Beachwood Inn
1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL, 60622
Beachwood Inn Menu
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Address :
1415 N Wood St
Chicago, IL, 60622 - Phone (773) 486-9806
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : No
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Tue, Thu, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : Yes
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Robert S.
It amazes me that a majority of reviews that are 4 or 5 stars have been either removed or excluded by yelp and they have the balls to say it has nothing to do with the owners not paying them.....Bollocks I say, we never paid them and it shows.....FYI....the rude and toxic female bartender is now gone from this glorious establishment. Apologies to all that were ever exposed to her toxicity.....enjoy the Beachwood while you still can....peace out..
(5)Ilina K.
I like coming here when I'm too tired to go all the way south to ITP. There's some great people watching. Decently priced, fun local crowd. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is my guy and I got in a 2-hr fight over The Smiths - How Soon is Now on the jukebox and it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. But yeah, don't be afraid to come in here since it's not the dead-beat trashbag it looks like from the outside.
(4)Jeremy P.
thanks for the 3.50 pbr, shitty jukebox, and stupid windsock decor. really, really cool.
(1)Dean K.
This place reminds me why I like hard-working nerds. Bartender Tre (and doorman at The Owl) was topnotch in terms of attentiveness to his local fellows begging for more, even if he was a little offputting (only if you're expecting a blowjob or something), kept sliding weird TV shows on the DVD player (I consider "Regular Show" pretty weird, even if enjoyable) and went tit for tat on Star Trek trivia along with his girlfriend and my bud. I felt at home in the stoop, despite the necessary presence of the big-rimmed glasses-donning hipster chubsters crowding a nearby table. I think the owner came in and put on Mimic and suggested we get tamales from what I assumed was a whirling dervish. He was cruising up and down behind me, flitting in and out of the bar, I assume seeking other locales, hawking tamales. I appreciated his tenacity and enjoyed the fact that the owner/tender was A-OK with people selling shit in his establishment. Looks like people were griping about some bitch bartender from the past. I spotted no such creature, or this review would, too, look like theirs. Maybe I lucked out.
(4)Steve H.
I love dive bars but this place totally misses the charm factor that makes most dive bars special. The ambiance is small, dirty and staffed by ambivalent snotty barkeeps. Their interior decoration just totally doesn't make sense. Are those dragons hanging from the ceiling?? At least they have cool board games which I got to school my fellow pals in connect 4. But the wait for a table was forever.
(2)Geoffrey E.
A seemingly cool-looking bar, but there's no way to get over the INCREDIBLY rude bartender that works here. Yes, the brown hair, glasses wearing girl who is yelling at everyone who walks in to show her your Id. It wasn't just me, she was rude to our whole group, as well as some other patrons that we watched walk in. We stopped by because we read it was closing, but after ordering 1 beer here, all I have to say is good riddance.
(1)Allison C.
I've never had a bad experience here, all the bartenders have been really nice, it's never been that crowded, the patrons aren't douchebags (at least the ones I encounter), the drinks aren't insanely expensive, and it does the job (after work/school/whatever drinking).
(4)c w.
a great jukebox & cushioned toilet seats! what more could you ask for?!
(4)Dilip J.
As Wicker gets more and more yuppified, its nice to find a great neighborhood type bar off Milwaukee Ave. The drinks aren't all that expensive. I got charged $7.75 for 2 mixed drinks, plus there are 2 different beer specials everyday. Also, the jukebox is pretty damn good. Put some quarters in and just hang out, or play some pool. The crowd is laid back and basically from the surrounding streets. Also, if you want something else to do, grab one of the many board games.
(4)natalie b.
this is a great place to spend a chill evening out. the bartenders are always in a good mood, though there have been nights when i've paid 3 different prices for the same order. the board games are a great touch and jukebox is fairly decent. beware songs like "brown eyed girl," though--they tend to inspire a frat party atmosphere that is pretty uncomfortable to say the least.
(5)Cachonfinga M.
Part 1. Never in my life have I seen such a rude, toxic person working in a service industry job. I ordered a PBR tall boy and paid with a $10 note, she gave me the $7 in change and I placed my beer on top of the money. After about 3 sips of beer or 10 minutes later, I had a quick look at the jukebox which is two or three paces away directly in front of the bar. I was at the jukebox for a matter of minutes and turned back to find my (full) beer gone along with my $7. I was rudely told that I didnt cover it or something, and for that reason, it was taken away. I'm not so sure that anyone would order a $3.00 beer, take three sips and then leave 10 minutes later leaving a 230% tip. This bespectacled female bartender either didn't want to see me standing 3 feet away or she is just an opportunist. Part 2. A guy sat with two of his mates at a table came up and ordered drinks totalling $9.25 and he gave her $10 and turned to sit back down. Miss Friendly threw the three quarters onto the bar in disgust which the customer didn't see. (Clearly not enough tip for her exceptional service) After a short time she picked up the .75 cents and put it on their table and said something which I didn't hear. It was something typically charming of this young lady I'm sure, judging by the shocked look on customer's face. I went over to this table and told them of my experience and when the bartender saw meet sitting there, she looked at me and said with bad attitude 'whassup'? Needless to say, I left no tip, drank up and went on to have fun elsewhere. This rancid young lady needs replacing before she runs someone's business into the ground.
(1)Jennifer N.
I'm not sure why it's called an inn, maybe because some of the locals just about live here. It definitely seems that the seats at the bar are reserved for the regulars. That said, plenty of old school bench tables. And tons of board games that make for some fun, maybe educated (scrabble), drinking games. And when we lost our concentration on the thinking games, they were nice enough to make change for the pinball machine and pool table. Definite dive. Cash only. But worth it.
(3)D. R.
Worst.Bartender.Ever. If you don't like serving people don't be in a service industry. There are plenty of other industries suited for mean, condescending, and rude people to work
(1)Timothy T.
A great low-key dive just off the beaten path. The bartenders are nice and the jukebox can't be beat. If you're looking for craft cocktails, this is not your spot- but if you're looking for a low-key night in a cheap charming dive, swing on by Beachwood Inn.
(4)Zack P.
So a friend of mine and I were exploring the area... didn't know what to expect of this place. We sort of knew we were going into a dive bar, but DAMN!! The moment you walk in the door, you are bombarded with human B.O. Like really nasty. As in, you wonder if you are in a gym who has 100 people who haven't showered in ages. He wanted to use the restroom, and by the time we were ready to order a drink, the stench of the place overpowered our senses. The bathroom also looks like it is from a horror movie.
(1)Monseur N.
Although I really enjoyed myself at this bar and loved the overall feel of the place my run in with a not so nice (downright awful) bartender has steered me clear of this place for good. Never have I ever felt like more of an inconvenience, yet I was in PAYING establishment. Tipping the typical $1 to start but increased to $2 thinking maybe she would warm up to us, but NO. After putting $5 in the juke box (best selection I've ever seen!) she continued to increase the volume on the DVD she had just popped into the TV behind the bar. I more than understand on a slow night kicking back and watching a movie with some regulars but we were the only ones in the bar and had ALREADY put the money into the juke box when she decided to drown out our tunes with her raunchy film. I typically swear quite often but would never use that sort of language towards a customer. She repeatedly cursed at the guests and the outwardly obviously eyeroll, shrug, huff followed by a puff after ordering a drink was apalling. At one point when ordering a drink I overheard her with another customer saying "For you it's $8" upon ordering the SAME two drinks I was scuffly told "$10". If you want to give specialty pricing FINE but don't make it so obvious. This dive bar reminded me so much of my favorite bar back home that I was so excited to make it my new bar of choice but terrible customer service and the sorry excuse for a bartender staffing the joint makes it impossible to come back. Not sure that I would chance going in on another day to see if there are others who work there out of risk of having to deal with her again. Overall, great location, great music selection, great ambience, TERRIBLE service which is inevetably what it is all about. I will never be back to this bar again and I am terribly sad about that. PS she was short, brown hair, glasses - maybe there are others who work here but regardless I will never be back.
(1)Gwen R.
The unapologetically rude female bartender with zero class or customer respect will forever keep me from coming back. Shame, the place seemed cool while I was being rudely slid a drink, resulting in it spilling, followed by a loud sigh like it was MY fault she chose to shove drinks across the bar. The owner should really get someone with common sense working, I don't need to be catered to but maybe politely treated while paying to be in his/her establishment.
(1)Sara B.
The beachwood, one of the last dive bars in the area that retains it's character and honesty. It's been as it is since before most of its patrons were born and it's not planning on changing anytime soon. Have too many cold beers, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the place for what it is. Staff is warm and loyal, give them some respect a and you'll have that friend you need when it's a night of booze indeed
(5)Andy M.
A small dive bar in Chicago with plenty of pennants all over the place and an old arcade of some game that was not even a hit in the eighties or ninties. There is not a lot of craft beer in this joint. One pool table and some booths where the seating is ripped to shreds. This place could use a remodeling.
(2)Maureen S.
It smells terrible in here, and it isn't a bar. It's a den of misery that some sad bastard lives in the back of on an air mattress surrounded by videogames and ashtrays. It's really dirty, and not in the way a good dive bar is- it's truly encrusted in this place. Drinks are super flat, served warm, and criminally overpriced. If that's not enough to convince you, the lady bartender serves up the worst service ever and insane. You can get barked at here for a myriad of things, including but not limited to: moving a chair to sit in it, asking a question, walking in the wrong way, breathing strange, etc. Here's to universal healthcare so this nutcase can get a tune up. Also glad to know they still believe in segregation enough to strictly enforce men/womens bathrooms, despite a line forming for the ladies and an open mensroom. Idiots. Great alternatives for a positive dive experience in the area: Goldstar Bar, Chipp Inn, Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern, Club Foot, Innertown Pub, and so many more. What are you still doing thinking about going to the Beachwood Inn for a four dollar lukewarm domestic beer?
(1)Jacques M.
Beachwood has all your dive bar basics covered. You got your jukebox, cash only bar, illuminated beer ad signs from the 80's, and dragon kite's hanging for the the ceiling. OK, maybe dragon kite's aren't a dive bar mainstay, but you get my point. Unfortunately, the service at Beachwood is lacking. The female bartender was border line rude (seemed annoyed that I wanted to order a drink and had to waive her down several times to place an order) and the guy in the Hawaiian shirt just seemed indifferent, but was attentive. Service, is essential to good dive bar. I mean your not serving gourmet food here and your main sales point is cheap beer (which can be found many places in this city), so having friendly accommodating staff is what makes a mediocre dive bar a good one. That being said the beer is cheap and I enjoyed the random incoherent decor (Jukebox never hurts either), but unless you live in the area there isn't any reason to make a special trip. Moreover, it comes off as place that is content with it's current crop of regulars and isn't looking to extend it's customer base.
(3)eric f.
YES
(5)Bill J.
I've been to this place twice now and immediately walked out both times. I'm a little too optimistic about life for this crowd.
(1)Andy M.
When you play Connect Four, you always start in the middle. Always. Great bar! Movie poster decor with a fine jukebox (one of the last on the Milwaukee strip that doesn't have a fraggin' "touch screen"). Their beer is really chilly, and it's the right price. There is an eclectic crowd usually- fringe hipsters and nutters. The last time I was there, someone had drawn a six panel wordless comic on the bathroom wall- it was basically a story of a man and woman falling in love. It reinforced my faith in humanity so much that I forgot to wash my hands.
(4)Kate Q.
