I'd rate this a solid 3.5. A bunch of us decided to go to Melnicks after being impressed by their wings at Chicago Wingfest a few years ago. They've won the title of best hot wings and best exotic wings in the past. We had a decent sized group and they were able to set up a table for all of us, which was a plus. For lunch I wanted to get the same wings I tried at wingfest. The firecracker wings were amazing. It had that sweet and spicy Asian flavor going on. Of all the places that offer a similar style wing, I think Melnick's has one of the best. The poncho wing was a unique wing that I really enjoyed at wingfest. It was a marinated grilled wing that had a mild garlic flavor with just a little kick to it. I still thought it tasted good, but I definitely wouldn't get a whole order of it next time. Because it's grilled, the skin isn't very crispy, and since its on the milder side, the flavor gets a bit bland after a few. We also ordered the beer battered onion rings. They were pretty big pieces and looked great at first. However, they were pretty tasteless and severely lacking in flavor. I don't know how something could look so good and have no taste at all. I wouldn't order that again. The part that probably would prevent me from regularly going to Melnick's is the price. For a few wings, we ended up paying a lot more than I've spent for wings at other places. I think it came out to roughly almost $2/wing at the end of the meal. For some guys with big appetites, it could add up pretty quick. Overall, although the flavors of the wings are great, they're definitely on the expensive side and more than I'd want to pay for wings.
(3)
Alex R.
We just stopped in because the place looked fun. We ordered drinks, wings, and an assortment of bbq. Everything was awesome! However, nothing tops the cornbread skillet! Marcos, our server was fun, knowledgeable, and on top of of everything. We couldn't have found a better place to to try out
(5)
Calin D.
Yes, I know Scoville - he's a good friend of mine. We go way back, at least 15 years. As it turns out - Jake knows Scoville too! My oh my! Here's how it works: Step 1. Find a fool brave or stupid enough to eat a Scorpion Pepper. (That's me.) Step 2. Put a tiny fireman's hat on said fool's head. (Giant head, tiny hat!) Step 3. Give the poor fool a bell to ring if the wings get too hot and he needs milk, cheese, ice cream, and other items to "cool the heat." Step 4. Watch in strange wonderment as "The Fool eating the Moruga-Habanero-Ghost Wings" consumes 8 wings with a GIANT smile on his face the entire time, and doesn't even reach for his beer, much less the bell. Step 5. Wonder if those wings really are hot... because he never rang the bell or cried any real tears... then order the 8 POUND HAMBURGER instead just to be safe. The wings really are the "real-deal" - it's just that I'm so used to super-hot peppers the "natural stuff" doesn't get me all that worked up anymore. (Not my first rodeo folks, trust me.) And the burger, well, it's Gia-freaking-normous. (See photo with hand for scale.) I hear they put my photo on the wall there. I'll have to look it up next time I go. Huzzah!
(5)
Stephanie L.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap popped up on yelp when we were looking for a nearby sports bar to watch some SNF. This place was busy, but luckily we were seated within 15 mins. The place is very spacious with plenty of tables and chairs. And of course, TVs everywhere you look so you definitely can't miss a play. They have a good selection of beer on tap and they also have a fully stocked bar. Whatever you want to drink you can have! Their menu is also pretty extensive for food. But we were reading that they're known for their wings. So of course, that's what we decided to go with. They also have monthly specials, so watch out for those. Since we were only here to drink and watch the game, we ordered snacks only. We got their buffalo wings, mild and a plate of nachos. The wings were delicious and a perfect spicy. I would have preferred to order hot, but since we were sharing, mild it was, but it still had a good kick to it. The chicken was tender and juicy. The nachos were the disappointment. It comes fully loaded with sour cream, pico degallo, cheese, beans, and etc. But the chips themselves tasted like they were stale. But I think it's the way they're made. They're oily and more chewy than cunchy. I'll have to pass next time. The servers are also quick, friendly and attentive. Prices are average priced for a bar. Overall, a great sports bar to sit down, munch and drink while watching the game.
(4)
Brittney M.
Everytime I visit this restaurant.... It's a win! I love to get the medium buffalo wings and now my new favorite is the firecracker wings!! Get half and half... You'll be in heaven!
(5)
Aki W.
Cool vibe. The staff is friendly and welcomes you in like an old pal. Now- on to the important stuff: the booze- high end and affordable. The stuff they stock is the stuff you have been meaning to try, and you should! They carry the good stuff here so recognize. Our bartender? Oh, glad you asked-Ivana- this woman is a ripped, sophisticated and a super smart goddess. She's also the best bartender I've ever seen. We asked for her top ten steak house list for Chicago- Ivana did not disappoint . Her knowledge base is pro. Come here, get knowledge and a lovely buzz and be sure to tip well. As I write this, the garlic fries are seducing my nostrils and coaxing me to stay...they are... Persuasive. Go here immediately.
(5)
James L.
My wife and I were thinking it was a "wings and beer" kind of night.. so we ventured out to find a sports bar that had good wings and beers on tap. This was literally down the block from where we were staying at the Mile North Hotel. The service was pretty good -- very attentive, friendly, and welcoming. My only complaint is that our waiter kept trying to take away our plates when we were still working. I still had a few wings left and he took them away before I noticed to stop him. Sounds petty, but when your full order of wings only comes with 6-8 for $12, it doesn't make you happy. Let me eat my wings, damnit! The beer selection was decent; I had this "watermelon beer" which was pretty interesting and I would definitely recommend it for people who like light beers. The wings were pretty good as well as the BBQ pork nachos. I'd say this place is pretty comparable to an Apple Bee's...
(2)
Amanda D.
Enjoyed beer and BBQ. Didn't order the wings, but the food we did have was good. Service was excellent; polite and prompt. Because of the location, I was expecting it to have the tourist vibe, which is why we've never tried this restaurant before. I was pleasantly surprised that that was not the vibe at all. I'm sure they get tourists, but the surrounding tables seemed to enjoy and behave themselves. It is loud in here, definitely a sports bar vibe. But dress is casual (think JCrew). Probably won't make this a regular food spot, as the area is annoying...but will not rule it out on game day.
(4)
Dawn B.
Food was great. Had the wings and the mini pork sliders 3 ways. I think the dry rub wings were my favorite. Smoked wings with a little bit of a bite on the dry rub. Definitely would come back. We had a large party and they were very accommodating to seat us together and splitting the tabs.
(5)
Benjamin L.
Being completely "hangry" and ready to eat anything led us to Jake Melnick's on a chilly Saturday afternoon. I was surprised how hard it was to find a place to eat at 3 PM without waiting an hour. Jake Melnick's only had a 20 minute wait and the food smelled really good. Also, they claim to have Chicago's best hot wings. We lucked out and ended up waiting only 5 minutes for a table. Most people were there for the football games on TV but I just wanted some kind of nourishment in my belly. We snagged an awesome table tucked in a quieter corner of the place, right next to the cozy fireplace. I was a happy camper as I scoured the menu and our friendly waitress welcomed us. I started off with a Pumpkin Lindeman's Lambic which sounded quite tempting. I've had several Lambics but never a pumpkin one. When the drink came out, it was about 6 ounces and considering it cost about 11 bucks, I was a little disappointed. Now all the Yelp tips said to go for the hot wings but I failed to heed the advice. Between the two of us, we ordered a smoked sausage pizza and the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Unfortunately, both our entrees were pretty bland. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad, just boring and we were hoping for more. The place was pretty packed so most of the servers were pretty slammed. But the service overall was A-OK. The meal certainly served it's purposed and saved me from "hangry" defeat. But I suppose if we ever return, I'll have to give those hot wings a try!
(3)
Matt N.
Came here during a Blackhawks game. Very cool atmosphere for the game. I had the triple play BBQ platter which has brisket, smoked chicken and 1/3 of beef ribs. I would recommend this plate! Super delicious and is bomb with a side of mac n cheese!
(4)
Paradise L.
So the 2 stars is only because I have reservations tomorrow I saw this on restaurant around the world and know someone who loves hot food stay tuned will definitely post photos. So we are he and my friend ate the 10 hot wings 4 a place in the wall of fame it was definitely funny our waiter did a great job he came back to check several times as my friend ate these hot azz wings! They are super nice the spinach and artichoke dip was ok the jumbo chicken tenders GREAT!!!! BARBECUE BRISKET TASTE AND WILL HAVE A PLATE OF MY OWN NEXT TIME yes I will be back .
(4)
Hillary B.
The.Best.Wings.Ever.Period. So good.....I wish I lived in Chicago just so I could eat here everyday!
(5)
Mel B.
Best thing I've put in my mouth in a long time! We had the Ham and Cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll, oh sweet Jesus, so delicious! The Bloody Mary's were perfect, not to spicy, and they came with an adorable tiny bottle of beer. Loved this place!
(5)
Danny W.
Best wings in Chicago? Quite possibly. One of the best spots to watch NFL football in the city? Most definitely. They've got great gameday grub, they do a pretty darn good bloody Mary, and there's tons of TV's playing all the games with sound. Regardless of where you're seated and who you're cheering for you can pretty much see your team in action from anywhere in the restaurant. Given the location it's a melting pot of fans, but of course Da Monsters have priority. The service is super efficient and the prices are pretty reasonable especially considering it's in the heart of the Gold Coast. If you want the things that make football fun Sunday (wings, burgers, beers) you'll be far fetched to find too many places that do them better then Jake Melnick's.
(4)
Hailey S.
I make a point of coming here every time I'm in Chicago. I love this place! It's in the heart of Downtown and has great atmosphere. Burgers, sandwiches, beer. The wings are phenomenal.
(4)
GL H.
Great place. Wings are terrific, beer is ice cold on a hot and humid day and Yvonna at the bar was a delight. Superb.
(5)
Anthony I.
Went there for the triple x wings with some buddies. We're used to spicy food and these wings got some bite we had to sign a waiver for these wings just for fun and orders away they also have a nice menu but that's for another time we're here for those hot ass wings. So the waitress brings out a sample of the hot wing sauce just to warn us or scare us away haha not a chance it was spicy but it could be hotter so we orders the triple x , duck wings pretty good , and some firecracker wings very good not to hot and a little sweet, so our triple x wings show we dive in right away damn tasty and hot it creeps up on you but very enjoyable, we finish our wings we all shared I suggested we get another order but they chicken out saying they were full but next time we're getting only the triple x wings so we all can leave with our mouths on fire
(4)
Mike G.
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? Jake's is a great bar/tavern unlike any other you'll see the city. It has great food ('specially the wings), a fantastic beer selection and two of the best bartenders in Chicago (April & Erin). There are lots of TVs so we go in there often to catch Cubs, Bull, Hawks and Bears games. There's also a great outdoor patio that I just found out is dog friendly.... so there's that. Jake's seems to attract a big after work crowd mixed in with a fair share of business travelers and locals like me. Jakes is one of those great places where you seem to always fit in and find what you're looking for.
(5)
Melanie Y.
It was my third visit to Jake Melnick's and probably the best so far. Previously I've been too scared to try the hot wings, but this time I decided to get the Super Hot. These are one level below the ones that you have to sign a waiver for. Well, the wings were too spicy. They actually were delicious though! But the heat was so intense. Our waitress, Leigh (Lee?) noticed I was struggling and gave me the medium wings. They were absolutely delicious too. Leigh didn't charge me for the Super Hot wings, but I still got to take them home. It was so great to have them the next day, they seemed to lose a little bit of heat but were still so spicy. The bottom line is, our waitress was awesome and that was so nice of her to take the Super Hot wings off the bill. Also, I love this place and the atmosphere. It kinda reminds me of a log cabin with the woodwork and fireplace. So cozy! Can't wait to go again.
(5)
Richard G.
Went in a bit late, but Ivana was more than helpful in helping me a bit of grub that early Sunday morning. Nice atmosphere...it's perfect for groups or if you're flying solo.
(5)
Tom R.
Firecracker Wings are the bomb! Some of the best wings I have ever had. Went there 2 nights in a row since the Wings and service were so good. If you are looking for a quiet place for dinner or drinks, please skip this place. It is VERY loud, and there are always a few over-served chowder heads around. That is really the reason I didn't give it a 5. Even though there are some extremely boistourous patrons (c'mon - it's Chicago) there are always a few of the CPD's finest there eating, so nothing got out of control. I will be back next time I am in Chicago. Cheers!
(4)
Daniel G.
Looks like a fun place. I sat at bar me had fish and chips. No drink though. I didn't care for the batter on the fish, but that was me not them. Nice people. Lots of tv's to watch favorite sporting event.
(5)
Alex J.
The food is average.. Great place to watch people act crazy. The food isn't inexpensive.. When you leave..you'll smell like me bbq sauce
(3)
Jane W.
I came here in the spring with a big group for dinner, and had a satisfactory experience. There was a pretty long wait since we went at peak dinnertime, but I wasn't too hungry so it wasn't too bad. I ordered the BBQ flatbread pizza for myself, which was just okay. They weren't too generous with the ingredients or the BBQ sauce (and I like my pizza's/flatbreads super saucy). I did try a few of my friend's wings, which were solid. We also had a lot of fun with the XXX wing (tried a bite of my friends). One wing was completely doable, but I can definitely see why finishing an entire plate would lead to some pretty bad dinnertime (and post-dinnertime) pains. So respect to the brave Yelpers who accomplished this feat. Our waitress was efficient, friendly, and knowledgable. Prices are reasonable.
(3)
Ben B.
Man, I want to love Jake Melnick's. It's got a cool look, all dark and warm and wood-covered. It's pretty big (although it's packed during a game). But the food is just okay. I ordered the wing combo (traditional spicy and Poncho - wood grilled with garlic & cayenne marinade). The spicy wings had sort of a mushy breading going on. Spice level was on-point. Could have used a bit more sauce. The Poncho wings were a bit dry. I assume that's from all that wood grillin'. We also ordered the parmesan & garlic fries. Tons of parmesan, not much garlic. These were okay, but I'm not sure I'd order them again. I ordered a cider. It cost $7, but it was a super-tiny glass - maybe 8 oz. Weird. Service was good and all the employees were pleasant. That's nice. I'll be back, but my expectations will be tempered. Bonus: We spotted Chris O'Dowd (from Bridesmaids) at the bar on a Friday night. The servers say he comes there often.
(3)
Nicholas R.
Was looking for a quite bite to eat for a late lunch and stopped by. I hadn't been here and years but as always Jake's delivered! Inventive beer list, delist wings, to go along with a great happy hour menu? Why not! Oh and on top of it so much food I never wanted to eat dinner that night!!!
(4)
Disgusted P.
My wife and I came here to eat I was not In the best of moods but, our waitress Laura was amazing!!!! The food was great but I can't say enough about her service!!! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Thank you Laura again you made our Chicago experience lot better!!!!
(5)
Elena B.
The wings were so good. I wish there was one in Houston. I think I may have wanted my 2nd experience to match my 1st one but it didn't. I ordered delivery to my hotel which came right on time but was gross. Best bet is to eat at the restaurant.
(4)
Nick B.
I manage to stop in at jakes a few times over the past few years. very busy. Good beer selection. wings are good. This time i enjoyed the wing of the month, Maple bourbon wing. It was fantastic. Jake's is a good spot for some buddies to have a few beers, chat and enjoy pub food.
(5)
David C.
Jake Melnick's is the reason why I'm proud to be an American. Jake Melnick's boasts an assortment of the richest, heartiest, beefiest choices of American cuisine. The best BBQ you can find, the best wings in Chicago, the cheesiest macaronis. Gluttony is Jake Melnick's middle name. Add an expansive list of brews to the menu, and you're really having a party now. You think you know what it means to indulge? Stop in and your mind will be blown.
(4)
Lisa H.
My sister was craving chicken wings, so it was the perfect time to try out the hot wings at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. After all, they were voted the best hot wings in Chicago. The restaurant is like a typical sports bar with numerous televisions throughout the bar and an extensive drink menu, but they do try to separate themselves by having a more laid back vibe with their exposed brick columns, open fire place, and warm overhead lighting. There always seems to be a wait even though the bar is huge, but my sister and I were in luck and were seated right away. For the food, we ordered the wood-grilled artichoke, chili and cheddar fries, and the wing combo which includes the traditional (buffalo) and poncho's (wood grilled with garlic and cayenne marinade.) It took forever for our food to come out because they decided to bring out all the food at once. Unfortunately, it caused the wings to become a little cold which resulted in some of the sauce to dry up and the breading to be mushy. The wings were a good size and the flavor was there, but I could not get over how dry it was and the mushy texture. This is not at all what I would expect from the best wings in Chicago. On the other hand, the fries and the artichoke were nice and warm. It wasn't too spectacular, but good compared to other sports bar. The service here wasn't far off from the food. Our server was nice and informative, but not really attentive. He never checked back on us after he served our food. I wished I had more water throughout my meal and maybe some extra napkins. I don't understand the hype with Jack Melnick's. What is so great about this place? Well I don't recommend you coming here unless you want some subpar service and average food at best.
(2)
Damaris C.
This place is a must! Delicious, heart warming food as well as friendly and helpful customer service. BBQ Nachos are to die for! Imagine your classic nachos plate, topped off with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Does it get any better than that?! Wings are amazing (sauce wise) and onion rings have a home made taste to them. They also have their famous 8 lb. burger. So grab some friends and bring em over! Location is great. Close by the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, but not quite there. Great location, great friends, great food, & a great night.
(5)
Jim K.
I really love Jake Melnicks... despite the fact that I don't really like wings (which is their claim to fame). The service has always been really attentive, without being intrusive. The ambiance has the heave wood accents of a dive bar, while being clean and tv-heavy like a sports bar. The place is very comfortable, and seems like a great place for larger groups. The Food: As I said before, I'm not a wing fan... but of the few I've tried at Jakes, they were stellar. I really do dig their barbecue, and their chicken tenders (channeling my inner 12 year old) are quite good (they are about as fresh as you can get). My favorite dish is, unfortunately, a special: they will make a (and I might be butchering this name) Fireman's Chili in the colder months that is out of this world. If you see it on the "Specials" menu, snag it before they run out (seriously, they will). For a casual night out in north Streeterville/Gold Coast, Melnick's is one of my favorites.
(4)
Amy H.
I like this place, I really do. But they never seem to have it all together. The first time we had a pissy waitress. The second time I ordered the PB&J wings and just didn't really like them. Probably not their fault, probably just not my thing. The wings are usually awesome-just stick to the buffalo, garlic, or firecracker wings (my personal favorite!). This third time, they overcooked the hell out of my buffalo chicken sandwich. :( Like left it in the fryer too long. However, their fries and mac & cheese are kickass and the servers we had in the second and third visits were both really helpful and patient with our hungover selves. Btw, great place to eat hungover. :)
(3)
Dan B.
As a self proclaimed wing- connoisseur, I am privileged to present you the best wings I've ever had. The spicy fries and firecracker wings were perfect both times this week. Having had wings all over the country, I'm sad to say that this Florida native's favorite wings are thousands of mailed away, here at Jakes. Well done guys!
(5)
Rochelle W.
I always go for the late night happy hour..... The wings are AWESOME Nachos are AWESOME Friday night 5$ 'punch' AWESOME I haven't even seen their regular dinner menu....but i'm sure that its.....AWESOME
(5)
AJ B.
Went here with a buddy a few weeks back and while I enjoyed it I was really expecting more from this place. Got half a bbq chicken and sides - I am a big fan of cole slaw...this place actually had bad cold slaw...I don't know how you can mess up cole slaw. Chicken was decent...everything was just pretty good. Great selection of craft beers and a good atmosphere. I love bbq so I'll try again given the opportunity.
(3)
Y H.
Overrated. Being rated as the best wings in Chicago is a bit disappointing because these really are not the best wings we have had. Ordered the following: 1. Triple XXX wings 2. Spicy buffalo wings 3. Chicken tenders with sweet potato fries Everything was mediocre. Yes, the triple XXX wings are spicy, but not unbearable. I'm not sure how their wings are different than a chain like Buffalo Wild Wings. The tenders were also subpar. Take your money elsewhere and don't fall for the best wings in Chicago, because they aren't and if this is the standard for wings then I feel bad for The Chi.
(2)
Dany C.
So we walked in and got kicked out immediately for having a registered service dog with proper identification. We asked to speak to the manager who was even more rude and condescending and literally walking us out to make sure we left. If you want to be disrespected from the moment you walk through door look no further this is your spot.
(1)
Lewis B.
Saw the sign for "Best Wings in Chicago" and shrugged it off as another false advertisement. Stumbled there after a few drinks and, behold, best wings I've had to date! [Updated 9.15.2014] I'd put them at a 3 - 3.5 now, we've been back on a few occasions and my biggest complaint is the wait. The last couple times we put our name on the wait list for 20-25 min wait and it always goes over (they have a digital wait list app that sends you a text to view 'how much longer'). It'll hit 25 mins, then the hostess tells us it'll be another 10-15, so we just left each time. The last time, they did give us a free appetizer card, I guess that helps. Service: - 1st Trip: Robby was our server and he rocked it. Guy was super patient, helpful and extremely nice! - 2nd Trip: Came at around 6:30pm, was closed due to a private party until 8pm. I was craving the wings, so we grabbed drinks at a bar around the corner. Came back at 8:15 and it was still closed to other patrons. Asked to be seated outside and we were told the wait was 20 minutes (even though 5 of the tables were EMPTY!). Hostess wasn't the friendliest (but I was a bit irritated as well). After not seating anyone for 10 minutes she could see my laser eyes piercing theirs + my impatience then seated us (from the time until we were sat until we left - there was still 2 tables unseated outside). Food & Drink: - Firecracker wings are ridiculously good. The sweet thai chili + Sriracha sauce is sweet and not too spicy at all. Topped w/ green onions and fried perfectly. Every last bite was crunchy / crisp. So good. - Dr. Jenkin's Elixir - sounds intimidating (pickle juice, pepper vodka, cucumber water, lime and spicy rim) w/ a free 7oz Miller Pony! But glad I tried it - fantastic flavor and addicting. Tried it the second time around and it wasn't as good (I think the bar back was making them). Highly recommend it if made by the bartender. Even try doing half Elixir half Bloody Mary - so good (with a spicy kick)!
(4)
Will T.
I felt right at home at Jake's when the waitress dropped a "Be right with you hon," and an "Anything else sweetheart?" No she wasn't a transplanted Southerner, but from northern Indiana, who admittedly didn't talk like Chicagoans. It put a smile on my face as did the food. I ordered a bbq pork sandwich from the fast casual menu. It's served with a heaping pile of fries and some slaw in a cute metal pan. I saw some fabulous salads go by, too, lunch specials for around $7. Jake's has a casual bar food feel, a well thought out concept that delivers some pretty tasty grub. Walk a couple of blocks away from the slick towers of Michigan Ave. to find this corner tap that would be at home in any Midwestern town.
(3)
Joe R.
Fun place to drink and eat. Anything but pretentious, but definitely expensive; however the food is well worth it, the service is great, and their cocktails are excellent. Also there is a high quality selection of craft brews to choose from.
(5)
Lucas C.
Chicagoans are spoiled. I look at the yelp reviews for bars and grills in the Chicago area and there is a common trend. The gastro/fufu/fancy pubs get the stars, but old fashioned bar places like Melnick's don't get any credit. Food does not have to be duck confit with caviar to be awesome! Now that my preaching is out of the way, time to review. Food- we started off with the bbq nachos. They were delicious, chunks of hearty smoked brisket, and loads of cheddar and bbq sauce. We also started with an order of some firecracker wings. Oh. My. Gosh. That is when I knew, the choice to skip the Giordanos line was not in vain. The wings have so much meat on them! It's not like crappy Buffalo Wild Wings where you have to scour the bone for some meat. Here you get at least four mouthfuls of meat on each wing. The chicken tastes delicious and well cooked and seasoned. The firecracker sauce was amazing. Tangy, savory, spicy, Asian but not overpowering. They were so good I decided to try a different variety of wings as my entree. I got the wing combo which was a combination of poncho's sauce and medium buffalo sauce. Again, the wings are the best I've ever had, just phenomenal. The poncho's sauce was basically just a light garlicky glaze. It really let the chicken do the talking. The buffalo sauce was delicious as well. This one wasn't like the poncho. It had a very distinct buffalo taste and, when paired with the homemade ranch, was heaven. The only negative thing I have to say about the food was that the garlic Parmesan fries were gross. They would've been great if they had just used the garlic and Parmesan sparingly. The fries plain/with ranch were fantastic though. This place deserves 5 stars for the wings alone! Service- Saturday night. Christmas break. No reservations. PARTY OF TEN! NO PROBLEM! They seated us right away. Our server was also attentive, knowledgable of the menu (always a standard criteria), and got all of our orders right. This should be a Chicago landmark.
(5)
Tami Y.
I love this place because the bartender April ,, she very sweet and active . Thank you April
(5)
Sandi E.
What drew us in was the claim of Chicago's best wings. Why not start a new Easter tradition I thought, so in we went. I ordered the combo - 4 wings with a medium buffalo sauce and 4 wings with the Poncho rub. I also ordered the parmesan garlic fries. The wings were decent - I do prefer a saucy wing, but Poncho packed good flavor! The fries were plentiful - easily can be shared by two people. And addictive - even after I was full, the flavor made me keep on nibbling!! Service was great, our waiter was attentive and kept the re-fills going.
(4)
Brea L.
Wings weren't the best I've ever had, but they were very good. Service was excellent and friendly. Comfortable environment and not too noisy.
(4)
Mike L.
We stumbled onto this place after some shopping on Michigan Ave and a long walk to and from the seriously overrated Navy Pier. I am from NY and it was actually about as uninteresting as the South St Seaport- though in its defense it at lest didn't have the annoying costumed characters- but aso had much less interesting restaurants- Bubba Gump Shrimp- really? Anyway not here to rant about that....so we had been walking for hours, it seemed, and were hungry and really needed a break, were looking for something local and interesting, not a chain joint and wanted an outdoor cafe. So we found this place and it was just the thing.....I ordered a very mellow Kronbach and she an iced tea... I would have liked to try the wings but she hates wings so that was out....she got the garbage salad- I am not making this up- without salami - which I thought was the most interesting ingredient- and she really liked it. I got the sloppy pig sandwich- which was an interesting combination of pulled pork, brisket, and something else but can't remember what....it came with their own house made fries which were very good, nicely salted, crisp, and tasty. The sandwich was good though so messy had to eat it with a knife and fork.. Service was very good, attentive and irreverent. We did have to listen to a couple at the next table who apparently were unaware that their topic of conversation was not at all appropriate for a public place- the guy actually got up and precipitously left in the middle of the meal- but can 't pin that on the restaurant......really enjoyed the place and would definitely visit again.
(4)
Heather E.
If you don't like this place you're nuts and we can't be friends. Amazing service! Incredible food. Best wings ever. Best bbq. Best burger. My whole family loved it.
(5)
Tena C.
This was a typical Cheers type tavern with food. We had lunch here after a long walk through town. The beer was refreshing and the food was good. We had their famous chicken wings, corn bread and mac & cheese which were all good. The chicken wings were not so spicy but I tend to shy away from the flames.
(4)
Shradha A.
Back here years later and still a mediocre experience. Tried the veggie burger but the bbq sauce on it was overwhelming. It's a neighborhood game watch spot - you shouldn't really go for the food as much as the TVs & beer.
(3)
Christina C.
Don't mind gaining a few pounds after eating the wings and Mac n cheese. You know it's a good spot when the Mac n cheese is dangerously good. They also have crazy spice levels on their wings. Ghost pepper..? You've been warned. Decent beer list with a few ciders. It's a gamble service wise. Most times you'll get a friendly, informative, and attentive server, but sometimes you'll get that sore bum. It's very casual, almost cabin-like with the wooden panels and stumps. Sit around with your friends, have a beer or two, get your hands dirty with dem wings, and have a good time!
(4)
Kelly R.
We went there Saturday night with our 5yr old twins. The enclosed front porch area was back n forth, cold, hot, cold, hot... The tables are so close and crammed in there it's hard to be comfortable. (And we are all slim people) and it's super loud in there. Major attitude with the server. I said and pointed to the beer I wanted, he brought the wrong one and put up his hands saying that's what I pointed to. Then when the table behind us tried to get his attention, he put up his hand and sharply said ' I'll be with you in a moment' As for the food, mediocre and overpriced.
(1)
Vicky L.
I love wings, and Jake's certainly has great wings. My personal favorites are the PB & J, Cherry Bomb, and good ol' buffalo medium spicy wings. I've also had their Portabello Reuben, which was surprisingly tasty. The only issue I have is that they're a bit pricey. And it can get pretty crowded and loud. But that's a bar for you.
(4)
Chuck P.
Ate here while visiting from out of town. Dudes at a bar I was drinking at recommended the place and I'm glad they did. On the short list of best burger places I've been to. Highly recommended. And, if that wasn't enough, root beer barrel candies--with which I stuffed my pocket--at the check-in desk! Bonus!!
(5)
Cory S.
These are the best wings in Chicago from the ones I have tried. The wings are the perfect size and are seasoned perfectly. I went with the traditional hot but I'm told the peanut butter and jam are ones you must try. The beer selection was great with a lot of local craft beers. The bartender was amazing she was friendly , helpful and made you feel like a regular. I definitely will come back next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)
Nicole D.
Service was great. Had the street fries which were delicious and the burger of the month. Would go back again.
(4)
Louis L.
Just stopped in for a porter beer that was recommended from waitress and she was rude and mean but beer was tasty but she didn't like comment about the xxx wings on menu so they booted us out Bad attitude
(1)
Frank R.
Good wings which is why you came to this place but I was even more impressed with the burgers which are massive and pretty tasty. I had the frisco which was pretty good and had a few combinations with the avocado which I hadn't tried that worked well! Also the ice cream cookie dessert was really good!
(4)
Brian M.
Came here with my gf and her sister for dinner and I gotta say I was really underwhelmed with this place. We were seated pretty quickly and our waitress was pretty nice but the food here was just not very good. I got the brisket plate which came with cole slaw and fries. The brisket was a little too sweet for my taste and really dry. My gf got the turkey burger which was just ok, I had a bite and it didn't blow me away but acceptable. The sweet potato fries that she got weren't that bad either but nothing special. Her sister got the special apricot and siracha wings that were again really too sweet for my taste with barely any kick. All in all I'd say this place is a bit of a let down and I'm probably not coming back here.
(2)
Stephanie M.
Good food. Great unique beer selection. I'd highly recommend the monthly mac and cheese special or pork sliders. It can get a little crowded during the weeks but we've never had to wait more then 30 mins for a table.
(4)
Andrew E.
Awesome wings, seriously the best I've had in the city. Great beer selection to complement the great food. A monthly Mac n cheese as well.
(5)
Lauren G.
We regularly dine in and carry out from this neighborhood spot. Delicious indulgent food - I have never been disappointed. The pbj wings are my absolute favorite, and the nachos are also delicious. You really can't go wrong here!
(5)
Antonio r.
The best wings in Chicago! I was craving wings and had a few at au cheval, Jefferson tap, ummm I can't remember a few of the other spots but so what because their wings did it for me. I had the buffalo wings (they're famous and award winning wings) and the garlic cayenne and boy did I get my fix! The bar tenders are cool and the beer selection is excellent. Good place for football on Sundays or wings when u have a craving. Their wings are crack!!
(4)
Juin C.
Great atmosphere, great food. Had pulled pork and my husband had the beef brisket. We both enjoyed out meals. Next time I would like to try their wings. Have heard so much about them.
(5)
Azize S.
The wings here are GREAT. They have a wing of the day, but my favorite is the thai chili wings on the menu. Before I tried the wings, I had the burger and flatbreads which were ok - nothing special. The wings are so damn good I've never bothered ordering anything else after I discovered them. Good beer list, although I'm a scotch drinker and they have a decent selection for that. They occasionally have events like Cider Con which is coming up soon. I live in the neighborhood and like to come here to watch the game at the bar with some tasty wings and a scotch.
(4)
Paul T.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars because truly the only complaint that I have is that it can be louder than hell sometimes... But then again, what fun is it to go to a quiet bar and quietly eat wings with your other quiet friends? All in all, amazing food. From the fried dill pickles to the INCREDIBLE wings. Might I add once more, INCREDIBLE wings. Best I've ever eaten. Beware of the hottest sauce they serve. It is made with ghost peppers and its pretty much the equivalent of molten hell. My esophagus has yet to recover.
(4)
Dani H.
Server was super great, but what made this place was the beer menu and the amazing grilled artichokes. Never had them grilled, but I HIGHLY suggest it! Also, if you like a strong beer try the one aged in whiskey barrels. Great flavor with a little bite at the end. Location is great, it is just a few blocks off Michigan Ave shopping. So it is close to everything, but still nicely priced compared to everything else on Michigan Ave.
(4)
Mollie R.
Love this place for wings, beer and just bad food..well awesome food that is bad for you. :) Lots of tv's too! Great atmosphere! Valet parking too Cons... Service can be par
(5)
OG W.
I'm basing my review solely on the wings. I think Melnick's does a great job with their wings. They are consistent, large, flavorful, unique. I make it a point to dine here anytime I'm downtown for a late afternoon snack after shopping. They have great beer options as well. The only reason I didn't give a 5-star rating is because I haven't gotten past the wings, but their menu is robust. A warm and comfortable place to watch a football game.
(4)
Michele S.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon. The place was packed with folks watching college football. I loved the menu. BBQ and bar food are some of my favorites. My husband and I both went with the pulled pork sandwich with fries. The food was absolutely delish, and the portions are large for a reasonable price point. The only thing that seemed to be lacking was the service. We barely saw our server the entire time. I was busy, so I can cut them some slack. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Ashley J.
Got to Chicago last night. Went out to the Water Tower Place today and waited for my little sister to get off work. She got out at 11, so we walked up to Jakes just to get a drink. We walk in at 11:15, greeted by "are you going to eat or get drinks" we say "maybe both" waiter replies "well the kitchen is closed at 11". Hello, why did you ask of we wanted food? Anyway, we order a beer each. Before we get the beer a random long hair greasy guy comes out of the kitchen and reaches across our table for our salt and pepper shakers, grabs the shakers and pounds them onto the table -the returns to pick up our glass mustard bottle and slams that against the table too! What??! We get our beers at 11:30 our waiter comes back and says "I guess this will be the last round" and hands is a $30 bill! If you want to close at midnight then do it!! Don't close at 11! Rude! I've eaten here before, that's why I wanted to go back - after tonight, forget it! The worst!
(1)
Darcie W.
Dan is an amazing server! The only thing I disliked is that they wouldn't turn on the Miami Heat game. Ugh. Other than that, the food is great and so are the drinks!
(5)
Luke A.
Had the Smokin' Que Burger, smoked burger wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top with beer battered onions. Best burger I have had in a long time! They are known for their wings so going to have to try that next time. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Roy H.
Pretty solid BBQ joint. With a fantastic tap list. The prices can be a tad high but thats river north for you. I have had a few things from here, but the biggest standout was the Mac and cheese...it had BBQ beef, onions, ruffles chips, and some other stuff in it. So wild!! The usual pulled pork sandwiches/etc come with a TON of fries. You can sub for other typical BBQ fare like baked beans/coleslaw...both of them are good also. They have a ton of TVs here so its easy to watch sports while eating with friends.
(4)
Carly G.
Looking at the reviews I should've got the wings.. But this place was so good! Went on a Friday night and only took a hour and half to be done and gone. We got their BBQ chicken pizza.. Oh my god it was to die for. I was skeptical cause you never know what it'll taste like.. But it was soo good. The sauce was perfect and they had caramelized onions that made it perfect. Along with their famous chicken on top. I recommend. Only complaint is its so loud I couldn't hear myself talk.
(5)
Kate W.
Everything was in a basket.....
(2)
Tara G.
Great beer selection and something for everyone on the menu. We got the cornbread which I would skip next time. It's huge and filling - the dinner portions were so big we couldn't finish them. We did not try the wings which they are famous for. Seems like a dependable place to go in downtown Chicago.
(4)
Kili P.
Best wings I had in my life.so far...I asked my front desk @ the Hilton Suites Mag Mile who had the best wings in town and recommended me to this place..Believe I know wings I try them every place I go from Honolulu to west coast to east coast now Chicago.. Unreal go try some!.....
(5)
Stephen S.
A really good beer list with some rotating offerings and guest brewers that'll bring in some special stuff you probably won't find at the other corner taps. The ambience here is pretty rough. It's a sports bar and is therefore loud and in your face. I had a hard time having a conversation with even the person sitting across from me at a small table. The prices are pretty high but for a spot downtown it's pretty much what you'd expect.
(3)
Jeanne B.
Were in Chicago for the weekend and wandered into Jakes for a pint and some lunch. The ambience is definitely sports bar and it's somewhat loud. Ordered a beer but they were out so settled for margaritas which were average at best. We ordered the BBQ Pork Nachos and they were awesome!!! Definitely the best part of our visit. Will probably not repeat next time were in town.
(3)
Dana R.
Tons of beer choices, tv's and seating, so has all the makings for a perfect place to waste away on football Sunday's. The decor was reminiscent of Bennigan's- lots of kitsch and filler and surprisingly low ceilings - not my fave, but again, for a sports bar, it is fine. I will say, the nachos were delicious...crunchy chips, even under the layers of yummy toppings.
(3)
Michael D.
This is my wife and I second time going to this location, we are from Michigan and since we had a great time/service the last time we came 2 years ago I thought we would go back. I must say we were def not let down once again the service and food is great. My wife had what she had 2 years ago Pulled Pork sliders with fries and I had the burger of the month which was Bison and fries we also had onion rings for an app. My burger also had $1 draft beer that was attached to it which was really nice. We also had 2 lemon drop shots and my wife had a cosmopolitan the shots had patron which we should have maybe asked for a little less expensive liquor we also got two drinks with our dinner just pop. The bill was over $60!! I never would have thought of that price I was really floored by the price the shots alone were $7.25 EACH! We will def be going back again but minus the drinks and just stick with the food..
(4)
Julia J.
The Left Hand Milk Stout together with four kinds of wings and their sweet potato fries really made the right first impression on me at Jake's. We strolled in on a Thursday night after work and took a seat at the bar. The bartender was attentive and gave us great service all around. We tried the Poncho, traditional medium annnndddd traditional spicy, plus the wing of the month that had a Thai peanut sauce on it- which was pretty delicious without being too much. The Poncho and wings of the month were grilled while the other two were breaded. I definitely preferred the grilled, but both kinds were larger wings than you'd get at Bdubs or Yakzees and much meatier too. By the time we were leaving around 7pm, the masses were starting to roll in and it was a little hectic. That being said, I definitely wouldn't come in for dinner during the high tourist season, but this is a good place for some good old fashioned American pub food and some delicious beer selections. I'll be back!
(4)
Bill D.
This could have been tortuous trap for the gluten intolerant. Surprisingly, it's not. They have one GF beer, but it's either not very popular or it's really popular as they had one bottle. The server was awesome, considering the fun of dealing with a large group of hungry, hungry engineers. I didn't try most of the food that was served (barbeque? usually risky for GF). But the cobb salad and cole slaw were really excellent. I enjoyed the kick-back atmosphere, the lack of attitude and Rush Street atmosphere. If you don't get to this part of the country often, try Sprecher Beer. They have several varieties here.
(4)
Kristine N.
Plenty of beer options. Great and friendly service. The blue cheese potato chips are good but a bit skimpy on the blue cheese. The firecracker wings are so so so good. Crispy, kinda sweet, kinda spicy, yummmmmm. The garlic wings were kinda dry, not worth getting. My brother had the pig sandwich and said it was ok. Fries are crispy and fresh though. I'll come back and stick to the firecracker wings.
Wandered in for a beer and food on a cold evening. Beer menu was amazing. (And I'm a homebrewer.) Server (Jana) was very knowledgeable about the beer and menu in general. I'm a vegan and when I mentioned the veggie burger she volunteered it has egg in the bun. Usually I have to pry that info out of servers and they look at me like I'm "that guy". Faced with such an awesome beer menu I gave some general style ideas to Jana and let her surprise us. She hit the ball out of the park three times in a row. I really appreciate good service and we definitely had that. Never once did we sit there wondering how to get a server's attention. Great beer + great service = a very nice evening. 1 star taken away because I didn't find a single vegan entree on the menu. Ended up eating fries. Still, if I'm in the area again I'd go back. Maybe I can get a salad without chicken or something.
(4)
Ken L.
This place is really great. The buffalo fries with bleu cheese crumbles on top are the best! The flavor of the traditional buffalo sauce is the best I have ever had. The wings are really great too! I wish there was a place like this in my hometown.
(3)
Frankie S.
There's a reason these guys have won the Chicago Wingsfest for 3 consecutive years. They probably have the best tasting wing flavors in the city. The Firecracker and Poncho wing flavors are my favorite and when the prices here are pretty reasonable for a downtown establishment. I've only had wings and burgers here. I recommend a nice burger. They're descent in size and quite tasty. You can't go wrong with this place when it comes to trying to find a good tasting wing place in the loop. Stop here instead of Hooters. You'll get your moneys worth. I look forward to coming back here.
(5)
Kayla B.
Great place. Great atmosphere. Really great and friendly service at the bar. We've been here twice in the last three days. Good beer selection...different, but good. Had the wings too...Poncho's are awesome! We will definitely return when we are back in Chicago.
(4)
Bruce G.
Really like the app they use to seat us. Texts to you cell phone and gives you am update on your spot in line. So far wings were great and getting ready to order rest of our lunch. Waitress very attentive. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Tom S.
This place is always packed. Plan on waiting. Their fire wings are the hottest (spicy) things I've ever had in my life. It's euphoric to try these things. The rest of the food is good too. My favorite place to watch football on Sundays in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Check it out. You'll like it
(5)
Louise G.
Great menu and an awesome atmosphere; right across the street from Sport Clips, this is a great guy's night out place to grab dinner and drinks after a haircut
(5)
Richard R.
The Pancho's Wings are amazing! They have become my gold standard when comparing other wings.
(5)
Dawn A.
Just like everyone else said here on Yelp, the only thing worth while here is the wings. The rest, gross. My husband ordered a chicken sandwich, added on some fixings which were crazy overpriced. $1 for cheese? He said it had next to no flavor. I ordered a garbage salad, which came so over dressed it was damn near inedible. It also was missing 2 ingredients, apparently they were out. To top this off, service was shit. We got a lot of attention until we ordered our food, then the waiter pretty much disappeared. And our bill was really high I thought for what kind of food this was. If you're gonna charge that much, at least make the food outstanding. This was a major disappointment, and I surely would not return.
(1)
Valerie G.
We must have had good luck or come on a good night or something- because our entire experience was great at Jake Melnick's. We came in on a Monday night- MLB series, Monday night football - the place was PACKED! We were able to find two bar stools at the end of the bar, not much room- but no lack of service from the bartenders. This place has a fantastic beer selection along with your usual selection of liquors - there is something for everyone. Our order: Pancho's wings and the Trio of pork sliders. Holy delicious- Most pulled pork sandwiches I've had have had to be doused in sauce to hide their not so greatness- this pork was NOT doused and was absolutely perfectly cooked. The three varieties were all great! Win, win, win. The bartender allowed my husband to give the ghost pepper sauce a try without ordering the wings. We've heard crazy things about the hotness of the sauce, and inquiring minds want to know, but don't want to have to pay for 9 wings if they can't handle it. The sauce was hot, but not unbearable. I'd imagine that eating the sauce on a wing that was soaked in it- and having the requisite sauce on your face and all over your lips would be a much more painful experience though. There were some seasonal food specials - even though we didn't try them. Candy apple wings and mac'n'cheese with apples, bacon and bleu cheese. Service was fantastic - these bartenders were incredibly friendly. We are definitely not locals, but treated as if we were. Two thumbs up all the way around!
(5)
Daniella G.
Pretty damn good BBQ & an awesome selection of bottled & tap beers. I had fried pickles for the first time thinking I'd hate them, but I was surprised when I had 2 more helpings. Everything on the menu seems to have pork including Jakes BBQ burger & the mac n' cheese....but I gotta say, everything is really tasty and not over-porked. Stay away from the XXX wings unless you're trying to impress someone- My dad tried them thinking he was bad-ass and left with his tail between his legs & a swollen mouth.
(4)
Grace P.
I work nearby, so frequently going away parties or birthday drinks after work bring me here. The wait staff are friendly and seem to work hard, my extremely poor opinion pertains to the prices. I understand drinks are more expensive in this part of town, but $11 for a Jamison neat, that is the worst pour I have ever had is absurd. I avoid this place if possible, and if I get stuck there out of obligation, hope there is a special I can sip on without going broke.
(1)
Eric W.
Went here for lunch with a group of guys for a Friday beer-lunch. A few of us got the wings and the others got BBQ. Both are amazing and be sure to grab a bucket of garlic fries while you're there. I have to complain about the waitress in this situation though. She claimed they were out of $5 Lagunitas IPA on draft and suggested something else that was "similar". A friend of mine and I both said OK and were treated to a $9 / 8oz draft of something that resembled an IPA but smelled like bleach. I felt ripped off and lied to. But seriously, get the wings. They're solid.
(3)
Dan E.
We came here for drinks the other night and ended up staying for dinner, because the sky absolutely opened up and it didn't make any sense to leave. I was also hooked in by the "Best Wings" in Chicago three years straight advertisement. We started at the bar to have some beers. Beer selection here is very good - easily 25+ but they had a ton of stuff I'd never heard of. I was recommended a beer that I did not like, but then I just switched over to good ol' Sam Adams. Be warned, beer prices are steep here. About $7+ for a beer - ouch. Instead of eating at the bar, we opted for a table in the dining room. They offer a pretty nice BBQ menu which I was a little surprised to see, because the name Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does not make me think of BBQ. The place was also very nice inside. Our waiter throughout the meal was very friendly and provided some good service. I am a 'uge Buffalo Wing fan. I absolutely love Buffalo Wings. We started out with an order of the Spicy Buffalo Wings. When the wings came out, I was pumped. They were breaded - just the way I like them. In my opinion, breaded wings are much better than non-breaded. The blue cheese was incredibly average, though. This place could make the entire wing experience so much better by just upgrading their blue cheese. It was the typical runny dressing kind. Celery was nice and crisp. Overall, the wings were very good and I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for some solid wings. Here's what I didn't like about the wings - the price. I am fundamentally opposed to places that charge more than $1/wing. At Jake's, you pay $11 for only 8 wings. The wings are great, but I feel like that's steep. As for our meals, my wife had the "garbage" salad and I had the Cobb salad. The cobb salad was pretty good - it was chopped which was a nice touch but it wasn't anything over the top spectacular. It was a decent sized salad and I did enjoy the dressing that it came with. The menu said that it was a tomato vinaigrette. I liked it. I didn't try any of my wife's salad, but it actually looked pretty similar to the Cobb salad. She enjoyed it. So...I liked Jake Melnick's. By no means was it the best meal I've ever had but it did the trick. I liked the wings and the beer selection and the salads were decent. If I come back another time, I'm definitely going to try one of their more traditional BBQ dishes.
(3)
Melissa E.
Mediocre service, average (and overpriced) food, fairly decent selection of beer- hence the 2 stars. Mostly the bad service turned us off. Update: 6/16/14- after this review the manager contacted me to discuss our experience. Upon describing our poor service experience, he offered us a gift certificate.
(4)
Tiffany B.
I will could never rate this place as average considering the plethora of wings that I've had from the city of Chicago. When I say I love this place, its an understatement. Eating here was a breath of fresh air compared to ALL of the other wing joints. Aside from the wings (my favorite being the firecracker and traditional) the fried pickles are AMAZEBALLS! and so is the Salami Flatbread! I don't eat "bad" (unhealthy) food a lot but I make plans on visiting this place very frequently. I have no desire to order wings from anywhere else, they just don't do justice. I'm a fan, an extreme fan lol... If you were on the fence about this place, just go, you wont regret it.
(5)
Vincent W.
No.1 Best place in the city for beer. No. 2 Great sports bar for watching games. No.3 Food is good. Like their burgers and wings! No. 4 staffs are nice.
(5)
Clark G.
Just had "The King of Wings" supposedly voted best wings in Chicago. Ok, first off there very good breaded wing. It's pretty tough to screw up breaded wings. The bartenders were good and attentive tons of beers to choose but the dude who keeps saying cheers, c'mon man. I would pretty much sum it up as follows: if you like tourists and fat chicks in a place that smells like farts this place is 5 stars.
(2)
Spencer M.
Spent NFL Sundays here in the early '00's and was recently back with my family. It was always a nice place for wings and a beer and had a good menu. That said, it's been upgraded to say the least. New menu that's fantastic-pizza, flatbread, burgers not to mention the award winning wings! This staff is tremendous-very customer oriented-and their 'home brewed' gin? Uh....yeah. Highly recommend. Was here on my own and app brought the family. Highly recommend!
(5)
E C.
Lousy service. Was not particularly busy. Was not greeted. Waited for service. We ordered drinks and water and waited and waited. No one brought water. No one brought order. Several servers around. We left and found another proprietor who was prompt.
(1)
Brian J.
Was out looking for a nice meal at a good price during my trip to the Windy City. Stumbled upon Jake's. Sat at the bar and felt instantly welcomed. The bartender got me a local draft and filled me in on the house specialties! BBQ! Melt in your mouth pulled pork and savory ribs. Take the short stroll on Michigan Ave and enjoy.
(4)
Kevin Z.
Bomb wings. Jack Melnick's has the title for the reason. Not sure if they truly serve any other food. These ARE the best wings in Chicago. They let you split your order of wings in half so you can try a couple of kinds. Their rendition of buffalo is outstanding, good heat. I tried something called fire cracker recently, real good, they always have new creative sauces on the menu. They cook the wings to perfection, on the pricey side but worth it.
(5)
Sadat A.
The team decided to strap down and return to Jake's Melnick's for Sunday dinner. (To remind you, I hate going downtown because parking sucks, and I rather stay in Lincoln Park, Wrigley, or Roscoe Village to find a wing spot.) I ordered the same things as last time XXX wings, Poncho wings, Firecracker wings and Jake B Que Burger. The XXX wings were hotter the 2nd time around. When I licked my finger before taking my first bite, I was sweating from the forehead. After my first wing, I was in full body sweat. It was freaking awesome. The Firecracker was super tasty with that sweet spice thing going on. Poncho best wings ever. This time I ordered the burger medium rare and it was taster than the first time when I ordered it Medium. The Left Hand Milk Stouts were a life saver like usual.
(5)
Andrea R.
It's been almost 4 years since my last review of Jake Melnick's. While my taste in bars has changed tremendously (i'm old, married and pregno these days), I'm still a Jake Melnick's fan. For those of you not "with child" they've got all the drinks you could possible want. The food is also pretty good..especially for bar food. The spinach dip still makes me happy and for brave yelpers like my hubby you can attempt to eat their fire hot wings. You'll even get to wear a fireman hat! HOT! Last weekend my friend rented out the entire bar for her rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, I don't think "Jake" had any idea the Blackhawks would be in the playoffs when they agreed to host our party. It was super casual and fun...and I ate way too much spinach dip, nachos, bbq chicken, among other good eats. They even had a dessert bar full of chocolate deliciousness! If you're looking to throw a small party at Jake Melnick's they do have a private party room in the back that I'd guess could fit around 50 peeps or so.
(4)
Kate M.
Jack Melnick's is one of those places I go when I'm nearby, hungry, and can't think of anywhere else to eat or need a burger. The food is always good, the service is always good, and it's a good sports bar atmosphere. I've been to a few events here and they were well done as well. Enough bars set up to keep the crowd happy, buffets set up properly so the line doesn't get confusing. Their burgers are always good. The tuna burger is very yummy, my favorite on the menu. Most of their appetizers are enough for a meal (for me at least) and are good to snack on while chatting over a few drinks. I like that it's not usually packed with tourists, as most places in this area can be. The outdoor seating is nice too.
(3)
Kimber L.
We stopped in for dinner later in the evening and the place smelled great! We got a hightop outside and enjoyed the evening. My friend ordered a burger well done and it came out med-rare but she said it was a good burger anyways. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was also tasty. The sauce had a nice bbq flavor but I could have used more of it. The sweet potato fries were great. The mac n cheese was good but not quite salty enough. Service was only fair. indoors was rather loud but hey I guess thats typical for this type of restaurant. I would probably go again.
(3)
TJ Y.
Went here on a Sunday to watch football and it was good! Upon entering, they asked if you were there to see a specific game because there were designated areas for each game. I thought that was pretty coo!l! Food & Drink - Food was a big disappointment!! The wings we got were raw inside.... which the server then replaced after much hesitation. The fries were good though. Beer prices were average... Service - the service wasn't that great. They weren't very busy either... our server was mia most of the time... either she was just super busy or new and didn't know what she was doing. Ambiance - This place is a typical bar. Big, lots of space... lots of tvs... Overall, this is a great place to go to watch sports. That's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. Don't go hungry though because the food is definitely a huge disappointment!
(3)
Aldi J.
I've been on a recent tear lately trying to find excellent buffalo wings in Chicago. This review is soley on their Wings. I got 2 orders, the buffalo wings and the Ponchos Garlic and Cayenne. The buffalo wings didn't disappoint!!! Jumbo, great sauce (I got spicy), and just the right amount of crunch. I'd definitely come back for these. The Ponchos was OK.. They are good with a squeeze of lemon but nothing to get too excited about. Gave 'em 4 stars cuz I never got a chance to review their other food and service.
(4)
MmeMorticia D.
The *only* reason I'd consider coming back is that they actually had Black Sambuca! First time there with large group of friends for a going-away party and felt like I was at a campus sports bar. Yes it was busy but service was not attentive at all (uber slow, no eye contact) but then an automatic 18% gratuity was guaranteed so that seemed to explain the nonchalance. Pulled pork sandwich was dry and disappointing so we moved the party elsewhere. Thankfully they kept the fireplace but all in all, made me really miss the (former) Blackhawk Lodge...
(2)
Nick L.
Great beer, great wings (rated #1 in Chicago a couple years in a row... that's saying a lot considering the great wings you can get), great burgers! The food and beverages are amazing. Plenty of TVs to watch your favorite game. The wait staff is fun and full of energy which usually points out a good management team to keep their servers happy. I come here quite a bit with my running group and it's great because I can call an hour ahead and reserve one of their large high top tables for our whole team and they don't even hesitate to set it up for you if it's open. They always have specials... or at least they do when I'm there. On Tuesdays they have a Mystery Beer special that is really fun cause you get to try a bunch of different beers from around the country. This is a go-to place for local who live downtown.
(5)
Erika G.
Went here for a friend/former coworkers going away party. I didn't have any food, but the food smelled great. The drinks were pricey, I thought, for this being sort of a TGIFridays level place. It seemed like a place frequented by very young office workers after work crowd, or tourists. AKA, nothing special and not worth a return trip.
(2)
Katie S.
Amazing outdoor seating, extremely dog friendly! The staff is absolutely wonderful and the food is great too!
(5)
Katie L.
Jake's was a blast for my friend's 25th birthday! They accommodated a large group of us easily, service was prompt, and the food was pretty good! We enjoyed the BBQ Nachos and I ordered the Mac n cheese, which was cooked in its own little Dutch oven! Many of my friends ordered their BBQ meals or their giant burgers, but I had a craving for Mac n cheese (what else is new). Thanks for a fun time Jake's!
(4)
Carm B.
Very laid back comfortable atmosphere. Kind of surprising for the location. Came to eat here with my kids so I was a little unsure when we entered, it looks more like a bar kind of establishment, but no need to worry... they are kid friendly. Everyone enjoyed their food. We had burgers, chicken wings, mac & cheese, and fried pickles. The servers were very nice, the restaurant was very clean, and I would like to go back sans the kids for some drinks & wings. We actually found street parking which was surprising. I would recommend.
(4)
Dave L.
So they make it pretty clear they have awesome wings when you walk in because there are signs everywhere shouting "WE HAVE AWESOME WINGS!!" Yet somehow we almost didn't order the wings because there are 30 other things on the menu that sound great. Long story short, the wings are hands down the best in Chicago. We also got the artichoke (it was ok... I think its just because I don't like artichoke that much), an Asian chicken salad (came out on a gigantic serving plate and weighed 300lbs, and was great), and a BBQ brisket sandwich (also awesome with awesome fries). It was also $5 mystery beer night where the waitress explained "it could be ANYTHING except bud light, miller light, coors light." At our table we got 5 or 6 mystery beers and they were all really good. Why only 4 stars and not 5? Wasn't the cheapest place I've been to in awhile, but I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)
Michael R.
decent price for the food and wings were ok and service form the door to the bar was great. Everything was up to par but the waiter. Maybe he was having a bad day or tired which i hope was the case because this guy just did the least and it wasn't really busy.but all in all it cool spot to check out if your have time.
(3)
Cathy P.
OUR EXPERIENCE: A spirited sports bar with a charming atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of options, and the food is flavorful. We visited in 2012, and we had a great server. She was attentive, and we didn't feel rushed. TIP: Be sure to try the wings and barbecue. These are the items they're best known for.
(4)
Jeff K.
Loved the selection of beers. Really did not like the physical beer list. Too wordy and very confusing! I thought it was just me, but everyone at our table took a stab and we had to honestly as a table our findings in order to get what we each wanted. The menu on the other hand was straight forward, simple, and delicious! Even the picky three year old who we took with us to lunch loved the food. She was eating off all of our plates.
(4)
Deena D.
A sports bar with some rustic flavah. I wasn't even that hungry but somehow licked my plate clean. I did the wings (when in Rome) and had half made XXX and the other garlic/cayenne marinade. I was hooked, I don't think I had ever tried anything like it. Our waiter was super nice and made a lot of recommendations on beers and food. I would love to come back again and try the burgers. This was the perfect spot for a weekend lunch with friends. Also good to watch the game if you can snag a table.
(4)
Jon H.
I came here for the wings, but if I was only judging them based on that - I might give them a 2. I didn't think they were anything special at all. However, the atmosphere, the ample TVs for watching sports, the nice beer selection, and the rest of our meal made up for it. I'd go back to watch some sports, but I won't be ordering the wings.
(3)
Justin K.
Travel down on blue line for special occasions to Jake's. Favorite place to celebrate! Food: The wings here are just outstanding. They aren't lying when they claim to have the best wings in the Chi. They really do... So many good and unique flavors, and they have SO MUCH CRUNCH... I love the texture and flavor of their wings, far more superior than anything else I've had. Service: For as busy as they are, I'm surprised they aren't worse. One time I did make reservations because it did get pretty packed. I was running about an hour late, so quite honestly I did not expect them to save my reservations. I got there and they of course gave them away, but still managed to seat me very quickly which I thought was a nice thing for them to do. Drinks: Bloody marys are AMAZING, again the best in town. Alright.... I love spicy food. LOVE spicy food, I mean I can take anything.... EXCEPT THE XXX BLOODY MARY lol, those things are un-drinkable. And I'm pretty sure your intestines would blow up if you actually finished it. But the rest of their bloody marys are amazing. I usually just tend to get the traditional but all of the flavors are pretty good. Specials: Go on saturday/sunday, hands down. $5 bloody marys, such a great deal for what you get. Just.. so... good.. tasting *drool* Atmosphere: Nice noise level, nice lighting. Big enough tables to fit huge groups and nice decor. Would recommend making reservations if you go for dinner.
(5)
Carson H.
Jake's serves one of the best dirty martinis in the city. Why is Chicago the only city that doesn't look at you cross eyed when you order one with blue cheese olives?? Doesn't everywhere carry them?
(4)
Martin J.
i have had a couple good experiences, and couple ok, and one eh. overall, i like the food and the team is pretty cool too. i'm a huge fan of the mystery beer nights; the wings are ok; the burger with pulled pork, and topped with bbq sauce has me wrapped around it's pinky.
(3)
Nelson S.
Stopped in here on a Monday night with a friend. Both of us were pretty hungry. They had 1/2 priced Rogue 22oz beers, that's pretty awesome. My experience with the food was very mixed. We ordered the app combo that had Poncho & Buffalo wings, nachos, & fried pickles. I really liked the Poncho wings, they are grilled with garlic & cayenne, very good! Buffalo wings were good too but the Poncho wings stood out. Nachos, eh, fried pickles, good. I ordered half rack ribs as my entree. It was not good. It was as if it was leftover precooked ribs from the weekend, refrigerated, then put back on the grill prior to serving. No amount of sauce on the ribs is going to mask the hard stale ribs where parts were crunchy. I should have sent it back but I just dealt with it. My friend had the pulled pork and had a better experience. Service was good, our waitress was pretty cute and nice. I would recommend sticking with the wings at this place.
(2)
Carolynne M.
So, I get a message sent to me a few days ago. It is from the assistant GM of this place, who saw my initial review. The message he sent was really cool, and in it he apologized for what happened last year and invited me to participate in this years competition. I of course jumped at the opportunity. When we got there Andy decided he would order a basket of the wings for himself that were supposedly one step down from the competition grade. I had a bite and honestly? I thought those were hotter than what I ended up having in the contest. Those really packed a wallop. The year before the winner had eaten 35 wings, so I knew I wasn't going to win. I can do any amount of extreme heat, but I cant eat fast and I cant eat massive volumes of food. But I was so excited to be able to taste these bad boys (since there is almost no place in the Chicago area that has the ability to make things hot enough for me) that I really didn't care. There were 10 people competing, and I was the only girl. When we started I was surprised at how Not-Hot these things were, and I was able to eat 15 in the 5 minute time period. Which of course was dead last (the winner ate 51!!!!), until one of the guys got disqualified because he couldnt handle it and ran to throw up. So, hey, there's that. And I was the only one who didn't need the "help" at the end (they gave out plates of bread, milk and ice cream which everyone attacked). yeah, there was a little bit of burning at the back of my throat, but a couple of sips of milk cured that easily enough. So hey thanks for a fun time Jake's. If you can make a contest where someone wins by eating a progressively hotter wing, you got your girl right here. The contest right now? I will let the guys have their gluttonous fun with it. Next year I will be in the audience, having those same wings... but for lunch!
(5)
Joel G.
This place was fantastic. Plenty of options for beers from your usual suspects to local and national micro brews. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Chicago's best wings especially the firecracker. It is delicious perfect combination of sweet and spicy, doused in sirracha sauces and sweet chili Thai sauce. We are avid lovers of Mac n cheese sui we had to try it and weren't disappointed. We also ordered the pulled pork trio which was phenomenal. Overall a great hang out spot to watch a game, be social, or even enjoy the outdoor seating.
(5)
Jamie H.
We decided to come here Sunday afternoon about 1pm. We had 6 people and they said it'd be about a 20 min wait, we only had to wait 10mins so that was good. The waitress was very attentive, helpful and nice. We started out with the Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne Marinade wings, so so so good!!! Onto the meal, I got the Pulled Pork with the Kansas City sauce, it was excellent. The fries were great also. There was plenty of food and I was able to bring some home for dinner (Always a plus in my book)! One of my friend's got the Burger of the Month, it was huge and also very delicious. I will definitely come back and would recommend to others as well. It's got a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Sara L.
On our quest for the best wings in Chicago we came across this place. Several websites and mags claim they have the best wings in Chicago. If there is wings and beer.. well hot damn count me in! The place wasn't as crowded as we thought it would be but somehow it was pretty loud in there. The menu has a bunch of choices so the pickiest eaters should be satisfied. We ended up doing the wing combo (poncho's wings & traditional), beers and basket of parmesan and garlic fries. We got our food before we even received our beers and our waters didn't come till the end of the meals. Don't expect great service here and don't expect the food to come hot either. They advertise the wings as "huge, big, giant, meaty!" All I can say is false advertisement...it is like ...well I have analogy but its not family friendly to say. I do give them credit for the fries...garlicky and deep fried...cannot go wrong there. Overall, service was meh, the wings were meh, the fries were good and the beer was overpriced...go to Hooters...you won't be disappointed there.
(2)
Ann Marie M.
Good beer, good food. The small alone when you walk in can make someone that just had Thanksgiving dinner want to have a pulled pork sandwich. It's not the best BBQ I've had, but the fried pickles and pulled pork nachos are top notch. Great place to go if your interested in watching the game; tons of TVs.
(3)
Chris W.
A group of six from work decided to try this spot for happy hour and dinner. We put our name on the list at 6PM on Friday, and were told the wait was 20 minutes. Fourty minutes later, we were pointed to a table that we were told was "ours" and that it was waiting to be cleaned. Twenty minutes later, we were directed to the second bar in the back room and asked to see if that would work. We agreed and soon found no seats available in the back room, which prompted a return to the hostess station and a response to our group like we were in the wrong and maybe didn't look hard enough! We finally get a table in said back room and are told that we can choose from the two beers they have on tap in this room. We asked if we could order off the regular beer menu and were told that we would be "encouraged" to order off the choice of two beers at this bar because they were "really good". When pressed, the waitor brought one beer menu for six people, in an effort to say F-off. At the end of the day, the food was decent, beer selection was good (at the main bar), and price was ok for Chicago. Overall, the service (despite running up a healthy tab) ruined the experience and we will not be back.
(1)
M H.
It doesn't take long for me to hear the magic words "Meet you at Jake's" The beer list extensive, the cocktail list is inventive (and dare I say inspiring) and the wings are damn good. Everyone I've worked with at Jake's has been a great. It's more than a sports bar while not missing the point of what a real good watering hole should be. Go order a beer you've never tried and get anything from a hearty burger and onion slab to a light asian chicken salad, both are amazing, period.
(5)
Susie L.
This place has kind of become a staple in my weekday. It's a great place to relax and grab a bite, drink a Great Divide Hades, and watch the Bulls game at the bar with other enthusiasts. The drink menu is awesome with many beer options. The bartenders are always friendly and quick to recommend their favorite beers. Their food is surprisingly delicious! The chicken wings are always great (try them boneless too). The portions are large and everything always tastes great. The Cobb salad is one of my favorites, the sandwiches are yummy, and please somebody try their house-made fried pickles- amazing! Prices are reasonable, especially for the area it's located. This is a large restaurant, cozy, fireplace, almost lodge-like decor with many TVs. In the summer, they have a nice 2-sided patio where you can bring your dog to eat with you :) And, their brunch is awesome, try the $5 bloody marys on Sat and Sundays.
(4)
Elia H.
I end up here pretty often. Once you are seated the wait staff is good. the host stand is a different story. they are not very accommodating when they are busy. i guess they don't have to be but a little customer service couldn't hurt. i recommend making a reservation. the food is all very good and the wings are pretty much the best in the city so that is mainly why i continue to go here. monthly specials are also great and keep things exciting. the beer list is pretty good too. just one problem here-it is way too expensive. when i think wings and beer, i am not expecting to spend a ton of money but you will definitely be in for at least $20 here for 1 order of wings and 1 beer. because of the price, i try to avoid going here, but every once in a while i just need good wings. another thing that can be annoying here is the volume of the TVs. most bars have figured out how to play music during commercials. that is not the case here, so you will listen to commercials at a ridiculous volume.
(4)
Joel M.
If you are near the Viagra Traingle and want to get away from the upscale more expensive bars, Jake's is the place to go. The smell of BBQ when you walk in lets you instantly know that the patrons aren't going to be wearing sports coats and sipping martinis. Giant tables are great for accommodating groups, and the service is solid even when its packed. Oh yeah, best beer selection in the near north area by far. Lag IPA on tap and a huge selection of Belgium beer and stouts/porters as well. Recommended for both happy hours and nights out.
(4)
Angela O.
Love this place! I work up the street, and our office comes here pretty regularly for lunch. They have hands down, the best fried pickles I have tried to date, trust me, I've tried a lot. Bartenders are awesome, they are very knowledgeable, and always seem to know exactly what kind of beer you have the taste for. But, lets take a moment to talk about their monthly menus.. which aside from the Fried Pickles, and Brew selection, is one of my favorite things about this place. In my opinion, this is where they shine. They usually always have a monthly burger, mac & cheese, and wings; it's always creative, seasonal, and delicious. I have yet to be disappointed. They also have a new Lunch menu I'm excited to try.
(5)
Marie D.
Had a craving for wings. Craving satisfied! I see why they've received the best wings award for 3 years in a row! We also had the fried pickles, which were a nice compliment to the wings.
(5)
Joseph O.
This the first place I frequented on my business trip to Chicago. I had the fried pickles and a burger for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and even though I didn't try the award winning hot wings, I would definitely go for the food again. What I really enjoyed about the evening was that it was mystery beer night. For four dollars, the bartender would serve you a new mystery beer for each order. All the beers turned out to be high-end craft brews, some local, some from the east and west coasts. I would highly recommend to anyone staying in the local area.
(4)
Emily W.
What can one say about wings made with the second hottest pepper in the world, the red savina? It's the only legal hallucinogenic experience in the US today. Sadly, so sadly, they were out of fireman hats, but when my digestive tract has recovered enough, I plan to return for another dose of pain (and a hat). They had a bell you could ring to get a shot of milk, a dollop of sour cream, and a bit of icecream, and you know what, we all talked a lot of trash, but in the end, we all rang that damn bell. My face twitched, my eyes watered, I laughed and I cried. It was fun as hell. On our excursions across Chicago searching for the best wings offered, I can only say that this renewed what had been a flagging enthusiasm by providing a great experience (with great service as well). I'd love to go back and try the wings that won't sear off my taste buds because they were incredibly meaty and saucy though perhaps lacking a little in crispiness, the only area I would dock them in. Hats.... I'm coming back for you!
(5)
James D.
I've been going to this bar/restaurant since it opened. Unfortunately, I'm still working on my beer card to get my name on the wall. If you're looking to get some food, the Jake's Burger is good (served on Ciabatta Bread). There are plenty of televisions if you're looking to watch a game... If you're looking for outdoor seating there are two sections. Service can be spotty outside, but just plan ahead (by ordering multiple beers) in the event of a poor server.
(4)
Frank G.
This was the first bar/restaurant I ever went to in Chicago and after many more it is still my favorite and still my first stop on every visit. The beer selection is great.......far better than many downtown bars. The food is always good and the ambiance is great. Nothing more welcoming than walking into Jake's on a winter day and smelling the wood burning fire. Great place, highly recommend!
(4)
Kandace K.
I went here with some co-workers and clients and it's a good spot. The staff was super nice and the food was yummy. Bar food rocks! Its near some of the nicer hotels in Chicago so the area is nice & clean.
(4)
Alison T.
If you look on my profile you will see I pretty much only write reviews when a place is fantastic but this one was bad enough to put on here. I sat down and waited about 15min, no sign of a waitress. She finally came out to bring water to a group that came after I did. When she walked by I had to ask her if I could get water and a menu. I ordered the club sandwich and the only good thing about the meal was the fries. The sandwich really sucked. They forgot the bacon and the avacado so it became a turkey sandwich with extra bread. I waited for the bill for about 20 min and I finally gave up and went inside to the bar. The waiter standing there just replied "well I am not your server". Um I am holding the bill and my credit card, get your lazy butt back there and ring me up buddy! Terrible service, food was weak and they forgot everything good on my sandwich anyway. I would never return to this place. It really is a shame because Chicago is the best city for good food and Ide hate to think a tourist would miss out on somewhere good by wasting their time with this place. The only plus was the nice outside seating area.
(1)
Katie S.
We happened upon Jake's as we were wandering the streets looking for a casual dinner option. Jake's is a typical sports bar, but the waitress was really nice and the food was good. I had a chicken sandwich with grilled mushrooms and onions with a decent size portion of fries...it was yummy. My friend had a black & blue burger. They cooked it exactly to her liking. A nice place, but I wouldn't run out to go there again.
(3)
Adam V.
Good service. Overpriced drinks. Well below average food.
(1)
Joe T.
Food not bad but had to wait an hour for a pickup! In a hurry,,,best go elsewhere...
(1)
Kimberly F.
I went here on a Saturday night and it wasn't really that busy. I had already eaten so I can't vouch for the food, aside from the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet thing, which is nothing short of amazing, by the way. Had the service been a bit better and had I not waited nearly 15 minutes for a refill on my Diet Coke (or was it Pepsi?), I'd give 4 stars. It was conducive to conversation all that, so I'll definitely give it another shot, and try the food next time. Oh, and the fact that have beers ranging from Matilda to PBR makes it awesome. I wish I could give half stars...I'd give it a 3.5 for now.
(3)
Robert S.
Cool neighborhood place, great selection of beers from various places around the world. My favorite time to go there is for Sunday brunch: their omelettes are fantastic, and they have great French toast, too. Tried it on a weekday for lunch: just sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs (with a fancy name): not my kind of food. Got a decent cobb salad, though.
(3)
Rob L.
So I came here for the challenge of the over the top wings. I met fellow hot heads Liz S, Rocky B and hubby and hubby's coworker, Lori L, (let it be known that she is not a hot head), and Mike K. It is a lot of wood all over the place, a large bar, our server was friendly as well. Not a bad menu, we did try a good portion of it with our wings. I will say this, the Parmesan fries totally kick some bleeping butt! Fries tosses in mounds of parm and garlic and herbs.... I would eat an entire basket of them, however I think I would have a fight on my hands if I came here with friends and tried that. Nachos which were a very large platter of goodness, onion loaf, tortilla soup, (nice flavor, but a little cool and watery), and I had the chopped oriental chicken salad. Now my salad had a lot of lettuce and good flavor... however it would be nice if it had a little more chicken, mine seemed to lack a whole lot of it. The over the top wings... the true reason why we came here. I was impressed with the size, a lot bigger than I would have expected. The heat? About an 8. It had some really good heat, some really good flavor, but nothing I would cry home about. However Lori had a quick bite and was quickly asking for some of the relief plates, milk, oranges, ice cream and bread. As I said, not a hot head. I think this is a fun place to share some drinks and food with friends and if I was downtown I would stop by a little more often, but I'm rarely downtown. This is a solid bar option but not amazing bar.
(3)
Lindsay A.
I liked this place. I was in town for business and wanted to watch some football and get some work done. It wasn't too crowded, but full, which was a good setting for me since I was trying to have fun but also get work done. Service was decent, good beer and bloody Mary bar. All I had to eat was mozzerella sticks, they were good, sandard. If I'm in this neighborhood again, I'll be back!
(3)
Mike H.
Great beer, great food, great bartenders, great TV's, and great prices, every time I'm in town I head to the Corner Tap!
