vibe: It's a sport's bar. It's a little loud but overall, it's what you'd expect from any sports bar who just happens to have an Irish "theme" and Irish servers. Typical, really but the bar itself is clean and nice to sit in. Food: the food was good, to be honest. The curry fries were fabulous as was my fish and chips. The Shepard's pie had what tasted like a cheese layer over the mash, which was weird but overall the dish was good. Well, we have our meal and the bill arrives. We explain that we have those nifty cards that have been lying in full view of the table and were told we had to give it to him before we started ordering and he wouldn't take them from us. Even though we ordered full meals and appetizers, as good patrons with drink cards should do. Right. So that left a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, I'm chalking it up to a bad, unaccommodating server who needs a lesson or two on American culture/hospitality. With a little improvement I think this bar can be somewhere I hope to visit again.
(3)Celtic B.
My wife and I had dinner last night, while watching a performance in the back room. Seamus, the bartender was great. The room was full, but he didn't miss a beat. We both split an Atlantic burger and a Reuben, with sides of curry sauce and cheese for our fries. the burger was fine, an above average bar burger, but nothing I would go out of my way for. the Reuben was excellent, and the curry sauce for the fries was quite tasty. they have about 10 different pours on tap and it is a nice clean and friendly bar.
(4)Lori B.
We frequent here to watch Packer games when not on regular TV. Great breakfast, great burgers, & great staff!
(4)Scott W.
This place is great on Friday night for dinner. Small and never over-crowded and the two Irish owners are pleasant. I really like their Friday night fish-fry and would totally head to this place to grab a cold-one.
(5)Chris J.
A great little place in Lincoln Square that's not too crowded or pretentious! The food is pretty decent, standard pub fare. Fish and chips weren't amazing but good enough. Good beer selection although the person I was with got a Guinness that seemed like it must have been the bottom of the keg. The owners are very nice and definitely will chat with you if you want. Feels much more personal of a place than some of the other bars in the area and I could see myself wandering in again sometime soon.
(4)Aaron S.
This place was such a nice surprise. Laid back, clean, friendly -- their bartending staff and even the bad was as friendly as could possibly be. We walked into the bar around 12:30am and there were plenty of seats, a great selection of whiskeys and beers. I need to head back there during the week for their specials, but they look cheap, and my friends tell me their food is excellent. On the service, the atmosphere, the actual Irish owner/bartender and the coziness of the place, it may well become the regular bar I've been searching for.
(4)Erika G.
Yelp after party. While the bar itself is pretty nondescript, they were able to handle the onslaught of Yelpers, that I warned them would arrive, quite handily - and with considerable aplomb. Three stars for that alone.
(3)Andy M.
The bar looks good but the night I went on a Sunday to watch the night football game there was a bad odor. I hope this place doesn't have this all of the time. I ordered some tacos and a burger and the food was pretty awful. The young cook looked like an illegal and not very experienced cooking food. This place should just serve drinks like atypical iris bar and I wonder if the weird odor was because of the kitchens proximity to the bar. I never like the places where you can look right into the kitche and see the cook cook. other than that and the bad food I liked the number of good irish beer on tap and how the place looked overall.
(3)arpan s.
first time there...slow service had one employee for 25 people ...plus chef...server got upset that i didnt mention the coupon until after we ate...thought thats how you were supposed to do it..why would it make a difference anyways? answers to question i had on the food/drink menu were short, one worded, and careless.
(3)Travis G.
Very cozy and welcoming Irish bar. We started with a very nice salad with goat cheese and then had the fish and chips and the half slab of ribs. For 6.95 the half slab was pretty good (a little heavy on the onion flavor, but totally worth the price) the fish was perfectly fried, and the chips were nice thick finger fries served with vinegar. The staff and clientele were extremely friendly. The place was nice and clean. The usual lame Internet jutebox and crack (video) machine in the front, but a Foosball table in the back. Super friendly, wish we would have found this place when the weather was colder so we could have enjoyed the fireplace.
(4)Ellie B.
I really enjoyed this Irish pub, but then again, I tend to enjoy most of them! Any places that keeps Smithwicks on tap is alright by me! The bartender served up two rounds of free shots because it was my birthday. That earns them two stars right there. When we walked in though, the air conditioning was off and it was hellish! We had to ask after about 20 minutes what happened to the air and she said that she had turned it off. WHY??? It was about 90 degrees in there! Oh well, I'll be back to try the grub!
(4)Kristen W.
A very welcome addition to the Lincoln Square scene! Don't miss this great little pub on Lincoln Avenue. Not the best location compared to the square, so I'm hoping people seek it out. I had the Irish breakfast. Yum. One of my favorite meals of all time, especially with a nice frosty beer. You cannot go wrong any time of day with this combination. The bar was very busy the night I was there but service was great. Love the decor and live Irish music. Really happy to have this place nearby- I plan to frequent.
(4)liz s.