Settled for this place last night since the other bars around were packed for the game. I was walking to the venue, hopeful to be able to enjoy the game with some food and drinks. FIRST off...CASH ONLY place with NO ATM around. THEN on top of it my friends inform me there is NO FOOD. So a few of us had to walk back across the street to the walgreens to take out some money AND buy a family sized bag of chips since my group was starving. Good dive bars i have been to isn't suppose to be just a building with "a bar" (if you want to call it that) and a few tvs you shove up there. Where you don't even have a real ice bin but store ice in a portable cooler...and have warm, opened soda bottles out to use as your mixers. WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN my flat Jack and Coke...who knows how long ago she opened that bottles of coke and still served it. ANYWAYS... that's not even the part that made me write this review. We tried to make the best of the situation...but.. At any place...I DON'T CARE WHAT KIND OF BAR YOU WORK AT...it's about customer service and hospitality. You try to keep the people that come in to STAY. The bartender working that night (9/13/2012) didn't seem to have an interest int hat fact, or her job at all. No greeting, no introduction, just barked at our whole group for our IDs. Even door hosts and door security have better greeting skills than this girl. Frustrated as we were already, she hounded my friend for his ID (in the middle of his conversation) so he just tossed it on the bar so it could be there when she came back to check it and OH SO PROFESSIONALLY, she threw it back to him. Makes you feel so inclined to stay..NOT! As we were watching the barely heard game, she later on walked out and left all of us unattended. As a fellow food/beverage/hospitality employee, you NEVER leave your bar unattended; ESPECIALLY when there are people there. LAST thing that was RIDICULOUS..was that we had a good sized group. So we were trying to all sit together. When one of my friends moved the bar stool closer to our tables to do so, he got scolded. Apparently we "are not allowed to move the bar stools away from the bar". REALLY?! I have never heard of someone telling PAYING customers where they can and cannot sit. Bottom line, if it gets your people to stay at your bar, keep them happy. Also know that the place was basically empty; so not like we were taking the stool away from other customers. Doesn't take a lot to figure out we left before half time and relocated. I see the good reviews AND maybe we missed meeting the guy that is actually a good guy and bartender. Things could have been different. TO THE CHICK THAT WORKED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2012: You could have at least smiled and pretended you enjoyed your job, the fact that there were people in that night, and actually gave a crap! Needless to say, I WILL NEVER BE COMING BACK TO THIS PLACE AGAIN.
(1)Alberto M.
The Beachwood has become my new favorite neighborhood bar, it's the place to go if you're not in the mood for the bars along Milwaukee where the people, like the music, can be more pretentious than actually fun. When you first arrive you will wonder why it isn't packed, they have a staff that doesn't look at you like your business is interrupting them somehow, their drink prices are decent-on-their-way-to-cheap, and their decorations are so awesomely tacky you are instantly cooler in comparison. The first night I went here I intended it to be just the first stop of my night, but I was enjoying myself so much I stayed!
(5)Tim H.
Wow, I am really surprised this place has such high reviews considering my experience, but maybe it was just when I was there. Seemed like a decent dive... My friends and I ended up here displaced from a better bar down the street to watch the Bears/Packers game. I was shocked that the place was mostly empty considering the game, but then I found out why. There's no food, crappy TV's which weren't loud enough, and the bar tender was a total Biochwood if you know what I mean. When we walked in she immediately started hounding all of us for ID's and didn't have a very pleasant tone about it. She didn't even bother to say 'hello' or anything. Just "I NEED TO SEE YOUR ID'S!" We hadn't even ordered yet. Take it easy sister! I didn't giver her my ID right away as I was chatting with friends so she hounded me again. So I took it out and tossed it onto the bar for her. She read it, gave me a really rude snarl then tossed my ID back at me across the bar. Classy. My last and final interaction with her was when she yelled at me about moving a bar stool over by my friend's table to sit by them. She said "Uh, you can't move the bar stools away from the bar." So many rules! I have never heard of a place that wouldn't let you move furniture for customer's comfort. Plus the place was empty! What difference would it make. I decided I was done with her and had my friends grab my drinks for me, and I will not be back to this place. I dedicate this review to the bar tender that worked the eve of 9/13/12.
(1)Jessica L.
I'd like to think of Beachwood Inn as purgatory and the staff as the collective group of people that have been waiting an eternity to get somewhere else. It's too bad, because I pine for dive bars, however this place is just not the one. Don't waste your time at a bar where the workers actually treat you like dirt. This place is a list long of cons with no pros.
(1)Alex I.
True dive bar experience, but refreshing considering the sterile sports bars that tend to be in the area. Not fancy and not trying to be fancy, just a simple watering hole to go to drink at. Last time I was in the bartender (who can be a little stand offish) was playing B Horror movies on the TV and the general atmosphere was very nice. ONLY get beer if you go here though because the mixed drinks may be warm.... but this isnt really a mixed drinks type of bar. Just a pint and shot place to start off the night
(4)Richard S.
Good place to Dance and clap. All you haters suck it.
(4)Nate B.
Went this summer, bartender was a NASTY biatch. Thought it was a fluke. Went back last week, same girl (hipster glasses) working the bar, no one in the place. Immediately snarls for all of our ID's, yet as some people were out smoking, wouldn't serve us til they came in. Ladyfriend gets the flattest jack and coke ever, at least our beer was cold. Meanwhile, Queen B behind the bar is stomping around looking pissed off she has to actually work. Not one smile, even when tipped. Would also randomly walk out to go have a smoke (while people were waiting for drinks). If the owner sees this, maybe thats how you've asked your employees to act, but our group will never go back to your bar. There are PLENTY of better dive bars in this city with decent employees.
(1)Amy S.
The bartender is condescending to a fault!! Your typical no lens hipster frame wearing bartender, although per usual in Wicker Park, was neither charming or humorous on this terrible excuse for a member of the "service" industry, because all she served us was a terrible night and her disrespectful attitude . The awesome juke box and wonderful dive bar ambience ( they have a vintage barber chair! and dragons hanging from the ceiling, yes!) was so out shined by her heinous too cool for school attitude. The overall junk yard dog mean demeanor of this bitchy bar tender was so grotesque that ambivalent and snotty do not even being to scratch the surface of the way she treated us. She's territorial and angry and although we respected the place and tipped her two bucks a drink she carried on like we should not have even been there, stopping just short of peeing all over the bar to mark her territory. The decor was wonderful, we put ten bucks into the classic rock, 90's flavor juke box, and my sincere compliments to this WITCH were met with disdain and contempt. In fact, the other patrons, also newcomers, commented on just how unreasonable and inappropriate she was being only to get her to respond that she was not here to entertain them. Any drink order we had (I'm sorry, when did Jamo shots become complicated??) was a hassle for her like we were just fresh 21 year olds sent to make her Thursday night hell. You are a bartender and you deserve to be treated with respect, but you ARE there to make drinks so when I respectfully order one I don't need to be made to feel like I'm misogynistic for placing a drink order. (I am a woman by the way). I was hoping this great bar would be my new regular dive, but unless they rid the place of this patronizing bar tender I will never ever go here again and I hope everyone else follows suit.
(1)Katie H.
This is one of my favorite dive bars in Chicago. As a wicker park native i appreciate that is one of the only last original bars in the area. This is my go to winter dive bar the guy behind the bar is attentive and has a good sense of humor. There is always a funny movie or cartoon on the tiny tv mounted on the wall of the bar. They have an old school jukebox with a great selection and the crowd is mature and chill. A definite staple in Wicker Park also they have a pool table.. of course Thanks Beachwood!
(5)Tony D.
I used to live 2 bulidings down from this place and do I miss it. Best dive bar in the city. Stopped by here for a few drinks before the Local H show on 5/5/2012. Had a few beers and shots went to the show and came back here for more beer and shots. And if your hungry there is a late night mediteranean place about a block down on Paulina.
(5)Caitlyn M.
One of my favorite dives in the city. They have pool, a jukebox, other board games, and they even buy a pizza for guests on Sundays I believe. It's cozy and usually pretty quiet. My only negative is that I'm a big Bulls/Bears fan and the t.v.'s just don't cut it for watching the games.
(4)JAMES M.
This joint has been around forever seems like. Place was here when the hood was still skarryyyyy! The place is simply laid out with what maybe the original tables and booths (comfy). But thats what gives it it's nostalgic feeling. Great winter bar! Awesome Jukebox(oldskool). Elvis is alive here friends............ Drinks are fairly priced The regulars are friendly! Nick ma dawg! Only thing it needs is an ATM or a credit machine. Oh and please get some attractive bartenders! Hell even attractive male bartenders.......Anythin ;) If you see Nick buy him a shot of Vodka Stat! Shake & Bake seal of approval! Hipster infestation level: 4 The times ive been I havent seen any bike ridin skeletor mobiles chained outside. Its a hidden gem.
(4)Amanda M.
I have had many a good night here. It's not fancy or spotlessly clean but you can count on being able to walk in and grab a seat. It's a decent spot "off the strip" in Wicker Park if you're into that kind of thing.
(3)Adri P.
Bob, put Help! back on the jukebox right meow.
(5)Jessica R.
One of the few real dive bars in Wicker Park! Love the feel here: casual, no rush, no stress, come as you are vibe. Kim the bartender is always very helpful and her bar is a great option if you want to do something low key, especially for a big group of diverse people that may want to just have a local beer or two instead of a "craft beer, wine, and martinis" night out. I like this place. there is a time and a place for everything and Beachwood is on my list. My only gripe is that I wish they allowed dogs inside like some other bars that don't serve food (Goldstar and Lincoln Tap).
(4)Nick S.
Still love this bar. Bob, I know you're reading this. Still waiting on an ATM! :) To Amanda Y.. don't flatter yourself sweetheart, you're not attractive. The bartender you speak of does that to anyone he finds interesting in a platonic way. Apparently bartenders have poor judgement at times. so, if you go here, if you want the following: 1. really cheap dranks 2. good music 3. booths and pool 4. clean bathrooms 5. locals 6. awesome bartenders 7. misguided non-regulars who give themselves way to much credit 8. cash only :(
(4)Lauren M.
I had a horrible experience here. As my friends and I walked in, the bartender and some older men started snickering about how we were young and shouldn't be at a place like this (I'm 22). Then, the bartender took 15 minutes to serve us because she was having a conversation. I'm a big fan of dive bars, but this one was dirty (not in a good way) and the horrible service made me never want to go back again.
(1)Colleen S.
I love dive bars. I'm a dive bar junkie. This is one of my favorites. The boyfriend and I met here so there's a special place in our hearts for it and we still go regularly. It's a nice, calm, non-frat boy place to hide out in when the Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville set decides to descend on our 'hood. Good juke box, good place to play pool, good staff. Love it!!
(4)Kim W.
cheap drinks. off the radar. great place to start off the night or have a quiet first date. well done, beachwood inn, well done.
(4)shannon C.
My friends and I think we have met baby Huey! I just moved in down the street and I thought I would bring my friends to beachwood after my house warming party, little did I know that we would be met by such rude and unwelcoming behavior. There were all of 3 people in the bar, when my ten friends and I walked in, within 5 minutes of ordering $100 worth of shots and drinks baby Huey refused to take a picture of us, even though we asked politely. Now maybe we pissed him off when we said it smelled like an old mans hat, but I really think he just didn't want to be bothered while reading his newspaper. They clearly didn't care for our business, because they could have cared less when we left. In fact they seemed happy we were leaving! I am sad that I live so close to such a sad little smelly place, I guess I will just have to find another spot to spend money!
(1)Patrick B.
If you are attempting to have a decent time, I would highly suggest finding a different bar to spend your money. This place does NOT equitably serve everyone - from a scowl on the way in to an early cutoff at the bar, my wife and I were met with nothing short of bigotry and coldness from the bartender/owner. Take your cash elsewhere and put this ridiculous establishment where it ought to be...in their grimy toilet.
(1)Michael D.
Kinda has that.. Drinking in my grandparents basement feel...unstable chairs.. dusty.. dim... I love it.
(4)Colleen D.
Sorry I can't walk by here without going in....it is such a cool dive bar. It is cash only - I always forget about that.
(5)Lois A.
This place always feels too hot but maybe I've just been here on the wrong nights. I had a bad rum and coke here once and thought it must have been a fluke so I switched to beer. Came back a month ago and the one I ordered tasted even worse. Won't make that mistake again. Bar bathrooms usually are gross and this place is no exception. This place, like a lot of places, really suffers from the smoking ban. I never noticed how bad it smelled in here when it was filled with clouds of smoke.
(2)Evan S.
Holy moly, this is a dive! The fun part is: that's the point. $2 pbr and oldstyle with an old jukebox in the middle. You wouldn't take a girl here on your first date or a client after a sales call. You would meander on over here if you just wanted to sit around and people watch though. Only real gripe is that there is no reason you HAVE to have filthy bathrooms just because you're a dive bar. These need a tune up. Keep it up!
(3)One T.