(5)
Ria A.
We tried this place last Sunday with a large group and the servers were extremely nice and accomodating. We didn't even ask for separate checks but they gave separate checks to all of us (10+ checks). The place was a large, lively place that had a big menu to choose from. I was in the mood for a veggie burger and it came out pretty tasty. Grilled zuchinis on top and mozarella curds inside the patty. I topped it off with an avocado and had a side of parmesan fries. All in all a pretty tasty veggie burger and a pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Hello S.
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! I think this is a common trend here. If you can get someone to serve you, do not expect refills, condiments, to be asked if everything is okay, etc. Melnicks is a sports bar. Yeah its overpriced, but it has to be based on the location so fine, $8 fries. The food is average at best, which I think I'm being nice about, but there is so much really good bar food within a few blocks that I'm not sure why I even bothered going back here a few times. Go to Dublin's. Anything on Division. Pizza at Pizanos. ANYTHING!!!
(1)
Jean Z.
ive been here several times for happy hour, but never for a meal. when you have one dollar happy hour food items its kinda hard to say no. it seems now they're serving this really hot pepper spiced wings and they're giving a special alarm bell on the side to cure you from the burn wonder where they'll be the next morning ahem.
(5)
R F.
Unfortunately, I don't have much to comment on as I have only been here one time. I came specifically for the newsworthy "over the top" hot wings that people have been buzzing about. I can eat some hot sh!t so I was excited, but a bit nervous considering some of the reviews on metromix, etc. I have been searching for a great tasting, uncomfortably hot wing for a few years now, finding nothing even remotely close to what I was looking for....that is, until now. Lets be clear, these wings are not for everyone....in fact they are not for most. But for the few that this type of things cater to, you will not be disappointed. The flavor is great, and the heat is absurd, yet manageable if you can take this kind of stuff. For the record, I ate all 10 and did not ring the bell. Wish I had that bell the next day however.... :)
(5)
Kera E.
It takes a special place to screw up fries and a Heineken Light. I sat at the bar to order the above and the bartender couldn't find his bottle opener-for like a minute or two. Far be it from me to assume that this implement is a tool of the trade that should be kept track of. Regardless, I laughed it off and ordered my food. The menu had cheddar fries listed with a ranch dressing. This seemed easy and benign and quick-why not? 15 minutes later, bartender apologizes that the ticket somehow never got put in due to a computer error. I was understanding, stating that I was in no particular hurry. Cheddar fries come, with no ranch dressing. Another 5 minutes of him running around to acquire it. Check comes and I am presented with two receipts, one with the breakdown of item/price, one for what my card was charged and the totals are different. I point it out to him and he told me he had to charge for the dressing. When I explained that it came with the fries (per the menu) he offered to take off the charge. . . Another 5-7 minutes. . . and much harried running around. He said everyone in the kitchen was busy-restaurant was next to deserted. Ugh. Look, I'd hate to see what kind of chaos is possible here when it's packed and the order is more complicated. 100% unprofessionally dealt with transaction. He's lucky he was cute. ;)
(1)
Hope G.
I'm tempted to give Jake's 4 stars based solely on their flatbread pizza. I've been three times and each time I've ordered the artichoke and spinache flatbread. I love it! The crust is the best part, almost crackerbread crispy but still retains a little bit of satisfying chewiness towards the middle - the toppings are delicious as well! I I've tried a few other things at Jakes which were all pretty tasty but definitely unexceptional. We ordered the appetizers platter with mozzarella sticks, wings and nachos. It was good bar food, the wings were perfectly cooked and flavorful, but we were pretty disappointed with the soggy nachos. Also, the steak sandwich was on the tough side. One thing that made the experience slightly uncomfortable was that a few teen-aged looking beggars entered the bar/restaurant area and started just hanging around the tables. One asked if he could sit with us and share. He got angry with us when we did not respond. It took the restaurant management awhile to realize the situation and ask them to leave. All in all jakes is a fun place and the food is pretty satisfying.
(3)
Dan R.
Jake's has a great burger - I get the bacon cheeseburger here when I am in the mood for greasing the arteries. The french fries they serve are my favorite as well, they are not the cheapo generics but something akin to what old Chili fries used to be. TVs are kinda small and non-HD which is below par for 2008. The place has a nice bar feeling to it without being dirty. Place is well kept as well.
(4)
Carol J.
I decided I was going to be healthy but before doing so went to Jake's for one last burger. It was so good I decided not to follow through on the healthy thing. Especially when one of the Noe brothers from the Jim Beam empire was buying me bourbon at lunchtime! Talk about a sign from god not to start the healthy thing! Fries are great, not too greasy, not to thick. Burgers. Yum. Tried a few other things that were decent but thought it was a little pricey for an everyday lunch spot. But damn that burger was good!
(3)
M A.
MEH, says it all. Lots of tourists that should have gone to Portillo's instead. First off the let's talk about the service. 1) After a 35 minute wait (we were told 15 minutes) to take a seat in a half empty restaurant. We were escorted to our table. 2) Nearly 10 minutes later we are introduced to our waitress who takes our drink orders. 3) 10 minutes later the drinks arrive and we place our food orders. 4) 50 minutes later the same waitress comes to check on us and asks "where is your food?" A GREAT QUESTION!!!! 5) 2 minutes later I receive a luke warm, horribly dry rack of ribs. The meat was tough and the whole experience was just disappointing. The Hot Wings are the only thing that elevated this place beyond a single star. On the plus side if you want a decent beer and some tasty wings (i've had better, cheaper) then you might want to stop by this place.
(2)
Kim C.
In all fairness I don't drink beer so my rating is based on food and people. Food - I ordered the BBQ pulled pork which was okay. The meat was tough to chew and didn't have much flavor beyond the bbq sauce. The fries were standard. The cole slaw was pretty tasty. I probably should have stuck with the wings they are well known for, but I was starving. People... the employees were cool people, however, some of the patrons could use a dose of manners. My friend and I were there for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (Lightning vs. Bruins). Some douche kept blocking the tv even though he knew we were watching and then became downright mean after my friend said she was rooting for the Bruins because she wanted them to beat Vancouver. I understand - Original 6 teams don't really like each other (severe understatement in some cases) - but come on... no need for the attitude.
(3)
Liz S.
In a quest to find spicy food I went here to try their "waiver wings" with Rocky, Rich, Rob, Mike, and Lori (she wasn't there for the wings, just to cheer the rest of us on). We all signed the waiver, which in all reality is more of a joke and mostly just a marketing ploy, so don't be worried about legal obligations. However, the restaurant will not put the sauce on anything else. Best lines of the night was Rocky telling Rob to just rub the sauce on his breast and Rob saying he was done with bones. Back to the wings and food. The wings are really big and I would almost say they were steroid-wings. Also, the sauce itself isn't all that hot, really, you can actually still taste the chicken. However, if you're sensitive to spice better to not try it. As for the food, it's big portions and a pretty good price for the portions they give you. It's not in my neighborhood, so I'm not about to go there every week. But, if I'm in the area I'd definitely stop in for a drink or some grub.
(4)
Barrie S.
Mmmmmmm.... I can almost taste those ribs and barbecue beef brisket! This is melt in your mouth tender!! I agree with other reviews that say the service is somewhat lacking, but I'll put up with it. I'd say if you think that Carson's is good - don't try this.
(3)
Sara B.
Love Joe K's review from 9/6/10. Was exactly our experience as well. We were seated between two tables of 6 and as a 2-top (not ordering alcohol) we were served as an afterthought. Our waitress was clearly having a bad night and taking it out on us. Urgh. Food was only so so. There are better places to eat at in the neighborhood.
(2)
Pamela C.
They've discontinued the onion loaf!? My all time fave! I have to take away a star.
(3)
Joshua M.
Wow this place certainly runs the gambit when it comes to reviews! I however will not be swayed, despite seeing the potential for JM to slip into the typical subpar crap sports bar formula I am sadly all too familiar with. Yes, the TVs are pretty small in comparison to most places that sport at least 50" monitors everywhere you look. That's okay by me, I could truly car less about any sport. That being said I wouldn't necessarily sing it's praise over the decor or ambiance, about all I remember about it is it was dark and not super crowded on a Sunday night. What I will get excited about is a burger that actually comes out medium and tastes good, chili cheese fries, and a server that makes sure I am never wanting for a pepsi. I realize all of this might have been an anomaly, but I would definitely go back and give it another shot.
(4)
Ray F.
We will never go here again; the service we received was awful. We were seated for over 10 minutes before the waiter took our drink orders. 10 minutes passed before we receive the drinks. He took our food order and received dinner over 20 minutes later. The manager was kind about my complaints and made up for it, but bad service in that part of Chicago is unacceptable.
(2)
Eddy C.
Hey Jake/Mr. Melnick, If you're going to have TV's in your bar/restaurant because you're hoping to attract some sports fans, then you should do it the right way and not put any rinky dink 30" TV's. I mean -- we're already paying for your overpriced food (when I shell out $13.95 for a combo platter, I expect it to feed more than just one person) and drinks ($6 for a pint of Guinness? Seriously?) and craning our necks to watch a game that we can't really hear because the table next to us is playing some stupid drinking game that involves pounding your fists on the table while wearing a fireman's helmet. So come on. Nothing smaller than 42", ok? Much obliged, Eddy
(2)
Mihir P.
Decent place to watch a game. Each of the TV's have signs underneath them showing which games that TV will show. Some TV's are large and others are not so your game may be shown on a crap screen. The food is OK and is typical. They do have great burgers though. The service is rushed and can be forgetful. I'd like that beer please (for the third time).
(3)
Rocky B.
Pretty cool bar. I like the fact that they have high top tables in the bar that seat about 12 people. Great place to bring a group. It's ail dark woods and they also have a nice cozy fireplace which was an added plus considering the temp outside. A few of us Yelpers/Hot Heads ventured out to test out the famous HOT Wings. Yep, we had to sign a waiver first and the table got a bell for any wimps to ring if the heat got too out of control for them. ;) The wings were actually pretty good taste wise but as far as the heat I think we all agreed at the table that we have had hotter. Still it was enough to have some of the people at the table hiccuping, sweating and it was hot enough for someone at our table to have to ring "the bell". To be fair the person that rang the bell was there more for moral support but we managed to coax them into trying out a wing. It was a good time and the server even took a Polaroid of us to pin up on the Hot Wing Wall of Fame..or maybe I should say Flame. Would I go back for the HOT Wings? Sure. If anyone I knew wanted to go check them out I would go back...as I said it was a good flavor but I wouldn't say they were the spiciest wings I've ever had but it was a good attempt.
(3)
Tom K.
Great beer selection in comfortable setting. One feels like they are in the North woods somewhere rather than the Gold Coast. Friendly staff and excellent fried pickles.
(4)
William C.
Went here for lunch twice, once a year ago and once today. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Both times I had a business meeting and the environment was perfect for that. Tasty hamburgers and fries. Thanks for a delicious and enjoyable lunch, guys!
(5)
Mike K.
I read on Reuters that these guys served a chicken wing w/ Red Savina peppers and I knew I had to give these a go. If you'll allow me to get my geek on for a second, I'd like to point out that the the Red Savina pepper is the second hottest pepper known to man clocking in at an impressive 350,000-577,000 Scoville units. For the sake of comparison, your regular Tabasco sauce is at a puny 2500-5000 units. So when I read that someone was insane enough to try and make a chicken wing w/ the Red Savana pepper, I was both excited and apprehensive. I believe it was Public Enemy who said, "don't believe the hype". These wings, while tasty and indeed, hot, are not actually made w/ the Red Savina pepper. Instead, the Chicago Hot Heads (the fire eaters) have deduced the wings are actually made w/ Habaneros. Outside of that detail, the wings are amazingly good. I dare say that these are my favorite wings in all of Chicago. They're spicy but not too overbearing as to make the eating experience a lesson in torture instead of a joyous affair. The wing itself is meaty but not too unwieldy and the tangy taste is expertly blended w/ the heat. It's flat out a great wing and if you're a fan of spicy wings, you owe it to yourself to check these out. As other reviewers have pointed out, they do bring a bell for you to ring if the taste is too hot and, if your ego will allow, I suggest you ring it at the end of the meal. They bring out a shot of milk, bread, sour cream and a scoop of ice cream. Considering they don't charge you for this "service", you might as well ring the bell (lest you lose face w/ your friends) and have yourself a small dessert to finish the meal.
(4)
Melissa H.
They claim to have the hottest wings and you have to sign a waiver to eat them. Not only did my husband beat the record of 23 by eating 27 of them INCLUDING the HOT pepper but what do you get for eating them and beating the record? Your picture taken. He's the reigning king and we really thought we were going there for a challenge. I told him should you bother on eating more since you can handle it? He said the only left IS the record.......This is a man who walked in saying "LUCIFER is here." Bad service with the exception of when we moved in the bar area..he was good...she wasn't. She kept forgetting to do things and well I think you should "work" for your tip and at least "pretend" you like your job. It's called the service industry for a reason. Back to the wings...they bring you a bell (in case it gets too hot) and a hat but there is no prize for being able to eat these wings. The wings were good but only temperature hot. Yeah he sweat from the head and some tears came out but we still say Buffalo Wild Wings BLAZING sauce is the hottest. We are now looking into the hottest pepper which is in India and you can't get here. I had the brisket sandwich which was extremely dry. The beer was hella high at $4.00 for an MGD. Considering you can get a 6 pack for what $6.00 and a 12 pack for $9? PULEAZE..... Parking is next to none but there is valet after 5pm and when in Chicago cab or train is best and I believe the L stops close by.
(2)
Anna S.
LOVED this place. Had the firecracker wings which were amazing. Definitely the best wings I've ever had. Not only was the wing itself really good, but the sweet/spicy mango sauce was delicious! I also had the trio of pulled pork sliders which was really good, my favorite was the Georgia-delicious sauce! The fries were also really good and their $5 drink special of rum punch was pretty decent. The service was friendly and very quick, which is always a pleasant surprise. This has definitely quickly jumped to the top of my list of places to go for delicious casual food.
(5)
Jessica B.
Jake Melnick's is the place to go to for great wings, but pre-game at home. Drinks are outrageously priced, and the selection is subpar. I happen to like Fat Tire out of a can, but 8 bucks???!! Not so much. The wait staff is consistently strange. They seem preoccupied or drugged out and never seem to be around when you need them. All I can say is, if they didn't have awesome wings and half priced lunch through Four Square, I'd probably never go back. Oh, and the Four Square thing can be a real hassel too. If you have a deal, please inform your wait staff, and don't act like it's a huge inconvenience to you!
(2)
Jims L.
Never thought about stopping in here until a visiting friend recently had a craving for wings. Was so, so pleasantly surprised with their drink/beer menu. And the menu was stock full of bar favorites. Love this place!
(4)
Joe F.
This is a great place to go grab a beer and some wings. Jake's has a good selection of beer, great appetizers, and excellent burgers. The wings are amazing - spicy but still flavorful and tasty. There are plenty of TVs around so you can catch sports games. I've been here four or five times, service has always been courteous and speedy regardless of the day or time. I have even had times to stop by in between classes to get a beer or a quick bite.
(5)
Kate M.
Went here on a Sunday for some food with the family. The name is hard to remember and pronouce....but we got here successfully and it looked like a fun place right when you walk in. The service was nice, very friendly, and made some great beer recommendations. Then, the menu. Wow, tons of options from great wings, salad, sandwiches and of course - bbq staple, the platter. I tried the 3 different mini-pulled pork sandwiches with the three different style sauces - reg bbq, carolina and georia. All were really good and the pork was delish but I really liked the carolina tangy sauce with cole slaw on top. I didn't get the fries on the side and coleslaw instead - AMAZING. It was the perfect combo of creamy and vinegar with good texture on the slaw. Love. We also got the corn bread and it comes in this little mini skillet and is so good!! Then, my mom got the platter with brisket and ribs - both good, and great carmelization and smoke on both. Overall, I would for sure recommend this to friends, for a meal, to watch a game and in the summer, to hang outside with a cold beer and some good food.
(4)
Aaron L.
4* Super Hot Wings
(4)
Sarah H.
We came here for dinner on a Wednesday, so it wasn't that crowded. The pulled pork sliders were delicious, the root beer selection was great, and the service was prompt and friendly. Also, my husband tried several of their beers and would recommend trying the Trois Pistoles demon horse beer.
(5)
AJ G.
Firecracker wings are amazing! You're a fool if you don't order them. Beer selection is amazing too, bit expensive but worth it.
(5)
Patrick N.
my wife and i had a few hours to kill in chicago while waiting to go back to st louis, and were walking around aimlessly looking for a low key place to have lunch and watch the cards cubs game. i saw the sign advertising "best wings in chicago" and knew i had found our place. jake melnick's is heart attack food for sure, but they are damn good at it. i ordered up some of the famous hot wings, and while they weren't the best i have ever had, they were very very good. we each had burgers, with mine being the real standout. it was called the smokin que burger and consisted of a bacon wrapped beef patty, pulled pork, beer battered onions, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. OMFG. this may be the best burger i have ever eaten. i do not want to know the nutrition facts on this bad boy, but it was delicous. the beer list is pretty awesome too, but i was too hungover from the night before to have any. overall, this is a great place to come to watch a game and have some good bar food and beer.
(4)
Bill J.
Outstanding craft beer menu that is constantly changing along with solid BBQ and the best wings in Chicago make this one of my favorite places in the city. Try the firecracker wings, they're not too spicy at all and have a very unique flavor. When I'm in this area I'll be heading to Jake's for a bite and a brew.
(5)
Kimberly D.
We first went to Melnick's during the NCAA tournaments and have been fans ever since. The wings really are one of our favorites in Chicago and can see why and how they were voted the best of Wing Fest. We also love the fries, especially the parmesan garlic fries and the cheese fries. They offer great specials during the week for both appetizers and drinks. My favorite drink from the beer cocktail menu is the Wisconsin Sangria. Service can be hit or miss sometimes. The servers are ok but there have been occasions where the server was rude or we are catching them on a bad day because they can't even smile.
(4)
Brian P.
Fantastic selection of microbrews on tap. Happy hour was 3:30-6:00 and featured a ton of $5 appetizers. I had the BBQ pork nachos and an order of onion rings. Both were fantastic. Great atmosphere and none of the tourist trap feel of other pubs.
(5)
Mike T.
This is home to the hottest hot wings on earth. I know, I've had them. In fact, that's why I went there. These hot wings were the inspiration for a blog I started with my friend Brian. We call it Hot Shit Chicago. The wings are insane, the bartender was a lot of fun, and we ran into two randoms at the bar that did shots with us. The night was legendary. Will I go back for anything other than hot wings? Probably not, that's why the place gets 4 stars.
(4)
Chris W.
I've been here a few times with groups of people. They are great for groups, and always make it a fun experience. Their Bacon Cheeseburger is always good, and sometimes I'll go out of my way to get it. Crisp thick bacon, as well as a really great bun, and a thick and juicy burger. Even the fries are delicious. They have a large drink menu as well, with some of the usual appetizers.
(4)
Michelle G.
I am always impressed with the staff, food, and drinks at Jakes! The wing special in July was PB & Jelly wings which were awesome! But the firecracker ones are always my favorite. Ashley was my bartender and was able to suggest new and interesting beers based on my previous likes. She is very knowledgable about each drink or beer and was always running around to make sure all of her customers were happy. I wish all bartenders were as attentive and informational as well as she was! I love coming to Jakes and plan on returning frequently!
(5)
Harold S.
Walked around the downtown area and everybody was full for lunch except this place. That should have been my first clue. The restaurant was out of a couple of items on the menu and it took near an hour to get my sandwich. I should remember my own rule "eat where the locals eat"
(2)
Mary C.
So I have read a lot about the rudeness of the servers from other reviews and I have to say..... they really are. With the exception of the one who sat us. I seriously couldn't believe it. Not to mention the wings were not unbelievable. Good yes but seriously not what I was expecting from the signs outside. Mac n cheese was great Nachos not so much. Maybe I should have tried a burger! I'll go back again but next time it will be for their great beer selection.
(3)
Lindsey G.
I went to Jake's a couple of months ago for my birthday. We called a couple days ahead and reserved one of those awesome, long tables near the bar. There ended up being about 25ish of us on a Thursday night. I have been affectionately been referring to Jake Melnick's as Jake's for a while now, and always told everyone how it was one of my favorite everyday places downtown. The food was always good. The service was always fine. Until... This particular night, I was shocked at the level of non-hospitable service we received. Many of the party attendees work in luxury hospitality venues in management positions in Chicago. I am the first to admit, we were not expecting luxury service, however at the bare minimum were expecting non-rude service. To keep the story short, our server was rude, unappreciative of the $1,000+ in revenue we brought in on a fairly slow night in January. We got eye-rolling, unanswered questions, and bills with an undeserved amount of gratuity added. And, at the end of the day, I think when it is someone's birthday and they bring all of these people to a bar, the "nice" thing to do would be to offer to buy a drink for the bday girl... but apparently I am on my own with that thought. I will go back to Jake's again, but next time, I am hoping to not feel like I am annoying our server with business.
(3)
Sara O.
I've been here a number of times, usually with a large group of people with the intent of having drinks & dinner. Tonight we went and it was by far the worst experience I have ever had here, enough to not want to come back. The waiter was slow, unresponsive, got our orders wrong, forgot things, had to be asked multiple times for items and left us waiting for 20 minutes to get our check. He was a friendly guy but that doesn't make up for such piss poor service. Since there were more than 6 of us, they added the 18% gratuity to the bill. I wrote a note on there that we didn't want to pay the whole 18% because it wasn't deserved. The waiter took issue with that of course, brought us to talk to a supposed manager who then simply tried to back him up on it instead of fixing the situation. We explained our annoyance and left after receiving no good explanation, apology or anything of the sort. I definitely will not be returning here and I strongly recommend against it. ------ *** Update: I sent in an email on the website for the company, received a reply from the General Manager of JM's. He was very nice about the whole thing and behaved as a manager should when a customer is disappointed! They get an extra star for that.
(2)
Mike R.
I had to try the "famous" wings and had to say they were just OK. I didn't get the real spicy ones, just the traditional and I didn't feel like it met my expectations. Although I have to admit, the other menu selections looked amazing and I would come back to try some of their BBQ and burgers.
(3)
Megan R.
Went for the first time and I could not be more pleased! Not only was every employee attentive and friendly but the food was amazing. The award winning poncho wings are a must! Just ask staff for their favorite beer choices and you are set!
(5)
Eric P.
This is a really tough review to write, because my friend used to work for Levy Restaurants, the ownership company who runs Melnick's. Mike, if you read this, I'm sorry. Jake Melnick's was very average. I had the ribs, since Melnick's is supposed to be known for their ribs. They were overcooked and unremarkable. The mashed potatoes were hard, not at all creamy, and looked like they came out of a plastic tub. The service was very poor, which was surprising because I was with my friend who knew the staff. I thought they would take care of us because my friend was part of the same company, but apparently not. Based on the other reviews I've seen, it looks like my experience was not a fluke.
(2)
Liz P.
The few times I've been to Jake's, I left stuffed to the brim and totally satisfied at the quality of my meal. The burgers are HUGE and definitely cure any pangs for a big, meaty hunk of meat. I got a mushroom swiss burger and the mushrooms were falling all over the place--they definitely don't skimp on toppings here. And the fries are great and plentiful, I've never been able to finish all of them. Another time I got their pulled pork sandwich with some good old BBQ and it was AWESOME. Definitely soothed my desire for some savory barbecue. If you're looking for some good quality "American" cuisine, go here.
(4)
A.J. M.
I've enjoyed Melnick's when I've eaten there, and I haven't even had the wings. The burgers, in my opinion, are incredibly good. It's the perfect burger when you are in the mood for something like that. The fries were tasty as well. The beer is a tad pricey, but I can get over it when I realize how amazingly the beer compliments the burger.
(4)
c d.
5 star wings!! Good food, good beer. Kids love it too.
(3)
Misi P.
Holy Happy Hour! I always want to call it Jake Melnicki's, so I think they ought to change the name, strictly on my accord. Headed over last night for happy hour with the coworkers which turned into dinner hour. The pints are reasonable...$5.50 for a Blue Moon isn't GREAT but it's not horrible either. This really turned into a work bitch session, like any good happy hour should, but our tempers were tempered by the massive colon-clogging burgers they serve. Thank God I had been eating beans all week. Otherwise I might have needed a sigmoidoscopy on the spot. I did get some avocado (which comes readily available to put on anything) to up the nutritional value, at least. Melnick's at happy hour makes you ready for bed at 8pm. And that's a good thing.
(4)
Chris C.
Probably the worst service and overall attitude I've seen in my life. Hostess was rude, mean and did not care to be helpful in any matter whatsoever.
(1)
Meg L.
I love Jake's! It's a refreshing location in the neighborhood because it isn't too expensive or full of stuffies. We especially love Jake's for their awesome beer selection. They even have different specials every day of the week. The food is good too. I'm a vegetarian and they have a really great veggie burger. I've heard the turkey burger is great too, and the wings of course. The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly. I've loved every waiter I've had.
(5)
Tony M.
Jake's has pretty good food and a great student discount.
(4)
Susan S.
We always have a great time at Jake Melnick's. Someone usually orders some XXX wings and tears are shed. But we all have a good laugh about it over one of the many beers from their extensive beer and beer cocktail menu. My favorite are the buffalo fries!
(4)
Jerry M.
I tend to look down on places that charge $4.50 for a Bud Light. If that is expensive, how much is the stuff that I actually get, which are more of high end beers? Service is great. Meals are HUGE. I'm tempted to try the onion ring loaf but didn't. Fries are the best! But $4.50 for a bud light? Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy?
(3)
Kyle H.
My favorite bar food in Chicago! Good beer selection and I have yet to have a bad experience here. Nachos are great, the topping to chip ratio is awesome, and the half order is too much for two people. The burgers are great and the fresh cut fries are delicious. Prices are reasonable especially for the quality. Any Cleveland people in Chicago will appreciate the Great lakes beer selection too.
(5)
Tom E.
Northwoods decor, nice outdoor seating, and great indoor veranda (sidewalk) seating. Good quality meat, but the pulled pork sandwich had no smoke flavor whatsoever and a little too much barbecue sauce. Fries were good, but a little dry. Contrary to some of the other reviews, the service was just fine (early lunch time).
(2)
Samantha V.
Service is great! The beers are expensive but I had the special - $5 bloody Marys and left a happy girl. Enough tv's and decent food for any game!
(4)
Anna L.
Beef brisket on the tough and dry side. Weird that I can get better BBQ in NorCal. But portions are ample and prices are reasonable.
(2)
Laura M.
Stopped here on a Monday afternoon over lunch, so it was pretty quiet. The server was sweet and while it did take a bit for the food (about a half hour), it was worth it. The waitress accommodated our request to have a smaller portion of the specialty macaroni and cheese with chili (and a chili cheese Frito crust!), and only charged us $2.95 instead of the typical $8 for it, which was such a nice surprise! We didn't try the famous 'Best of Chicago' wings, but the pulled pork and mac and cheese would bring us back. Humble, but tasty food, and friendly service.
(4)
Tom S.
I ordered the Que burger and bloody mary wings (all drummettes). I am very happy about the wings but the Que burger is not that great. The wings have a nice little spice but not over powering. They were moist inside and crispy on the outside. Previously, I ordered Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne wings, which were good too, but the bloody mary were better. Definitely recommend. The Que burger is another story. It has pulled pork, cheese, and fried onion rings on top with bbq sauce. Even though there was bbq sauce on top it was still a dry burger that turned into a mushy burger. No crunch at all. Dark, too rich flavors. I will not order it again.
(3)
Jake M.
Originally, my fiance and I were stumbling around decently tipsy and came across this place. She wanted to go in due to the closeness between names and it looked like a cool joint. The first night we went was strictly beers although I was very tempted to buy food with the free smells. The beer menu is quite good and I always enjoy a menu that has my Two Bros beers on it. The bartenders were very personable that night and fun to be around and they kept up with a full bar and restaurant. The 2nd time I had to come back with a buddy and go straight savage on some food. After some research, I saw that they won the awards for the firecracker and we love hot, so we tried those and ponchos garlic. Ponchos was pretty good stuff, not really my style but good taste nonetheless. The hot reminded me of hooters hot wings but just better quality and delivery. The firecracker is where it's at. I normally am not a big fan of sweet type wings but these are a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Normally it's just sweet and no spice ...these nail that. As for service, the waitress was phenomenal. She was attentive without being overly pushy and you could see her looking over and checking our glasses. The place was decently packed too. One thing I also noticed about the place, which may cause the waits, is that tables aren't crammed together. It seems like there is a lot of space and room to maneuver when you've held the seal a little too long and need to make a mad dash. We also got the chili cheese fries which were very good as well, however not recommended if you are taking the train out to Joliet! Now the 3rd time is what sealed the 5 rating for me. We stopped by and met some friends on St Pats. It was primetime, 2pm and it was packed solid. We waited a while for a table but it was exactly what they said it would be for the wait. The bartenders were HUSTLING and doing their ultimate to get to people. I know when I went up there to get a round I didn't wait too long to get served. My fiance that day got the pulled pork and it was very good and again the wings were awesome as before. Everyone enjoyed their food and we got the food pretty quick for it being a crazy day. All in all, this is my favorite place in Chicago for drinks and grub, right now. Actually, I think I might take the train tomorrow and grab some wings. Sounds like a plan!
(5)
chewy c.
didn't eat here, just met friends for after dinner drinks. extensive beer selection, which is great when you're in the mood to try something new. almost all of the beers on tap were $6.50. an easy place to hang out--plenty of seating was available when we went at 9pm on a saturday night.
(4)
Sean D.
I stopped by here during one of the most frigid, windy, and snowy days in my recent Chicago memory. The bar was clean, but not busy due to the weather, and the service was mostly attentive. They have a great selection of beers on tap and the bartenders are cool. I gave the Super Spicy Wings a try and was not disappointed. I passed on the fireman's cap but thoroughly enjoyed the wings. After the first few, my nose started running and eyes watering. You eventually reach a calming warm sensations in your mouth and you cannot stop eating them. I don't think I would eat an entire order in one sitting again but I absolutely loved the challenge! I would definitely return for more!
(4)
A P.
When you're looking for good ol' comfort food- you can't go wrong with Jake Melnick's! Come to find out the beer selection is one of the best in the city- I was just there over the weekend for St. Paddy's day with a bunch of my girlfriends, there was about 14 of us total and we had an awesome time! Such a fun atmosphere and we really loved our green beer! Our server was hilarious and his reccomendations were right on. Can't wait to visit again, I am definitely going to try some XXX wings next time!
(5)
Yvette C.
I was pumped to come here, what a let down. Heard you had to sign a waiver for the HOT wings, which we didn't even sign. Also heard "They give you bell to ring and fireman's cap. If you can't take the heat, you ring the bell and they bring you packets of sugar and plate with some vanilla ice cream, bread, sour cream, and a shot of milk" but we never saw that either. Granted we had a group of 14 but our service was horrible, maybe it was because he was guaranteed a decent tip! We all ordered and I guess they forgot about mine since I had to ask our server about it after everyone else was served. To say the least I was not impressed and don't see myself coming back here anytime soon.
(1)
Zach T.
A friend and I went for the sole purpose of trying the Madness Burger. No, not Madness as in Randy Macho Man Savage, but as in some manner of basketball tournament that takes place in March. At any rate, the Madness Burger is a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg served between 2 grilled cheeses instead of a bun. It's served with Fries and Miller lite for $9.99 during March Madness. The burger itself was good. The cheese was pepper jack on the burger, which was garnished with lettuce, Tomato and mayo. The one grilled cheese was cheddar, the other American. The execution on the grilled cheeses could have been better as they were on like Wonder bread, and didn't make a very good bun for the burger. It fell apart way too quickly, and let me tell you how sticky melted American gets. I will definitely go back to Melnick's. The rest of the menu looks right up my alley and the BBQ smell in there was excellent. The rest of the menu didn't look to be as good a deal as the Madness burger, but not exorbitant, either. MADNESS! OOH YEEAH!
(4)
Chitown F.
I must say that these are some great wings. A friend and I are wing fanatics and had to try the "hottest wings" in Chicago. This would be where I say they aren' t that hot....However, they are. They are the hottest wings I have ever had. It was ridiculous!! We finished them in a state of euphoria. They are so hot that you become out of it because of the intensity. It seriously ruined my night and the following day!! I paid for what I ordered. The bar is pretty nice, and does have a good beer menu. A pretty good place, hottest but not the best wings. Buffalo Joes in Evanston still has my vote for best wings.
(4)
Bob F.
These are the best wings in Chicago, hands down. If you are a fan of hot wings, this is the place. I recommend the Super Hot wings, made with the Red Savina pepper (2nd hottest pepper in the world!) The only negative is the price. An order of 10 Super Hot wings are $11.99. This is not too bad because the wings are so big but still a tad expensive. My other problem with them is that you can not simply order a side of fries with the wings, you have to order a basket at $5.95. Service is really hit or miss. I've had both positive and negative experiences. Last time I came in, it took me three attempts to get a side of ranch from our waiter. This 20 minutes felt like an hour when your mouth is on fire. Overall, I ignore all the negatives that exist just so I can get my wing fix. I would still highly recommend this place, just wish the prices weren't so hefty that I had to save up to go there.
(4)
Sara P.
Okay so honestly I used to HATE HATE HATE this place ... because I didnt care for the crowd, the pricing, and the food. Now I am in love for two simple reasons: 1. A block from home 2. A bloody mary do-it-yourself Lets just be clear, the food is not even close to great and often if you are looking for quality I would tell you to run the other direction. If you are going to do this restaurant right, do it with friends for sports with burgers and enjoy the bloodys. The great thing about a do-it-yourself is that you get tons of different toppings and you get to explore the complex world of a perfect drink ... the second one always tastes better than the first ... the pickles kick ass and actually the staff is not too bad. Last time I was in I overheard the best fat midwestern family take on Lent and giving up television ... well not all television ... you should get to watch an hour or two a night ... haha. Yeah, so perhaps it isnt the place you go to meet that hot man of your dreams and get a perfectly prepared meal ... but after a few bloodys and some good laughs with friends you do not remember you are in the snobbishly self absorbed gold coast area and start to have a great time.
(4)
Kelly B.
Jake's is a great place to go if you are in the neighborhood and what to grab a drink. The service is friendly and there is usually always seating. Plus they have a patio which is nice. Their food isn't all that great but if you just want a burger and fries it's OK.
(3)
Leang E.
I love the fact the Late Night food menu is the same as Happy Hour. My friends were starved, while I had eaten all day, so we had to get their stomachs filled. We were seated pretty quick as it's a pretty spacious bar. I was sad to see that the chalkboard of the Final Four had a special order of Hot dogs tied to each team that you could order, and the MSU dog had the least. Though we were the underdogs that day, we did beat University of Connecticut. Go MSU! I did order the wings here, though they offered 3-way on the menu and there are only 2 options but the combination is the 3rd. The combination has a spicy one and the other is grilled. Both were pretty damn tasty. The mozarella sticks were pretty good, and everyone seemed to enjoyed the flatbread that they ordered. What really stood out for us was that our waiter was very awesome. He made sure that we were able to certain items on the menu and was helpful with recommendations. He was also very patient and hooked us up with a small gift card for a $5 to come back to redeem. I wonder if it has anything to do with my friends and I coming in with suits at 11pm on a Saturday night...
(4)
Johnny T.
This place is much like USA soccer twenty years ago.
(3)
liz d.
Came here the other night, pretty dead, but with a great band. The service? Horrid. There was 6 of us that sat down at a table. We had to literally wave someone down for drinks, food, and bill. While waiting for him to come get my card to run for the bill, I just walked up and handed it to him. That bar he was leaning against must have desperately needed him. The beer selection and menu has a great selection, but it does not make up for the poor, poor service. Especially when you can see you server standing around doing nothing.
(1)
Francine P.
Try the black and black beer cocktail and others :) The food is yummy, service is great and they have tons of beer on tap and bottle selection. I've eaten the flat bread, the wings, apps, bbq, etc. All very yummy. I really have no complaints and the prices are very decent!
(5)
Ryan H.
If you like tasteless, and overpriced food in a mediocre setting. Go to Jake's. Otherwise stay away. A hot dog meal, buffalo chicken meal, and two beers set us back $45. I would have rather gone to McDonald's...seriously. I wish I could give ZERO stars.
(1)
Rob C.
I went to Jake Melnick's last night with a bud after atending a talk at Loyola's Water Towner campus because it was late and wasn't sure where else to get a bite to eat. The place is an okay bar with typical bar comfort food. It has a nice warm feel to the place but I wouldn't go here for dinner just drinks with friends. I ordered the spinach and artichoke flat bread pizza but for $10 it was more like the size of an appetizer. Also the service wasn't the best. When the waiter brought out my food he didn't even give me any silverware or any napkins! Once he served the food he never came by the table to seee if we needed anything else so it seemed like we had to keep looking for him if we needed anything. Overall, I'd describe this place as a typical Lincoln Park sports bar in the middle of River North. Good place for drinks with friends and comfort bar food but skip this place for dinner.
(2)
lesley s.
I've only been here a few times and nothing sticks out in my memory as wonderful or not wonderful. We recently had a group party at Jake's and they put us in their enclosed patio, right by the fireplace, which I loved. The food was good but not out of this world and the pitchers of beer kept coming, so I really had nothing to complain about. I'll come back on my own and order an actual meal, rather than eating an entire basket of popcorn shrimp like last time.
(3)
Bryan K.
I loved the atmosphere and I enjoyed the hell out of my burger. Fantastic selection of beer and great service.
(5)
Paul C.
If you're in the Streeterville/River North area the options for sports bars are minimal. So when you're in this hood and looking for a chill place to watch a game, Melnick's wins by default. The burgers are quite good and the beer selection is on par with any good sports bar. It's more expensive than it needs to be, but so is the neighborhood. At the end of the day, if you're looking to watch a game and this hood is your wheelhouse, you can't go wrong with Melnick's.
(3)
e e.
i really enjoyed this place- simply good food. and the waitresses are always friendly! outdoor seating when its nice... seemed like a good bar to catch a game with a large group of friends chicken sandwiches + fries = some of the best ive had in the city!
(4)
Leslie G.
I live right down the street so I have stopped in here a few times for a few drinks and enjoyed the place! I liked the food and I here the hot wings are amazing! great place to stop in for a little while, but also a good place to remain for the entirety of your night! Either way, this is a fun place!
(4)
Kim P.
I agree with Chevy, they are really pricey but the portions are hefty. I've had the spinach artichoke dip and loved it. They didn't skimp on the chokes which was nice. The cheese fries totally rock and I love the mini pizza/ flatbreads. Service was great, we had a fun waiter that sat in the booth with us and chewed the fat. So if you don't mind the price it's a cool place to go.
(3)
Garett N.
Relatively inexpensive bar food, pretty decent beer prices, and the large TV screens make this a great sports bar to check out. I've been here twice and they've always been accomodating in turning one of the TVs to show the Red Sox game. They also often have great drink specials, so be on a lookout for that.
(4)
marisa s.
jake melnick's is a quality corner bar downtown. they have great beers on tap (312, hiiiii) and a variety of rando bottled beers as well. what really gets me here is the bar food that is not bar food. i have probably tried close to everything here, since it's right down the street from my old place. here what's good: the grilled artichoke - comes with some mustard-dill dipping sauce, so good uh uh the buffalo chicken sandwich - grilled w/bleu cheese the pancho wings - made simple with spices and garlic, squeeze some lemon on them and you'll be in love the garbage salad - chopped with chick peas, salami, artichoke, cheese and moreeee the parmesan fries - hellooooo need i say more?
(4)
MJ d.
It's a good place to watch Michigan Football (I guess it's a "Michigan bar?") Decent, basic bar food, and There aren't a lot of pretentious people. Works for me!
(4)
Andrew T.
Good chili cheese fries (it's a huge plate) and wings. I had a cobb salad which was fine, just didn't seem to be a great value at 10.95... The bar area has bar seating, tables and a huge table smack in the middle that you can share with other parties.
(3)
Amy J.
Pretty good time! Went here after class with my classmates and my professor for beer at the end of the quarter. It's a really fun environment, definitely a Loyola hotspot. I didn't eat here so I can't tell you about that, but we got pitchers of beer and there are plenty of tables and good service. Good time.
(4)
Amy D.
My boyfriend currently got relocated to the River North area and I am stuck in a tourist trap, desperately trying to find some light at the the end of the tunnel with original affordable restaurants. Decided to try this place out. Sandwiches were good, drinks were cheap, and their garlic fries are to die for. What's not to like?
(4)
Annonymous C.
The veggie burger is good. But beyond that I was deeply dissatisfied with my last visit. I went with a large lunch group for my going away party. We had been there with large groups before, so I wasn't concerned that I brought my debit card. After waiting 45 minutes for our food and another 45 for our check, everyone paid with cash except me and one other person. He brought back the receipt for my coworker, but walked away without giving me mine back. Then after another 10 minutes he brought me mine. The kicker was when I logged into my banking the next day and found that not only was I charged for my amount, but I was charged for the entire table's amount also. When I got a hold of the management, I was told it was an authorization to account for the whole table. I'm no dummy, I know you cannot authorize my account for the entire table if you received cash. Despite the food is decent, that headache will cause me to never go back. Oh, and management didn't even say sorry.
(2)
David E.
The manage "Alex" introduced himself to me the other day..(not even knowing iam a yelper) I wish I would have said to him Alex I love Jake's Especially the food. (The food is great no doubt about it) But what I hate about Jake's is they have this neon sign in the window that clearly states "OPEN UNTIL 2AM" This is/was never true. Yes I totally hate them for that and my dear friend alex...I will send people down the street to the other bar sometimes just for that reason....I was there today and I strolled in at 11:24 p.m and the bartender says "I just called last call" but I will give you "one" bottle. So she gets me the bottle 15min later they announce the bar is closed even one bar patron said "I thought they were kidding when they said they were closing" So alex Iam sending them to pippins until you stay open later...
(3)
Patrick W.
A bit pricy because it's downtown, but I found the food to be a bit better than bar food usually is. I had the BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, which was great. They had real sliced brisket cooked on site, as opposed to pulled, chipped beef which usually is pre-cooked and re-heated. The fries were outstanding. Our server was pretty good, very friendly and kept our drinks topped off. There are a fair number of tourists here, but given the location, it's not as bad as other locations nearby. My only complaint was that the beers and sandwiches were, as I said, pricy, but I imagine if the place were in any other neighborhood but downtown, everything would be a dollar to two dollars less. Great food, great beer selection; and very cozy- a good place to relax and have a meal when doing some downtown shopping. I heard they used to have some kind of a massive cheeseburger here that entitled you to some kind of great honor if you could finish the whole thing. I forgot to ask when I was there- does anyone know if this still exists?
(4)
Bella D.
Nice staff! : ) and good appetizers and beer! : ) great place for afterwork socials. loved going there w/ a bunch of elementary school teachers to unwind from a days w/ cool but a handful of : ) kiddies : )
(4)
Kristen D.
This place has a decent selection of beer, but the prices, crowd and temperment of the staff make me hesitant to go back another time. Overall, it's probably as good as you're going to get in the neighborhood, but still not great. I recommend eating elsewhere, as it's overpriced and not that good.
(3)
Monica J.
This is definitely a great neighborhood bar (esp in the summer) when outdoor seating is open. Came for a casual dinner with some girl friends one evening and it turned out to be a great time. The food itself was not that great..but will def be back to just chill and drink...they've got happy hour specials mon thru saturday...
(3)
Eddie O.
Jake Melnick's is probably my favorite sports bar in the city. As many of the reviews say they do have a great brunch, but I've enjoyed many nights of drinks here as well. It's never overly crowded and is much more sophisticated than the sports bars in LP.
(4)
Ramon R.
Great place to go for brunch after visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Go with anything that has red meat in it. This place has the best red meat, hands down.
(5)
Emily N.
Not bad, but not great. I've heard they have a good brunch so I'd like to check that out, but I usually stick to drinks only here. The food is just OK. Nothing special.
(3)
Geoff M.
The essence of the Mag Mile tourist bar...pricey, mediocre, and without a unique characteristic. I certainly don't mind watching a few sports games here as TVs are plentiful, but have several other places I'd rather stop by first. The food is fair, but not for the money.
(2)
Will M.
food/service/atmosphere are weak. it's not terrible, but just sorta lame.
(2)
Jonathan S.
This evening Jake Melnick's put some of the best chicken wings in front of me. My meal began with a simple house salad that was gigantic and anything but simple. The salad was just great. Followed by 1 Pancho and 1 Satay wing. Both wings were grilled and fabulous. Next up, Firecracker Wings..... Wow!!! They were so good. Incredible onion rings on the side. I have finally found my spot after 2 years being back in Chicago. The staff from Emily to Aurora to my server Yanna were so hospitable and welcoming. This was actually my first dinner out on my own since my most recent surgery and I was happy that I chose Jake's for this meal. I am so glad to have found this great spot in my neighborhood. The food, the staff, and fun environment made my Friday night out so much fun. ENJOY THOSE WINGS LIKE I DID! ~Jonathan
(5)
Sam N.
As John Oliver might say "Swanky Texas" ( We are talking about Mexico today otherwise known as 'spicy canada') Good chance if you are here that you are a fan of twangy bbq sauce. Believe it or not this is a local haunt of people who like to go out and they live on the streeterville/river north/gold coast area borders. My favorite is the Asian Chicken salad with wontons. It is humongous. It is enough food for you to as k for it to go and eat it for the next meal. live athmosphere on Weekends
(5)
Ryan R.
We decided to pitstop on here from our walk to Rush street. We saw the display for 'worlds hottest wings' and decided to get a Scooby snack. The beer selection is really nice. I had the hops 'flight' which consisted of 4 samplers of a hoppy beer fermented differently, I like the Bavarian the best for its clovey notes. We also ordered the XXX wings, on the premise they would be hot. We didn't expect much and have seen countless times the claim of 'hottest wings, and thought nothing of it. Well, we were wrong... First, the cool thing is they had a version of the XXX that were boneless. That certainly helped as we struggled for mercy. These wings are HOT.. They are crusted with ghost chili stuff and after finishing only one we were on fire, stealing chip fulls of sour cream to cool the flames. An hour later we were still hurting. Awesome! Staff is cool, but was a little slow because the place was packed and our server was training someone but definitely no biggy.
(4)
Suzanne O.
Jake's is my go to place for wings and sports games in Chicago. It will get super crowded for football games, but they're great at accommodating everyone. One time I came to watch the Packer game, and there were like 3 other games going on at the same time, so when we checked in they asked us what game we wanted to watch. When we were seated, we were right by a TV with the Packers game. Great service! And this place obviously gets crowded for Blackhawks games. I was here for a few play off games, and the bar seats quickly filled up 45 minutes before game time. So just be ready to wait if you come in the middle of a busy game day. Every time I come here I get the same thing - the firecracker wings. They're so good that I can't get myself to get anything else. They're deep-fried first, so they're nice and crispy, and then they're smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce. These are not little chicken wings either - these are some nice, meaty wings. And from what I've seen, all the portions here are very generous. The beer menu here is pretty extensive, and they usually have a featured seasonal special. Prices are pretty comparable to other places in the city, with a pint at around $6-9.
(4)
Lisa S.
I didn't think this place was anything special. We came here for drinks and a snack after a Northwestern game. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon. Our service was fast, but there were mistakes made. The buffalo fries were tasty. We ordered chicken wings. We asked for all drums, but only received two. We were also given ranch dressing instead of blue cheese, so our wings order was definitely screwed up, but they were still tasty. This place didn't exactly wow me.
(3)
Kari H.
The Firecracker wings and Traditional Buffalo (medium spicy) are super delicious! The Sangria was yummy. The fries were delicious. The chocolate chip cookie on a skillet with ice cream and whipped cream was SO GOOD. Service is amazing. We had 2 different servers. They were attentive and seemed mindful of letting us take our time. It took a while for us to get our check - they only gave it to us when we asked for it. I wonder if it took a while to get our check because my Sangria was still half full and maybe they were waiting for me to finish it? I'm not sure, but the server recommended the chocolate chip cookie dessert and it was amazing. She wasn't pushy about it, either. I also like how the other server had a whole line of pens in his apron because it means he's prepared. When they refilled our water, they also placed a new lemon in it! We were quoted to have a 20-minute wait for outdoor seating but then got a text 5 minutes later that a seat was available. We were about 2 blocks away and walked all the way back only to find that we were offered an indoor table. However, someone else checked outdoor seating and it just so happened that an outdoor table was available, so we ended up sitting outside. I like that it was well-lit outside and the hanging string lights create a comfortable atmosphere. Outdoor tables are wooden. Hand wipes are on the table. Ketchup and mustard are on the table. I'd love to come back here again to get the wings, fries, and chocolate chip cookie dessert. Servers are super nice and patient so I'd come back for that as well. Hostess is accommodating and flexible.
(4)
Renaud S.
Just went randomly to this place after I realized that the Giordano's nearby way too crowded... and it was a great idea!!! Had their half chicken with BBQ sauce, that was absolutely delicious! Will definitely go back there to have it again; or try some other good food. Their sandwiches looked good as well, my friends had a couple of these. Good tap beer as well. And very friendly staff.
(4)
Kat G.
I truly enjoy coming to Jake Melnick's. It's a no frills bar slightly off of the touristy Michigan Avenue. They have many different wings here - I am not adventurous to try some of the wild ones such as the Thai PB&J. It always sounds interesting but I typically go for more traditional food. If you are "all about wings" this is your place and you would love their extensive options. I enjoy their wings - always have a nice texture to them, their cobb salad, and their Fish Sandwich or Fish and Chips are done well. Service is pretty good - though it can drag a little if you are there for a lunch break or are pressed for time. Since it's a bar and a little off the beaten path, many locals go to hangout there so I advise if you are pressed for time to let your waiter know upfront and they are accommodating to the best of their ability. Tips: -Ask for recommendations on the drink menu. They stock beers you wouldnt normally find elsewhere (and whatever has been recommended to me has been awesome) in addition to your drinks you'll find at most bars. So you get the best of both. -It will be busy, but worth it. -You'll be paying slightly more for food here but for Chicago and off of Michigan avenue, it's very respectable. -Ask about their 8 pound burger and I dare you to order it ;)
(4)
Kaity K.
Jake Melnick's looks like a normal corner bar from the outside, but we were looking for somewhere to watch the Blackhawks game on a recent trip to Chicago and this was just the place! We liked it so much, we ended up coming back for drinks and appetizers the next day! It is absolutely huge inside compared to what it looks like from the street, which is good since everyone seemed to want to come watch the game here. We were pleasantly surprised with the food selection and quality from this corner bar as well. We tried a variety of their appetizers and loved the garlic fries... nicely seasoned but not over the top. The corn bread in skillets was divine as well! My personal favorite this was the macaroni and cheese... you could see the cheesey strands pulling from the fork when you went in for a bite. YUM! My sister ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and for some reason it came out much later than the rest of our food. The waiter was incredibly nice about it, giving her the meal for free and bringing out a DELICIOUS cookie in a skillet covered in ice cream for dessert. The beer selection is great, and I really liked the atmosphere. Great place to watch a game!
Some good food some not so great food overall not a good atmosphere. The bar was cute though. It was wayyyy overcrowded when we went the wait was over an hour and a half. Okay maybe an hour 15 to be more precise. I could stand the wait to try out these famous wings I've been hearing about. Their fried pickles and corn bread are good, both really tasty. The wings itself are just way too big and really not even that great tasting. It was overall just okay. I would say better for a few drinks and some appetizers but you really have to go at an off night to avoid the crowd; If those even exist there that is.
(3)
Laura H.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant. GET THE WINGS-- best in the world. (Hint: get the firecracker wings--the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy!). My entire family is obsessed!!
(5)
Michael J.
Ordered Jake's famous 17-hour smoked brisket sandwich. Sure glad I didn't get the platter because it was dry as a bone. And had to ask for a glass of water.
(2)
David P.
I know what your thinking another review of a wings place only 30 mins apart? Is that all you eat? Yes, pretty much, I am a future fat ass that corodes my arteries to the let the homies know whats up! Ahhh the wings are here and they are quite large! Again I got the traditional Buffalo Wings. Im not too adventurous when it comes to wings I just like traditional Buffalo style. These wings were very good. Crispy, juicy and coated with hot sauce. However If you read my very recent Bird's Nest review I talk about how many places fail to get crafty enough with their sauce, usually just using Franks ( not a horrible thing), so therefore many have the same taste profile. Unfortunately Jake's falls into that trap, as I have tasted wings like this before. They were good but not special. If im in River North-Downtown area I would love to come back. Note: my friend who claims to be a Wings Master had the Firecracker and Poncho wings, saying they were some of the best he has ever had. But this is my review! The service was fast and attentive. I liked the atmosphere, it reminded me of Hooters but without the scantily claddness and the wings are better than Hooters. The Bulls won game one over Milwaukee as Derrick Rose, legs held together with tape and gum, looked like a capable basketball player for once. So it turned out to be a swell evening. Overall a very pleasant experience. Not the absolute best wings ive had but still pretty good along with great service and a bustling atmosphere. I will be back when im in the area.
(4)
Punit K.
Order the wings- tried the traditional buffalo, Thai chili and ponchos (grilled); Thai chili was prob the better out of all. Service was slow- took 45 minutes for wings to come out. Afterwards- ordered a carry out order of hand tossed chicken tenders- they were disgusting. Worst of all- it was all soggy due to the packaging- they put the fries on top of the chicken tender; sealed in a box = soggy meal. Their side order of cole slaw was enough for 3 bites. I've really heard great things about the place but considering the slow service; and poor carry out meal for $15- I'd say stay away. Overpriced and overhyped.
(1)
michael w.
Stopped in after Promat for a work function, vendor had the keg room reserved, nice digs and conducive to the mingle. The food I tried was actually pretty good, bbq, mac, pizza, nachos, sliders, etc. The beer was even better. The only downside I could find, paid like $6 for a Schlitz tap prior to joining the group. Really? Who charges $6 for a Schlitz tap?! Someone is missing the point of the $3 tall boy PBR's.
(4)
Carmen P.
We were served by Alonzo he knew his menu and town! The wing assortment was perfect (a little bit of everything). Also had their local beer! We loved it!
(5)
Carol K.
A corner bar just a few blocks away from the style and prestige of the Mag Mile? Be still my soul! I came looking for some lunch and left with a full tummy, AND a smile on my face as this place has to have some of the friendliest service in the area! I took a seat at the bar and immediately Leisha, the bartender, was welcoming me to Jake Melnicks and asking me what I wanted to drink. What I wanted was one of their many beers on tap. What I had (it was lunch people, I had to go back to work) was a club soda. But the beers are plentiful and the bartenders knowledgeable about them as well. The menu has some typical bar food but in-between the wings and the nachos are sandwiches and salads and soups, perfect for my lunchtime needs. I ordered a cup of the chili and the chopped salad. The chili came topped with sour cream, cheese and onions and I was glad I only ordered a cup as it was filling. And the salads come in two sizes- a smaller luncheon size as well as a large (did I say LARGE?) dinner portion. The veggies were fresh, and the chicken was tender. As I looked around, I made a mental note about the large number of TV's in the place as I am always on the lookout for places to check out my favorite game. And I also liked that there is an outdoor patio area to enjoy when our Chicago weather cooperates. Not fancy, more of a "northwoods" feel with the rustic nature of the place. But I liked that just fine. If I wanted finery- that exists a few blocks to the east. You can bet I'll be back!
(4)
Matt K.
Our waiter was the only reason I did not give them a perfect 5 stars. We went on Saturday night of Labor Day weekend so it was expected to be busy. The waiter struggled to meet with our table quickly and we ran out of drinks. The food was phenomenal. I got their Octoberfest burger and was surprised at how great it was. My wife tried the bbq pork sandwich which tasted excellent as well. Highly recommend going.
(4)
Stephen M.
Dear sweet baby Jesus, this place is amazing. I'm a bit of a wings connoisseur, so in every city I travel to, I am on a hunt for the best wings. This place did not disappoint. We tried the Firecracker, Cherry Bomb, Pancho and Buffalo wings. Went bone-in for most of them because that's my go-to, but got an order of firecracker in boneless. I usually don't go for the boneless because it always seems to be mostly breeding. Not the case here. It was like a huge chunk of meat lightly breaded and then covered in one of the greatest flavors I have experienced. Wow. It was like a spicy tangy sweet Asian sauce. So good. The Pancho is equally incredible. It's like a smoked wing that has just the right amount of kick. More of a dry wing, but still full of flavor. Their blue cheese is insane. The ranch is also good. As a sauce guy this is very important to me. Both get 5 stars. As far as apps go, we got the BBQ blue cheese chips, the fried pickles and the onion rings. Not a single miss. My personal favorite was the pickles. Though the pickles are best when paired with the BBQ ranch that is served with the onion rings. Do yourself a favor and order that combo. The tap menu is extensive and definitely has plenty of gems in there. The Summer Loving is my favorite, along with the Side Kick, but there are plenty of local brews. Good stuff. I highly recommend this place. It has quickly become one of my favorites in CHI.
(5)
Henry T.
I came here with a party of 6 on a Saturday afternoon and not surprisingly, the place was pretty packed. We were then seated within 10 minutes and our orders were taken. For starters, we ordered pretty much 1 order of every kind of wing offered. The wings that stood out to me the most were the Sweet Sirarcha wings, and the Peanut Butter and Jelly wings. The PB&J wings were interesting, and were smothered in what resembled a sweet thai peanut sauce. The wings even came with a side of cherry jam/jelly! The garlic and traditional hot wings weren't bad either. For side dishes, we had the Mac and Cheese, spanich dip with chips and the fried pickles which were also pretty decent. Overall, this place seemed like a pretty chill sports bar that was equipped with multiple televisions that aired major sporting channels. This was my first time in Chicago and I haven't tried multiple wing places, but this place will pass as "The best wings in Chicago" place for me.
(4)
Aaron S.
I really enjoyed their wings... We sampled four different wings and all were good. The XXX were too hot for me, the Super Hot were delicious though. The PBJ were Ok, interesting flavor mix, but not up my alley. The Pancho was my favorite though. Good blend of grill taste and a little heat. I could have eaten 20+ of them. Not real spicy, just great flavor. All in all, a must stop for any wing afficianado!
(4)
Danielle S.
So, after a week in China I told my man I needed some serious American food! He took me to Jake's for the March Madness Burger. I always thought of this place as a wing spot but the burger did not disappoint!! First, he's a critic and main point is many restaurants pile on the toppings and forget to season the meat. This burger was seasoned perfectly, the meat was fresh and juicy. Toppings were perfect and those two grilled cheese..... Made my day! Who doesn't love grilled cheese?? I also didn't know they had 30 + (maybe more, I forget) beers on tap, another plus! Lastly, our waitress was awesome, super cool, knew her stuff. I will totally come back, maybe again before March Madness is over!!
(4)
Jason M.
Nachos & wings.
(4)
Nga Yi N.
First time came here disappointed got the buffalo wings, not very tasty at all. Gave it a chance again,disappointed again with their most popular fire crackers wings,I have no idea how this place got voted for best wings in town lol??!!
(1)
Ashly G.
Good fish sandwich! Good service. Reasonable prices.
(4)
Jaclyn W.
I love this place. Server was very nice. I ordered 10 mild boneless wings and they were amazing ($11.95). I also ordered garlic Parmesan fries ($5.00). They give you tons of fries very worth it. We tried the salami flatbread it was alright ($5.00). I would deathly come back I like the atmosphere and you can watch a basketball or any sporting event.
(5)
Dan L.
This place is great for wings, craft beer, sports, or just to eat. It's a fantastic find! I hope I'm not alone in praising this place. It did catch me by surprise how good everything was here, since the reason I went here in the first place was because we were hungry and it was just around the corner...pretty much the first restaurant we saw. When I first went to Jake's a few years ago, we were eating our food while one of the waiters starts changing the channel on one of the TV's and says, "I think we're on the travel channel right now." Sure enough, they aired a spot on a show about Jake's wings...which actually are phenomenal. Wings: For a first timer, get the firecracker. They're not too spicy and have the best flavor in my opinion. Also be on the lookout for their wings of the month which can sometimes be interesting. Beer: They have all different sorts of beer, from Surly to Stone. They'll usually have a pick of the month if you can't decide. Ask for a beer book to peruse the selection. Food: Beware, you are going to get A LOT of food, no matter what you order. Even if you "just want a salad," prepare for the mount kilimanjaro of salads - no joke. The selection consists mostly of your typical pub fare with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and plenty of bbq. I love that the dishes are so large, and I haven't really had anything bad here yet Sports: I've gone here once on game day, and it was packed. However, I asked to put me on the waitlist for a seat in front of the packer game, and within 15 minutes I had one of the greatest views in the house. They seem to be very accomodating for sports fans.
(5)
Steve A.
Think I was spot on before about his place. Attempted it again with more than most the tables outside free and apparently it was still a 30 minute wait. Think the staff working at the guest reception are looking to seat as few people as possible, comes across lazy, didn't eat here in the end after the obvious zero effort to accommodate all 2 of us
(1)
Emily B.
If you love wings and haven't been to Jakes then you have been missing out! Fun restaurant/game bar. I highly recommend their special firecracker sauces. Yummy! Oh and don't forget the Mac and cheese!
(5)
Rachel R.
Always great food, great service and smells are amazing. Went a different route and ordered the Spring Mac & Cheese. So good I want it again tomorrow. The boyfriend ordered wings that will always hit the spot just right. I love you Jake.
(5)
L L.
We came to try the firecracker and super hot habanero wings. Firecrackers were delicious--sweet, tangy and bit spicy. Super hot habaneros live up to it's name. I love hot hot hot wings --they were 5 alarm hot and quite tasty. I ate three with tears welling both eyes. My nose and mouth were afire. I also drank 4 large glasses of water to quell the burn. The remaining 5 wings were taken home to cry alone because I didn't want anyone else to see. Service is fast and attentive.
(5)
Riva L.
You wouldn't expect it from a place that looks like a regular ole bar, but Melnick's has some of the best BBQ and wings in the city, and a great beer menu to boot. I've been here many times and I recommend it to most of my friends. It's fun to go with friends, family, on a date, with coworkers... The atmosphere is pretty loud, there are always sports on TV/ music playing/ loud, happy people, but if you sit in the patio area, it's quieter (ideal for when I took my Granny). I have a lot of favorite foods here and I tend to struggle when I go because I can NEVER decide on what I want (...I want everything). Highlights include: - The PB&J wings. We first tried these when they were a monthly special and we really only tried them for a laugh. I mean, PB&J wings?? Turns out, they're amazing. The wings are coated in thai peanut sauce, with "jelly" for dipping. The sweet, spicy, salty flavors complement each other perfectly. - Firecracker wings. These are my standby and they're definitely the best ones. They're sweet and spicy, perfectly flavored and seasoned, and quite delicious. As is the case with all of Melnick's wings that I have had, they're nicely crispy on the outside and juicy, flavorful, hot, and soft on the inside. - Garlic parm fries. Boyfriend doesn't like these as much as I do because they are definitely pretty soggy as far as a french fry goes -- but that's how I like my fries. Simultaneously crispy and soggy, weighed down by flavor, and very, very good. - Sloppy pig sandwich. The spices and taste are AMAZING. I like that they mix chicken and pork. Whatever BBQ they're using (their own, I'm guessing) adds rich, juicy flavor, and the crispy onions on top make the texture fun. - Ribs. These ribs are GOOD. Not overcooked, easy to eat, and the BBQ is great. - Burgers. We usually try to get the burger of the month, whatever it is. It's usually yummy, but my favorite part is just how nicely it's cooked - perfectly pink on the inside!! - Mac & cheese. Same deal - we get whatever the mac of the month is! It's always very cheesy (think cheese strings coming off of your fork as you lift pasta off of your plate) and creamy. To top it all off, they have an enormous beer selection and the servers are pretty knowledgeable about it, so if you ask for a good beer to go with your meal, they can usually find it. I love it here! I've never had a bad experience.
(5)
Justin S.
A New Yorker in town for 1 night on business trip. This joint was around the corner from my hotel. Decent lil spot, lots of tv's, friendly waitresses, decent bar menu. Killer Mac-n-Cheese.....and good left-overs
(3)
Jakob C.
The first time I went here I didn't know anything about this place my family and I went here because giordanos and rosebud had an hour wait. But it turned to be one of my favorite restaurants. The reason I love to come here is the wings. The firecracker wings are the best I've ever had. Also I like the PB&J, Buffalo, and Panchos wings. Their food always comes out fast and the scenery is cool. If your in Chicago GO HERE!!!
(5)
Chris P.
Went last night. Had the BBQ Burger with the pulled pork and bacon. It was excellent. Wife had the Chicken finger platter, also excellent. Enjoyed the hand cut fries and cole slaw also. Service was good. Taylor was our waitress. She had a lot of tables, but still managed to take good care of us. Floor managers also stopped by several times to check on us and fill water, drinks, etc. I have been here multiple times and have enjoyed most everything I have gotten. It is a good place to watch games, or just get some good bar food. They have decent BBQ, although with all the legitimate BBQ places springing up in Chicago it wouldn't be my first pick for BBQ specifically... One sour grape - our Mac n Cheese was not good. Tasted like plastic. They gladly took it off the bill and apologized. Not sure if it was us or if we got an off order... Either way, we will be back and can't complain about anything else.
(3)
Melanie M.
Food is always delicious, as well as the beer. The service was just OK. Almost as though they are there to only make money without any effort.
(4)
Tia M.
I am a wing fanatic and purist as well, this is my favorite wing spot in the city so far. Huge wings, good prices and great service. Don't forget to get bleu cheese, its amazing as are the sweet potato fries, cornbread, ribs and the beer selection is gigantic as well! This wing king has truly earned its crown.
(5)
GraceFord X.
Awesome wings, great french fries, amazing beer selection both on tap and bottled. Atmosphere can be crowded at times with a very mixed crowd ranging from locals to tourists. My next mission here is to try the Bloody Marys made with their own buffalo sauce.
(4)
Michelle H.
Good Wings. BUT...11.00 for seven wings, really? Forget "jumbo" as listed, they weren't enough for even one person.
(2)
michael p.
The good: This place has some great beer selections and is 2 blocks off the Chicago ave red line. The bad: The food is pretty bland. The wings that they brag about were sub par. I asked for closer to well done wings and i got slop, and the BBQ here is a joke. My buddy ordered the pulled pork nachos and the pork was a stringy, greasy mess and all of the chips were super soggy. Pork lacked real flavor and i doubt it was actually smoked, tasted like a slow cooker did all the work. Our other friend got the ribs and she said they were awful and they looked the part for sure Service was really bad as we had to flag the waitress down every time we wanted another beer. She kind of acted like we were coffee drinkers who refused to leave when instead we were constantly ordering rounds of drinks. The host staff however, were all very nice to our group walking in as well as leaving. At best it's a good place to go for a beer before or after you are wandering around town.
(2)
Joanna T.
After seeing that line was out the door on a Sunday night at Gino's East, we walked around and saw Jake Melnick's. The sign that proudly proclaimed that they were "king of the wings" or something to that effect totally won over my boyfriend. This man loves wings and loves anything that will burn his mouth off so of course he got the XXX wings and believe me, these were blazing hot. Now normally, restaurants say things are spicy and they are never spicy enough for him. He ate 3 and while he could've gone on, he safely and wisely decided to not continue for the sake of his digestive tract. I took one bite and my tongue and lips were burning for a while, but I'm a wuss. One look at my boyfriend who eats thai chilis for a snack and seeing him sweat was actually pretty funny. Now on to the rest of the food. The best thing I had there was the salad with the tomato vinaigrette. This was really refreshing and the dressing was awesome. We also got the triple play platter and chose ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. About 15 minutes or so after we ordered, we were told that they were out of ribs. It was probably around 8:30PM so we just ordered extra chicken. We also got the mac and cheese and corn bread. Everything was okay. The chicken was super juicy, but didn't have much flavor. All the flavor was on the outside with the skin, but I didn't really want to eat that, because the skin was rubbery and not that good kind of crispy chicken skin. The rest of the food was pretty average and I really could've been anywhere. I do have to say that I like the atmosphere. The servers and others seemed nice. The space was large and the patio seemed like a great place to chill out.bb
(2)
Jim G.
Went to see a friend ordained at Holy Name Cathedral, which is only a block away. By the time the three hour ceremony was over, my friend and I were ready to get a beer and something to eat. The dining room was full, but we were able to get a table in the bar area right away and order lunch quickly. They have a pretty good selection of beers and the food was good. I played it safe and just had one of their burgers (a regular one, not the 8-Pound Monster Burger!). Overall this was a fine place to grab something to eat if you just happen to be nearby, but I did not see anything special that would warrant going out of your way to go here.
(3)
Mark C.
Came here for a Hawks game for the first time. They were no longer taking reservations the day before, but allowed walk-ins the day of. I got there an hour before the game started and put my name down for 4 and luckily they texted me saying we got a table. The wings were what we came for and we got traditional, poncho, firecracker, monthly special (cherry blue cheese sauce). My favorite were the poncho (flame grilled?) and firecracker ones (sweet and yummy). Shoutout to our waiter Michael, made us feel very welcome on a busy night and constantly swung by to high five us when a goal was scored and just in general check up on us if we needed anything. They were very cool about letting us sit there to watch the game even though we finished our food during the second period.
(5)
Zach J.
This place was damn good. I ordered the garlic wings and thought they were damn good quality and large in size. I also ordered the Mac and cheese (Mac Daddy) "Chicken Saltimbocca." It was creamy and low sodium tasting and rockin with ingrediants such as: Marsala cheese sauce, grilled chicken, prosciutto cheese, crispy sage, provelone, and parmesan cheese. We also had the fried pickles which were the best fried pickles I ever had and they were slices, but not the chip slices but long slices, breaded in delicate and amazing tasting breading. The service here was amazing and very attentative. DO NOT order a burger, it just looks not very good. I saw some served at other tables and it does not look appetizing. Anyway, I will be back here again!
(5)
John F.
I work close, so I'm very familiar, and it's always so good. Any of their BBQ options is a home run, but the Sloppy Pig is amazing. Great french fries! I'm not the biggest fans is their wings, though they boast best in city. The only exception are the poncho wings. Those things are great! The beer selection has dwindled lately. They still have a good amount of craft options, but it used to be better. They do rotate taps, which I like. The service is always top notch, with everyone being very knowledgeable and attentive. It's a great place for a game, or just to chill and have a beer,or to hang out with friends and get fat and drunk. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Manuel A R.
Excellent place. Regular price and excellent quality. I high recommend bbq smoked stuff. It's delicious. And don't forget their wings!! The staff was so kind and our waiter very funny. I'd be back for sure if I visit Chicago again.
(5)
Brad H.
Good burger and fries. Good staff And reasonably priced. Good for a late dinner. Good location.
(4)
Keith W.
Poor table service, I had to ask twice for the beer/drink list. Served lukewarm wings, got food poisoning. Server didn't even stop by to pick up the bill, manager did. Was comped a round of drinks due to complaint about the wings, but would have paid hundreds not to be puking all night and missing out on anniversary dinner with my wife.
(1)
Ryan Z.
2 blocks away from the Park Hyatt so this was a very convenient football escape on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was on point --- always at our table when we needed him but never crowding us unnecessarily. The food wast just okay. The wings (that they claim to be famous for) were anything but jumbo (as the menu indicates), and the wing sampler only included 7 wings. I found that very strange and completely inadequate at $11+. The beer selection was solid. I'd go back here for drinks and football and temper my expectations for their food.
(3)
Ray H.
Terrible service at the bar. Came in at 1:20pm today. There were at least 10 seats open at the bar so the bar wasn't exceptionally busy. Got menus right away. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. The "bar back" was filling beers for the servers' orders right in front of us but refused to make eye contact with us. They had 1 bartender but he was on the other side of the bar. Others around us were dealing with the same treatment. I would've been fine if the bar back would've at least acknowledged us and apologized for the wait but instead he was busy chatting with the wait staff. At 1:35pm we finally had our order taken. 5 minutes later he brought my wife her drink and started pouring my beer out of the tap marked "Surly Bender." However, a light beer poured out of it. Note to management; don't pour beers out of tap handles that are marked with other beers from the same brewery. I asked for a couple of waters and our tab and we never received our waters after 5 minutes and had to ask for our tab again. The bartender (wearing a "I cry over spilled beer" tshirt) was nice enough once he waited on us but this was definitely not good service overall. I gave it 2 stars because the food is awesome. The wings are great. 1. If someone isn't a bartender but is going to serve drinks, have him in a designated bar back shirt (still don't know if that's what he was). 2. Even if your job is to just take care of the servers, you can still acknowledge other customers with a smile. Walking past us repeatedly without looking up at us makes me feel like we're being ignored. 3. Bars don't always keep their tap lists up to date in the menus so people tend to look at the taps at the bar. Make sure those are up to date.
(2)
D.J. C.
Poor service, particularly at the bar! For a beer bar the list is weak, and WAAAY OVERPRICED! Much better off at Timothy O'Tooles or Green Door Pub! This is a tourist trap!
(1)
Matt E.
Cool place. Friendly staff and great beer selection. I went because the had the #1 wings in Chicago.... Well that was disappointing... frozen, breaded wings. The sauce was good... but Buffalo wings are not breaded. Real let down
(3)
Kevin A.
So went in just for a late afternoon snack because I missed lunch. Only wanted a few wings as I heard they were pretty good here. Ended up eating the whole order. The Firecracker wings are awesome! The only thing keeping this place from five stars is the fact they won't do 1/2 orders(although admittedly I did eat the whole thing!) and the order of 8 wings is pretty pricy. $12 for 8 wings. They are big wings, but still. Anything over $1 a wing is a bit much. Would stop again though! Enjoy.
(4)
Allison P.
For a sports bar- this one gets 5 stars for their service and game options. Upscale bar food, unique craft beers, limited wine selection. Try the Firecracker Wings- such great flavor. We were visiting during football season and went here two days in a row to watch the Oklahoma Sooners/Cowboys. They are very accommodating and made sure we sat where we could see the games, even though we were the minority.
(5)
Alex A.