We stopped by the Atlantic for a burger fix on Saturday with both kids in tow. The owner seems a really nice guy. We both had the Atlantic burger, he did not bat an eye when we both ordered rare. Rare it came. Mooing. They do season their meat, which isn't what I prefer, but it was good and the meat was fresh. My daughter didn't want the Soup of the Day (Cream of Mushroom) but I asked for an off-menu item, a grilled cheese. They were happy to oblige and charged a very fair $3.50 for it with fries. We'll be back. It was very quiet, only a handful of people and just the owner and the cook working at 1pm on a Saturday.
(5)Brett G.
The Atlantic is a beautiful, clean, upscale-looking Irish pub with a very friendly bartender (who gave me and my friends a free shot on my birthday). The service is very attentive. I've heard the food is really good as well. Although it's not in the square, it's a welcome break! No reason for the lack of one star other than the fact I wasn't blown away. Worth a trip to check it out.
(4)Maggie H.
To call the staff friendly is an understatement. After going there for a delicious lunch on a Saturday, my boyfriend and I walked by on a Sunday, heading up Lincoln to run errands. Seconds after walking by the door, the wonderfully Irish bartender came out the door to say, "You didn't mean to walk by, did you?" After that, of course we didn't. The food is perfect Irish comfort food, including a Shepherd's Pie to die for. They also have a good selection of beers. It's well the trip up Lincoln.
(5)Jennifer B.
Love, love, love the Atlantic Bar. ALL of the bartenders here are the best: Tony, Seamus & the owner, Kyl are super, super cool people. Good beer selection, and tasty food make this place a regular stop for me!
(5)Daniel Y.
Very friendly bar staff and good beer selection. It can get a little noisy at times but otherwise it's a great neighborhood pub.
(4)anthony o.
you can watch all WORLD CUP GAMES.there are raffles for jerseys,replica world cup. you should come on by watch and win..7 hd tvs one projector screen in back room. good peeps good food good time.
(5)Tom B.
Really bad food priced really high. Sub Par service, waited over an hour for two breakfast plates. Not reasonably priced. Locals come here just to support the place but I would never go back. New Managment? Only thing good things about this place are 1.) that they open early and 2.) the German Techno they started blasting after Germany beat Argentina
(2)Jason M.
I just recently moved to Lincoln Square and have been on the hunt for a good pub to call "my home away from home". I found a couple places that were pretty decent but nothing that was knocking my socks off. Until a friend from work told me about a not too well known pub called Atlantic Bar & Grill. Fortunately he passed the info. on to me on a Friday, so after work that day I stopped in to have a Guinness. First, the Guinness is a perfect pour! There's nothing worse than ordering a Guinness and getting a mug full of old stuff that's been sitting in the lines for days. Not here! And the food is out of this world! Best sheperds pie and reuben sandwiches around! The Friday I went in the owner happened to be there and he's a super friendly guy. Atlantic is having their 3 year anniversary this Saturday, part of which will be a free pig roast, and I wouldn't miss it for the world!!
(5)Deirdre L.
So... I really wanted this to work with us, Atlantic. I really did. Your nice warm woodsy interior, your plentiful (but not overdone) TV's, your owner who seems cool, your quick-cab-ride location... I really wanted us to work this out but you have become that bad boyfriend I keep coming back to because you're cute or convenient or it just seems like we should be a good fit. I've been giving you more chances than you deserve, but its over, Atlantic. We are never going to be a good fit. Your sparse menu and mediocre food (that gave me a bit of a tummyache last Sunday). Your lack of enthusiasm during Bear's games (I think there was 8 people there last week -including- me and my 3 friends), your funky sewage smell after a heavy rain, your bathroom that has a funk as well (hence the candle that is always lit in there), your meh staff, your just slightly too-out-of-the-way location... its just not gonna work out. I wish I could say it has been fun... I wish I could say we had some beautiful memories... I wish I could say your good specials really saved me a ton of $$. I can't say any of those things. Good bye, Atlantic.
(2)William K.
The $5.95 all you can eat Friday Night fish fry is really good , Guinness is near perfect, and the smoking ban seems to have cleaned out the drunks.
(4)Lydia J.
Went here with my sister and a few of her college friends. It's a very down to earth genuine Irish pub and restaurant. Small, but quaint. Our waiter was actually Irish, with the accent and all! There are plasma screen TVs strategically located so that your fellas can watch whichever game is on. My companions said their burgers were delicious, my sister had cream of mushroom soup and was very satisfied, and I had their salmon with french fries instead of mashed potatoes because they were out of mashed potatoes, and apparently run out of potatoes quite frequently (insert Irish potato famine joke here) nevertheless the salmon was delicious. My only other complaint (besides not having potatoes) was that, even though I understand that it IS a bar, they did not have a very good selection of non-alcoholic drinks. I intended to order a root beer, but the wait informed me they didn't serve root beer, so I had to settle for a very sugary cranberry juice cocktail. Not ideal. But I did get to sneak a sip of my friend's Atlantic Ale (their house brew) and it was quite good. I'll make sure to come back once I'm of age and get the full experience.
(4)