I found this place by accident (looking for the corner of Beach and Wood). And I thought it was great. It wasn't overcrowded and the drinks weren't incredibly pricey.
(4)Kristina B.
The 1 star description on Yelp! of "Eek! Methinks not" is spot on for Beachwood Inn. I've been to plenty of drinking establishments around this fine city to know that a dive bar doesn't need to equal to a bad experience. Besides from the over priced beers (for "dive" standards), service here is abysmal. I usually favor dive bars and neighborhood watering holes for great service. This place is the 'Dicks Last Resort' of bars; you're paying extra to be treated like crap. There were probably 15 people at the bar when we went, and it was impossible to get served. If you don't fit into the owners/bartender's mold of who they think should be at their place, they'll flat out not serve you. I've gotten better treatment from local South Boston bars when I lived out East. Except the form of social discrimination you get from here comes from a man wearing a Hawaiian shirt instead of an ex mobster... so basically, not as cool. Side note, did I mention their bathrooms are filthy and the odor flows right into the bar? Does nothing to enhance the taste of my Old Style. The atmosphere can be described as 'chill' but also just plain dead. In general, gathering around a 30 at a friend's couch or deck would also be a far better time. There are also way too many cool dive joints around this area, just don't waste your time, money and energy here.
(1)Edward D.
One of Wicker/Bucktown's hidden dives, this place is great for cheap booze and a game of scrabble. Petty good jukebox.
(4)Jenna S.
Does not live up to the hype. It's just the same old stale hipster "dive bar" in Wicker Park. The beer isn't that cheap and it's getting too crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. On the plus side, they have board games and pool tables, so there's ways to occupy yourself (although I've never been able to use the pool table because it's always booked). Usually difficult to get seating, so expect to stand most of the night.
(2)Steve M.
I've been passing by this place for the last 2 years. Everytime I'd make a mental note to check that place out... it just has this amazing "you really want to come inside" quality in it's diveyness. Yesterday, I finally went to Beachwood Inn w/ my sister, and it was everything I thought and hoped it would be. There are very retro sports posters on the wall. There's a pool table and Tekken video game. They sell Cheese-Its! There's an old wooden refrigerator behind the bar with 6 or 9 doors on it. The bartender is friendly and a *little* awkward in a way that is amazing. There are a collection of kites hanging from the ceiling (my favorite one was a pirate ship!). There is a vast selection of board games and a "bar library" with old paperback books. I could continue, but I think you get the point. This place is awesome. It is a super dive. I will DEFINITELY be back.
(4)Mark W.
LOL. I wore stripes, i should have worn plaid. my mistake. I felt terribly out of place, but i was inebriated enough not to care. Had a beer and left. I was expecting something a little better, especially after dragging along two friends at who knows what hour of the night. They had no interest, but agreed to go anyway. In the end, i think it was decent. I think. lol. Archie's is to Ukrainian Village as Beachwood is to Wicker Park. (See archies review)
(3)Rebekah R.
Overtly rude, presumptuous bartender. We thought this was one of the non-douchey bars in the neighborhood. Turns out the bartender is a complete Beyoncé. My friend tried to walk into one of the single-toilet restrooms and got yelled at: "Girls in the girls' room, boys in the boys' room!" And then we proceeded to get kicked out--because my friend muttered a comment about this action? I am unsure what happened in the mind of the bartender. She claimed that my friend had "made trouble" the last time they were there. To the bartender, I would say, you are driving away business. For a Saturday night in the heart of Wicker Park, you were doing pretty poorly, and now you will do that much worse. Anti-gay, non-friendly establishment.
(1)Virginia T.
Came here for my friend's bday party. Laid back is the best way to describe this place, and that's just my type of bar. I *love* the old wooden coolers. They have nothing on draft, but a decent selection of bottles (Bells!) The prices are reasonable. Bartender was friendly. Great jukebox. Boardgames. Pool table. CASH ONLY.
(4)Jill Y.
I judge my favorite dive bars by their jukebox first and their beer selection second. This place has one of the greatest jukeboxes I've ever seen. The beer selection was just okay to me, but I'm not really picky about beer to begin with. This bar is kind of off the path - it's not too crowded usually and I don't feel like everyone's judging whether I'm cool enough to be there the minute I walk in, as is the case with some of the other bars in the area. There are some dives in Wicker Park that feel pretty pretentious, but not Beachwood Inn. On top of the low-key vibe and great jukebox, there's a picture of moving water on the wall behind the bar. That alone held my attention for about an hour. If you enjoy dive bars but hate the standard Wicker Park crowd, this is a pretty great place to stop.
(4)Ben K.
While you're likely not gonna set up camp at the Beachwood Inn for the majority of a Saturday night, this is an awesome spot to stop in for a beer or two and play a game of pool. Beachwood is a complete dive, and it does that just how it should be done. The walls are covered in authentic Chicago and American pop culture from the last 40 years including awesome concert posters from the 60's and 70's, images of reminiscent local sports icons, OLD school beer advertisements you've never seen before, and plenty more. This is what Applebee's is trying to do on all of their walls except Beachwood did it by collecting real stuff and Applebee's just orders generic crap from corporate headquarters. Cheap beers, a pool table that isnt slanted (with decent cues), a shelf full of board games you can play at your table if you're so inclined, a legit juke box, and a laid back atmosphere. Great spot.
(4)Mork M.
Fan tas tic bar, except when its full. One of the few bars where I've been bought drinks by regulars and returned the favor, that always signifies a diamond in the rough.
(4)Bobby K.
Pretty devastated I only found this place about a week before I moved out of the neighborhood. It's the chill local dive spot I couldn't find and thus decided to move. Not the place for when you're looking to go out for a new and exciting drinking experience; rather, one for when you've got shit on your mind and need to rant it out with a friend over some bottled beer. All underscored by a kick-ass jukebox. That's the Beechwood. Kitsch incarnate and absolutely adorable. We came in about 8pm on a Friday and it was decently inhabited but by 10pm everyone except the clearly very regulars had moved on. Bartender wasn't the warmest thing on the planet but a few more visits and I've have felt right at home.
(4)Ryne D.
Well, I'm not a big dive bar guy, but I'll say what I can. This place was aaaaalllmost too small for our large group. We used up just about every spare stool in the place, and were lucky that no one was left standing for to long. The specials for the night (3.25 Amstels) were pretty good, and I was impressed that their Trouble board game actually had all the pieces intact. At one point in the night, it smelled like straight up sewage for about a minute...not sure where that came from, but at least it didn't linger. Things got a lot better when tamale guy came in, but I can find him in many other places. It wasn't my choice to go here, nor do I think it would ever be.
(3)Kate F.
I love the Beachwood!!! It reminds me of my favorite bar back home in Lawrence Kansas. the bartenders and doorguys are super nice, helpful, and welcoming. The jukebox has a little of everything and the patrons are generally down-to-earth. There can be annoying patrons(almost middle age chics drunk and dancing to stupid 80s tracks and frat boy yuppies)...but I guess you will find that anywhere. Diversity is great in life though. The drinks are decently priced, though I wish they had one super cheap beer. Brian, Kate, and Ronnie are sexy bitches that can pour a good jameson!
(5)Jess S.
Its a staple but I don't neccessarily agree with "It's just the same old stale hipster "dive bar" in Wicker Park." Because it is by definition a dive and was not suddenly created out of nothing. I have found it plenty cozy on cold winter nights. And it is cheap enough (at least the specials?). Theres just something about this dive that, in my eyes, is pretty sincere and doesn't try to be anything but what it is. And thats exactly how I like my bars. Plus my friend's grandma used to come here when Milwaukee was still the Polish Broadway.
(3)Adam K.
This place is chill, its a good first or last place, but I would not hang here forever. lets get some hot bartenders in here how about? But then that would take away from the neighborhoody feel of having the dude who obviously owns the joint serve you a cold Newcastle. One pool table where I almost got into a fight at. OK, the reason they get 3 stars, its ALWAYS packed with dudes, farting, sneering and smoking outside wearing tank tops in 42 degree weather. Ah, i know what your going to say, "Its wicker park fat ass, take it easy, your in the heart of dudes wearing inappropriate clothing and ironic mustaches!" Yeah, but I yearn for a simpler time...when men were men and mustaches meant you are gay.
(3)Sara B.
Midwestern beers confuse me. See, I'm from the Northwest, so I'm familiar with local brews. But in the Midwest, I can never tell. Is it a microbrew or a wacky regional beer on par with PBR? Is it German or does it just sound German because it's from Wisconsin? The Beachwood Inn, where I stumbled in for one last beer on my first night in Chicago, is where I learned the facts the hard way: with a bottle of Leinenkugel. "Leinenkugel? What's that?" "It's from Wisconsin. It's pretty good." "All right, two Leinenkugels." OK, so the bartender lied through his teeth. But nevertheless, The Beachwood is a pretty good bar -- small, cozy, and tucked away from the bustle. But Leinenkugel still tastes like ass.
(4)Ashwin J.
I've been living next to this place for almost a year and regret that I only ventured there recently ! It's a very laid back, swell neighborhood bar with a decor that looks accidental but is actually well coordinated. The juke box rules and the bar tenders are unassuming and friendly. easy to strike a conversation with most peeps here.
(3)amanda y.
gee whiz, i thought i was a stalker creep!!! then, i went to beachwood inn. the bartender was nice, but he ended up telling me his life story. i appreciate oral tradition, but it just wanted to eat peanuts and jive to the really good jukebox. after hearing stories about his fifty-something years of life, he asked me to write my full name down, so he could facebook friend request me and my friend. this was very uncomfortable for me, because i just wanted to eat peanuts and jive to the really good jukebox. so, if you go here, if you want the following: 1. really cheap dranks 2. good music 3. booths and pool 4. clean bathrooms 5. locals 6. creepy bartender man 7. cash only is it worth it? i dunno....actually, yes it is. i'd prob go again.
(2)bobby e.
Why do I love this place? I'm not sure. I've never been blown away by the staff and from what I can tell the drinks are kind of overpriced. But I just love the atmosphere and the decorations. And the board games. Don't forget the board games. It's also got a great juke box and is not thriving with douches. A good mix of people.
(3)Nicolas H.
Definitely an odd spot. I couldn't get over the decorations hanging from the ceiling (pirate ship, an eagle, parrots, etc). The drinks are reasonably priced though and the pool table is a nice draw...
(3)Nick H.
The jukebox is excellent, there are two cheap daily drink specials, a pinball machine, kitchy shit all over, wood paneling, two TVs for sports or whatever the hell you ask them to put on, and a staff that is pretty friendly. That is all it takes for a dive bar to get four stars on my Yelp.
(4)Ryan C.
I came here on a Friday night around 10pm and was able to immediately start a game of pool with no wait - Amazing. This little place has stiff, cheap drinks. Board games are available for patrons as well. The bar was not very crowded either, some of the dives in wicker park are packed on a Friday night but not this one, I was very happy with the elbow room. However, this place is cash only.
(4)one thousand songs s.
Staffed by mindless drones with Diarrhea for brains. Scene - two middle aged music fans in town for Pitchfork arrive at Beachwood Inn for drinks on Sunday evening. They enter through the front door and are quickly intercepted by Baby Huey. Baby Huey: ID please. MF1: Sure (laughing). I'm 38 but that's cool. Baby Huey: Oh - I'm sorry but this is a foreign ID. MF2: Yes, that's because we don't live here. Baby Huey: I'm sorry, but I can't accept foreign IDs. MF1: Are you joking? He's 41 years old! We've been here for 4 days and have not yet had a problem. That's my Ontario, Canada driver's license. What else do you want? Baby Huey: I'd need some sort of federal ID like a passport. MF2: Seriously. There are about a million bars around here. If you don't want our money we'd be happy to spend it somewhere else. Baby Huey: (all upset) FINE, if that's the way you feel (turns and humps back into the shadows) Scene - MF1 and MF2 head to Plan B where they drink themselves silly and meet cool people who then take them to The Continental for more of the same. 1000songs
(1)Jason K.
My brother lives around here and this is one of our hangouts when I come to visit. It's a great little dive with board games! My favorite Beachwood memory is when craft beers were $3 or so, and Miller High Life went on "special" at $4. The barkeep told me that he was selling hella Miller High Life, and he might have to say it's a $5 "special" because $4 stopped being funny after a while. Go Beachwood.