I'd been here once years ago and was fairly impressed with the wings. Now, years later, I go back with people in the know, get the Poncho wings and I'm SOLD. They're hella good! And the "wing of the month" was the Ponchos in the firecracker sauce, a sriracha-based concoction. Holy hell! Ultra good! I previously thought Bird's Nest were the best wings in Chicago but these give BN a run for the money. They're tastier and there are more varieties than BN but BN has the edge on that deep-fried crispiness that I like so much in a wing. JMCT has a good beer program but nothing crazy. Nice rotating selections. Monday 3/17/14 featured Sixpoint Brewery. I liked their IPA. Tasty and smooth without being over-hopped.
(4)
Vicki s.
We ordered Nachos, Fried Pickles and Sweet Potato Fries. The bartender first appeared intoxicated. Swore there was ketchup in the bag as as well as napkins salt pepper but there was none of it. The Nachos were completely cold as if they were made hours ago for someone else. The Pickles were soggy as if they were not left in the deep fryer long enough. And then no ketchup for the sweet potato fries. This was a waste of my money completely!!! Who has an intoxicated bartender working getting people's food out and assisting customers. I would NEVER EVER CHOOSE TO GO BACK HERE AGAIN!!! Find someplace else that has similar food. This is DISGUSTING!
(1)
Alexis R.
The smoked wings are ridiculously good and they serve food late. They also do a great job of with the drinks menu with creative new seasonal specials.
(4)
Cory S.
HORRIBLE service, good food and drink selection. Nachos were large and they actually take the minute to layer in the cheese and meat, not just toss it on top. This place is a good place for the area as its not super expensive, but not a dive either.
(4)
Susan C.
I been here twice and this place have great food. I had buffalo wings both times and they are pretty good. I have yet to try the habanero hot wings since I am big fan of habanero chili. This place is always pack where people watch sports on the big screen tv's and have great food and beer. I would recommend this place to my friends who wants to have a good time watching there favorite sports game and have great foods and drinks.
(4)
Shan D.
Prob the best cookie skillet I've had in Chicago, though I think they've gotten smaller now. Great veggie burger too. Sound is awful to watch games. Wish they'd upgrade their sound system. Still a fun spot to have in the area.
This is a great bar to enjoy some great wings and watch the game. The food is delicious! I always have a great time and great food.
(4)
Naomi Q.
If you come here you must get the wings! Our personal favorite were the firecracker wings - yummy! The location and ambiance are perfect for a nice, casual bar type restaurant in the city. We also received great service and will definitely be returning.
(5)
Meredith S.
I really liked this place! Wanted to go somewhere close to our hotel within walking distance where we could watch some March Madness games and kill some time. Boyfriend's name is Jake, so this seemed like as good of place as any to stop! There was a bit of a wait, but we sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. Higher the alcohol count, the smaller the glass. Boo! But I get it. But still.. boo! They had a beer of the month which was cheaper and I thought pretty tasty too. They have a really extensive draft list which includes several stouts which I was pretty excited about! Once we got seated, I ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup with a side salad. YUM YUM!!!! The grilled cheese was seriously awesome. The tomato soup kinda tasted like a giant bowl of marinara sauce, but hey, I ate it and it was still good. The salad was super fresh and crispy too.. just how I like it. Wish they would have put more croutons on it but that's okay. Boyfriend Jake ordered some wings. I'm not a huge wing fan and he got spicy ones, so I wasn't a fan, but he seemed to enjoy them. It's pretty loud in this place, although it's a sports bar, so that can be expected. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and the food was definitely notches above standard bar fare.
(4)
Marcela A.
Walking around, looking for a happy hour we found Jake Melnikc's. It is a welcoming place. We ordered wing combo, that comes with traditional and poncho (which is grilled wings, instead of fried! Delish!) and a flatbread pizza! Stick to the wings! Pizza was a little too dry. I ordered a drink called Alakazan and it's pretty good. Nice and laid back place to grab a food and drinks.
(3)
David D.
I love the atmosphere of the place, lots of big tvs everywhere, very open, and a great long bar with many solid beer selections. I stopped in with my brother-in-law to watch some basketball and have a few drinks while the wives shopped. We ordered the PBnJ wings, interesting but good. Several drinks later we decided on just eating lunch there too - wife approval of course, ha! I wanted to try their firecracker wing sauce so opted for the chicken tenders and fries with the firecracker sauce, amazing. If you are looking for a great joint to eat and have a few drinks with friends or family, this is a great option near Michigan Ave.
(5)
Sondra M.
Wait was short. Food got there in a reasonable amount of time. Portions are good, price is good for the area And my burger was cooked perfectly. Can't ask for anything else.
(5)
Bob Z.
This is a great downtown pub and grill. Usually very busy. They have a pretty food's beer selection. We have never eaten a full meal there. Only the apps. Chicken wings are pretty good but not in the great category. Servers are typically good but when they are overtly packed they probably could use an extra waiter or two. They ask Harry's have a good selection of craft beer. They are a bit pricier. Good for large groups, especially after class.
(4)
Robert G.
There are many, many burger-and-beer type places in River North, and Jake's fits the mold. I don't have much to say about the beer, but I did have a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with fries. Very, very good fries. Our group of web devs was celebrating a birthday today, so with a little encouragement we ended up at Jake's. After perusing the menu (and deciding not to have the March Madness - a cheeseburger with grilled cheese sandwiches (!?!) for buns) I ordered, and got, my pulled pork sandwich. I didn't think much of it, to be honest; the waitress said that it would be a vinegary sauce but I didn't taste much of it. The pork was decently tender. You might be better off ordering the pork sandwich with a more assertive sauce, especially since the bread is nice and thick. The Georgia-style, I am told, is mustard-based; try that instead? Fortunately the sandwich is saved, and more, by the fries, which were fried and crispy, had great color, and seasoned to perfection. A little ketchup made them perfect, especially the crispy bits. I think so far these are the best fries I've had in River North. The staff delivered a mini skillet cookie a la mode for our coworker's birthday, which was, to be honest, pretty hilarious. Overall I'm looking forward to my next trip to Jake's!
(4)
Ann R.
This is really a 2.5 star review but because I am always so impressed with the service at JMCT I rounded up. Great place a skip and a hop from the tourist destination shopping spots in Chicago. Service is always so friendly, and the drinks are abundant. The problem is that the food 5 out of 10 times falls flat. Fries are cold. The spinach dip, while on a happy hour special menu is a steal for $5, has zero flavor. I will say though, if you're able to strike it right when the food is on its game, it's really good and gluttonous bar food. PERFECT for a cold, wet Chicago day when you're seeking comfort in the form of something fattening.
(3)
Michele W.
We came here on a Sunday so they had bloody Mary specials for $5 and a pony of beer for an additional $1 (beer back). My favorite item was the PB&J wings. OMG! they were cooked perfectly juicy with a slight crisp, tossed in a peanut sauce and served with a side of raspberry chipotle. I licked my fingers and almost had an O!
(4)
Marisa A.
I think you should know that I have gone here close to 15 times in the last 2 months alone. They are the best wings I've ever had. I've had them all, you can't go wrong.
(5)
Omar J.
It's gotta be the WANGS! I went to wingfest in 2011 with my cousins and we tried their firecracker wings. More sweet than hot, but good taste. Also tried the XXX wing. AYE AYE AYE!!! Went to the actual restaurant about 2 week later, and probably the best wings in chicago. Also go for the Parmesan & Garlic French Fries. OOOWWWEEEE!!! Great place to watch the Bulls & Blackhawks, 1,000 times better than the Squared Circle. WAAAAAANNNNGGGSSSS!!!!!
(4)
Justin B.
Very, very average food that would be my go-to sports bar if I lived in the Near North 'hood. I tried the patty melt, fries, $1 beer add-on and the iron skillet cookie dessert last night with a few friends who live nearby. My burger was good, not great, and the fries were a bit too crunchy/crispy. The prices at Melnick's are the main reason why I will never live downtown in Chicago; a patty melt for $14 in Near North/Streeterville would be a $10 sandwich in Wicker. My wife got an order of the traditional wings; $11 for an order of wings here is borderline criminal. The iron skillet cookie was a major downer. Granted, I have been living off of the one at Smoke Daddy for most of the last year or so, so my expectations may have been too high...but still, a hot chocolate chip cookie with ice cream should taste better than this. Noted: don't order the Melnick's version! Our server was very fast in taking our order, bringing out food and getting us a check, so my pregnant wife was happy we could get in and out so fast. Otherwise, you can do better in Chicago if you want to get out of this 'hood.
(3)
Jessica P.
This place is really good. It's a sports bar but it feels a little nicer than that. Lots of TVs everywhere. It's usually pretty busy, but it's also really spacious, so the wait isn't typically too awful. I'm not a wing person, so unfortunately I can't contribute my opinion on their claim of having "Chicago's best wings." But they do have a fairly extensive menu, and I would recommend the pulled pork sandwich. They give you the option of how you want it done up, but I can't for the life of me remember what my three choices were. They also have a large beer menu and will make you any drink you want. My servers have always been pleasant and helpful, if a little slow. And the prices are just about what you could expect from Gold Coast. Also, they do a lot of specials and promotions so keep an eye out for those if you're looking for a deal.
(4)
Kyle W.
A nice, causal and spacious place to grab a drink or bite without the fluff of a lot of other places in the area. There's a long, quality draft beer and a large menu with a few vegetarian options, although none of them are fantastic. It attracts some families and larger groups so it's clearly not just your average corner pub with terrible food. Everyone is always eating the wings. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for a casual place to stop, you could definitely do much worse.
(3)
Robert J.
Best for WINGS! But if you're looking at this page, you probably knew that already. A local pointed us in this direction, and it paid off. There was a very short wait which was aided by the text msg check-in service while we got drinks at the bar. They had a nice selection of beers, including local craft brews. We were big fans of the Left Hand Milk Stout. There's a great selection of wing types. Our group split up the orders to try everything out, and no one was disappointed. The highlights of the regular flavors were the Buffalo and Firecracker wings, which had some kick, but weren't too bad for anyone in the group. When we had finished our meals, we split the SPICY "XXX" and "Super Hot" wings. They were the hottest I've ever had, so I'm glad we stopped there. Plenty of sauce on the wings, and come with ranch, etc to dip in. All in all, a great place for beer & wings. I would come here often if I lived nearby!
(4)
Megan T.
So my cousins live just a block or two away from Jake Melnick's and all we have heard since they moved in is that we HAVE to go for wings. So one fateful Friday, we went. We were sat in one of the side rooms, which I was happy for because I'm not into the yell-across-the-table-to-talk vibe that was going down in the main room. Great drink list - I'm a hard cider fan and was excited to see that they had a couple options on tap. We ordered an app to share and then obviously had to order wings too. The app was fine, the wings were fine, but nothing was to write home about. Our server was pretty inattentive for most of the night but I appreciate that we didn't feel pressured out clear out as soon as we finished our meal. Will I go back? Meh, probably not. Nothing was really that exciting and it lands on the pricier side of things.
(3)
Ana B.
Try the french fries with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. THE BEST!!! Very good wings too. Love it!
(5)
John S.
I'm a wings guy, so I came here for one reason. We'll get to them later! The service was pretty amazing here, the waiter knew what he was talking about and offered a few beer choices based on our first round of drinks. Really friendly and knew the menu well. We ordered the Nachos appetizer w/ the beef brisket, and it was ehh. The cheese was melted but rock solid at this point, so that prevented us from spreading the cheesey love. They also stuffed the center with sour cream and other stuff, which I'd rather have as some sort of side. I'd give the Nachos a 4/5 though, was pretty difficult to eat without one chip having tons of everything and others nothing. The wings though, probably the best I've had so far (tied w/ Mother Hubbards). I customized my wings and got 2 of the xxtra hot or whatever, and 6 of the spicy buffalo. The wings themselves are jumbo and the sauces are simply incredible. I would come here and get the wings ery time without a doubt. The wings are dripping with sauce, so its not those fake wing places where they lightly coat it. Can't wait to come back for the wings. Give this a 4/5 only because they could have improved the Nachos.
(4)
David S.
Have been to Jake's three times since moving to Chicago in May. All three times have been awesome! First time I shared the BBQ Nachos with the pulled pork on top. Amazing! Also Jake's has a great selection of craft beers and specialty drinks. Second time there I went to watch the Packers Jets game. Jake's is a great place to watch NFL games because they'll play any game you want. I had the parm and garlic fries and onion rings with my girlfriend. Both were outstanding and the service was great too! The third time I went was a Friday night and it was pretty busy. We were sat without much of a wait but it was right near the front doors and everyone waiting for tables were surrounding my table, it was awkward and annoying but because we were sat so quickly it wasn't too big of a deal to me. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was great. My girlfriend had the mac and cheese which she enjoyed. Can't really think of a bad thing to say about Jake's. Service, food and atmosphere were all very good.
(5)
Sonya A.
Cool place, pretty good food, good beer selection and holds a place in my heart as the first place I ever had a Left Hand Milk Stout. Solid place to bring a group of people for beer and wings. Warning, there is a major step in spicyness between the super hot wings and the XXX. Yum! Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Location: 4/5
(4)
Fred S.
Hopping downtown bar. What I had was good but not great. However the service was terrific. Considering how busy the place was for folks watching the Hawks game the bartender was incredible. The hosts was also great deal in with the masses. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable all around. Good beer selection but food was just a little above average for a sports bar.
(4)
Merayah P.
I love the fire cracker wings! The fried pickles are definitely the best I've ever had.!And they have a good selection of beer. Definitely our favorite spot!
(5)
Katie K.
Every time my boyfriend and I are in Chicago, we have to come to Jake Melnick's. Our must haves are ponchos wings, the bbq sampler (sub hot link for chicken) and the flavor of the month Mac Daddy Mac n' cheese! Beer selection is great, crowd is never pretentious, and the service is attentive!
(5)
Brandon K.
I can't emphasize how average their food is. First off, their wings. The sauce is great- I'll give them that. But all their wings are classified as "jumbo." Right. Not even close. They come in lots of 8 instead of 12 because they're so.... "Jumbo." For $11 per order, ie $1.38 per wing, it's an complete rip-off. Maaaaaybe if they were in fact jumbo that'd be ok. But they're not. So it's not ok. On to the pizza. Brick oven pizza! Yea! Sounds awesome. Spoiler alert... You're in for a disappointment. Pickup a flatbread pizza in the frozen section of your favorite grocery store & you'll save yourself time, money, and your taste buds will thank you. The saving grace for this place is their draft list. Well rounded & they have a few local brews too. The service was great as well. If I came back it would be solely to have a few beers at the bar. They have plenty of TVs for sports as well.
(3)
Randy C.
Went here on a whim for lunch with my wife and ended up splitting the Sloppy Pig sandwich and Parmesan fries. Glad we did as the food portions were pretty big. The fries were great and the sandwich was really good with a BBQ taste that was spicy but didn't cover up the taste of the pulled pork and brisket. Overall a great experience that didn't break the bank. Highly recommend.
(4)
Jennica S.
This place was near our hotel and we walked past repeatedly. Boasting they had the best wings in Chicago, we decided to give them a try. We had the Parmesan fries with ranch for an appetizer and they were deliciously fresh cut and well coated. Plenty for two, probably even three people. My boyfriend and I each got wings. They come in an 8 count, and you can split 4 and 4 with different flavors if you like. That's what I did, half Ponchos and half bbq. Bbq isn't listed as a wing flavor, but I'm a bit of a sissy when it comes to spicy foods and a lot of the wing sauces were buffalo, sriracha, etc. So I asked if since they had a lot of bbq items on the menu, they could coat my wings with it and our waiter assured me this was no problem. They were delicious, and I actually found myself liking the Ponchos wings even more which surprised me. It's a dry rub and makes the wings taste almost like they were smoked on a spit somehow, which I loved. The wings were definitely Jumbo like the menu claimed, I was only able to eat 4/8 (after the mass amount of fries I consumed.) definitely a cool spot to dine with a lot of variety on the menu, a table near us had nachos that looked quite tasty. They also had a huge beer menu that I would've liked to pick from had I not been tired from exploring the city all day!
(5)
Michael M.
Yes, Yelp, you weren't lying. These people are serious about their wings. I ordered the XXX and the waitress warned me that they would probably be too hot. I asked for the XXX sauce on the side (for fry dipping of course), and I was actually stunned. (My wings were Super Hot and they were the perfect spice level.) The XXX has amazing flavor in addition, though, so I ordered XXX wings on my subsequent visit. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the 8, due to the competing flavor of the IPA. Not complaining though, I finished them the next day. These wings do have a light breading, which is a usually a tiny bit off-putting to me personally, but all things considered these were uniquely delicious. If I lived in Chicago I'd be at this place all the time. The staff was very helpful and friendly, and the environment is just what I'm looking for in a wing place-- casual but not foolish. Jake's is Beer&Wings done right. Good job.
(5)
Darcy W.
A fun neighborhood bar with a great beer selection! The bar just had a nice vibe. We had the pig sandwich and a burger... Both were very tastey! The bartender was excellent and attentive on a busy afternoon. Plenty of TV's to catch a game.
(3)
Cassandra S.
Love the wings. Got the wing of the month, which was a pepperoni pizza wing. It tasted like chicken parm. The fries were superb. The bloody marys are just the right amount of flavor and spice. Firecracker wings are a MUST. The XXX wings and super hot wings were also pretty tasty.
(5)
Andre W.
I am a wings fanatic and I heard the wings here are 2nd to none. Their XXX wings have been voted hottest in the city for years...no way I was trying those. I came in on a wet afternoon and needed a drink. I had about 4 glasses go their Central Waters Riviere beer which was stored in french red wine barrels for a year...very good beer! I got the 8 wing combo in which you can mix & match. My awesome server April recommended the firecracker wings which is sriracha based and the garlic & cayenne marinade wings. The Firecracker wings were delicious...so delicious that I ordered another 4. The garlic and cayenne were nice as I was told to squeeze lemon over them to enhance the flavor...they were pretty good but better when I dipped them in blue cheese or ranch. Someday I will come back and burn the hell out of my mouth with the XXX wings but today just was not the day.
(5)
Karen R.
Love this place. I don't like pickles fried or otherwise but I dream about the fried pickles here! I cannot go to the city without stopping in for some. Came down last night and 4 of us shared two different wing variations, Poncho and Firecracker, both amazing! Also shared a basket of amazing fries and sausage pizza. Wish I hadn't sent the leftovers home with my daughter!
(5)
Paul B.
Great wings and very good craft beer tap. This is a great spot for sports events because its one of the few places that take reservations. I recommend the Super Hot or Asian wing as they both are amazing. I've had XXX and they are very good with great flavor. They are hot however, beware. We watch Hawks and Bears games here and with 1000 TVs you will be hard pressed to miss a game. Great location and ease of access as well.
(4)
Damon M.
This is a great place for "Award Winning" wings. Came in on on a Saturday night thanksgiving weekend and it was surprisingly empty. I guess everyone was still full and didn't want wings. Anyway I ordered the wing combo of traditional buffalo and garlic cayenne (grilled). They were fantastic. I would recommend Jake M to anyone. Enjoy!
(4)
Mario D.
This is my go to spot on weekends for lunch. Panchos wings are the way to go. Everything else is just ok. The wings though and that come out very fast..
(5)
Miranda S.
First of all, it's a corner tap...they boat about their wings and I gotta tell you, the PB&J wings are amazing! I'm fairly confident I gained 10 lbs by eating them for the few months I was in Chicago. The thai peanut sauce is good but when you pair it with the chipotle raspberry jelly....wow. I am not a fan of the to-go ordering as well, I ordered PB&J and got sweet chili instead. So dissapointed in the error. I've had other wings, too and they were good and tasty but again, I'm a huge fan of the PB&J and would get that with a loaded baked potato for my meal. Game days are insane so unless you are there FOR the game, just avoid it.
(4)
Davidson T.
Holy moly! The best wings I've had. Great ambiance for watching NCAA basketball. Try the Mac n' Cheese.
(5)
Joseph D.
Went here on a wing crawl with some friends so my review is limited to wings, beer, service and atmosphere. Showed up here around 5pm on a Saturday night and it was packed! 45 minute wait for a table and it was still early, maybe everyone is in town Christmas shopping? I have no idea. Anyway, once we were seated we dug into our requisite wings and ordered the buffalo, spicy buffalo, Poncho's (wood smoked) and Firecracker (a take on the Thai chicken wing). Since our crawl was to judge the basic Buffalo, Jake's wasn't the best of the bunch. They were good, but not super meaty. However if the contest was for best collection and variety of wings, then yes, Jake's makes a strong case for the winner. The Poncho wings were excellent. They had the great smoked flavor (which we found out they do in the back - awesome) with a garlicky taste that balanced the smoky flavor perfectly. The Firecracker ones were great too. Thai chiles and Sriracha. Yummy! Definitely needed the dressing to cool your mouth down after a few of these. Beer selection here is insane. I had two of the most unique beers I've ever had and I've had a lot of beer in my day. I had the Local Option Morning Wood Oak Aged Coffee Amber Ale and the Port Board Meeting Coffee Brown. Two amazing beers although quite heavy to wash down wings with I will admit... Lots of other choices as well so take your time looking through the menu. Service was also excellent. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and came back frequently to check on us even though the place was packed. Bonus for good service. The only downside to this place is it's a bit touristy. Yes the wings were delicious but it was a bit loud and there were a lot of families. Not that I mind being out at a place where there are children, but having a 2 year old run circles around my table while getting my wings on is a bit much for me. I prefer when I go out to be in a more "bar like" atmosphere but that's just me. If' you've got a 2 year old and love wings, this is your place!
(4)
Mad I.
Been here a bunch of times now, which is funny because this really isn't up my alley... but the hubby loves beer and wings, and this time I was here for his Christmas party. We had a back room all set up and it was really cozy and nice. Shout out to ADAM!!! Nicest server ever! Efficient, friendly and didn't make us feel like we were overstaying our welcome...even though we were...and his shift was over :) Food was just okay, but it was out on a buffet so what do you want... I've had the onion rings as a regular customer, those are the stand out. And of course you must do the ghost pepper wing, and walk out proud with your plastic fire fighter hat!
(4)
Karolina S.
Jake Melnick's is a great place to go eat if you're shopping downtown. Its around the corner from the magnificent mile and has lots of seating. Their wings are the BOMB. Our favorite are wings tossed in both poncho sauce and firecracker sauce. The combo is not on the menu but if you ask your server then they can have them customized for you. They have a nice beer selection and the service is quick. This is our go-to when were shopping the mag mile or Oak street.
(4)
Carlos P.
Decided to test my manhood and ate their XXX wings. Was in a weird state between pain and pleasure. I think I passed the test, well the stupidity test at least.
(4)
Guanun Z.
We came here for a quick drink originally but saw other reviewer's comment on the XXX wings. We decided to try it and it became a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My friend is a really experienced hot food eater and I'm really bad at handling spicy food. When I first mentioned the name XXX, out server had an instinctive shiver and asked us "are u sure?" Heck yeah! When it came up, the wings were dark in color and carries a light vinegar smell. I decided to taste the sauce and licked just a little bit. The initial flavor was mild but it was followed by everlasting intensive mouth burning sense. Just for a tiny bit of sauce, I had to wolf down my Heineken and water. Regrouping my courage, I finally manned up and ate my wing as fast as I could. Net result - I had to clean my tears and sneeze in the restroom and keep ice water running through my mouth for a good 20 minutes! And to worsen the situation, their kitchen close at 10pm and they were out of veggies. Looking forward for chapter 2 in the restroom next morning. And I will forever understand why our server had that instinctive shiver at the beginning.
(5)
Haley J.
I really like the atmosphere at Jake Melnicks. The lighting is warm and cozy and it has a good bar feeling to it. The service was good and staff was friendly. As for the food, I didn't think it was anything that special. When I looked at the menu, there were tons of things that sounded really good that I want to try. My boyfriend and I ended up getting wings and Parmesan garlic fries. I got the boneless barbecue wings and they were pretty good, but I have had better. As for the fries, they were too soft for my liking. I prefer crispier fries and they were far from that. I thought it was kind of pricey. My boyfriend and I each ordered wings, shared an order of fries, and my boyfriend got one beer and the bill was like $44. But I would probably go back to give it another try and order some other items.
(3)
Nicolas D.
BEST wings in the city. Vast bar selection - brews & cocktails are top notch. 5 star because they're Apps & Beers. Firecracker Wings are the best around. Sweet, spicy, and crispy. Fried pickles are made with perfection. Buttermilk ranch kicks ass. Service is ok.
(5)
Angela P.
The wings and macaroni & cheese at Jake Melnick's are second to none! My husband asked me to find the "best wings" in Chicago, and several Yelpers recommended Jake Melnick's. I'm not a fan of traditional buffalo wings, because I don't like the bones. I did try some of the Pancho's wings though, and they were really good - meaty, moist, and well seasoned. They were much better than I expected. My expectations for a casual bar in the River North area aren't very high because this type of establishment is so common. When it comes to Jake Melnick's though, what they do, they do well. I had the chicken saltimbocca macaroni & cheese, a special this month. Their traditional mac & cheese, with a cheesy masala sauce, chicken, prosciutto, and parmesan & provolone cheese was so good! The saltiness of the prosciutto was a nice contrast with the creaminess of the sauce. We shared an order of the parmesan and garlic fries. The portion is huge, we could have shared with another one or two people. And they are super garlicky so make sure you've got some mints on you. All of the food was really good and a satisfying lunch on a rainy day. I'd definitely come back to try their other food or next month's special mac & cheese.
(5)
Hannah M.
I used to really like this place, but the past few times I've been there have been terrible experiences. The last time in particular, I was there to watch a baseball game. I told them this when I was seated. When we asked to have the game put on, our waitress said she wasn't sure if she could. We told her we came to watch the game and had told the hostess. About 15 minutes later and after we asked her about it two more times, the game was finally turned on. She then proceeded to rush us to leave when we were done eating, even though we were there for the game and we were still drinking. On top of that, their prices for typically cheap beers that they don't even have on the menu are insanely expensive for what they are. I will make it a point to go to Timothy O'Toole's from now on instead. They are much better for the prices.
(1)
Jamie B.
I think Jake's is a great place. The service has always been excellent and the wings are really good. This is a nice place for happy hour, late night, or Sunday funday.
(4)
Jeff W.
This place had the FATTEST wings I've ever seen or put in my mouth. I would highly recommend going here if you have the itch for wings. Their beer selection is also great and will go along with any of their wing flavors. The Hot is pretty hot, so pick carefully.
(4)
Iman W.
Bow the freak down to their beer selection. I probably spent a good ten minutes staring at that portion of the menu alone. I wasn't too hungry so I decided to get an appetizer. BBQ nachos, can't be too hard to manage, right? Wrong. Had to conquer it with a friend. We enjoyed every moment of it. Had to wait 20 minutes for a table. That area on a Saturday night, not too bad. And our waiter was an absolute delight. I'd go back.
(4)
Alicja K.
Some of my friends love coming here. I'm not wowed by their food. It's average. Prices are average. Decor is average. I think there are better choices but there are also worse choices. There are lots of TVs so it's a good place to watch games. But does get crowded.
(3)
Sarah S.
I know I came to Jake's and I know I had a good time...so four stars! Honestly, I came to a UYE here last month and walked in already a bit tipsy. I was given a couple of good beers while there and by the time I left, I was on top of the moon! It wasn't overly crowded for a Friday night and we were able to keep a huge table for most of the night. They had some good craft beers on their menu including a bunch of good ones on tap. Chill atmosphere and fun to be had by all at Jake's!
(4)
Arthur L.
Four of us, gal brought one beer we ordered and thus ordered wings. I asked her if they could add just one xxx wing. Asked if she ever tried the xxx hot and she said she does not do hot food. I simply said OH, your asian and I thought Asians liked spicy. She said not me and walked toward the kitchen. Before we knew it the manager told us to get out! They booted us out! He said my remark was a racial slur. Oh my god, rant we getting touchy. They may have good food but that incident was way out of line. I was kind to give one star.
(1)
Yasmina C.
Had such a nice time here! Fun and lively environment great for all ages. Our server Jana (pronounced Yana) had a lot of knowledge about everything on the menu including all the beers on tap! We had the Mac Daddy Mac and cheese (HIGHLY suggest that) and the wood-grilled artichoke! SUPER delicious. If you are ever in downtown Chicago, you have to make a stop here at Jakes!
(5)
John C.
Excellent wings! Our waiter was right on to recommend the combo. Eight wings total, we went with the mild buffalo and ponchos. Ponchos are rich with flavor, have a nice char flavor that you can only get from grilling. Buffalo went on the spot, rich and tangy. Oven cut fries brought me back to my days of living with mom and dad---can't beat crispy hand cut fries. The crispy pieces explode in your mouth. Finally, jalapeño Mac and Cheese was very good, especially with the panko topping nice and crispy! Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(5)
Adam J.
Excellent food. Too many hipsters. Decent evironment. Says its a "official blackhawks bar" .... dont go here for a hawks game, might run into a few hawks fans but not many.
(3)
Diva G.
I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed with my food. I tried the superhot, spicy and medium wings. The superhot is just that, SUPERHOT, but not so hot that you can't taste the flavors/spices of the chicken. I loooove spicy foods- the hotter, the better, but I must warn you because most people who THINK they can handle superhot will not be able to eat more than 1 or 2 wings. I think my unfavorable review of the wings is more of a personal preference versus bad food. I loooove FRIED wings, NOT baked or grilled. Even though the server stated they are fried, the appearance and texture is definitely more baked/grilled. If you are looking for crispy wings, this is not your place. I also had an order of the onion rings, which were inedible. YUCK! They were overcooked in what tasted like old grease then dumped into a basket and served to me in a pool of grease. That order should've NEVER left the kitchen! When the server inquired if everything was okay, I mentioned my disappointment that the onion rings were overcooked and served in a pool of grease and the wings were definitely not crispy. She apologized and offered to bring fresh onion rings and even offered to put in a new order of wings to make them crispy, which I politely declined. I did eat a few of the wings and was no longer hungry at that point. The manager came to our table to apologize, address the issues and offered to prepare something else from the menu. I still declined, but I did appreciate her sincerity and excellent customer service skills trying to resolve the issue!!! GREAT customer service goes a loooooong way...
(2)
Jeana C.
Great chilled spot! Our server was great and food was delicious! We got the XXX wings, Ponchos wings and the BBQ platter. All were great! $5 Bloody Mary's on Saturdays!
(5)
Joe I.
After wondering aimlessly from place to place with nothing sounding "good" to me at the moment, I decided to give this place a try. (And yes, I Yelped it before walking in!). It looked "gritty" from the outside but not in a bad way. "Neighborhood-y", casual, comforting. LOL. Upon entering, the same. It was like bar meets restaurant meets diner. Service was great, food (NOT HEALTHY) was just what I needed at the time. Burgers 'n beer. Splurged and broke from Paleo and had the Jalapeno mac 'n cheese in addition to my burger (without a bun). A-MAZE-ING. This place was fun. The food was comforting and tasty. A definite thumbs up.
(4)
Lauren P.
We went here on a Sunday night, during the Packers - Seahawks game... Absolutely slammed. We got to the bar and grabbed two seats. My boyfriend had amazing beer, the service was super friendly (even to the tourists), and the food was so good! The bartenders didn't have a moment of spare time, but you certainly didn't wait for a drink or service. Impressive.
(5)
Margaret A.
Had the PB and J wings for an appatizer they were amazing! And for my entree I had the portobello reuben sandwich. It was okay and definitely different. I would probably would try something else next time. But overall the atmosphere is nice and they have a lot to choose from. Would recommend!
(4)
Stephen K.
Huge portions on the chicken tenders and bbq chicken was excellent. Service was fast & great.
(4)
Cynthia R.
I wish I could do a 1/2 star, because I'd give them 2.5....but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give 3 instead of 2 based on service. This was our first time here and our server (her name escapes me), but she was pretty fantastic. It was a beautiful autumn Friday evening. We didn't have to wait very long for a perfect table outside. Our server was very vocal and enthusiastic about the menu and specials. We had quite a few questions and she had an answer for all of them. The food, on the other hand, was, well...meh. I mean, it was ok...it definitely wasn't bad at all, but we've had burgers and wings from several places in Chicago that put Jake Melnick's to shame. If you're downtown and happen to be in the neighborhood, I guess it's an ok place to go, but I'll stick to my neighborhood spots and get GREAT food without the downtown price tag or hype.
(3)
Stein M.
Came to jake's after we were told to have to wait 45 minutes for a pizza at giordanos. Reasonably priced and huge quantities. The beer selection is very good...loved the milk stout. Our server was really nice....he made recommendations for beers since everything on the menu there was local. All the recommendations were good.
(4)
C P.
On the recommendation of the bartender, I ordered the wing sampler and added a side salad as well. The wings were ok, but not my style. They are huge and are more like baked drumsticks. Within 1 hour of leaving this place, I had horrific food poisoning, to the point where I had to go to the ER and get 2 prescriptions. Not sure if it was the salad or the wings, but either way, I won't be back.
(1)
Bill T.
Do you remember the end of "Sixteen Candles"? Sam and Jake Ryan are sitting on the table with the birthday cake in between them and Jake says "Make a wish" and Sam says "It already came true"* Well, Jake Melnick's is my Jake Ryan. I made a wish....and it came true. I came here for one beer. One, I swear. But then I saw the beer menu and it was like that old potato chip commercial "you can't eat just one" or maybe the other one that says "once you pop you can't stop". And I made a wish that I could have more than one. Potato chip references aside, this is an awesome place. Once I saw Allagash Black on the menu, I was hooked. And then the New Belgium Trippel...and the Ommegang Witte. And so my wish came true. Plus the bartenders were both really nice and knowledgeable. They acknowledged everyone who came up to the bar and had great recommendations. I liked the rustic decor of the place. I only wish I'd been able to stay long enough to have some wings. I love you Jake Ryan, I mean Jake Melnick's. And thanks for getting my panties back. __________________________________________________Â_______ * the good part is at 2:16 metacafe.com/watch/11051…
(4)
Jennifer M.
The food here is good. I went with a couple of my friends. We ordered the Fireside Wings, Artichoke Dip, and BBq Ribs. Everthing was very good. I would come back again to this place The service is good here.
(4)
Kyle H.
Didn't even try the famous wings everyone talks about but the food was still delicious and I'd absolutely recommend. Cornbread muffins were great, the brisket was flavorful, and the salads were better than average. They also have a really good beer list. It was a little louder than I like it (just made conversation tough) but the outdoor side patio was great on a summer evening and the whole group I was with thoroughly enjoyed the night. Prices were good and service was cheerful - nothing like some of the negative reviews I read on yelp. We left full and happy.
(4)
Mike D.
They always have great food and drink selection. But tonight they topped their service. We lost our home to a fire tonight, and the insurance put us in a hotel near there. We went there for some comfort food. Emily and Erin knew we were distressed and took really good care of us. They have great food, but really care about people. Eat here! Thanks Emily and Erin.
(5)
G I.
The wings and beers are great. While the prices are a little high for the style of restaurant, the food and atmosphere make it worth the extra cost. Definitely try the bbq choices they have, especially the nachos with pulled pork.
(4)
Jason P.
Pretty cool vibe. Great hot wings and good selection of craft beer. Would recommend going, seems like more of a local hangout with their regulars. Bar girl was attentive and friendly.
(4)
H L.
Food is below average at best, the wings are not good. The drinks were great though. But worst part is, all 3 of us had stomach issues afterwards.
(1)
Kristen W.
I was feeling really ballsy when I dragged my boyfriend in here to try the super hot wings (made with the 3rd hottest pepper in the world), knowing I can't tolerate that much heat we compromised and got half and half wings, 4 super hot and 4 buffalo (spicy). After I ate one super hot wing I thought I was seeing the light, I told everyone I thought I was having an allergic reaction. Haha, I wasnt. But I had never experienced that much spice before, so proceed with caution. I managed to eat two and pat myself on the back for a job well done. The spicy buffalo were great, one of the best buffalo wings I have ever had. They were packing heat, so I didnt even need to try the super hot. Just wish my mouth was burning and melting off so I could nejoy the rest of the spicy buffalo wings. I will be bak for more buffalo wings, but will be steering clear of the super hot! YOu should try them though!
(4)
Shirley H.
I'm alright with handling spicy food, but those Super Hot wings were no joke. I'm not even going to bother attempting the XXX wings. Our server warned us about the Super Hot and we thought we could handle it.. we're sorry that we didn't listen! By the way, those buffalo fries and fried pickles were fantastic.
(4)
Glen H.
Service was good. Server gave us a lot of personal time. I did their hot wing challenge and that's a joke. Didn't even sweet. We were told 80% of the people beat the challenge. Basically it's not a challenge. it's just something to get people in the door. We order a few other things and lets just say fried food isn't there specialty.
(3)
Tony R.
Place is awesome. The food is great for a burger and wing place. The service is fantastic. We live next door and the place is always busy. I chose Jakes for my bachelor party pre party and meal. They were awesome. Treated everyone for well. Until we got too rowdy then we were politely asked to leave, which we deserved. Place rocks!
(5)
Gabrielle A.
Best wings I've ever had in Chicago. Nice laid back place to bring friends. Great atmosphere. Love the huge tables for large parties. I used to go here all the time in college! They have a good amount of craft beers on tap. My fav is the beef brisket, chicken sandwich, spicy wings, and fried pickles! Yum !!
(5)
J M.
Had lobster macaroni and cheese and it was outstanding. The wings were fine, but not as good as I had heard. Beer list was good and the atmosphere was great.
(4)
Kate K.
Standard bar food but they do it pretty well. This place is in kind of a deserted area of river north, so I end up eating here probably more than I would because it's the best bar/casual option for a couple blocks. Good nachos, chicken tenders and barbecue sandwiches. I'm not a huge wing fan but I've heard good things. Also great for delivery.
(3)
Michelle F.
Raise your hand if you were here twice in less than two weeks ::Raises hand proudly:: I'm not even ashamed. Maybe I should be considering I live about an hour away, but I'm not. I'm not even ashamed that I was a hot BBQ-y mess when I left, either. So take THAT! My friend was visiting the city, and I was on my way home from Indiana. It only made sense for us to meet in the city, and he happened to know exactly where this was, so it was a win all around. I got to overindulge in BBQ, and he got to not get lost in the city. WIN WIN. This time, I skipped the alcohol (it was 11 am, after all, and this classy beyotch waits until noon!) but I got a LOT of food. I did the "pick three" meats for $18 and added on a skillet corn bread. I chose the ribs, the pulled pork, and the BBQ chicken. The fries that come with the meal are AMAZING, btw! They're supposed to be a side, but I can see how people can add on some ingredients and make them their meal! My corn bread skilled ($5) was pretty good, but it had a HUGE thing of butter on it. Now don't get me wrong, I like a nice pat of butter as much as the next guy, but this was literally a hockey puck of butter. The meats were really good, though. very tender and fall-of-the-bone. The taste of the BBQ sauce was delicious, too. I was dipping my corn bread into it, too :) So it was a little pricey for just lunch, but it was definitely worth it!!
(4)
Christopher K.
On a business trip from South Florida, I stumbled upon this place using Yelp and on the lookout for wings. These, by far, are the best wings I've ever had. And, they have a buffalo fry appetizer with their wing sauce covering the fries. Great service, great price, food is hot and quick out of the kitchen. If I'm ever in Chicago again, I will eat here everyday.
(5)
Molly C.
Went last night to catch the Bulls & Blackhawks game. It's was pretty busy for a Wednesday night. We got a table right away and our server greeted us promptly. We put in an order for 2 sides of wings and the garlic Parmesan fries. The wings were awesome! Jumbo buffalo wings with lots of meat on the bone and super crispy. The sauce was delicious too. The fries were addicting. Our service could have been better. When we received our food we had to wait about 5 minutes for them to bring us plates. Our server could have been more friendly and smiled more. Overall, I'm a fan.
(3)
Christopher M.
So here's the deal with Jake's ... you can either have a 1 star experience or a 5 star experience, hence me giving them 3 stars. What does a 1 star experience look like? Not getting a beer or wings or BBQ. These are a must. After this they don't have much. What does a 5 star experience look like? Getting beers and wings and BBQ. Their beer list is fantastic ... some hard to find gems as well as many great standbys. In the River North area they really do have the best beer list. Their BBQ is excellent - love the ribs. Their wings, as most have said, are very good. After that? Nothing great. Stick to the plan. Beer. Wings. BBQ.
(3)
Angie C.
Came to drink and watch the football game. Lots of people and lots of energy. Multiple games playing . Drinks were very good. Our server Jana (pronounced with a "y". Yana ) was on the ball! Appetizers were tasty . We tried the "Mac Daddy" Mac and cheese and wood grilled artichoke. Both delicious!
(4)
Brian L.
This place is pretty decent. Don't care for the location, but the food I thought was pretty good. On par with Red Hot & Blue back home in DC. I thought I would be a tough guy and try the XXX wings (by the way there is no "contest" for it anymore, you just eat the wings or not at your leisure)... so upon first tasting them I actually thought, "wow, these have a nice crispy outside and the sauce is actually really nice." yes, it did feel a bit spicy at this point, but the plot thickens. I also ordered a platter with ribs and pulled pork. Both I thought were excellent. My friend also got ribs and we both agreed the sauce was really really good and itself had a tiny bit of kick to it. We also like it when it's a nice medium of off the bone and stick to the ribs... it was just enough to be able to gnaw at, but not slipping off the bone as if it were some boneless concoction. I'd eat from my platter after a wing or two. As the spiciness started to increase, that is it started to build on me, my tongue and lips lost sensation. I didn't reach for water uncontrollably, but it was definitely starting to bring me a bit of the teary eyes and sweat. Of eight wings, I finished four of them. My buddy's fiancee tried a dab of it on her finger and that was over the top for her, so I guess my tolerance is ridiculous. It wasn't until we paid and walked back outside that the pain actually kicked in. We got about three blocks when I realized things occurring within my stomach were not natural and probably not unlike drinking acid. This is the same pain I experienced when I took a bite out of a Bhut Jolokia two years ago. Didn't think that pain would ever return. I can only describe it as a not quite you have to use the bathroom to poop or puke, but just an eroding of all your vital innards. I had to stop and lean against a planter for about 5-10 minutes as my friend got me a milk chug... which seemed to help a little. I sweat pretty profusely for this time and really felt as though I may have actually visited another planet. In sum: food is great, but the XXX wings will send you to the gates of Dis.
(4)
Grace C.
I tried their hamburger. it was very hearty. it had two layers of cheese bread, egg and the main meat. they offer sweet potato fries with extra dollar. I couldn't finish the dish, so had to bring the half home.
(3)
Jason F.
If you live in River North, Jake's is the perfect place to take your out of town friends to watch the game and eat some really good wings. The wing of the month is always your best option. Great beer selection and if you need advice on what to choose they're very knowledgeable and will help you out. DO NOT let your friends order chicken fingers! I can't believe every time I go there I see someone ordering them, it makes me cringe. It screams clueless out of towner. Special game that your out of town friends need to watch? They're more than happy to put it on...even if they want to watch the Red Wings.
(4)
Amelia B.
It's always hot and stuffy in here. The service is always hit or miss. And for whatever reason, it's always packed. Lots of TVs? Close to Michigan Ave and overrun by tourists? Large tables to accommodate huge groups that linger forever? Probably a combination of all three. But there is the March Madness burger. And the ghost pepper wings, which are highly entertaining in and of themselves (hell no, I would never do such a thing...but my friends will!) So Jake Melnick's, serving up schadenfreude, does just fine.
(3)
Abby C.
Went for the wings after hearing several people rave about them. Easy to see why! The wings are good sized with plenty of chicken on them, with 8 per order. I did the combo of buffalo and poncho. Poncho is a very subtle, backyard BBQ kind of seasoning, but their buffalo was very good. If you get anything here, get the Parmesan garlic fries and set yourself free. They're a little on the soggy side (in a good way) and have the perfect amount of garlic, not overbearing, with lots of Parmesan sprinkled on them. Paired with the ranch dressing for dipping, they are a unstoppable force. Very friendly, knowledgable bartenders as well!
(4)
Jack P.
Walked the streets of streeterville and came across this place. Specials of the day were rum punch and madness burger which was a juicy burger in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. We got both specials. They were awesome. Burger deserves the most accolades. A bit large to pickup and eat but the grilled cheese was an awesome idea. Come here for games or just for good happy hour specials!
(5)
Anne Marie C.
I can't say enough good things about this place. It was delicious, the service was great, and the prices were fair. Huge portions! Definitely couldn't finish my entire sandwich in one sitting. Also, had the elixir drink with cucumber water, pickle juice and chili pepper vodka - give it a try, much better than you'd expect!
(5)
Jenny S.
The wings were good, especially the Poncho (which were spicy garlic), but otherwise, I wasn't too impressed by their wings. As a wing conosseuir on football Sundays, as far as wing places go, this one was slightly overpriced given the number of wings you received per order (8) and the overall taste. They had a pretty extensive beer menu and are a great place to go if you like Left Hand brewery. Also, I'd recommend the Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts. It was delicious!
(3)
Robert U.
This is a fun little spot. It's warm and woody inside. They've got some great local brews on tap. I had a vanilla stout that was excellent. They've got the usual bar/pub food, and it's all pretty good. Their wings are not quite as hot as I'd prefer, but are pretty good. The fries are excellent.
(4)
Laura H.
Fun stop on a day of COLD shopping over New Years in Downtown Chicago. The red wine was tasty and my boyfriend loved his beer. :) We stopped on NYE mid day around 2ish and it was jammed. Snagged a seat at the bar and the bathroom was clean too. Good place to stop.
(3)
Chrissy F.
The wings live up to their reputation. I had the firecracker wings and they were a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy, my brother made it on their 'wall of flame' by finishing their xxx wings that he enjoyed thoroughly. My husband had the smoked brisket and he liked it too. The kids had the mac and cheese and it was better than the usual. Pretty good beer list too!
(4)
Elaine M.
My husband, over 21 year old son and I went here for the first time on Saturday during football playoffs. The moment we walked in I was in love. I think this might be the most inviting sports bar I have ever been in. Of course, tons of tvs everywhere and lots of warm and cozy wood. The whole atmosphere welcomes you in and invites you to sit down, stay a while and indulge in some "not good for you" indulgent football food. The highlight in the food department here are the choice of wings. Upon our servers recommendation I went for the firecracker wings - Sweet Thai Chili & Sriracha. They were very good, sweet with just an underscore of spiciness. Right up my husbands alley! In the end though I am more of a traditionalist. Our son had the medium spicy traditional buffalo wings and they were absolutely perfect for my taste! The husband had the BBQ Triple Play Combo - 1/3 slab ribs, pulled pork, slow-smoked & beef brisket. I though the sauce was very good, a Texas style one - really smoky. I didn't much care for the rib though. It was way over cooked, hard and chewy. Then for our son with the hollow leg he had a trio of sliders. They were fantastic but could have used a pickle on each to balance out the palate. Both the BBQ trio and the sliders were served with fries which were also really good. If they aren't hand cut then they make a good show if it. We loved that they left the skins on for that extra potato flavor punch. Service here was friendly and we have no complaints what so ever.
(4)
Eric C.
5 stars would be having the last super with Jesus, that said this place brags that they have "the best wings" and they truly do! "pancho" wings..smokey,and flavorful..just the right amount of heat. the staff is very cool , friendly , professional, and attentive. especially Cythia,Ivon,and lisha. I was Visiting from New York and so glad i found this place.
(4)
Brandon M.
Wings are great and the beer selection is out of this world. I was here off peak, but the bar staff was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)
Jheri B.
I give it more a 3.5. The food overall is mad produced like something from a Chilis. Not outstanding but more than just edible. The BF had a BBQ sandwich. Why when we are from KC? Idk. The artichoke dip was possibly the worst I ever had which made me start to worry. Then I got my wings. Firecracker wings. A Thai style bone in crispy delight. Seriously, so good. Our waiter was very good for how clearly overworked he was. I merely had to mention the dip was no good at all and he took it off the bill. He checked in a bunch, not pushy, and friendly. The real highlight here though is the multitude of beers. Particularly for being out of towners, I like to try local and they had local and more. So if you make it this way I recommend sticking to the booze, ordering the wings and enjoy your friendly server, Alonzo!
(4)
Katelyn S.
YUM!! I had never had fried pickles before but I crave them on a regular basis now! Everything we have tried so far has been great! They usually have a Mac n' cheese dish that changes monthly. My gosh it's always amazing! The environment is fun too.
(5)
Suzanne H.
Know what to expect & you won't be disappointed. We were looking for a "sports bar" to stop in and watch the NCAA Elite 8 games, have a drink & eat some food. It had all of those...game, beer, food. There is an extensive, obscure beer selection. PROBLEM, the $9 (8 oz) beer was served in a hot glass fresh from the dishwasher. The food was average, at best (we had BBQ pizza, burger, brisket sandwich). Do NOT opt for the sweet potato fries...Ore-Ida, ick. The regular fries were GREAT. Deep fried pickles were greasy and very salty. I can ignore average food if the service is good...it wasn't. Our server was friendly, but we only saw her twice...order & pay.
(2)
Sally C.
Comfortable. Casual. Atmosphere and Food. I'd go back. Great service. Exactly as you'd expect.
(3)
Magen R.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would, but I can't so it gets 3. I met two friends here on Easter for a little bit of day drinking. I chose Jake Melnick's because it was close to where they were at and because they have $5 Bloody Mary's on Sundays! I was really surprised a spot in such a busy area would have $5 Bloody Mary's but they did so we went. I started off with the XXX Bloody Mary (their spicy version) was not impressed at all. The tomato juice was way too thick and it was not "XXX" spicy by any stretch of the imagination. For my second drink I chose their standard Bloody Mary and was very impressed. It was not too thick and had a delicious salt and pepper rim. The second one definitely redeemed Jake Melnick's for me and was worth the $5. It's also worth noting that they'll give you a 7 ounce mini Miller Lite for just a $1 extra with your Bloody Mary, definitely worth it! My friends ordered beers and vodka sodas so not much to comment on there, they were definitely affordably priced though. Everyone had already eaten lunch prior to arriving but I was a bit hungry so I decided to go for a light appetizer. I ordered the BBQ Chips that came with blue cheese and scallions. They were really yummy and the portion was HUGE. Definitely worth what I paid for and had a unique, delicious flavor. I was disappointed not to order a meal at Jake Melnick's because the places smells heavenly and all of the food I saw being delivered to near by tables looked outstanding. The service is also very, very good at Jake Melnick's. Despite it being fairly crowded our waitress was a constant fixture at our table and we never had to wait long for a drink. The ambiance is fun and rowdy, definitely the type of place you can chill out to watch a game with a few beers and some good grub. I will say it is a little too touristy for my tastes which is why I generally avoid that area all together, but If I'm back in the area I'll definitely stop by Jake Melnick's and maybe even bump this up to 4 stars!
(3)
Patrick J.
Soggy wings with ok flavor and they are regular size not jumbo as they say and the service is ok but only when it's slow needless to say I will never be coming back
(1)
Sharyn M.
Mother's Day included a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and a promising supper choice. I felt such a craving for good crisp saucy Wings and so of course dug into my Yelp! and discovered Jake Melnick's Corner Tap.. A two block walk from home and a mouth watering anticipation. I was not led astray by the high starred reviews. My son, who was treating of course, and I, opted for an outdoor covered seating area, which housed picnic tables in a cozy setting. We thought it would be fun to indulge in beverages and morsels while the storms rolled in. Brooke our server was sincerely wonderful. A great greeting and attentive manner throughout the experience. She arrived not even 5 minutes into our seating and was quick to answer inquiries on Jakes "on tap" cocktails and was a good sell on several selections. My Mothers Day treat of a Top Shelf Long Island (not on tap) was created with expertise. Nicely balanced, not too sour or sweet and just the right acid. Our wing choices for the evening were the Poncho/Buffalo combo, the Poncho being a wood fired grilled, rubbed with a garlic cayenne spice , and the Buffalo, nicely crisp spicy saucy decadence. and the Firecracker, Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha. These were amazing. They were ALL magnificent. Other menu choices ( crab mac and cheese, brisket, ribs) looked enticing but we did not want to over fill. The storms came in as we dined , drank , laughed and had a great Sunday. I do rate Jakes as being a place to kick back and just enjoy. A very positive experience.
(4)
Lola B.
Great place for some classic American flare. Went in for lunch on a Wednesday so it wasn't very crowded. I was dining alone so I sat at the bar. The bartender greeted me right away, introduced herself, and handed me a beer menu as well as food. She was super helpful in helping me select a beer I loved. This place is known for wings, but I opted for the Smoked Turkey and Blueberry Jam sandwich. It was awesome. The fries were crisp and tasty as well. Overall, great food with great service all wrapped up in a great location. Check it out!
(5)
Jason B.
This place has great food. I don't know why it is never packed. Every time I've been, I've gotten good service and been happy with my food. I tend to get the BBQ or a burger. Portion sizes are good and the prices are reasonable. They have a solid beer selection as well. We like to take family here when they are in town.
(4)
Derek H.
Food is so, so. Great atmosphere clean and nice. A lot of draft beers on tap. Service was good, but they need to improve on the food.
(3)
Robert C.
This place is a blast! My girlfriend and I come to Chicago only once a year- and this is always are go-to place. Nice beer selection, delicious food, and genuinely nice people working there!! So refreshing. We love the grilled artichoke and their chicken wings (they're saucy yet still crispy?! Perfection.) In an area over- saturated in crappy chain restaurants , this place and it's staff, is a real gem.
(5)
Jenn M.
We passed by here on a cold evening and it looked very welcoming. So glad we did! - brisket was awesome, tender, flavorful - coleslaw was yum - got a Caesar salad for a side and it was good, and enormous - they had a great list of ciders but I think that was to support CiderCon, however, they support local ciders and have some good ones one the list every other week Good stop!!
(4)
Sarita B.
I was not excited to "waste" a meal here in my attempt to eat my way through Chicago one weekend, but I was happily proven wrong. The menu is a lot of bar food, so I asked the server for help, she said they're known for their in house smoked meats. I ordered the pulled pork slider trio and upgraded the fries to Parmesan garlic fries. The sliders were tender and amazing, my favorite had a great spicy-sweet sauce with slaw, really nice kick to the sauce, with an almost Asian flair. The second was good, but just plain BBQ sauce. The third had a great curried honey mustard sauce, very unexpected. But those fries, though! Oh.my .god. Always get the garlic Parmesan fries. Freshly cut fries, nice and crisp, good fresh garlic flavor, and a Parmesan ranch type dip. It was me versus my table for those fries. My only regret is letting the server sway me from the pan fried cornbread to the mac and cheese, it was just okay, but my portions were too large to need a side anyway, so I shared.
(5)
Jennifer F.
Excellent go to place for games or "just because." Plenty of TVs everywhere, not just the bar area. Good beer selection. Good food. Good service.
(5)
Bryson H.
Good selection of beers and drinks -- they have cider! I love cider! I ordered some wings. As a connoisseur of wings, their menu taunted me with tales of year-after-year wins in best wings competitions. I decided to order their Firecracker wings, and their XXX wings. A word to the wise on the XXX wings: they are made with ghost peppers! Ghost peppers are hot. Extremely hot. In fact, they're the hottest peppers on the planet. I've had ghost pepper wings before and they destroyed me. (But I did finish the whole order.) The waiter informed me that instead of the half/half order of Firecracker and XXX, he could bring me just a single XXX wing instead. I'm not here to prove anything to anybody, just to see what all the fuss is about; I took him up on that offer. The Firecracker wings are not good. They're breaded, the outside is kind of mushy, and the flavor is best described as identical to Panda Express Orange Chicken if you added a hint of cayenne pepper. They're not hot at all, they've got a lot of sweet to them, and just taste like Orange Chicken. Which is to say crappy, sweet, and artificial. I can't believe these have ever won an award for anything, let alone best wings in Chicago. The XXX wings, however, are delicious. Did a single wing destroy me? It certainly did. But under all that heat they've done it right and there's a lot of really good flavor. A nice smokey depth and the chicken itself was pretty good. If I was in the mood for some it-hurts-so-good masochistic chicken wings, I'd come here for sure. The cider I ordered was also delicious. I can't recall which one it was, but they offered two when I was there, and I picked the less-dry of the two. Would definitely drink this again as well.
(3)
Celina B.
Yay! I'm a fan. Just not of the wing prices.... We tried going to Cobra Lounge as we heard they have killer wings- but they were sold out. of wings. on a friday night. BOGUS! Straight to google and Yelp! to find Chicago's #1 wings which were at Jake Melnick's. There was no wait at all which was incredible. This place is BIG and has outdoor seating where you can bring your leashed pup. There's a big bar area and a bunch of tables eeeeeverywhere! Our waiter was really awesome! Down to earth, funny, and very helpful with our decision making. My boyfriend said he'd party with him. I think it's because they talked about tattoos... Anyways- Their wings come in portions of 8 and you can mix and match 4 and 4. I got the mild and panchos. Panchos are garlic and cayenne! They're grilled and so delicious!! The mild burned my lips. Not so bad going down, but hot damn were my lips on fire. My boyfriend had gotten the spicy ones and a little more spicier set as well. At one point there was an actual tear in his eye. His lips were on fire for quite some time as well. But he liked them. Now what I'm going to tell you is VERY important... GET THE GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES AND BRING GUM, TOOTHPASTE, AND MOUTHWASH. The garlic lingered til the next day! But they were so damn good. My only "complaint" is we got the shit end of the fry batch and they were barely longer than my finger nail. Still delicious. At one point our server apologized for the drink delay, but someone was complaining about the prices and it involved the bartender and a manager, so he couldn't get the drinks. I really didn't think it took that long to get the drinks so it didn't bother me. We all made jokes about how they should have looked at the menu prices before ordering. Then we got our bill. $12 for 8 wings. DAFUQ?! Maybe WE should have looked at the prices before ordering!! All in all, we had fun, and we enjoyed the food! My 4 stars is because of the price and because I've had better wings that are my #1 fave still. Sorry Jake.
(4)
Daniel L.
Living in River North, I've been to Jake's many times and it's one of my favorites. You can't go wrong with any of their BBQ or burgers, and their wings and ribs are delicious. I'd also definitely recommend their sweet potato fries. The portions here are pretty big and they've got a great beer menu too. Great place to take friends or family from out of town.
(5)
Rachel W.
YUM! Love the food here. Such a cozy environment and great for big groups as well. One of my favorite spots. The bbq brisket sandwich is amazing and the portions are generous. Definitely try it out! Very low-key and affordable restaurant considering the location!
(5)
Christine S.
Jake Melnick's is a large sports bar... I love sports bars...like I, really love them. Tons of TV's. Lot's of different games on. Lots of action everywhere. Big crowds getting into the game of their choice. Great beer specials. ETC. What's not to love? But ehhhhhh, this might not be a sports bar for me. I ended up having a Cobb Salad for dinner (Romaine & iceberg lettuce, avocado, egg, red onions, blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon & chicken tossed in a tomato vinaigrette). The tomato vinaigrette is delicious. It's tangy, sour [in a good way]. Pretty good salad overall. They have a pretty decent beer list. beermenus.com/places/122… and some good specials throughout the week. The staff is super nice... I'm just not feeling Jakes yet... but I'll be back, I've gotta try the wings cause I hear they are fantastic!
(3)
Laura D.
The firecracker wings are amazing!!! its literally wing heaven. only comparable to Quaker steak n lube from Pittsburgh. The prices are a little steep for wings tho. The deserts are awesome too, had the chocolate chip cookie skillet sundae it was delightful.
(5)
Leonard F.
Great selection of beer to go with a lively atmosphere. Menu includes many favorites such as huge burgers and wings along with good barbecue choices. The fries are excellent. Friendly wait staff and reasonable prices make this an excellent choice only a few blocks from the Michigan Ave shping district,
(4)
Daniel N.
Fantastic! I am loving this place although I've only been here twice. There is a reason why the wings have been voted Best Of for three years running. The first time I ate here I had the "super hot" wings, which is one step below their "XXX" wings which I hear you have to sign a waiver to eat and are made of ghost peppers. I'll admit, I am one of those "macho" types who feel that I feel no burn so I ordered the super hot thinking, "bring it". Half way thru the 8 wings, I had to stop, go to the bathroom and wash my face as it was on fire. The second time, I just ordered the spicy wings. The sauce is very tasty, not just a flame in your mouth. There is actually a lot of flavor to them. They are also very meaty which makes them filling as well. My fiance got the buffalo chicken sandwich which also looked tasty and to her, were at the the right spice. We also split a baket of garlic fries - we could tell the fires had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while and just "tossed" to order. The bad things about this place is that they are kind of pricey. Not the wings or the sandwich but everything else was pricey. For example, the "spicy" were not actually that hot so I ordered a side of "super spicy" and was charged $1.95! For a little side of dipping sauce! At $7.50, the pilsner, albeit delicious, was pricey. On Mondays you can "flip" a coin for either a free appetizer or 15% off your total bill so that helps a little bit! I'll be back for the wings! I may even "man" up and try for the Wall of Flame!
(4)
Odranre B.
good portion...good food...reasonable prices...cornbread, mac and cheese, briskets are darn great!
(4)
Francis C.
I tried this place the other night... Wow... I really liked it... I wanted to try their. Xxx hot wings. So I ordered some "pumpkin beer" at the bar. Some off-duty waitor from another restaurant laughed and looked at me funny. So I told him to give Frankenstein his face back, and I went about my buisiness... Fugly... The 3 orders of xxx wings were really good. So I had 3 more orders. I really enjoyed them and even broke a sweat. But they were not as spicy I thought, at least going in. ...........At some point in the night I lost control of my bowels and woke up to the horse head scene from the Godfather. Yes I was screaming... But it was worth it, maybe not to my dry cleaner, but it was a special night for me... Note to restaurant: maybe you should change the name to FIRE DOWN BELOW!!!!
(5)
Bonna M.
It was a busy Saturday afternoon on Michigan avenue, lots of shopping and lots of people. We all had to stop to rest our feet, grab a bite to eat and a beer (or two, or three) to drink. I'd heard that Jake Melnicks has great wings and wasn't far so we hoofed it down to the restaurant. When we walked in there were quite a few people waiting. Their waiting area definitely leaves something to be desired because it isn't very big and is right in the middle of the action. However, the hostesses were super friendly and promised to get our group of 9 seated within 20 to 30 minutes. We were happy to grab a beer and wait. Their beer list is absolutely phenomenal. We ordered an Off Color Brewing beer of some sort and weren't disappointed at all (although it was $9). After about 20 minutes they sat us at a corner high top table out of the fray. Our server showed up at our table about 2 minutes later and took our drink orders. He also gave us some information about the wings and their menu. My daughter, husband and I shared their Poncho, Firecracker and Buffalo wings. We all really liked the Firecracker but thought the medium buffalo were good but not great. However, we LOVED their buffalo fries!! Everything was good, I would definitely return.
(4)
Mandy F.
I live close by, and Melnicks is a solid option in the neighborhood. The wings are great! Same with chicken tenders. Burger of the month is also a welcome addition. Occasionally the service is slow and they frequently forget an item for takeout. If the service were more reliable and the prices a bit lower, Melnick's would be hard to beat.
(3)
Adam S.
A friend and I were headed to Michigan Ave and were craving wings. After reading a few reviews, we decided this was the place to try. We are very happy we did! The atmosphere was appropriate for a sports bar/restaurant. The beer selection was great. Good locals and craft beers. Now the wings! I ordered the Super Hot. The waiter asked me if I was sure and I hesitated. He suggested getting half Super Hot, and Half Spicy Buffalo. They aren't kidding, the Super Hot, is SUPER HOT! However they are extremely flavorful. I am glad I tried them, but also glad I didn't get a full order. The wings are possibly some of the biggest that I've had. There was a great amount of meat on them. It was a great experience. I will defiantly be returning for more wings.
(4)
Jennifer C.
The wings were delicious! The Bloody Mary tasted like a buffalo wing which ended up being pretty tasty. Fun atmosphere!
(3)
Jules H.
Fun Streeterville spot...a bit of nice outdoor sidewalk seating, rustic plank tables inside. I met some friends here, who bragged about needing to eat Inferno Ghost wings. Tim R has a tattoo, Carm was really kind and sweet. Bobby O is funny in person and in talk. Was great to meet Linda, Jess blew us off, but she is forgiven because she's Jess. John N arrived late...wtf dude? John S and James Z were A-Okay. The food was less than dazzling, the service was excellent. Great waitress who never let our glasses rest empty for too long. They made a Chicago cop sign a waiver before he ate their crazy hot wings. Really? I'd go back for the booze and company, the food needs a "bar rescue".
(4)
Gino W.
I caught up with two former co-workers after work one evening and the original restaurant choice was a no-go. So there was a suggestion for Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. Sports bar meets Cheers. I had the barbecue pulled pork sandwich. The barbecue sauce was a Kansas City style sauce. Having spent some time Down South, I know a thing or two about good barbecue. But this was pub grub. The sandwich was soggy and the barbecue sauce was pretty much a glaze. Some of the fries were crispy; some were soggy. Being British and preferring stouts and dark ales, nothing on the beer menu jumped out at me. So I took a pass on beer. I think you go to Jake Melnick's to watch the game and root for your favourite team mostly. I get to say that I've been, but that's about it.
(3)
Daron D.
Ok bar not bad. Typical bar, they do have a nice selection of beer, but on the other hand, it is too high as far as pricing. Had the firecracker wings, sauce is good, but the wings are too big in size to me and doesn't taste right, onions are ok, nothing great and unlike other chicago bars this one closes at 2 am. Very average place.
(3)
Kylie S.
There's nothing special about this place and yet I love it anyways. Good beer, good food, good people. So many restaurants in this area are pretentious and that's just not my scene. I want to feel comfortable and relaxed if I stop in for lunch and a drink -- Jake Melnick's has that vibe. Love their "mystery beer Tuesdays" -- check it out.
(4)
G R.
Sure it's a bit pricey, but it's the high rent district, so you have to go with the flow. After an initial delay to get my first drink service did improve and was fine after that. I didn't have any food so I can't comment on that. Overall, it's a nice casual place to get together with a few friends or even a larger group, our server did split my check from the rest of the group, but she did hit me up with the 18% auto gratuity, so if you're leaving from a group watch for that. You don't want to double tip, nor do you want to short change a server either. To John S., I thought it was what I drank that made you look 40 pounds lighter, but you lost weight here, now that's impressive.
(3)
Breanna C.
Amazing wings. Had the peach BBQ as a month special. Also buffalo wings, sweet potato fries, and spinache dip were on point. Great food and great service. Next time I'm coming back to do the 8lb burger challenge.
(5)
Neil R.
The first time I went here, I thought the wings were slightly over-hyped. But I went back today and was pleasantly surprised. I was with 5 people so we ordered four different types of wings and they were all really good! The beer selection is very good and I do like the atmosphere. I cannot give it a five - the reason being is that I am from upstate NY (i.e. in the vicinity of Buffalo, NY), so I have very high standards when it comes to wings. Hard to compete, not going to lie. That said, very solid place to check out
(4)
Mike M.
Great wings. Very very very hot. It was an awesome experience. The people there were very nice and btw the cheddar fries were awesome.
(4)
Melissa F.
Another pleasant surprise. I came here for drinks and was not disappointed. Melnick's is not very distinctive as a bar - its cleanliness is both reassuring and renders a quasi-corporate feel. My date and I each enjoyed pumpkin cider. Our server was VERY helpful and friendly - not in that fake, angling for tips way, but in a genuinely helpful way. He pointed us toward Ace brand pumpkin cider, which TASTES LIKE DREAMS. Sometimes a pumpkin flavor is just a cute little dot on your tastebuds' radar, but this cider was full-on fizzy pumpkin happiness. Real talk. Although each pint was $7.50 :(, the cider was simply amazing. Melnick's was a relaxing place to enjoy these majestically delicious pints. Minus one star for the weird amount of heat being piped in! I know it's getting a teeny bit colder, but not enough to start circulating heat!
(4)
Kevin A.
The wings were meh, not so great. I dont think the food itself was the problem, it was more the person taking orders. The service is pretty mediocre, always some sort of communication problems and you end up getting something you didnt want. For a place that somehow earned the title to best wings in chicago at some point, the chicken was pretty pink, and not hot at all! Beware if youre not a local...
(2)
Steven P.
Moderately over priced sports bar. Been here many times when in Chicago for business. 1969 Mets -- sorry, my Tourette's. Anyway, I have had wings, burgers and the brisket here. All good. Always busy, but staff friendly and though not quite Cheers, you can talk to the person sitting next to you at the bar. Incredible selection of beer at okay prices. Great sports bar too. Got to watch the last game of the World Series, although I had to explain what that was to the local Cubs fans. Oh, sorry. Heck, I am a Mets fan and pretty much forgot as well.
(4)
Ginger R.
Really moist bbq pork and attentive waiter. The atmosphere is very casual and great food!! Prices are reasonable considering Chicago and just off Michigan Ave
(4)
Dixie D.
Best wings I've ever had in my life! Who knew I'd find the best wings ever in Chicago!? A sweet corner pub (I don't drink) where I know good food can be found- but this one surprised me. I also enjoyed the pork sliders. I still think if this place. Wish it was in my hometown.
(5)
Thorsten L.
great location for hanging out with friends. best wings in town...
(5)
Meghan H.
They have some pretty good wings here. Everyone with me believed they were the best wings ever, though I'm skeptical. The restaurant does tout that it was voted best hot wings at Wingfest 2010 and 2012.... I still love my bww. Aside from the wings, the rest of the food was pretty decent. Our waiter was great - really on top of things and attentive. Heads up that this place is definitely more a bar than a restaurant though.
(3)
Jessica K.
I was incredibly impressed with this place. Our service was amazing! They were absolutely packed when we (I, my brother and his wife) got there, and we decided to stick it out for the 45min - 1hr wait. So happy we did. We were brought back via a text saying our table was to be ready, and we ended up having to wait a little extra time. No big deal. We got seated, and ordered some drinks to start. I ordered the Castaway #2, and it was delicious. Great taste combinations. They came very quickly, and we ordered our appetizer - deep fried pickles. Our waitress came back with those, as well as an order of their Hand-Cut BBQ chips, stating that in apology of us waiting so long, our appetizers were on the house. We were so incredibly impressed. It was just such a lovely gesture, as we hadn't said a word towards the long wait for our table. Both the appetizers were, as is the trend so far, delicious. Then we got some wings. We ordered their monthly special (Peach Bourbon BBQ) as well as a split-order of their Poncho (Grilled with Garlic & Cayenne Marinade) and Firecracker (Sweet Chili Oil and Sriracha). The Peach Bourbon Wings were delicious, but in small amounts, they were quite sweet. We were blown away by the Firecracker wings, loving them enough to order another helping of just those even after we felt stuffed. The Poncho's were a close second. I have to say I was very impressed with the food and service. This has easily become my new favorite place to go for some wings and I will definitely be going once a month at minimum to sample their monthly creations for Mac'n'cheese and wings.
(5)
M N.
Wings are average at best and menu items are overpriced for portion size. I'm not sure who decided these are the best wings in Chicago but I've had wings at least a half dozen other placed that put these to shame. Will not be going back. Service was very good though...
(2)
Mahsa T.
Jake Melnick, where have you been all my life? Why have I passed by you so many times and not stopped in to say hello? Never thought bar food could be this good, but this is surprisingly good food. And they have my favorite beer too. The 5 Rabbit Huitzi (a Belgian Strong Golden Ale, brewed with hibiscus flowers, ginger, thai palm sugar and local Chicago honey)---it's delicious---where has this beer been all my life? I don't drink a lot, but I could drink three of these easy. It goes down smooth and it's strong too. Ok, so the food--cobb salad, fresh and good. BBQ double play combo (we got it with the 1/3 slab of ribs and 1/4 smoked chicken)--phenomenally good BBQ (the kind you'd expect to find at a specialty BBQ place)--even the chicken was good. Their burger--easily one of the best burgers in the city. Their fries are addicting, can't just eat one, you end up eating the whole basket. It does get crowded when there's a game on and there are a lot of tourists, but you may have better luck during the week or off peak hours. Service was solid. I've been here twice already and plan to return many more times during the summer to enjoy some outdoor beer.
(5)
Sheila G.
When we arrived at Jake Melnick's we hung around for a bit outside, and I was amazed at the constant stream of people entering the restaurant. We were here for a private party in their back room, and it turned out to be a terrific choice. Although we had a set menu to choose from, it was big enough so that there was something for everyone. For appetizers we chose the flatbread, which was delicious. I'm not a big fan of wings, even if they are proclaimed AWESOME, so we didn't order them, but they must be good - the little brother of the party boy gobbled up a whole order in five minutes flat. (The servers were very good about cleaning up the mess he left, which threatened to annihilate my clothing!). For the main course, hubby and I decided to share the turkey burger and a Cobb salad. The burger, with grilled onions, mushrooms, and Swiss, was just perfect, but it was the Cobb salad that sent me straight to heaven; it had to be one of the best salads I've ever eaten. I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm a big fan of high-test cider, so I was thrilled to see that Jake Melnick's had two different ones available on tap. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Sundae was the icing on the cake, and we left stuffed and happy -- well, not so happy that we ate so much, but happy that we ate well, and with great service, too.
(5)
Hk S.
Hands down my favorite place for wings. I love spicy food and always get the XXX wings when I go. I absolutely love them, but I warn you it is not for the light hearted. If you dare you try them you will be pleasantly surprised how flavorful they are as well as very very spicy. I am a huge fan of seasoned hot wings and these are exactly that. My bf and I also shared a baked potato with bbq pulled pork on top. The potato is huge!!! I wasn't expecting that at all. It is super cheesy and just baked to perfection. We where completely satisfied. This place is always busy and the servers are super sweet. I would recommend this place to any wing lover. It is the place to be!
(5)
Nancy D.
I got 'addicted' to chicken wings because of Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. I had a preference for the meatier parts of chicken, then one day when I had just moved into the neighborhood a new friend suggested we try out some chicken wings at the place. It was love at first bite with all the different and spicy flavours available as well as great service. The beer selection is equally good and I have even explored the menu finding the equally delicious Pulled Pork Slider trio. So even though my orders vary, the chicken wings are always part of it. There's also an awesome selection of burgers you can choose from and I have never noticed any drop in the quality of food preparation or servings. The crowd is warm and friendly so even when you are seated alone, it is easy to start a conversation with equally starved strangers. There is no other place like Corner Tap in Chicago.