(4)Andrew P.
A rare five-star, cos it is truly one of the greats. Definitely the best in Wicker Park. The bartender Carla rules. I was a regular here when I lived in Wicker Park. When I moved to Austin for awhile, I would come here whenever I was in town, and Carla would always remember me. Great jukebox, with EVERYTHING. Great pool games! Simpsons pinball! A dentist chair! Come here for a beer or ten. You can't go wrong. PS: Funny story. A former girlfriend loved this place (in fact it was "our" bar). During an argument with my "ex" over whether we should get back together, Pat Benetar's "Love is a Battlefield" came on. How cool is that?
(5)Steve R.
Comfy as the day is long. Not somewhere I'd go when it's sunny out, but out of the suck-fest that is now Wicker Park it is the one place I'll still go willingly. Relatively cheap drinks for the area, board games, cool juke, interesting stuff up on the walls, and friendly patrons. Not terribly hip/chad-y, just regular folks bellying up for some conversation. It's a pretty low key scene, so if you're one of those cocked-hat guys it probably won't be your cup of tea. Good.
(4)Colleen J.
This is a GREAT dive bar. It is a good place to go to get away from trendy folk. It's just a no-nonsense bar--you get your drink, then sit and chat. They have games and t-shirts and a pretty good jukebox selection. They have a pool table, but as always, good luck trying to play. The bartenders are just regular peeps, which is nice. No glamour, no frills, which is a nice change of pace. It's on the small side, so get there early if you want nab a seat.
(4)Krista M.
When it comes to dive bars, the beachwood is a deep dive, ableit a highly enjoyable deep dive! I love the hodgepodge of paraphernalia and decorations as well as the scrabble game that's always waiting to be played.
(4)Lauren V.
Oh quiet little corner bars, how I love thee! Admittedly, I never go to bars on weekends, pretty much. Can't stand the crowds. But on weeknights, Oh MAN. This is a couple of blocks from my house. Go in, grab a booth and a Really. Cold. Beer. Talk to the owner (who is so nice and full of awesome it's amazing he does not explode - I also made him almost die by telling my mom "Screw You" on the phone. Long story). Sit and chat with my girls. It's a good place. It has pinball. All good bars have pinball. It Covers all GOOD things Chicago - The Bears, The Cubs, The Sox. It has the Playboy cover with Jenny McCarthy on the wall. Lots of old beer signs. Kites on the ceiling. Beer specials. It's comfy, it has regulars. I was sad when one night we were there they were retiring the old cash register ("The display doesn't work anymore") for a new one that was digital, but still. It's a good place. Yup. I'm there lots.
(5)John M.
Rumor has it this is Brad Wood's (Liz Phair's drummer and producer) favorite bar in Chicago. Always great beer specials, and you used to be able to grab a slice from Big Tony's pizza across the street. (Big Tony's is now condos) RIP Anyway, great jukebox: Ramones, Madonna, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest. Pool table in the back, always being played. There is some postman local who was a complete character, he almost ran me over as I rollerbladed one day down wood. I said to myself that's the dude from the beachwood! a little smoky and crowded on weekends, but overall great dive bar. They usually will play some horror movie on the TVs too. Funny posters on the wall from movies and concerts.
(5)Theresa C.
Beachwood is super cozy, almost never too crowded and the drinks are good and cheap. They have a pool table and a pinball machine as well as board games. I don't want to know anyone who doesn't like having a few and playing a few invigorating rounds of Trouble. The jukebox is full of classic 80's new wave and the like. It's dark and not so smokey, but in a very good way.
(4)Jillian S.
My fiance and I somehow wound up ringing NY2010 in at Beachwood. We walked in and there were about 6 other people in the bar besides the doorman and the bartender. they had some good drink specials going on, and the jukebox was playing some solid tunes. as the night progressed, more couples began to meander in, and from the looks of it, they didn't exactly plan on being at Beachwood that night either. But, it turns out that for us, Beachwood was the place to be! I'm not sure why. Overall, it's draws a pretty eclectic and perhaps borderline sketchy crowd. But we just loved the atmosphere and the free noisemakers and NYE hats were the icing on the cake. And the screening of New Year's Evil, a wonderfully horrible horror flick. We liked our unexpected and unique NYE celebration. We even made a few new friends.
(3)lola d.
The good times and the ultra friendly bartenders keep me going back. Drinks are reasonably priced and the music selection gets two thumbs up from me. I love this joint and i will probably love this joint tomorrow.
(5)Zachary A.
I lived about a frisbees throw from the front door of this lil neighborhood bar, and thank god for that. Decent prices and its only crowded on the nights you know about. The staff rocks, and one night a week they offer free pool.
(5)Benjamin B.
While Artemis down there may make a good point about High Life not being worth 3 bucks, no one on Earth should be drinking High Life. That review is like complaining about McDonald's charging 3 bucks for a double Big Mac. Anyway, this place is one of the last bastions of the old days of Wicker Park and anyone in their right mind would recognize their fine blend of dive bar, good pool atmosphere, juke box and bourbon. Reasonable prices for a double shot Maker's Mark never hurt anyone and they certainly haven't been hurting me for the past 6 years! So yeah, this place is a nice quaint neighborhood bar for the grifters and the shifters like me who just love a good night of drinking. You'll find a lot of locals frequenting this place and some newcomers once is passes the weekend "sweet spot" of 11:00. It may get a bit crowded on weekends, but their reasonable prices for Maker's Mark, pool and good times definitely make for a bourbon-tastic five star rating.
(5)Geoff H.
Love this place. It's cute, generally friendly, inexpensive. Don't know WTF is up w/the Wicker/Bucktown shit lately, I know bars have to cover their asses, and my bad for not having my own personal fingerprint kit on me, but who has a doorman on Tuesday night?
(4)Melissa S.
Would have been better had the female bartender not been so rude to just about everyone in the bar. Its like she was trying to get people to leave. Last time I checked bartenders worked on tips and scowling and yelling at people not exactly the best way to earn them. Besides the bitter hipster bartender the place was ok.
(2)Maggie R.
me and some babes stopped by here to quench our respective thirsts after a bike ride on a hot saturday afternoon. we walked in and there was one other person there besides the lovely bartender. decent drink specials. a juke box with some credits already on it was ours for the taking. anecdote: about 10 minutes after we settled in with our beers, a flock of overdressed undergraduates came stumbling in, my guess was to pregame before heading over to debonair or some other place where theres a dude on hand taking photos of all the goings-on and then posting them on the internets. you know, that type of place. my gripe with them had to do with their poor music selections on the box and their propensity for screaming really loud in a bar that was not crowded. at all. i think if those broads and their male counterparts hadn't come in, my friends and i would've stuck around for another drink. ill go back here again for sure. hopefully those other folks won't be.
(4)An P.
Kind of a bit rundown, but I do enjoy the fact that they have lots of board games to play while you drink
(3)Osh J.
The Beach is a place I hold so dear to me that I actually told my roommates that I wanted to get married there.
(5)Mike H.
I like this place too. Cheap drinks and sort of an Innertown Pub vibe. I've noticed that the last few times I've gone that it's becoming somewhat of a lesbian hot-spot; so if you're a lady into the ladies, maybe check this place out some weekenight...
(4)Dawn A.
I'm not the biggest yelper around but I felt inclined to write a review of this place after an experience we had there last night. My friends and I had dinner and headed to Beachwood to have a few beers. The first five of us showed our ID's to the door guy and walked into the relatively empty bar and were waiting for our last friend to enter when the door guy informed us he couldn't come in because he had a foreign ID. No joke. The kid is from Australia and has been in the states for quite some time and never had a problem anywhere. I seriously thought the door guy was joking...you can't really be that close minded can you??? But, nope the tool was serious. So apparently if you're not from the good 'ol USA this place isn't for you. I really hope the door guy was the exception and his thinking isn't indicative of the whole place.
(1)Amy H.
This is another favorite of mine. A great hole in the wall kind of pub.. dark and discrete, chill bartenders, good music, and fairly cheap beer. If you're looking for a low-key place to hang out, stumble into beechwood.
(4)molly c.
i can't believe that i had never stopped in before. well, i guess i don't really live far enough north on milwaukee for it to make sense. ANYWAY, my non-yelp friend lauren (who's roommate works here BTW) and i came here last night so that i could give her her HP7 that i had picked up for her. beer special was good at $2.25 and the place was really quiet and pretty awesome! it's a hodge-podge of decorating, dark but not scary and they have a couple booths if you are lucky to snag them! i plan on going back for more nights of quiet relaxation!
(4)Barry S.
What a great bar! My wife and I visited our son in Chicago (who happens to be a great fan along with his other two batchelor friends-Richard, Nick and Lonnie-ring a bell?). We loved the bar and the customers. The bartenders were great! We had the pleasure of meeting the owners also. Great people. We cannot wait to get back and visit the bar again. Well, uh, let me think on that. My son kept we old people up until 2:00 each time we were there. Ouch!
(5)Don H.
Tucked away on an unassuming corner of Wicker Park is the Beachwood, a throwback sorta joint with a great jukebox, board games, dirty coloring books and decent pool table. The atmostphere is spot-on for a quick chat with friends and you can bring your own food.
(5)Amy S.
I've gone back since the smoking ban and you can still smell the stale smoke thoughout the place. But it's now a great dive bar to grab a quick brew!
(3)Meagan L.
This place is my ultimate neighborhood bar. Drinks are cheap and its never crowded. The jukebox rules and so does the pool table.
(4)Ren H.
I love this place! Its got super cheap drinks and a way cool ambiance, the walls are lined with all sorts of posters and they even have board games you can play! I love this bar because its tucked away in a non-tourist spot of wicker park, no one ever ventures 2 streets over to find this place so its a hidden gem for those of us who live in the city!
(5)Karla M.
I have to say this was my hang out when I lived in Chicago, I worked around the corner on Milwaukee Ave, Very often after work my co-workers and I would go have a beer. On a weekend we would start our night there or after the dinner we would stop to end our night. If anyone ever asked me where I wanted to go I would say "los perros". The bar was baptised "Los Perros" because years ago there used to be 2 dogs at the bar all the time. Since we were all hispanics it was easier to say los perros. If you are not into "hole in the wall" places this is not for you. I miss it very much, here in Dallas I have found my replacement it's on Lower Greenville and it's called Hurricane Grill, this one kept it's name.
(5)Katie C.
This is my neighborhood spot and its perfect for just that. I can show up in sweat pants and a wholly shirt and I'm the best dressed. They've got board games, a pool table, porcelain pigs and a whole lota durty. That's right, doesn' t get much better than the beach wood, cans of pbr and old man farts mmmmmm......Expect to find your old uncle willy here hangin with nam vet chums but also expect to be in one of the greatest places on earth.
(5)wayne s.
This place was my saving grace after walking up and down Milwaukee on a pre 4th of July night, they had an awesome The Who AND a HR Pufnstuff poster, and other kitschness that set the mood right...and i found this place all by myself, with no help from friends, locals and no help from yelp!
(3)- chicagobiker -.
I forgot how much I liked to play Sorry! and Chutes and Ladders while drinking and cussing to the sound of Europe eminating from the jukebox.
(4)Jimmy L.
This place brings me back to my drinking youth, back when i lived in StL. My favorite places were little punk rock dive bars, the Hi-Pointe and Frederick's (R.I.P. both). Not going to be a regular at this type of place anymore, but its great to stop in every now and then! and CHEAP!
(4)Vanessa P.
I love this bar. Cheap drinks, really laidback crowd and you get to play board games if, ahem, you are bored. Connect 4 anyone?
(5)Stella S.
My girls and I started stumbling outta here before we were even legal. Then one of my Bff's worked here for 6 years or some shit (woot! woot! Patty!!)....so I have spent many a night at the 'Wood. I always had a good time, it's laid back and unpretentious.
(4)Mark S.
The pig place! That's what my friends call it as a result of all the ceramic pigs they have on display in the window... A nice Wickerpark neighborhood bar. Good Jukebox! A cozy little place where I used to drink infrequently back in the 90s. Recent visits find me happy it's off the main drag and hasn't been ruined by neighborhood changes. If you're looking for a normal spot for a beer in the area, this is a good bet.