(5)
Susan W.
Went here for dinner last night at about 8 pm. We were a group of 7 that were seated rather quickly considering they were pretty busy for a Monday night. Took quite a while for the waitress to take our orders. Then took quite a while for water. Then even longer for beers. I think our waitress Laura was assigned too many tables for her to handle. Needless to say it took a long time to receive our food. While we waited neighboring tables received their food before ours. Finally frustrated 1 of our party went up to the hostess to ask for a manager. Of course then our food comes out. (Murphy's law). Anyhoo.... The food was adequate. 4 people ordered salads & they all looked fine. But how long does it take to make salads??? One person had the house made veggie burger with side salad. She said the veggie burg had a nice spice to it. Another had a plain grilled chicken breast with a side of sweet potato fries. The fries are advertised as shareable and are $6. I would think the portion size should have been larger. When her bill came they charged her for a full chicken sandwich meal not just a side chicken breast. Did get corrected. I got the worst entree of the whole table. I was so disappointed. I had researched the restaurant & was the one who suggested it to my friends. My buffalo chicken sandwich was small & had very little buffalo sauce & a miniscule amount of blue cheese crumbles on it. It did however have a ginormous bun. :( Fries were not hot. Server was kind enough to split our check & 18% gratuity was already added in. I think we would have all been within our rights to scratch that out & reduce it to 10% based on the slow service we received. Overall I am left feeling very disappointed because I had already picked out what I would have when I went back. Now I don't think I will.
(1)
Ben L.
When I walked in I was greeted immediately I sat down at the bar has a drink and a menu with 2 minutes if not less the bartender asked me my name and remembered it. Wings where great different then I usually get and they came out about 4-10 minutes after ordering them sizzling hot and good to go. Great service is a rare review I give these days and they have that in spades
(5)
Jay N.
Friendly bar staff. Good bar food. Large number of beers to choose from some of which are off the beaten path. Recommend the wings and BBQ. Both are served quickly and taste great. Plenty of TVs to watch a game. I stop here many times when I'm in Chicago for work, don't have plans, and just want to relax and watch a game. Has several communal tables which is a good way to meet new people.
(4)
Nate M.
I went here a couple times while I was staying in the area. Great beer selection with some knowledgeable bartenders to offer advice. I had the pork slider trio once and the hot link special the other. Good BBQ! I have had better pork, but it was still very tasty with good, flavorful sauces. Good atmosphere and worth checking out!!
(4)
D h.
Great food, drinks, beer, & atmosphere. Looks corporate, but was told there's only one. North front door enters into a large dining room with high & low tables on each side. A long bar is located on the south wall. Walls are mostly a nice stone with large windows on the north side. Actual bar is classic, even the bar back (mirrors, shelves, etc.). Great for large groups, but there were also many younger singles sitting at the bar, which seemed kind of odd, but was told that many will stop by just for dinner. Food was incredible (stick with wings or BBQ) and Jake's has an extensive beer menu, with try before you buy. Sides are delicious and huge. Sports on all their HDTVs, which are plentiful, including game audio for the bigger games. Crowd is mostly younger, but not obnoxious. Overall atmosphere is very easy going. Great starter place for food or drinks, or for one last one.
(4)
Lynn B.
We came here for the wings as they have been voted 'Best Wings in Chicago' by several sources. The wings were delicious and I was eyeing some of the other food people were eating which also looked amazing. It is bar food, so don't expect high class fancy pants food. I also liked their bar menu. They had a few beer cocktails, such as the House Shandy, which is beer mixed with lemonade, a 22oz pour for $7. Can't beat that price in the area. We will be back!
(5)
Christopher V.
Wings are good, but overpriced at $12 for seven pieces. Pass on the ribs, looks better than they taste. Pass on the Nutter Butter Banana Pudding..soupy with very little Nutter Butter. Onion rings needed salt, but otherwise the beer batter was pretty good. Service is solid. Food is overpriced and ranges from average to below average. Won't return unless they have a wing special.
(2)
Thamer B.
Me and my wife was looking for wings and this place was the nearest to us so we decided to give it a shot We had the BBQ wings and the grilled wings I am not sure what was the name of it, we had the loaded baked potato and the three small Angus burger, the burger and potato was fine but the wings truly it's one of the best, we even brought our friends the next day to try them up! We had the cookie with ice cream and the chocolate fudge and it was amazing although the other day it was not good as it was in the first time, I loved the place and I really think I would come again
(4)
Kelly S.
Yanna was the most amazing waitress ever and made our group of 11 feel welcomed and well taken care of!! Try the firecracker wings!!! We split an order, next time I'll get my own! Barbecue is tasty and well smoked, lots if flavor... Beer could have been a little colder, but that was all we found less than great!!!
(5)
Brendan B.
Drinks were good, service was great. Nice place to come and unwind! Wish they had something like this back home!
(5)
Melissa K.
I was prepared to come on here and write a scathing review of Melnick's after a bad experience today, but after some great customer service I'm here with a well-earned 4 star review. I live in the area, so I've gone to Jake Melnick's often in the last few years. It's become a favorite of my parents as well, who like to take me and the BF here for lunch when they swing by town. As my parents were coming down to take us to lunch today, we immediately thought of Jake Melnick's. However, knowing it was a Sunday AND St. Patrick's day, it was sure to be crowded, so we decided to try their carry-out service instead. I called and placed my order, and was told it would take 30 minutes. The BF headed over right at the half hour mark, and was told it wasn't ready. Ok, no big deal, it's a busy day. But 30 minutes later, he was still waiting, and he hadn't even been given an update on when the food would be ready. An hour after placing the order, he finally got our food, only to bring it home and find out we were missing food. I was irate (and hungry!). I thought to myself, if you can't handle carry-out orders on busy days, you shouldn't offer carry-out at all. I called back, and I explained what had happened to whoever picked up the phone. She put me on hold as she went to find a manager. After 6 minutes of waiting on the phone, I was even saltier, and I again explained what happened and asked that the missing items be delivered to my apartment. Here's where the story gets good: Less than 15 minutes later, a delivery man was at my door with not only the missing food, but an envelope containing cash in the amount of the missing food PLUS $20 in gift cards. I tried to give the delivery guy a tip, but he was so apologetic and wouldn't accept. Wow. Thanks, Jake Melnick's! It was really nice to see such great customer service on one of the busiest days of the year (especially when I wasn't exactly the nicest customer on the phone). Can't wait to stop by again soon with the gift cards!
(4)
Ladd W.
All of their wings are great, best in the city. I love their xxx wings.... and yes, I would marry them if I could.
(5)
Melis A.
Sat at the bar during lunch today. Good service, great selection of brews; guess I was just not psyched about the good selection or quality. The brown fries tasted odd that it required a lot of ranch and buffalo to stomach. Sort of a boring ambiance, too. Not what I was expecting from a Chicago pub.
(3)
Jon O.
This sports bars atmosphere is very much what you'd expect from a....well....sports bar restaurant. I went for lunch and sat near the street at a table that was comfortable but felt a little removed from the restaurant itself. I guess it converts into open air seating in the summer. The server was Johnny on the spot with making sure our drinks were filled up and that we had everything we needed. I had a appetizer of their white chili, which I think was a special, and it was very creamy and I almost had to order another one it was so good. I'm glad I opted out on the second chili though since I ordered a turkey burger and it was gigantic. The burger was cooked to perfection and mine came with a side of sweet potato fries which were a little on the soggy side which kinda sucked. This is a pretty good lunch spot imo if you are in the mood for some high quality bar food.
(4)
Alan F.
Back yesterday for my yearly visit, and was delighted to find that their beer list is better than ever, now including no fewer than 20 Mikeller lines, taking up a page and a half of the menu. That alone gets them a fifth star. While in Chicago I'll return to sample a few of these. Meanwhile, on yesterday's visit, I tried Revolution's Very Mad Cow bourbon-barrel aged milk stout, and Revolution Third Year, the latter not even currently available at Revolution itself. Oh, Jake's is carrying some prime stuff.
(5)
Ariel H.
Ok seriously, I have an addiction to this place.... I don't go for the drinks I go for the WINGS! Seriously their wings are the best.. Go during happy hour and get the buffalo fries $5 and super good.. Bbq nachos are good, corn bread and they always have a killer Mac and cheese of the month! Drinks are overpriced for my liking but the food makes up for it.. I've taken all sorts of people here and they leave happy! Seriously go!!
(5)
Adam E.
Oh man, you walk into this place and it just smells so good you pretty much start drooling and doing that zombie hobble to the bar immediately. Chanting, "Wiiings, WIIIINNNGGSSS!" Rightfully so. The wings are abnormally delicious. And I think the guy sitting beside us when we arrived was either a zombie of a werewolf. He was slurping away at his wings, looking and sounding like a wild animal. Which is disgusting, by the way, no matter how awesome the wings are. Have a little dignity, dude. The bartender who served us was extremely knowledgable and friendly. Patient too. When it took us a while to make our decision on what to order, he offered to describe any dish in more detail, and didn't rush us at all. He knew a ton about the beers on tap and gave my beer-brewing bartender bff a very thorough rundown on the features of each brew she asked about. He didn't miss a beat. And there were a ton of beers. Good ones too, like a pilsner from Meantime Brewery in England. On tap! We decided to split a sandwich and 2 kinds of wings. I was not crazy about the pulled pork sandwich, but I didn't hate it. There just wasn't much to the sauce and it wasn't really "pulled." It was more like chunks of pork on a bun with a kind of boring sauce. But, the wings more than made up for it. We got the boneless variety, which I know are not really wings, but my bff is too civilized to eat meat off the bone. The tenders were ridiculous. We got the traditional spicy buffalo and the "exotic" wings which had a sweet and spicy asian sauce. I wish we ordered more of them instead of the sandwich. Learn from my experience and order the wings at the place that has won all kinds of awards for their wings. They deserve the accolades.
(4)
A L.
I went back for a second time on a Saturday night. It's was super busy but the line went pretty quick. The wings are terrible, they say jumbo but my friends boneless wings had more meat on them. The French fries were burnt ! Every tv in the entire place had a assortment of football games on from all over the U.S. And when we requested the Bulls game which was in Chicago that night they put it on in the corner tv so far from our table we couldn't see it after promising is when we arrived it would be right in front of us. I had family in town and it was a awful experience. I will not return !
(1)
Melanie S.
Over the years, this location was home to Randall's Ribhouse, Blackhawk Lodge, and currently, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. There's your Chicago trivia for the day. First and foremost, it's a sports bar, but it also happens to have good food. You can't really go wrong with anything you order here. They offer tons of barbecue items, salads, sandwiches, tons of french fry options (the garlic parmesan are a must-try)and their famous, much-ballyhooed wings, often touted as "best in Chicago." While they're good, I can't crown them Chicago's best. They should be crispier and more flavorful. A recent order of the garlic-cayenne wings yielded no real discernible taste of either garlic or cayenne. Sad face. They have an extensive beer list and daily specials. If you're a craft beer lover, this place will give you a beer boner. Service is friendly. Prices are kind of high, but given the area, not outrageous. The clientele is a mix of sports fans (they have TVs in every area), older folks, the after-work crowd, and tourists. Everyone seems to be comfortable here. I guess what I'm saying is Jake's is fine. You could do worse.
(3)
Michelle M.
Had an average experience here. The restaurant itself has a great ambiance and a wide selection of unique beers, which I liked! When I asked the waitress for a beer recommendation, she didn't quite listen to what I liked and didn't seem very knowledgeable. My friend and I ordered the tuna burger and side of cornbread skillet to share. Cornbread skillet=eh, okay. Tuna burger=eh, okay. I'd definitely come here for happy hour with friends, but not if you're looking for great food.
(3)
Sannie L.
3.5 This place was pretty good. Stopped here with some co-workers on a work trip after a long day. I ordered their special at the time, which was the "Hell-o-ween" burger. It was supposed to be really spicy, hence the "hell." Whatever, it had guac on it and I loves me some guac. The burger was super tasty and came out along with fries and pickle slices in a bucket platter. The portion was huuuge and I ended up saving some for later that night. My other coworker ordered the brat with a beer and thoroughly enjoyed her meal. I also want to try their famous wings. Prices are reasonable given their size. I'd come back here again as it seems like a good place to sit, relax, and have a drink. They have comfortable seating inside, at the bar, or out on the street. Overall good, but it didn't feel like anything special.
(3)
Drew D.
Just ate here. Great service at the bar from Brandon. Easily the best wings I've ever had in my life. Also get the Parmesan fries as a side substitute. You won't regret it.
(5)
Gina S.
We have been to Jake's about 5 times. We love the wings. We get the ponchos and traditional buffalo medium. We also drink plenty of captain and cokes and vodka and tonic. The friendliness of the servers has been hit and miss. Great atmosphere, great food, a few drinks, TVs everywhere, and good company; what more can you ask for??
(5)
Jared P.
Their BBQ nachos were great! They're almost as good as Southern style. Almost...
(4)
Eric L.
Can't provide much information about this place as we just stopped in for a drink before heading off to another place for dinner. They have a nice outdoor area and the menu looked pretty good. I got one of their drink specials called a "Double Gin" which was potent and delicious! The server was a little spacey and slow but nothing major to complain about. Might have been before they were catering to the people sitting indoors? Anyway, it's one of those places that I would classify as "touristy". They promote themselves to have the best wings in Chicago. Couldn't tell ya cuz we didn't have any but looks like a ploy to get tourists into the building. I can't say I would definitely not go there again - I might. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
(3)
Andy J.
The wings were outstanding here. They did not overload them with sauce and the meat was tender and juicy. Pair this with some local beers on tap which they have plenty of. The service was prompt and polite. I would definitely recommend this place for casual dining in Chicago.
(4)
Jules L.
I am surprised I haven't reviewed this place before. It's the go-to after-work hangout for my coworkers so I've been here a good couple of times with those guys. They used to have a really cool cocktail that I always ordered but it doesn't look like they have it anymore. But their array of beers is ridiculous! And their food is decent as well. It's not really the kind of place I'd choose to go to on my own, but I've always had a good time here with the job mob.
(3)
Andrea W.
We recently hosted a rehearsal dinner and rented out the keg room and patio. We were looking for a casual place where out of town guests could eat and drink, and not worry about having to be dressed up. The price was reasonable and Jessica was very easy to work with. Prior to the event we dropped off a cake and cookies, which they had no problem refrigerating the items. When we arrived everything was set up and ready to go. We did a buffet with various foods items (mini pulled pork, mini tacos, chicken skewers, flatbreads) and the staff did a great job making sure the food was re-stocked. The food was amazing and I can't tell you how many of our guests commented on the great food. They even had a staff member go around and hand out slices of cake. The bartenders were great and were very knowledgeable about the beers that were offered. Overall, I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to host a casual event.
(5)
Melanie B.
They got us in pretty quickly considering how busy they were. We shared an order of wings and onion rings which were were very good. Staff was excellent. They have a great outdoor seating area which was enclosed due to cold weather while we were there but it looked like it would be a great spot to people watch while enjoying a meal.
(4)
Ken O.
If you are downtown and looking for a great restaurant of off the mag. mile...Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is the place. Seriously. There were two in my group. As soon as you open the door, BBQ aroma hits you, however, it's not overpowering but you you know it's a place that knows it's BBQ. We were greet by the Manager/host, very pleasant. We were seated in the covered patio area. Our female service (I apologize that I don't remember her name) was great! She gave us a few minutes to settle in before taking our drink order and reviewed the menu with us. She also gave us her favorites, which I like. Who better know the food than the server? Upon delivering our drinks, she took our order without rushing us. Within a reasonable amount of time, our food was at our table. My lunch companion, Jan, had the veggie burger and I had the chicken sandwich. We had shared the mac'n'cheese - which I would highly recommend. I would place their mac'n'cheese within the top five of my list. I would say that I'm connoisseur of the cheesie stuff. Both sandwiches were large and delicious. Fries are also included with the meal. You will not leave hunger. Unfortunately, we weren't able to try the desserts. The main dining room has both regular size tables and the communal tables. Which is a great way to meet other people. The noise level in the area was not bad. The noise level in the patio was definitely louder. During the warmer weather, the pation would be great to sit at. Overall, great restaurant and great food. Looking to go back and try more food.
(4)
Anthony W.
Came here on a Friday during sweet 16 march madness tourney and there was a wait. But well worth the wait. Luckily two seats opened up at bar 5 min after checking in. Had the fried pickles. Was great. I recommend getting those. Ordered the fish n chips cuz it is lent. Was also great. I'm actually thinking if going back and getting them today again. Also great variety of craft beer available. Love this place.
(4)
Marissa B.
I only came here once, but the wings and grilled cheese were DELICIOUS. Bloody Mary wasn't bad either, but not the best I've ever had. Service was a little slow, but it was a very busy Sunday and several football games were on. When back in Chicago, I don't know if I'd return simply based on the plethora of other restaurants, but I'd definitely recommend it to someone looking for a casual place where they could grab a beer and watch a game.
(3)
Jed M.
Went here for a late Friday lunch during NCAA tournament games. The place is a typical gastropub layout with a long bar and many tables. Also an outdoor patio in nicer weather. We ordered onion rings as an appetizer which was very good. Flaky and not too greasy. I ordered a messy pig which was delicious, but the portion sizes were way too large. I had enough food to be completely full for two meals. The beer selection was pretty solid, but a lot of what they had posted on beermenus was not accurate and the replacement selections weren't as good. It was also on the pricy side especially for the bottle selection. Our server was a little strange, but overall was attentive and met our needs. They have several tv's, but they are kind of awkwardly laid out. I didn't have a really good close view of any one of them. Overall it seems like this place is just trying a little too hard to be cool. I would certainly return, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice since many other places nearby have a lot more character.
(3)
Peter P.
The beer is still good. They've changed a lot of the taps since my last visit and someone there clearly knows how to pick them.
(3)
Jon M.
First thing I'm going to say is.. I'm definitely coming back here again to try something different. Service was good! They sat us in an area private enough and loud enough for two people to sit. Our waitress didn't check on us at first, but that's ok. My gf and i had ample amount of time to look over the beer menu and food menu. For the Unique beers we had, she had the Jolly Pumpkin and I had the Escoffier. We enjoyed our choices to the fullest. Because of the Lenten season, my gf gave up red meat. That's ok, we came here for the chicken wings and it did not disappoint. We had the poncho wings. Oh snap. Each bite made me eat slower just so i can savor each bite.. In the words of Homer Simpson.. Awesomaaaaah Powaaah!!!! 10 jumbo wings per basket, and you can't get the poncho wings in boneless. They were oh so juicy & tender. I clean my bones along with the cartilage and all, and they were all clean. I know not to waste. But we shared a huge plate of the nachos. Other yelpers say it's good with chili, but I can't wait till we come back and try the nachos with bbq pork. We weren't completely done yet. We ended with an awesome dessert! NUTTER BUTTER BANANA PUDDING!!! Wow.. Just wow!! Each bite is worth putting me into a deeper sense of food coma. Amazing. We are definitely coming back!
(5)
Ajay B.
They tout themselves as the best wings in Chicago. Maybe that's the case, maybe not, idk... But regardless, we did LOVE the wings here! Cooked perfectly for a crisp skin on the outside n the meat on the inside was still very moist. Flavors def got through the skin into the meat as well. Sadly though that's where the good news ends... We didn't really care for much of anything else.. average bar food, average service. Lively loud bar type atmosphere (but not sloppy or messy or anything) throughout the whole place... including a small covered outdoor patio area... If I ever go back it'd be for the wings and wings only.
(3)
Taylor A.
A classic sports bar with a more rustic feel, and a way better beer list that you would expect. I had a couple Great Divide Hades, and my friend had an Evil Twin Biscotti Break. My only big issue with this place is the price and size of some of their specialty beers. My friends Evil Twin was the size of a normal tasting sample and cost $9. Way overpriced. I would be broke if I came here and drank for more than an hour or so.
(3)
Stacey N.
Had been there before, had an average experience (really great sweet potato fries, but who could screw that up?) Was there last Thursday, had their tuna burger w/sweet potato fries (of course) it comes with a wasabi mayo which is tasty, but the burger itself was flavorless. (Didn't eat the bun). Come around 1:30 in the morning I was unpleasantly surprised with food poisoning that kept me up for over 2 hours sick, sick, sick. Clearly I will not go there again. Ever.
(1)
Greyser C.
Very good place all around. The waiters are really good, what you would u expect in river north. The wings are good, even comparable to Mother hubbards which is saying a lot. It's cool because they have mixed drinks on tap too. Definitely will come back here.
(5)
Michael L.
My favorite food of all time is chicken wings and I think this place do have one of the best in the city. The wings are jumbo and meaty. They also have great beer selection. The servers know their beers as well so you don't have to go to the bar. They can accommodate for large parties and have TV in pretty much any angle you sit in. Another cool thing is my wife and I forgot our leftovers on our table. We realize this as soon as we got to our car after a 5 block walk. We drove back up to the restaurant and as I walked in to ask if they still had it. They did not throw it away as they actually had it placed on the side for me. Caught me by surprise. Little things like that makes my day.
(5)
John F.
I struggled with the rating of Jake Melnick's - 3 or 4.. 3 or 4.. ahhh 3! I guess it all depends on what you order and your tastes. If you like Long Island Ice Teas, this is NOT your bar, they are EXTREMELY weak here. I honestly think the server just gave me an Arnold Palmer and charged me 9 bucks for it. I guess that's my fault for ordering a cocktail at a place with over 100 beers, but what can I say, I was craving a Long Island! So yes, they have tons of beer options here so stick with beer. As far as food, well I'm sure you've heard, but they have some pretty good wings here. it's not a myth. However, don't order the Ghost Chile wings - you'll regret it, I know I did. I regretted it several times a day for a week. I completed their dumb wing challenge and didn't get anything for it except an ulcer. I even had to pay for it! Whatever, this place isn't known for their hot wing challenge, only for having good wings so stick to the basics. The barbecue here is okay. I'm pretty critical about my barbecue so I'm sure many will find the barbecue here amazing, but to a purist it's just okay. For a bar, it is very good though so take it for what it's worth. So what did we learn here? Order beer. Order any type of wings except for the Ghost Chile ones. Order one of their barbecue sandwiches or burgers. Follow those guidelines and you'll enjoy your time here.
(3)
Ivanka B.
Oh company holiday party - damn you! Loved the booths and the drinks, didn't try the food but the karaoke was fantastic. Until next time ....
(3)
Katerina K.
I am literally never disappointed when eating at Jake's. Now that I do not live downtown, any time I do go downtown, I make sure I stop to eat at Jake's with whoever is with me. Their wings are AMAZING. They are pretty spicy even if you get their traditional buffalo. Love this place and I will be downtown tomorrow and cannot wait to stop in.
(5)
Jack F.
Sweet Lord the March Madness burger. If you come to Jake's, come for THAT. it's an amazing experience. I struggled, but prevailed. Fries are pretty good here as well.
(4)
Sarah M.
Of course, the wings are great. We tried the firecracker this time, and they were awesome! Surprisingly though, this is my go-to place for a quick salad and a beer. The garbage and cobb salads are both really good. The beer is always good. They have a great selection. They really need to do away with the tiny glasses though. I paid $8.50 for a 3" tall glass of beer. That's annoying! Usually the service is good. However, this time our server wasn't friendly at all, and worst of all, she was sooo slow.
(4)
Kristen T.
Had the best time here while visiting Chicago with friends. The Bloody Mary's are excellent (and come with a shooter of Miller Lite for $1!) and the wings were very tasty. We were there for brunch and the portions were extremely generous and kept us all full for the entire day. Our waiter, Dan, was amazing! After overhearing my husband wish one of the friends we were there with a "happy birthday" Dan surprised the birthday boy with a delicious dessert on the house. We were blown away!
(4)
Mike M.
the best wings in illinois! nuff-said! go there!
(5)
Emily C.
Pretty good sports bar in this part of the city. They have a great beer selection and good burgers (try the turkey burger - it's my fave). They usually have a special burger and / or special wings (we once tried the PB&J wings and they were great). The BBQ is pretty good. The special the last time we went was a burger with an egg on top in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It was too much. Try the chocolate chip cookie skillet for dessert. 85/365
(3)
Zach E.
Jake's wings are the must have when going here. i personally stick to boneless, and change between the buffalo and the wing of the month. hard to go wrong in downtown 60611.
(4)
Adoley J.
A good BBQ spot with great beer selections. YES PLEASE! Had dinner here last night and over 24 hours later I am still dreaming about the pulled pork. Cannot wait to go back and try the famous wings.
(5)
Rokey T.
Jake Melnick's advertises the best wings in town and it doesn't disappoint. The buffalo, spicy buffalo and garlic wings are super tasty! They're a little smaller than "jumbo" as stated on the menu, but ehh every restaurant pulls that. The ranch is real nice. The nachos are loaded and okay. I wouldn't order them again, but if you're in the mood for cheesy chips with chilli--give it a shot! Honestly, haven't eaten anything else because the wings are JUST THAT GOOD! ***They don't do delivery, but pick up is super quick and the food is always warm by the time I bring it home.
(5)
Bill K.
The good - extensive beer menu, decent food. The bad - prices (usually at least $6-7 for a beer, up to $12.95 for a dozen wings), service, and most TVs don't have HD. Let me repeat and expand on that last comment....the year is 2012 where most households have high def TVs, and this is supposed to be a sports bar that charges +$7/beer and $12.95/dozen wings, yet they don't have the games in HD!!! Even worse, most of the TVs are pretty small and hard to see due to their positioning. You are much better off cooking or ordering in and watching games in your own living room than going to this joint.
(1)
Matthew W.
As Homer Simpson says..."Beer". Order "A little Sumpin' Sumpin'" It's a good beer and you'll sound ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. Extensive beer list. A lot that I hadn't heard of until Jake's. Good specials. Not cheap but probably worth the cost. The food is average but it's comfort food and a lot of it and that has to count for something. They make a pretty good burger. Skip the pulled pork though. Good place to watch the game...any game. They have a ton of TVs. No pretension either. Just a good time. They even have a rewards card for loyal customers. Don't forget to check in on Foursquare for great specials like free fries or 50% off lunch and definitely don't forget to grab a Root Beer Barrel Candy on the way out. Tell 'em Jake sent ya. I've never actually tried that but maybe it'll work.
(4)
Dustin G.
We were hungry. It was lunchtime. This was the only place without a wait. This could have been disastrous but it was delightful. The bbq sauce is like hickory-smoked crack! I could've drank it by the glass. I tried the pork sandwich, the brisket and the garbage salad. The meat was delicious and it reminded me of real SOUTHERN bbq, not this wacky midwest stuff they usually have up in Chi town. If you're from the deep south, check this place out the next time you have a hankerin' for some down home flavors. Oh! Amazing bloody marys. Absolutely delicious and very spicy.
(4)
Rits M.
the atmosphere is great here. perfect bar feel, lots of wood and bbq. Also like the writing on the wall. Place is pretty large and well stacked with beer. Service was rather slow, but it was a friday evening so Im not holding it against them.
(3)
Francesca L.
I've been going to Jack Melnick's for a long time. I feel like it's a hidden in the loop area. The food is decent and they have a really good beer selection. They are known for their wings so try them! If you are in the area and looking for some good beers and decent bar food, check out Jack Melnick's!
(4)
Dennis S.
Now these people understand hospitality! After two unsuccessful stops trying to partake of advertised Kentucky Derby "special events" (see one-star reviews of Market Restaurant and David Burke's Primehouse), we got to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap at 4:50, with post time for the Derby at 5:20. Sign on the door - "Closed at 5:00 for Private Party." Now I'm getting worried - there is no Plan D. I went in and asked the hostess about watching the Derby. She said to come on in, order a drink, but the bar closes at 5pm. We're welcome to stay and watch the race, but then need to leave after the race because their private party needs to be set up. Now that's how to run a customer-oriented business! We, along with about 30 others, watched the race on dozens of TV's, heard the background info on the horses and heard the race called, yelled for our horses, watch 15 minutes of post-race interviews and analysis, finished our drinks, and left. Very civilized. Everybody was happy, I won't ever give Jake's four stars for their food, but they certainly cemented my loyalty as a "fan," and five stars for hospitality.
(4)
Dan G.
I've been here a bunch and always liked it. But, I think today was an off day. Always a solid choice for a few brews and excellent BBQ. It had been a long time since we've been here and I was craving the gluttony that typically awaits me here. Jake maybe you were too focused on the line of tourists in your joint. I know you can do much better. We opened with the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza. It pretty much sucked as it was cold and didn't have any blue cheese or even a decent helping of the other toppings. We usually get this and it was awful this time and I simply tried to regroup for my pigout. We instead focused our efforts on the refreshing pitcher of New Belgium's Dandelion Ale that we were enjoying from their nice draft selections. Our waiter let us try it first, which just added to the attentive service he provided. A short bit later entrees arrived, veggie burger for her, pork BBQ sampler for me plus garlic fries. My wife enjoyed what she calls a burger and I loved the cue. To me, that's your best bet here and they do it well. My sampler included Carolina, Georgia and KC versions of pulled pork, all of which were great. I'm glad it was too, because the brisket is killer and something I rarely pass on. The typically scrumptious fries were not so great. Undercooked and poorly seasoned, they lacked the crispy texture and saltiness that clears them from our table in the blink of an eye. But I'm a trooper and I was unimpeded in putting away the whole basket. I really like Jake's and just hope that they pick it up in the future. Football is right around the corner and this is the perfect place for gamewatching.
(3)
Viola I.
Went here with a group a friends a few times. Noticed the sign for "award-winning wings". I'm always skeptical of those banners claiming best this and that or award winning, but I had to give them a try. And boy, did the wings live up to that banner. They were awesome!! The other food was also a crowd pleaser throw in great service and you have yourself a perfect place to grab dinner!! Definitely a must go.
(5)
Don B.
Went back for the BBQ and it did not disappoint! Had a trio of BBQ sliders, pulled pork with three different styles of sauce. I really liked the N.C. sauce, I'm a sucker for the bite of vinegar! Also split another round of wings, just as good as before. For my money this is about as closed as you'll get to a local neighborhood bar in the middle of Mag Mile/Gold Coast.
(4)
Charlie R.
Went here after seeing the Christmas sites by Water Tower Place. Wanted a good eating experience, but not too uptight. Jake Melnick's came to mind. Went in on a very busy Saturday night and was told that it would be a 45 minute wait. Not surprised at all so we got a beer at the bar. GREAT BEER MENU! 20 minutes later we were seated in the back. Started off with a side of onion rings which were ehh. I ordered a burger, can't remember the name but had bacon, pork and BBQ sauce as toppings. One of the best burgers I have ever had! Service was a little slow, seemed like our server was paying attention to other tables more and our waters were always empty, but I will chalk that up to being near the holidays. Great food and beer selection!
(4)
Susie Q.
I have been here a few times, and both the food, service, and drinks were of good quality. The food even hold up well for delivery (ceo). Wings....love them all except the garlic marinade, as they didn't have much of a flavor. They can pull off a good pulled pork sandwich too. It's pretty cool that you can also do a build-a-burger and build-a-chicken sammy. Easy place to grab a weekend breakfast without the extensive lines like most of the other places in the area. Icing on the cake-- always check out the burger of the month special. Check it out. Eat a burger. Grab a brew.
(4)
Dario C.
The burgers rock. And they're huge. Fries are excellent as well. I think the wings are good, but not out of this world. I had them again recently, and they were a bit too greasy for my tastes. They're definitely meaty, though. We watched a Bears game here on a Sunday; there were a lot of tourists there (I'm not suggesting this is a bad thing). We just figured all the hotels on the Mile probably recommended Jake's. Bottom line: great place for a beer and a burger.
(4)
Chris R.
I ordered the Halloween wing mix of spicy, very hot, and XXX wings and they were great. The XXX wings are dressed with Bhut Pepper (ghost pepper) sauce and holy crap were these hot but with great flavor. The waitress properly warned me they were ghost pepper so unless you know what this is you probably will be in more hell than heaven if you order them.
(5)
Lauren D.
Melnick's and I have a pretty long standing relationship - the first time I came here I knew I'd been before; back in the day when it used to be the Blackhawk Lodge. They had amazing clam chowder. Anyway, with a good beer list, fun drink specials (last night was $5 hurricanes) and loads of TVs for your sports-inclined companions, it's a great, casual bar to consider when you're in the mood for that kind of thing. I've generally had great service, with the exception of a slow and inattentive server last night, but the manager was on top of things and definitely made up for that. The food is good - I like the flat breads and salads and their fries are incredible. There's generally not too long of a wait, even on weekends, and brunch is decent too. PS: I'd say it's more like 3.6, but I rounded down because it's Saturday.
(3)
Parsa B.
Went here two weeks ago. Fiancee loved the mild wings. I ordered the XXX wings and almost died.
(4)
Tom Y.
I did not expect the amount of microbrews that they have here when I walked-in. If I knew better I would have gotten my co-worker to drive. I am a beer guy and I was just giddy from all of the regional beers that were available, but we came here to eat too and that is when everything went downhill. We had the appetizer combo with the works and it was smaller than similar dishes at other places, than we had a spinach-artichoke dip. All of the food was bland and mediocre, really mediocre. Come here for the beer, skip the food.
(3)
Alex L.
I love this place cin Chicago, a great place to have a couple of beers after a shopping day on Magnificiant Mile. They have a great selections of beers and good finger food. The burgers are great too.
(4)
Jen K.
Will never go here again based on the service we received. Although, the manager was kind about it, and made up for it too. Unfortunately though, the restaurant is forever stained with the poor service and attitudes of the host and server. We were with a group of 6 people and waited over an hour to get sat at a table in the bar. :/ The hosts weren't very kind either. Is it the Downtown Chicago snob attitude? I don't know but they should really be kinder to a group that is about to drop a $100 tab into their laps... One thing I will say is their salami & pepperoncini flatbread pizza was delicious! Then again, maybe I was just starving after waiting an hour and a half, in a half full restaurant. :(
(1)
Ericka L.
My friends and I came here for the HOT chicken wings. Heard something about needing to sign a waiver before you eat them...yeah, I dont think so. The sauce was hot to me - cuz Im a wuss - to a regular beer drinking male - not so much. My boyfriend said that they werent hot at all and then he wasnt even asked to sign the "waiver" before he the others ate them! I was disappointed to say the least. The waiter we had was nice but we barely saw him and my friend waited almost an hour for her veggie burger! The drink I had from the bar was not good and the ribs I had left something to be desired...I think they're still in my fridge from weeks ago. Overall, not good eats.
(2)
Jeff L.
Service was very poor on this Saturday afternoon visit. Only ordered the wings to confirm that they were as good as reported. In my opinion they were only average. Nice size, but the sauce and preparation were nothing special.
(3)
John K.
A good spot to hangout with buddies after work. Onion wings are great and so are the nachos. Recommend.
(4)
Kristen C.
Love the food, and service is always speedy! The fried pickles are the best I have ever had; the wings are amazing!
(5)
Joe E.
So I previously reviewed Jake Melnick's for their XXX wing challenge. But, this time, I tried their amazing wings. Rated as some of the best in the city, I was excited to try the different sauces they offered. And just like the city's consensus, I agree with the title as some of the best. The waiting staff is friendly and the atmosphere is very sports bar-like. I do want to come back and try some of their flatbreads and BBQ that I saw other tables trying. Hope to update soon!
(4)
Stephanie W.
Jake Melnick's is probably a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and chow down some junk food, but I wouldn't come back for any other reason. We stopped by for lunch because we were in the neighborhood and starving and they had valet parking, and on further consideration, we really should have looked a little further afield. The second star is solely for our waitress, who was a total sweetheart, super attentive, friendly, and personable. We ordered a BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, a Chinese chicken salad, and a garbage salad. The portions were HUGE, but the pizza was mediocre at best and the salads were barely edible. Definitely sticking to the bar food next time.
(2)
Lea J.
Another random spot. Franchised-feel but friendly. Couldn't stop eating their sweet potato fries. Will try their burgers and wings on next visit.
(3)
Amanda F.
This is my go-to bar on the weekends. River North lacks cheap low maintenance bars with good food. I not only like/know most of the waiters/waitresses but the secret 30% student discount is key (that is, if you're a student). Some of my regular orders: 5.00 bloody marys on Sundays garbage salad bbq brisket roasted chicken cobb salad wings
(5)
Katie M.
We came for a beer unveiling and while that particular beer was a bust, I really enjoyed everything about Jake Melnick's. I like that everything is sort of a hybrid between classic pub food and down-home barbeque - it's a nice balance. We made it just in time to catch their $5 apps happy hour. We filled up on bbq nachos, spinach pizza, & potato skins. Made the extra rounds of beer a little more affordable. Also, our server was awesome. Our party went from two to five to eight to a dozen and they were super cool about letting us grab two booths sidebyside so we could all hang out. Our beers were always full and our sever was really good about making sure that everything was perfect. I will definitely be back.
(3)
Amy L.
Stumbled upon Jake's while walking down the Magnificent Mile, and couldn't have been more impressed. The first thing that stuck out was the service. We were visiting from San Diego which some consider the craft brew mecca of the U.S. and we were thoroughly impressed by the knowledge of our bartender when it came to the great selection of beer Jake's had to offer. We weren't hungry at the time, but we were compelled to return and order a couple orders of their award winning wings togo after we went to a nearby pub to shoot some pool, which our knowledgable bartender recommended. Even though the wings were cold by the time we got to our hotel room, they were just about the best wings we have ever had. Wish we could go back and try the rest of the menu, I definitely recommend!
(5)
Keyona D.
Large sandwiches and good portions of wings. Decent prices, cool soda selection, but the cookie desert needs more ice cream and less whipped cream.
(3)
Al C.
Why doesn't Yelp allow us to do ZERO stars and .5 stars?? Me thinks it imposes quite the limitations on my culinary reviewing prowess. Anyhoo...my man, a huge wing fanatic, was drawn to this place by the huge, alluring banner stating this place had the "BEST WINGS IN CHICAGO". What a bold statement, huh? So, we took the bait and ordered some wings, an appetizer sampler platter, mac and cheese, and a salad. My husband couldn't force himself to gum down the wings and the mac and cheese was NASTY. The salad was not so bad compared to everything else. So we left this place like $45 poorer, still hungry, and pissed off. Best wings in chicago, my ass.
(1)
Adam M.
Although voted the best wings in Chicago three years coming the wings are pleasing, but only satisfy a certain liking. The breading on the spicy buffalo doesn't have a crunch to it or that perfect seasoning I would expect out of award winning wings. Truthfully I've had much better wings in the Chicagoland area and was rather bummed out that these were "award winning". One cool thing that Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does is they have a new chef's special mac n' cheese and wings every month. So each month the chef comes up with a new wing recipe and mac n' cheese. The month I went was a mac n' cheese that was spiced with buffalo and chipotle seasonings with bacon in it. The actual taste of the mac n' cheese was ok, but wasn't as good as I would have expected. The overall quality of the food was good, but not some of the best "award winning" food I have even eaten. The restaurant is worth checking out at least once even just for all the beer they serve on tap.
(3)
Andrea S.
I go here when I'm traveling for work and need to catch up on out of town sports games.
(3)
Ariana S.
Came across this little gem in search of a nice outdoor patio on a nice night in Chicago (yes they exist people..nice nights that is). After the patio, the first thing we noticed was the heavenly scent of wings and BBQ. Table for 3 please! Now this place is the real deal. Brisket, Pulled Pork, Corn Bread, Wings- it was a difficult choice. We of course had to try the Mac & Cheese of the Month which happened to be Poblano style with corn. AMAZING. COme to find out that every month is a new style (they've done Chilli Cheese, Pizza style, BBQ chicken style) They also have some really good craft beers (although we figured we would take it easy on this Wednesday night). Cool atmosphere, not expensive and food was good. Weird location for a spot like this but definitely a place I would go back...especially when they have panko crusted mac & cheese on the menu. Oh forgot to mention April- our server!. The sweetest thing EVER. She even asked if she could split our checks three ways (splitting up the appetizer too). Now seriously I can count on one hand the times I didnt get an eye-roll for this request, let alone an offer.
(4)
Vincent C.
If these are the best wings in Chicago, then Chicago really doesn't have very good wings. The traditional buffalo wings were tasty, but nothing to write home about. Jake Melnick's batters their wings, but I prefer mine without, so that might be where my indifference comes from. The tequila-marinated, flavor-of-the-month wing really fell flat. It tasted like bland grilled chicken, but at least it came with some lime and salsa. I did appreciate that they used meatier wings, but that doesn't make up for not living up to its own hype. And I think what makes the Blood Marys special on the weekends is that they don't use any vodka. All the pepper in the world can't hide the lack of alcohol!
(2)
Lala S.
Best Wings Hands Down! Sometimes I'm weary of places that claim to have the "best" of anything, may be it's my cynical side. But this place delivered! The wings were the shit and I have dreams of sucking bones dry here quite often. Their Pancho Wings are super good...definitely one of the best smoked/grilled wings I've had. They have a nice light crisp to them and are perfectly marinated. Their XXX wings are pretty spicy, although, I don't personally think it's so hot that it requires a waiver to be signed. I guess there are just a lot of pansies that try these wings--grow a pair. The Jake Smoque BQ Burger is to die for. It slightly reminds me of the Bacon Explosion. So good, but so bad for you. The Pulled Pork Slider trio was also very tasty. I prefered the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. mmm mmm mmm.
(5)
Jaime S.
What I thought was going to be a small, dark and smelly Division Street-ish bar was NOT one at all! When we walked in, not only was the place huge, but it smelled like BBQ sauce was being infused into the ventilation system. Y-U-M. The menu is standard bar food, the drink list is extensive, and something about this place just makes me want to turn it into my new local haunt. It was warm and inviting on a "feels like - 35 degree" day in the city, and had college basketball on every TV in the place. Perfection.
(3)
Patricia L.
Let me paint you a picture: Thursday night. 7:30pm. Party of 8. Mind you, there was also a March Madness going on that night so I was excited to be going to a sports bar. First off, I need to tell you that the burger I had there? Was one of the most amazing burgers I've ever had. Let me paint you another picture: March Burger of the Month 10.95, pair it with a pint for 11.95. "The Madness Burger"- Jake's signature burger BETWEEN TWO GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES with lettuce, tomato, BACON, A FRIED EGG, pepper jack cheese and mayo. Oh and by the by, the burger is 9oz, served with fries in a shallow bucket. You know that feeling of awesomeness while eating drunk food? That's what it felt like eating this mad burger. Split it with a friend, and oh so very glad I did. HERE'S THE THING... -our waiter was pretty rude at times -i couldn't even see the tv screens to watch the game from where i was sitting which was pretty disappointing. every seat should have a view of a tv screen if you're going to call it a "sports bar" -the madness burger was only available for the month of march. and then what? what would i get in april? -very loud...and there was so much space between me and the person across the table from me i had to yell so he could hear me Yes it was a phenomenal burger. But it's gone now...and that was the only reason I would return.
(3)
Suzy D.
We went here with some friends to celebrate my husband's birthday tonight. We ordered the fried pickles, a bunch of wings, some nachos, and fries. The wings were the standout and the BBQ nachos were also very tasty. Next time I go, I think I might try the pulled pork sandwich. They have a lot of good draft beers, like Lagunitas. Yum! We had a great time. My husband and his buddies got the XXX wings and those wings were definitely flaming hot. Come here for a fun and affordable night in River North!
(4)
Tiff W.
Thanks Chicago Craft Beer Week, for without you, I wouldn't have ever gone to Jake Melnick's. When you first step into the bar, you are greeted by the tasty aroma of BBQ. Fortunately (or unfortunately, however you want to look at it) for me, I had just eaten. But it sure did smell good. Jake Melnick's has excellent beer on tap and lots of TVs. The place is also really open and spacious (of course, we came on a Sunday afternoon, so take that for what it is). The BF & I probably could have hung around all afternoon had it not been for our ambitious bar crawl to collect bottle caps for Beer Week.
(4)
Elizabeth P.
They had Strongbow. IN A BOTTLE. Consider my mind blown. Anyway, we went on Superbowl Sunday and got seated immediately. There were LOTS of drink options, even root beer for the baby brother. We had a great waiter -- from Kansas, as 3/4 of the people I run into in Chicago are, which immediately endeared him to us. Everyone was pleased with their food. My chicken sandwich was HUGE, and quite yummy. The fries were only okay.
(4)
noelle o.
My boyfriend and I were in town from NYC for a wedding and only had about 2 or 3 meals that I was going to have time for. Luck had to be on my side because I had no time to waste. We were in this part of town and had to choose something soon bc we hadn't eaten for some time.. that being said, we were also slighty picky aout our choice... read some menus within the 3 block radius, but weren't going to settle for a chain spot or a touristy vibe. We got very lucky! I don't eat "bar food" very often, so when I do, I'd like it to be extra worth it! The wings were tasty and juicy. I think we did medium spice and that was the perfect amount! I also had the fried cod sandwich! LOVED IT! only thing was that it had american cheese on it, and wasn't aware that it came with cheese until it arrived... wasn't about to send it back because it wasn't neccessary and I was past hungry. We shared the basket of sweet potato fries which were DELICIOUS too! and.... the beer was yuumy and cold... I forget the type I had, but it was light with a hint of citrus lemon flavor. I would definitely go back if I'm in Chicago again!!!
(4)
Heather H.
If I lived downtown it would probably be in the neighborhood of Jake Melnick's. The place itself is spacious yet has a rather cozy, neighborhood bar kind of feel to it. I've been a few times and they have quite honestly some of the best "bar food" I've ever had, if you can call it that. The turkey club is big and the turkey tastes and looks like it's fresh off the Thanksgiving table. A friend and I just tried their special Halloween burger. Crunchy fried onions, spicy mayo... mouthwatering! Hefty beer list with some unique choices for the beer connoisseur. The late night vibe is pretty cool, servers and bartenders are nice and informative. I also love their outdoor seating in the summer. It's probably a good thing I don't live closer, I think this place could put quite a dent in my bank account.
(3)
Jiyoun B.
I read about how Jake had the spiciest chicken wings in Chicago and I was intrigued. Given that I've passed Jake Melnick's several million times, I didn't think much when I went in for the first time. I sampled: XXX and Super Spicy along side a full order of the Mixed: Ponchos and Traditional Spicy. I also ordered the Wood-Grilled Artichoke that comes with their mustard and lemon dipping sauce. The Artichoke was good but the sauce was addictive. I ran out of the sauce but still had some artichoke left at the end. The Poncho is good but soft. I like my chicken wings with a bit of crunch. The Traditional spicy had too much breading, which would have been okay if it didn't look like it had been sitting out for a bit. Now, I tried the Super Spicy before the XXX. Big mistake. I should have known better. Different spices affect different parts of the body. For example, wasabi hits the nose, Thai food hits the throat, vindaloo hits the tummy. Most spicy things hits your tongue. The Super spicy hits your mouth and its surroundings and any cuts on your finger. By the time my mouth cooled down for me to try the XXX, I couldn't feel anything. The XXX went straight for my stomach. It didn't knock me out though.
(4)
william b.
Good food, earnest enough atmosphere for foodies, comfortably enough atmosphere for us (somewhat) sophisticated tourists, so worked out really well. I really enjoyed the barbecue brisket and ribs, and the friends went crazy over the eight pound burger. Most of all Jake's was a lifesaver for the bachelor party that I helped plan when I didn't know bupkiss about Chicago. Talked with an awesome hostess on the phone when making a reservation, and a really helpful hostess at the door the day of. Waitstaff was a little slow, but that was okay. We were a little boisterous.
(4)
Sara Z.
Wonderful restaurant with both great food AND service! My husband and I stayed in a condo not too far from this restaurant and what a lucky find we stumbled upon... we both agree this was one of the highlights of our vacation (yes, we do love food; I doubt we'll ever travel to England). Our server was very informative (the manager requires the servers to taste the dishes so that they are more able to explain them - novel idea). Their burger of the day or week (I can't recall) caught my husband's eye and she informed him that it was "very spicy". You see, if she just said "spicy" then I might have tried it too and the Chicago Fire Department would have been called. My only warning is that the proportions are rather large... unbeknownst to us we were also ordering dinner. There really isn't much more to say here other than as long as you're not a vegetarian (and you love burgers, chicken wings, beer, Bloody Mary's (they have more than a few) - you get the gist), you should check this restaurant out... and Chicago, too - what a fabulous City!
(4)
Jermaine H.
Despite the fact that I walk by just about every morning while on my way to work, I have never stopped in to experience what a lot of friends are buzzing about when mentioning Jake Melnick's. I recently decided to dine in with some colleagues and potential clients... and we had an absolutely amazing time. The restaurant was pretty energetic and the food was well prepared and very appetizing. Our server, Austin, was simply a delight to the group. He was very genuine and service oriented; very knowledgeable of the menu and restaurant; and humorous. I must say he did in fact impress the group. As a matter of fact, there wasn't very much I needed to do with the exception of enjoying the evening and waiting to see if our clients would bring us there business . And of course they did. So, I suppose I owe a bit of gratitude to our server and to the warm and welcoming atmosphere he and his colleagues provided for our group. We will certainly be regular guests in the coming days and weeks - and when it comes time to determine the next venue for our company gathering, we will certainly be eyeing Jack Melnick's. Positive experience...especially if Austin is your server! Thanks again--
(5)
John V.
This review is for their XXX wings only. I went to Melnick's for the first time this past Friday just to try their XXX wings, which are supposed to be some of the hottest in the city. They were certainly hot, but there was almost no flavor to the wings. If you want to down some incredibly hot wings just for the sake of eating hot wings then you cannot go wrong with these wings. (If you finish they even put a little red plastic fireman's hat on your head and take your picture.) But, if you are someone who likes a LOT of heat and a LOT of flavor then save your money and go somewhere else. Now, as for the restaurant itself, I have no complaints. From start to finish my entire experience there was a fantastic one. I had a cut on my hand what was in an awkward place so bandages did not stay on very well and my waitress brought me a pair of "rubber gloves" from the kitchen so I could keep the sauce out of my cut. She also made sure to caution against rubbing my face afterward. Their beer selection is really good (they even have some Unibroue!). Also, the smell of their wood oven/smoker(?) permeated the entire restaurant and was quite mouth watering. I will definitely go back to try some other items on the menu, but I will not be going back for their wings.
(2)
Stephanie V.
awesome parmesan garlic fries and many beers to choose from. wasn't very impressed with the Garbage Salad. we did enjoy the dominos game they have available for customers
(3)
Jay S.
Been here many times and it never disappoints. Great wings, great burgers and above average bbq. My favorite sauce for wings is the Firecracker sauce - it was a monthly special awhile back but guess it was so popular they have it on the permanent menu now. I personally like to get the chicken tenders and ask them to toss it in the sauce. As for burgers, their burger of the month is always good enough to try. If you want a really "bad for you" meal then get the smokin que burger - it's wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top. Other than that, waiters/waitresses are always nice and attentive. They also have good knowledge of the beer list which is extensive.
(4)
Jenna E.
Have been coming here every month for almost a year! I love trying their wing of the month every month! So far my favorite was the Caption Crunch! I think that if they ever bring it back..I may go everyday! Not only are their wings delicious but every other item I have ordered has been great as well! Anytime a friend comes in town to visit we always come to Jakes!
(5)
Steven N.
I'll keep this one short and to the point - it's a great joint for a number of different casual get-togethers. We went here for happy hour today and were not disappointed. The drinks selections are great (great for beer lovers) and the bar food is slightly above average. Great location and the staff was friendly and accommodating. What's definitely worth mentioning is that I got a free beer because the bartender thought he made me wait too long for it. He ran out of what I wanted behind the bar, so he had to dig into the back fridge for it. All in all it only took less than 5 mins, but it was a very classy gesture. Check this place out for your next happy hour!
(3)
Michelle R.
OMG the BEST Burgers in the City and I have many of them. My search is finally done for the BEST Chicago Burger...JAKES!! Love the fries and ranch too and the staff are nice. I only can go once a month/two month because its a lot of calories to take in. So I use Jakes as my CHEAT MEAL!! You Try their burgers
(5)
C S.
a little too pricey to warrant 4 stars, but if you don't mind dropping at least $6.50 & up per beer this is a great bar. Great TV's, convenient location (even in sub 0 weather), and an interesting enough menu.
(3)
Thongsy S.
I was here for a holiday party so we were in a private room. The food was very good. I especially enjoyed their spinach artichoke dip and chips. Very very good. And surprisingly, the mini turkey burgers were also very good. I never had turkey burgers before this so I didn't know what to expect but they were definitely yummy. I would have given 4 stars if it weren't for the service. The party was buffet style so the servers still had to take our drink orders. All I wanted was water to wash my food down. My friend ordered a coke and most of us ordered alcoholic beverages (beer, cocktails, etc.). Ten minutes later, the drinks arrived and of course, the waitress forgot my water and didn't even apologize. It's too bad because I would have still tipped her for the water. Oh wells.
(3)
Jason M.
At just 62 paces from the front door of the building where I live... this is the closest place for me to enjoy an adult beverage or cold beer, with the exception of my home bar or refrigerator. April the bartender has been nothing but sweet and accommodating. This is the only bar I have found so far that has one of my favorite beers Trummer Pils. The $8.31 price with tax is one of the reasons I'm not giving 5 stars. The portions at this place are freaking obscene (in a good way, if you like large portions). The wings are incredible here. Large and juicy. Had the super hot, which the name fits perfectly for. The super hot was so hot, I didn't dare try the XXX wing I'd ordered a la carte. Unfortunately right now their menu and large awesome selection of beer isn't conducive with my current diet. This place does have a number of tourists, but that's okay. They have a large number of very nice flat screen tv's. This place might become my Sunday football watching home. Especially as the winter sets in and 62 paces will seem like a mile to me walking in the cold. Ashley is the other bartender I know by name and she is super nice and accommodating as well. All of the staff always great you when they see you and seem very pleasant as well.
(4)
Jessica C.
Alright, I'll give this place an "A" for effort. I was in my typical woman mood one night and was craving bar food. Not too busy for a Wednesday night but there was still a nice crowd. I've tried to stop in here on a Friday or Saturday - no such luck, the place is packed. I was very excited to see they serve Strongbrow Cider (11% alcohol I might add). The BF and I split some platter with fries, brisket, and ribs? Anyway, definately not a meal that should be eaten by 1 person. Not bad food - the ribs weren't exactly fall off the bone, but good. Fries were a little soggy. Ehh, I got my fix.. not sure if I would eat here again but definately might stop in for some beers from time to time.
(3)
Mike T.
Can't argue Jake's. You go for the wings or whatever the burger of the month is. I never got a burger, too busy eating delicious chicken. But the burgers were always well received by whoever I was with and there's a beer special with them. Which brings me to my next point, beer. There's a great selection here. Actually that's not accurate. There's an exorbitant amount of beers. I grew found of "A Little Sumpin Sumpin" which not only has the bet name around but it's a solid beer. Free fries with 4square check in. Only complaint is on a Monday I was there and they had "Mystery Beer Night" which was a random beer in a brown bag. Never one to turn down the opportunity to drink from a brown bag, I was disappointed when I got the same beer twice. It was like buying a kidrobot, loving it, and then getting the same one. Great spot in Chicity, definitely hit this up. And if you talk about advertising, you'll probably run into someone else who is.
(4)
Diane D.
Recently spent several days in Chicago and went here twice. There were two consistent themes: Beer selection is awesome and Service is ridiculously slow. The food was ok, I like to judge a place based on it's blue cheese-theirs was decent. If you order the fried pickles, they use the thin dill stackers as opposed to chips or spears, but I love fried goodness! We had the garlic cayenne wings both nights; definitely a keeper, but no boneless. It appeared to be a great place to grab a drink, but I wouldn't count on it for a great dinner.
(3)
Kimberly O.
We came here to watch the World Cup 1/4 final. We sat at the bar and ordered coffee - we had to ask the bartender to wipe down the bar from the previous animal (Winnie the Poo maybe?) who appeared to have dined there - it was rather sticky. He did so but begrudgingly and made a shoddy job of it. Our coffee came via the waitress. My friend had ordered a Baileys on the side but the bartender gave us both one then acted annoyed when I said that I didn't want mine so my GF gallantly drank both. We had to ask grudgy for water twice. We ordered the wings (spicy) and I asked what was in the fruit punch. That drew a blank look or was it a scowl then he said it might be rum and coconut ( fyi it wasn't). At this point we decided to cut our losses with Neanderthal man and move to a table. We were still waiting on our wings -which took a good 25 minutes -they were good but not 'best in Chicago good' which was the claim and they weren't that spicy. The waitress was slow as in - is she ever coming back with our drinks or extra blue cheese slow. Since she had gone into hiding my friend went to the bar and refilled her water. Waitress got very upset and told her she would have done it. (Retort -yes but you didn't did you). A cat fight looked like it might break out but then Ghana missed a penalty and the ensuing mayhem from the soccer fans (including myself) proved a distraction. What a great game! BFF and I carried on firing into the fruit punch and watching the ensuing penalty shoot out drama unfold. When my friends was 3 drinks happy the blue cheese arrived, the wings were long since gone but my friend made nice with the waitress anyway. She even ended up giving us some tips on which places to check out on our Chicago tour although I'm not sure I'd trust her. All in all a great time at Jake Melnick's helped out by copious amounts of 'mystery punch' and some great soccer drama but no thanks to the service.
(2)
Lizard F.
I've worked a few short blocks from Jake's for over 2 years now. I've eaten there twice in the last two months, and was sorely disappointed--on my second visit, downright grossed out. The first visit, I only had a side salad while I was chatting with visiting family members. It consisted of mostly iceberg lettuce, a.k.a. crunchy water. Disappointing, but not a deal-breaker. I went back this past Wednesday with colleagues. I asked if they could take the bacon and chicken off the cobb salad, and if I could get all romaine (instead of romaine and iceberg). Sadly, the lettuce is pre-mixed. So I went searching for something else veg-friendly....and settled on a chicken Asian salad without the chicken and a loaded baked potato without the bacon. The salad was coming along alright, despite the unsatisfying lettuce, and I was about 3/4 done with it when I looked down and saw A HAIR IN MY SALAD!!!!!!! A LONG DARK HAIR!!!!!!!! I had the waiter take my plate away immediately, and then decided to tackle the baked potato, which was 50% overly-starchy potato and 50% oily cheese. Yuck. To be fair, they didn't charge me for my salad, but I'm not willing to give them a third chance. Sorry, Jake Melnick's--MAJOR FAIL.
(1)
T W.
Came in with a group on a Monday night. The place was pretty quiet. They have an interesting beer selection. We had some beers and some chicken wings. There was nothing bad to report in our visit., but nothing outstanding, either. (Thus, the 3 stars). The chicken wings we had were normal, the beer was normal and the service was ... very good. All in all, a good experience, but we could have been back home in Mpls, or in Memphis or in Mobile for that matter. Normal.
(3)
Tina W.
Where to start? For some inexplicable reason, this place was really packed. The crowd consisted of a strange mixture of families and loud girls with sparkly tops. The waiter appeared to be woefully inexperienced. He had to be prompted to bring us a drink menu, spilled my iced tea all over the table and his fancy-looking watch, and attempted to clear my friend's still-full plate. The artichoke spinach flatbread was mediocre (and not worth 10$) and we had some parmesan garlic fries that had the most garlicky of garlicky tastes that ever passed my lips. At some point I was using a napkin to wipe off garlic pieces before eating. Moderation people! At this point a third friend joined us and ordered a cider. The bottle came broken with a knifelike projection on the lip which cut my friend's lip pretty badly. She was bleeding onto a napkin when our waiter and his manager came over multiple times to express their apologies. They paid for her cider and filled out an "accident report", which suspiciously only involved getting down her name. Considering the seriousness of the offense, I thought they could have paid the whole bill.
(2)
Internet U.
HOT WINGS I went there for 1 thing and 1 thing only! HOT WINGS... So when you order it, you get a plastic fire hat, and sign a waiver! Then, when you get them, you have the option of when you ring a bell, they rush out with ice cream, bread, milk, and sour cream to put out the fire! And boy, was it a fire! My mouth STILL hurt that night when i got home! Once i couldn't eat any more of the Satan-rigged, lightbulb-sized wings, they took my picture and put it on the wall! My dad had a burger, he said it was really good... :P I would love to go back again, and try to beat my record of 2 wings! ;D
(4)
Jarod P.
I HATE this kind of place. There are so many places in Chicago that are on the cusp of 3 and 4 stars - we are a city dominated by B-minus! Now if you are bothering to read this review, I should tell you that I came here for one reason only: to try those triple X wings they brag about, that have that ghost pepper stuff. They're supposed to be the hottest wings in the world! THE WORLD! So if you want a more rounded review skip to the next one. So, what was the wing experience? Bottom line: "Good wings." To go into more detail: Our waitress didn't seem particularly interested in serving us. She didn't neglect us but her attitude was one of wishing she was anywhere in the world except right there serving us. You read about this place and it's supposed to be: if you order the hot wings, you get: - A plastic fireman hat - A waiver to sign - A bell to ring; if you ring it, the servers come rushing to your aid with ice cream, milk, bread and sour cream to put out the fire. Now, see, I'm into the theatrics. I love Ed Devebic's, Mi Tierra, and Medieval Times. As long as the food and service are there too, the gimmicks can be lots of fun! Well, they seem really bored by their own gimmicks at Jack Melnick's. We got the hats. She dumped the waivers on the table without explaining what they were. No bell, though. It was kind of underwhelming - if you're gonna have that stuff, you gotta SELL IT! But the wings themselves were pretty damn good. The parmesan-garlic fries with ranch sauce were aces. The blue cheese dip was wonderful. The XXX wings, interestingly, were not as hot as the "atomic" wings at WingStop, at least initially. But it was a heat that refused to die out. With the atomic wings, after ten minutes you're fine. With the XXX wings, it took a good half hour for the suffering to end, even with that "cold plate" of milk and ice cream and junk. I did like that they have a whole load of beers. Although it's annoying when you're like "OMGWFT they serve my favorite beer I can't get anywhere else!" and they're like "Yeah we're out of that." But if you can't find a beer you like here, just order something, you'll like it anyway. So, I'm on the fence between 3 and 4 stars. I figure go with 4 because we had good food, good beer and a good time, even if the experience didn't live up to the hype. And we talked about coming back; I was able to do two XXX wings, but I think I could do five if I really put my mind to it. So four it is. Just don't expect the crazy theatrics promised by their web site and reviews.
(4)
Brian K.
Melnick's has a little bit of Loop feel because of the conventioneers and business people that will inevitably end up there due to it's location, but if you can get past that, it's a great place. Generally speaking, the wings are amazing, but if you like it hot, get the XXX wings and you will not be disappointed...makes Hooters look like it's run by a pack of blond bimbos. They have a good local/regional beer selection, some ridiculous Bloody Mary's and and 8lbs hamburger that is novel and will over feed a family of 8.
(4)
Amy H.
Again, I wish 3 1/2 stars were an option because I can't quite give it the 4 stars it may deserve after only 1 visit. First let me admit that I am a very pedestrian beer drinker--my favorite is Miller High Life so I cannot appreciate the rave reviews that their beer selection receives. Also, I did not try the wings (although I am generally a fan of wings) which is what seems to be their specialty because they seemed kind of pricey to me. That being said, they might serve the BEST Bloody Mary I have ever had, and I am a connoisseur of Bloody Mary's. All Bloody Mary's (and they have 6 or 7 kinds) are $5 on Saturdays and Sundays, and are well worth it. I had "The Standard" as I am a bit of a purist, and could have drank more than one if I wasn't so tired. We went on the Saturday night before Easter. Place was very busy but we were seated immediately and the service was excellent. They have a good menu for a sports bar type place. The atmosphere felt a tad corporate and impersonal to me, but I attribute that to the area in which it is located. The service was great, friendly and attentive. I had pulled pork and ordered it with onion rings, both of which were excellent. My husband ordered the beef brisket with hand cut fries. His was also very good, but we both liked mine better. The beef didn't seem like a brisket cut of meat, it seemed more like a smoked roast. I may not know what I'm talking about as far as that goes, but I know that I prefer brisket I've had elsewhere much better. The main complaint either of us had was that it was not served with enough BBQ sauce; and by the time we realized we needed more we had already told the waiter several times that everything was delicious and we didn't need anything else, so he had stopped checking on us. Kinda feel like that was our own fault; but my suggestion to any restaurant where BBQ is a big part of their menu is provide plenty, or even put bottles on the table. I wouldn't make a special trip out of my way to go to this place, but would recommend it to anyone staying in the area and would definitely go again if only for a Bloody Mary if I was nearby.
(3)
Amy H.
I've been here twice, and I feel like it's safe to pass judgment on it. The first time I wasn't thrilled, but that was due to a poor order on my part, not due to the food or service being bad. Last time I went I ordered the pulled pork sliders. A trio of 3 different sauces on 3 sliders, served with a hefty portion of fries. The food was excellent. It wasn't busy at all either time I went.
(4)
Michael N.
Jake's is a great neighborhood establishment with a fantastic staff and a fantastic beer list. The food is above average BBQ. I've only had one thing in my MANY (my parents live next door) visits that I did not like-the Buffalo Chicken flatbread. It's known for its buffalo wings so I thought this would be a nice option. Instead, it fell short of my expectations. Other than that, the appetizers are are really good; the soups are always tasty; and the sandwiches are also very food. WARNING: If you get a salad, be prepared to only finish about 1/2 of it; they're HUGE. For those coming in from out of town looking for some above average BBQ, this is a great option, but understand that this is not Kansas City, St. Louis, North Carolina, Memphis, Texas, etc. We are known for great hot dogs, pizza, pop corn (Garrett's), etc. so don't go in expecting Arthur Bryant's (if you don't know what that is, then don't call yourself a BBQ fan). But, if you want a good pulled pork or beef brisket sandwich, this is a great place to stop.
(4)
Pamela P.
Having lived in the building for about 5 years (but thankfully moved away), I've been here a lot. It's always the same: mediocre. The food is just alright, bland at times but always heavily oily and heart-attack inducing. The music is much too loud. The drinks are watered-down and pricey. In fact, some of the drinks I've actually had to send back because they were awful and, contrary to common belief, I hate sending drinks or food back. The crowd is an older, after work bunch. Also, the thing that always go to me is that it closes early, even on the weekends, and the kitchen closes even earlier than the restaurant. What's up with that? The brisket is actually good and the veggie burger was delicious. Other than that, it's pricey average pub food...
(3)
Nancy H.
I've been here on many occassions and have nothing I strongly recommend except their $5 happy hour menu M-F from 3:30 - 6 PM and 11 PM - 1 AM which is mainly appetizers and 4 flatbread pizzas. And I'm in love with the caesar salad. In January, they started offering extremely hot wings made with red savina peppers (supposedly one of the world's hottest). They claim they make you sign a waiver form (we never got one), and they give you a bell to ring when you need to succumb to their "relief package" which is a small glass of milk, a pat of sour cream, 1 sliced white bread, and best of all - a scoop of ice cream. I say ring it even if you don't need it b/c it's free. They take your picture which gets posted on the wall by the bathrooms. 10 super hot wings will cost you $9 and probably multiple uncomfortable trips to the restroom. I only had one wing, and even that will do you in the next day. No matter how much your tongue can handle it, your stomach most likely can't. It's been smelling like a wet mop in here the last two times I've come here, and the waitresses aren't the friendliest, but it's a staple neighborhood sports bar in a neighborhood without many bars (Cathedral District).
(3)
Seth G.
We went to this place for the wings and they were fine just fine. The place is a total tourist spot, which is expected by its location. The wings are advertised as jumbo but were the size of regular wings. Our server was very friendly and knew his stuff, but other than that nothing too exciting. I can't imagine I would go back there.
(3)
Nikki V.
My boyfriend works around the corner from Jake's, so we decided to stop in for a drink. First off, their specialty cocktails sounded delicious. Not just a bunch of "martinis". They were proper cocktails using seasonal ingredients, something I wasn't expecting. I had the Curly Cucumber, which was delicious. Next time I'll have the New Yorker. Since we'd just gotten off work and were hungry, we tried the nachos off the "Late Night Food" menu. Full size plate of nachos with smoked brisket for FIVE BUCKS! Tasty to boot. Our server, Dave, was amazing. Seriously, best late night service I've ever received anywhere, and possibly one of the best service experiences ever, period. He was attentive, friendly, informative, and super nice- our friends forgot their car keys and he ran down the street to catch them (although for any server, getting to leave the building even for 30 seconds is a treat)! We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jason H.
Its great for big groups. Went there twice for events w/ 20+ people. The service was great and there's room to move. They also have a great beer selection and a burger that is literally larger than your brain.
(4)
Daniel G.
Go here if you want good food and unique beer and drinks. I had the BBQ smoke house burger wrapped in bacon. Very tasty, my server gave me a sample of a beer that was brewed with lavender and it rocked! Awesome customer service and great vibe.
(5)
Neal S.
Great place to get a micro brew and some wings. Plenty of tv's so all the games are on. Tremendous service -- the servers have a good time with the customers. The food was hot, fresh and really good. We had wings, nachos, spinach dip and a brownie dessert. All were great. Came here 3 times in 3 days because it was close to our hotel and the staff treated us so well. Not a place to come get a glass of wine. This is a beer/wing joint and they have a wide selection of locally brewed beers.
(4)
Eugene H.
great wings good place to catch the game
(4)
Andrew L.
The wings here are worth coming back to. We ordered the XXX wings here, and we got the whole fanfare of plastic firefighter hats, fake "these wings are seriously hot" waivers and a cool-down bell for when you just can't handle the heat anymore. Spoiler alert: the wings weren't that hot. They were delicious, though! Oh, and they have a nice selection of beers.
(4)
Christine K.
Decided to come here on a random Thursday night. Our waitress, Laura, was friendly and attentive. We ordered a basket each of the "spicy" and the "super hot" wings. Spicy was good for my taste, without being too hot to enjoy. The super hot was just that...super hot! The guys in my group liked them though. The wings were also decently meaty - not like the tiny little wings you might get at some other places. We also ordered one of the specials of the day - the sloppy pig. YUM! Fries were delish as well. All in all, a great stop if you enjoy bar food with a little twist.
(4)
L G.
Great good, great service, great place to watch sports, will certainly go back!!
(4)
Jamie B.
I love the firecracker wings. The sauce is so savory/sweet! I generally dip anything that I can find into the remainder. Also for beer be sure to try the Avery Maharaja which is a double IPA at 10.3%!!
(4)
Casey M.
I went to Jake Melnick's for a little family reunion last friday night. After running about 30 minutes late, thanks to Redline train becoming express suddenly, I got there and found my family. It was rather hot in Jake's that night and being parched from the journey down I needed a drink bad. I did not see our server and now with the extreme heat of the restaurant things were getting even worse. I then was called over by my big brother to eat some of his hot wings. I thought "ok, I can wait it out a little longer." I bite into the hot wing and flames come spurting out. Man, these were hot!!! The heat came up through my nose and made my eyes water. I was crying, but the heat was soon over as I got a nice fruity taste, typical of habañero and other extreme heat chiles. As I swallowed the heat came back and my eyes went from tearing to a dry and red. Now I really needed a drink and still no server. I drank some of my brother's water, which is always a bad idea because it just spreads chile oils all around, but I needed something cool and wet. My lips were burning and I needed some more water to cool the burn. I ran to the bathroom washed my hands throughly and then splashed water on my burning face. Ouch! There was still chile oils on my hands and I became blinded, I had maced myself. I ran the water in the sink and placed my head under the facet so the water would just pour onto my burning eyes. Finally, after about 3 minute eyewash, I could see again. I dry my face and return to the table. Now I was feeling good while the peppers released endorphins. The server finally comes and a cold Urthel Hop-it is on the way. We all eat another wing and being more experienced now I take the wing in strides. They are really good. There is so much more flavor in these wings than there is heat. I later discover that they used the Bhut Jolokia chile in the wings. One of the hottest chiles in the world. The beer arrives and it's barely cold, but I need it now more than ever. The service was rather slow that evening and the restaurant was a bit warm considering they serve these hot of wings. I later order a spinach and artichoke dip and it comes relatively fast. It's good, creamy, savory and served with tortilla chips. Overall experience was Ok. Service was slow, Restaurant was hot, Hot wings were HOT and amazing, Beer was warm and Arti dip was good. I just might come back Jake's if you would just cool that place down a bit.
(3)
Tomas D.
Went there based on the reviews and location and were not disappointed. The super hot wings are super hot (so please believe your waiter and not make the same mistake I made). There was en engagement party right next to us and they were crowding all over out table a bit. Jeff came by and apologized for them and asked us if we wanted to move. We weren't staying that long so we said no, so he went and bought us a round. Now that is paying attention to your customers! Great wings, great beer selection and great service. What else can you ask for? You have a valued employee in Jeff. Thanks again.
(5)
Katie M.
Who knew a sports bar that serves beer and wings could get a bad review? Well, this one does. My friends and I were hungover and couldn't stop talking about greasy food-burgers, fries, onion rings, the whole shebang. When we got there, we thought we were in for a good time. The prices were decent and the atmosphere was upbeat but that's where it ended. We ordered bloody marys after confirming with the waitress that there was no horseradish in them. Of course not, she promised. Interesting enough, we got our bloodys and you could see horseradish floating in them more than you could see the ice. Strike one. Next up, we ordered the spinach artichoke dip. You know, the one appetizer that is IMPOSSIBLE to screw up? Riiiight. Our appetizer came cold, with no artichokes and the overall taste was just no bueno. Strike two. Then we ordered a side salad and a burger-medium well. The burger came out rare. Before I even cut into it, I could see the blood on the bun. Yuck. We sent it back and told them it was supposed to be medium well and they reheated the old burger and brought it back out-this time it was more like med-rare. Yuck. We didn't even eat it. For a sports bar where all you do is drop food into a big fryer, this place totally missed the mark. The waitress didn't even notice that we didn't eat a damn thing. Oh well. There are plenty of other sports bars.