(4)Robert S.
It amazes me that a majority of reviews that are 4 or 5 stars have been either removed or excluded by yelp and they have the balls to say it has nothing to do with the owners not paying them.....Bollocks I say, we never paid them and it shows.....FYI....the rude and toxic female bartender is now gone from this glorious establishment. Apologies to all that were ever exposed to her toxicity.....enjoy the Beachwood while you still can....peace out..
(5)Dean K.
This place reminds me why I like hard-working nerds. Bartender Tre (and doorman at The Owl) was topnotch in terms of attentiveness to his local fellows begging for more, even if he was a little offputting (only if you're expecting a blowjob or something), kept sliding weird TV shows on the DVD player (I consider "Regular Show" pretty weird, even if enjoyable) and went tit for tat on Star Trek trivia along with his girlfriend and my bud. I felt at home in the stoop, despite the necessary presence of the big-rimmed glasses-donning hipster chubsters crowding a nearby table. I think the owner came in and put on Mimic and suggested we get tamales from what I assumed was a whirling dervish. He was cruising up and down behind me, flitting in and out of the bar, I assume seeking other locales, hawking tamales. I appreciated his tenacity and enjoyed the fact that the owner/tender was A-OK with people selling shit in his establishment. Looks like people were griping about some bitch bartender from the past. I spotted no such creature, or this review would, too, look like theirs. Maybe I lucked out.
(4)Steve H.
I love dive bars but this place totally misses the charm factor that makes most dive bars special. The ambiance is small, dirty and staffed by ambivalent snotty barkeeps. Their interior decoration just totally doesn't make sense. Are those dragons hanging from the ceiling?? At least they have cool board games which I got to school my fellow pals in connect 4. But the wait for a table was forever.
(2)Geoffrey E.
A seemingly cool-looking bar, but there's no way to get over the INCREDIBLY rude bartender that works here. Yes, the brown hair, glasses wearing girl who is yelling at everyone who walks in to show her your Id. It wasn't just me, she was rude to our whole group, as well as some other patrons that we watched walk in. We stopped by because we read it was closing, but after ordering 1 beer here, all I have to say is good riddance.
(1)Cachonfinga M.
Part 1. Never in my life have I seen such a rude, toxic person working in a service industry job. I ordered a PBR tall boy and paid with a $10 note, she gave me the $7 in change and I placed my beer on top of the money. After about 3 sips of beer or 10 minutes later, I had a quick look at the jukebox which is two or three paces away directly in front of the bar. I was at the jukebox for a matter of minutes and turned back to find my (full) beer gone along with my $7. I was rudely told that I didnt cover it or something, and for that reason, it was taken away. I'm not so sure that anyone would order a $3.00 beer, take three sips and then leave 10 minutes later leaving a 230% tip. This bespectacled female bartender either didn't want to see me standing 3 feet away or she is just an opportunist. Part 2. A guy sat with two of his mates at a table came up and ordered drinks totalling $9.25 and he gave her $10 and turned to sit back down. Miss Friendly threw the three quarters onto the bar in disgust which the customer didn't see. (Clearly not enough tip for her exceptional service) After a short time she picked up the .75 cents and put it on their table and said something which I didn't hear. It was something typically charming of this young lady I'm sure, judging by the shocked look on customer's face. I went over to this table and told them of my experience and when the bartender saw meet sitting there, she looked at me and said with bad attitude 'whassup'? Needless to say, I left no tip, drank up and went on to have fun elsewhere. This rancid young lady needs replacing before she runs someone's business into the ground.
(1)Jennifer N.
I'm not sure why it's called an inn, maybe because some of the locals just about live here. It definitely seems that the seats at the bar are reserved for the regulars. That said, plenty of old school bench tables. And tons of board games that make for some fun, maybe educated (scrabble), drinking games. And when we lost our concentration on the thinking games, they were nice enough to make change for the pinball machine and pool table. Definite dive. Cash only. But worth it.
(3)D. R.
Worst.Bartender.Ever. If you don't like serving people don't be in a service industry. There are plenty of other industries suited for mean, condescending, and rude people to work
(1)Timothy T.
A great low-key dive just off the beaten path. The bartenders are nice and the jukebox can't be beat. If you're looking for craft cocktails, this is not your spot- but if you're looking for a low-key night in a cheap charming dive, swing on by Beachwood Inn.
(4)Zack P.
So a friend of mine and I were exploring the area... didn't know what to expect of this place. We sort of knew we were going into a dive bar, but DAMN!! The moment you walk in the door, you are bombarded with human B.O. Like really nasty. As in, you wonder if you are in a gym who has 100 people who haven't showered in ages. He wanted to use the restroom, and by the time we were ready to order a drink, the stench of the place overpowered our senses. The bathroom also looks like it is from a horror movie.
(1)Monseur N.
Although I really enjoyed myself at this bar and loved the overall feel of the place my run in with a not so nice (downright awful) bartender has steered me clear of this place for good. Never have I ever felt like more of an inconvenience, yet I was in PAYING establishment. Tipping the typical $1 to start but increased to $2 thinking maybe she would warm up to us, but NO. After putting $5 in the juke box (best selection I've ever seen!) she continued to increase the volume on the DVD she had just popped into the TV behind the bar. I more than understand on a slow night kicking back and watching a movie with some regulars but we were the only ones in the bar and had ALREADY put the money into the juke box when she decided to drown out our tunes with her raunchy film. I typically swear quite often but would never use that sort of language towards a customer. She repeatedly cursed at the guests and the outwardly obviously eyeroll, shrug, huff followed by a puff after ordering a drink was apalling. At one point when ordering a drink I overheard her with another customer saying "For you it's $8" upon ordering the SAME two drinks I was scuffly told "$10". If you want to give specialty pricing FINE but don't make it so obvious. This dive bar reminded me so much of my favorite bar back home that I was so excited to make it my new bar of choice but terrible customer service and the sorry excuse for a bartender staffing the joint makes it impossible to come back. Not sure that I would chance going in on another day to see if there are others who work there out of risk of having to deal with her again. Overall, great location, great music selection, great ambience, TERRIBLE service which is inevetably what it is all about. I will never be back to this bar again and I am terribly sad about that. PS she was short, brown hair, glasses - maybe there are others who work here but regardless I will never be back.
(1)Gwen R.
The unapologetically rude female bartender with zero class or customer respect will forever keep me from coming back. Shame, the place seemed cool while I was being rudely slid a drink, resulting in it spilling, followed by a loud sigh like it was MY fault she chose to shove drinks across the bar. The owner should really get someone with common sense working, I don't need to be catered to but maybe politely treated while paying to be in his/her establishment.
(1)Sara B.
The beachwood, one of the last dive bars in the area that retains it's character and honesty. It's been as it is since before most of its patrons were born and it's not planning on changing anytime soon. Have too many cold beers, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the place for what it is. Staff is warm and loyal, give them some respect a and you'll have that friend you need when it's a night of booze indeed
(5)Andy M.
A small dive bar in Chicago with plenty of pennants all over the place and an old arcade of some game that was not even a hit in the eighties or ninties. There is not a lot of craft beer in this joint. One pool table and some booths where the seating is ripped to shreds. This place could use a remodeling.
(2)Maureen S.
It smells terrible in here, and it isn't a bar. It's a den of misery that some sad bastard lives in the back of on an air mattress surrounded by videogames and ashtrays. It's really dirty, and not in the way a good dive bar is- it's truly encrusted in this place. Drinks are super flat, served warm, and criminally overpriced. If that's not enough to convince you, the lady bartender serves up the worst service ever and insane. You can get barked at here for a myriad of things, including but not limited to: moving a chair to sit in it, asking a question, walking in the wrong way, breathing strange, etc. Here's to universal healthcare so this nutcase can get a tune up. Also glad to know they still believe in segregation enough to strictly enforce men/womens bathrooms, despite a line forming for the ladies and an open mensroom. Idiots. Great alternatives for a positive dive experience in the area: Goldstar Bar, Chipp Inn, Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern, Club Foot, Innertown Pub, and so many more. What are you still doing thinking about going to the Beachwood Inn for a four dollar lukewarm domestic beer?
(1)Jacques M.
Beachwood has all your dive bar basics covered. You got your jukebox, cash only bar, illuminated beer ad signs from the 80's, and dragon kite's hanging for the the ceiling. OK, maybe dragon kite's aren't a dive bar mainstay, but you get my point. Unfortunately, the service at Beachwood is lacking. The female bartender was border line rude (seemed annoyed that I wanted to order a drink and had to waive her down several times to place an order) and the guy in the Hawaiian shirt just seemed indifferent, but was attentive. Service, is essential to good dive bar. I mean your not serving gourmet food here and your main sales point is cheap beer (which can be found many places in this city), so having friendly accommodating staff is what makes a mediocre dive bar a good one. That being said the beer is cheap and I enjoyed the random incoherent decor (Jukebox never hurts either), but unless you live in the area there isn't any reason to make a special trip. Moreover, it comes off as place that is content with it's current crop of regulars and isn't looking to extend it's customer base.
(3)eric f.
YES
(5)Kate Q.
Settled for this place last night since the other bars around were packed for the game. I was walking to the venue, hopeful to be able to enjoy the game with some food and drinks. FIRST off...CASH ONLY place with NO ATM around. THEN on top of it my friends inform me there is NO FOOD. So a few of us had to walk back across the street to the walgreens to take out some money AND buy a family sized bag of chips since my group was starving. Good dive bars i have been to isn't suppose to be just a building with "a bar" (if you want to call it that) and a few tvs you shove up there. Where you don't even have a real ice bin but store ice in a portable cooler...and have warm, opened soda bottles out to use as your mixers. WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN my flat Jack and Coke...who knows how long ago she opened that bottles of coke and still served it. ANYWAYS... that's not even the part that made me write this review. We tried to make the best of the situation...but.. At any place...I DON'T CARE WHAT KIND OF BAR YOU WORK AT...it's about customer service and hospitality. You try to keep the people that come in to STAY. The bartender working that night (9/13/2012) didn't seem to have an interest int hat fact, or her job at all. No greeting, no introduction, just barked at our whole group for our IDs. Even door hosts and door security have better greeting skills than this girl. Frustrated as we were already, she hounded my friend for his ID (in the middle of his conversation) so he just tossed it on the bar so it could be there when she came back to check it and OH SO PROFESSIONALLY, she threw it back to him. Makes you feel so inclined to stay..NOT! As we were watching the barely heard game, she later on walked out and left all of us unattended. As a fellow food/beverage/hospitality employee, you NEVER leave your bar unattended; ESPECIALLY when there are people there. LAST thing that was RIDICULOUS..was that we had a good sized group. So we were trying to all sit together. When one of my friends moved the bar stool closer to our tables to do so, he got scolded. Apparently we "are not allowed to move the bar stools away from the bar". REALLY?! I have never heard of someone telling PAYING customers where they can and cannot sit. Bottom line, if it gets your people to stay at your bar, keep them happy. Also know that the place was basically empty; so not like we were taking the stool away from other customers. Doesn't take a lot to figure out we left before half time and relocated. I see the good reviews AND maybe we missed meeting the guy that is actually a good guy and bartender. Things could have been different. TO THE CHICK THAT WORKED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2012: You could have at least smiled and pretended you enjoyed your job, the fact that there were people in that night, and actually gave a crap! Needless to say, I WILL NEVER BE COMING BACK TO THIS PLACE AGAIN.
(1)Alberto M.
The Beachwood has become my new favorite neighborhood bar, it's the place to go if you're not in the mood for the bars along Milwaukee where the people, like the music, can be more pretentious than actually fun. When you first arrive you will wonder why it isn't packed, they have a staff that doesn't look at you like your business is interrupting them somehow, their drink prices are decent-on-their-way-to-cheap, and their decorations are so awesomely tacky you are instantly cooler in comparison. The first night I went here I intended it to be just the first stop of my night, but I was enjoying myself so much I stayed!
(5)Tim H.
Wow, I am really surprised this place has such high reviews considering my experience, but maybe it was just when I was there. Seemed like a decent dive... My friends and I ended up here displaced from a better bar down the street to watch the Bears/Packers game. I was shocked that the place was mostly empty considering the game, but then I found out why. There's no food, crappy TV's which weren't loud enough, and the bar tender was a total Biochwood if you know what I mean. When we walked in she immediately started hounding all of us for ID's and didn't have a very pleasant tone about it. She didn't even bother to say 'hello' or anything. Just "I NEED TO SEE YOUR ID'S!" We hadn't even ordered yet. Take it easy sister! I didn't giver her my ID right away as I was chatting with friends so she hounded me again. So I took it out and tossed it onto the bar for her. She read it, gave me a really rude snarl then tossed my ID back at me across the bar. Classy. My last and final interaction with her was when she yelled at me about moving a bar stool over by my friend's table to sit by them. She said "Uh, you can't move the bar stools away from the bar." So many rules! I have never heard of a place that wouldn't let you move furniture for customer's comfort. Plus the place was empty! What difference would it make. I decided I was done with her and had my friends grab my drinks for me, and I will not be back to this place. I dedicate this review to the bar tender that worked the eve of 9/13/12.
(1)Jessica L.
I'd like to think of Beachwood Inn as purgatory and the staff as the collective group of people that have been waiting an eternity to get somewhere else. It's too bad, because I pine for dive bars, however this place is just not the one. Don't waste your time at a bar where the workers actually treat you like dirt. This place is a list long of cons with no pros.
(1)Alex I.
True dive bar experience, but refreshing considering the sterile sports bars that tend to be in the area. Not fancy and not trying to be fancy, just a simple watering hole to go to drink at. Last time I was in the bartender (who can be a little stand offish) was playing B Horror movies on the TV and the general atmosphere was very nice. ONLY get beer if you go here though because the mixed drinks may be warm.... but this isnt really a mixed drinks type of bar. Just a pint and shot place to start off the night
(4)Richard S.
Good place to Dance and clap. All you haters suck it.
(4)Nate B.
Went this summer, bartender was a NASTY biatch. Thought it was a fluke. Went back last week, same girl (hipster glasses) working the bar, no one in the place. Immediately snarls for all of our ID's, yet as some people were out smoking, wouldn't serve us til they came in. Ladyfriend gets the flattest jack and coke ever, at least our beer was cold. Meanwhile, Queen B behind the bar is stomping around looking pissed off she has to actually work. Not one smile, even when tipped. Would also randomly walk out to go have a smoke (while people were waiting for drinks). If the owner sees this, maybe thats how you've asked your employees to act, but our group will never go back to your bar. There are PLENTY of better dive bars in this city with decent employees.
(1)Amy S.
The bartender is condescending to a fault!! Your typical no lens hipster frame wearing bartender, although per usual in Wicker Park, was neither charming or humorous on this terrible excuse for a member of the "service" industry, because all she served us was a terrible night and her disrespectful attitude . The awesome juke box and wonderful dive bar ambience ( they have a vintage barber chair! and dragons hanging from the ceiling, yes!) was so out shined by her heinous too cool for school attitude. The overall junk yard dog mean demeanor of this bitchy bar tender was so grotesque that ambivalent and snotty do not even being to scratch the surface of the way she treated us. She's territorial and angry and although we respected the place and tipped her two bucks a drink she carried on like we should not have even been there, stopping just short of peeing all over the bar to mark her territory. The decor was wonderful, we put ten bucks into the classic rock, 90's flavor juke box, and my sincere compliments to this WITCH were met with disdain and contempt. In fact, the other patrons, also newcomers, commented on just how unreasonable and inappropriate she was being only to get her to respond that she was not here to entertain them. Any drink order we had (I'm sorry, when did Jamo shots become complicated??) was a hassle for her like we were just fresh 21 year olds sent to make her Thursday night hell. You are a bartender and you deserve to be treated with respect, but you ARE there to make drinks so when I respectfully order one I don't need to be made to feel like I'm misogynistic for placing a drink order. (I am a woman by the way). I was hoping this great bar would be my new regular dive, but unless they rid the place of this patronizing bar tender I will never ever go here again and I hope everyone else follows suit.
(1)Katie H.
This is one of my favorite dive bars in Chicago. As a wicker park native i appreciate that is one of the only last original bars in the area. This is my go to winter dive bar the guy behind the bar is attentive and has a good sense of humor. There is always a funny movie or cartoon on the tiny tv mounted on the wall of the bar. They have an old school jukebox with a great selection and the crowd is mature and chill. A definite staple in Wicker Park also they have a pool table.. of course Thanks Beachwood!
(5)Tony D.
I used to live 2 bulidings down from this place and do I miss it. Best dive bar in the city. Stopped by here for a few drinks before the Local H show on 5/5/2012. Had a few beers and shots went to the show and came back here for more beer and shots. And if your hungry there is a late night mediteranean place about a block down on Paulina.
(5)Caitlyn M.
One of my favorite dives in the city. They have pool, a jukebox, other board games, and they even buy a pizza for guests on Sundays I believe. It's cozy and usually pretty quiet. My only negative is that I'm a big Bulls/Bears fan and the t.v.'s just don't cut it for watching the games.
(4)JAMES M.
This joint has been around forever seems like. Place was here when the hood was still skarryyyyy! The place is simply laid out with what maybe the original tables and booths (comfy). But thats what gives it it's nostalgic feeling. Great winter bar! Awesome Jukebox(oldskool). Elvis is alive here friends............ Drinks are fairly priced The regulars are friendly! Nick ma dawg! Only thing it needs is an ATM or a credit machine. Oh and please get some attractive bartenders! Hell even attractive male bartenders.......Anythin ;) If you see Nick buy him a shot of Vodka Stat! Shake & Bake seal of approval! Hipster infestation level: 4 The times ive been I havent seen any bike ridin skeletor mobiles chained outside. Its a hidden gem.
(4)Amanda M.
I have had many a good night here. It's not fancy or spotlessly clean but you can count on being able to walk in and grab a seat. It's a decent spot "off the strip" in Wicker Park if you're into that kind of thing.
(3)Adri P.
Bob, put Help! back on the jukebox right meow.
(5)Jessica R.
One of the few real dive bars in Wicker Park! Love the feel here: casual, no rush, no stress, come as you are vibe. Kim the bartender is always very helpful and her bar is a great option if you want to do something low key, especially for a big group of diverse people that may want to just have a local beer or two instead of a "craft beer, wine, and martinis" night out. I like this place. there is a time and a place for everything and Beachwood is on my list. My only gripe is that I wish they allowed dogs inside like some other bars that don't serve food (Goldstar and Lincoln Tap).
(4)Nick S.
Still love this bar. Bob, I know you're reading this. Still waiting on an ATM! :) To Amanda Y.. don't flatter yourself sweetheart, you're not attractive. The bartender you speak of does that to anyone he finds interesting in a platonic way. Apparently bartenders have poor judgement at times. so, if you go here, if you want the following: 1. really cheap dranks 2. good music 3. booths and pool 4. clean bathrooms 5. locals 6. awesome bartenders 7. misguided non-regulars who give themselves way to much credit 8. cash only :(
(4)Lauren M.
I had a horrible experience here. As my friends and I walked in, the bartender and some older men started snickering about how we were young and shouldn't be at a place like this (I'm 22). Then, the bartender took 15 minutes to serve us because she was having a conversation. I'm a big fan of dive bars, but this one was dirty (not in a good way) and the horrible service made me never want to go back again.
(1)Colleen S.
I love dive bars. I'm a dive bar junkie. This is one of my favorites. The boyfriend and I met here so there's a special place in our hearts for it and we still go regularly. It's a nice, calm, non-frat boy place to hide out in when the Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville set decides to descend on our 'hood. Good juke box, good place to play pool, good staff. Love it!!
(4)Kim W.
cheap drinks. off the radar. great place to start off the night or have a quiet first date. well done, beachwood inn, well done.
(4)shannon C.
My friends and I think we have met baby Huey! I just moved in down the street and I thought I would bring my friends to beachwood after my house warming party, little did I know that we would be met by such rude and unwelcoming behavior. There were all of 3 people in the bar, when my ten friends and I walked in, within 5 minutes of ordering $100 worth of shots and drinks baby Huey refused to take a picture of us, even though we asked politely. Now maybe we pissed him off when we said it smelled like an old mans hat, but I really think he just didn't want to be bothered while reading his newspaper. They clearly didn't care for our business, because they could have cared less when we left. In fact they seemed happy we were leaving! I am sad that I live so close to such a sad little smelly place, I guess I will just have to find another spot to spend money!
(1)Patrick B.
If you are attempting to have a decent time, I would highly suggest finding a different bar to spend your money. This place does NOT equitably serve everyone - from a scowl on the way in to an early cutoff at the bar, my wife and I were met with nothing short of bigotry and coldness from the bartender/owner. Take your cash elsewhere and put this ridiculous establishment where it ought to be...in their grimy toilet.
(1)Michael D.
Kinda has that.. Drinking in my grandparents basement feel...unstable chairs.. dusty.. dim... I love it.
(4)Colleen D.
Sorry I can't walk by here without going in....it is such a cool dive bar. It is cash only - I always forget about that.
(5)Lois A.
This place always feels too hot but maybe I've just been here on the wrong nights. I had a bad rum and coke here once and thought it must have been a fluke so I switched to beer. Came back a month ago and the one I ordered tasted even worse. Won't make that mistake again. Bar bathrooms usually are gross and this place is no exception. This place, like a lot of places, really suffers from the smoking ban. I never noticed how bad it smelled in here when it was filled with clouds of smoke.
(2)Evan S.
Holy moly, this is a dive! The fun part is: that's the point. $2 pbr and oldstyle with an old jukebox in the middle. You wouldn't take a girl here on your first date or a client after a sales call. You would meander on over here if you just wanted to sit around and people watch though. Only real gripe is that there is no reason you HAVE to have filthy bathrooms just because you're a dive bar. These need a tune up. Keep it up!
(3)Ryan C.
I came here on a Friday night around 10pm and was able to immediately start a game of pool with no wait - Amazing. This little place has stiff, cheap drinks. Board games are available for patrons as well. The bar was not very crowded either, some of the dives in wicker park are packed on a Friday night but not this one, I was very happy with the elbow room. However, this place is cash only.
(4)Kristina B.
The 1 star description on Yelp! of "Eek! Methinks not" is spot on for Beachwood Inn. I've been to plenty of drinking establishments around this fine city to know that a dive bar doesn't need to equal to a bad experience. Besides from the over priced beers (for "dive" standards), service here is abysmal. I usually favor dive bars and neighborhood watering holes for great service. This place is the 'Dicks Last Resort' of bars; you're paying extra to be treated like crap. There were probably 15 people at the bar when we went, and it was impossible to get served. If you don't fit into the owners/bartender's mold of who they think should be at their place, they'll flat out not serve you. I've gotten better treatment from local South Boston bars when I lived out East. Except the form of social discrimination you get from here comes from a man wearing a Hawaiian shirt instead of an ex mobster... so basically, not as cool. Side note, did I mention their bathrooms are filthy and the odor flows right into the bar? Does nothing to enhance the taste of my Old Style. The atmosphere can be described as 'chill' but also just plain dead. In general, gathering around a 30 at a friend's couch or deck would also be a far better time. There are also way too many cool dive joints around this area, just don't waste your time, money and energy here.
(1)Edward D.
One of Wicker/Bucktown's hidden dives, this place is great for cheap booze and a game of scrabble. Petty good jukebox.
(4)Jenna S.
Does not live up to the hype. It's just the same old stale hipster "dive bar" in Wicker Park. The beer isn't that cheap and it's getting too crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. On the plus side, they have board games and pool tables, so there's ways to occupy yourself (although I've never been able to use the pool table because it's always booked). Usually difficult to get seating, so expect to stand most of the night.
(2)Steve M.
I've been passing by this place for the last 2 years. Everytime I'd make a mental note to check that place out... it just has this amazing "you really want to come inside" quality in it's diveyness. Yesterday, I finally went to Beachwood Inn w/ my sister, and it was everything I thought and hoped it would be. There are very retro sports posters on the wall. There's a pool table and Tekken video game. They sell Cheese-Its! There's an old wooden refrigerator behind the bar with 6 or 9 doors on it. The bartender is friendly and a *little* awkward in a way that is amazing. There are a collection of kites hanging from the ceiling (my favorite one was a pirate ship!). There is a vast selection of board games and a "bar library" with old paperback books. I could continue, but I think you get the point. This place is awesome. It is a super dive. I will DEFINITELY be back.