(1)
Donna W.
Food was good, ok for a quick casual bite to eat. Not so sure about the small water glasses given to us as a wine glass though!
(3)
Michael S.
As always, the food was excellent; we had the combo wings, half chicken and pulled pork sammich (a sandwich is something good; a sammich is something that's damn good!). I can only give 4 stars though because the service was horribly slow and inattentive.
(4)
Erica S.
Very enjoyable. Another, "woo, class is over for the semester, let's celebrate!" kind of night. We wanted somewhere with food and beer, that was near, so we chose this spot. I have to say, not bad. I had already eaten but decided that I was still kind of hungry (but really, it's because I can't not eat), so I split the burger of the month. It was called the "Challah-day" burger, and I just thought that was so adorable that I couldn't not get it. It also was kind of spicy and had onion rings on it. Also came with fries. Which is always a plus, and it was paired with a beer. I thought that was a nice special, and I enjoyed it for the price (9.95). Everyone was ok with their food, although there was a slight snafu, as someone ordered their burger medium well and it came medium rare, however, it was taken care of without complaint, and someone higher up came over to ask how the burger was cooked now. Very nice of them. Lots of beers were on special, and they weren't as expensive as I would have thought them to be, and I had a lot. I wish I had gone here when I was actually hungry, as I would have tried the pull pork, because I have a barbecue sauce obsession. Mmmm And sure, there were a lot of d-bags here, but we were sat at a table in the back and we were not really bothered by them at all. Sometimes, I think the food and specials should sometimes outweigh the clientele, especially if you're just going to hang out with a group for a specific reason. I also really liked the way it was set up-lots of open space, lots of different areas to be at. All in all, a good time was had by all, for sure.
(4)
Joe S.
I stopped in here whilst sight seeing in chi town. I was pretty happy. The menu includes a lot of pork, BBQ and tons of beer. In fact, the beer selection was definitely impressive. I tried the grilled artichokes to start, and was a little disappointed. I had the half chicken and it was good, but a lil too saucy. I should have ordered the "rub" and not the heavy sauce. Anywayyy- it wasn't bad. The service was good. You'll leave full no matter what.
(3)
Kara A.
"There's a Beetle in my Noodle!" sounds like a cute title for a children's book, but let me tell you...it wasn't that cute at all. So...I was out shopping on Saturday and worked up quite an appetite. Dodging tourists on Michigan Ave. is pretty good cardio. Stopped in this place because A) it was 75 degrees and there was plenty of patio seating available, and B) the beer list. Ordered an Allagash Four beer and the Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese, which were both delicious. I was going about my business, enjoying my meal and the weather, until I got down to the last five or six bites I found a whole, intact, INSECT IN MY FOOD. I've worked in restaurants and I know accidents happen, but it is still not appetizing at all to uncover a shiny brown carcass with legs and antennae in your meal. I took my plate inside and asked to speak to a manager. When he asked where I was sitting and I told him I was outside, the initial reaction was almost: "Ok, a bug flew in her food while she was sitting on the patio and she's just trying to get a free meal." That was the vibe I got, but hopefully the manager and chef took a closer look at the creepy crawler and realized the beetle/roach/whatever had obviously been cooked in with the food. Jeff-the-Manager was accommodating. He apologized, comped my bill and gave me a $10 coupon "for the next time". I had him charge a $1 on my credit card so I could tip my server since I didn't have cash, and didn't want to stiff the poor guy. (It certainly wasn't his fault.) IF I do return, it'll just be for the beer...I'd stay away from the food.
(1)
Zach M.
One of my absolute favorite places to go in the city. Great comfortable setting. Try any burger special they have that month. Best beer selection in the city. Best bartenders. And... Great place to watch a game. Almost forgot. If you ok with taking a break on a diet, go for the Buffalo Bleu Cheese Fries.... Absolutely amazing!
(5)
Jeffrey M.
I had a really good time here. After getting over the initial disappointment of learning they were out of the angry mango that is. I moved on and tried the XXX bloody Mary instead, and I rate it up there in my top three for Bloody Marys I've had in Chicago. After that I moved on to rum punches which were so delicious they were dangerous. For the food we shared a wing flight, spinach and artichoke flat bread, and some loaded fries. Everything was very good. Dessert was outrageously good. We had the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet. I felt dirty, absolutely guilty after that. If you're in the market for wings and drinks, you can't go wrong here.
(4)
Megan K.
Extremely Average. I came here with a party of ten on a Friday night in celebration of a friend's birthday. We were able to easily secure a reservation, which was nice as large parties can be difficult to accommodate. This process was extremely smooth and they made sure to follow up twice to make sure that we were still coming and to confirm the date/time. That is where all the positives end with my recent experience. We arrived promptly at our reservation time and were seated immediately. The waitress (yes, one single waitress for our party of ten) was friendly but slow. It took her about 15 minutes to take our drink order and then another 5-10 to bring out the drinks. We were only able to get one refill the entire time we were there (about two hours) which is absolutely ridiculous. The service issues aside, I feel that it is important to note that they do have a nice beer list, albeit overpriced. I didn't see a single non-light beer under $5, with many beers ranging in the $7-$10 range when you can find them around $5-$7 elsewhere in the city. I had heard decent things about the wings at Jake's, so my boyfriend and I decided to split two orders so we could sample what they had to offer. The traditional spicy were on par with what you would find at most bars in the city--slightly crispy with a bit of spice. They had a slight crunch to them (which was good) meaning that they were made to order and hadn't been sitting around getting soggy. The other order of wings was the "Poncho" which have a garlic and cayenne marinade and they're grilled instead of fried. These had a nice, smoky flavor, but they were incredibly inconsistent from wing to wing. Some wings were moist and flavorful, but others were dry and chewy with almost no flavor whatsoever. The waitress came by once after the food was delivered to clear out the plates and didn't ask how the food was or if there were any issues. At this point I was almost happy that we had an absentee waitress because I wouldn't have wanted to throw away any more money at this establishment. My boyfriend and I spent around $55 on two beers each and two platters of wings, which is way too steep for the quality of food. Service: 1 Food: 2 Atmosphere: 2 Beverage Selection: 4 Value: 2 Jake's, I won't be back.
(2)
Tyrod B.
CiderCon was going on and i tried the roasted almond cider with a lobster mac and cheese. This is the place to go for a real cider and amazing mac. However they have won first place in the wing city competition 3 years in a row. Needless to say Im coming back again soon.
(5)
Jeffrey H.
I really like Jake's wings and fried goodies. There is one set of wings that I don't like was ponchos. The regular wings are probably my favorite in Chicago. Good beers and good atmosphere. This is more of a sport bar theme which is probably why they have good appetizers and such. My wife had the nachos which she loved. The spinach dip is pretty good too. If you want to raise your cholesterol, come to Jakes where it's worth the taste.
(4)
Claudia S.
I'm teetering on this review, as my experience was somewhat disappointing, but it wasn't awful either. My birthday falls on a big day. It's a day I don't expect many people to be out eating and growing up, it's a day that my favorite restaurant would be closed. That being said, Jake Melnick's was open on my birthday and they have wings! Not only do they have wings, they've been voted to have some of the best. Service was great, I have no complaints there. My issue was that everything we seemed to order was out. I'm glad I got a wing order in when I did, because when I went to order more, they only had 2 types left. One I didn't care for, the other just didn't appeal to me in the first place. There were a few other items my mom and step-dad tried to order, but I'm going to assume the reason they were out of so many items was because of the holiday. I ended up going with a buffalo chicken sandwich (or something like that...it was chicken and I know there was buffalo sauce, as that's pretty much a staple for me). Filling, good flavor, no funky coating and it saved my birthday dinner. Unfortunately I can't remember what drinks we had, but they were all good. Aside from not knowing what to order a few times, I enjoyed Jake Melnick's. A little disappointing because I love wings, but the few traditional ones I had were worth choosing this spot for a birthday dinner.
(4)
Nicki W.
I have come here a couple of times before for a drink or two but I've never tried the food. My friend and I were strolling around shopping and enjoying the weather and we got hungry. I suggested that we sit on the patio at Jake Melnicks. Usually I'm the one with the bright ideas and clearly this idea was not one of them. It's sad because I love the interior of this place and their patio is cute. Our waiter was totally MIA for most of the time we sat there. I felt bad because as we sat there waiting for our drinks to be refilled, or maybe a simple "how are things over here", we noticed other tables getting sat near us. Those people got ignored as well, and eventually got up and left. We both had salads, and they were pretty good. We just wanted this dude to come on out and check on us. We had to wait about 15 minutes before he finally came back outside so we could ask for our check. I understand if he was busy, but I was watching him inside and he didn't seem weeded at all. No sense of urgency. Bummer. Meh.
(2)
Anup S.
Mystery Beer Tuesdays!
(3)
Cassidy S.
This is more of a teaser trailer than a review, I suppose. Met a friend for a pint after work on Thursday and she recommended the place. Overall? I'm definitely going back. The place smelled amazing from the first second through the door. Barbecue wafted in the air... We were given a hightop right away, tucked against a wall but snug and seemingly private for the boisterous atmosphere. A few huge parties increased the volume a bit, but my friend and I could still converse without yelling across the table. Our server was, if anything, overattentive, but helpful with her draft recommendations and full of energy. The late-night menu was the only one available by the time we arrived, but I'm definitely coming back to find out what that smell was about.
(4)
blondyne b.
I arrived downtown at 10:00 am to shop. As I look for a park, I noticed a sign that read "Best hot wings in Chicago". I knew then that was my spot for lunch. I made my way back to Jack's around noon. The place was nearly empty, I was concerned however, it was still early. Their menu selection seemed pretty good. I ordered traditional hot wings, artichoke dip w/ tortilla chips, fries, and topped it off with an iced tea. The wait staff were typical college students trying to make it. My server was very nice and attentive. They got the 3rd star because of the outside patio. The wings were a disappointment...I was expecting "the best in Chicago". Although they were ok, they reminded me of smaller Hooter wings. I've had better...much better! I prefer Juniors. I am not a beer drinker but they had a better than normal selection. Also, they had a selection of root beer that I did not get a chance to take advantage of. This place is cool if your walking by and want some bar food and catch a game. However, I will not be driving downtown to specifically eat here.
(3)
Chris L.
I thought this place was awesome. We came here for two reasons. 1: I read that this place had the best wings in Chicago and wanted to see what Chicago's best had to offer, and 2: I needed a place to watch my beloved Buckeyes best Syracuse in the Elite 8. My wife and I came here for dinner and shared nachos, some chinese salad and medium buffalo wings. The waitress was awesome, asked if we were splitting these appetizers and split up the salad for us without us even asking. She then asked what kind of beer I was wanting and I had no clue. She asked me what I liked and suggested a local brew called Metropolitan Crankshaft. Awesome. It was an amazing beer. The food was equally as delicious. There was even some Buckeye fans to share the love with. With great food, decor and an extensive ever-changing beer selection, I'm really bummed that I am returning to Columbus tomorrow and cannot visit Jake's all the time.
(5)
Steve S.
I must preface this review because I did end up getting the meal free because of a kitchen screw-up. Even so, I'd still go back. I was here on a Sunday. I could imagine this would be a great place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night because of the excellent atmosphere and it's location near Rush Street. I had the turkey burger which took forever to come out. I was told it was the longest thing on the menu to cook. I've never heard that excuse before for a slow kitchen. The person I was with found a piece of plastic with her teeth on top of the burger. The meal was comp'd and all was OK in the end. I'd say there are probably better places on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a burger and a brew, but I was satisfied with my choice.
(3)
Ed C.
The wings lived up to the reputation
(4)
McStrokin J.
Great wings and sauce. Wings are extremely meaty like they're supposed to be.
(4)
Andrew S.
i'm not in this neighborhood often but when i am (normally waiting out a shopping spree or make up appointment arranged by the wife) i always patron this bar. draft selection is normally quiet eclectic. the food is what "pub or bar" food should be and they truly have some of the best buffalo wings in the city.
(4)
Victor M.
My overall experience with Jake's was ~30mins and here it goes! Setting: Sunday Evening, June 19th, 2011. Cast: Host, Waitress 1, Me, Friends. [Me & Friends walkin] Host: Hi, welcome to Jakes. How many? Me: Table of four please. Host: Do you care to watch the game? Me: Nah, any table is fine. Host: Alright, let me check if there's any available tables. [Host walks away and Friends peer through the dining room area] Friend: The dining area is half full. Me & Friend: haha, that's funny. [Host returns] Host: Ah, I found a table for you. Me: Thank you! [Me and Friends sit down at a table in the corner by the patio with two other tables by us] Me: Ohh! food looks good here! Friends: Share the 8lb burger? Nah, the bbq looks good though. Me: I think I'll try the chicken. Friends: Wings? [Conversation among Me and Friends change] Friends: So what's new? Me: School is.. blah blah blah blah Friends: Oh yeah? blah blah blah blah [Conversation continues] [~20mins pass] Me: I'm thirsty, where's my water? Friends: I don't know.. where's our settings? Me: Didn't get them yet. Friends: The dining area is still half-full, I've seen a couple of waitresses walk by. Me: Want to try someplace else? Friends: Sure, let's go. [Friends and Me walk towards the entrance] Waitress: Thanks for coming guys, have a good one. Friends: Thanks, you do the same. [As Me and Friends approach the door, Me smiles at the Host] [Host has an expression of, "WTF, these guys just sat down] [Friends and Me leave and head 1 block West and South along State st.]
(1)
Lenora C.
Me and the boyfriend were having a dilemma on where to eat.. first it was Bennigan's then, Gino's East. We ended up getting off at Chicago and walking back to Superior. I saw the usual places but, never seen Jake's. The boyfriend and I checked the menu, he wanted a good burger and I wanted some kind of meat whether it clucks, moos, snorts, or lives in water. We found exactly that on the menu. It was crowded in the front area when we went in so, we got seated by the indoor patio area which had TV's tuned to ESPN showing baseball highlights. How wondrous that you steal my heart Jake's! Sports, spirits, and good food is always on on my list.
(3)
Meridith E.
Fun place to have drinks & aps for happy hour. I can't judge on their entire menu as I've only had drinks here. (Hey, don't judge me.) I love the atmosphere and love me some high-top tables in the bar section. My one issue is that I always feel as though it's so hot in there....I'm like, bring on the A/C people. The service is always on par with friendly staff. They have a full bar, so everyone can have some drinks and relax.
(3)
Borat S.
BE A MAN AND GET THE XXX WINGS... burns going in and even worse going out... The brisket nachos were goood...
(4)
Paul L.
Great beer selection.
(4)
Michael B.
Food: Always good. Service: Just about always terrible. Do yourself a favor- go to Timothy O'tooles in Streeterville, a 10 minute walk form this place- and you'll be much happier you did. This place is SEVERELY UNDERSTAFFED, especially during the week. In the few times i've been here, the waiter has completely forgot to bring us something we ordered, gave us the superhot wings without bringing us water (which I asked for twice before those wings came)- and completely neglected us for long periods of time. This is a nice bar in the Gold Coast, I don't understand why the service is always crap. Also, if the waiter is understaffed, management- make your waiters write down their orders. The waiter in my area was in control of way more tables than she could handle, and kept apologizing for the wait. While she didn't mess up anyones order as far as i could tell, her stress level was off the charts trying to remember something. It's ok, write down the order- it makes both parties feel more comfortable. RIP OFF CENTRAL: Went on a Tuesday for Mystery Beer Night, where they give u can of beer usually in a brown bag, you take a few sips, and remove the bag to get the surprise of what you are drinking. Except this time, she hands me my mystery beer and says "oh, we ran out of mystery bags"- so I just paid 5 bucks for Two Brothers IPA, without the surprise factor? What a joke? Melnick's might as well hire criminals to steal from their patrons, it's pretty much the same thing. The food, the beer list, the ambiance, are really really good. BUT a concern for me, as a guy that actually goes to bars for food, drink AND to watch games, IS THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TVs, and ALL OF THE TVs SHOW THE SAME GAME. Reasons why O'Tooles is a better bar: Cheaper food, more menu options, bigger restaurant, nicer and faster service, and about 1,000 more TVs
(2)
Craig R.
Although I've visited Jake Melnicks quite a few times, we spent New Years there last night and it was a hell of a lot of fun! I've read several of the other reviews here and most of the complaints seem to be around service as far as I can see. Last night we had one of the better servers I've ever had anywhere. John was his name. Awesome guy. We had a table of 7, and the place was pretty jammed most of the night. Our service was great. Whenever we needed drinks they came quickly, and all of the food we ordered came in a timely fashion. In general the place has a solid menu for your typical beer and bar food joint. A lot of standard bar fare like burgers and onion rings etc. The fries are pretty good, I'd recommend the garlic Parmesan version of them as those are quite tasty. They also do decent wings, not my favorite in the world, but they are certainly serviceable. Jake's also does have a very solid beer list, but does tend to charge a little more than say the Map Room or maybe Hopleaf. This I think has a lot to do with the location they are in, you're in the middle of tourist town where floor space is a little more pricy. Jake's is also a nice place to sit outside in the summer. The only thing that is a drag about it is the patio closes up at 11 or so, but this is just standard Chicago laws and all bars have to do it... I definitely give a thumbs up here, well worth a visit!
(4)
Tres B.
Just steps from the snooty-riums of poshness and dainty delicacies of Michigan Avenue and their high end hotels is this informal, welcoming glorified diner, slinging outrageously messy and marvelous wings, BBQ and various concoctions thereof. They are famous (and rightly so) for their wings. Even the mild has a kick. The very hot might light the roof of your mouth on fire. BE WARY. One of us, who shall remain nameless, had this big disgusting burger with fried onions and bacon and brisket all piled on. Oy vey! It was received quite favorably by the taste buds, but not by the arteries. Nice beer selection. The interior is faux rustic, very comfortable, dark and warm. The service was exceptional, friendly and on-spot. Valet parking is $11.
(4)
Brian P.
Recently spent a weekend in Chicago with my younger brother and to be completely honest, it was all about sports, drinks and fun. Needless to say, we weren't hitting up any white-clothed table bistros so.... Jake Melnick's worked perfectly. There was a wait for a table of two, which usually is a pretty good sign (I never mind waiting a little bit if there's a good bar to have a pre-dinner drink). Both of us are IPA lovers so the bartender quickly gave us the lowdown on the local IPA's on tap. I should've written this review immediately as our favorite escapes me...but admittedly it escaped me a couple hours after we left. That, by no means indicates whether it was good or not...just that we had a good time! Once we were seated, we started with some wings as the menu pretty much told us we had to. Good move because they were delicious. We went with mild and even those gave me a little sweat. I couldn't even imagine what XXX tasted, or felt like but my wimpy tolerance for hot wings would never had handled that. Bad move because of the monster of a burger I was planning on ordering and needed all the room I could save!! Beers were coming at a steady pace, TV near us was switched to the Knicks game for some Linsanity (yes, even though we were in Chicago)...so overall we were quite content. I ordered...(deep breath)...a HUGE burger (only cooked medium rare) wrapped in BBQ bacon (yes wrapped) topped with pulled pork, fried onions and, because it was necessary...BBQ sauce. Remember the bad move comment about getting the wings....sooooo yeaaaa. I've had some great burgers across the US in my travels mainly thanks to Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. My favorite is still Plan B in West Hartford and I thought MaxBurger in West Hartford's Fatty Melt won my "Cardiac Burger" award....but congrats Mr. Melnick, you sir...are now in the lead. Even if I hadn't had the wings, there was no way I could finish...but man, did I want to. This certainly slowed me down for the rest of the night in Chicago but we were hitting Wrigleyville early the next day for some college hoops viewing prior to the Bulls game so it was ok. Neighborhood bar feel, great burgers, great beer selection and overall great time.
(4)
Aaron N.
If you like beer and wings, Jake's is a spot in Chicago you have to try. The beer selection is freaking ridiculous. I have never heard of 90% of the beers they offer (prolly cause I tend to stick with Bud-Light), but whatever flavor you like, Jakes will have it. I enjoyed their moonshine which was a perfect mix of flavor and alcohol (whiskey)...plus it was served in a mason jar, which always helps. On to the food. I went with a bunch of people and they said the spicy wings were slamming. I (like an idiot) took the challenge and tried their XXX wing. I knew I was in for a disaster when the server said the sauce was made with the 2nd spiciest pepper in the world! Althought I finished the wing (like a champ), it was not fun at all. My tongue felt like it was about to explode and nothing helped cure the pain...only time. So, I suggest you only try one, regardless of how "tough" you think you are. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot and will definitely be coming back to eat the normal wings. Boom!
(4)
Mickey A.
I brought a friend in since we were dress shopping nearby. It wasn't terribly busy for a Thursday night, so it worked for us hungry gals. Space is key here. I like that. There's enough space to walk between tables, and unlike some places, you're not "sharing" space with the guests near you. Plus, if you're sick of waiting for 2 hours for a table at Giordanos up the street, you can always come here. (Sorry, Giordanos.) Want to catch a game while eating? Well, they have plenty of TVs placed through out the place for that. Food is okay. My friend and I went with the combo appetizer platter, which included two kinds of wings (a mix of spicy and non spicy), mozzarella sticks, and nachos. By the way, the spicier of the two are the ones that looked like they were grilled. I learned the hard way. H-O-T! I'm okay though. I'm just a wimp when it comes to spicy stuff. The nachos were served on a small skillet in the middle of this huge platter. I expected fresh hot nachos but sadly the whole skillet was cold? Actually, we thought the whole combo platter to be kind of blah. I was kind of surprised because I've been here before and thought food was decent enough. Oh well. Did I mention that it was also $5 cocktail day? I can't guarantee that every Thursday is $5 cocktail day, but today, yes. It applies only to what's on their drink menu. I probably will be back because I got a $5 gift card just for signing up for their email list. Whatever. I think I'll use it toward a dessert next time.
(3)
Jessica C.
Wings: as fluffy and scrumptious as could be! Service: HORRENDOUS. We literally waited 20 minutes in between every request (water, food, bill, get our credit cards back, etc.). Did I mention that our cups were DIRTY and had bits and pieces of who knows what at the bottom?! I loved their wings but am very dissatisfied with the service. It makes it hard for me to even want to return if I have to wait that long for our waiter/waitress.
(3)
Whitney O.
YUM! I want it right now. Pulled pork was great - opted for the 3 sliders to taste them all. Also split the buffalo bleu cheese fries, delicious! Really want to try the wings and mac & cheese!!!! Amazing beer selection!!!
(4)
laurie s.
Oh such a disappointing experience! Jake's was our neighborhood "go to" spot, for fun, casual meals. Hey Jake's just as an FYI, if your too busy to handle a take out order, just say so, we would be disappointed but would be appreciative of the honesty. Instead you quote us 30 minutes for the order to be prepared, turned into well over 50 minutes, only to receive an over cooked, dry burger, (was suppose to be med.) cold soggy fries and cold, soggy flat bread. Will be hard pressed to do anything but cash in our FOJ card and find a new place to call our "go to" spot.
(1)
Jimmy G.
Jake Melnick's is great for a good burger, a great variety of reasonably well done barbeque styles, and an even better place to sample a range of different beers, both on tap and in bottles. We like to go on Thursdays when they first open. The place isn't too crowded at that time, and the barbeque is at it's best. It's not the best place for people watching because most people who eat barbeque are pretty like me :P
(4)
Andy D.
GLUTEN FREE WINGS: Go with the Pancho's Wings, they are unbreaded, and have them also dipped in Buffalo- Mild or Spicy. Great spice and meat falls off bone. Healthy alternative to breaded variety.
(4)
Angela W.
So I've only been to this place once, and even though it's a 3/5 I would definitely come back. The only reason I'm giving it a 3 is because my boyfriend and I probably didn't order the right things. We started off with the BBQ nachos, and they were great. They would have been perfect if they went lighter on the cheese and heavier on the shredded pork (YUM!). We ended up both ordering burgers for our entree, and although they were good, they probably did not do this place justice. First, my country friend burger was a MISTAKE. It was soooooo greasy that I could barely stand eating it. The only reason I ate about half of it was because I was starving. I really regretted not ordering the shredded BBQ pork sandwich. The pork tasted delicious on the nachos. Next time I go back, their BBQ is a must. Have not tried the wings but hear good things!
(3)
Tommy M.
Have been back a couple of times and I still enjoy Jake's as much as the first time. I am a creature of habit and keep getting the hot wings followed by the pulled pork trio. The waiter was something of a jokester - usually that would turn me off but he had us laughing. The big challenge here is deciding what beer to order - great great variety.
(4)
Joe K.
This is a classic case of service can KILL your experience at a restaurant. 1.) Was seated and waited 10-12 minutes for the waitress to even come by to bring waters out. 2.) After we ordered waters and drinks it took about 8 minutes more to bring them out. When they came out she forgot the sweetener and lemons, more waiting. 3.) Ordered a salad with dressing on the side, and of coarse, it was drenched in it. 4.) No salt and pepper on the table for our food which needed some, queue the waiting line (8 more minutes of food getting cold). 5.) Finally we get to eating our food, and we haven't seen the waitress in a while. We're done with our food and I have my debit card out on the table waiting for her to take before she even brings out the check. 6.) She takes my debit card, comes back a couple minutes later (and I'm thinking at least that was fast!) and she brings back someone else's bill/debit card... are you kidding? The food was fine, it was cheap, fine for a Thursday night. I want to say that it wasn't insanely crowded either.... With all the choices of restaurants in this city, based on the service alone, I won't be back. Thanks- Joe
(1)
Rafael C.
I just came here to brave the hot wings. I figured they must be seriously hot with a higher price of say $16 for a dozen plus them making a show of having the wings - i.e signing a waiver, wearing a fireman hat! Well they were certainly hot as advertised; however, they sacrificed taste in order to make them ridiculously hot. I did manage to get it done though! My friend tagged along and got a pulled pork sandwich which he was satisfied with it. I also saw they had a pretty good beer selection as well as other menu food options. The bar has plenty of room and TVs so that is a plus. Service wasn't stellar but luckily not so busy that day so it wasn't a problem ... well except when I needed another drink as the wings were kicking my arse. I may not go out of my way to come back here but if the mood hits me and I'm nearby, I'm sure to give them another shot.
(3)
Helena D.
Jake Melnick's is one of the better, chill bars in the Gold Coast. Just a couple of blocks off of Michigan Avenue, Jake is where locals and business men flock to whether they're looking to hang out with friends or catch any number of sporting events featured on their flat-screen TVs. Wing lovers will delight in their hot wings, which were recently v0ted #1 in Chicago at the annual Wingfest. Each month, a different burger is featured and for under $10 you can get a cold bottle of beer plus a burger. Moreover, there are generally drink specials like beer cocktail that will set you back just $5. Their food portions are generous and filling and you can't beat the laidback atmosphere. Ladies, the Millionaire Matchmaker was right - come here if you're single and want to mingle. There are tons of men that flock here and you'll definitely stand out from the load of baseball caps and jeans.
(4)
Jared H.
Great bar and great food for drinking- nothing is a challenge here- not a challenge to drink, to get a server to come to the table, not a challenge to order or understand the menu. Its always busy and its just close enough but just off the tourist track enough for any easy dinner.
(4)
Tiffany B.
My company's Holiday Party was held here last Thursday night (yeah you read it right !).... 3 weeks late. It was a nice enough place. Typical pub/bar vibe. They claim to have the best Hot Wings in Chicago and I think they claim to have won some kind of Wing Award. But I beg to differ. Too greasy. No seasoning salt. Who makes fried chicken without Lawry's?? I know chicken wings and those were nowhere near the best. They deserve two stars but I'll give'em three because the food was free.
(3)
Michael P.
If you don't like beer, I feel bad for you, son: I've got 99 problems, but when I go to Jake Melnick's, drinking beer ain't one. Great BBQ-based items. I've been here at least three times; I'll be back at least three more. Solid.
(4)
Daniel M.
Good choice for barbecue and kid friendly atmosphere ...however my son knocked over a planter on the patio (my son is 6) and whoever the manager was re-planting the dirt and plants was a very ryde...muttered something under his breathe, and I thought that to be in poor taste. Food great, staff was super attentive, but the mgr's attitude needs fixing
(4)
Katie R.
I may be partial to Jake's since I live next door, but they do have great beer, good food, I always enjoy whatever I'm eating or drinking there. The staff is always friendly. It can be a tourist hot spot for those tourists who migrate a little too far west of Michigan Ave. so the wait may be long between 6-8pm. It's a good spot to bring a group of eclectic people that may prefer a salad or wings or burgers or mac-n-cheese.
(5)
Tyler A.
I was drawn here to eat the XXX wings, so good job JM's for luring me in with that little gimmick.. Wait a second! you guys have a freakin 8 pound burger?! For 50 dollars?!! I want that! (I'm a Man v. Food fan..) Tyler... Focus. Ok so the 10 wings are 16 dollars.. yes. The normal wings are 10, i think, dollars. But for the 6 dollar difference you get: 1. Ghost chili hotness/goodness/evilness 2. A "cooling plate" consisting of spicy food kryptonite such as sour cream, ICE cream, a slice of orange (what the?), a shotglass of milk and white bread triangles 3. A plastic fireman hat 4. A nicely printed "waiver" that you sign, and then I can only assume is thrown directly into the garbage (i signed mine AFTER I ate the wings, which I thought was a little, i dunno, shady? Even for a fake waiver..) 5. A digital photo which goes on the website So at least you're gettting something for that six dollars. Oh I almost forgot, you also get, 6. To clear your sinuses 7. To turn beat red 8. The ability to not look serious when you're having a conversation 9. The ability to freely cry about your miserable life, and use the hot wings as an excuse. Now I can take blisteringly hot. I've got years of experience under my belt. I encourage people to take their overconfident friends here to take this challenge. It's more fun like that. How is the heat? It's a slow afterburn. The sauce they use is actually really tasty classic buffalo sauce. The wings are pretty good sized (they should be for 16 dollars dangit) I was actually somewhat underwhelmed by the heat, but again I have eaten some pretty spicy foods. I think I just want some validation that I'm some kind of spicy food stud but there's lots of photos on the website so that tells me these aren't THAT hot.. The other food at our table was pretty above average for bar food and our waitress was pretty attentive. Oh, I must say though, the BBQ ribs, not good. The place is pretty big with indoor/outdoor seating and I'd come back here again. So in conclusion, XXX wings, expensive, kinda tasty, kinda fun, KINDA super-hot. Who else has got some suggestions for spicy foods I can check out next?
(4)
Dan B.
I soooo wanted to love this place. Rough, fun exterior, awesome beer selection, good menu. The beers are great but VERY expensive. Had the nachos and was very disappointed, too little cheese, maybe a couple tablespoons of chili, again, VERY expensive $10.95 for literally a plateful of toasted nacho chips. Cool atmosphere, lots of TVs. Server was friendly but didn't come around enough to get us new beers (they were not busy, so good service was expected). Manager clearly not on top of it.
(2)
David C.
Big fan of this place. Great beer selection. Good food. Great for groups. Plenty of space.
(4)
Dale H.
Went here after a long night of drinking at a fundraiser, we were looking for some good bar food to fill our stomachs with something other than beer and wine. They were about to close the kitchen when we got there, but kept it open long enough to get our orders in. Brisket topped nachos and wings were the meals we had and they were outstanding! Atmosphere was nice, service was great. I would like to go back many times!
(4)
Andrew W.
L-O-V-E IT! and i am dedicating my 200th review for this awesome place Across downtown~ for you to find a place to hang~ to locate a hardcore sport heaven to cheer~ are nearly impossible chain restaurants filled... snobby luxurious Italiano or Steak Houses scatter throughout... often you will have to sacrifice the volume... just to spot a tv in a bar of a restaurent... that is truly a nightmare for sport fans! however, just couple block far out from the heart of downtown... you can spot this great sport heave, with EXCELLENT food how often can you say, the food at a bar is good? not often! But this place delivers! Ribs, burger, wings, salad, soup, dessert..... YOU NAME IT! with great selection of TVs... they aren't hesitate to share just one tv for you, even if you are not looking for a local game! ooh ohh, they also tune up the volume for you as well! where can you find that?! the food is great, the dudes behind the counter are great and i got to keep up with my fanhood, while i am on the road YOU HAVE TO COME AND HANG OUT THIS CHICAGO LOCAL-FAVORITE DESTINATION!
(5)
Arian H.
They place was pretty cool. Wonderful atmosphere with the warm wood theme going. Service was great. I had the wings , which was pretty good. However, I don't see why their know as the best. You don't get that many wings as well . I ended up grabbing a snap from chick fil a. They also had a full bar which looked like a fun time. Parking is downtown parking, not too much to expect.
(4)
Brandon Y.
Great Beers on tap (a little heavy on the belgians and czechs but I'm alright with that) I'm a beer purist and though I like a good hoppy IPA it's nice to see some traditional European Lagers on tap at a beer heavy bar. Came in for some beers and college football, didn't eat there but was salivating over the delicious looking and smelling BBQ food all around me.
(4)
Keely B.
I like Jakes. A friend and I stop by occasionally for lunch during work, when we're looking for a place with better ambiance than Foodlife or the food court in Chicago Place. They've got a pretty amazing buffalo chicken sandwich, and it's huge. The drawbacks are that the place is kind of pricey for lunch, and the service is hella slow. Also, they have a "beer wall" where they write the names of the beers they serve, and they always spell the brewery "Surly" wrong. We've mentioned it to them several times, but whenver we go back it's the same.
(3)
Helena B.
By far one of the better bars in the area - close enough to all that is going on but far enough from Michigan Avenue so as not to be utterly overrun by tourists. The beer selection was impressive. In addition to standard bars on tap, they had a long list of domestic and imported bottles. Date (also a beer snob) and I were both able to try things we hadn't had before. Our server was attentive and friendly. We never had to wait for the next round. The best thing about the place was being able to drink outside. They had several cafe tables set up on the front sidewalk. This was relatively peaceful on a Sunday evening in April, but I'm not sure if it would get too crowded as the sidewalks fill up later in the year. I prefer enclosed beer gardens in the back. Overall - a nice place, but not much of a general draw to pull me back unless I happened to be in the area.
(3)
Sarah F.
Normally when there's lots of beer drinking, the evening gets progressively better (well, to a point, anyway). Jake Melnick's started out well before it took a nosedive into a big ol' pool of disappointment. I met a group of friends here for a Stone Brewery event. With the warm weather, the outdoor seating area was packed, leaving a relatively small crowd (including us) indoors. As the restaurant changed its taps over to the evening's featured brews, our server was knowledgeable about which brews were still available, and could make recommendations based on everyone's preferences. She was attentive for the first 90 minutes or so that we were there, but then all but disappeared. At one point we'd had questions about the Surly drafts that were featured, and while she snagged someone who could describe the beers, she never came back to take our orders. Nobody should have to wait half an hour to order a beer, especially when everyone's glass was dry. Maybe the point was to make us surly, too... Except for the brisket, which was excellent both on the BBQ nachos and in a sandwich, the food was meh. Said nachos were woefully lacking in toppings, the onion slab was frightfully greasy, and the mozzarella sticks were...well, the same thing you can get anywhere.
(2)
Benson G.
Beer selection was great and food was better than typical bar food. Will definitely go bad if in the area again.
(4)
Vanessa T.
I came here because I wanted to watch the Penguins/Blues game and my friend wanted to watch the Lakers/Nuggets game. My friend and I shared fish and chips and a buffalo chicken sandwich (from the special). I don't expect outstanding food from sports bars. However, for a sports bar, the food here is good, better than chain restaurants like Chilis. I also didn't feel like the food was that greasy. Of course the selection of food isn't anything special because.. well.. it's a sports bar. The server was very friendly and attentive. I'm not sure if I'd go back. Since I'm not from Chicago, I'd want to try other restaurants in the area before I come back here. However, if I were a local, I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Anne P.
This place is always a good time. It has a laid-back atmosphere and pretty good food. I usually get the bbq nachos which are really delicious, but they a burger of the month that is always great. It is usually a fully loaded burger with fries paired with a beer for only $9. This is definitely one of the better deals in River North. Also, the place has many large tvs strategically placed throughout the bar which makes any seat in the place perfect for viewing the game.
(4)
Erik Y.
Stopped in on a random weeknight. Sat at the bar and had a Stone IPA. Beer was a little expensive but you are in that area of town. Had wings. Half of the order were their spiciest and the other half were some sort of marinated wings. The spicy wings were so flavorful, crunchy, great. The marinaded ones were good but not spectacular. With 1 beer, 10 wings, and tip was $23. Not too bad. Would return sometime!
(4)
Corey H.
I had a great time here. Two of us went here on a Friday night in the middle of January at about 9pm. We had to wait for about 5 minutes for a table. No problem. I imagine that during a more tourist season and a more reasonable dinner time (ie 6pm ish), this place probably has a pretty long wait. Maybe call ahead to see the wait time. As previously said, they have the best wings in Chicago. I LOVE wings and I have to try them at just about any place. I've even created a list on this website for best wings in my area. This place has really good wings. They have about 6 flavors... traditional buffalo hot or medium, garlicish, grilled, super hot and XXX. I love spicy wings and inquired about the heat level of the last two I mentioned. They offered to let me try them but warned me that they only recommend it for "professionals". I was glad they did. As I figured the sauce is too hot to actually be enjoyed. It was good but the only reason to order them would be to challenge yourself. They are meant to make you cry and sweat. I stuck with the traditional buffalo spicy sauce. It was franks red hot, which I like. The wings are slightly breaded and fried. They were slightly crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Loved em. SIDENOTE - I see someone complaining because they ordered the XXX wings with their husband and some friends and it was too spicy and they couldn't take the heat and complain they were not formally warned with the "waiver". You should have noticed all the stuff on the walls talking about how spicy their wings are. Second, you should have tasted a little of the sauce first, that was a rookie mistake. Don't blame this place because you underestimated the heat, especially when you declined to taste the sauce first. As for the waiver they didn't bring out, its only for show and doesn't serve and anything more than some memorabilia to remember the experience with. That shouldn't give you reason to EX this place. My guest had the trio of BBQ sliders. They came with the three types of BBQ they offer. It was really good. I liked the Carolina style because they put coleslaw on it with a vinegary and spicy BBQ sauce. The beer selection was awesome. Tons of micro brews and then some. TVs everywhere to watch any game. As for the service, our waiter was awesome. Super friendly, and helped us out with beer selections. I gave him a big tip in appreciation. The decor was pretty laid back. Wood with lights all over the place. Pretty standard of a BBQ joint. I liked it. I'm from out of town but I'll go back for sure if I'm ever in town again.
(4)
David F.
Wings are great - huge! Wife selection of beers. Good atmosphere too. Will definitely return!
(5)
Bruce B.
Meh...that about sum's it up. There's not anything unique about this place. I didn't find their wings to be anything special. Their drink prices are pretty high for what you get. I tried their spiked Arnold Palmer and it was meh...meh. The food is meh and the ambiance is meh. Jake's is a three star on the dot. I might go here again, but I wouldn't go out of my way. I liked the outside seating area, but there's nothing special about it that would make me want to go back. Their food is on par with bar food and their drinks are watered down. I don't like around Jake's but it seems like one of the few pubs around that area. If you want to sit outside and basically have a Chili's feel - go here. It's A-okay.
(3)
Nathan G.
So we went to this place because it was listed in the "foodie" iphone app I had recently downloaded. They were offering a complimentary appetizer if you purchased 2 entrees. Sounds good to me! So we went in and got seated immediately, even though the place appeared to be pretty busy. Nice atmosphere; it's a place where you can come to relax and have some good food. For appetizer, we were recommended the Pancho's (?) Grilled wings, so we went with that. They were absolutely delicious! I would highly recommend these to anyone who goes there. For entree, I got the beef brisket and it was good. Large portion, so that was nice. The taste didn't knock my socks off or anything, but it was definitely really good. Overall I would definitely eat here again, even without the free appetizer =)
(5)
M H.
I work in the area so I figured I'd give Jake's a try. I heard good things about the wings and their buffalo chicken sandwich plus with a banner outside stating voted the best wings in Chicago...how could i go wrong? I took my girlfriend there since she suggested something American nothings is more American than wings, burgers and football. There was a 30 minute wait that was only 20 minutes so that was good. the service was ok we were being taken care of by a rather fidgity waitress. She greeted us and we put our orders in i had a Steak sandwich and my girlfriend got the Que Burger a speciality burger angus wrapped in bacon.......(insert Homer Simpsons voice ...UMMMM Bacon!) We started with their fried pickles which were great. I ordered one of their house beers I was impressed. Then the food came my steak was coked a perfect medium well. My girlfriend's burger was still alive dripping blood onto the plate. So we got the waitress to have the cook throw it back on the grill. At this time I'm in full masticating mode and had her blessing to eat while she waited....Thanks boo your the best :) So she returns with the food and being apologetic so she cuts into it again and it seem like they just dressed it with barbeque sauce and warmed it up. It goes back for the second time at this point I'm concern they are going to burn the burger to a crisp. Finally she returns for the third time I'm at the end of my meal and its finally cooked and not jumping over the moon. While cooking the burger they continued to recook the fries which on the third time were burned. She ask for a box to take the burger home while i talk to the waitress on getting a discount for a not so pleasant dining experience. We weren't charged for the burger and the waitress was nice somewhat forgetful. The experience hasn't soured me on Jake's I think I'll just stick to the wings.
(2)
Paul G.
Food was mediocre at best, but the beer selection boosts the rating one star. I got the super hot wings, and they were as advertised.....super hot. The waitress was kind enough to warn me about the heat, but they were hot to the point of inedible. Good rule of thumb: if it comes garnished with a raw habanero, they're hot. The sauce was very flavorful though and I was warned so my fault. The wings are breaded though and were somewhat tough. I had mac and cheese with it, and it was undercooked and very poor. Their beer selection is stellar though, so that helped. I don't think I'd go back to eat, but if you're a fan of high quality craft brews, I'd recommend the place to have a drink.
(3)
Stacy Y.
I was part of the group of 14 that includes the lovely Yvette C. and Ericka L. below and our experience here pretty much sucked. First of all, I am notoriously late - to everything. I arrived 30 minutes after everyone else and they had already placed their food orders. I glanced over the menu really quick when I arrived so I could sneak my order in and still enjoy the meal with my friends. It was almost impossible to get our server's attention so I could do so. Shortly after I ordered everyone at the table was served their entree - except for me and poor Yvette. My order arrived pretty quickly (considering I arrived so late) but can someone please explain to me how it was possible that I received my entree before Yvette did. I ARRIVED AND ORDERED 30 MINUTES LATER THAN THE REST OF THE PARTY! She was served her entree AFTER MINE! I'm sorry but that is totally inexcusable. We obviously came here for the kitsch of the "Waiver Wings". There was no waiver, fireman's hat or anything else other than a couple orders of wings that "weren't that hot" according to the members of our group that ate them. I had the fish and chips - run of the mill frozen, fried food. My meal was okay. Although totally overpriced. Our server was terrible and if we needed anything we had to go and track him down ourselves. If it wasn't for the large party policy of 18% gratuity included with the bill this guy would not have received a tip at all! The service was that bad. The beer selection is pretty good, BUT I can get the same beer for $1-2 less per bottle at other places I actually like, such as The Ashland. Long story short: Don't bother with Jake Melnick's! Unless you happen to like overpriced, crappy food and service.
(1)
Jacob J.
Great service, everyone is helpful and welcoming. Food is ok. The dinners aren't worth the price, should be cheaper. When your plate arrives you think, where's the rest?? Go for the sandwiches, worth the price and decent. Brisket sandwich or dinner (without bread), disappointing. Smoked chicken is tender and slides right off the bone. Hardly any flavor & kinda dry. Well made martini's and an ample beer selection. Average for a beer pitcher is about +$15. They DO have daily specials. Eye candy begins to roll in about 6 or 7-ish.
(3)
Stephanie P.
I ordered the veggie burger and asked for steamed veggies on the side rather than the fries it came with. One hour later and the check comes...I was charged $2 for the veggies. Thanks, waitress, for telling me ahead of time! Not. Otherwise, I was pleased with the burger, as it was actually made out of grains and veggies instead of being a mystery patty.
(3)
Job E.
An impressive list of beers on tap; I'd guess it was about 20-25 beers with at least five of them new to me. But the service was horrible. Waiting at a table, we eventually gave up and just went to the bar to get a drink. After finishing that, we just left because we still hadn't had a waiter stop by to see if we want anything.
(2)
Jeanette S.
We had a bad experience. We obviously didn't do our homework before coming because we had no idea what the wing challenge was. My husband likes really hot food. The friends we were with also like really hot food. So, when ordering the wings, it didn't seem like a bad idea to try the XXX wings. The waitress asked if he had had them before, and she also asked if he wanted to try the sauce first. He declined since he has never had a problem before, even with the hottest level the restaurant offered. So, we order our food - which took a very long time to get and the restaurant was not packed - and dig in. The mac and cheese was great. The baked potato was great. The wings were passed around and everyone started sweating and gagging a bit. Finally, when it was too hot to stand, my husband said something and the waitress brought out a 'cooling plate'. It helped a little, but at that point it was too late for anything but time. After doing some follow up on the website, it appears that this XXX wing heat requries the eater to sign a waiver and they get a picture and a fireman's hat and that there is some form of more formal 'warning' about the heat. Had we known that (or seen a waiver come out...), the order would never have been placed for that heat level, and 3 of the 3 people that ate them would not have the 'digestive issues' wreaking havoc the next morning. The main disappointment is the lack of disclosure from the waitress on the true level of the heat, followed by the wait time for a less-than-packed place. Sadly, this is within walking distance and we had high hopes of many returns. Time to find a new favorite.
(2)
bettina k.
One of those fake pubs that heaps hyperbole on its own menu offerings without delivering the quality, but always exceeds the price expectations of what is essentially bar food. The jumbo wings are mini with a maxi price tag , whiskey shots are $11, and they skimp on ketchup or BBQ sauce for menu items. The BBQ rib combo will leave you hungry for more meat. On three occasions, the publicized free wifi didn't work . During football season get a far superior burger at Zed 451 for half of the price with a $3 draft , or else go to Pippins for authenticity instead of this Marriott hotel bar annex
(2)
Howard A.
Jake Melnick's is so normal, it's totally unique! For the Gold Coast anyways. In this hoity-toity hotsie-totsie 'hood of everything from molecular cuisine to comida de Rick Bayless, where do you get a good slabs of ribs and a cold beer? I don't want to spend a fortune and I'm usually in a hurry. "Hey buddy, can you turn on the game?" "Yeah, no problem! Which of the 100 or so TVs do you want to watch it on?" There is hand santizer on the wall! Sweet! This place knows how to handle crowds well. The food has never disapointed. Get the rib and chicken combo. Bliss! While not unique, I would challenge you to find a better place for great portions of tasty comfort food anywhere in the area. Jake's makes a great low light refuge from work or shopping. You won't go broke their either!
(5)
Linda G.
These stars are for a superb beer menu, fast service, good food, great location, fun atmosphere. Nuff said.
(5)
Anthony W.
This being my first trip to Chicago, there were tons of places to go. As I was walking by, I see a large sign promotion the best wings in Chicago. Naturally, I stepped in. This place was eloquent and still had that laid back Chicago sports atmosphere. I had the steak sandwich and fries with an Ommegang draft. I know, should have tried the wings. The beer was fantastic, it was a sip of Belgian perfection. They bring the food out in an old rustic bowl, I loved it. Our waitress was wonderful and chatted it up like I've known here for years. Being from Cleveland, I was pleasantly surprised to see they had Great Lakes beer here as well. For being a sports bar, the beer selections and food was perfect. To get a table on a Friday night was also very surprising. Whether your from Chicago or just a tourist, I highly recommend.
(4)
Alex O.
Amazing wings and beer or Amazing burgers and beer? You decide.
(5)
Adam H.
A co-worker loves this place and raved about their wings and beer selections. I like wings. I like beer. I grabbed my wife and some friends and went. The good things: The food: The best thing about this place is their cheese fries. Yes. They don't sound like anything special. Melted cheddar cheese on crispy fries served with a homemade ranch dressing. Simple but a key element makes them great. Real cheddar cheese. For some reason the city of Chicago hates cheddar cheese. If one orders cheese fries at a hot dog stand, sandwich shop, diner, sports bar, pizza place, pretty much anywhere in Chicago, 99.99% of the time the cheese fries will come out overly smothered in a cheese sauce. This place does it right and is the only eatery I know of in the city that serves their cheese fries with real grated melted cheddar cheese. My wife loves this real version of cheese fries and we will be coming back to this place just for them alone. Their hot wings are good. I wouldn't call them jumbo like advertised but they are a good size and tasty. I had their wing combo with their Traditional spicy and Poncho's Marinated wings. The Traditional was a good tasting buffalo wing served with a good tasting blue cheese. They didn't really have any crispiness to them like I prefer but they weren't soggy either so I was fine and I would order them again in the future. The Poncho's wings were a hit or miss. The first three wings I had were kind of bland in taste and they made me wonder how they won best wing in Chicago. Then I had the last two, the ones that were on the bottom of the pile soaking in all the juices and flavor, and it all made sense. Pretty dang good. Too bad not all of Poncho's wings were that tasty but at least my meal ended on a high note. The last thing I tried was their BBQ Pork Nachos. Really quite delicious. Nice pork and the bbq sauce worked with all the nacho fixings. The only problem I had was the jalapenos. I like jalapenos and spicy things. But for some reason my nachos had a little too many thick slices of the peppers all throughout the dish and all of them were hidden under the layer of melted cheese. Eating the chips became a game of chance and I had to start picking at everything to make sure I didn't have too many peppers in each bite. An annoyance. Yes. A deal breaker. No. Still good nachos. The drinks: Great beer selection and even great bottled soda pop selection. I had fun trying out the Goose Island soft drinks that I didn't even know existed and my wife enjoyed the fact that they had five choices of hard cider. The not so good things: Service: Our server Molly was great. At first. She was very helpful in navigating my table on what beers to get and had inisght on what food we should try and was all smiles while doing so. And she was there again for us for round two of our drinks laughing and being pleasent the whole way. And then she was gone. Like a faded dream. I wasn't drinking alcohol and was indulging my sweet tooth with soda. I got a root beer and an orange cream. Both were good and I could have and would have drank more but she wasn't around. Luckily everything was fine with our food and my friends really weren't drinking too much so they were content but I wanted something more and sadly didn't get it. Even though the place was busy I just wished the great start could have lasted to the end. Ambiance: It was loud. I know. It's a bar. A nice bar. But nonetheless it's not called Corner Tap for nothing. I could barely hear my friend across our table when she talked sometimes though. There were just several large groups eating in there the thursday night we went and it was a loud experience. The rest of the place with its look and feel was nice but the volume kind of was overwhelming for most of our visit. The conclusion: Everything I ate and drank I liked but I have a hard time getting excited to come back to this place on any sort of regular basis. I know I'll be coming into a noisy atmosphere where servers will eventually forget about me. But I need to stop listening to my head and start paying more attention to my stomach. Good wings. Great cheese fries. Good wings. Great cheese fries. I may just have to keep trying this place until I get it right.
(3)
Tati B.
Love this place. I've never had anything here that wasn't delicious. The wings are great, burgers are awesome too. They have a burger of the month where you can get a certain beer with it for $1 more. I love going just to see what it is each month. Everyone I've taken here has loved it. Great bar atmosphere that is hard to find in River North unless you go to an Irish pub...
(5)
Molly L.
I've been to Jake Melnick's a few times now. I have no idea what I've eaten, though. I remember things being good, but just (obviously) not memorable. Because of the dearth of sports bars in the Gold Coast, this place gets packed when there's a big game on, so beware during the month of March or on a Sunday in the fall. They have a decent beer selection and a standard array of burgers and bar food. Overall, Jake's is A-OK.
(3)
Joe G.
Great beer selection, great burger. It's all that I can ask for. BBQ burger was very lean, not greasy. Almost like roast beef. Excellent. Service was good. All that, and Lagunitis IPA on tap. Not bad. I will be back.
(4)
Brian S.
Definitely one of the worst experiences I've had in Chicago. One of the bitchiest hostesses i've ever dealt with and then a really lousy, rude server that ignored our table for 20 minutes after we got seated, INTENTIONALLY!, because she was mad that we sat down at the table before the bussers were done clearing (place was packed, we were just trying to get out of the way). Never going back - too bad, because the location is super convenient for us yuppie dorks that need a sports bar in river north's tool box (the area i've complicity critiqued myself as living in that runs from the Fordham to the Pinnacle to 55 E. Erie to the Park Hyatt)
(1)
Sharon J.
Fun sports bar. Good food. Good drinks. Consistant service. I have been back several times and is is great. The barbeque is unbelievably good. Even better than some I have had in Georgia. Will be back on my next trip to Chicago.
(4)
Denise B.
Jake's is a decent bar / restaurant down the street from my dad's apartment. They have a menu full of average-tasting pub food and lots of beer. What I like about this restaurant is that it's more neighborhood-y than most restaurants and has more of a local crowd (I say somewhat ironically, as someone who no longer lives here). The outside is also a really nice place to eat dinner or nurse a beer during the summer. During the rest of the year, though, it's not really worth coming here. The interior is dark and leaves a lot to be desired. Service is of average quality, most like much of the rest of this bar. If you're tired of most of the restaurants in this part of Chicago having really long lines and tons of tourists, Jake's might be worth a try.
(3)
Ed B.
This place is OK. It has TV's everywhere and its a little more yuppidy then some of the other places to watch some sports, but it is a good place to go to catch a game and get some grub. The food is alright, but nothing special. I had the mini dog combo which is three mini hot dogs each a different style (Chicago style, New York Style and Philly style) over fries. I thought it was alright. My dad had the baby back ribs which were nothing special, but weren't bad either. We were there on a Sunday night to watch the Bears game and it wasn't too busy, but yet my beer went dry more then a few times for more then 10 minutes before the waitress noticed I needed another, so the service wasn't as good as some of the other places we visited, but I'd still say it's kind of a nice place.
(3)
Chris P.
friend got a burger which was solid and i had a beer. pretty commercial feel but could be fun with the right crowd.
(3)
Jennifer R.
I went to Jakes the other night with my BF and some of his friends. We had reservations and were lead straight to our table. Scanning the menu, nearly every option had something with bread in it or encasing it (even the wings were breaded). Not wanting to be put straight into a carb-coma, I decided on the wings. They were standard chicken wings - nothing really stuck out about them other than how messy they were lol. The service bringing our drinks/food out was not as fast as it could have been. Finally, and this is the reason for dropping them down to one star. We asked if the television could be changed to a mixed martial arts event, and were told it was against their policy to show fights on the tv. Our group was comprised of mainly teachers, doctors, and a fireman - definitely not the type of group to cause trouble. Nonetheless, they would not accomodate us, we quickly finished our meal and had a great night elsewhere. While the restaurant was average, the intangibles were definitely lacking. Sorry Jakey.
(1)
Elyse C.
Blech. The food tastes frozen. I'd need to drink a ridiculous amount to eat anything off their menu again and there are infinitely better beer selections and atomospheres in this city.
(1)
Maryann M.
Dear Jake Melnick's, Put the October burger of the month on the menu full time. It is the best burger you have! That being said, your regular burgers are pretty great. And I really do love your fries. And cole slaw. And pulled pork. Can you tell I'm here quite a bit? Actually, probably too much. The good: Food listed above. The staff - always friendly and quick. Atmosphere - I really like the low key sports bar feel it has. Hooks under bar for handbags. Why doesn't every bar have these? It's common sense! Outdoor seating - always important in the summer months. The bad: The wings - I LOVE hot wings. However, I hate when the wings are super breaded and these wings have WAY too much breading on them. Or whatever they're coated in. Too much. Sauces are awesome though. I think that's all. I love Jake's.
(5)
Brock R.
Great place. My favorite sports bar to go when I'm in Chicago! Chicago is my home away from home!
(4)
Michael J.
I came here to try "Chicago's Best Wings." The wings were good but they were cold because of the extremely slow service. Either they have been working our waitress to death over the holidays, her dog just died, or she was heavily sedated because she was the slothiest, most inattentive server on the planet. To the restaurant's credit, the other servers were quite helpful when I went up to them to ask to put in a food order or order drink refills. The buffalo wings were quite good, but I expected more than 8 for $11.00. I didn't see a lot of value. We had fish and chips about $13 for two pieces of fish and $2 extra to substitute fries with onion rings that never came out until we were finished with the rest of our food. We also had a pulled pork trio which wasn't bad. I guess the service really killed it for me. I expect to spend a ridiculous amount of money when dining out in the Gold Coast, but in return I shouldn't be expected to work to get my food. I could have stayed home and made wings and drank beer for about 20% of the cost of what I spent at Jake's so I was upset that I had to wait my own table and almost had to make my own onion rings.
(2)
WP L.
I was just there for a Mardi Gras/Birthday Celebration. The restaurant was dead at 10:00pm, bad sign. I ordered the fish sandwhich which turned out to be a large bun, small (itsy bitsy filet of cod), a huge handful of lettuce shreds, an ounce of tartar sauce, one lemon wedge, and a huge order of cold fries. The waiter was slow , did not come back to the table to ask if we wanted more drinks, and was rude. I had to (after politiely telling them their food was inedible) argue with waiter and manager to get my food removed from the bill. Can you believe that this place argued with me over $9 dollars????? How cheap can you be? I am not going to pay for disgusting food poorly cooked. I have to go throw up what I did eat of the fish, gross! PS The band that was playing there Rocked!
(1)
Dustin W.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is well deserving of my top-3 craft-brew must visits in all of Chicago (again thanks to Chicago Craft Beer week or I would still be in the dark on Jake's). While perusing my CCBW passport to all things beer in Chicago, I happened upon a peculiarly long named establishment boasting bbq and Two Brothers craft brew, specifically the first keg kick-off of Askew sour release party. Checking the location on my CCBW droid application allowed for pinpointing the exact location, and has become my go-to for determining strategic brew tasting, bar-hopping in a responsible, no-drivey kinda way. I made a quick call down to Jake's and sure enough the Askew is still flowing and they are also boasting two firkins of double dry hopped (DDH) bitter end and cain and ebel (throw your panties on the bar ladies). Needless to say, I made sure we showed up 15 minutes before tapping the DDH firkin wonders, which were out of sight tasty, smooth and hoppy, yet not over-hopped or bittered beyond palatability. When we arrived, I was shocked and a bit worried as the exterior reminded me a lot of a chain-restaurant with loud gimmicky BBQ signage. Then I remembered where it lay location-wise and that a Rainforest cafe was nearby. Perhaps this is actually a very strategic and ultimately necessary business move to draw the local customers and travelers in and remind them that there is a really amazing bbq brewhouse joint to grub down at as an alternative to the everyday chain. Luckily for me, I had not eaten, because the bbq at Jake's is Guy Fieri off-the-chain delightful. I went with the beef brisket, which is smoked for something insane like 17 hours. It came classically arranged piled high atop a piece of texas toast and sauced on top to perfection (not dripping or mushed into the meat). They give you the extra sauce on the side as it is meant to be served so you can sauce each delicious morsel appropriately and avoid sticky soggy think heavy bbq syndrome. The smoke was deep and intense, all the way through (not just a slight rubbed smoke ring on the exterior). If bbq were wood, Ron Bergundy would likely describe Jake's brisket as a "rich mahogany." This smoke is clearly the marking of a true bbq warrior, and I am quite sure that Jake's will be winning many an award for backyard bbq in the future as well. We also tried out the mac-daddy mac-n-cheese of the month, which was bbq'd up inside and coated with panko. It was an interesting take, perhaps a bit to bbq-y for me, but delicious take on a classic none-the-less. Of course we got the award winning Firecracker wings (sweet and spicy sriacha sauced with cilantro - excellent) and tried the wing of the month, mint julep wings (tasty but not a lot of mint taste which we were hoping for). Overall, great bbq, amazing, huge, colossal beer selection that is a must stop for any beer geek.
(5)
Anna P.
chill atmosphere. great BBQ. awesome beer list. patio space in the middle of downtown chicago. that pretty much says it all :-)
(3)
Ryan K.
My wife and I brought the kids (ages 1 and 5.5) to mosey around on Michigan Avenue for the day after Black Friday, and we rather happily stumbled upon Jake's. We had headed off of Michigan in an effort to get away from the crowds, to refill the parking meter on my car (which was also on Superior) and to find a joint that served hot dogs, as that's what my daughter was saying that she wanted. We quickly looked at the menu that was posted outside the door and I noticed that they offered a Flight Of Hot Dogs. Score! We were seated in the 3-seasons type room that overlooked Superior, and it was more than spacious for all of us (including a high chair for my son). I'm not sure how family friendly it would be for younger kids if the bar was a bit more packed, but I can only say good things about it for going at 1:00 on a Saturday afternoon. The grub was good bar food. I had a turkey burger with Swiss, mushrooms and onions, my wife had the flight of hot dogs, and the kids had some kids food. The beer list was expansive, and the Bloody Mary special was good. The waitress was attentive, but the food serving was a bit (but not overly) slow. I'm not sure if I would have even noticed if I didn't have a 1 year old getting grumpy for the food. I think it was a bit pricier for bar fare, but only moderately. Total bill for the 4 of us was $50 plus tip, but that included a beer and a Bloody Mary. We would definitely return, as the proximity to Michigan Ave is ideal and we got a $5 gift card to be used on a future visit.
(4)
Len W.
Full disclosure: I'm not a BBQ fan. But this was in the neighborhood and I was really hungry. Anyway, the service was good. I had a brisket sandwich. It was ok. But again, I'm no bbq fan. We had mac and cheese, too. Best part of dinner. The people I was with had a steak sandwich and a flatbread pizza thing. Neither person had much to say about what they ordered. Also ordered a artichoke/spinach dip appetizer which was pretty ordinary.
(2)
Brenda M.
Solid beer and wine selection as well as a full menu of barbeque, wings, burgers and classic pub grub. The brisquit was a little dry but the barbeque sauce made up for it. The wings are breaded and you can ask for the sauce on the side without rebuke. The wings were good but I wouldn't rate them the best. It is more of a sports bar atmosphere so don't expect to go there for a quiet evening....it is a bit loud. The waitress was friendly and accomodating without hovering. We were far from rushed. We ended our meal with bread pudding which is definitely worth going back to get again....some of the best I've had drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
(3)
Samantha P.
I went here with some friends a few weeks ago and always intend to go back when I'm in the city but it's just never worked out. The place is in a good location and decorated like a typical pub/bar/family-sport eatery. The service was pretty decent and we loved the option of the "Mystery Beer". They have a decent beer selection in general too. I had the buffalo chicken wrap which was good but nothing I can't get anywhere. We shared a plate of the BBQ brisket nachos which were AMAZING! They alone earned a 4 star and months later I'm still dreaming about them.
(4)
fab f.
Football (it's soccer for most of you) fans have a new place. I went to Fado to see the Champion's League and had a serious disappointment: just two games displayed and both of English teams. Valencia-ManU was actually the most interesting game of the day, but Tottenham-Twente was way behind an Internazionale - Werder Bremen. No reason to make such a choice, for football fans (unless they are all from London). At my request to change at least one tv to the best game (4-0 for Inter, hattrick of Eto'o), the guy said that he only could display 2 games. So I remembered that I saw few World Cup games at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and gave it a shot. Couldn't be better. The pretty bartender said 'of course', she made me choice the place where I wanted to stay and switched to channel I asked for. Good beer, fine food and a lovely waitress. Actually, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap -for the downtown fans- is in a good location, quiet. The place is big, and tvs are in good positions (many games could be shown). Fado is small and dark and to watch any tv you have to go too early to find a decent spot. Fado is gone, for me. Thank you, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
(4)
MaryAnne M.
Parmesan French fries. Go, order them. That is all. Oh, they also know what "medium" means. Many don't
(3)
Mike S.
have been meaning to get back here to try the wings. i had a work function here over a year ago butr was late and missed out on the food. ordered some of the traditional medium and poncho (garlic and chayenne). i thought both types of wings were good. i chickened out on getting the hot wings since ive heard they are ridiculous. i enjoyed their french fries - were thinly cut and reminded me of the type you get at a state fair. there were a lot of hockey fans in here - was a sunday. understandable since it was game 6 of the blackhawk series. would have like to see some nba playoffs on at least one televsion but thats neither here nor there. food was good - id like to come back sometime soon. on a side note - friend i was with ordered a pint of jager. the waitress looked at him cross eyed but delivered! it wasnt that expensive either ~15 dollar range.
(4)
Jeff N.
Normally this is a solid 3 star place. Good comfort/bar food. Good patio. WHOA! Not this time. We waited in bar area for a patio table to open up. Our entertainment was witnessing Mr. White Trash at the table next to us give his hoochie female friend a hickey on her eyelid. Yes, her eyelid. All the while, listening to his repeated and loud F-Bombs. The hostess heard all this crap and did nothing. Finally got a patio seat and a very bored waiter finally took our order 10-15 minutes later. Wife had the brisket platter and I had the dry rub chicken. Mine should have just said DRY and that would be a better description. Brisket was average at best. I know this place can do better, but it will be a long time before I try this place again.
(1)
Robert W.
Wings overpriced and inconsistent
(3)
Adam S.
A friend and I were headed to Michigan Ave and were craving wings. After reading a few reviews, we decided this was the place to try. We are very happy we did! The atmosphere was appropriate for a sports bar/restaurant. The beer selection was great. Good locals and craft beers. Now the wings! I ordered the Super Hot. The waiter asked me if I was sure and I hesitated. He suggested getting half Super Hot, and Half Spicy Buffalo. They aren't kidding, the Super Hot, is SUPER HOT! However they are extremely flavorful. I am glad I tried them, but also glad I didn't get a full order. The wings are possibly some of the biggest that I've had. There was a great amount of meat on them. It was a great experience. I will defiantly be returning for more wings.
(4)
Jennifer C.
The wings were delicious! The Bloody Mary tasted like a buffalo wing which ended up being pretty tasty. Fun atmosphere!
(3)
Jules H.
Fun Streeterville spot...a bit of nice outdoor sidewalk seating, rustic plank tables inside. I met some friends here, who bragged about needing to eat Inferno Ghost wings. Tim R has a tattoo, Carm was really kind and sweet. Bobby O is funny in person and in talk. Was great to meet Linda, Jess blew us off, but she is forgiven because she's Jess. John N arrived late...wtf dude? John S and James Z were A-Okay. The food was less than dazzling, the service was excellent. Great waitress who never let our glasses rest empty for too long. They made a Chicago cop sign a waiver before he ate their crazy hot wings. Really? I'd go back for the booze and company, the food needs a "bar rescue".
(4)
Gino W.
I caught up with two former co-workers after work one evening and the original restaurant choice was a no-go. So there was a suggestion for Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. Sports bar meets Cheers. I had the barbecue pulled pork sandwich. The barbecue sauce was a Kansas City style sauce. Having spent some time Down South, I know a thing or two about good barbecue. But this was pub grub. The sandwich was soggy and the barbecue sauce was pretty much a glaze. Some of the fries were crispy; some were soggy. Being British and preferring stouts and dark ales, nothing on the beer menu jumped out at me. So I took a pass on beer. I think you go to Jake Melnick's to watch the game and root for your favourite team mostly. I get to say that I've been, but that's about it.
(3)
Daron D.
Ok bar not bad. Typical bar, they do have a nice selection of beer, but on the other hand, it is too high as far as pricing. Had the firecracker wings, sauce is good, but the wings are too big in size to me and doesn't taste right, onions are ok, nothing great and unlike other chicago bars this one closes at 2 am. Very average place.
(3)
Jessica K.
I was incredibly impressed with this place. Our service was amazing! They were absolutely packed when we (I, my brother and his wife) got there, and we decided to stick it out for the 45min - 1hr wait. So happy we did. We were brought back via a text saying our table was to be ready, and we ended up having to wait a little extra time. No big deal. We got seated, and ordered some drinks to start. I ordered the Castaway #2, and it was delicious. Great taste combinations. They came very quickly, and we ordered our appetizer - deep fried pickles. Our waitress came back with those, as well as an order of their Hand-Cut BBQ chips, stating that in apology of us waiting so long, our appetizers were on the house. We were so incredibly impressed. It was just such a lovely gesture, as we hadn't said a word towards the long wait for our table. Both the appetizers were, as is the trend so far, delicious. Then we got some wings. We ordered their monthly special (Peach Bourbon BBQ) as well as a split-order of their Poncho (Grilled with Garlic & Cayenne Marinade) and Firecracker (Sweet Chili Oil and Sriracha). The Peach Bourbon Wings were delicious, but in small amounts, they were quite sweet. We were blown away by the Firecracker wings, loving them enough to order another helping of just those even after we felt stuffed. The Poncho's were a close second. I have to say I was very impressed with the food and service. This has easily become my new favorite place to go for some wings and I will definitely be going once a month at minimum to sample their monthly creations for Mac'n'cheese and wings.
(5)
M N.
Wings are average at best and menu items are overpriced for portion size. I'm not sure who decided these are the best wings in Chicago but I've had wings at least a half dozen other placed that put these to shame. Will not be going back. Service was very good though...
(2)
Mahsa T.
Jake Melnick, where have you been all my life? Why have I passed by you so many times and not stopped in to say hello? Never thought bar food could be this good, but this is surprisingly good food. And they have my favorite beer too. The 5 Rabbit Huitzi (a Belgian Strong Golden Ale, brewed with hibiscus flowers, ginger, thai palm sugar and local Chicago honey)---it's delicious---where has this beer been all my life? I don't drink a lot, but I could drink three of these easy. It goes down smooth and it's strong too. Ok, so the food--cobb salad, fresh and good. BBQ double play combo (we got it with the 1/3 slab of ribs and 1/4 smoked chicken)--phenomenally good BBQ (the kind you'd expect to find at a specialty BBQ place)--even the chicken was good. Their burger--easily one of the best burgers in the city. Their fries are addicting, can't just eat one, you end up eating the whole basket. It does get crowded when there's a game on and there are a lot of tourists, but you may have better luck during the week or off peak hours. Service was solid. I've been here twice already and plan to return many more times during the summer to enjoy some outdoor beer.
(5)
Neil R.
The first time I went here, I thought the wings were slightly over-hyped. But I went back today and was pleasantly surprised. I was with 5 people so we ordered four different types of wings and they were all really good! The beer selection is very good and I do like the atmosphere. I cannot give it a five - the reason being is that I am from upstate NY (i.e. in the vicinity of Buffalo, NY), so I have very high standards when it comes to wings. Hard to compete, not going to lie. That said, very solid place to check out
(4)
Mike M.
Great wings. Very very very hot. It was an awesome experience. The people there were very nice and btw the cheddar fries were awesome.
(4)
Sheila G.
When we arrived at Jake Melnick's we hung around for a bit outside, and I was amazed at the constant stream of people entering the restaurant. We were here for a private party in their back room, and it turned out to be a terrific choice. Although we had a set menu to choose from, it was big enough so that there was something for everyone. For appetizers we chose the flatbread, which was delicious. I'm not a big fan of wings, even if they are proclaimed AWESOME, so we didn't order them, but they must be good - the little brother of the party boy gobbled up a whole order in five minutes flat. (The servers were very good about cleaning up the mess he left, which threatened to annihilate my clothing!). For the main course, hubby and I decided to share the turkey burger and a Cobb salad. The burger, with grilled onions, mushrooms, and Swiss, was just perfect, but it was the Cobb salad that sent me straight to heaven; it had to be one of the best salads I've ever eaten. I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm a big fan of high-test cider, so I was thrilled to see that Jake Melnick's had two different ones available on tap. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Sundae was the icing on the cake, and we left stuffed and happy -- well, not so happy that we ate so much, but happy that we ate well, and with great service, too.
(5)
Hk S.
Hands down my favorite place for wings. I love spicy food and always get the XXX wings when I go. I absolutely love them, but I warn you it is not for the light hearted. If you dare you try them you will be pleasantly surprised how flavorful they are as well as very very spicy. I am a huge fan of seasoned hot wings and these are exactly that. My bf and I also shared a baked potato with bbq pulled pork on top. The potato is huge!!! I wasn't expecting that at all. It is super cheesy and just baked to perfection. We where completely satisfied. This place is always busy and the servers are super sweet. I would recommend this place to any wing lover. It is the place to be!
(5)
Nancy D.
I got 'addicted' to chicken wings because of Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. I had a preference for the meatier parts of chicken, then one day when I had just moved into the neighborhood a new friend suggested we try out some chicken wings at the place. It was love at first bite with all the different and spicy flavours available as well as great service. The beer selection is equally good and I have even explored the menu finding the equally delicious Pulled Pork Slider trio. So even though my orders vary, the chicken wings are always part of it. There's also an awesome selection of burgers you can choose from and I have never noticed any drop in the quality of food preparation or servings. The crowd is warm and friendly so even when you are seated alone, it is easy to start a conversation with equally starved strangers. There is no other place like Corner Tap in Chicago.
(5)
Susan W.
Went here for dinner last night at about 8 pm. We were a group of 7 that were seated rather quickly considering they were pretty busy for a Monday night. Took quite a while for the waitress to take our orders. Then took quite a while for water. Then even longer for beers. I think our waitress Laura was assigned too many tables for her to handle. Needless to say it took a long time to receive our food. While we waited neighboring tables received their food before ours. Finally frustrated 1 of our party went up to the hostess to ask for a manager. Of course then our food comes out. (Murphy's law). Anyhoo.... The food was adequate. 4 people ordered salads & they all looked fine. But how long does it take to make salads??? One person had the house made veggie burger with side salad. She said the veggie burg had a nice spice to it. Another had a plain grilled chicken breast with a side of sweet potato fries. The fries are advertised as shareable and are $6. I would think the portion size should have been larger. When her bill came they charged her for a full chicken sandwich meal not just a side chicken breast. Did get corrected. I got the worst entree of the whole table. I was so disappointed. I had researched the restaurant & was the one who suggested it to my friends. My buffalo chicken sandwich was small & had very little buffalo sauce & a miniscule amount of blue cheese crumbles on it. It did however have a ginormous bun. :( Fries were not hot. Server was kind enough to split our check & 18% gratuity was already added in. I think we would have all been within our rights to scratch that out & reduce it to 10% based on the slow service we received. Overall I am left feeling very disappointed because I had already picked out what I would have when I went back. Now I don't think I will.
(1)
Nate M.
I went here a couple times while I was staying in the area. Great beer selection with some knowledgeable bartenders to offer advice. I had the pork slider trio once and the hot link special the other. Good BBQ! I have had better pork, but it was still very tasty with good, flavorful sauces. Good atmosphere and worth checking out!!
(4)
D h.
Great food, drinks, beer, & atmosphere. Looks corporate, but was told there's only one. North front door enters into a large dining room with high & low tables on each side. A long bar is located on the south wall. Walls are mostly a nice stone with large windows on the north side. Actual bar is classic, even the bar back (mirrors, shelves, etc.). Great for large groups, but there were also many younger singles sitting at the bar, which seemed kind of odd, but was told that many will stop by just for dinner. Food was incredible (stick with wings or BBQ) and Jake's has an extensive beer menu, with try before you buy. Sides are delicious and huge. Sports on all their HDTVs, which are plentiful, including game audio for the bigger games. Crowd is mostly younger, but not obnoxious. Overall atmosphere is very easy going. Great starter place for food or drinks, or for one last one.
(4)
Lynn B.
We came here for the wings as they have been voted 'Best Wings in Chicago' by several sources. The wings were delicious and I was eyeing some of the other food people were eating which also looked amazing. It is bar food, so don't expect high class fancy pants food. I also liked their bar menu. They had a few beer cocktails, such as the House Shandy, which is beer mixed with lemonade, a 22oz pour for $7. Can't beat that price in the area. We will be back!
(5)
Christopher V.
Wings are good, but overpriced at $12 for seven pieces. Pass on the ribs, looks better than they taste. Pass on the Nutter Butter Banana Pudding..soupy with very little Nutter Butter. Onion rings needed salt, but otherwise the beer batter was pretty good. Service is solid. Food is overpriced and ranges from average to below average. Won't return unless they have a wing special.
(2)
Thamer B.
Me and my wife was looking for wings and this place was the nearest to us so we decided to give it a shot We had the BBQ wings and the grilled wings I am not sure what was the name of it, we had the loaded baked potato and the three small Angus burger, the burger and potato was fine but the wings truly it's one of the best, we even brought our friends the next day to try them up! We had the cookie with ice cream and the chocolate fudge and it was amazing although the other day it was not good as it was in the first time, I loved the place and I really think I would come again
(4)
Melissa K.
I was prepared to come on here and write a scathing review of Melnick's after a bad experience today, but after some great customer service I'm here with a well-earned 4 star review. I live in the area, so I've gone to Jake Melnick's often in the last few years. It's become a favorite of my parents as well, who like to take me and the BF here for lunch when they swing by town. As my parents were coming down to take us to lunch today, we immediately thought of Jake Melnick's. However, knowing it was a Sunday AND St. Patrick's day, it was sure to be crowded, so we decided to try their carry-out service instead. I called and placed my order, and was told it would take 30 minutes. The BF headed over right at the half hour mark, and was told it wasn't ready. Ok, no big deal, it's a busy day. But 30 minutes later, he was still waiting, and he hadn't even been given an update on when the food would be ready. An hour after placing the order, he finally got our food, only to bring it home and find out we were missing food. I was irate (and hungry!). I thought to myself, if you can't handle carry-out orders on busy days, you shouldn't offer carry-out at all. I called back, and I explained what had happened to whoever picked up the phone. She put me on hold as she went to find a manager. After 6 minutes of waiting on the phone, I was even saltier, and I again explained what happened and asked that the missing items be delivered to my apartment. Here's where the story gets good: Less than 15 minutes later, a delivery man was at my door with not only the missing food, but an envelope containing cash in the amount of the missing food PLUS $20 in gift cards. I tried to give the delivery guy a tip, but he was so apologetic and wouldn't accept. Wow. Thanks, Jake Melnick's! It was really nice to see such great customer service on one of the busiest days of the year (especially when I wasn't exactly the nicest customer on the phone). Can't wait to stop by again soon with the gift cards!
(4)
Ladd W.
All of their wings are great, best in the city. I love their xxx wings.... and yes, I would marry them if I could.
(5)
Melis A.
Sat at the bar during lunch today. Good service, great selection of brews; guess I was just not psyched about the good selection or quality. The brown fries tasted odd that it required a lot of ranch and buffalo to stomach. Sort of a boring ambiance, too. Not what I was expecting from a Chicago pub.
(3)
Jon O.
This sports bars atmosphere is very much what you'd expect from a....well....sports bar restaurant. I went for lunch and sat near the street at a table that was comfortable but felt a little removed from the restaurant itself. I guess it converts into open air seating in the summer. The server was Johnny on the spot with making sure our drinks were filled up and that we had everything we needed. I had a appetizer of their white chili, which I think was a special, and it was very creamy and I almost had to order another one it was so good. I'm glad I opted out on the second chili though since I ordered a turkey burger and it was gigantic. The burger was cooked to perfection and mine came with a side of sweet potato fries which were a little on the soggy side which kinda sucked. This is a pretty good lunch spot imo if you are in the mood for some high quality bar food.
(4)
Kelly S.
Yanna was the most amazing waitress ever and made our group of 11 feel welcomed and well taken care of!! Try the firecracker wings!!! We split an order, next time I'll get my own! Barbecue is tasty and well smoked, lots if flavor... Beer could have been a little colder, but that was all we found less than great!!!
(5)
Brendan B.
Drinks were good, service was great. Nice place to come and unwind! Wish they had something like this back home!
(5)
Alan F.
Back yesterday for my yearly visit, and was delighted to find that their beer list is better than ever, now including no fewer than 20 Mikeller lines, taking up a page and a half of the menu. That alone gets them a fifth star. While in Chicago I'll return to sample a few of these. Meanwhile, on yesterday's visit, I tried Revolution's Very Mad Cow bourbon-barrel aged milk stout, and Revolution Third Year, the latter not even currently available at Revolution itself. Oh, Jake's is carrying some prime stuff.
(5)
Ariel H.
Ok seriously, I have an addiction to this place.... I don't go for the drinks I go for the WINGS! Seriously their wings are the best.. Go during happy hour and get the buffalo fries $5 and super good.. Bbq nachos are good, corn bread and they always have a killer Mac and cheese of the month! Drinks are overpriced for my liking but the food makes up for it.. I've taken all sorts of people here and they leave happy! Seriously go!!
(5)
Adam E.
Oh man, you walk into this place and it just smells so good you pretty much start drooling and doing that zombie hobble to the bar immediately. Chanting, "Wiiings, WIIIINNNGGSSS!" Rightfully so. The wings are abnormally delicious. And I think the guy sitting beside us when we arrived was either a zombie of a werewolf. He was slurping away at his wings, looking and sounding like a wild animal. Which is disgusting, by the way, no matter how awesome the wings are. Have a little dignity, dude. The bartender who served us was extremely knowledgable and friendly. Patient too. When it took us a while to make our decision on what to order, he offered to describe any dish in more detail, and didn't rush us at all. He knew a ton about the beers on tap and gave my beer-brewing bartender bff a very thorough rundown on the features of each brew she asked about. He didn't miss a beat. And there were a ton of beers. Good ones too, like a pilsner from Meantime Brewery in England. On tap! We decided to split a sandwich and 2 kinds of wings. I was not crazy about the pulled pork sandwich, but I didn't hate it. There just wasn't much to the sauce and it wasn't really "pulled." It was more like chunks of pork on a bun with a kind of boring sauce. But, the wings more than made up for it. We got the boneless variety, which I know are not really wings, but my bff is too civilized to eat meat off the bone. The tenders were ridiculous. We got the traditional spicy buffalo and the "exotic" wings which had a sweet and spicy asian sauce. I wish we ordered more of them instead of the sandwich. Learn from my experience and order the wings at the place that has won all kinds of awards for their wings. They deserve the accolades.
(4)
A L.
I went back for a second time on a Saturday night. It's was super busy but the line went pretty quick. The wings are terrible, they say jumbo but my friends boneless wings had more meat on them. The French fries were burnt ! Every tv in the entire place had a assortment of football games on from all over the U.S. And when we requested the Bulls game which was in Chicago that night they put it on in the corner tv so far from our table we couldn't see it after promising is when we arrived it would be right in front of us. I had family in town and it was a awful experience. I will not return !
(1)
Melanie S.
Over the years, this location was home to Randall's Ribhouse, Blackhawk Lodge, and currently, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. There's your Chicago trivia for the day. First and foremost, it's a sports bar, but it also happens to have good food. You can't really go wrong with anything you order here. They offer tons of barbecue items, salads, sandwiches, tons of french fry options (the garlic parmesan are a must-try)and their famous, much-ballyhooed wings, often touted as "best in Chicago." While they're good, I can't crown them Chicago's best. They should be crispier and more flavorful. A recent order of the garlic-cayenne wings yielded no real discernible taste of either garlic or cayenne. Sad face. They have an extensive beer list and daily specials. If you're a craft beer lover, this place will give you a beer boner. Service is friendly. Prices are kind of high, but given the area, not outrageous. The clientele is a mix of sports fans (they have TVs in every area), older folks, the after-work crowd, and tourists. Everyone seems to be comfortable here. I guess what I'm saying is Jake's is fine. You could do worse.
(3)
Michelle M.
Had an average experience here. The restaurant itself has a great ambiance and a wide selection of unique beers, which I liked! When I asked the waitress for a beer recommendation, she didn't quite listen to what I liked and didn't seem very knowledgeable. My friend and I ordered the tuna burger and side of cornbread skillet to share. Cornbread skillet=eh, okay. Tuna burger=eh, okay. I'd definitely come here for happy hour with friends, but not if you're looking for great food.
(3)
Sannie L.
3.5 This place was pretty good. Stopped here with some co-workers on a work trip after a long day. I ordered their special at the time, which was the "Hell-o-ween" burger. It was supposed to be really spicy, hence the "hell." Whatever, it had guac on it and I loves me some guac. The burger was super tasty and came out along with fries and pickle slices in a bucket platter. The portion was huuuge and I ended up saving some for later that night. My other coworker ordered the brat with a beer and thoroughly enjoyed her meal. I also want to try their famous wings. Prices are reasonable given their size. I'd come back here again as it seems like a good place to sit, relax, and have a drink. They have comfortable seating inside, at the bar, or out on the street. Overall good, but it didn't feel like anything special.
(3)
Drew D.
Just ate here. Great service at the bar from Brandon. Easily the best wings I've ever had in my life. Also get the Parmesan fries as a side substitute. You won't regret it.
(5)
Gina S.
We have been to Jake's about 5 times. We love the wings. We get the ponchos and traditional buffalo medium. We also drink plenty of captain and cokes and vodka and tonic. The friendliness of the servers has been hit and miss. Great atmosphere, great food, a few drinks, TVs everywhere, and good company; what more can you ask for??
(5)
Jared P.
Their BBQ nachos were great! They're almost as good as Southern style. Almost...
(4)
Eric L.
Can't provide much information about this place as we just stopped in for a drink before heading off to another place for dinner. They have a nice outdoor area and the menu looked pretty good. I got one of their drink specials called a "Double Gin" which was potent and delicious! The server was a little spacey and slow but nothing major to complain about. Might have been before they were catering to the people sitting indoors? Anyway, it's one of those places that I would classify as "touristy". They promote themselves to have the best wings in Chicago. Couldn't tell ya cuz we didn't have any but looks like a ploy to get tourists into the building. I can't say I would definitely not go there again - I might. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
(3)
Andy J.
The wings were outstanding here. They did not overload them with sauce and the meat was tender and juicy. Pair this with some local beers on tap which they have plenty of. The service was prompt and polite. I would definitely recommend this place for casual dining in Chicago.
(4)
Jules L.
I am surprised I haven't reviewed this place before. It's the go-to after-work hangout for my coworkers so I've been here a good couple of times with those guys. They used to have a really cool cocktail that I always ordered but it doesn't look like they have it anymore. But their array of beers is ridiculous! And their food is decent as well. It's not really the kind of place I'd choose to go to on my own, but I've always had a good time here with the job mob.
(3)
Andrea W.
We recently hosted a rehearsal dinner and rented out the keg room and patio. We were looking for a casual place where out of town guests could eat and drink, and not worry about having to be dressed up. The price was reasonable and Jessica was very easy to work with. Prior to the event we dropped off a cake and cookies, which they had no problem refrigerating the items. When we arrived everything was set up and ready to go. We did a buffet with various foods items (mini pulled pork, mini tacos, chicken skewers, flatbreads) and the staff did a great job making sure the food was re-stocked. The food was amazing and I can't tell you how many of our guests commented on the great food. They even had a staff member go around and hand out slices of cake. The bartenders were great and were very knowledgeable about the beers that were offered. Overall, I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to host a casual event.
(5)
Melanie B.
They got us in pretty quickly considering how busy they were. We shared an order of wings and onion rings which were were very good. Staff was excellent. They have a great outdoor seating area which was enclosed due to cold weather while we were there but it looked like it would be a great spot to people watch while enjoying a meal.
(4)
Ken O.
If you are downtown and looking for a great restaurant of off the mag. mile...Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is the place. Seriously. There were two in my group. As soon as you open the door, BBQ aroma hits you, however, it's not overpowering but you you know it's a place that knows it's BBQ. We were greet by the Manager/host, very pleasant. We were seated in the covered patio area. Our female service (I apologize that I don't remember her name) was great! She gave us a few minutes to settle in before taking our drink order and reviewed the menu with us. She also gave us her favorites, which I like. Who better know the food than the server? Upon delivering our drinks, she took our order without rushing us. Within a reasonable amount of time, our food was at our table. My lunch companion, Jan, had the veggie burger and I had the chicken sandwich. We had shared the mac'n'cheese - which I would highly recommend. I would place their mac'n'cheese within the top five of my list. I would say that I'm connoisseur of the cheesie stuff. Both sandwiches were large and delicious. Fries are also included with the meal. You will not leave hunger. Unfortunately, we weren't able to try the desserts. The main dining room has both regular size tables and the communal tables. Which is a great way to meet other people. The noise level in the area was not bad. The noise level in the patio was definitely louder. During the warmer weather, the pation would be great to sit at. Overall, great restaurant and great food. Looking to go back and try more food.
(4)
Anthony W.
Came here on a Friday during sweet 16 march madness tourney and there was a wait. But well worth the wait. Luckily two seats opened up at bar 5 min after checking in. Had the fried pickles. Was great. I recommend getting those. Ordered the fish n chips cuz it is lent. Was also great. I'm actually thinking if going back and getting them today again. Also great variety of craft beer available. Love this place.
(4)
Marissa B.
I only came here once, but the wings and grilled cheese were DELICIOUS. Bloody Mary wasn't bad either, but not the best I've ever had. Service was a little slow, but it was a very busy Sunday and several football games were on. When back in Chicago, I don't know if I'd return simply based on the plethora of other restaurants, but I'd definitely recommend it to someone looking for a casual place where they could grab a beer and watch a game.
(3)
Jed M.
Went here for a late Friday lunch during NCAA tournament games. The place is a typical gastropub layout with a long bar and many tables. Also an outdoor patio in nicer weather. We ordered onion rings as an appetizer which was very good. Flaky and not too greasy. I ordered a messy pig which was delicious, but the portion sizes were way too large. I had enough food to be completely full for two meals. The beer selection was pretty solid, but a lot of what they had posted on beermenus was not accurate and the replacement selections weren't as good. It was also on the pricy side especially for the bottle selection. Our server was a little strange, but overall was attentive and met our needs. They have several tv's, but they are kind of awkwardly laid out. I didn't have a really good close view of any one of them. Overall it seems like this place is just trying a little too hard to be cool. I would certainly return, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice since many other places nearby have a lot more character.
(3)
Peter P.
The beer is still good. They've changed a lot of the taps since my last visit and someone there clearly knows how to pick them.
(3)
Jon M.
First thing I'm going to say is.. I'm definitely coming back here again to try something different. Service was good! They sat us in an area private enough and loud enough for two people to sit. Our waitress didn't check on us at first, but that's ok. My gf and i had ample amount of time to look over the beer menu and food menu. For the Unique beers we had, she had the Jolly Pumpkin and I had the Escoffier. We enjoyed our choices to the fullest. Because of the Lenten season, my gf gave up red meat. That's ok, we came here for the chicken wings and it did not disappoint. We had the poncho wings. Oh snap. Each bite made me eat slower just so i can savor each bite.. In the words of Homer Simpson.. Awesomaaaaah Powaaah!!!! 10 jumbo wings per basket, and you can't get the poncho wings in boneless. They were oh so juicy & tender. I clean my bones along with the cartilage and all, and they were all clean. I know not to waste. But we shared a huge plate of the nachos. Other yelpers say it's good with chili, but I can't wait till we come back and try the nachos with bbq pork. We weren't completely done yet. We ended with an awesome dessert! NUTTER BUTTER BANANA PUDDING!!! Wow.. Just wow!! Each bite is worth putting me into a deeper sense of food coma. Amazing. We are definitely coming back!
(5)
Ajay B.
They tout themselves as the best wings in Chicago. Maybe that's the case, maybe not, idk... But regardless, we did LOVE the wings here! Cooked perfectly for a crisp skin on the outside n the meat on the inside was still very moist. Flavors def got through the skin into the meat as well. Sadly though that's where the good news ends... We didn't really care for much of anything else.. average bar food, average service. Lively loud bar type atmosphere (but not sloppy or messy or anything) throughout the whole place... including a small covered outdoor patio area... If I ever go back it'd be for the wings and wings only.
(3)
Taylor A.
A classic sports bar with a more rustic feel, and a way better beer list that you would expect. I had a couple Great Divide Hades, and my friend had an Evil Twin Biscotti Break. My only big issue with this place is the price and size of some of their specialty beers. My friends Evil Twin was the size of a normal tasting sample and cost $9. Way overpriced. I would be broke if I came here and drank for more than an hour or so.
(3)
Stacey N.
Had been there before, had an average experience (really great sweet potato fries, but who could screw that up?) Was there last Thursday, had their tuna burger w/sweet potato fries (of course) it comes with a wasabi mayo which is tasty, but the burger itself was flavorless. (Didn't eat the bun). Come around 1:30 in the morning I was unpleasantly surprised with food poisoning that kept me up for over 2 hours sick, sick, sick. Clearly I will not go there again. Ever.
(1)
Greyser C.
Very good place all around. The waiters are really good, what you would u expect in river north. The wings are good, even comparable to Mother hubbards which is saying a lot. It's cool because they have mixed drinks on tap too. Definitely will come back here.
(5)
Michael L.
My favorite food of all time is chicken wings and I think this place do have one of the best in the city. The wings are jumbo and meaty. They also have great beer selection. The servers know their beers as well so you don't have to go to the bar. They can accommodate for large parties and have TV in pretty much any angle you sit in. Another cool thing is my wife and I forgot our leftovers on our table. We realize this as soon as we got to our car after a 5 block walk. We drove back up to the restaurant and as I walked in to ask if they still had it. They did not throw it away as they actually had it placed on the side for me. Caught me by surprise. Little things like that makes my day.
(5)
John F.
I struggled with the rating of Jake Melnick's - 3 or 4.. 3 or 4.. ahhh 3! I guess it all depends on what you order and your tastes. If you like Long Island Ice Teas, this is NOT your bar, they are EXTREMELY weak here. I honestly think the server just gave me an Arnold Palmer and charged me 9 bucks for it. I guess that's my fault for ordering a cocktail at a place with over 100 beers, but what can I say, I was craving a Long Island! So yes, they have tons of beer options here so stick with beer. As far as food, well I'm sure you've heard, but they have some pretty good wings here. it's not a myth. However, don't order the Ghost Chile wings - you'll regret it, I know I did. I regretted it several times a day for a week. I completed their dumb wing challenge and didn't get anything for it except an ulcer. I even had to pay for it! Whatever, this place isn't known for their hot wing challenge, only for having good wings so stick to the basics. The barbecue here is okay. I'm pretty critical about my barbecue so I'm sure many will find the barbecue here amazing, but to a purist it's just okay. For a bar, it is very good though so take it for what it's worth. So what did we learn here? Order beer. Order any type of wings except for the Ghost Chile ones. Order one of their barbecue sandwiches or burgers. Follow those guidelines and you'll enjoy your time here.
(3)
Ivanka B.
Oh company holiday party - damn you! Loved the booths and the drinks, didn't try the food but the karaoke was fantastic. Until next time ....
(3)
Kylie S.
There's nothing special about this place and yet I love it anyways. Good beer, good food, good people. So many restaurants in this area are pretentious and that's just not my scene. I want to feel comfortable and relaxed if I stop in for lunch and a drink -- Jake Melnick's has that vibe. Love their "mystery beer Tuesdays" -- check it out.
(4)
G R.
Sure it's a bit pricey, but it's the high rent district, so you have to go with the flow. After an initial delay to get my first drink service did improve and was fine after that. I didn't have any food so I can't comment on that. Overall, it's a nice casual place to get together with a few friends or even a larger group, our server did split my check from the rest of the group, but she did hit me up with the 18% auto gratuity, so if you're leaving from a group watch for that. You don't want to double tip, nor do you want to short change a server either. To John S., I thought it was what I drank that made you look 40 pounds lighter, but you lost weight here, now that's impressive.
(3)
Breanna C.
Amazing wings. Had the peach BBQ as a month special. Also buffalo wings, sweet potato fries, and spinache dip were on point. Great food and great service. Next time I'm coming back to do the 8lb burger challenge.
(5)
Melissa F.
Another pleasant surprise. I came here for drinks and was not disappointed. Melnick's is not very distinctive as a bar - its cleanliness is both reassuring and renders a quasi-corporate feel. My date and I each enjoyed pumpkin cider. Our server was VERY helpful and friendly - not in that fake, angling for tips way, but in a genuinely helpful way. He pointed us toward Ace brand pumpkin cider, which TASTES LIKE DREAMS. Sometimes a pumpkin flavor is just a cute little dot on your tastebuds' radar, but this cider was full-on fizzy pumpkin happiness. Real talk. Although each pint was $7.50 :(, the cider was simply amazing. Melnick's was a relaxing place to enjoy these majestically delicious pints. Minus one star for the weird amount of heat being piped in! I know it's getting a teeny bit colder, but not enough to start circulating heat!
(4)
Kevin A.
The wings were meh, not so great. I dont think the food itself was the problem, it was more the person taking orders. The service is pretty mediocre, always some sort of communication problems and you end up getting something you didnt want. For a place that somehow earned the title to best wings in chicago at some point, the chicken was pretty pink, and not hot at all! Beware if youre not a local...
(2)
Steven P.
Moderately over priced sports bar. Been here many times when in Chicago for business. 1969 Mets -- sorry, my Tourette's. Anyway, I have had wings, burgers and the brisket here. All good. Always busy, but staff friendly and though not quite Cheers, you can talk to the person sitting next to you at the bar. Incredible selection of beer at okay prices. Great sports bar too. Got to watch the last game of the World Series, although I had to explain what that was to the local Cubs fans. Oh, sorry. Heck, I am a Mets fan and pretty much forgot as well.
(4)
Ginger R.
Really moist bbq pork and attentive waiter. The atmosphere is very casual and great food!! Prices are reasonable considering Chicago and just off Michigan Ave
(4)
Dixie D.
Best wings I've ever had in my life! Who knew I'd find the best wings ever in Chicago!? A sweet corner pub (I don't drink) where I know good food can be found- but this one surprised me. I also enjoyed the pork sliders. I still think if this place. Wish it was in my hometown.
(5)
Thorsten L.
great location for hanging out with friends. best wings in town...
(5)
Meghan H.
They have some pretty good wings here. Everyone with me believed they were the best wings ever, though I'm skeptical. The restaurant does tout that it was voted best hot wings at Wingfest 2010 and 2012.... I still love my bww. Aside from the wings, the rest of the food was pretty decent. Our waiter was great - really on top of things and attentive. Heads up that this place is definitely more a bar than a restaurant though.
(3)
Kara A.
"There's a Beetle in my Noodle!" sounds like a cute title for a children's book, but let me tell you...it wasn't that cute at all. So...I was out shopping on Saturday and worked up quite an appetite. Dodging tourists on Michigan Ave. is pretty good cardio. Stopped in this place because A) it was 75 degrees and there was plenty of patio seating available, and B) the beer list. Ordered an Allagash Four beer and the Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese, which were both delicious. I was going about my business, enjoying my meal and the weather, until I got down to the last five or six bites I found a whole, intact, INSECT IN MY FOOD. I've worked in restaurants and I know accidents happen, but it is still not appetizing at all to uncover a shiny brown carcass with legs and antennae in your meal. I took my plate inside and asked to speak to a manager. When he asked where I was sitting and I told him I was outside, the initial reaction was almost: "Ok, a bug flew in her food while she was sitting on the patio and she's just trying to get a free meal." That was the vibe I got, but hopefully the manager and chef took a closer look at the creepy crawler and realized the beetle/roach/whatever had obviously been cooked in with the food. Jeff-the-Manager was accommodating. He apologized, comped my bill and gave me a $10 coupon "for the next time". I had him charge a $1 on my credit card so I could tip my server since I didn't have cash, and didn't want to stiff the poor guy. (It certainly wasn't his fault.) IF I do return, it'll just be for the beer...I'd stay away from the food.
(1)
Megan K.
Extremely Average. I came here with a party of ten on a Friday night in celebration of a friend's birthday. We were able to easily secure a reservation, which was nice as large parties can be difficult to accommodate. This process was extremely smooth and they made sure to follow up twice to make sure that we were still coming and to confirm the date/time. That is where all the positives end with my recent experience. We arrived promptly at our reservation time and were seated immediately. The waitress (yes, one single waitress for our party of ten) was friendly but slow. It took her about 15 minutes to take our drink order and then another 5-10 to bring out the drinks. We were only able to get one refill the entire time we were there (about two hours) which is absolutely ridiculous. The service issues aside, I feel that it is important to note that they do have a nice beer list, albeit overpriced. I didn't see a single non-light beer under $5, with many beers ranging in the $7-$10 range when you can find them around $5-$7 elsewhere in the city. I had heard decent things about the wings at Jake's, so my boyfriend and I decided to split two orders so we could sample what they had to offer. The traditional spicy were on par with what you would find at most bars in the city--slightly crispy with a bit of spice. They had a slight crunch to them (which was good) meaning that they were made to order and hadn't been sitting around getting soggy. The other order of wings was the "Poncho" which have a garlic and cayenne marinade and they're grilled instead of fried. These had a nice, smoky flavor, but they were incredibly inconsistent from wing to wing. Some wings were moist and flavorful, but others were dry and chewy with almost no flavor whatsoever. The waitress came by once after the food was delivered to clear out the plates and didn't ask how the food was or if there were any issues. At this point I was almost happy that we had an absentee waitress because I wouldn't have wanted to throw away any more money at this establishment. My boyfriend and I spent around $55 on two beers each and two platters of wings, which is way too steep for the quality of food. Service: 1 Food: 2 Atmosphere: 2 Beverage Selection: 4 Value: 2 Jake's, I won't be back.
(2)
Tyrod B.
CiderCon was going on and i tried the roasted almond cider with a lobster mac and cheese. This is the place to go for a real cider and amazing mac. However they have won first place in the wing city competition 3 years in a row. Needless to say Im coming back again soon.
(5)
Jeffrey H.
I really like Jake's wings and fried goodies. There is one set of wings that I don't like was ponchos. The regular wings are probably my favorite in Chicago. Good beers and good atmosphere. This is more of a sport bar theme which is probably why they have good appetizers and such. My wife had the nachos which she loved. The spinach dip is pretty good too. If you want to raise your cholesterol, come to Jakes where it's worth the taste.
(4)
Claudia S.
I'm teetering on this review, as my experience was somewhat disappointing, but it wasn't awful either. My birthday falls on a big day. It's a day I don't expect many people to be out eating and growing up, it's a day that my favorite restaurant would be closed. That being said, Jake Melnick's was open on my birthday and they have wings! Not only do they have wings, they've been voted to have some of the best. Service was great, I have no complaints there. My issue was that everything we seemed to order was out. I'm glad I got a wing order in when I did, because when I went to order more, they only had 2 types left. One I didn't care for, the other just didn't appeal to me in the first place. There were a few other items my mom and step-dad tried to order, but I'm going to assume the reason they were out of so many items was because of the holiday. I ended up going with a buffalo chicken sandwich (or something like that...it was chicken and I know there was buffalo sauce, as that's pretty much a staple for me). Filling, good flavor, no funky coating and it saved my birthday dinner. Unfortunately I can't remember what drinks we had, but they were all good. Aside from not knowing what to order a few times, I enjoyed Jake Melnick's. A little disappointing because I love wings, but the few traditional ones I had were worth choosing this spot for a birthday dinner.
(4)
Nicki W.
I have come here a couple of times before for a drink or two but I've never tried the food. My friend and I were strolling around shopping and enjoying the weather and we got hungry. I suggested that we sit on the patio at Jake Melnicks. Usually I'm the one with the bright ideas and clearly this idea was not one of them. It's sad because I love the interior of this place and their patio is cute. Our waiter was totally MIA for most of the time we sat there. I felt bad because as we sat there waiting for our drinks to be refilled, or maybe a simple "how are things over here", we noticed other tables getting sat near us. Those people got ignored as well, and eventually got up and left. We both had salads, and they were pretty good. We just wanted this dude to come on out and check on us. We had to wait about 15 minutes before he finally came back outside so we could ask for our check. I understand if he was busy, but I was watching him inside and he didn't seem weeded at all. No sense of urgency. Bummer. Meh.
(2)
Anup S.
Mystery Beer Tuesdays!
(3)
Cassidy S.
This is more of a teaser trailer than a review, I suppose. Met a friend for a pint after work on Thursday and she recommended the place. Overall? I'm definitely going back. The place smelled amazing from the first second through the door. Barbecue wafted in the air... We were given a hightop right away, tucked against a wall but snug and seemingly private for the boisterous atmosphere. A few huge parties increased the volume a bit, but my friend and I could still converse without yelling across the table. Our server was, if anything, overattentive, but helpful with her draft recommendations and full of energy. The late-night menu was the only one available by the time we arrived, but I'm definitely coming back to find out what that smell was about.
(4)
Zach M.
One of my absolute favorite places to go in the city. Great comfortable setting. Try any burger special they have that month. Best beer selection in the city. Best bartenders. And... Great place to watch a game. Almost forgot. If you ok with taking a break on a diet, go for the Buffalo Bleu Cheese Fries.... Absolutely amazing!
(5)
Stephanie M.
Good food. Great unique beer selection. I'd highly recommend the monthly mac and cheese special or pork sliders. It can get a little crowded during the weeks but we've never had to wait more then 30 mins for a table.
(4)
Andrew E.
Awesome wings, seriously the best I've had in the city. Great beer selection to complement the great food. A monthly Mac n cheese as well.
(5)
Lauren G.
We regularly dine in and carry out from this neighborhood spot. Delicious indulgent food - I have never been disappointed. The pbj wings are my absolute favorite, and the nachos are also delicious. You really can't go wrong here!
(5)
Antonio r.
The best wings in Chicago! I was craving wings and had a few at au cheval, Jefferson tap, ummm I can't remember a few of the other spots but so what because their wings did it for me. I had the buffalo wings (they're famous and award winning wings) and the garlic cayenne and boy did I get my fix! The bar tenders are cool and the beer selection is excellent. Good place for football on Sundays or wings when u have a craving. Their wings are crack!!
(4)
Juin C.
Great atmosphere, great food. Had pulled pork and my husband had the beef brisket. We both enjoyed out meals. Next time I would like to try their wings. Have heard so much about them.
(5)
Azize S.
The wings here are GREAT. They have a wing of the day, but my favorite is the thai chili wings on the menu. Before I tried the wings, I had the burger and flatbreads which were ok - nothing special. The wings are so damn good I've never bothered ordering anything else after I discovered them. Good beer list, although I'm a scotch drinker and they have a decent selection for that. They occasionally have events like Cider Con which is coming up soon. I live in the neighborhood and like to come here to watch the game at the bar with some tasty wings and a scotch.
(4)
Paul T.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars because truly the only complaint that I have is that it can be louder than hell sometimes... But then again, what fun is it to go to a quiet bar and quietly eat wings with your other quiet friends? All in all, amazing food. From the fried dill pickles to the INCREDIBLE wings. Might I add once more, INCREDIBLE wings. Best I've ever eaten. Beware of the hottest sauce they serve. It is made with ghost peppers and its pretty much the equivalent of molten hell. My esophagus has yet to recover.
(4)
Dani H.
Server was super great, but what made this place was the beer menu and the amazing grilled artichokes. Never had them grilled, but I HIGHLY suggest it! Also, if you like a strong beer try the one aged in whiskey barrels. Great flavor with a little bite at the end. Location is great, it is just a few blocks off Michigan Ave shopping. So it is close to everything, but still nicely priced compared to everything else on Michigan Ave.
(4)
Mollie R.
Love this place for wings, beer and just bad food..well awesome food that is bad for you. :) Lots of tv's too! Great atmosphere! Valet parking too Cons... Service can be par
(5)
OG W.
I'm basing my review solely on the wings. I think Melnick's does a great job with their wings. They are consistent, large, flavorful, unique. I make it a point to dine here anytime I'm downtown for a late afternoon snack after shopping. They have great beer options as well. The only reason I didn't give a 5-star rating is because I haven't gotten past the wings, but their menu is robust. A warm and comfortable place to watch a football game.
(4)
Michele S.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon. The place was packed with folks watching college football. I loved the menu. BBQ and bar food are some of my favorites. My husband and I both went with the pulled pork sandwich with fries. The food was absolutely delish, and the portions are large for a reasonable price point. The only thing that seemed to be lacking was the service. We barely saw our server the entire time. I was busy, so I can cut them some slack. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Ashley J.
Got to Chicago last night. Went out to the Water Tower Place today and waited for my little sister to get off work. She got out at 11, so we walked up to Jakes just to get a drink. We walk in at 11:15, greeted by "are you going to eat or get drinks" we say "maybe both" waiter replies "well the kitchen is closed at 11". Hello, why did you ask of we wanted food? Anyway, we order a beer each. Before we get the beer a random long hair greasy guy comes out of the kitchen and reaches across our table for our salt and pepper shakers, grabs the shakers and pounds them onto the table -the returns to pick up our glass mustard bottle and slams that against the table too! What??! We get our beers at 11:30 our waiter comes back and says "I guess this will be the last round" and hands is a $30 bill! If you want to close at midnight then do it!! Don't close at 11! Rude! I've eaten here before, that's why I wanted to go back - after tonight, forget it! The worst!
(1)
Darcie W.
Dan is an amazing server! The only thing I disliked is that they wouldn't turn on the Miami Heat game. Ugh. Other than that, the food is great and so are the drinks!
(5)
Luke A.
Had the Smokin' Que Burger, smoked burger wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top with beer battered onions. Best burger I have had in a long time! They are known for their wings so going to have to try that next time. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Roy H.
Pretty solid BBQ joint. With a fantastic tap list. The prices can be a tad high but thats river north for you. I have had a few things from here, but the biggest standout was the Mac and cheese...it had BBQ beef, onions, ruffles chips, and some other stuff in it. So wild!! The usual pulled pork sandwiches/etc come with a TON of fries. You can sub for other typical BBQ fare like baked beans/coleslaw...both of them are good also. They have a ton of TVs here so its easy to watch sports while eating with friends.
(4)
Carly G.
Looking at the reviews I should've got the wings.. But this place was so good! Went on a Friday night and only took a hour and half to be done and gone. We got their BBQ chicken pizza.. Oh my god it was to die for. I was skeptical cause you never know what it'll taste like.. But it was soo good. The sauce was perfect and they had caramelized onions that made it perfect. Along with their famous chicken on top. I recommend. Only complaint is its so loud I couldn't hear myself talk.
(5)
Kate W.
Everything was in a basket.....
(2)
Tara G.
Great beer selection and something for everyone on the menu. We got the cornbread which I would skip next time. It's huge and filling - the dinner portions were so big we couldn't finish them. We did not try the wings which they are famous for. Seems like a dependable place to go in downtown Chicago.
(4)
Kili P.
Best wings I had in my life.so far...I asked my front desk @ the Hilton Suites Mag Mile who had the best wings in town and recommended me to this place..Believe I know wings I try them every place I go from Honolulu to west coast to east coast now Chicago.. Unreal go try some!.....
(5)
Stephen S.
A really good beer list with some rotating offerings and guest brewers that'll bring in some special stuff you probably won't find at the other corner taps. The ambience here is pretty rough. It's a sports bar and is therefore loud and in your face. I had a hard time having a conversation with even the person sitting across from me at a small table. The prices are pretty high but for a spot downtown it's pretty much what you'd expect.
(3)
Jeanne B.
Were in Chicago for the weekend and wandered into Jakes for a pint and some lunch. The ambience is definitely sports bar and it's somewhat loud. Ordered a beer but they were out so settled for margaritas which were average at best. We ordered the BBQ Pork Nachos and they were awesome!!! Definitely the best part of our visit. Will probably not repeat next time were in town.
(3)
Dana R.
Tons of beer choices, tv's and seating, so has all the makings for a perfect place to waste away on football Sunday's. The decor was reminiscent of Bennigan's- lots of kitsch and filler and surprisingly low ceilings - not my fave, but again, for a sports bar, it is fine. I will say, the nachos were delicious...crunchy chips, even under the layers of yummy toppings.
(3)
Michael D.
This is my wife and I second time going to this location, we are from Michigan and since we had a great time/service the last time we came 2 years ago I thought we would go back. I must say we were def not let down once again the service and food is great. My wife had what she had 2 years ago Pulled Pork sliders with fries and I had the burger of the month which was Bison and fries we also had onion rings for an app. My burger also had $1 draft beer that was attached to it which was really nice. We also had 2 lemon drop shots and my wife had a cosmopolitan the shots had patron which we should have maybe asked for a little less expensive liquor we also got two drinks with our dinner just pop. The bill was over $60!! I never would have thought of that price I was really floored by the price the shots alone were $7.25 EACH! We will def be going back again but minus the drinks and just stick with the food..
(4)
Julia J.
The Left Hand Milk Stout together with four kinds of wings and their sweet potato fries really made the right first impression on me at Jake's. We strolled in on a Thursday night after work and took a seat at the bar. The bartender was attentive and gave us great service all around. We tried the Poncho, traditional medium annnndddd traditional spicy, plus the wing of the month that had a Thai peanut sauce on it- which was pretty delicious without being too much. The Poncho and wings of the month were grilled while the other two were breaded. I definitely preferred the grilled, but both kinds were larger wings than you'd get at Bdubs or Yakzees and much meatier too. By the time we were leaving around 7pm, the masses were starting to roll in and it was a little hectic. That being said, I definitely wouldn't come in for dinner during the high tourist season, but this is a good place for some good old fashioned American pub food and some delicious beer selections. I'll be back!
(4)
Bill D.
This could have been tortuous trap for the gluten intolerant. Surprisingly, it's not. They have one GF beer, but it's either not very popular or it's really popular as they had one bottle. The server was awesome, considering the fun of dealing with a large group of hungry, hungry engineers. I didn't try most of the food that was served (barbeque? usually risky for GF). But the cobb salad and cole slaw were really excellent. I enjoyed the kick-back atmosphere, the lack of attitude and Rush Street atmosphere. If you don't get to this part of the country often, try Sprecher Beer. They have several varieties here.
(4)
Kristine N.
Plenty of beer options. Great and friendly service. The blue cheese potato chips are good but a bit skimpy on the blue cheese. The firecracker wings are so so so good. Crispy, kinda sweet, kinda spicy, yummmmmm. The garlic wings were kinda dry, not worth getting. My brother had the pig sandwich and said it was ok. Fries are crispy and fresh though. I'll come back and stick to the firecracker wings.
Wandered in for a beer and food on a cold evening. Beer menu was amazing. (And I'm a homebrewer.) Server (Jana) was very knowledgeable about the beer and menu in general. I'm a vegan and when I mentioned the veggie burger she volunteered it has egg in the bun. Usually I have to pry that info out of servers and they look at me like I'm "that guy". Faced with such an awesome beer menu I gave some general style ideas to Jana and let her surprise us. She hit the ball out of the park three times in a row. I really appreciate good service and we definitely had that. Never once did we sit there wondering how to get a server's attention. Great beer + great service = a very nice evening. 1 star taken away because I didn't find a single vegan entree on the menu. Ended up eating fries. Still, if I'm in the area again I'd go back. Maybe I can get a salad without chicken or something.
(4)
Ken L.
This place is really great. The buffalo fries with bleu cheese crumbles on top are the best! The flavor of the traditional buffalo sauce is the best I have ever had. The wings are really great too! I wish there was a place like this in my hometown.
(3)
Frankie S.
There's a reason these guys have won the Chicago Wingsfest for 3 consecutive years. They probably have the best tasting wing flavors in the city. The Firecracker and Poncho wing flavors are my favorite and when the prices here are pretty reasonable for a downtown establishment. I've only had wings and burgers here. I recommend a nice burger. They're descent in size and quite tasty. You can't go wrong with this place when it comes to trying to find a good tasting wing place in the loop. Stop here instead of Hooters. You'll get your moneys worth. I look forward to coming back here.
(5)
Kayla B.
Great place. Great atmosphere. Really great and friendly service at the bar. We've been here twice in the last three days. Good beer selection...different, but good. Had the wings too...Poncho's are awesome! We will definitely return when we are back in Chicago.
(4)
Bruce G.
Really like the app they use to seat us. Texts to you cell phone and gives you am update on your spot in line. So far wings were great and getting ready to order rest of our lunch. Waitress very attentive. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Tom S.
This place is always packed. Plan on waiting. Their fire wings are the hottest (spicy) things I've ever had in my life. It's euphoric to try these things. The rest of the food is good too. My favorite place to watch football on Sundays in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Check it out. You'll like it
(5)
Louise G.
Great menu and an awesome atmosphere; right across the street from Sport Clips, this is a great guy's night out place to grab dinner and drinks after a haircut
(5)
Richard R.
The Pancho's Wings are amazing! They have become my gold standard when comparing other wings.
(5)
Dawn A.
Just like everyone else said here on Yelp, the only thing worth while here is the wings. The rest, gross. My husband ordered a chicken sandwich, added on some fixings which were crazy overpriced. $1 for cheese? He said it had next to no flavor. I ordered a garbage salad, which came so over dressed it was damn near inedible. It also was missing 2 ingredients, apparently they were out. To top this off, service was shit. We got a lot of attention until we ordered our food, then the waiter pretty much disappeared. And our bill was really high I thought for what kind of food this was. If you're gonna charge that much, at least make the food outstanding. This was a major disappointment, and I surely would not return.
(1)
Valerie G.
We must have had good luck or come on a good night or something- because our entire experience was great at Jake Melnick's. We came in on a Monday night- MLB series, Monday night football - the place was PACKED! We were able to find two bar stools at the end of the bar, not much room- but no lack of service from the bartenders. This place has a fantastic beer selection along with your usual selection of liquors - there is something for everyone. Our order: Pancho's wings and the Trio of pork sliders. Holy delicious- Most pulled pork sandwiches I've had have had to be doused in sauce to hide their not so greatness- this pork was NOT doused and was absolutely perfectly cooked. The three varieties were all great! Win, win, win. The bartender allowed my husband to give the ghost pepper sauce a try without ordering the wings. We've heard crazy things about the hotness of the sauce, and inquiring minds want to know, but don't want to have to pay for 9 wings if they can't handle it. The sauce was hot, but not unbearable. I'd imagine that eating the sauce on a wing that was soaked in it- and having the requisite sauce on your face and all over your lips would be a much more painful experience though. There were some seasonal food specials - even though we didn't try them. Candy apple wings and mac'n'cheese with apples, bacon and bleu cheese. Service was fantastic - these bartenders were incredibly friendly. We are definitely not locals, but treated as if we were. Two thumbs up all the way around!
(5)
Daniella G.
Pretty damn good BBQ & an awesome selection of bottled & tap beers. I had fried pickles for the first time thinking I'd hate them, but I was surprised when I had 2 more helpings. Everything on the menu seems to have pork including Jakes BBQ burger & the mac n' cheese....but I gotta say, everything is really tasty and not over-porked. Stay away from the XXX wings unless you're trying to impress someone- My dad tried them thinking he was bad-ass and left with his tail between his legs & a swollen mouth.
(4)
Grace P.
I work nearby, so frequently going away parties or birthday drinks after work bring me here. The wait staff are friendly and seem to work hard, my extremely poor opinion pertains to the prices. I understand drinks are more expensive in this part of town, but $11 for a Jamison neat, that is the worst pour I have ever had is absurd. I avoid this place if possible, and if I get stuck there out of obligation, hope there is a special I can sip on without going broke.
(1)
Eric W.
Went here for lunch with a group of guys for a Friday beer-lunch. A few of us got the wings and the others got BBQ. Both are amazing and be sure to grab a bucket of garlic fries while you're there. I have to complain about the waitress in this situation though. She claimed they were out of $5 Lagunitas IPA on draft and suggested something else that was "similar". A friend of mine and I both said OK and were treated to a $9 / 8oz draft of something that resembled an IPA but smelled like bleach. I felt ripped off and lied to. But seriously, get the wings. They're solid.
(3)
Katerina K.
I am literally never disappointed when eating at Jake's. Now that I do not live downtown, any time I do go downtown, I make sure I stop to eat at Jake's with whoever is with me. Their wings are AMAZING. They are pretty spicy even if you get their traditional buffalo. Love this place and I will be downtown tomorrow and cannot wait to stop in.
(5)
Jack F.
Sweet Lord the March Madness burger. If you come to Jake's, come for THAT. it's an amazing experience. I struggled, but prevailed. Fries are pretty good here as well.
(4)
Sarah M.
Of course, the wings are great. We tried the firecracker this time, and they were awesome! Surprisingly though, this is my go-to place for a quick salad and a beer. The garbage and cobb salads are both really good. The beer is always good. They have a great selection. They really need to do away with the tiny glasses though. I paid $8.50 for a 3" tall glass of beer. That's annoying! Usually the service is good. However, this time our server wasn't friendly at all, and worst of all, she was sooo slow.
(4)
Kristen T.
Had the best time here while visiting Chicago with friends. The Bloody Mary's are excellent (and come with a shooter of Miller Lite for $1!) and the wings were very tasty. We were there for brunch and the portions were extremely generous and kept us all full for the entire day. Our waiter, Dan, was amazing! After overhearing my husband wish one of the friends we were there with a "happy birthday" Dan surprised the birthday boy with a delicious dessert on the house. We were blown away!
(4)
Mike M.
the best wings in illinois! nuff-said! go there!
(5)
Emily C.
Pretty good sports bar in this part of the city. They have a great beer selection and good burgers (try the turkey burger - it's my fave). They usually have a special burger and / or special wings (we once tried the PB&J wings and they were great). The BBQ is pretty good. The special the last time we went was a burger with an egg on top in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It was too much. Try the chocolate chip cookie skillet for dessert. 85/365
(3)
Zach E.
Jake's wings are the must have when going here. i personally stick to boneless, and change between the buffalo and the wing of the month. hard to go wrong in downtown 60611.
(4)
Adoley J.
A good BBQ spot with great beer selections. YES PLEASE! Had dinner here last night and over 24 hours later I am still dreaming about the pulled pork. Cannot wait to go back and try the famous wings.
(5)
Rokey T.
Jake Melnick's advertises the best wings in town and it doesn't disappoint. The buffalo, spicy buffalo and garlic wings are super tasty! They're a little smaller than "jumbo" as stated on the menu, but ehh every restaurant pulls that. The ranch is real nice. The nachos are loaded and okay. I wouldn't order them again, but if you're in the mood for cheesy chips with chilli--give it a shot! Honestly, haven't eaten anything else because the wings are JUST THAT GOOD! ***They don't do delivery, but pick up is super quick and the food is always warm by the time I bring it home.
(5)
Joe S.
I stopped in here whilst sight seeing in chi town. I was pretty happy. The menu includes a lot of pork, BBQ and tons of beer. In fact, the beer selection was definitely impressive. I tried the grilled artichokes to start, and was a little disappointed. I had the half chicken and it was good, but a lil too saucy. I should have ordered the "rub" and not the heavy sauce. Anywayyy- it wasn't bad. The service was good. You'll leave full no matter what.
(3)
Melissa E.
Mediocre service, average (and overpriced) food, fairly decent selection of beer- hence the 2 stars. Mostly the bad service turned us off. Update: 6/16/14- after this review the manager contacted me to discuss our experience. Upon describing our poor service experience, he offered us a gift certificate.
(4)
Tiffany B.
I will could never rate this place as average considering the plethora of wings that I've had from the city of Chicago. When I say I love this place, its an understatement. Eating here was a breath of fresh air compared to ALL of the other wing joints. Aside from the wings (my favorite being the firecracker and traditional) the fried pickles are AMAZEBALLS! and so is the Salami Flatbread! I don't eat "bad" (unhealthy) food a lot but I make plans on visiting this place very frequently. I have no desire to order wings from anywhere else, they just don't do justice. I'm a fan, an extreme fan lol... If you were on the fence about this place, just go, you wont regret it.
(5)
Vincent W.
No.1 Best place in the city for beer. No. 2 Great sports bar for watching games. No.3 Food is good. Like their burgers and wings! No. 4 staffs are nice.
(5)
Clark G.
Just had "The King of Wings" supposedly voted best wings in Chicago. Ok, first off there very good breaded wing. It's pretty tough to screw up breaded wings. The bartenders were good and attentive tons of beers to choose but the dude who keeps saying cheers, c'mon man. I would pretty much sum it up as follows: if you like tourists and fat chicks in a place that smells like farts this place is 5 stars.
(2)
Spencer M.
Spent NFL Sundays here in the early '00's and was recently back with my family. It was always a nice place for wings and a beer and had a good menu. That said, it's been upgraded to say the least. New menu that's fantastic-pizza, flatbread, burgers not to mention the award winning wings! This staff is tremendous-very customer oriented-and their 'home brewed' gin? Uh....yeah. Highly recommend. Was here on my own and app brought the family. Highly recommend!
(5)
E C.
Lousy service. Was not particularly busy. Was not greeted. Waited for service. We ordered drinks and water and waited and waited. No one brought water. No one brought order. Several servers around. We left and found another proprietor who was prompt.
(1)
Brian J.
Was out looking for a nice meal at a good price during my trip to the Windy City. Stumbled upon Jake's. Sat at the bar and felt instantly welcomed. The bartender got me a local draft and filled me in on the house specialties! BBQ! Melt in your mouth pulled pork and savory ribs. Take the short stroll on Michigan Ave and enjoy.
(4)
Kevin Z.
Bomb wings. Jack Melnick's has the title for the reason. Not sure if they truly serve any other food. These ARE the best wings in Chicago. They let you split your order of wings in half so you can try a couple of kinds. Their rendition of buffalo is outstanding, good heat. I tried something called fire cracker recently, real good, they always have new creative sauces on the menu. They cook the wings to perfection, on the pricey side but worth it.
(5)
Sadat A.
The team decided to strap down and return to Jake's Melnick's for Sunday dinner. (To remind you, I hate going downtown because parking sucks, and I rather stay in Lincoln Park, Wrigley, or Roscoe Village to find a wing spot.) I ordered the same things as last time XXX wings, Poncho wings, Firecracker wings and Jake B Que Burger. The XXX wings were hotter the 2nd time around. When I licked my finger before taking my first bite, I was sweating from the forehead. After my first wing, I was in full body sweat. It was freaking awesome. The Firecracker was super tasty with that sweet spice thing going on. Poncho best wings ever. This time I ordered the burger medium rare and it was taster than the first time when I ordered it Medium. The Left Hand Milk Stouts were a life saver like usual.
(5)
Andrea R.
It's been almost 4 years since my last review of Jake Melnick's. While my taste in bars has changed tremendously (i'm old, married and pregno these days), I'm still a Jake Melnick's fan. For those of you not "with child" they've got all the drinks you could possible want. The food is also pretty good..especially for bar food. The spinach dip still makes me happy and for brave yelpers like my hubby you can attempt to eat their fire hot wings. You'll even get to wear a fireman hat! HOT! Last weekend my friend rented out the entire bar for her rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, I don't think "Jake" had any idea the Blackhawks would be in the playoffs when they agreed to host our party. It was super casual and fun...and I ate way too much spinach dip, nachos, bbq chicken, among other good eats. They even had a dessert bar full of chocolate deliciousness! If you're looking to throw a small party at Jake Melnick's they do have a private party room in the back that I'd guess could fit around 50 peeps or so.
(4)
Kate M.
Jack Melnick's is one of those places I go when I'm nearby, hungry, and can't think of anywhere else to eat or need a burger. The food is always good, the service is always good, and it's a good sports bar atmosphere. I've been to a few events here and they were well done as well. Enough bars set up to keep the crowd happy, buffets set up properly so the line doesn't get confusing. Their burgers are always good. The tuna burger is very yummy, my favorite on the menu. Most of their appetizers are enough for a meal (for me at least) and are good to snack on while chatting over a few drinks. I like that it's not usually packed with tourists, as most places in this area can be. The outdoor seating is nice too.
(3)
Kimber L.
We stopped in for dinner later in the evening and the place smelled great! We got a hightop outside and enjoyed the evening. My friend ordered a burger well done and it came out med-rare but she said it was a good burger anyways. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was also tasty. The sauce had a nice bbq flavor but I could have used more of it. The sweet potato fries were great. The mac n cheese was good but not quite salty enough. Service was only fair. indoors was rather loud but hey I guess thats typical for this type of restaurant. I would probably go again.
(3)
TJ Y.
Went here on a Sunday to watch football and it was good! Upon entering, they asked if you were there to see a specific game because there were designated areas for each game. I thought that was pretty coo!l! Food & Drink - Food was a big disappointment!! The wings we got were raw inside.... which the server then replaced after much hesitation. The fries were good though. Beer prices were average... Service - the service wasn't that great. They weren't very busy either... our server was mia most of the time... either she was just super busy or new and didn't know what she was doing. Ambiance - This place is a typical bar. Big, lots of space... lots of tvs... Overall, this is a great place to go to watch sports. That's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. Don't go hungry though because the food is definitely a huge disappointment!
(3)
Aldi J.
I've been on a recent tear lately trying to find excellent buffalo wings in Chicago. This review is soley on their Wings. I got 2 orders, the buffalo wings and the Ponchos Garlic and Cayenne. The buffalo wings didn't disappoint!!! Jumbo, great sauce (I got spicy), and just the right amount of crunch. I'd definitely come back for these. The Ponchos was OK.. They are good with a squeeze of lemon but nothing to get too excited about. Gave 'em 4 stars cuz I never got a chance to review their other food and service.
(4)
MmeMorticia D.
The *only* reason I'd consider coming back is that they actually had Black Sambuca! First time there with large group of friends for a going-away party and felt like I was at a campus sports bar. Yes it was busy but service was not attentive at all (uber slow, no eye contact) but then an automatic 18% gratuity was guaranteed so that seemed to explain the nonchalance. Pulled pork sandwich was dry and disappointing so we moved the party elsewhere. Thankfully they kept the fireplace but all in all, made me really miss the (former) Blackhawk Lodge...
(2)
Nick L.
Great beer, great wings (rated #1 in Chicago a couple years in a row... that's saying a lot considering the great wings you can get), great burgers! The food and beverages are amazing. Plenty of TVs to watch your favorite game. The wait staff is fun and full of energy which usually points out a good management team to keep their servers happy. I come here quite a bit with my running group and it's great because I can call an hour ahead and reserve one of their large high top tables for our whole team and they don't even hesitate to set it up for you if it's open. They always have specials... or at least they do when I'm there. On Tuesdays they have a Mystery Beer special that is really fun cause you get to try a bunch of different beers from around the country. This is a go-to place for local who live downtown.
(5)
Erika G.
Went here for a friend/former coworkers going away party. I didn't have any food, but the food smelled great. The drinks were pricey, I thought, for this being sort of a TGIFridays level place. It seemed like a place frequented by very young office workers after work crowd, or tourists. AKA, nothing special and not worth a return trip.
(2)
Katie S.
Amazing outdoor seating, extremely dog friendly! The staff is absolutely wonderful and the food is great too!
(5)
Katie L.
Jake's was a blast for my friend's 25th birthday! They accommodated a large group of us easily, service was prompt, and the food was pretty good! We enjoyed the BBQ Nachos and I ordered the Mac n cheese, which was cooked in its own little Dutch oven! Many of my friends ordered their BBQ meals or their giant burgers, but I had a craving for Mac n cheese (what else is new). Thanks for a fun time Jake's!
(4)
Carm B.
Very laid back comfortable atmosphere. Kind of surprising for the location. Came to eat here with my kids so I was a little unsure when we entered, it looks more like a bar kind of establishment, but no need to worry... they are kid friendly. Everyone enjoyed their food. We had burgers, chicken wings, mac & cheese, and fried pickles. The servers were very nice, the restaurant was very clean, and I would like to go back sans the kids for some drinks & wings. We actually found street parking which was surprising. I would recommend.
(4)
Dave L.
So they make it pretty clear they have awesome wings when you walk in because there are signs everywhere shouting "WE HAVE AWESOME WINGS!!" Yet somehow we almost didn't order the wings because there are 30 other things on the menu that sound great. Long story short, the wings are hands down the best in Chicago. We also got the artichoke (it was ok... I think its just because I don't like artichoke that much), an Asian chicken salad (came out on a gigantic serving plate and weighed 300lbs, and was great), and a BBQ brisket sandwich (also awesome with awesome fries). It was also $5 mystery beer night where the waitress explained "it could be ANYTHING except bud light, miller light, coors light." At our table we got 5 or 6 mystery beers and they were all really good. Why only 4 stars and not 5? Wasn't the cheapest place I've been to in awhile, but I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)
Michael R.
decent price for the food and wings were ok and service form the door to the bar was great. Everything was up to par but the waiter. Maybe he was having a bad day or tired which i hope was the case because this guy just did the least and it wasn't really busy.but all in all it cool spot to check out if your have time.
(3)
Cathy P.
OUR EXPERIENCE: A spirited sports bar with a charming atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of options, and the food is flavorful. We visited in 2012, and we had a great server. She was attentive, and we didn't feel rushed. TIP: Be sure to try the wings and barbecue. These are the items they're best known for.
(4)
Jeff K.
Loved the selection of beers. Really did not like the physical beer list. Too wordy and very confusing! I thought it was just me, but everyone at our table took a stab and we had to honestly as a table our findings in order to get what we each wanted. The menu on the other hand was straight forward, simple, and delicious! Even the picky three year old who we took with us to lunch loved the food. She was eating off all of our plates.
(4)
Deena D.
A sports bar with some rustic flavah. I wasn't even that hungry but somehow licked my plate clean. I did the wings (when in Rome) and had half made XXX and the other garlic/cayenne marinade. I was hooked, I don't think I had ever tried anything like it. Our waiter was super nice and made a lot of recommendations on beers and food. I would love to come back again and try the burgers. This was the perfect spot for a weekend lunch with friends. Also good to watch the game if you can snag a table.
(4)
Jon H.
I came here for the wings, but if I was only judging them based on that - I might give them a 2. I didn't think they were anything special at all. However, the atmosphere, the ample TVs for watching sports, the nice beer selection, and the rest of our meal made up for it. I'd go back to watch some sports, but I won't be ordering the wings.
(3)
Justin K.
Travel down on blue line for special occasions to Jake's. Favorite place to celebrate! Food: The wings here are just outstanding. They aren't lying when they claim to have the best wings in the Chi. They really do... So many good and unique flavors, and they have SO MUCH CRUNCH... I love the texture and flavor of their wings, far more superior than anything else I've had. Service: For as busy as they are, I'm surprised they aren't worse. One time I did make reservations because it did get pretty packed. I was running about an hour late, so quite honestly I did not expect them to save my reservations. I got there and they of course gave them away, but still managed to seat me very quickly which I thought was a nice thing for them to do. Drinks: Bloody marys are AMAZING, again the best in town. Alright.... I love spicy food. LOVE spicy food, I mean I can take anything.... EXCEPT THE XXX BLOODY MARY lol, those things are un-drinkable. And I'm pretty sure your intestines would blow up if you actually finished it. But the rest of their bloody marys are amazing. I usually just tend to get the traditional but all of the flavors are pretty good. Specials: Go on saturday/sunday, hands down. $5 bloody marys, such a great deal for what you get. Just.. so... good.. tasting *drool* Atmosphere: Nice noise level, nice lighting. Big enough tables to fit huge groups and nice decor. Would recommend making reservations if you go for dinner.
(5)
Meridith E.
Fun place to have drinks & aps for happy hour. I can't judge on their entire menu as I've only had drinks here. (Hey, don't judge me.) I love the atmosphere and love me some high-top tables in the bar section. My one issue is that I always feel as though it's so hot in there....I'm like, bring on the A/C people. The service is always on par with friendly staff. They have a full bar, so everyone can have some drinks and relax.
(3)
Borat S.
BE A MAN AND GET THE XXX WINGS... burns going in and even worse going out... The brisket nachos were goood...
(4)
Paul L.
Great beer selection.
(4)
Tres B.
Just steps from the snooty-riums of poshness and dainty delicacies of Michigan Avenue and their high end hotels is this informal, welcoming glorified diner, slinging outrageously messy and marvelous wings, BBQ and various concoctions thereof. They are famous (and rightly so) for their wings. Even the mild has a kick. The very hot might light the roof of your mouth on fire. BE WARY. One of us, who shall remain nameless, had this big disgusting burger with fried onions and bacon and brisket all piled on. Oy vey! It was received quite favorably by the taste buds, but not by the arteries. Nice beer selection. The interior is faux rustic, very comfortable, dark and warm. The service was exceptional, friendly and on-spot. Valet parking is $11.
(4)
Carolynne M.
So, I get a message sent to me a few days ago. It is from the assistant GM of this place, who saw my initial review. The message he sent was really cool, and in it he apologized for what happened last year and invited me to participate in this years competition. I of course jumped at the opportunity. When we got there Andy decided he would order a basket of the wings for himself that were supposedly one step down from the competition grade. I had a bite and honestly? I thought those were hotter than what I ended up having in the contest. Those really packed a wallop. The year before the winner had eaten 35 wings, so I knew I wasn't going to win. I can do any amount of extreme heat, but I cant eat fast and I cant eat massive volumes of food. But I was so excited to be able to taste these bad boys (since there is almost no place in the Chicago area that has the ability to make things hot enough for me) that I really didn't care. There were 10 people competing, and I was the only girl. When we started I was surprised at how Not-Hot these things were, and I was able to eat 15 in the 5 minute time period. Which of course was dead last (the winner ate 51!!!!), until one of the guys got disqualified because he couldnt handle it and ran to throw up. So, hey, there's that. And I was the only one who didn't need the "help" at the end (they gave out plates of bread, milk and ice cream which everyone attacked). yeah, there was a little bit of burning at the back of my throat, but a couple of sips of milk cured that easily enough. So hey thanks for a fun time Jake's. If you can make a contest where someone wins by eating a progressively hotter wing, you got your girl right here. The contest right now? I will let the guys have their gluttonous fun with it. Next year I will be in the audience, having those same wings... but for lunch!
(5)
Joel G.
This place was fantastic. Plenty of options for beers from your usual suspects to local and national micro brews. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Chicago's best wings especially the firecracker. It is delicious perfect combination of sweet and spicy, doused in sirracha sauces and sweet chili Thai sauce. We are avid lovers of Mac n cheese sui we had to try it and weren't disappointed. We also ordered the pulled pork trio which was phenomenal. Overall a great hang out spot to watch a game, be social, or even enjoy the outdoor seating.
(5)
Jamie H.
We decided to come here Sunday afternoon about 1pm. We had 6 people and they said it'd be about a 20 min wait, we only had to wait 10mins so that was good. The waitress was very attentive, helpful and nice. We started out with the Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne Marinade wings, so so so good!!! Onto the meal, I got the Pulled Pork with the Kansas City sauce, it was excellent. The fries were great also. There was plenty of food and I was able to bring some home for dinner (Always a plus in my book)! One of my friend's got the Burger of the Month, it was huge and also very delicious. I will definitely come back and would recommend to others as well. It's got a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Sara L.
On our quest for the best wings in Chicago we came across this place. Several websites and mags claim they have the best wings in Chicago. If there is wings and beer.. well hot damn count me in! The place wasn't as crowded as we thought it would be but somehow it was pretty loud in there. The menu has a bunch of choices so the pickiest eaters should be satisfied. We ended up doing the wing combo (poncho's wings & traditional), beers and basket of parmesan and garlic fries. We got our food before we even received our beers and our waters didn't come till the end of the meals. Don't expect great service here and don't expect the food to come hot either. They advertise the wings as "huge, big, giant, meaty!" All I can say is false advertisement...it is like ...well I have analogy but its not family friendly to say. I do give them credit for the fries...garlicky and deep fried...cannot go wrong there. Overall, service was meh, the wings were meh, the fries were good and the beer was overpriced...go to Hooters...you won't be disappointed there.
(2)
Ann Marie M.
Good beer, good food. The small alone when you walk in can make someone that just had Thanksgiving dinner want to have a pulled pork sandwich. It's not the best BBQ I've had, but the fried pickles and pulled pork nachos are top notch. Great place to go if your interested in watching the game; tons of TVs.
(3)
Chris W.
A group of six from work decided to try this spot for happy hour and dinner. We put our name on the list at 6PM on Friday, and were told the wait was 20 minutes. Fourty minutes later, we were pointed to a table that we were told was "ours" and that it was waiting to be cleaned. Twenty minutes later, we were directed to the second bar in the back room and asked to see if that would work. We agreed and soon found no seats available in the back room, which prompted a return to the hostess station and a response to our group like we were in the wrong and maybe didn't look hard enough! We finally get a table in said back room and are told that we can choose from the two beers they have on tap in this room. We asked if we could order off the regular beer menu and were told that we would be "encouraged" to order off the choice of two beers at this bar because they were "really good". When pressed, the waitor brought one beer menu for six people, in an effort to say F-off. At the end of the day, the food was decent, beer selection was good (at the main bar), and price was ok for Chicago. Overall, the service (despite running up a healthy tab) ruined the experience and we will not be back.
(1)
Jeff L.
Service was very poor on this Saturday afternoon visit. Only ordered the wings to confirm that they were as good as reported. In my opinion they were only average. Nice size, but the sauce and preparation were nothing special.
(3)
Susie L.
This place has kind of become a staple in my weekday. It's a great place to relax and grab a bite, drink a Great Divide Hades, and watch the Bulls game at the bar with other enthusiasts. The drink menu is awesome with many beer options. The bartenders are always friendly and quick to recommend their favorite beers. Their food is surprisingly delicious! The chicken wings are always great (try them boneless too). The portions are large and everything always tastes great. The Cobb salad is one of my favorites, the sandwiches are yummy, and please somebody try their house-made fried pickles- amazing! Prices are reasonable, especially for the area it's located. This is a large restaurant, cozy, fireplace, almost lodge-like decor with many TVs. In the summer, they have a nice 2-sided patio where you can bring your dog to eat with you :) And, their brunch is awesome, try the $5 bloody marys on Sat and Sundays.
(4)
Elia H.
I end up here pretty often. Once you are seated the wait staff is good. the host stand is a different story. they are not very accommodating when they are busy. i guess they don't have to be but a little customer service couldn't hurt. i recommend making a reservation. the food is all very good and the wings are pretty much the best in the city so that is mainly why i continue to go here. monthly specials are also great and keep things exciting. the beer list is pretty good too. just one problem here-it is way too expensive. when i think wings and beer, i am not expecting to spend a ton of money but you will definitely be in for at least $20 here for 1 order of wings and 1 beer. because of the price, i try to avoid going here, but every once in a while i just need good wings. another thing that can be annoying here is the volume of the TVs. most bars have figured out how to play music during commercials. that is not the case here, so you will listen to commercials at a ridiculous volume.
(4)
Joel M.
If you are near the Viagra Traingle and want to get away from the upscale more expensive bars, Jake's is the place to go. The smell of BBQ when you walk in lets you instantly know that the patrons aren't going to be wearing sports coats and sipping martinis. Giant tables are great for accommodating groups, and the service is solid even when its packed. Oh yeah, best beer selection in the near north area by far. Lag IPA on tap and a huge selection of Belgium beer and stouts/porters as well. Recommended for both happy hours and nights out.
(4)
Marie D.
Had a craving for wings. Craving satisfied! I see why they've received the best wings award for 3 years in a row! We also had the fried pickles, which were a nice compliment to the wings.
(5)
Chris R.
I ordered the Halloween wing mix of spicy, very hot, and XXX wings and they were great. The XXX wings are dressed with Bhut Pepper (ghost pepper) sauce and holy crap were these hot but with great flavor. The waitress properly warned me they were ghost pepper so unless you know what this is you probably will be in more hell than heaven if you order them.
(5)
Angela O.
Love this place! I work up the street, and our office comes here pretty regularly for lunch. They have hands down, the best fried pickles I have tried to date, trust me, I've tried a lot. Bartenders are awesome, they are very knowledgeable, and always seem to know exactly what kind of beer you have the taste for. But, lets take a moment to talk about their monthly menus.. which aside from the Fried Pickles, and Brew selection, is one of my favorite things about this place. In my opinion, this is where they shine. They usually always have a monthly burger, mac & cheese, and wings; it's always creative, seasonal, and delicious. I have yet to be disappointed. They also have a new Lunch menu I'm excited to try.
(5)
Emily W.
What can one say about wings made with the second hottest pepper in the world, the red savina? It's the only legal hallucinogenic experience in the US today. Sadly, so sadly, they were out of fireman hats, but when my digestive tract has recovered enough, I plan to return for another dose of pain (and a hat). They had a bell you could ring to get a shot of milk, a dollop of sour cream, and a bit of icecream, and you know what, we all talked a lot of trash, but in the end, we all rang that damn bell. My face twitched, my eyes watered, I laughed and I cried. It was fun as hell. On our excursions across Chicago searching for the best wings offered, I can only say that this renewed what had been a flagging enthusiasm by providing a great experience (with great service as well). I'd love to go back and try the wings that won't sear off my taste buds because they were incredibly meaty and saucy though perhaps lacking a little in crispiness, the only area I would dock them in. Hats.... I'm coming back for you!
(5)
Jeffrey M.
I had a really good time here. After getting over the initial disappointment of learning they were out of the angry mango that is. I moved on and tried the XXX bloody Mary instead, and I rate it up there in my top three for Bloody Marys I've had in Chicago. After that I moved on to rum punches which were so delicious they were dangerous. For the food we shared a wing flight, spinach and artichoke flat bread, and some loaded fries. Everything was very good. Dessert was outrageously good. We had the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet. I felt dirty, absolutely guilty after that. If you're in the market for wings and drinks, you can't go wrong here.
(4)
blondyne b.
I arrived downtown at 10:00 am to shop. As I look for a park, I noticed a sign that read "Best hot wings in Chicago". I knew then that was my spot for lunch. I made my way back to Jack's around noon. The place was nearly empty, I was concerned however, it was still early. Their menu selection seemed pretty good. I ordered traditional hot wings, artichoke dip w/ tortilla chips, fries, and topped it off with an iced tea. The wait staff were typical college students trying to make it. My server was very nice and attentive. They got the 3rd star because of the outside patio. The wings were a disappointment...I was expecting "the best in Chicago". Although they were ok, they reminded me of smaller Hooter wings. I've had better...much better! I prefer Juniors. I am not a beer drinker but they had a better than normal selection. Also, they had a selection of root beer that I did not get a chance to take advantage of. This place is cool if your walking by and want some bar food and catch a game. However, I will not be driving downtown to specifically eat here.
(3)
Chris L.
I thought this place was awesome. We came here for two reasons. 1: I read that this place had the best wings in Chicago and wanted to see what Chicago's best had to offer, and 2: I needed a place to watch my beloved Buckeyes best Syracuse in the Elite 8. My wife and I came here for dinner and shared nachos, some chinese salad and medium buffalo wings. The waitress was awesome, asked if we were splitting these appetizers and split up the salad for us without us even asking. She then asked what kind of beer I was wanting and I had no clue. She asked me what I liked and suggested a local brew called Metropolitan Crankshaft. Awesome. It was an amazing beer. The food was equally as delicious. There was even some Buckeye fans to share the love with. With great food, decor and an extensive ever-changing beer selection, I'm really bummed that I am returning to Columbus tomorrow and cannot visit Jake's all the time.
(5)
Steve S.
I must preface this review because I did end up getting the meal free because of a kitchen screw-up. Even so, I'd still go back. I was here on a Sunday. I could imagine this would be a great place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night because of the excellent atmosphere and it's location near Rush Street. I had the turkey burger which took forever to come out. I was told it was the longest thing on the menu to cook. I've never heard that excuse before for a slow kitchen. The person I was with found a piece of plastic with her teeth on top of the burger. The meal was comp'd and all was OK in the end. I'd say there are probably better places on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a burger and a brew, but I was satisfied with my choice.
(3)
Ed C.
The wings lived up to the reputation
(4)
McStrokin J.
Great wings and sauce. Wings are extremely meaty like they're supposed to be.
(4)
Andrew S.
i'm not in this neighborhood often but when i am (normally waiting out a shopping spree or make up appointment arranged by the wife) i always patron this bar. draft selection is normally quiet eclectic. the food is what "pub or bar" food should be and they truly have some of the best buffalo wings in the city.
(4)
Bill K.
The good - extensive beer menu, decent food. The bad - prices (usually at least $6-7 for a beer, up to $12.95 for a dozen wings), service, and most TVs don't have HD. Let me repeat and expand on that last comment....the year is 2012 where most households have high def TVs, and this is supposed to be a sports bar that charges +$7/beer and $12.95/dozen wings, yet they don't have the games in HD!!! Even worse, most of the TVs are pretty small and hard to see due to their positioning. You are much better off cooking or ordering in and watching games in your own living room than going to this joint.
(1)
Victor M.