(4)Mark W.
LOL. I wore stripes, i should have worn plaid. my mistake. I felt terribly out of place, but i was inebriated enough not to care. Had a beer and left. I was expecting something a little better, especially after dragging along two friends at who knows what hour of the night. They had no interest, but agreed to go anyway. In the end, i think it was decent. I think. lol. Archie's is to Ukrainian Village as Beachwood is to Wicker Park. (See archies review)
(3)Rebekah R.
Overtly rude, presumptuous bartender. We thought this was one of the non-douchey bars in the neighborhood. Turns out the bartender is a complete Beyoncé. My friend tried to walk into one of the single-toilet restrooms and got yelled at: "Girls in the girls' room, boys in the boys' room!" And then we proceeded to get kicked out--because my friend muttered a comment about this action? I am unsure what happened in the mind of the bartender. She claimed that my friend had "made trouble" the last time they were there. To the bartender, I would say, you are driving away business. For a Saturday night in the heart of Wicker Park, you were doing pretty poorly, and now you will do that much worse. Anti-gay, non-friendly establishment.
(1)Virginia T.
Came here for my friend's bday party. Laid back is the best way to describe this place, and that's just my type of bar. I *love* the old wooden coolers. They have nothing on draft, but a decent selection of bottles (Bells!) The prices are reasonable. Bartender was friendly. Great jukebox. Boardgames. Pool table. CASH ONLY.
(4)Jill Y.
I judge my favorite dive bars by their jukebox first and their beer selection second. This place has one of the greatest jukeboxes I've ever seen. The beer selection was just okay to me, but I'm not really picky about beer to begin with. This bar is kind of off the path - it's not too crowded usually and I don't feel like everyone's judging whether I'm cool enough to be there the minute I walk in, as is the case with some of the other bars in the area. There are some dives in Wicker Park that feel pretty pretentious, but not Beachwood Inn. On top of the low-key vibe and great jukebox, there's a picture of moving water on the wall behind the bar. That alone held my attention for about an hour. If you enjoy dive bars but hate the standard Wicker Park crowd, this is a pretty great place to stop.
(4)Ben K.
While you're likely not gonna set up camp at the Beachwood Inn for the majority of a Saturday night, this is an awesome spot to stop in for a beer or two and play a game of pool. Beachwood is a complete dive, and it does that just how it should be done. The walls are covered in authentic Chicago and American pop culture from the last 40 years including awesome concert posters from the 60's and 70's, images of reminiscent local sports icons, OLD school beer advertisements you've never seen before, and plenty more. This is what Applebee's is trying to do on all of their walls except Beachwood did it by collecting real stuff and Applebee's just orders generic crap from corporate headquarters. Cheap beers, a pool table that isnt slanted (with decent cues), a shelf full of board games you can play at your table if you're so inclined, a legit juke box, and a laid back atmosphere. Great spot.
(4)Andy M.
When you play Connect Four, you always start in the middle. Always. Great bar! Movie poster decor with a fine jukebox (one of the last on the Milwaukee strip that doesn't have a fraggin' "touch screen"). Their beer is really chilly, and it's the right price. There is an eclectic crowd usually- fringe hipsters and nutters. The last time I was there, someone had drawn a six panel wordless comic on the bathroom wall- it was basically a story of a man and woman falling in love. It reinforced my faith in humanity so much that I forgot to wash my hands.
(4)Bobby K.
Pretty devastated I only found this place about a week before I moved out of the neighborhood. It's the chill local dive spot I couldn't find and thus decided to move. Not the place for when you're looking to go out for a new and exciting drinking experience; rather, one for when you've got shit on your mind and need to rant it out with a friend over some bottled beer. All underscored by a kick-ass jukebox. That's the Beechwood. Kitsch incarnate and absolutely adorable. We came in about 8pm on a Friday and it was decently inhabited but by 10pm everyone except the clearly very regulars had moved on. Bartender wasn't the warmest thing on the planet but a few more visits and I've have felt right at home.
(4)Ryne D.
Well, I'm not a big dive bar guy, but I'll say what I can. This place was aaaaalllmost too small for our large group. We used up just about every spare stool in the place, and were lucky that no one was left standing for to long. The specials for the night (3.25 Amstels) were pretty good, and I was impressed that their Trouble board game actually had all the pieces intact. At one point in the night, it smelled like straight up sewage for about a minute...not sure where that came from, but at least it didn't linger. Things got a lot better when tamale guy came in, but I can find him in many other places. It wasn't my choice to go here, nor do I think it would ever be.
(3)Kate F.
I love the Beachwood!!! It reminds me of my favorite bar back home in Lawrence Kansas. the bartenders and doorguys are super nice, helpful, and welcoming. The jukebox has a little of everything and the patrons are generally down-to-earth. There can be annoying patrons(almost middle age chics drunk and dancing to stupid 80s tracks and frat boy yuppies)...but I guess you will find that anywhere. Diversity is great in life though. The drinks are decently priced, though I wish they had one super cheap beer. Brian, Kate, and Ronnie are sexy bitches that can pour a good jameson!
(5)Jess S.
Its a staple but I don't neccessarily agree with "It's just the same old stale hipster "dive bar" in Wicker Park." Because it is by definition a dive and was not suddenly created out of nothing. I have found it plenty cozy on cold winter nights. And it is cheap enough (at least the specials?). Theres just something about this dive that, in my eyes, is pretty sincere and doesn't try to be anything but what it is. And thats exactly how I like my bars. Plus my friend's grandma used to come here when Milwaukee was still the Polish Broadway.
(3)Adam K.
This place is chill, its a good first or last place, but I would not hang here forever. lets get some hot bartenders in here how about? But then that would take away from the neighborhoody feel of having the dude who obviously owns the joint serve you a cold Newcastle. One pool table where I almost got into a fight at. OK, the reason they get 3 stars, its ALWAYS packed with dudes, farting, sneering and smoking outside wearing tank tops in 42 degree weather. Ah, i know what your going to say, "Its wicker park fat ass, take it easy, your in the heart of dudes wearing inappropriate clothing and ironic mustaches!" Yeah, but I yearn for a simpler time...when men were men and mustaches meant you are gay.
(3)Sara B.
Midwestern beers confuse me. See, I'm from the Northwest, so I'm familiar with local brews. But in the Midwest, I can never tell. Is it a microbrew or a wacky regional beer on par with PBR? Is it German or does it just sound German because it's from Wisconsin? The Beachwood Inn, where I stumbled in for one last beer on my first night in Chicago, is where I learned the facts the hard way: with a bottle of Leinenkugel. "Leinenkugel? What's that?" "It's from Wisconsin. It's pretty good." "All right, two Leinenkugels." OK, so the bartender lied through his teeth. But nevertheless, The Beachwood is a pretty good bar -- small, cozy, and tucked away from the bustle. But Leinenkugel still tastes like ass.
(4)Ashwin J.
I've been living next to this place for almost a year and regret that I only ventured there recently ! It's a very laid back, swell neighborhood bar with a decor that looks accidental but is actually well coordinated. The juke box rules and the bar tenders are unassuming and friendly. easy to strike a conversation with most peeps here.
(3)amanda y.
gee whiz, i thought i was a stalker creep!!! then, i went to beachwood inn. the bartender was nice, but he ended up telling me his life story. i appreciate oral tradition, but it just wanted to eat peanuts and jive to the really good jukebox. after hearing stories about his fifty-something years of life, he asked me to write my full name down, so he could facebook friend request me and my friend. this was very uncomfortable for me, because i just wanted to eat peanuts and jive to the really good jukebox. so, if you go here, if you want the following: 1. really cheap dranks 2. good music 3. booths and pool 4. clean bathrooms 5. locals 6. creepy bartender man 7. cash only is it worth it? i dunno....actually, yes it is. i'd prob go again.
(2)bobby e.
Why do I love this place? I'm not sure. I've never been blown away by the staff and from what I can tell the drinks are kind of overpriced. But I just love the atmosphere and the decorations. And the board games. Don't forget the board games. It's also got a great juke box and is not thriving with douches. A good mix of people.
(3)Nicolas H.
Definitely an odd spot. I couldn't get over the decorations hanging from the ceiling (pirate ship, an eagle, parrots, etc). The drinks are reasonably priced though and the pool table is a nice draw...
(3)Mork M.
Fan tas tic bar, except when its full. One of the few bars where I've been bought drinks by regulars and returned the favor, that always signifies a diamond in the rough.
(4)Nick H.
The jukebox is excellent, there are two cheap daily drink specials, a pinball machine, kitchy shit all over, wood paneling, two TVs for sports or whatever the hell you ask them to put on, and a staff that is pretty friendly. That is all it takes for a dive bar to get four stars on my Yelp.
(4)one thousand songs s.
Staffed by mindless drones with Diarrhea for brains. Scene - two middle aged music fans in town for Pitchfork arrive at Beachwood Inn for drinks on Sunday evening. They enter through the front door and are quickly intercepted by Baby Huey. Baby Huey: ID please. MF1: Sure (laughing). I'm 38 but that's cool. Baby Huey: Oh - I'm sorry but this is a foreign ID. MF2: Yes, that's because we don't live here. Baby Huey: I'm sorry, but I can't accept foreign IDs. MF1: Are you joking? He's 41 years old! We've been here for 4 days and have not yet had a problem. That's my Ontario, Canada driver's license. What else do you want? Baby Huey: I'd need some sort of federal ID like a passport. MF2: Seriously. There are about a million bars around here. If you don't want our money we'd be happy to spend it somewhere else. Baby Huey: (all upset) FINE, if that's the way you feel (turns and humps back into the shadows) Scene - MF1 and MF2 head to Plan B where they drink themselves silly and meet cool people who then take them to The Continental for more of the same. 1000songs
(1)Andrew P.
A rare five-star, cos it is truly one of the greats. Definitely the best in Wicker Park. The bartender Carla rules. I was a regular here when I lived in Wicker Park. When I moved to Austin for awhile, I would come here whenever I was in town, and Carla would always remember me. Great jukebox, with EVERYTHING. Great pool games! Simpsons pinball! A dentist chair! Come here for a beer or ten. You can't go wrong. PS: Funny story. A former girlfriend loved this place (in fact it was "our" bar). During an argument with my "ex" over whether we should get back together, Pat Benetar's "Love is a Battlefield" came on. How cool is that?
(5)Jason K.
My brother lives around here and this is one of our hangouts when I come to visit. It's a great little dive with board games! My favorite Beachwood memory is when craft beers were $3 or so, and Miller High Life went on "special" at $4. The barkeep told me that he was selling hella Miller High Life, and he might have to say it's a $5 "special" because $4 stopped being funny after a while. Go Beachwood.
(4)Steve R.
Comfy as the day is long. Not somewhere I'd go when it's sunny out, but out of the suck-fest that is now Wicker Park it is the one place I'll still go willingly. Relatively cheap drinks for the area, board games, cool juke, interesting stuff up on the walls, and friendly patrons. Not terribly hip/chad-y, just regular folks bellying up for some conversation. It's a pretty low key scene, so if you're one of those cocked-hat guys it probably won't be your cup of tea. Good.
(4)Colleen J.
This is a GREAT dive bar. It is a good place to go to get away from trendy folk. It's just a no-nonsense bar--you get your drink, then sit and chat. They have games and t-shirts and a pretty good jukebox selection. They have a pool table, but as always, good luck trying to play. The bartenders are just regular peeps, which is nice. No glamour, no frills, which is a nice change of pace. It's on the small side, so get there early if you want nab a seat.
(4)Krista M.
When it comes to dive bars, the beachwood is a deep dive, ableit a highly enjoyable deep dive! I love the hodgepodge of paraphernalia and decorations as well as the scrabble game that's always waiting to be played.
(4)Lauren V.