My overall experience with Jake's was ~30mins and here it goes! Setting: Sunday Evening, June 19th, 2011. Cast: Host, Waitress 1, Me, Friends. [Me & Friends walkin] Host: Hi, welcome to Jakes. How many? Me: Table of four please. Host: Do you care to watch the game? Me: Nah, any table is fine. Host: Alright, let me check if there's any available tables. [Host walks away and Friends peer through the dining room area] Friend: The dining area is half full. Me & Friend: haha, that's funny. [Host returns] Host: Ah, I found a table for you. Me: Thank you! [Me and Friends sit down at a table in the corner by the patio with two other tables by us] Me: Ohh! food looks good here! Friends: Share the 8lb burger? Nah, the bbq looks good though. Me: I think I'll try the chicken. Friends: Wings? [Conversation among Me and Friends change] Friends: So what's new? Me: School is.. blah blah blah blah Friends: Oh yeah? blah blah blah blah [Conversation continues] [~20mins pass] Me: I'm thirsty, where's my water? Friends: I don't know.. where's our settings? Me: Didn't get them yet. Friends: The dining area is still half-full, I've seen a couple of waitresses walk by. Me: Want to try someplace else? Friends: Sure, let's go. [Friends and Me walk towards the entrance] Waitress: Thanks for coming guys, have a good one. Friends: Thanks, you do the same. [As Me and Friends approach the door, Me smiles at the Host] [Host has an expression of, "WTF, these guys just sat down] [Friends and Me leave and head 1 block West and South along State st.]
(1)
Lenora C.
Me and the boyfriend were having a dilemma on where to eat.. first it was Bennigan's then, Gino's East. We ended up getting off at Chicago and walking back to Superior. I saw the usual places but, never seen Jake's. The boyfriend and I checked the menu, he wanted a good burger and I wanted some kind of meat whether it clucks, moos, snorts, or lives in water. We found exactly that on the menu. It was crowded in the front area when we went in so, we got seated by the indoor patio area which had TV's tuned to ESPN showing baseball highlights. How wondrous that you steal my heart Jake's! Sports, spirits, and good food is always on on my list.
(3)
Susie Q.
I have been here a few times, and both the food, service, and drinks were of good quality. The food even hold up well for delivery (ceo). Wings....love them all except the garlic marinade, as they didn't have much of a flavor. They can pull off a good pulled pork sandwich too. It's pretty cool that you can also do a build-a-burger and build-a-chicken sammy. Easy place to grab a weekend breakfast without the extensive lines like most of the other places in the area. Icing on the cake-- always check out the burger of the month special. Check it out. Eat a burger. Grab a brew.
(4)
Dario C.
The burgers rock. And they're huge. Fries are excellent as well. I think the wings are good, but not out of this world. I had them again recently, and they were a bit too greasy for my tastes. They're definitely meaty, though. We watched a Bears game here on a Sunday; there were a lot of tourists there (I'm not suggesting this is a bad thing). We just figured all the hotels on the Mile probably recommended Jake's. Bottom line: great place for a beer and a burger.
(4)
Michael B.
Food: Always good. Service: Just about always terrible. Do yourself a favor- go to Timothy O'tooles in Streeterville, a 10 minute walk form this place- and you'll be much happier you did. This place is SEVERELY UNDERSTAFFED, especially during the week. In the few times i've been here, the waiter has completely forgot to bring us something we ordered, gave us the superhot wings without bringing us water (which I asked for twice before those wings came)- and completely neglected us for long periods of time. This is a nice bar in the Gold Coast, I don't understand why the service is always crap. Also, if the waiter is understaffed, management- make your waiters write down their orders. The waiter in my area was in control of way more tables than she could handle, and kept apologizing for the wait. While she didn't mess up anyones order as far as i could tell, her stress level was off the charts trying to remember something. It's ok, write down the order- it makes both parties feel more comfortable. RIP OFF CENTRAL: Went on a Tuesday for Mystery Beer Night, where they give u can of beer usually in a brown bag, you take a few sips, and remove the bag to get the surprise of what you are drinking. Except this time, she hands me my mystery beer and says "oh, we ran out of mystery bags"- so I just paid 5 bucks for Two Brothers IPA, without the surprise factor? What a joke? Melnick's might as well hire criminals to steal from their patrons, it's pretty much the same thing. The food, the beer list, the ambiance, are really really good. BUT a concern for me, as a guy that actually goes to bars for food, drink AND to watch games, IS THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TVs, and ALL OF THE TVs SHOW THE SAME GAME. Reasons why O'Tooles is a better bar: Cheaper food, more menu options, bigger restaurant, nicer and faster service, and about 1,000 more TVs
(2)
Craig R.
Although I've visited Jake Melnicks quite a few times, we spent New Years there last night and it was a hell of a lot of fun! I've read several of the other reviews here and most of the complaints seem to be around service as far as I can see. Last night we had one of the better servers I've ever had anywhere. John was his name. Awesome guy. We had a table of 7, and the place was pretty jammed most of the night. Our service was great. Whenever we needed drinks they came quickly, and all of the food we ordered came in a timely fashion. In general the place has a solid menu for your typical beer and bar food joint. A lot of standard bar fare like burgers and onion rings etc. The fries are pretty good, I'd recommend the garlic Parmesan version of them as those are quite tasty. They also do decent wings, not my favorite in the world, but they are certainly serviceable. Jake's also does have a very solid beer list, but does tend to charge a little more than say the Map Room or maybe Hopleaf. This I think has a lot to do with the location they are in, you're in the middle of tourist town where floor space is a little more pricy. Jake's is also a nice place to sit outside in the summer. The only thing that is a drag about it is the patio closes up at 11 or so, but this is just standard Chicago laws and all bars have to do it... I definitely give a thumbs up here, well worth a visit!
(4)
Brian P.
Recently spent a weekend in Chicago with my younger brother and to be completely honest, it was all about sports, drinks and fun. Needless to say, we weren't hitting up any white-clothed table bistros so.... Jake Melnick's worked perfectly. There was a wait for a table of two, which usually is a pretty good sign (I never mind waiting a little bit if there's a good bar to have a pre-dinner drink). Both of us are IPA lovers so the bartender quickly gave us the lowdown on the local IPA's on tap. I should've written this review immediately as our favorite escapes me...but admittedly it escaped me a couple hours after we left. That, by no means indicates whether it was good or not...just that we had a good time! Once we were seated, we started with some wings as the menu pretty much told us we had to. Good move because they were delicious. We went with mild and even those gave me a little sweat. I couldn't even imagine what XXX tasted, or felt like but my wimpy tolerance for hot wings would never had handled that. Bad move because of the monster of a burger I was planning on ordering and needed all the room I could save!! Beers were coming at a steady pace, TV near us was switched to the Knicks game for some Linsanity (yes, even though we were in Chicago)...so overall we were quite content. I ordered...(deep breath)...a HUGE burger (only cooked medium rare) wrapped in BBQ bacon (yes wrapped) topped with pulled pork, fried onions and, because it was necessary...BBQ sauce. Remember the bad move comment about getting the wings....sooooo yeaaaa. I've had some great burgers across the US in my travels mainly thanks to Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. My favorite is still Plan B in West Hartford and I thought MaxBurger in West Hartford's Fatty Melt won my "Cardiac Burger" award....but congrats Mr. Melnick, you sir...are now in the lead. Even if I hadn't had the wings, there was no way I could finish...but man, did I want to. This certainly slowed me down for the rest of the night in Chicago but we were hitting Wrigleyville early the next day for some college hoops viewing prior to the Bulls game so it was ok. Neighborhood bar feel, great burgers, great beer selection and overall great time.
(4)
Aaron N.
If you like beer and wings, Jake's is a spot in Chicago you have to try. The beer selection is freaking ridiculous. I have never heard of 90% of the beers they offer (prolly cause I tend to stick with Bud-Light), but whatever flavor you like, Jakes will have it. I enjoyed their moonshine which was a perfect mix of flavor and alcohol (whiskey)...plus it was served in a mason jar, which always helps. On to the food. I went with a bunch of people and they said the spicy wings were slamming. I (like an idiot) took the challenge and tried their XXX wing. I knew I was in for a disaster when the server said the sauce was made with the 2nd spiciest pepper in the world! Althought I finished the wing (like a champ), it was not fun at all. My tongue felt like it was about to explode and nothing helped cure the pain...only time. So, I suggest you only try one, regardless of how "tough" you think you are. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot and will definitely be coming back to eat the normal wings. Boom!
(4)
Mickey A.
I brought a friend in since we were dress shopping nearby. It wasn't terribly busy for a Thursday night, so it worked for us hungry gals. Space is key here. I like that. There's enough space to walk between tables, and unlike some places, you're not "sharing" space with the guests near you. Plus, if you're sick of waiting for 2 hours for a table at Giordanos up the street, you can always come here. (Sorry, Giordanos.) Want to catch a game while eating? Well, they have plenty of TVs placed through out the place for that. Food is okay. My friend and I went with the combo appetizer platter, which included two kinds of wings (a mix of spicy and non spicy), mozzarella sticks, and nachos. By the way, the spicier of the two are the ones that looked like they were grilled. I learned the hard way. H-O-T! I'm okay though. I'm just a wimp when it comes to spicy stuff. The nachos were served on a small skillet in the middle of this huge platter. I expected fresh hot nachos but sadly the whole skillet was cold? Actually, we thought the whole combo platter to be kind of blah. I was kind of surprised because I've been here before and thought food was decent enough. Oh well. Did I mention that it was also $5 cocktail day? I can't guarantee that every Thursday is $5 cocktail day, but today, yes. It applies only to what's on their drink menu. I probably will be back because I got a $5 gift card just for signing up for their email list. Whatever. I think I'll use it toward a dessert next time.
(3)
Jessica C.
Wings: as fluffy and scrumptious as could be! Service: HORRENDOUS. We literally waited 20 minutes in between every request (water, food, bill, get our credit cards back, etc.). Did I mention that our cups were DIRTY and had bits and pieces of who knows what at the bottom?! I loved their wings but am very dissatisfied with the service. It makes it hard for me to even want to return if I have to wait that long for our waiter/waitress.
(3)
Whitney O.
YUM! I want it right now. Pulled pork was great - opted for the 3 sliders to taste them all. Also split the buffalo bleu cheese fries, delicious! Really want to try the wings and mac & cheese!!!! Amazing beer selection!!!
(4)
laurie s.
Oh such a disappointing experience! Jake's was our neighborhood "go to" spot, for fun, casual meals. Hey Jake's just as an FYI, if your too busy to handle a take out order, just say so, we would be disappointed but would be appreciative of the honesty. Instead you quote us 30 minutes for the order to be prepared, turned into well over 50 minutes, only to receive an over cooked, dry burger, (was suppose to be med.) cold soggy fries and cold, soggy flat bread. Will be hard pressed to do anything but cash in our FOJ card and find a new place to call our "go to" spot.
(1)
Matthew W.
As Homer Simpson says..."Beer". Order "A little Sumpin' Sumpin'" It's a good beer and you'll sound ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. Extensive beer list. A lot that I hadn't heard of until Jake's. Good specials. Not cheap but probably worth the cost. The food is average but it's comfort food and a lot of it and that has to count for something. They make a pretty good burger. Skip the pulled pork though. Good place to watch the game...any game. They have a ton of TVs. No pretension either. Just a good time. They even have a rewards card for loyal customers. Don't forget to check in on Foursquare for great specials like free fries or 50% off lunch and definitely don't forget to grab a Root Beer Barrel Candy on the way out. Tell 'em Jake sent ya. I've never actually tried that but maybe it'll work.
(4)
Dustin G.
We were hungry. It was lunchtime. This was the only place without a wait. This could have been disastrous but it was delightful. The bbq sauce is like hickory-smoked crack! I could've drank it by the glass. I tried the pork sandwich, the brisket and the garbage salad. The meat was delicious and it reminded me of real SOUTHERN bbq, not this wacky midwest stuff they usually have up in Chi town. If you're from the deep south, check this place out the next time you have a hankerin' for some down home flavors. Oh! Amazing bloody marys. Absolutely delicious and very spicy.
(4)
Rits M.
the atmosphere is great here. perfect bar feel, lots of wood and bbq. Also like the writing on the wall. Place is pretty large and well stacked with beer. Service was rather slow, but it was a friday evening so Im not holding it against them.
(3)
Francesca L.
I've been going to Jack Melnick's for a long time. I feel like it's a hidden in the loop area. The food is decent and they have a really good beer selection. They are known for their wings so try them! If you are in the area and looking for some good beers and decent bar food, check out Jack Melnick's!
(4)
Dennis S.
Now these people understand hospitality! After two unsuccessful stops trying to partake of advertised Kentucky Derby "special events" (see one-star reviews of Market Restaurant and David Burke's Primehouse), we got to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap at 4:50, with post time for the Derby at 5:20. Sign on the door - "Closed at 5:00 for Private Party." Now I'm getting worried - there is no Plan D. I went in and asked the hostess about watching the Derby. She said to come on in, order a drink, but the bar closes at 5pm. We're welcome to stay and watch the race, but then need to leave after the race because their private party needs to be set up. Now that's how to run a customer-oriented business! We, along with about 30 others, watched the race on dozens of TV's, heard the background info on the horses and heard the race called, yelled for our horses, watch 15 minutes of post-race interviews and analysis, finished our drinks, and left. Very civilized. Everybody was happy, I won't ever give Jake's four stars for their food, but they certainly cemented my loyalty as a "fan," and five stars for hospitality.
(4)
Dan G.
I've been here a bunch and always liked it. But, I think today was an off day. Always a solid choice for a few brews and excellent BBQ. It had been a long time since we've been here and I was craving the gluttony that typically awaits me here. Jake maybe you were too focused on the line of tourists in your joint. I know you can do much better. We opened with the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza. It pretty much sucked as it was cold and didn't have any blue cheese or even a decent helping of the other toppings. We usually get this and it was awful this time and I simply tried to regroup for my pigout. We instead focused our efforts on the refreshing pitcher of New Belgium's Dandelion Ale that we were enjoying from their nice draft selections. Our waiter let us try it first, which just added to the attentive service he provided. A short bit later entrees arrived, veggie burger for her, pork BBQ sampler for me plus garlic fries. My wife enjoyed what she calls a burger and I loved the cue. To me, that's your best bet here and they do it well. My sampler included Carolina, Georgia and KC versions of pulled pork, all of which were great. I'm glad it was too, because the brisket is killer and something I rarely pass on. The typically scrumptious fries were not so great. Undercooked and poorly seasoned, they lacked the crispy texture and saltiness that clears them from our table in the blink of an eye. But I'm a trooper and I was unimpeded in putting away the whole basket. I really like Jake's and just hope that they pick it up in the future. Football is right around the corner and this is the perfect place for gamewatching.
(3)
Viola I.
Went here with a group a friends a few times. Noticed the sign for "award-winning wings". I'm always skeptical of those banners claiming best this and that or award winning, but I had to give them a try. And boy, did the wings live up to that banner. They were awesome!! The other food was also a crowd pleaser throw in great service and you have yourself a perfect place to grab dinner!! Definitely a must go.
(5)
Don B.
Went back for the BBQ and it did not disappoint! Had a trio of BBQ sliders, pulled pork with three different styles of sauce. I really liked the N.C. sauce, I'm a sucker for the bite of vinegar! Also split another round of wings, just as good as before. For my money this is about as closed as you'll get to a local neighborhood bar in the middle of Mag Mile/Gold Coast.
(4)
Charlie R.
Went here after seeing the Christmas sites by Water Tower Place. Wanted a good eating experience, but not too uptight. Jake Melnick's came to mind. Went in on a very busy Saturday night and was told that it would be a 45 minute wait. Not surprised at all so we got a beer at the bar. GREAT BEER MENU! 20 minutes later we were seated in the back. Started off with a side of onion rings which were ehh. I ordered a burger, can't remember the name but had bacon, pork and BBQ sauce as toppings. One of the best burgers I have ever had! Service was a little slow, seemed like our server was paying attention to other tables more and our waters were always empty, but I will chalk that up to being near the holidays. Great food and beer selection!
(4)
Lauren D.
Melnick's and I have a pretty long standing relationship - the first time I came here I knew I'd been before; back in the day when it used to be the Blackhawk Lodge. They had amazing clam chowder. Anyway, with a good beer list, fun drink specials (last night was $5 hurricanes) and loads of TVs for your sports-inclined companions, it's a great, casual bar to consider when you're in the mood for that kind of thing. I've generally had great service, with the exception of a slow and inattentive server last night, but the manager was on top of things and definitely made up for that. The food is good - I like the flat breads and salads and their fries are incredible. There's generally not too long of a wait, even on weekends, and brunch is decent too. PS: I'd say it's more like 3.6, but I rounded down because it's Saturday.
(3)
Parsa B.
Went here two weeks ago. Fiancee loved the mild wings. I ordered the XXX wings and almost died.
(4)
Tom Y.
I did not expect the amount of microbrews that they have here when I walked-in. If I knew better I would have gotten my co-worker to drive. I am a beer guy and I was just giddy from all of the regional beers that were available, but we came here to eat too and that is when everything went downhill. We had the appetizer combo with the works and it was smaller than similar dishes at other places, than we had a spinach-artichoke dip. All of the food was bland and mediocre, really mediocre. Come here for the beer, skip the food.
(3)
Alex L.
I love this place cin Chicago, a great place to have a couple of beers after a shopping day on Magnificiant Mile. They have a great selections of beers and good finger food. The burgers are great too.
(4)
Jen K.
Will never go here again based on the service we received. Although, the manager was kind about it, and made up for it too. Unfortunately though, the restaurant is forever stained with the poor service and attitudes of the host and server. We were with a group of 6 people and waited over an hour to get sat at a table in the bar. :/ The hosts weren't very kind either. Is it the Downtown Chicago snob attitude? I don't know but they should really be kinder to a group that is about to drop a $100 tab into their laps... One thing I will say is their salami & pepperoncini flatbread pizza was delicious! Then again, maybe I was just starving after waiting an hour and a half, in a half full restaurant. :(
(1)
Ericka L.
My friends and I came here for the HOT chicken wings. Heard something about needing to sign a waiver before you eat them...yeah, I dont think so. The sauce was hot to me - cuz Im a wuss - to a regular beer drinking male - not so much. My boyfriend said that they werent hot at all and then he wasnt even asked to sign the "waiver" before he the others ate them! I was disappointed to say the least. The waiter we had was nice but we barely saw him and my friend waited almost an hour for her veggie burger! The drink I had from the bar was not good and the ribs I had left something to be desired...I think they're still in my fridge from weeks ago. Overall, not good eats.
(2)
Adam M.
Although voted the best wings in Chicago three years coming the wings are pleasing, but only satisfy a certain liking. The breading on the spicy buffalo doesn't have a crunch to it or that perfect seasoning I would expect out of award winning wings. Truthfully I've had much better wings in the Chicagoland area and was rather bummed out that these were "award winning". One cool thing that Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does is they have a new chef's special mac n' cheese and wings every month. So each month the chef comes up with a new wing recipe and mac n' cheese. The month I went was a mac n' cheese that was spiced with buffalo and chipotle seasonings with bacon in it. The actual taste of the mac n' cheese was ok, but wasn't as good as I would have expected. The overall quality of the food was good, but not some of the best "award winning" food I have even eaten. The restaurant is worth checking out at least once even just for all the beer they serve on tap.
(3)
Andrea S.
I go here when I'm traveling for work and need to catch up on out of town sports games.
(3)
Ariana S.
Came across this little gem in search of a nice outdoor patio on a nice night in Chicago (yes they exist people..nice nights that is). After the patio, the first thing we noticed was the heavenly scent of wings and BBQ. Table for 3 please! Now this place is the real deal. Brisket, Pulled Pork, Corn Bread, Wings- it was a difficult choice. We of course had to try the Mac & Cheese of the Month which happened to be Poblano style with corn. AMAZING. COme to find out that every month is a new style (they've done Chilli Cheese, Pizza style, BBQ chicken style) They also have some really good craft beers (although we figured we would take it easy on this Wednesday night). Cool atmosphere, not expensive and food was good. Weird location for a spot like this but definitely a place I would go back...especially when they have panko crusted mac & cheese on the menu. Oh forgot to mention April- our server!. The sweetest thing EVER. She even asked if she could split our checks three ways (splitting up the appetizer too). Now seriously I can count on one hand the times I didnt get an eye-roll for this request, let alone an offer.
(4)
Vincent C.
If these are the best wings in Chicago, then Chicago really doesn't have very good wings. The traditional buffalo wings were tasty, but nothing to write home about. Jake Melnick's batters their wings, but I prefer mine without, so that might be where my indifference comes from. The tequila-marinated, flavor-of-the-month wing really fell flat. It tasted like bland grilled chicken, but at least it came with some lime and salsa. I did appreciate that they used meatier wings, but that doesn't make up for not living up to its own hype. And I think what makes the Blood Marys special on the weekends is that they don't use any vodka. All the pepper in the world can't hide the lack of alcohol!
(2)
Lala S.
Best Wings Hands Down! Sometimes I'm weary of places that claim to have the "best" of anything, may be it's my cynical side. But this place delivered! The wings were the shit and I have dreams of sucking bones dry here quite often. Their Pancho Wings are super good...definitely one of the best smoked/grilled wings I've had. They have a nice light crisp to them and are perfectly marinated. Their XXX wings are pretty spicy, although, I don't personally think it's so hot that it requires a waiver to be signed. I guess there are just a lot of pansies that try these wings--grow a pair. The Jake Smoque BQ Burger is to die for. It slightly reminds me of the Bacon Explosion. So good, but so bad for you. The Pulled Pork Slider trio was also very tasty. I prefered the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. mmm mmm mmm.
(5)
Patricia L.
Let me paint you a picture: Thursday night. 7:30pm. Party of 8. Mind you, there was also a March Madness going on that night so I was excited to be going to a sports bar. First off, I need to tell you that the burger I had there? Was one of the most amazing burgers I've ever had. Let me paint you another picture: March Burger of the Month 10.95, pair it with a pint for 11.95. "The Madness Burger"- Jake's signature burger BETWEEN TWO GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES with lettuce, tomato, BACON, A FRIED EGG, pepper jack cheese and mayo. Oh and by the by, the burger is 9oz, served with fries in a shallow bucket. You know that feeling of awesomeness while eating drunk food? That's what it felt like eating this mad burger. Split it with a friend, and oh so very glad I did. HERE'S THE THING... -our waiter was pretty rude at times -i couldn't even see the tv screens to watch the game from where i was sitting which was pretty disappointing. every seat should have a view of a tv screen if you're going to call it a "sports bar" -the madness burger was only available for the month of march. and then what? what would i get in april? -very loud...and there was so much space between me and the person across the table from me i had to yell so he could hear me Yes it was a phenomenal burger. But it's gone now...and that was the only reason I would return.
(3)
Suzy D.
We went here with some friends to celebrate my husband's birthday tonight. We ordered the fried pickles, a bunch of wings, some nachos, and fries. The wings were the standout and the BBQ nachos were also very tasty. Next time I go, I think I might try the pulled pork sandwich. They have a lot of good draft beers, like Lagunitas. Yum! We had a great time. My husband and his buddies got the XXX wings and those wings were definitely flaming hot. Come here for a fun and affordable night in River North!
(4)
Tiff W.
Thanks Chicago Craft Beer Week, for without you, I wouldn't have ever gone to Jake Melnick's. When you first step into the bar, you are greeted by the tasty aroma of BBQ. Fortunately (or unfortunately, however you want to look at it) for me, I had just eaten. But it sure did smell good. Jake Melnick's has excellent beer on tap and lots of TVs. The place is also really open and spacious (of course, we came on a Sunday afternoon, so take that for what it is). The BF & I probably could have hung around all afternoon had it not been for our ambitious bar crawl to collect bottle caps for Beer Week.
(4)
noelle o.
My boyfriend and I were in town from NYC for a wedding and only had about 2 or 3 meals that I was going to have time for. Luck had to be on my side because I had no time to waste. We were in this part of town and had to choose something soon bc we hadn't eaten for some time.. that being said, we were also slighty picky aout our choice... read some menus within the 3 block radius, but weren't going to settle for a chain spot or a touristy vibe. We got very lucky! I don't eat "bar food" very often, so when I do, I'd like it to be extra worth it! The wings were tasty and juicy. I think we did medium spice and that was the perfect amount! I also had the fried cod sandwich! LOVED IT! only thing was that it had american cheese on it, and wasn't aware that it came with cheese until it arrived... wasn't about to send it back because it wasn't neccessary and I was past hungry. We shared the basket of sweet potato fries which were DELICIOUS too! and.... the beer was yuumy and cold... I forget the type I had, but it was light with a hint of citrus lemon flavor. I would definitely go back if I'm in Chicago again!!!
(4)
Heather H.
If I lived downtown it would probably be in the neighborhood of Jake Melnick's. The place itself is spacious yet has a rather cozy, neighborhood bar kind of feel to it. I've been a few times and they have quite honestly some of the best "bar food" I've ever had, if you can call it that. The turkey club is big and the turkey tastes and looks like it's fresh off the Thanksgiving table. A friend and I just tried their special Halloween burger. Crunchy fried onions, spicy mayo... mouthwatering! Hefty beer list with some unique choices for the beer connoisseur. The late night vibe is pretty cool, servers and bartenders are nice and informative. I also love their outdoor seating in the summer. It's probably a good thing I don't live closer, I think this place could put quite a dent in my bank account.
(3)
Jiyoun B.
I read about how Jake had the spiciest chicken wings in Chicago and I was intrigued. Given that I've passed Jake Melnick's several million times, I didn't think much when I went in for the first time. I sampled: XXX and Super Spicy along side a full order of the Mixed: Ponchos and Traditional Spicy. I also ordered the Wood-Grilled Artichoke that comes with their mustard and lemon dipping sauce. The Artichoke was good but the sauce was addictive. I ran out of the sauce but still had some artichoke left at the end. The Poncho is good but soft. I like my chicken wings with a bit of crunch. The Traditional spicy had too much breading, which would have been okay if it didn't look like it had been sitting out for a bit. Now, I tried the Super Spicy before the XXX. Big mistake. I should have known better. Different spices affect different parts of the body. For example, wasabi hits the nose, Thai food hits the throat, vindaloo hits the tummy. Most spicy things hits your tongue. The Super spicy hits your mouth and its surroundings and any cuts on your finger. By the time my mouth cooled down for me to try the XXX, I couldn't feel anything. The XXX went straight for my stomach. It didn't knock me out though.
(4)
Jaime S.
What I thought was going to be a small, dark and smelly Division Street-ish bar was NOT one at all! When we walked in, not only was the place huge, but it smelled like BBQ sauce was being infused into the ventilation system. Y-U-M. The menu is standard bar food, the drink list is extensive, and something about this place just makes me want to turn it into my new local haunt. It was warm and inviting on a "feels like - 35 degree" day in the city, and had college basketball on every TV in the place. Perfection.
(3)
Elizabeth P.
They had Strongbow. IN A BOTTLE. Consider my mind blown. Anyway, we went on Superbowl Sunday and got seated immediately. There were LOTS of drink options, even root beer for the baby brother. We had a great waiter -- from Kansas, as 3/4 of the people I run into in Chicago are, which immediately endeared him to us. Everyone was pleased with their food. My chicken sandwich was HUGE, and quite yummy. The fries were only okay.
(4)
william b.
Good food, earnest enough atmosphere for foodies, comfortably enough atmosphere for us (somewhat) sophisticated tourists, so worked out really well. I really enjoyed the barbecue brisket and ribs, and the friends went crazy over the eight pound burger. Most of all Jake's was a lifesaver for the bachelor party that I helped plan when I didn't know bupkiss about Chicago. Talked with an awesome hostess on the phone when making a reservation, and a really helpful hostess at the door the day of. Waitstaff was a little slow, but that was okay. We were a little boisterous.
(4)
Sara Z.
Wonderful restaurant with both great food AND service! My husband and I stayed in a condo not too far from this restaurant and what a lucky find we stumbled upon... we both agree this was one of the highlights of our vacation (yes, we do love food; I doubt we'll ever travel to England). Our server was very informative (the manager requires the servers to taste the dishes so that they are more able to explain them - novel idea). Their burger of the day or week (I can't recall) caught my husband's eye and she informed him that it was "very spicy". You see, if she just said "spicy" then I might have tried it too and the Chicago Fire Department would have been called. My only warning is that the proportions are rather large... unbeknownst to us we were also ordering dinner. There really isn't much more to say here other than as long as you're not a vegetarian (and you love burgers, chicken wings, beer, Bloody Mary's (they have more than a few) - you get the gist), you should check this restaurant out... and Chicago, too - what a fabulous City!
(4)
Jenna E.
Have been coming here every month for almost a year! I love trying their wing of the month every month! So far my favorite was the Caption Crunch! I think that if they ever bring it back..I may go everyday! Not only are their wings delicious but every other item I have ordered has been great as well! Anytime a friend comes in town to visit we always come to Jakes!
(5)
Jermaine H.
Despite the fact that I walk by just about every morning while on my way to work, I have never stopped in to experience what a lot of friends are buzzing about when mentioning Jake Melnick's. I recently decided to dine in with some colleagues and potential clients... and we had an absolutely amazing time. The restaurant was pretty energetic and the food was well prepared and very appetizing. Our server, Austin, was simply a delight to the group. He was very genuine and service oriented; very knowledgeable of the menu and restaurant; and humorous. I must say he did in fact impress the group. As a matter of fact, there wasn't very much I needed to do with the exception of enjoying the evening and waiting to see if our clients would bring us there business . And of course they did. So, I suppose I owe a bit of gratitude to our server and to the warm and welcoming atmosphere he and his colleagues provided for our group. We will certainly be regular guests in the coming days and weeks - and when it comes time to determine the next venue for our company gathering, we will certainly be eyeing Jack Melnick's. Positive experience...especially if Austin is your server! Thanks again--
(5)
John V.
This review is for their XXX wings only. I went to Melnick's for the first time this past Friday just to try their XXX wings, which are supposed to be some of the hottest in the city. They were certainly hot, but there was almost no flavor to the wings. If you want to down some incredibly hot wings just for the sake of eating hot wings then you cannot go wrong with these wings. (If you finish they even put a little red plastic fireman's hat on your head and take your picture.) But, if you are someone who likes a LOT of heat and a LOT of flavor then save your money and go somewhere else. Now, as for the restaurant itself, I have no complaints. From start to finish my entire experience there was a fantastic one. I had a cut on my hand what was in an awkward place so bandages did not stay on very well and my waitress brought me a pair of "rubber gloves" from the kitchen so I could keep the sauce out of my cut. She also made sure to caution against rubbing my face afterward. Their beer selection is really good (they even have some Unibroue!). Also, the smell of their wood oven/smoker(?) permeated the entire restaurant and was quite mouth watering. I will definitely go back to try some other items on the menu, but I will not be going back for their wings.
(2)
Stephanie V.
awesome parmesan garlic fries and many beers to choose from. wasn't very impressed with the Garbage Salad. we did enjoy the dominos game they have available for customers
(3)
Jay S.
Been here many times and it never disappoints. Great wings, great burgers and above average bbq. My favorite sauce for wings is the Firecracker sauce - it was a monthly special awhile back but guess it was so popular they have it on the permanent menu now. I personally like to get the chicken tenders and ask them to toss it in the sauce. As for burgers, their burger of the month is always good enough to try. If you want a really "bad for you" meal then get the smokin que burger - it's wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top. Other than that, waiters/waitresses are always nice and attentive. They also have good knowledge of the beer list which is extensive.
(4)
Steven N.
I'll keep this one short and to the point - it's a great joint for a number of different casual get-togethers. We went here for happy hour today and were not disappointed. The drinks selections are great (great for beer lovers) and the bar food is slightly above average. Great location and the staff was friendly and accommodating. What's definitely worth mentioning is that I got a free beer because the bartender thought he made me wait too long for it. He ran out of what I wanted behind the bar, so he had to dig into the back fridge for it. All in all it only took less than 5 mins, but it was a very classy gesture. Check this place out for your next happy hour!
(3)
Michelle R.
OMG the BEST Burgers in the City and I have many of them. My search is finally done for the BEST Chicago Burger...JAKES!! Love the fries and ranch too and the staff are nice. I only can go once a month/two month because its a lot of calories to take in. So I use Jakes as my CHEAT MEAL!! You Try their burgers
(5)
C S.
a little too pricey to warrant 4 stars, but if you don't mind dropping at least $6.50 & up per beer this is a great bar. Great TV's, convenient location (even in sub 0 weather), and an interesting enough menu.
(3)
Thongsy S.
I was here for a holiday party so we were in a private room. The food was very good. I especially enjoyed their spinach artichoke dip and chips. Very very good. And surprisingly, the mini turkey burgers were also very good. I never had turkey burgers before this so I didn't know what to expect but they were definitely yummy. I would have given 4 stars if it weren't for the service. The party was buffet style so the servers still had to take our drink orders. All I wanted was water to wash my food down. My friend ordered a coke and most of us ordered alcoholic beverages (beer, cocktails, etc.). Ten minutes later, the drinks arrived and of course, the waitress forgot my water and didn't even apologize. It's too bad because I would have still tipped her for the water. Oh wells.
(3)
Jason M.
At just 62 paces from the front door of the building where I live... this is the closest place for me to enjoy an adult beverage or cold beer, with the exception of my home bar or refrigerator. April the bartender has been nothing but sweet and accommodating. This is the only bar I have found so far that has one of my favorite beers Trummer Pils. The $8.31 price with tax is one of the reasons I'm not giving 5 stars. The portions at this place are freaking obscene (in a good way, if you like large portions). The wings are incredible here. Large and juicy. Had the super hot, which the name fits perfectly for. The super hot was so hot, I didn't dare try the XXX wing I'd ordered a la carte. Unfortunately right now their menu and large awesome selection of beer isn't conducive with my current diet. This place does have a number of tourists, but that's okay. They have a large number of very nice flat screen tv's. This place might become my Sunday football watching home. Especially as the winter sets in and 62 paces will seem like a mile to me walking in the cold. Ashley is the other bartender I know by name and she is super nice and accommodating as well. All of the staff always great you when they see you and seem very pleasant as well.
(4)
Jessica C.
Alright, I'll give this place an "A" for effort. I was in my typical woman mood one night and was craving bar food. Not too busy for a Wednesday night but there was still a nice crowd. I've tried to stop in here on a Friday or Saturday - no such luck, the place is packed. I was very excited to see they serve Strongbrow Cider (11% alcohol I might add). The BF and I split some platter with fries, brisket, and ribs? Anyway, definately not a meal that should be eaten by 1 person. Not bad food - the ribs weren't exactly fall off the bone, but good. Fries were a little soggy. Ehh, I got my fix.. not sure if I would eat here again but definately might stop in for some beers from time to time.
(3)
Mike T.
Can't argue Jake's. You go for the wings or whatever the burger of the month is. I never got a burger, too busy eating delicious chicken. But the burgers were always well received by whoever I was with and there's a beer special with them. Which brings me to my next point, beer. There's a great selection here. Actually that's not accurate. There's an exorbitant amount of beers. I grew found of "A Little Sumpin Sumpin" which not only has the bet name around but it's a solid beer. Free fries with 4square check in. Only complaint is on a Monday I was there and they had "Mystery Beer Night" which was a random beer in a brown bag. Never one to turn down the opportunity to drink from a brown bag, I was disappointed when I got the same beer twice. It was like buying a kidrobot, loving it, and then getting the same one. Great spot in Chicity, definitely hit this up. And if you talk about advertising, you'll probably run into someone else who is.
(4)
Diane D.
Recently spent several days in Chicago and went here twice. There were two consistent themes: Beer selection is awesome and Service is ridiculously slow. The food was ok, I like to judge a place based on it's blue cheese-theirs was decent. If you order the fried pickles, they use the thin dill stackers as opposed to chips or spears, but I love fried goodness! We had the garlic cayenne wings both nights; definitely a keeper, but no boneless. It appeared to be a great place to grab a drink, but I wouldn't count on it for a great dinner.
(3)
T W.
Came in with a group on a Monday night. The place was pretty quiet. They have an interesting beer selection. We had some beers and some chicken wings. There was nothing bad to report in our visit., but nothing outstanding, either. (Thus, the 3 stars). The chicken wings we had were normal, the beer was normal and the service was ... very good. All in all, a good experience, but we could have been back home in Mpls, or in Memphis or in Mobile for that matter. Normal.
(3)
Kimberly O.
We came here to watch the World Cup 1/4 final. We sat at the bar and ordered coffee - we had to ask the bartender to wipe down the bar from the previous animal (Winnie the Poo maybe?) who appeared to have dined there - it was rather sticky. He did so but begrudgingly and made a shoddy job of it. Our coffee came via the waitress. My friend had ordered a Baileys on the side but the bartender gave us both one then acted annoyed when I said that I didn't want mine so my GF gallantly drank both. We had to ask grudgy for water twice. We ordered the wings (spicy) and I asked what was in the fruit punch. That drew a blank look or was it a scowl then he said it might be rum and coconut ( fyi it wasn't). At this point we decided to cut our losses with Neanderthal man and move to a table. We were still waiting on our wings -which took a good 25 minutes -they were good but not 'best in Chicago good' which was the claim and they weren't that spicy. The waitress was slow as in - is she ever coming back with our drinks or extra blue cheese slow. Since she had gone into hiding my friend went to the bar and refilled her water. Waitress got very upset and told her she would have done it. (Retort -yes but you didn't did you). A cat fight looked like it might break out but then Ghana missed a penalty and the ensuing mayhem from the soccer fans (including myself) proved a distraction. What a great game! BFF and I carried on firing into the fruit punch and watching the ensuing penalty shoot out drama unfold. When my friends was 3 drinks happy the blue cheese arrived, the wings were long since gone but my friend made nice with the waitress anyway. She even ended up giving us some tips on which places to check out on our Chicago tour although I'm not sure I'd trust her. All in all a great time at Jake Melnick's helped out by copious amounts of 'mystery punch' and some great soccer drama but no thanks to the service.
(2)
Lizard F.
I've worked a few short blocks from Jake's for over 2 years now. I've eaten there twice in the last two months, and was sorely disappointed--on my second visit, downright grossed out. The first visit, I only had a side salad while I was chatting with visiting family members. It consisted of mostly iceberg lettuce, a.k.a. crunchy water. Disappointing, but not a deal-breaker. I went back this past Wednesday with colleagues. I asked if they could take the bacon and chicken off the cobb salad, and if I could get all romaine (instead of romaine and iceberg). Sadly, the lettuce is pre-mixed. So I went searching for something else veg-friendly....and settled on a chicken Asian salad without the chicken and a loaded baked potato without the bacon. The salad was coming along alright, despite the unsatisfying lettuce, and I was about 3/4 done with it when I looked down and saw A HAIR IN MY SALAD!!!!!!! A LONG DARK HAIR!!!!!!!! I had the waiter take my plate away immediately, and then decided to tackle the baked potato, which was 50% overly-starchy potato and 50% oily cheese. Yuck. To be fair, they didn't charge me for my salad, but I'm not willing to give them a third chance. Sorry, Jake Melnick's--MAJOR FAIL.
(1)
Tina W.
Where to start? For some inexplicable reason, this place was really packed. The crowd consisted of a strange mixture of families and loud girls with sparkly tops. The waiter appeared to be woefully inexperienced. He had to be prompted to bring us a drink menu, spilled my iced tea all over the table and his fancy-looking watch, and attempted to clear my friend's still-full plate. The artichoke spinach flatbread was mediocre (and not worth 10$) and we had some parmesan garlic fries that had the most garlicky of garlicky tastes that ever passed my lips. At some point I was using a napkin to wipe off garlic pieces before eating. Moderation people! At this point a third friend joined us and ordered a cider. The bottle came broken with a knifelike projection on the lip which cut my friend's lip pretty badly. She was bleeding onto a napkin when our waiter and his manager came over multiple times to express their apologies. They paid for her cider and filled out an "accident report", which suspiciously only involved getting down her name. Considering the seriousness of the offense, I thought they could have paid the whole bill.
(2)
Internet U.
HOT WINGS I went there for 1 thing and 1 thing only! HOT WINGS... So when you order it, you get a plastic fire hat, and sign a waiver! Then, when you get them, you have the option of when you ring a bell, they rush out with ice cream, bread, milk, and sour cream to put out the fire! And boy, was it a fire! My mouth STILL hurt that night when i got home! Once i couldn't eat any more of the Satan-rigged, lightbulb-sized wings, they took my picture and put it on the wall! My dad had a burger, he said it was really good... :P I would love to go back again, and try to beat my record of 2 wings! ;D
(4)
Brian K.
Melnick's has a little bit of Loop feel because of the conventioneers and business people that will inevitably end up there due to it's location, but if you can get past that, it's a great place. Generally speaking, the wings are amazing, but if you like it hot, get the XXX wings and you will not be disappointed...makes Hooters look like it's run by a pack of blond bimbos. They have a good local/regional beer selection, some ridiculous Bloody Mary's and and 8lbs hamburger that is novel and will over feed a family of 8.
(4)
Pamela P.
Having lived in the building for about 5 years (but thankfully moved away), I've been here a lot. It's always the same: mediocre. The food is just alright, bland at times but always heavily oily and heart-attack inducing. The music is much too loud. The drinks are watered-down and pricey. In fact, some of the drinks I've actually had to send back because they were awful and, contrary to common belief, I hate sending drinks or food back. The crowd is an older, after work bunch. Also, the thing that always go to me is that it closes early, even on the weekends, and the kitchen closes even earlier than the restaurant. What's up with that? The brisket is actually good and the veggie burger was delicious. Other than that, it's pricey average pub food...
(3)
Jarod P.
I HATE this kind of place. There are so many places in Chicago that are on the cusp of 3 and 4 stars - we are a city dominated by B-minus! Now if you are bothering to read this review, I should tell you that I came here for one reason only: to try those triple X wings they brag about, that have that ghost pepper stuff. They're supposed to be the hottest wings in the world! THE WORLD! So if you want a more rounded review skip to the next one. So, what was the wing experience? Bottom line: "Good wings." To go into more detail: Our waitress didn't seem particularly interested in serving us. She didn't neglect us but her attitude was one of wishing she was anywhere in the world except right there serving us. You read about this place and it's supposed to be: if you order the hot wings, you get: - A plastic fireman hat - A waiver to sign - A bell to ring; if you ring it, the servers come rushing to your aid with ice cream, milk, bread and sour cream to put out the fire. Now, see, I'm into the theatrics. I love Ed Devebic's, Mi Tierra, and Medieval Times. As long as the food and service are there too, the gimmicks can be lots of fun! Well, they seem really bored by their own gimmicks at Jack Melnick's. We got the hats. She dumped the waivers on the table without explaining what they were. No bell, though. It was kind of underwhelming - if you're gonna have that stuff, you gotta SELL IT! But the wings themselves were pretty damn good. The parmesan-garlic fries with ranch sauce were aces. The blue cheese dip was wonderful. The XXX wings, interestingly, were not as hot as the "atomic" wings at WingStop, at least initially. But it was a heat that refused to die out. With the atomic wings, after ten minutes you're fine. With the XXX wings, it took a good half hour for the suffering to end, even with that "cold plate" of milk and ice cream and junk. I did like that they have a whole load of beers. Although it's annoying when you're like "OMGWFT they serve my favorite beer I can't get anywhere else!" and they're like "Yeah we're out of that." But if you can't find a beer you like here, just order something, you'll like it anyway. So, I'm on the fence between 3 and 4 stars. I figure go with 4 because we had good food, good beer and a good time, even if the experience didn't live up to the hype. And we talked about coming back; I was able to do two XXX wings, but I think I could do five if I really put my mind to it. So four it is. Just don't expect the crazy theatrics promised by their web site and reviews.
(4)
Neal S.
Great place to get a micro brew and some wings. Plenty of tv's so all the games are on. Tremendous service -- the servers have a good time with the customers. The food was hot, fresh and really good. We had wings, nachos, spinach dip and a brownie dessert. All were great. Came here 3 times in 3 days because it was close to our hotel and the staff treated us so well. Not a place to come get a glass of wine. This is a beer/wing joint and they have a wide selection of locally brewed beers.
(4)
Eugene H.
great wings good place to catch the game
(4)
Andrew L.
The wings here are worth coming back to. We ordered the XXX wings here, and we got the whole fanfare of plastic firefighter hats, fake "these wings are seriously hot" waivers and a cool-down bell for when you just can't handle the heat anymore. Spoiler alert: the wings weren't that hot. They were delicious, though! Oh, and they have a nice selection of beers.
(4)
Amy H.
Again, I wish 3 1/2 stars were an option because I can't quite give it the 4 stars it may deserve after only 1 visit. First let me admit that I am a very pedestrian beer drinker--my favorite is Miller High Life so I cannot appreciate the rave reviews that their beer selection receives. Also, I did not try the wings (although I am generally a fan of wings) which is what seems to be their specialty because they seemed kind of pricey to me. That being said, they might serve the BEST Bloody Mary I have ever had, and I am a connoisseur of Bloody Mary's. All Bloody Mary's (and they have 6 or 7 kinds) are $5 on Saturdays and Sundays, and are well worth it. I had "The Standard" as I am a bit of a purist, and could have drank more than one if I wasn't so tired. We went on the Saturday night before Easter. Place was very busy but we were seated immediately and the service was excellent. They have a good menu for a sports bar type place. The atmosphere felt a tad corporate and impersonal to me, but I attribute that to the area in which it is located. The service was great, friendly and attentive. I had pulled pork and ordered it with onion rings, both of which were excellent. My husband ordered the beef brisket with hand cut fries. His was also very good, but we both liked mine better. The beef didn't seem like a brisket cut of meat, it seemed more like a smoked roast. I may not know what I'm talking about as far as that goes, but I know that I prefer brisket I've had elsewhere much better. The main complaint either of us had was that it was not served with enough BBQ sauce; and by the time we realized we needed more we had already told the waiter several times that everything was delicious and we didn't need anything else, so he had stopped checking on us. Kinda feel like that was our own fault; but my suggestion to any restaurant where BBQ is a big part of their menu is provide plenty, or even put bottles on the table. I wouldn't make a special trip out of my way to go to this place, but would recommend it to anyone staying in the area and would definitely go again if only for a Bloody Mary if I was nearby.
(3)
Amy H.
I've been here twice, and I feel like it's safe to pass judgment on it. The first time I wasn't thrilled, but that was due to a poor order on my part, not due to the food or service being bad. Last time I went I ordered the pulled pork sliders. A trio of 3 different sauces on 3 sliders, served with a hefty portion of fries. The food was excellent. It wasn't busy at all either time I went.
(4)
Michael N.
Jake's is a great neighborhood establishment with a fantastic staff and a fantastic beer list. The food is above average BBQ. I've only had one thing in my MANY (my parents live next door) visits that I did not like-the Buffalo Chicken flatbread. It's known for its buffalo wings so I thought this would be a nice option. Instead, it fell short of my expectations. Other than that, the appetizers are are really good; the soups are always tasty; and the sandwiches are also very food. WARNING: If you get a salad, be prepared to only finish about 1/2 of it; they're HUGE. For those coming in from out of town looking for some above average BBQ, this is a great option, but understand that this is not Kansas City, St. Louis, North Carolina, Memphis, Texas, etc. We are known for great hot dogs, pizza, pop corn (Garrett's), etc. so don't go in expecting Arthur Bryant's (if you don't know what that is, then don't call yourself a BBQ fan). But, if you want a good pulled pork or beef brisket sandwich, this is a great place to stop.
(4)
Nancy H.
I've been here on many occassions and have nothing I strongly recommend except their $5 happy hour menu M-F from 3:30 - 6 PM and 11 PM - 1 AM which is mainly appetizers and 4 flatbread pizzas. And I'm in love with the caesar salad. In January, they started offering extremely hot wings made with red savina peppers (supposedly one of the world's hottest). They claim they make you sign a waiver form (we never got one), and they give you a bell to ring when you need to succumb to their "relief package" which is a small glass of milk, a pat of sour cream, 1 sliced white bread, and best of all - a scoop of ice cream. I say ring it even if you don't need it b/c it's free. They take your picture which gets posted on the wall by the bathrooms. 10 super hot wings will cost you $9 and probably multiple uncomfortable trips to the restroom. I only had one wing, and even that will do you in the next day. No matter how much your tongue can handle it, your stomach most likely can't. It's been smelling like a wet mop in here the last two times I've come here, and the waitresses aren't the friendliest, but it's a staple neighborhood sports bar in a neighborhood without many bars (Cathedral District).
(3)
Seth G.
We went to this place for the wings and they were fine just fine. The place is a total tourist spot, which is expected by its location. The wings are advertised as jumbo but were the size of regular wings. Our server was very friendly and knew his stuff, but other than that nothing too exciting. I can't imagine I would go back there.
(3)
Nikki V.
My boyfriend works around the corner from Jake's, so we decided to stop in for a drink. First off, their specialty cocktails sounded delicious. Not just a bunch of "martinis". They were proper cocktails using seasonal ingredients, something I wasn't expecting. I had the Curly Cucumber, which was delicious. Next time I'll have the New Yorker. Since we'd just gotten off work and were hungry, we tried the nachos off the "Late Night Food" menu. Full size plate of nachos with smoked brisket for FIVE BUCKS! Tasty to boot. Our server, Dave, was amazing. Seriously, best late night service I've ever received anywhere, and possibly one of the best service experiences ever, period. He was attentive, friendly, informative, and super nice- our friends forgot their car keys and he ran down the street to catch them (although for any server, getting to leave the building even for 30 seconds is a treat)! We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jason H.
Its great for big groups. Went there twice for events w/ 20+ people. The service was great and there's room to move. They also have a great beer selection and a burger that is literally larger than your brain.
(4)
Daniel G.
Go here if you want good food and unique beer and drinks. I had the BBQ smoke house burger wrapped in bacon. Very tasty, my server gave me a sample of a beer that was brewed with lavender and it rocked! Awesome customer service and great vibe.
(5)
Christine K.
Decided to come here on a random Thursday night. Our waitress, Laura, was friendly and attentive. We ordered a basket each of the "spicy" and the "super hot" wings. Spicy was good for my taste, without being too hot to enjoy. The super hot was just that...super hot! The guys in my group liked them though. The wings were also decently meaty - not like the tiny little wings you might get at some other places. We also ordered one of the specials of the day - the sloppy pig. YUM! Fries were delish as well. All in all, a great stop if you enjoy bar food with a little twist.
(4)
L G.
Great good, great service, great place to watch sports, will certainly go back!!
(4)
Jamie B.
I love the firecracker wings. The sauce is so savory/sweet! I generally dip anything that I can find into the remainder. Also for beer be sure to try the Avery Maharaja which is a double IPA at 10.3%!!
(4)
John K.
A good spot to hangout with buddies after work. Onion wings are great and so are the nachos. Recommend.
(4)
Kristen C.
Love the food, and service is always speedy! The fried pickles are the best I have ever had; the wings are amazing!
(5)
Joe E.
So I previously reviewed Jake Melnick's for their XXX wing challenge. But, this time, I tried their amazing wings. Rated as some of the best in the city, I was excited to try the different sauces they offered. And just like the city's consensus, I agree with the title as some of the best. The waiting staff is friendly and the atmosphere is very sports bar-like. I do want to come back and try some of their flatbreads and BBQ that I saw other tables trying. Hope to update soon!
(4)
Stephanie W.
Jake Melnick's is probably a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and chow down some junk food, but I wouldn't come back for any other reason. We stopped by for lunch because we were in the neighborhood and starving and they had valet parking, and on further consideration, we really should have looked a little further afield. The second star is solely for our waitress, who was a total sweetheart, super attentive, friendly, and personable. We ordered a BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, a Chinese chicken salad, and a garbage salad. The portions were HUGE, but the pizza was mediocre at best and the salads were barely edible. Definitely sticking to the bar food next time.
(2)
Lea J.
Another random spot. Franchised-feel but friendly. Couldn't stop eating their sweet potato fries. Will try their burgers and wings on next visit.
(3)
Amanda F.
This is my go-to bar on the weekends. River North lacks cheap low maintenance bars with good food. I not only like/know most of the waiters/waitresses but the secret 30% student discount is key (that is, if you're a student). Some of my regular orders: 5.00 bloody marys on Sundays garbage salad bbq brisket roasted chicken cobb salad wings
(5)
Katie M.
We came for a beer unveiling and while that particular beer was a bust, I really enjoyed everything about Jake Melnick's. I like that everything is sort of a hybrid between classic pub food and down-home barbeque - it's a nice balance. We made it just in time to catch their $5 apps happy hour. We filled up on bbq nachos, spinach pizza, & potato skins. Made the extra rounds of beer a little more affordable. Also, our server was awesome. Our party went from two to five to eight to a dozen and they were super cool about letting us grab two booths sidebyside so we could all hang out. Our beers were always full and our sever was really good about making sure that everything was perfect. I will definitely be back.
(3)
Amy L.
Stumbled upon Jake's while walking down the Magnificent Mile, and couldn't have been more impressed. The first thing that stuck out was the service. We were visiting from San Diego which some consider the craft brew mecca of the U.S. and we were thoroughly impressed by the knowledge of our bartender when it came to the great selection of beer Jake's had to offer. We weren't hungry at the time, but we were compelled to return and order a couple orders of their award winning wings togo after we went to a nearby pub to shoot some pool, which our knowledgable bartender recommended. Even though the wings were cold by the time we got to our hotel room, they were just about the best wings we have ever had. Wish we could go back and try the rest of the menu, I definitely recommend!
(5)
Keyona D.
Large sandwiches and good portions of wings. Decent prices, cool soda selection, but the cookie desert needs more ice cream and less whipped cream.
(3)
Al C.
Why doesn't Yelp allow us to do ZERO stars and .5 stars?? Me thinks it imposes quite the limitations on my culinary reviewing prowess. Anyhoo...my man, a huge wing fanatic, was drawn to this place by the huge, alluring banner stating this place had the "BEST WINGS IN CHICAGO". What a bold statement, huh? So, we took the bait and ordered some wings, an appetizer sampler platter, mac and cheese, and a salad. My husband couldn't force himself to gum down the wings and the mac and cheese was NASTY. The salad was not so bad compared to everything else. So we left this place like $45 poorer, still hungry, and pissed off. Best wings in chicago, my ass.
(1)
Michelle H.
Good Wings. BUT...11.00 for seven wings, really? Forget "jumbo" as listed, they weren't enough for even one person.
(2)
Jimmy G.
Jake Melnick's is great for a good burger, a great variety of reasonably well done barbeque styles, and an even better place to sample a range of different beers, both on tap and in bottles. We like to go on Thursdays when they first open. The place isn't too crowded at that time, and the barbeque is at it's best. It's not the best place for people watching because most people who eat barbeque are pretty like me :P
(4)
michael p.
The good: This place has some great beer selections and is 2 blocks off the Chicago ave red line. The bad: The food is pretty bland. The wings that they brag about were sub par. I asked for closer to well done wings and i got slop, and the BBQ here is a joke. My buddy ordered the pulled pork nachos and the pork was a stringy, greasy mess and all of the chips were super soggy. Pork lacked real flavor and i doubt it was actually smoked, tasted like a slow cooker did all the work. Our other friend got the ribs and she said they were awful and they looked the part for sure Service was really bad as we had to flag the waitress down every time we wanted another beer. She kind of acted like we were coffee drinkers who refused to leave when instead we were constantly ordering rounds of drinks. The host staff however, were all very nice to our group walking in as well as leaving. At best it's a good place to go for a beer before or after you are wandering around town.
(2)
Joanna T.
After seeing that line was out the door on a Sunday night at Gino's East, we walked around and saw Jake Melnick's. The sign that proudly proclaimed that they were "king of the wings" or something to that effect totally won over my boyfriend. This man loves wings and loves anything that will burn his mouth off so of course he got the XXX wings and believe me, these were blazing hot. Now normally, restaurants say things are spicy and they are never spicy enough for him. He ate 3 and while he could've gone on, he safely and wisely decided to not continue for the sake of his digestive tract. I took one bite and my tongue and lips were burning for a while, but I'm a wuss. One look at my boyfriend who eats thai chilis for a snack and seeing him sweat was actually pretty funny. Now on to the rest of the food. The best thing I had there was the salad with the tomato vinaigrette. This was really refreshing and the dressing was awesome. We also got the triple play platter and chose ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. About 15 minutes or so after we ordered, we were told that they were out of ribs. It was probably around 8:30PM so we just ordered extra chicken. We also got the mac and cheese and corn bread. Everything was okay. The chicken was super juicy, but didn't have much flavor. All the flavor was on the outside with the skin, but I didn't really want to eat that, because the skin was rubbery and not that good kind of crispy chicken skin. The rest of the food was pretty average and I really could've been anywhere. I do have to say that I like the atmosphere. The servers and others seemed nice. The space was large and the patio seemed like a great place to chill out.bb
(2)
Jim G.
Went to see a friend ordained at Holy Name Cathedral, which is only a block away. By the time the three hour ceremony was over, my friend and I were ready to get a beer and something to eat. The dining room was full, but we were able to get a table in the bar area right away and order lunch quickly. They have a pretty good selection of beers and the food was good. I played it safe and just had one of their burgers (a regular one, not the 8-Pound Monster Burger!). Overall this was a fine place to grab something to eat if you just happen to be nearby, but I did not see anything special that would warrant going out of your way to go here.
(3)
Angela W.
So I've only been to this place once, and even though it's a 3/5 I would definitely come back. The only reason I'm giving it a 3 is because my boyfriend and I probably didn't order the right things. We started off with the BBQ nachos, and they were great. They would have been perfect if they went lighter on the cheese and heavier on the shredded pork (YUM!). We ended up both ordering burgers for our entree, and although they were good, they probably did not do this place justice. First, my country friend burger was a MISTAKE. It was soooooo greasy that I could barely stand eating it. The only reason I ate about half of it was because I was starving. I really regretted not ordering the shredded BBQ pork sandwich. The pork tasted delicious on the nachos. Next time I go back, their BBQ is a must. Have not tried the wings but hear good things!
(3)
Tommy M.
Have been back a couple of times and I still enjoy Jake's as much as the first time. I am a creature of habit and keep getting the hot wings followed by the pulled pork trio. The waiter was something of a jokester - usually that would turn me off but he had us laughing. The big challenge here is deciding what beer to order - great great variety.
(4)
Joe K.
This is a classic case of service can KILL your experience at a restaurant. 1.) Was seated and waited 10-12 minutes for the waitress to even come by to bring waters out. 2.) After we ordered waters and drinks it took about 8 minutes more to bring them out. When they came out she forgot the sweetener and lemons, more waiting. 3.) Ordered a salad with dressing on the side, and of coarse, it was drenched in it. 4.) No salt and pepper on the table for our food which needed some, queue the waiting line (8 more minutes of food getting cold). 5.) Finally we get to eating our food, and we haven't seen the waitress in a while. We're done with our food and I have my debit card out on the table waiting for her to take before she even brings out the check. 6.) She takes my debit card, comes back a couple minutes later (and I'm thinking at least that was fast!) and she brings back someone else's bill/debit card... are you kidding? The food was fine, it was cheap, fine for a Thursday night. I want to say that it wasn't insanely crowded either.... With all the choices of restaurants in this city, based on the service alone, I won't be back. Thanks- Joe
(1)
Rafael C.
I just came here to brave the hot wings. I figured they must be seriously hot with a higher price of say $16 for a dozen plus them making a show of having the wings - i.e signing a waiver, wearing a fireman hat! Well they were certainly hot as advertised; however, they sacrificed taste in order to make them ridiculously hot. I did manage to get it done though! My friend tagged along and got a pulled pork sandwich which he was satisfied with it. I also saw they had a pretty good beer selection as well as other menu food options. The bar has plenty of room and TVs so that is a plus. Service wasn't stellar but luckily not so busy that day so it wasn't a problem ... well except when I needed another drink as the wings were kicking my arse. I may not go out of my way to come back here but if the mood hits me and I'm nearby, I'm sure to give them another shot.
(3)
Helena D.
Jake Melnick's is one of the better, chill bars in the Gold Coast. Just a couple of blocks off of Michigan Avenue, Jake is where locals and business men flock to whether they're looking to hang out with friends or catch any number of sporting events featured on their flat-screen TVs. Wing lovers will delight in their hot wings, which were recently v0ted #1 in Chicago at the annual Wingfest. Each month, a different burger is featured and for under $10 you can get a cold bottle of beer plus a burger. Moreover, there are generally drink specials like beer cocktail that will set you back just $5. Their food portions are generous and filling and you can't beat the laidback atmosphere. Ladies, the Millionaire Matchmaker was right - come here if you're single and want to mingle. There are tons of men that flock here and you'll definitely stand out from the load of baseball caps and jeans.
(4)
Jared H.
Great bar and great food for drinking- nothing is a challenge here- not a challenge to drink, to get a server to come to the table, not a challenge to order or understand the menu. Its always busy and its just close enough but just off the tourist track enough for any easy dinner.
(4)
Tiffany B.
My company's Holiday Party was held here last Thursday night (yeah you read it right !).... 3 weeks late. It was a nice enough place. Typical pub/bar vibe. They claim to have the best Hot Wings in Chicago and I think they claim to have won some kind of Wing Award. But I beg to differ. Too greasy. No seasoning salt. Who makes fried chicken without Lawry's?? I know chicken wings and those were nowhere near the best. They deserve two stars but I'll give'em three because the food was free.
(3)
Michael P.
If you don't like beer, I feel bad for you, son: I've got 99 problems, but when I go to Jake Melnick's, drinking beer ain't one. Great BBQ-based items. I've been here at least three times; I'll be back at least three more. Solid.
(4)
Daniel M.
Good choice for barbecue and kid friendly atmosphere ...however my son knocked over a planter on the patio (my son is 6) and whoever the manager was re-planting the dirt and plants was a very ryde...muttered something under his breathe, and I thought that to be in poor taste. Food great, staff was super attentive, but the mgr's attitude needs fixing
(4)
Katie R.
I may be partial to Jake's since I live next door, but they do have great beer, good food, I always enjoy whatever I'm eating or drinking there. The staff is always friendly. It can be a tourist hot spot for those tourists who migrate a little too far west of Michigan Ave. so the wait may be long between 6-8pm. It's a good spot to bring a group of eclectic people that may prefer a salad or wings or burgers or mac-n-cheese.
(5)
Tyler A.
I was drawn here to eat the XXX wings, so good job JM's for luring me in with that little gimmick.. Wait a second! you guys have a freakin 8 pound burger?! For 50 dollars?!! I want that! (I'm a Man v. Food fan..) Tyler... Focus. Ok so the 10 wings are 16 dollars.. yes. The normal wings are 10, i think, dollars. But for the 6 dollar difference you get: 1. Ghost chili hotness/goodness/evilness 2. A "cooling plate" consisting of spicy food kryptonite such as sour cream, ICE cream, a slice of orange (what the?), a shotglass of milk and white bread triangles 3. A plastic fireman hat 4. A nicely printed "waiver" that you sign, and then I can only assume is thrown directly into the garbage (i signed mine AFTER I ate the wings, which I thought was a little, i dunno, shady? Even for a fake waiver..) 5. A digital photo which goes on the website So at least you're gettting something for that six dollars. Oh I almost forgot, you also get, 6. To clear your sinuses 7. To turn beat red 8. The ability to not look serious when you're having a conversation 9. The ability to freely cry about your miserable life, and use the hot wings as an excuse. Now I can take blisteringly hot. I've got years of experience under my belt. I encourage people to take their overconfident friends here to take this challenge. It's more fun like that. How is the heat? It's a slow afterburn. The sauce they use is actually really tasty classic buffalo sauce. The wings are pretty good sized (they should be for 16 dollars dangit) I was actually somewhat underwhelmed by the heat, but again I have eaten some pretty spicy foods. I think I just want some validation that I'm some kind of spicy food stud but there's lots of photos on the website so that tells me these aren't THAT hot.. The other food at our table was pretty above average for bar food and our waitress was pretty attentive. Oh, I must say though, the BBQ ribs, not good. The place is pretty big with indoor/outdoor seating and I'd come back here again. So in conclusion, XXX wings, expensive, kinda tasty, kinda fun, KINDA super-hot. Who else has got some suggestions for spicy foods I can check out next?
(4)
Dan B.
I soooo wanted to love this place. Rough, fun exterior, awesome beer selection, good menu. The beers are great but VERY expensive. Had the nachos and was very disappointed, too little cheese, maybe a couple tablespoons of chili, again, VERY expensive $10.95 for literally a plateful of toasted nacho chips. Cool atmosphere, lots of TVs. Server was friendly but didn't come around enough to get us new beers (they were not busy, so good service was expected). Manager clearly not on top of it.
(2)
David C.
Big fan of this place. Great beer selection. Good food. Great for groups. Plenty of space.
(4)
Andy D.
GLUTEN FREE WINGS: Go with the Pancho's Wings, they are unbreaded, and have them also dipped in Buffalo- Mild or Spicy. Great spice and meat falls off bone. Healthy alternative to breaded variety.
(4)
Andrew W.
L-O-V-E IT! and i am dedicating my 200th review for this awesome place Across downtown~ for you to find a place to hang~ to locate a hardcore sport heaven to cheer~ are nearly impossible chain restaurants filled... snobby luxurious Italiano or Steak Houses scatter throughout... often you will have to sacrifice the volume... just to spot a tv in a bar of a restaurent... that is truly a nightmare for sport fans! however, just couple block far out from the heart of downtown... you can spot this great sport heave, with EXCELLENT food how often can you say, the food at a bar is good? not often! But this place delivers! Ribs, burger, wings, salad, soup, dessert..... YOU NAME IT! with great selection of TVs... they aren't hesitate to share just one tv for you, even if you are not looking for a local game! ooh ohh, they also tune up the volume for you as well! where can you find that?! the food is great, the dudes behind the counter are great and i got to keep up with my fanhood, while i am on the road YOU HAVE TO COME AND HANG OUT THIS CHICAGO LOCAL-FAVORITE DESTINATION!
(5)
Arian H.
They place was pretty cool. Wonderful atmosphere with the warm wood theme going. Service was great. I had the wings , which was pretty good. However, I don't see why their know as the best. You don't get that many wings as well . I ended up grabbing a snap from chick fil a. They also had a full bar which looked like a fun time. Parking is downtown parking, not too much to expect.
(4)
Brandon Y.
Great Beers on tap (a little heavy on the belgians and czechs but I'm alright with that) I'm a beer purist and though I like a good hoppy IPA it's nice to see some traditional European Lagers on tap at a beer heavy bar. Came in for some beers and college football, didn't eat there but was salivating over the delicious looking and smelling BBQ food all around me.
(4)
Keely B.
I like Jakes. A friend and I stop by occasionally for lunch during work, when we're looking for a place with better ambiance than Foodlife or the food court in Chicago Place. They've got a pretty amazing buffalo chicken sandwich, and it's huge. The drawbacks are that the place is kind of pricey for lunch, and the service is hella slow. Also, they have a "beer wall" where they write the names of the beers they serve, and they always spell the brewery "Surly" wrong. We've mentioned it to them several times, but whenver we go back it's the same.
(3)
Helena B.
By far one of the better bars in the area - close enough to all that is going on but far enough from Michigan Avenue so as not to be utterly overrun by tourists. The beer selection was impressive. In addition to standard bars on tap, they had a long list of domestic and imported bottles. Date (also a beer snob) and I were both able to try things we hadn't had before. Our server was attentive and friendly. We never had to wait for the next round. The best thing about the place was being able to drink outside. They had several cafe tables set up on the front sidewalk. This was relatively peaceful on a Sunday evening in April, but I'm not sure if it would get too crowded as the sidewalks fill up later in the year. I prefer enclosed beer gardens in the back. Overall - a nice place, but not much of a general draw to pull me back unless I happened to be in the area.
(3)
Sarah F.
Normally when there's lots of beer drinking, the evening gets progressively better (well, to a point, anyway). Jake Melnick's started out well before it took a nosedive into a big ol' pool of disappointment. I met a group of friends here for a Stone Brewery event. With the warm weather, the outdoor seating area was packed, leaving a relatively small crowd (including us) indoors. As the restaurant changed its taps over to the evening's featured brews, our server was knowledgeable about which brews were still available, and could make recommendations based on everyone's preferences. She was attentive for the first 90 minutes or so that we were there, but then all but disappeared. At one point we'd had questions about the Surly drafts that were featured, and while she snagged someone who could describe the beers, she never came back to take our orders. Nobody should have to wait half an hour to order a beer, especially when everyone's glass was dry. Maybe the point was to make us surly, too... Except for the brisket, which was excellent both on the BBQ nachos and in a sandwich, the food was meh. Said nachos were woefully lacking in toppings, the onion slab was frightfully greasy, and the mozzarella sticks were...well, the same thing you can get anywhere.
(2)
Benson G.
Beer selection was great and food was better than typical bar food. Will definitely go bad if in the area again.
(4)
Vanessa T.
I came here because I wanted to watch the Penguins/Blues game and my friend wanted to watch the Lakers/Nuggets game. My friend and I shared fish and chips and a buffalo chicken sandwich (from the special). I don't expect outstanding food from sports bars. However, for a sports bar, the food here is good, better than chain restaurants like Chilis. I also didn't feel like the food was that greasy. Of course the selection of food isn't anything special because.. well.. it's a sports bar. The server was very friendly and attentive. I'm not sure if I'd go back. Since I'm not from Chicago, I'd want to try other restaurants in the area before I come back here. However, if I were a local, I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Anne P.
This place is always a good time. It has a laid-back atmosphere and pretty good food. I usually get the bbq nachos which are really delicious, but they a burger of the month that is always great. It is usually a fully loaded burger with fries paired with a beer for only $9. This is definitely one of the better deals in River North. Also, the place has many large tvs strategically placed throughout the bar which makes any seat in the place perfect for viewing the game.
(4)
Erik Y.
Stopped in on a random weeknight. Sat at the bar and had a Stone IPA. Beer was a little expensive but you are in that area of town. Had wings. Half of the order were their spiciest and the other half were some sort of marinated wings. The spicy wings were so flavorful, crunchy, great. The marinaded ones were good but not spectacular. With 1 beer, 10 wings, and tip was $23. Not too bad. Would return sometime!
(4)
Corey H.
I had a great time here. Two of us went here on a Friday night in the middle of January at about 9pm. We had to wait for about 5 minutes for a table. No problem. I imagine that during a more tourist season and a more reasonable dinner time (ie 6pm ish), this place probably has a pretty long wait. Maybe call ahead to see the wait time. As previously said, they have the best wings in Chicago. I LOVE wings and I have to try them at just about any place. I've even created a list on this website for best wings in my area. This place has really good wings. They have about 6 flavors... traditional buffalo hot or medium, garlicish, grilled, super hot and XXX. I love spicy wings and inquired about the heat level of the last two I mentioned. They offered to let me try them but warned me that they only recommend it for "professionals". I was glad they did. As I figured the sauce is too hot to actually be enjoyed. It was good but the only reason to order them would be to challenge yourself. They are meant to make you cry and sweat. I stuck with the traditional buffalo spicy sauce. It was franks red hot, which I like. The wings are slightly breaded and fried. They were slightly crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Loved em. SIDENOTE - I see someone complaining because they ordered the XXX wings with their husband and some friends and it was too spicy and they couldn't take the heat and complain they were not formally warned with the "waiver". You should have noticed all the stuff on the walls talking about how spicy their wings are. Second, you should have tasted a little of the sauce first, that was a rookie mistake. Don't blame this place because you underestimated the heat, especially when you declined to taste the sauce first. As for the waiver they didn't bring out, its only for show and doesn't serve and anything more than some memorabilia to remember the experience with. That shouldn't give you reason to EX this place. My guest had the trio of BBQ sliders. They came with the three types of BBQ they offer. It was really good. I liked the Carolina style because they put coleslaw on it with a vinegary and spicy BBQ sauce. The beer selection was awesome. Tons of micro brews and then some. TVs everywhere to watch any game. As for the service, our waiter was awesome. Super friendly, and helped us out with beer selections. I gave him a big tip in appreciation. The decor was pretty laid back. Wood with lights all over the place. Pretty standard of a BBQ joint. I liked it. I'm from out of town but I'll go back for sure if I'm ever in town again.
(4)
David F.
Wings are great - huge! Wife selection of beers. Good atmosphere too. Will definitely return!
(5)
Bruce B.
Meh...that about sum's it up. There's not anything unique about this place. I didn't find their wings to be anything special. Their drink prices are pretty high for what you get. I tried their spiked Arnold Palmer and it was meh...meh. The food is meh and the ambiance is meh. Jake's is a three star on the dot. I might go here again, but I wouldn't go out of my way. I liked the outside seating area, but there's nothing special about it that would make me want to go back. Their food is on par with bar food and their drinks are watered down. I don't like around Jake's but it seems like one of the few pubs around that area. If you want to sit outside and basically have a Chili's feel - go here. It's A-okay.
(3)
Nathan G.
So we went to this place because it was listed in the "foodie" iphone app I had recently downloaded. They were offering a complimentary appetizer if you purchased 2 entrees. Sounds good to me! So we went in and got seated immediately, even though the place appeared to be pretty busy. Nice atmosphere; it's a place where you can come to relax and have some good food. For appetizer, we were recommended the Pancho's (?) Grilled wings, so we went with that. They were absolutely delicious! I would highly recommend these to anyone who goes there. For entree, I got the beef brisket and it was good. Large portion, so that was nice. The taste didn't knock my socks off or anything, but it was definitely really good. Overall I would definitely eat here again, even without the free appetizer =)
(5)
M H.
I work in the area so I figured I'd give Jake's a try. I heard good things about the wings and their buffalo chicken sandwich plus with a banner outside stating voted the best wings in Chicago...how could i go wrong? I took my girlfriend there since she suggested something American nothings is more American than wings, burgers and football. There was a 30 minute wait that was only 20 minutes so that was good. the service was ok we were being taken care of by a rather fidgity waitress. She greeted us and we put our orders in i had a Steak sandwich and my girlfriend got the Que Burger a speciality burger angus wrapped in bacon.......(insert Homer Simpsons voice ...UMMMM Bacon!) We started with their fried pickles which were great. I ordered one of their house beers I was impressed. Then the food came my steak was coked a perfect medium well. My girlfriend's burger was still alive dripping blood onto the plate. So we got the waitress to have the cook throw it back on the grill. At this time I'm in full masticating mode and had her blessing to eat while she waited....Thanks boo your the best :) So she returns with the food and being apologetic so she cuts into it again and it seem like they just dressed it with barbeque sauce and warmed it up. It goes back for the second time at this point I'm concern they are going to burn the burger to a crisp. Finally she returns for the third time I'm at the end of my meal and its finally cooked and not jumping over the moon. While cooking the burger they continued to recook the fries which on the third time were burned. She ask for a box to take the burger home while i talk to the waitress on getting a discount for a not so pleasant dining experience. We weren't charged for the burger and the waitress was nice somewhat forgetful. The experience hasn't soured me on Jake's I think I'll just stick to the wings.