Oh quiet little corner bars, how I love thee! Admittedly, I never go to bars on weekends, pretty much. Can't stand the crowds. But on weeknights, Oh MAN. This is a couple of blocks from my house. Go in, grab a booth and a Really. Cold. Beer. Talk to the owner (who is so nice and full of awesome it's amazing he does not explode - I also made him almost die by telling my mom "Screw You" on the phone. Long story). Sit and chat with my girls. It's a good place. It has pinball. All good bars have pinball. It Covers all GOOD things Chicago - The Bears, The Cubs, The Sox. It has the Playboy cover with Jenny McCarthy on the wall. Lots of old beer signs. Kites on the ceiling. Beer specials. It's comfy, it has regulars. I was sad when one night we were there they were retiring the old cash register ("The display doesn't work anymore") for a new one that was digital, but still. It's a good place. Yup. I'm there lots.
(5)John M.
Rumor has it this is Brad Wood's (Liz Phair's drummer and producer) favorite bar in Chicago. Always great beer specials, and you used to be able to grab a slice from Big Tony's pizza across the street. (Big Tony's is now condos) RIP Anyway, great jukebox: Ramones, Madonna, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest. Pool table in the back, always being played. There is some postman local who was a complete character, he almost ran me over as I rollerbladed one day down wood. I said to myself that's the dude from the beachwood! a little smoky and crowded on weekends, but overall great dive bar. They usually will play some horror movie on the TVs too. Funny posters on the wall from movies and concerts.
(5)Theresa C.
Beachwood is super cozy, almost never too crowded and the drinks are good and cheap. They have a pool table and a pinball machine as well as board games. I don't want to know anyone who doesn't like having a few and playing a few invigorating rounds of Trouble. The jukebox is full of classic 80's new wave and the like. It's dark and not so smokey, but in a very good way.
(4)Jillian S.
My fiance and I somehow wound up ringing NY2010 in at Beachwood. We walked in and there were about 6 other people in the bar besides the doorman and the bartender. they had some good drink specials going on, and the jukebox was playing some solid tunes. as the night progressed, more couples began to meander in, and from the looks of it, they didn't exactly plan on being at Beachwood that night either. But, it turns out that for us, Beachwood was the place to be! I'm not sure why. Overall, it's draws a pretty eclectic and perhaps borderline sketchy crowd. But we just loved the atmosphere and the free noisemakers and NYE hats were the icing on the cake. And the screening of New Year's Evil, a wonderfully horrible horror flick. We liked our unexpected and unique NYE celebration. We even made a few new friends.
(3)lola d.
The good times and the ultra friendly bartenders keep me going back. Drinks are reasonably priced and the music selection gets two thumbs up from me. I love this joint and i will probably love this joint tomorrow.
(5)Zachary A.
I lived about a frisbees throw from the front door of this lil neighborhood bar, and thank god for that. Decent prices and its only crowded on the nights you know about. The staff rocks, and one night a week they offer free pool.
(5)Benjamin B.
While Artemis down there may make a good point about High Life not being worth 3 bucks, no one on Earth should be drinking High Life. That review is like complaining about McDonald's charging 3 bucks for a double Big Mac. Anyway, this place is one of the last bastions of the old days of Wicker Park and anyone in their right mind would recognize their fine blend of dive bar, good pool atmosphere, juke box and bourbon. Reasonable prices for a double shot Maker's Mark never hurt anyone and they certainly haven't been hurting me for the past 6 years! So yeah, this place is a nice quaint neighborhood bar for the grifters and the shifters like me who just love a good night of drinking. You'll find a lot of locals frequenting this place and some newcomers once is passes the weekend "sweet spot" of 11:00. It may get a bit crowded on weekends, but their reasonable prices for Maker's Mark, pool and good times definitely make for a bourbon-tastic five star rating.
(5)Geoff H.
Love this place. It's cute, generally friendly, inexpensive. Don't know WTF is up w/the Wicker/Bucktown shit lately, I know bars have to cover their asses, and my bad for not having my own personal fingerprint kit on me, but who has a doorman on Tuesday night?
(4)Melissa S.
Would have been better had the female bartender not been so rude to just about everyone in the bar. Its like she was trying to get people to leave. Last time I checked bartenders worked on tips and scowling and yelling at people not exactly the best way to earn them. Besides the bitter hipster bartender the place was ok.
(2)Maggie R.
me and some babes stopped by here to quench our respective thirsts after a bike ride on a hot saturday afternoon. we walked in and there was one other person there besides the lovely bartender. decent drink specials. a juke box with some credits already on it was ours for the taking. anecdote: about 10 minutes after we settled in with our beers, a flock of overdressed undergraduates came stumbling in, my guess was to pregame before heading over to debonair or some other place where theres a dude on hand taking photos of all the goings-on and then posting them on the internets. you know, that type of place. my gripe with them had to do with their poor music selections on the box and their propensity for screaming really loud in a bar that was not crowded. at all. i think if those broads and their male counterparts hadn't come in, my friends and i would've stuck around for another drink. ill go back here again for sure. hopefully those other folks won't be.
(4)An P.
Kind of a bit rundown, but I do enjoy the fact that they have lots of board games to play while you drink
(3)Bill J.
I've been to this place twice now and immediately walked out both times. I'm a little too optimistic about life for this crowd.
(1)Dawn A.
I'm not the biggest yelper around but I felt inclined to write a review of this place after an experience we had there last night. My friends and I had dinner and headed to Beachwood to have a few beers. The first five of us showed our ID's to the door guy and walked into the relatively empty bar and were waiting for our last friend to enter when the door guy informed us he couldn't come in because he had a foreign ID. No joke. The kid is from Australia and has been in the states for quite some time and never had a problem anywhere. I seriously thought the door guy was joking...you can't really be that close minded can you??? But, nope the tool was serious. So apparently if you're not from the good 'ol USA this place isn't for you. I really hope the door guy was the exception and his thinking isn't indicative of the whole place.
(1)Amy H.
This is another favorite of mine. A great hole in the wall kind of pub.. dark and discrete, chill bartenders, good music, and fairly cheap beer. If you're looking for a low-key place to hang out, stumble into beechwood.
(4)molly c.
i can't believe that i had never stopped in before. well, i guess i don't really live far enough north on milwaukee for it to make sense. ANYWAY, my non-yelp friend lauren (who's roommate works here BTW) and i came here last night so that i could give her her HP7 that i had picked up for her. beer special was good at $2.25 and the place was really quiet and pretty awesome! it's a hodge-podge of decorating, dark but not scary and they have a couple booths if you are lucky to snag them! i plan on going back for more nights of quiet relaxation!
(4)Barry S.
What a great bar! My wife and I visited our son in Chicago (who happens to be a great fan along with his other two batchelor friends-Richard, Nick and Lonnie-ring a bell?). We loved the bar and the customers. The bartenders were great! We had the pleasure of meeting the owners also. Great people. We cannot wait to get back and visit the bar again. Well, uh, let me think on that. My son kept we old people up until 2:00 each time we were there. Ouch!
(5)Don H.
Tucked away on an unassuming corner of Wicker Park is the Beachwood, a throwback sorta joint with a great jukebox, board games, dirty coloring books and decent pool table. The atmostphere is spot-on for a quick chat with friends and you can bring your own food.
(5)Amy S.
I've gone back since the smoking ban and you can still smell the stale smoke thoughout the place. But it's now a great dive bar to grab a quick brew!
(3)Meagan L.
This place is my ultimate neighborhood bar. Drinks are cheap and its never crowded. The jukebox rules and so does the pool table.
(4)Ren H.
I love this place! Its got super cheap drinks and a way cool ambiance, the walls are lined with all sorts of posters and they even have board games you can play! I love this bar because its tucked away in a non-tourist spot of wicker park, no one ever ventures 2 streets over to find this place so its a hidden gem for those of us who live in the city!
(5)Karla M.
I have to say this was my hang out when I lived in Chicago, I worked around the corner on Milwaukee Ave, Very often after work my co-workers and I would go have a beer. On a weekend we would start our night there or after the dinner we would stop to end our night. If anyone ever asked me where I wanted to go I would say "los perros". The bar was baptised "Los Perros" because years ago there used to be 2 dogs at the bar all the time. Since we were all hispanics it was easier to say los perros. If you are not into "hole in the wall" places this is not for you. I miss it very much, here in Dallas I have found my replacement it's on Lower Greenville and it's called Hurricane Grill, this one kept it's name.
(5)Katie C.
This is my neighborhood spot and its perfect for just that. I can show up in sweat pants and a wholly shirt and I'm the best dressed. They've got board games, a pool table, porcelain pigs and a whole lota durty. That's right, doesn' t get much better than the beach wood, cans of pbr and old man farts mmmmmm......Expect to find your old uncle willy here hangin with nam vet chums but also expect to be in one of the greatest places on earth.
(5)wayne s.
This place was my saving grace after walking up and down Milwaukee on a pre 4th of July night, they had an awesome The Who AND a HR Pufnstuff poster, and other kitschness that set the mood right...and i found this place all by myself, with no help from friends, locals and no help from yelp!
(3)- chicagobiker -.
I forgot how much I liked to play Sorry! and Chutes and Ladders while drinking and cussing to the sound of Europe eminating from the jukebox.
(4)Jimmy L.
This place brings me back to my drinking youth, back when i lived in StL. My favorite places were little punk rock dive bars, the Hi-Pointe and Frederick's (R.I.P. both). Not going to be a regular at this type of place anymore, but its great to stop in every now and then! and CHEAP!
(4)Vanessa P.
I love this bar. Cheap drinks, really laidback crowd and you get to play board games if, ahem, you are bored. Connect 4 anyone?
(5)Stella S.
My girls and I started stumbling outta here before we were even legal. Then one of my Bff's worked here for 6 years or some shit (woot! woot! Patty!!)....so I have spent many a night at the 'Wood. I always had a good time, it's laid back and unpretentious.
(4)Mark S.
The pig place! That's what my friends call it as a result of all the ceramic pigs they have on display in the window... A nice Wickerpark neighborhood bar. Good Jukebox! A cozy little place where I used to drink infrequently back in the 90s. Recent visits find me happy it's off the main drag and hasn't been ruined by neighborhood changes. If you're looking for a normal spot for a beer in the area, this is a good bet.
(4)Ilina K.
I like coming here when I'm too tired to go all the way south to ITP. There's some great people watching. Decently priced, fun local crowd. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is my guy and I got in a 2-hr fight over The Smiths - How Soon is Now on the jukebox and it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. But yeah, don't be afraid to come in here since it's not the dead-beat trashbag it looks like from the outside.
(4)Jeremy P.
thanks for the 3.50 pbr, shitty jukebox, and stupid windsock decor. really, really cool.
(1)Allison C.
I've never had a bad experience here, all the bartenders have been really nice, it's never been that crowded, the patrons aren't douchebags (at least the ones I encounter), the drinks aren't insanely expensive, and it does the job (after work/school/whatever drinking).
(4)c w.
a great jukebox & cushioned toilet seats! what more could you ask for?!
(4)Dilip J.
As Wicker gets more and more yuppified, its nice to find a great neighborhood type bar off Milwaukee Ave. The drinks aren't all that expensive. I got charged $7.75 for 2 mixed drinks, plus there are 2 different beer specials everyday. Also, the jukebox is pretty damn good. Put some quarters in and just hang out, or play some pool. The crowd is laid back and basically from the surrounding streets. Also, if you want something else to do, grab one of the many board games.
(4)natalie b.
this is a great place to spend a chill evening out. the bartenders are always in a good mood, though there have been nights when i've paid 3 different prices for the same order. the board games are a great touch and jukebox is fairly decent. beware songs like "brown eyed girl," though--they tend to inspire a frat party atmosphere that is pretty uncomfortable to say the least.
(5)Osh J.
The Beach is a place I hold so dear to me that I actually told my roommates that I wanted to get married there.
(5)Mike H.
I like this place too. Cheap drinks and sort of an Innertown Pub vibe. I've noticed that the last few times I've gone that it's becoming somewhat of a lesbian hot-spot; so if you're a lady into the ladies, maybe check this place out some weekenight...
(4)One T.
I found this place by accident (looking for the corner of Beach and Wood). And I thought it was great. It wasn't overcrowded and the drinks weren't incredibly pricey.
(4)