(2)
Paul G.
Food was mediocre at best, but the beer selection boosts the rating one star. I got the super hot wings, and they were as advertised.....super hot. The waitress was kind enough to warn me about the heat, but they were hot to the point of inedible. Good rule of thumb: if it comes garnished with a raw habanero, they're hot. The sauce was very flavorful though and I was warned so my fault. The wings are breaded though and were somewhat tough. I had mac and cheese with it, and it was undercooked and very poor. Their beer selection is stellar though, so that helped. I don't think I'd go back to eat, but if you're a fan of high quality craft brews, I'd recommend the place to have a drink.
(3)
Stacy Y.
I was part of the group of 14 that includes the lovely Yvette C. and Ericka L. below and our experience here pretty much sucked. First of all, I am notoriously late - to everything. I arrived 30 minutes after everyone else and they had already placed their food orders. I glanced over the menu really quick when I arrived so I could sneak my order in and still enjoy the meal with my friends. It was almost impossible to get our server's attention so I could do so. Shortly after I ordered everyone at the table was served their entree - except for me and poor Yvette. My order arrived pretty quickly (considering I arrived so late) but can someone please explain to me how it was possible that I received my entree before Yvette did. I ARRIVED AND ORDERED 30 MINUTES LATER THAN THE REST OF THE PARTY! She was served her entree AFTER MINE! I'm sorry but that is totally inexcusable. We obviously came here for the kitsch of the "Waiver Wings". There was no waiver, fireman's hat or anything else other than a couple orders of wings that "weren't that hot" according to the members of our group that ate them. I had the fish and chips - run of the mill frozen, fried food. My meal was okay. Although totally overpriced. Our server was terrible and if we needed anything we had to go and track him down ourselves. If it wasn't for the large party policy of 18% gratuity included with the bill this guy would not have received a tip at all! The service was that bad. The beer selection is pretty good, BUT I can get the same beer for $1-2 less per bottle at other places I actually like, such as The Ashland. Long story short: Don't bother with Jake Melnick's! Unless you happen to like overpriced, crappy food and service.
(1)
Jacob J.
Great service, everyone is helpful and welcoming. Food is ok. The dinners aren't worth the price, should be cheaper. When your plate arrives you think, where's the rest?? Go for the sandwiches, worth the price and decent. Brisket sandwich or dinner (without bread), disappointing. Smoked chicken is tender and slides right off the bone. Hardly any flavor & kinda dry. Well made martini's and an ample beer selection. Average for a beer pitcher is about +$15. They DO have daily specials. Eye candy begins to roll in about 6 or 7-ish.
(3)
Stephanie P.
I ordered the veggie burger and asked for steamed veggies on the side rather than the fries it came with. One hour later and the check comes...I was charged $2 for the veggies. Thanks, waitress, for telling me ahead of time! Not. Otherwise, I was pleased with the burger, as it was actually made out of grains and veggies instead of being a mystery patty.
(3)
Job E.
An impressive list of beers on tap; I'd guess it was about 20-25 beers with at least five of them new to me. But the service was horrible. Waiting at a table, we eventually gave up and just went to the bar to get a drink. After finishing that, we just left because we still hadn't had a waiter stop by to see if we want anything.
(2)
Jeanette S.
We had a bad experience. We obviously didn't do our homework before coming because we had no idea what the wing challenge was. My husband likes really hot food. The friends we were with also like really hot food. So, when ordering the wings, it didn't seem like a bad idea to try the XXX wings. The waitress asked if he had had them before, and she also asked if he wanted to try the sauce first. He declined since he has never had a problem before, even with the hottest level the restaurant offered. So, we order our food - which took a very long time to get and the restaurant was not packed - and dig in. The mac and cheese was great. The baked potato was great. The wings were passed around and everyone started sweating and gagging a bit. Finally, when it was too hot to stand, my husband said something and the waitress brought out a 'cooling plate'. It helped a little, but at that point it was too late for anything but time. After doing some follow up on the website, it appears that this XXX wing heat requries the eater to sign a waiver and they get a picture and a fireman's hat and that there is some form of more formal 'warning' about the heat. Had we known that (or seen a waiver come out...), the order would never have been placed for that heat level, and 3 of the 3 people that ate them would not have the 'digestive issues' wreaking havoc the next morning. The main disappointment is the lack of disclosure from the waitress on the true level of the heat, followed by the wait time for a less-than-packed place. Sadly, this is within walking distance and we had high hopes of many returns. Time to find a new favorite.
(2)
bettina k.
One of those fake pubs that heaps hyperbole on its own menu offerings without delivering the quality, but always exceeds the price expectations of what is essentially bar food. The jumbo wings are mini with a maxi price tag , whiskey shots are $11, and they skimp on ketchup or BBQ sauce for menu items. The BBQ rib combo will leave you hungry for more meat. On three occasions, the publicized free wifi didn't work . During football season get a far superior burger at Zed 451 for half of the price with a $3 draft , or else go to Pippins for authenticity instead of this Marriott hotel bar annex
(2)
Howard A.
Jake Melnick's is so normal, it's totally unique! For the Gold Coast anyways. In this hoity-toity hotsie-totsie 'hood of everything from molecular cuisine to comida de Rick Bayless, where do you get a good slabs of ribs and a cold beer? I don't want to spend a fortune and I'm usually in a hurry. "Hey buddy, can you turn on the game?" "Yeah, no problem! Which of the 100 or so TVs do you want to watch it on?" There is hand santizer on the wall! Sweet! This place knows how to handle crowds well. The food has never disapointed. Get the rib and chicken combo. Bliss! While not unique, I would challenge you to find a better place for great portions of tasty comfort food anywhere in the area. Jake's makes a great low light refuge from work or shopping. You won't go broke their either!
(5)
Linda G.
These stars are for a superb beer menu, fast service, good food, great location, fun atmosphere. Nuff said.
(5)
Anthony W.
This being my first trip to Chicago, there were tons of places to go. As I was walking by, I see a large sign promotion the best wings in Chicago. Naturally, I stepped in. This place was eloquent and still had that laid back Chicago sports atmosphere. I had the steak sandwich and fries with an Ommegang draft. I know, should have tried the wings. The beer was fantastic, it was a sip of Belgian perfection. They bring the food out in an old rustic bowl, I loved it. Our waitress was wonderful and chatted it up like I've known here for years. Being from Cleveland, I was pleasantly surprised to see they had Great Lakes beer here as well. For being a sports bar, the beer selections and food was perfect. To get a table on a Friday night was also very surprising. Whether your from Chicago or just a tourist, I highly recommend.
(4)
Alex O.
Amazing wings and beer or Amazing burgers and beer? You decide.
(5)
Adam H.
A co-worker loves this place and raved about their wings and beer selections. I like wings. I like beer. I grabbed my wife and some friends and went. The good things: The food: The best thing about this place is their cheese fries. Yes. They don't sound like anything special. Melted cheddar cheese on crispy fries served with a homemade ranch dressing. Simple but a key element makes them great. Real cheddar cheese. For some reason the city of Chicago hates cheddar cheese. If one orders cheese fries at a hot dog stand, sandwich shop, diner, sports bar, pizza place, pretty much anywhere in Chicago, 99.99% of the time the cheese fries will come out overly smothered in a cheese sauce. This place does it right and is the only eatery I know of in the city that serves their cheese fries with real grated melted cheddar cheese. My wife loves this real version of cheese fries and we will be coming back to this place just for them alone. Their hot wings are good. I wouldn't call them jumbo like advertised but they are a good size and tasty. I had their wing combo with their Traditional spicy and Poncho's Marinated wings. The Traditional was a good tasting buffalo wing served with a good tasting blue cheese. They didn't really have any crispiness to them like I prefer but they weren't soggy either so I was fine and I would order them again in the future. The Poncho's wings were a hit or miss. The first three wings I had were kind of bland in taste and they made me wonder how they won best wing in Chicago. Then I had the last two, the ones that were on the bottom of the pile soaking in all the juices and flavor, and it all made sense. Pretty dang good. Too bad not all of Poncho's wings were that tasty but at least my meal ended on a high note. The last thing I tried was their BBQ Pork Nachos. Really quite delicious. Nice pork and the bbq sauce worked with all the nacho fixings. The only problem I had was the jalapenos. I like jalapenos and spicy things. But for some reason my nachos had a little too many thick slices of the peppers all throughout the dish and all of them were hidden under the layer of melted cheese. Eating the chips became a game of chance and I had to start picking at everything to make sure I didn't have too many peppers in each bite. An annoyance. Yes. A deal breaker. No. Still good nachos. The drinks: Great beer selection and even great bottled soda pop selection. I had fun trying out the Goose Island soft drinks that I didn't even know existed and my wife enjoyed the fact that they had five choices of hard cider. The not so good things: Service: Our server Molly was great. At first. She was very helpful in navigating my table on what beers to get and had inisght on what food we should try and was all smiles while doing so. And she was there again for us for round two of our drinks laughing and being pleasent the whole way. And then she was gone. Like a faded dream. I wasn't drinking alcohol and was indulging my sweet tooth with soda. I got a root beer and an orange cream. Both were good and I could have and would have drank more but she wasn't around. Luckily everything was fine with our food and my friends really weren't drinking too much so they were content but I wanted something more and sadly didn't get it. Even though the place was busy I just wished the great start could have lasted to the end. Ambiance: It was loud. I know. It's a bar. A nice bar. But nonetheless it's not called Corner Tap for nothing. I could barely hear my friend across our table when she talked sometimes though. There were just several large groups eating in there the thursday night we went and it was a loud experience. The rest of the place with its look and feel was nice but the volume kind of was overwhelming for most of our visit. The conclusion: Everything I ate and drank I liked but I have a hard time getting excited to come back to this place on any sort of regular basis. I know I'll be coming into a noisy atmosphere where servers will eventually forget about me. But I need to stop listening to my head and start paying more attention to my stomach. Good wings. Great cheese fries. Good wings. Great cheese fries. I may just have to keep trying this place until I get it right.
(3)
Tati B.
Love this place. I've never had anything here that wasn't delicious. The wings are great, burgers are awesome too. They have a burger of the month where you can get a certain beer with it for $1 more. I love going just to see what it is each month. Everyone I've taken here has loved it. Great bar atmosphere that is hard to find in River North unless you go to an Irish pub...
(5)
Molly L.
I've been to Jake Melnick's a few times now. I have no idea what I've eaten, though. I remember things being good, but just (obviously) not memorable. Because of the dearth of sports bars in the Gold Coast, this place gets packed when there's a big game on, so beware during the month of March or on a Sunday in the fall. They have a decent beer selection and a standard array of burgers and bar food. Overall, Jake's is A-OK.
(3)
Joe G.
Great beer selection, great burger. It's all that I can ask for. BBQ burger was very lean, not greasy. Almost like roast beef. Excellent. Service was good. All that, and Lagunitis IPA on tap. Not bad. I will be back.
(4)
Brian S.
Definitely one of the worst experiences I've had in Chicago. One of the bitchiest hostesses i've ever dealt with and then a really lousy, rude server that ignored our table for 20 minutes after we got seated, INTENTIONALLY!, because she was mad that we sat down at the table before the bussers were done clearing (place was packed, we were just trying to get out of the way). Never going back - too bad, because the location is super convenient for us yuppie dorks that need a sports bar in river north's tool box (the area i've complicity critiqued myself as living in that runs from the Fordham to the Pinnacle to 55 E. Erie to the Park Hyatt)
(1)
Sharon J.
Fun sports bar. Good food. Good drinks. Consistant service. I have been back several times and is is great. The barbeque is unbelievably good. Even better than some I have had in Georgia. Will be back on my next trip to Chicago.
(4)
Denise B.
Jake's is a decent bar / restaurant down the street from my dad's apartment. They have a menu full of average-tasting pub food and lots of beer. What I like about this restaurant is that it's more neighborhood-y than most restaurants and has more of a local crowd (I say somewhat ironically, as someone who no longer lives here). The outside is also a really nice place to eat dinner or nurse a beer during the summer. During the rest of the year, though, it's not really worth coming here. The interior is dark and leaves a lot to be desired. Service is of average quality, most like much of the rest of this bar. If you're tired of most of the restaurants in this part of Chicago having really long lines and tons of tourists, Jake's might be worth a try.
(3)
Ed B.
This place is OK. It has TV's everywhere and its a little more yuppidy then some of the other places to watch some sports, but it is a good place to go to catch a game and get some grub. The food is alright, but nothing special. I had the mini dog combo which is three mini hot dogs each a different style (Chicago style, New York Style and Philly style) over fries. I thought it was alright. My dad had the baby back ribs which were nothing special, but weren't bad either. We were there on a Sunday night to watch the Bears game and it wasn't too busy, but yet my beer went dry more then a few times for more then 10 minutes before the waitress noticed I needed another, so the service wasn't as good as some of the other places we visited, but I'd still say it's kind of a nice place.
(3)
Chris P.
friend got a burger which was solid and i had a beer. pretty commercial feel but could be fun with the right crowd.
(3)
Jennifer R.
I went to Jakes the other night with my BF and some of his friends. We had reservations and were lead straight to our table. Scanning the menu, nearly every option had something with bread in it or encasing it (even the wings were breaded). Not wanting to be put straight into a carb-coma, I decided on the wings. They were standard chicken wings - nothing really stuck out about them other than how messy they were lol. The service bringing our drinks/food out was not as fast as it could have been. Finally, and this is the reason for dropping them down to one star. We asked if the television could be changed to a mixed martial arts event, and were told it was against their policy to show fights on the tv. Our group was comprised of mainly teachers, doctors, and a fireman - definitely not the type of group to cause trouble. Nonetheless, they would not accomodate us, we quickly finished our meal and had a great night elsewhere. While the restaurant was average, the intangibles were definitely lacking. Sorry Jakey.
(1)
Elyse C.
Blech. The food tastes frozen. I'd need to drink a ridiculous amount to eat anything off their menu again and there are infinitely better beer selections and atomospheres in this city.
(1)
Maryann M.
Dear Jake Melnick's, Put the October burger of the month on the menu full time. It is the best burger you have! That being said, your regular burgers are pretty great. And I really do love your fries. And cole slaw. And pulled pork. Can you tell I'm here quite a bit? Actually, probably too much. The good: Food listed above. The staff - always friendly and quick. Atmosphere - I really like the low key sports bar feel it has. Hooks under bar for handbags. Why doesn't every bar have these? It's common sense! Outdoor seating - always important in the summer months. The bad: The wings - I LOVE hot wings. However, I hate when the wings are super breaded and these wings have WAY too much breading on them. Or whatever they're coated in. Too much. Sauces are awesome though. I think that's all. I love Jake's.
(5)
Brock R.
Great place. My favorite sports bar to go when I'm in Chicago! Chicago is my home away from home!
(4)
Michael J.
I came here to try "Chicago's Best Wings." The wings were good but they were cold because of the extremely slow service. Either they have been working our waitress to death over the holidays, her dog just died, or she was heavily sedated because she was the slothiest, most inattentive server on the planet. To the restaurant's credit, the other servers were quite helpful when I went up to them to ask to put in a food order or order drink refills. The buffalo wings were quite good, but I expected more than 8 for $11.00. I didn't see a lot of value. We had fish and chips about $13 for two pieces of fish and $2 extra to substitute fries with onion rings that never came out until we were finished with the rest of our food. We also had a pulled pork trio which wasn't bad. I guess the service really killed it for me. I expect to spend a ridiculous amount of money when dining out in the Gold Coast, but in return I shouldn't be expected to work to get my food. I could have stayed home and made wings and drank beer for about 20% of the cost of what I spent at Jake's so I was upset that I had to wait my own table and almost had to make my own onion rings.
(2)
WP L.
I was just there for a Mardi Gras/Birthday Celebration. The restaurant was dead at 10:00pm, bad sign. I ordered the fish sandwhich which turned out to be a large bun, small (itsy bitsy filet of cod), a huge handful of lettuce shreds, an ounce of tartar sauce, one lemon wedge, and a huge order of cold fries. The waiter was slow , did not come back to the table to ask if we wanted more drinks, and was rude. I had to (after politiely telling them their food was inedible) argue with waiter and manager to get my food removed from the bill. Can you believe that this place argued with me over $9 dollars????? How cheap can you be? I am not going to pay for disgusting food poorly cooked. I have to go throw up what I did eat of the fish, gross! PS The band that was playing there Rocked!
(1)
Dustin W.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is well deserving of my top-3 craft-brew must visits in all of Chicago (again thanks to Chicago Craft Beer week or I would still be in the dark on Jake's). While perusing my CCBW passport to all things beer in Chicago, I happened upon a peculiarly long named establishment boasting bbq and Two Brothers craft brew, specifically the first keg kick-off of Askew sour release party. Checking the location on my CCBW droid application allowed for pinpointing the exact location, and has become my go-to for determining strategic brew tasting, bar-hopping in a responsible, no-drivey kinda way. I made a quick call down to Jake's and sure enough the Askew is still flowing and they are also boasting two firkins of double dry hopped (DDH) bitter end and cain and ebel (throw your panties on the bar ladies). Needless to say, I made sure we showed up 15 minutes before tapping the DDH firkin wonders, which were out of sight tasty, smooth and hoppy, yet not over-hopped or bittered beyond palatability. When we arrived, I was shocked and a bit worried as the exterior reminded me a lot of a chain-restaurant with loud gimmicky BBQ signage. Then I remembered where it lay location-wise and that a Rainforest cafe was nearby. Perhaps this is actually a very strategic and ultimately necessary business move to draw the local customers and travelers in and remind them that there is a really amazing bbq brewhouse joint to grub down at as an alternative to the everyday chain. Luckily for me, I had not eaten, because the bbq at Jake's is Guy Fieri off-the-chain delightful. I went with the beef brisket, which is smoked for something insane like 17 hours. It came classically arranged piled high atop a piece of texas toast and sauced on top to perfection (not dripping or mushed into the meat). They give you the extra sauce on the side as it is meant to be served so you can sauce each delicious morsel appropriately and avoid sticky soggy think heavy bbq syndrome. The smoke was deep and intense, all the way through (not just a slight rubbed smoke ring on the exterior). If bbq were wood, Ron Bergundy would likely describe Jake's brisket as a "rich mahogany." This smoke is clearly the marking of a true bbq warrior, and I am quite sure that Jake's will be winning many an award for backyard bbq in the future as well. We also tried out the mac-daddy mac-n-cheese of the month, which was bbq'd up inside and coated with panko. It was an interesting take, perhaps a bit to bbq-y for me, but delicious take on a classic none-the-less. Of course we got the award winning Firecracker wings (sweet and spicy sriacha sauced with cilantro - excellent) and tried the wing of the month, mint julep wings (tasty but not a lot of mint taste which we were hoping for). Overall, great bbq, amazing, huge, colossal beer selection that is a must stop for any beer geek.
(5)
Anna P.
chill atmosphere. great BBQ. awesome beer list. patio space in the middle of downtown chicago. that pretty much says it all :-)
(3)
Ryan K.
My wife and I brought the kids (ages 1 and 5.5) to mosey around on Michigan Avenue for the day after Black Friday, and we rather happily stumbled upon Jake's. We had headed off of Michigan in an effort to get away from the crowds, to refill the parking meter on my car (which was also on Superior) and to find a joint that served hot dogs, as that's what my daughter was saying that she wanted. We quickly looked at the menu that was posted outside the door and I noticed that they offered a Flight Of Hot Dogs. Score! We were seated in the 3-seasons type room that overlooked Superior, and it was more than spacious for all of us (including a high chair for my son). I'm not sure how family friendly it would be for younger kids if the bar was a bit more packed, but I can only say good things about it for going at 1:00 on a Saturday afternoon. The grub was good bar food. I had a turkey burger with Swiss, mushrooms and onions, my wife had the flight of hot dogs, and the kids had some kids food. The beer list was expansive, and the Bloody Mary special was good. The waitress was attentive, but the food serving was a bit (but not overly) slow. I'm not sure if I would have even noticed if I didn't have a 1 year old getting grumpy for the food. I think it was a bit pricier for bar fare, but only moderately. Total bill for the 4 of us was $50 plus tip, but that included a beer and a Bloody Mary. We would definitely return, as the proximity to Michigan Ave is ideal and we got a $5 gift card to be used on a future visit.
(4)
Len W.
Full disclosure: I'm not a BBQ fan. But this was in the neighborhood and I was really hungry. Anyway, the service was good. I had a brisket sandwich. It was ok. But again, I'm no bbq fan. We had mac and cheese, too. Best part of dinner. The people I was with had a steak sandwich and a flatbread pizza thing. Neither person had much to say about what they ordered. Also ordered a artichoke/spinach dip appetizer which was pretty ordinary.
(2)
Brenda M.
Solid beer and wine selection as well as a full menu of barbeque, wings, burgers and classic pub grub. The brisquit was a little dry but the barbeque sauce made up for it. The wings are breaded and you can ask for the sauce on the side without rebuke. The wings were good but I wouldn't rate them the best. It is more of a sports bar atmosphere so don't expect to go there for a quiet evening....it is a bit loud. The waitress was friendly and accomodating without hovering. We were far from rushed. We ended our meal with bread pudding which is definitely worth going back to get again....some of the best I've had drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
(3)
Samantha P.
I went here with some friends a few weeks ago and always intend to go back when I'm in the city but it's just never worked out. The place is in a good location and decorated like a typical pub/bar/family-sport eatery. The service was pretty decent and we loved the option of the "Mystery Beer". They have a decent beer selection in general too. I had the buffalo chicken wrap which was good but nothing I can't get anywhere. We shared a plate of the BBQ brisket nachos which were AMAZING! They alone earned a 4 star and months later I'm still dreaming about them.
(4)
fab f.
Football (it's soccer for most of you) fans have a new place. I went to Fado to see the Champion's League and had a serious disappointment: just two games displayed and both of English teams. Valencia-ManU was actually the most interesting game of the day, but Tottenham-Twente was way behind an Internazionale - Werder Bremen. No reason to make such a choice, for football fans (unless they are all from London). At my request to change at least one tv to the best game (4-0 for Inter, hattrick of Eto'o), the guy said that he only could display 2 games. So I remembered that I saw few World Cup games at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and gave it a shot. Couldn't be better. The pretty bartender said 'of course', she made me choice the place where I wanted to stay and switched to channel I asked for. Good beer, fine food and a lovely waitress. Actually, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap -for the downtown fans- is in a good location, quiet. The place is big, and tvs are in good positions (many games could be shown). Fado is small and dark and to watch any tv you have to go too early to find a decent spot. Fado is gone, for me. Thank you, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
(4)
MaryAnne M.
Parmesan French fries. Go, order them. That is all. Oh, they also know what "medium" means. Many don't
(3)
Mike S.
have been meaning to get back here to try the wings. i had a work function here over a year ago butr was late and missed out on the food. ordered some of the traditional medium and poncho (garlic and chayenne). i thought both types of wings were good. i chickened out on getting the hot wings since ive heard they are ridiculous. i enjoyed their french fries - were thinly cut and reminded me of the type you get at a state fair. there were a lot of hockey fans in here - was a sunday. understandable since it was game 6 of the blackhawk series. would have like to see some nba playoffs on at least one televsion but thats neither here nor there. food was good - id like to come back sometime soon. on a side note - friend i was with ordered a pint of jager. the waitress looked at him cross eyed but delivered! it wasnt that expensive either ~15 dollar range.
(4)
Jeff N.
Normally this is a solid 3 star place. Good comfort/bar food. Good patio. WHOA! Not this time. We waited in bar area for a patio table to open up. Our entertainment was witnessing Mr. White Trash at the table next to us give his hoochie female friend a hickey on her eyelid. Yes, her eyelid. All the while, listening to his repeated and loud F-Bombs. The hostess heard all this crap and did nothing. Finally got a patio seat and a very bored waiter finally took our order 10-15 minutes later. Wife had the brisket platter and I had the dry rub chicken. Mine should have just said DRY and that would be a better description. Brisket was average at best. I know this place can do better, but it will be a long time before I try this place again.
(1)
Robert W.
Wings overpriced and inconsistent
(3)
Kera E.
It takes a special place to screw up fries and a Heineken Light. I sat at the bar to order the above and the bartender couldn't find his bottle opener-for like a minute or two. Far be it from me to assume that this implement is a tool of the trade that should be kept track of. Regardless, I laughed it off and ordered my food. The menu had cheddar fries listed with a ranch dressing. This seemed easy and benign and quick-why not? 15 minutes later, bartender apologizes that the ticket somehow never got put in due to a computer error. I was understanding, stating that I was in no particular hurry. Cheddar fries come, with no ranch dressing. Another 5 minutes of him running around to acquire it. Check comes and I am presented with two receipts, one with the breakdown of item/price, one for what my card was charged and the totals are different. I point it out to him and he told me he had to charge for the dressing. When I explained that it came with the fries (per the menu) he offered to take off the charge. . . Another 5-7 minutes. . . and much harried running around. He said everyone in the kitchen was busy-restaurant was next to deserted. Ugh. Look, I'd hate to see what kind of chaos is possible here when it's packed and the order is more complicated. 100% unprofessionally dealt with transaction. He's lucky he was cute. ;)
(1)
Hope G.
I'm tempted to give Jake's 4 stars based solely on their flatbread pizza. I've been three times and each time I've ordered the artichoke and spinache flatbread. I love it! The crust is the best part, almost crackerbread crispy but still retains a little bit of satisfying chewiness towards the middle - the toppings are delicious as well! I I've tried a few other things at Jakes which were all pretty tasty but definitely unexceptional. We ordered the appetizers platter with mozzarella sticks, wings and nachos. It was good bar food, the wings were perfectly cooked and flavorful, but we were pretty disappointed with the soggy nachos. Also, the steak sandwich was on the tough side. One thing that made the experience slightly uncomfortable was that a few teen-aged looking beggars entered the bar/restaurant area and started just hanging around the tables. One asked if he could sit with us and share. He got angry with us when we did not respond. It took the restaurant management awhile to realize the situation and ask them to leave. All in all jakes is a fun place and the food is pretty satisfying.
(3)
Dan R.
Jake's has a great burger - I get the bacon cheeseburger here when I am in the mood for greasing the arteries. The french fries they serve are my favorite as well, they are not the cheapo generics but something akin to what old Chili fries used to be. TVs are kinda small and non-HD which is below par for 2008. The place has a nice bar feeling to it without being dirty. Place is well kept as well.
(4)
Carol J.
I decided I was going to be healthy but before doing so went to Jake's for one last burger. It was so good I decided not to follow through on the healthy thing. Especially when one of the Noe brothers from the Jim Beam empire was buying me bourbon at lunchtime! Talk about a sign from god not to start the healthy thing! Fries are great, not too greasy, not to thick. Burgers. Yum. Tried a few other things that were decent but thought it was a little pricey for an everyday lunch spot. But damn that burger was good!
(3)
M A.
MEH, says it all. Lots of tourists that should have gone to Portillo's instead. First off the let's talk about the service. 1) After a 35 minute wait (we were told 15 minutes) to take a seat in a half empty restaurant. We were escorted to our table. 2) Nearly 10 minutes later we are introduced to our waitress who takes our drink orders. 3) 10 minutes later the drinks arrive and we place our food orders. 4) 50 minutes later the same waitress comes to check on us and asks "where is your food?" A GREAT QUESTION!!!! 5) 2 minutes later I receive a luke warm, horribly dry rack of ribs. The meat was tough and the whole experience was just disappointing. The Hot Wings are the only thing that elevated this place beyond a single star. On the plus side if you want a decent beer and some tasty wings (i've had better, cheaper) then you might want to stop by this place.
(2)
Kim C.
In all fairness I don't drink beer so my rating is based on food and people. Food - I ordered the BBQ pulled pork which was okay. The meat was tough to chew and didn't have much flavor beyond the bbq sauce. The fries were standard. The cole slaw was pretty tasty. I probably should have stuck with the wings they are well known for, but I was starving. People... the employees were cool people, however, some of the patrons could use a dose of manners. My friend and I were there for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (Lightning vs. Bruins). Some douche kept blocking the tv even though he knew we were watching and then became downright mean after my friend said she was rooting for the Bruins because she wanted them to beat Vancouver. I understand - Original 6 teams don't really like each other (severe understatement in some cases) - but come on... no need for the attitude.
(3)
Liz S.
In a quest to find spicy food I went here to try their "waiver wings" with Rocky, Rich, Rob, Mike, and Lori (she wasn't there for the wings, just to cheer the rest of us on). We all signed the waiver, which in all reality is more of a joke and mostly just a marketing ploy, so don't be worried about legal obligations. However, the restaurant will not put the sauce on anything else. Best lines of the night was Rocky telling Rob to just rub the sauce on his breast and Rob saying he was done with bones. Back to the wings and food. The wings are really big and I would almost say they were steroid-wings. Also, the sauce itself isn't all that hot, really, you can actually still taste the chicken. However, if you're sensitive to spice better to not try it. As for the food, it's big portions and a pretty good price for the portions they give you. It's not in my neighborhood, so I'm not about to go there every week. But, if I'm in the area I'd definitely stop in for a drink or some grub.
(4)
Barrie S.
Mmmmmmm.... I can almost taste those ribs and barbecue beef brisket! This is melt in your mouth tender!! I agree with other reviews that say the service is somewhat lacking, but I'll put up with it. I'd say if you think that Carson's is good - don't try this.
(3)
Dale H.
Went here after a long night of drinking at a fundraiser, we were looking for some good bar food to fill our stomachs with something other than beer and wine. They were about to close the kitchen when we got there, but kept it open long enough to get our orders in. Brisket topped nachos and wings were the meals we had and they were outstanding! Atmosphere was nice, service was great. I would like to go back many times!
(4)
Sara B.
Love Joe K's review from 9/6/10. Was exactly our experience as well. We were seated between two tables of 6 and as a 2-top (not ordering alcohol) we were served as an afterthought. Our waitress was clearly having a bad night and taking it out on us. Urgh. Food was only so so. There are better places to eat at in the neighborhood.
(2)
Pamela C.
They've discontinued the onion loaf!? My all time fave! I have to take away a star.
(3)
Joshua M.
Wow this place certainly runs the gambit when it comes to reviews! I however will not be swayed, despite seeing the potential for JM to slip into the typical subpar crap sports bar formula I am sadly all too familiar with. Yes, the TVs are pretty small in comparison to most places that sport at least 50" monitors everywhere you look. That's okay by me, I could truly car less about any sport. That being said I wouldn't necessarily sing it's praise over the decor or ambiance, about all I remember about it is it was dark and not super crowded on a Sunday night. What I will get excited about is a burger that actually comes out medium and tastes good, chili cheese fries, and a server that makes sure I am never wanting for a pepsi. I realize all of this might have been an anomaly, but I would definitely go back and give it another shot.
(4)
Ray F.
We will never go here again; the service we received was awful. We were seated for over 10 minutes before the waiter took our drink orders. 10 minutes passed before we receive the drinks. He took our food order and received dinner over 20 minutes later. The manager was kind about my complaints and made up for it, but bad service in that part of Chicago is unacceptable.
(2)
Eddy C.
Hey Jake/Mr. Melnick, If you're going to have TV's in your bar/restaurant because you're hoping to attract some sports fans, then you should do it the right way and not put any rinky dink 30" TV's. I mean -- we're already paying for your overpriced food (when I shell out $13.95 for a combo platter, I expect it to feed more than just one person) and drinks ($6 for a pint of Guinness? Seriously?) and craning our necks to watch a game that we can't really hear because the table next to us is playing some stupid drinking game that involves pounding your fists on the table while wearing a fireman's helmet. So come on. Nothing smaller than 42", ok? Much obliged, Eddy
(2)
Rocky B.
Pretty cool bar. I like the fact that they have high top tables in the bar that seat about 12 people. Great place to bring a group. It's ail dark woods and they also have a nice cozy fireplace which was an added plus considering the temp outside. A few of us Yelpers/Hot Heads ventured out to test out the famous HOT Wings. Yep, we had to sign a waiver first and the table got a bell for any wimps to ring if the heat got too out of control for them. ;) The wings were actually pretty good taste wise but as far as the heat I think we all agreed at the table that we have had hotter. Still it was enough to have some of the people at the table hiccuping, sweating and it was hot enough for someone at our table to have to ring "the bell". To be fair the person that rang the bell was there more for moral support but we managed to coax them into trying out a wing. It was a good time and the server even took a Polaroid of us to pin up on the Hot Wing Wall of Fame..or maybe I should say Flame. Would I go back for the HOT Wings? Sure. If anyone I knew wanted to go check them out I would go back...as I said it was a good flavor but I wouldn't say they were the spiciest wings I've ever had but it was a good attempt.
(3)
Tom K.
Great beer selection in comfortable setting. One feels like they are in the North woods somewhere rather than the Gold Coast. Friendly staff and excellent fried pickles.
(4)
William C.
Went here for lunch twice, once a year ago and once today. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Both times I had a business meeting and the environment was perfect for that. Tasty hamburgers and fries. Thanks for a delicious and enjoyable lunch, guys!
(5)
Mike K.
I read on Reuters that these guys served a chicken wing w/ Red Savina peppers and I knew I had to give these a go. If you'll allow me to get my geek on for a second, I'd like to point out that the the Red Savina pepper is the second hottest pepper known to man clocking in at an impressive 350,000-577,000 Scoville units. For the sake of comparison, your regular Tabasco sauce is at a puny 2500-5000 units. So when I read that someone was insane enough to try and make a chicken wing w/ the Red Savana pepper, I was both excited and apprehensive. I believe it was Public Enemy who said, "don't believe the hype". These wings, while tasty and indeed, hot, are not actually made w/ the Red Savina pepper. Instead, the Chicago Hot Heads (the fire eaters) have deduced the wings are actually made w/ Habaneros. Outside of that detail, the wings are amazingly good. I dare say that these are my favorite wings in all of Chicago. They're spicy but not too overbearing as to make the eating experience a lesson in torture instead of a joyous affair. The wing itself is meaty but not too unwieldy and the tangy taste is expertly blended w/ the heat. It's flat out a great wing and if you're a fan of spicy wings, you owe it to yourself to check these out. As other reviewers have pointed out, they do bring a bell for you to ring if the taste is too hot and, if your ego will allow, I suggest you ring it at the end of the meal. They bring out a shot of milk, bread, sour cream and a scoop of ice cream. Considering they don't charge you for this "service", you might as well ring the bell (lest you lose face w/ your friends) and have yourself a small dessert to finish the meal.
(4)
Mihir P.
Decent place to watch a game. Each of the TV's have signs underneath them showing which games that TV will show. Some TV's are large and others are not so your game may be shown on a crap screen. The food is OK and is typical. They do have great burgers though. The service is rushed and can be forgetful. I'd like that beer please (for the third time).
(3)
Melissa H.
They claim to have the hottest wings and you have to sign a waiver to eat them. Not only did my husband beat the record of 23 by eating 27 of them INCLUDING the HOT pepper but what do you get for eating them and beating the record? Your picture taken. He's the reigning king and we really thought we were going there for a challenge. I told him should you bother on eating more since you can handle it? He said the only left IS the record.......This is a man who walked in saying "LUCIFER is here." Bad service with the exception of when we moved in the bar area..he was good...she wasn't. She kept forgetting to do things and well I think you should "work" for your tip and at least "pretend" you like your job. It's called the service industry for a reason. Back to the wings...they bring you a bell (in case it gets too hot) and a hat but there is no prize for being able to eat these wings. The wings were good but only temperature hot. Yeah he sweat from the head and some tears came out but we still say Buffalo Wild Wings BLAZING sauce is the hottest. We are now looking into the hottest pepper which is in India and you can't get here. I had the brisket sandwich which was extremely dry. The beer was hella high at $4.00 for an MGD. Considering you can get a 6 pack for what $6.00 and a 12 pack for $9? PULEAZE..... Parking is next to none but there is valet after 5pm and when in Chicago cab or train is best and I believe the L stops close by.
(2)
Anna S.
LOVED this place. Had the firecracker wings which were amazing. Definitely the best wings I've ever had. Not only was the wing itself really good, but the sweet/spicy mango sauce was delicious! I also had the trio of pulled pork sliders which was really good, my favorite was the Georgia-delicious sauce! The fries were also really good and their $5 drink special of rum punch was pretty decent. The service was friendly and very quick, which is always a pleasant surprise. This has definitely quickly jumped to the top of my list of places to go for delicious casual food.
(5)
Jessica B.
Jake Melnick's is the place to go to for great wings, but pre-game at home. Drinks are outrageously priced, and the selection is subpar. I happen to like Fat Tire out of a can, but 8 bucks???!! Not so much. The wait staff is consistently strange. They seem preoccupied or drugged out and never seem to be around when you need them. All I can say is, if they didn't have awesome wings and half priced lunch through Four Square, I'd probably never go back. Oh, and the Four Square thing can be a real hassel too. If you have a deal, please inform your wait staff, and don't act like it's a huge inconvenience to you!
(2)
Kate M.
Went here on a Sunday for some food with the family. The name is hard to remember and pronouce....but we got here successfully and it looked like a fun place right when you walk in. The service was nice, very friendly, and made some great beer recommendations. Then, the menu. Wow, tons of options from great wings, salad, sandwiches and of course - bbq staple, the platter. I tried the 3 different mini-pulled pork sandwiches with the three different style sauces - reg bbq, carolina and georia. All were really good and the pork was delish but I really liked the carolina tangy sauce with cole slaw on top. I didn't get the fries on the side and coleslaw instead - AMAZING. It was the perfect combo of creamy and vinegar with good texture on the slaw. Love. We also got the corn bread and it comes in this little mini skillet and is so good!! Then, my mom got the platter with brisket and ribs - both good, and great carmelization and smoke on both. Overall, I would for sure recommend this to friends, for a meal, to watch a game and in the summer, to hang outside with a cold beer and some good food.
(4)
Aaron L.
4* Super Hot Wings
(4)
Sarah H.
We came here for dinner on a Wednesday, so it wasn't that crowded. The pulled pork sliders were delicious, the root beer selection was great, and the service was prompt and friendly. Also, my husband tried several of their beers and would recommend trying the Trois Pistoles demon horse beer.
(5)
AJ G.
Firecracker wings are amazing! You're a fool if you don't order them. Beer selection is amazing too, bit expensive but worth it.
(5)
Patrick N.
my wife and i had a few hours to kill in chicago while waiting to go back to st louis, and were walking around aimlessly looking for a low key place to have lunch and watch the cards cubs game. i saw the sign advertising "best wings in chicago" and knew i had found our place. jake melnick's is heart attack food for sure, but they are damn good at it. i ordered up some of the famous hot wings, and while they weren't the best i have ever had, they were very very good. we each had burgers, with mine being the real standout. it was called the smokin que burger and consisted of a bacon wrapped beef patty, pulled pork, beer battered onions, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. OMFG. this may be the best burger i have ever eaten. i do not want to know the nutrition facts on this bad boy, but it was delicous. the beer list is pretty awesome too, but i was too hungover from the night before to have any. overall, this is a great place to come to watch a game and have some good bar food and beer.
(4)
Bill J.
Outstanding craft beer menu that is constantly changing along with solid BBQ and the best wings in Chicago make this one of my favorite places in the city. Try the firecracker wings, they're not too spicy at all and have a very unique flavor. When I'm in this area I'll be heading to Jake's for a bite and a brew.
(5)
Jims L.
Never thought about stopping in here until a visiting friend recently had a craving for wings. Was so, so pleasantly surprised with their drink/beer menu. And the menu was stock full of bar favorites. Love this place!
(4)
Joe F.
This is a great place to go grab a beer and some wings. Jake's has a good selection of beer, great appetizers, and excellent burgers. The wings are amazing - spicy but still flavorful and tasty. There are plenty of TVs around so you can catch sports games. I've been here four or five times, service has always been courteous and speedy regardless of the day or time. I have even had times to stop by in between classes to get a beer or a quick bite.
(5)
Kimberly D.
We first went to Melnick's during the NCAA tournaments and have been fans ever since. The wings really are one of our favorites in Chicago and can see why and how they were voted the best of Wing Fest. We also love the fries, especially the parmesan garlic fries and the cheese fries. They offer great specials during the week for both appetizers and drinks. My favorite drink from the beer cocktail menu is the Wisconsin Sangria. Service can be hit or miss sometimes. The servers are ok but there have been occasions where the server was rude or we are catching them on a bad day because they can't even smile.
(4)
Brian P.
Fantastic selection of microbrews on tap. Happy hour was 3:30-6:00 and featured a ton of $5 appetizers. I had the BBQ pork nachos and an order of onion rings. Both were fantastic. Great atmosphere and none of the tourist trap feel of other pubs.
(5)
Mike T.
This is home to the hottest hot wings on earth. I know, I've had them. In fact, that's why I went there. These hot wings were the inspiration for a blog I started with my friend Brian. We call it Hot Shit Chicago. The wings are insane, the bartender was a lot of fun, and we ran into two randoms at the bar that did shots with us. The night was legendary. Will I go back for anything other than hot wings? Probably not, that's why the place gets 4 stars.
(4)
Chris W.
I've been here a few times with groups of people. They are great for groups, and always make it a fun experience. Their Bacon Cheeseburger is always good, and sometimes I'll go out of my way to get it. Crisp thick bacon, as well as a really great bun, and a thick and juicy burger. Even the fries are delicious. They have a large drink menu as well, with some of the usual appetizers.
(4)
Michelle G.
I am always impressed with the staff, food, and drinks at Jakes! The wing special in July was PB & Jelly wings which were awesome! But the firecracker ones are always my favorite. Ashley was my bartender and was able to suggest new and interesting beers based on my previous likes. She is very knowledgable about each drink or beer and was always running around to make sure all of her customers were happy. I wish all bartenders were as attentive and informational as well as she was! I love coming to Jakes and plan on returning frequently!
(5)
Harold S.
Walked around the downtown area and everybody was full for lunch except this place. That should have been my first clue. The restaurant was out of a couple of items on the menu and it took near an hour to get my sandwich. I should remember my own rule "eat where the locals eat"
(2)
Mary C.
So I have read a lot about the rudeness of the servers from other reviews and I have to say..... they really are. With the exception of the one who sat us. I seriously couldn't believe it. Not to mention the wings were not unbelievable. Good yes but seriously not what I was expecting from the signs outside. Mac n cheese was great Nachos not so much. Maybe I should have tried a burger! I'll go back again but next time it will be for their great beer selection.
(3)
Lindsey G.
I went to Jake's a couple of months ago for my birthday. We called a couple days ahead and reserved one of those awesome, long tables near the bar. There ended up being about 25ish of us on a Thursday night. I have been affectionately been referring to Jake Melnick's as Jake's for a while now, and always told everyone how it was one of my favorite everyday places downtown. The food was always good. The service was always fine. Until... This particular night, I was shocked at the level of non-hospitable service we received. Many of the party attendees work in luxury hospitality venues in management positions in Chicago. I am the first to admit, we were not expecting luxury service, however at the bare minimum were expecting non-rude service. To keep the story short, our server was rude, unappreciative of the $1,000+ in revenue we brought in on a fairly slow night in January. We got eye-rolling, unanswered questions, and bills with an undeserved amount of gratuity added. And, at the end of the day, I think when it is someone's birthday and they bring all of these people to a bar, the "nice" thing to do would be to offer to buy a drink for the bday girl... but apparently I am on my own with that thought. I will go back to Jake's again, but next time, I am hoping to not feel like I am annoying our server with business.
(3)
Sara O.
I've been here a number of times, usually with a large group of people with the intent of having drinks & dinner. Tonight we went and it was by far the worst experience I have ever had here, enough to not want to come back. The waiter was slow, unresponsive, got our orders wrong, forgot things, had to be asked multiple times for items and left us waiting for 20 minutes to get our check. He was a friendly guy but that doesn't make up for such piss poor service. Since there were more than 6 of us, they added the 18% gratuity to the bill. I wrote a note on there that we didn't want to pay the whole 18% because it wasn't deserved. The waiter took issue with that of course, brought us to talk to a supposed manager who then simply tried to back him up on it instead of fixing the situation. We explained our annoyance and left after receiving no good explanation, apology or anything of the sort. I definitely will not be returning here and I strongly recommend against it. ------ *** Update: I sent in an email on the website for the company, received a reply from the General Manager of JM's. He was very nice about the whole thing and behaved as a manager should when a customer is disappointed! They get an extra star for that.
(2)
Mike R.
I had to try the "famous" wings and had to say they were just OK. I didn't get the real spicy ones, just the traditional and I didn't feel like it met my expectations. Although I have to admit, the other menu selections looked amazing and I would come back to try some of their BBQ and burgers.
(3)
Megan R.
Went for the first time and I could not be more pleased! Not only was every employee attentive and friendly but the food was amazing. The award winning poncho wings are a must! Just ask staff for their favorite beer choices and you are set!
(5)
Eric P.
This is a really tough review to write, because my friend used to work for Levy Restaurants, the ownership company who runs Melnick's. Mike, if you read this, I'm sorry. Jake Melnick's was very average. I had the ribs, since Melnick's is supposed to be known for their ribs. They were overcooked and unremarkable. The mashed potatoes were hard, not at all creamy, and looked like they came out of a plastic tub. The service was very poor, which was surprising because I was with my friend who knew the staff. I thought they would take care of us because my friend was part of the same company, but apparently not. Based on the other reviews I've seen, it looks like my experience was not a fluke.
(2)
Liz P.
The few times I've been to Jake's, I left stuffed to the brim and totally satisfied at the quality of my meal. The burgers are HUGE and definitely cure any pangs for a big, meaty hunk of meat. I got a mushroom swiss burger and the mushrooms were falling all over the place--they definitely don't skimp on toppings here. And the fries are great and plentiful, I've never been able to finish all of them. Another time I got their pulled pork sandwich with some good old BBQ and it was AWESOME. Definitely soothed my desire for some savory barbecue. If you're looking for some good quality "American" cuisine, go here.
(4)
A.J. M.
I've enjoyed Melnick's when I've eaten there, and I haven't even had the wings. The burgers, in my opinion, are incredibly good. It's the perfect burger when you are in the mood for something like that. The fries were tasty as well. The beer is a tad pricey, but I can get over it when I realize how amazingly the beer compliments the burger.
(4)
c d.
5 star wings!! Good food, good beer. Kids love it too.
(3)
Misi P.
Holy Happy Hour! I always want to call it Jake Melnicki's, so I think they ought to change the name, strictly on my accord. Headed over last night for happy hour with the coworkers which turned into dinner hour. The pints are reasonable...$5.50 for a Blue Moon isn't GREAT but it's not horrible either. This really turned into a work bitch session, like any good happy hour should, but our tempers were tempered by the massive colon-clogging burgers they serve. Thank God I had been eating beans all week. Otherwise I might have needed a sigmoidoscopy on the spot. I did get some avocado (which comes readily available to put on anything) to up the nutritional value, at least. Melnick's at happy hour makes you ready for bed at 8pm. And that's a good thing.
(4)
Chris C.
Probably the worst service and overall attitude I've seen in my life. Hostess was rude, mean and did not care to be helpful in any matter whatsoever.
(1)
Meg L.
I love Jake's! It's a refreshing location in the neighborhood because it isn't too expensive or full of stuffies. We especially love Jake's for their awesome beer selection. They even have different specials every day of the week. The food is good too. I'm a vegetarian and they have a really great veggie burger. I've heard the turkey burger is great too, and the wings of course. The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly. I've loved every waiter I've had.
(5)
Tony M.
Jake's has pretty good food and a great student discount.
(4)
Susan S.
We always have a great time at Jake Melnick's. Someone usually orders some XXX wings and tears are shed. But we all have a good laugh about it over one of the many beers from their extensive beer and beer cocktail menu. My favorite are the buffalo fries!
(4)
Jerry M.
I tend to look down on places that charge $4.50 for a Bud Light. If that is expensive, how much is the stuff that I actually get, which are more of high end beers? Service is great. Meals are HUGE. I'm tempted to try the onion ring loaf but didn't. Fries are the best! But $4.50 for a bud light? Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy?
(3)
Kyle H.
My favorite bar food in Chicago! Good beer selection and I have yet to have a bad experience here. Nachos are great, the topping to chip ratio is awesome, and the half order is too much for two people. The burgers are great and the fresh cut fries are delicious. Prices are reasonable especially for the quality. Any Cleveland people in Chicago will appreciate the Great lakes beer selection too.
(5)
Tom E.
Northwoods decor, nice outdoor seating, and great indoor veranda (sidewalk) seating. Good quality meat, but the pulled pork sandwich had no smoke flavor whatsoever and a little too much barbecue sauce. Fries were good, but a little dry. Contrary to some of the other reviews, the service was just fine (early lunch time).
(2)
Samantha V.
Service is great! The beers are expensive but I had the special - $5 bloody Marys and left a happy girl. Enough tv's and decent food for any game!
(4)
Anna L.
Beef brisket on the tough and dry side. Weird that I can get better BBQ in NorCal. But portions are ample and prices are reasonable.
(2)
Laura M.
Stopped here on a Monday afternoon over lunch, so it was pretty quiet. The server was sweet and while it did take a bit for the food (about a half hour), it was worth it. The waitress accommodated our request to have a smaller portion of the specialty macaroni and cheese with chili (and a chili cheese Frito crust!), and only charged us $2.95 instead of the typical $8 for it, which was such a nice surprise! We didn't try the famous 'Best of Chicago' wings, but the pulled pork and mac and cheese would bring us back. Humble, but tasty food, and friendly service.
(4)
Tom S.
I ordered the Que burger and bloody mary wings (all drummettes). I am very happy about the wings but the Que burger is not that great. The wings have a nice little spice but not over powering. They were moist inside and crispy on the outside. Previously, I ordered Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne wings, which were good too, but the bloody mary were better. Definitely recommend. The Que burger is another story. It has pulled pork, cheese, and fried onion rings on top with bbq sauce. Even though there was bbq sauce on top it was still a dry burger that turned into a mushy burger. No crunch at all. Dark, too rich flavors. I will not order it again.
(3)
Jake M.
Originally, my fiance and I were stumbling around decently tipsy and came across this place. She wanted to go in due to the closeness between names and it looked like a cool joint. The first night we went was strictly beers although I was very tempted to buy food with the free smells. The beer menu is quite good and I always enjoy a menu that has my Two Bros beers on it. The bartenders were very personable that night and fun to be around and they kept up with a full bar and restaurant. The 2nd time I had to come back with a buddy and go straight savage on some food. After some research, I saw that they won the awards for the firecracker and we love hot, so we tried those and ponchos garlic. Ponchos was pretty good stuff, not really my style but good taste nonetheless. The hot reminded me of hooters hot wings but just better quality and delivery. The firecracker is where it's at. I normally am not a big fan of sweet type wings but these are a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Normally it's just sweet and no spice ...these nail that. As for service, the waitress was phenomenal. She was attentive without being overly pushy and you could see her looking over and checking our glasses. The place was decently packed too. One thing I also noticed about the place, which may cause the waits, is that tables aren't crammed together. It seems like there is a lot of space and room to maneuver when you've held the seal a little too long and need to make a mad dash. We also got the chili cheese fries which were very good as well, however not recommended if you are taking the train out to Joliet! Now the 3rd time is what sealed the 5 rating for me. We stopped by and met some friends on St Pats. It was primetime, 2pm and it was packed solid. We waited a while for a table but it was exactly what they said it would be for the wait. The bartenders were HUSTLING and doing their ultimate to get to people. I know when I went up there to get a round I didn't wait too long to get served. My fiance that day got the pulled pork and it was very good and again the wings were awesome as before. Everyone enjoyed their food and we got the food pretty quick for it being a crazy day. All in all, this is my favorite place in Chicago for drinks and grub, right now. Actually, I think I might take the train tomorrow and grab some wings. Sounds like a plan!
(5)
chewy c.
didn't eat here, just met friends for after dinner drinks. extensive beer selection, which is great when you're in the mood to try something new. almost all of the beers on tap were $6.50. an easy place to hang out--plenty of seating was available when we went at 9pm on a saturday night.
(4)
Francine P.
Try the black and black beer cocktail and others :) The food is yummy, service is great and they have tons of beer on tap and bottle selection. I've eaten the flat bread, the wings, apps, bbq, etc. All very yummy. I really have no complaints and the prices are very decent!
(5)
Ryan H.
If you like tasteless, and overpriced food in a mediocre setting. Go to Jake's. Otherwise stay away. A hot dog meal, buffalo chicken meal, and two beers set us back $45. I would have rather gone to McDonald's...seriously. I wish I could give ZERO stars.
(1)
Rob C.
I went to Jake Melnick's last night with a bud after atending a talk at Loyola's Water Towner campus because it was late and wasn't sure where else to get a bite to eat. The place is an okay bar with typical bar comfort food. It has a nice warm feel to the place but I wouldn't go here for dinner just drinks with friends. I ordered the spinach and artichoke flat bread pizza but for $10 it was more like the size of an appetizer. Also the service wasn't the best. When the waiter brought out my food he didn't even give me any silverware or any napkins! Once he served the food he never came by the table to seee if we needed anything else so it seemed like we had to keep looking for him if we needed anything. Overall, I'd describe this place as a typical Lincoln Park sports bar in the middle of River North. Good place for drinks with friends and comfort bar food but skip this place for dinner.
(2)
Kelly B.
Jake's is a great place to go if you are in the neighborhood and what to grab a drink. The service is friendly and there is usually always seating. Plus they have a patio which is nice. Their food isn't all that great but if you just want a burger and fries it's OK.
(3)
lesley s.
I've only been here a few times and nothing sticks out in my memory as wonderful or not wonderful. We recently had a group party at Jake's and they put us in their enclosed patio, right by the fireplace, which I loved. The food was good but not out of this world and the pitchers of beer kept coming, so I really had nothing to complain about. I'll come back on my own and order an actual meal, rather than eating an entire basket of popcorn shrimp like last time.
(3)
Bryan K.
I loved the atmosphere and I enjoyed the hell out of my burger. Fantastic selection of beer and great service.
(5)
Paul C.
If you're in the Streeterville/River North area the options for sports bars are minimal. So when you're in this hood and looking for a chill place to watch a game, Melnick's wins by default. The burgers are quite good and the beer selection is on par with any good sports bar. It's more expensive than it needs to be, but so is the neighborhood. At the end of the day, if you're looking to watch a game and this hood is your wheelhouse, you can't go wrong with Melnick's.
(3)
e e.
i really enjoyed this place- simply good food. and the waitresses are always friendly! outdoor seating when its nice... seemed like a good bar to catch a game with a large group of friends chicken sandwiches + fries = some of the best ive had in the city!
(4)
James D.
I've been going to this bar/restaurant since it opened. Unfortunately, I'm still working on my beer card to get my name on the wall. If you're looking to get some food, the Jake's Burger is good (served on Ciabatta Bread). There are plenty of televisions if you're looking to watch a game... If you're looking for outdoor seating there are two sections. Service can be spotty outside, but just plan ahead (by ordering multiple beers) in the event of a poor server.
(4)
Frank G.
This was the first bar/restaurant I ever went to in Chicago and after many more it is still my favorite and still my first stop on every visit. The beer selection is great.......far better than many downtown bars. The food is always good and the ambiance is great. Nothing more welcoming than walking into Jake's on a winter day and smelling the wood burning fire. Great place, highly recommend!
(4)
Kandace K.
I went here with some co-workers and clients and it's a good spot. The staff was super nice and the food was yummy. Bar food rocks! Its near some of the nicer hotels in Chicago so the area is nice & clean.
(4)
Joseph O.
This the first place I frequented on my business trip to Chicago. I had the fried pickles and a burger for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and even though I didn't try the award winning hot wings, I would definitely go for the food again. What I really enjoyed about the evening was that it was mystery beer night. For four dollars, the bartender would serve you a new mystery beer for each order. All the beers turned out to be high-end craft brews, some local, some from the east and west coasts. I would highly recommend to anyone staying in the local area.
(4)
M H.
It doesn't take long for me to hear the magic words "Meet you at Jake's" The beer list extensive, the cocktail list is inventive (and dare I say inspiring) and the wings are damn good. Everyone I've worked with at Jake's has been a great. It's more than a sports bar while not missing the point of what a real good watering hole should be. Go order a beer you've never tried and get anything from a hearty burger and onion slab to a light asian chicken salad, both are amazing, period.
(5)
Alison T.
If you look on my profile you will see I pretty much only write reviews when a place is fantastic but this one was bad enough to put on here. I sat down and waited about 15min, no sign of a waitress. She finally came out to bring water to a group that came after I did. When she walked by I had to ask her if I could get water and a menu. I ordered the club sandwich and the only good thing about the meal was the fries. The sandwich really sucked. They forgot the bacon and the avacado so it became a turkey sandwich with extra bread. I waited for the bill for about 20 min and I finally gave up and went inside to the bar. The waiter standing there just replied "well I am not your server". Um I am holding the bill and my credit card, get your lazy butt back there and ring me up buddy! Terrible service, food was weak and they forgot everything good on my sandwich anyway. I would never return to this place. It really is a shame because Chicago is the best city for good food and Ide hate to think a tourist would miss out on somewhere good by wasting their time with this place. The only plus was the nice outside seating area.
(1)
Katie S.
We happened upon Jake's as we were wandering the streets looking for a casual dinner option. Jake's is a typical sports bar, but the waitress was really nice and the food was good. I had a chicken sandwich with grilled mushrooms and onions with a decent size portion of fries...it was yummy. My friend had a black & blue burger. They cooked it exactly to her liking. A nice place, but I wouldn't run out to go there again.
(3)
Adam V.
Good service. Overpriced drinks. Well below average food.
(1)
Joe T.
Food not bad but had to wait an hour for a pickup! In a hurry,,,best go elsewhere...
(1)
Kimberly F.
I went here on a Saturday night and it wasn't really that busy. I had already eaten so I can't vouch for the food, aside from the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet thing, which is nothing short of amazing, by the way. Had the service been a bit better and had I not waited nearly 15 minutes for a refill on my Diet Coke (or was it Pepsi?), I'd give 4 stars. It was conducive to conversation all that, so I'll definitely give it another shot, and try the food next time. Oh, and the fact that have beers ranging from Matilda to PBR makes it awesome. I wish I could give half stars...I'd give it a 3.5 for now.
(3)
Robert S.
Cool neighborhood place, great selection of beers from various places around the world. My favorite time to go there is for Sunday brunch: their omelettes are fantastic, and they have great French toast, too. Tried it on a weekday for lunch: just sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs (with a fancy name): not my kind of food. Got a decent cobb salad, though.
(3)
Rob L.
So I came here for the challenge of the over the top wings. I met fellow hot heads Liz S, Rocky B and hubby and hubby's coworker, Lori L, (let it be known that she is not a hot head), and Mike K. It is a lot of wood all over the place, a large bar, our server was friendly as well. Not a bad menu, we did try a good portion of it with our wings. I will say this, the Parmesan fries totally kick some bleeping butt! Fries tosses in mounds of parm and garlic and herbs.... I would eat an entire basket of them, however I think I would have a fight on my hands if I came here with friends and tried that. Nachos which were a very large platter of goodness, onion loaf, tortilla soup, (nice flavor, but a little cool and watery), and I had the chopped oriental chicken salad. Now my salad had a lot of lettuce and good flavor... however it would be nice if it had a little more chicken, mine seemed to lack a whole lot of it. The over the top wings... the true reason why we came here. I was impressed with the size, a lot bigger than I would have expected. The heat? About an 8. It had some really good heat, some really good flavor, but nothing I would cry home about. However Lori had a quick bite and was quickly asking for some of the relief plates, milk, oranges, ice cream and bread. As I said, not a hot head. I think this is a fun place to share some drinks and food with friends and if I was downtown I would stop by a little more often, but I'm rarely downtown. This is a solid bar option but not amazing bar.
(3)
Lindsay A.
I liked this place. I was in town for business and wanted to watch some football and get some work done. It wasn't too crowded, but full, which was a good setting for me since I was trying to have fun but also get work done. Service was decent, good beer and bloody Mary bar. All I had to eat was mozzerella sticks, they were good, sandard. If I'm in this neighborhood again, I'll be back!
(3)
Mike H.
Great beer, great food, great bartenders, great TV's, and great prices, every time I'm in town I head to the Corner Tap!
(5)
Ria A.
We tried this place last Sunday with a large group and the servers were extremely nice and accomodating. We didn't even ask for separate checks but they gave separate checks to all of us (10+ checks). The place was a large, lively place that had a big menu to choose from. I was in the mood for a veggie burger and it came out pretty tasty. Grilled zuchinis on top and mozarella curds inside the patty. I topped it off with an avocado and had a side of parmesan fries. All in all a pretty tasty veggie burger and a pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Hello S.
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! I think this is a common trend here. If you can get someone to serve you, do not expect refills, condiments, to be asked if everything is okay, etc. Melnicks is a sports bar. Yeah its overpriced, but it has to be based on the location so fine, $8 fries. The food is average at best, which I think I'm being nice about, but there is so much really good bar food within a few blocks that I'm not sure why I even bothered going back here a few times. Go to Dublin's. Anything on Division. Pizza at Pizanos. ANYTHING!!!
(1)
Carson H.
Jake's serves one of the best dirty martinis in the city. Why is Chicago the only city that doesn't look at you cross eyed when you order one with blue cheese olives?? Doesn't everywhere carry them?
(4)
Martin J.
i have had a couple good experiences, and couple ok, and one eh. overall, i like the food and the team is pretty cool too. i'm a huge fan of the mystery beer nights; the wings are ok; the burger with pulled pork, and topped with bbq sauce has me wrapped around it's pinky.
(3)
Nelson S.
Stopped in here on a Monday night with a friend. Both of us were pretty hungry. They had 1/2 priced Rogue 22oz beers, that's pretty awesome. My experience with the food was very mixed. We ordered the app combo that had Poncho & Buffalo wings, nachos, & fried pickles. I really liked the Poncho wings, they are grilled with garlic & cayenne, very good! Buffalo wings were good too but the Poncho wings stood out. Nachos, eh, fried pickles, good. I ordered half rack ribs as my entree. It was not good. It was as if it was leftover precooked ribs from the weekend, refrigerated, then put back on the grill prior to serving. No amount of sauce on the ribs is going to mask the hard stale ribs where parts were crunchy. I should have sent it back but I just dealt with it. My friend had the pulled pork and had a better experience. Service was good, our waitress was pretty cute and nice. I would recommend sticking with the wings at this place.
(2)
Jean Z.
ive been here several times for happy hour, but never for a meal. when you have one dollar happy hour food items its kinda hard to say no. it seems now they're serving this really hot pepper spiced wings and they're giving a special alarm bell on the side to cure you from the burn wonder where they'll be the next morning ahem.
(5)
R F.
Unfortunately, I don't have much to comment on as I have only been here one time. I came specifically for the newsworthy "over the top" hot wings that people have been buzzing about. I can eat some hot sh!t so I was excited, but a bit nervous considering some of the reviews on metromix, etc. I have been searching for a great tasting, uncomfortably hot wing for a few years now, finding nothing even remotely close to what I was looking for....that is, until now. Lets be clear, these wings are not for everyone....in fact they are not for most. But for the few that this type of things cater to, you will not be disappointed. The flavor is great, and the heat is absurd, yet manageable if you can take this kind of stuff. For the record, I ate all 10 and did not ring the bell. Wish I had that bell the next day however.... :)
(5)
Leslie G.
I live right down the street so I have stopped in here a few times for a few drinks and enjoyed the place! I liked the food and I here the hot wings are amazing! great place to stop in for a little while, but also a good place to remain for the entirety of your night! Either way, this is a fun place!
(4)
Kim P.
I agree with Chevy, they are really pricey but the portions are hefty. I've had the spinach artichoke dip and loved it. They didn't skimp on the chokes which was nice. The cheese fries totally rock and I love the mini pizza/ flatbreads. Service was great, we had a fun waiter that sat in the booth with us and chewed the fat. So if you don't mind the price it's a cool place to go.
(3)
Garett N.
Relatively inexpensive bar food, pretty decent beer prices, and the large TV screens make this a great sports bar to check out. I've been here twice and they've always been accomodating in turning one of the TVs to show the Red Sox game. They also often have great drink specials, so be on a lookout for that.
(4)
marisa s.
jake melnick's is a quality corner bar downtown. they have great beers on tap (312, hiiiii) and a variety of rando bottled beers as well. what really gets me here is the bar food that is not bar food. i have probably tried close to everything here, since it's right down the street from my old place. here what's good: the grilled artichoke - comes with some mustard-dill dipping sauce, so good uh uh the buffalo chicken sandwich - grilled w/bleu cheese the pancho wings - made simple with spices and garlic, squeeze some lemon on them and you'll be in love the garbage salad - chopped with chick peas, salami, artichoke, cheese and moreeee the parmesan fries - hellooooo need i say more?
(4)
MJ d.
It's a good place to watch Michigan Football (I guess it's a "Michigan bar?") Decent, basic bar food, and There aren't a lot of pretentious people. Works for me!
(4)
Andrew T.
Good chili cheese fries (it's a huge plate) and wings. I had a cobb salad which was fine, just didn't seem to be a great value at 10.95... The bar area has bar seating, tables and a huge table smack in the middle that you can share with other parties.
(3)
Amy J.
Pretty good time! Went here after class with my classmates and my professor for beer at the end of the quarter. It's a really fun environment, definitely a Loyola hotspot. I didn't eat here so I can't tell you about that, but we got pitchers of beer and there are plenty of tables and good service. Good time.
(4)
Amy D.
My boyfriend currently got relocated to the River North area and I am stuck in a tourist trap, desperately trying to find some light at the the end of the tunnel with original affordable restaurants. Decided to try this place out. Sandwiches were good, drinks were cheap, and their garlic fries are to die for. What's not to like?
(4)
Annonymous C.
The veggie burger is good. But beyond that I was deeply dissatisfied with my last visit. I went with a large lunch group for my going away party. We had been there with large groups before, so I wasn't concerned that I brought my debit card. After waiting 45 minutes for our food and another 45 for our check, everyone paid with cash except me and one other person. He brought back the receipt for my coworker, but walked away without giving me mine back. Then after another 10 minutes he brought me mine. The kicker was when I logged into my banking the next day and found that not only was I charged for my amount, but I was charged for the entire table's amount also. When I got a hold of the management, I was told it was an authorization to account for the whole table. I'm no dummy, I know you cannot authorize my account for the entire table if you received cash. Despite the food is decent, that headache will cause me to never go back. Oh, and management didn't even say sorry.
(2)
David E.
The manage "Alex" introduced himself to me the other day..(not even knowing iam a yelper) I wish I would have said to him Alex I love Jake's Especially the food. (The food is great no doubt about it) But what I hate about Jake's is they have this neon sign in the window that clearly states "OPEN UNTIL 2AM" This is/was never true. Yes I totally hate them for that and my dear friend alex...I will send people down the street to the other bar sometimes just for that reason....I was there today and I strolled in at 11:24 p.m and the bartender says "I just called last call" but I will give you "one" bottle. So she gets me the bottle 15min later they announce the bar is closed even one bar patron said "I thought they were kidding when they said they were closing" So alex Iam sending them to pippins until you stay open later...
(3)
Patrick W.
A bit pricy because it's downtown, but I found the food to be a bit better than bar food usually is. I had the BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, which was great. They had real sliced brisket cooked on site, as opposed to pulled, chipped beef which usually is pre-cooked and re-heated. The fries were outstanding. Our server was pretty good, very friendly and kept our drinks topped off. There are a fair number of tourists here, but given the location, it's not as bad as other locations nearby. My only complaint was that the beers and sandwiches were, as I said, pricy, but I imagine if the place were in any other neighborhood but downtown, everything would be a dollar to two dollars less. Great food, great beer selection; and very cozy- a good place to relax and have a meal when doing some downtown shopping. I heard they used to have some kind of a massive cheeseburger here that entitled you to some kind of great honor if you could finish the whole thing. I forgot to ask when I was there- does anyone know if this still exists?
(4)
Bella D.
Nice staff! : ) and good appetizers and beer! : ) great place for afterwork socials. loved going there w/ a bunch of elementary school teachers to unwind from a days w/ cool but a handful of : ) kiddies : )
(4)
Kristen D.
This place has a decent selection of beer, but the prices, crowd and temperment of the staff make me hesitant to go back another time. Overall, it's probably as good as you're going to get in the neighborhood, but still not great. I recommend eating elsewhere, as it's overpriced and not that good.
(3)
Monica J.
This is definitely a great neighborhood bar (esp in the summer) when outdoor seating is open. Came for a casual dinner with some girl friends one evening and it turned out to be a great time. The food itself was not that great..but will def be back to just chill and drink...they've got happy hour specials mon thru saturday...
(3)
Eddie O.
Jake Melnick's is probably my favorite sports bar in the city. As many of the reviews say they do have a great brunch, but I've enjoyed many nights of drinks here as well. It's never overly crowded and is much more sophisticated than the sports bars in LP.
(4)
Ramon R.
Great place to go for brunch after visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Go with anything that has red meat in it. This place has the best red meat, hands down.
(5)
Emily N.
Not bad, but not great. I've heard they have a good brunch so I'd like to check that out, but I usually stick to drinks only here. The food is just OK. Nothing special.
(3)
Geoff M.
The essence of the Mag Mile tourist bar...pricey, mediocre, and without a unique characteristic. I certainly don't mind watching a few sports games here as TVs are plentiful, but have several other places I'd rather stop by first. The food is fair, but not for the money.
(2)
Will M.
food/service/atmosphere are weak. it's not terrible, but just sorta lame.
(2)
Sean D.
I stopped by here during one of the most frigid, windy, and snowy days in my recent Chicago memory. The bar was clean, but not busy due to the weather, and the service was mostly attentive. They have a great selection of beers on tap and the bartenders are cool. I gave the Super Spicy Wings a try and was not disappointed. I passed on the fireman's cap but thoroughly enjoyed the wings. After the first few, my nose started running and eyes watering. You eventually reach a calming warm sensations in your mouth and you cannot stop eating them. I don't think I would eat an entire order in one sitting again but I absolutely loved the challenge! I would definitely return for more!
(4)
A P.
When you're looking for good ol' comfort food- you can't go wrong with Jake Melnick's! Come to find out the beer selection is one of the best in the city- I was just there over the weekend for St. Paddy's day with a bunch of my girlfriends, there was about 14 of us total and we had an awesome time! Such a fun atmosphere and we really loved our green beer! Our server was hilarious and his reccomendations were right on. Can't wait to visit again, I am definitely going to try some XXX wings next time!
(5)
Yvette C.
I was pumped to come here, what a let down. Heard you had to sign a waiver for the HOT wings, which we didn't even sign. Also heard "They give you bell to ring and fireman's cap. If you can't take the heat, you ring the bell and they bring you packets of sugar and plate with some vanilla ice cream, bread, sour cream, and a shot of milk" but we never saw that either. Granted we had a group of 14 but our service was horrible, maybe it was because he was guaranteed a decent tip! We all ordered and I guess they forgot about mine since I had to ask our server about it after everyone else was served. To say the least I was not impressed and don't see myself coming back here anytime soon.
(1)
Zach T.
A friend and I went for the sole purpose of trying the Madness Burger. No, not Madness as in Randy Macho Man Savage, but as in some manner of basketball tournament that takes place in March. At any rate, the Madness Burger is a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg served between 2 grilled cheeses instead of a bun. It's served with Fries and Miller lite for $9.99 during March Madness. The burger itself was good. The cheese was pepper jack on the burger, which was garnished with lettuce, Tomato and mayo. The one grilled cheese was cheddar, the other American. The execution on the grilled cheeses could have been better as they were on like Wonder bread, and didn't make a very good bun for the burger. It fell apart way too quickly, and let me tell you how sticky melted American gets. I will definitely go back to Melnick's. The rest of the menu looks right up my alley and the BBQ smell in there was excellent. The rest of the menu didn't look to be as good a deal as the Madness burger, but not exorbitant, either. MADNESS! OOH YEEAH!
(4)
Chitown F.
I must say that these are some great wings. A friend and I are wing fanatics and had to try the "hottest wings" in Chicago. This would be where I say they aren' t that hot....However, they are. They are the hottest wings I have ever had. It was ridiculous!! We finished them in a state of euphoria. They are so hot that you become out of it because of the intensity. It seriously ruined my night and the following day!! I paid for what I ordered. The bar is pretty nice, and does have a good beer menu. A pretty good place, hottest but not the best wings. Buffalo Joes in Evanston still has my vote for best wings.
(4)
Bob F.
These are the best wings in Chicago, hands down. If you are a fan of hot wings, this is the place. I recommend the Super Hot wings, made with the Red Savina pepper (2nd hottest pepper in the world!) The only negative is the price. An order of 10 Super Hot wings are $11.99. This is not too bad because the wings are so big but still a tad expensive. My other problem with them is that you can not simply order a side of fries with the wings, you have to order a basket at $5.95. Service is really hit or miss. I've had both positive and negative experiences. Last time I came in, it took me three attempts to get a side of ranch from our waiter. This 20 minutes felt like an hour when your mouth is on fire. Overall, I ignore all the negatives that exist just so I can get my wing fix. I would still highly recommend this place, just wish the prices weren't so hefty that I had to save up to go there.
(4)
Sara P.
Okay so honestly I used to HATE HATE HATE this place ... because I didnt care for the crowd, the pricing, and the food. Now I am in love for two simple reasons: 1. A block from home 2. A bloody mary do-it-yourself Lets just be clear, the food is not even close to great and often if you are looking for quality I would tell you to run the other direction. If you are going to do this restaurant right, do it with friends for sports with burgers and enjoy the bloodys. The great thing about a do-it-yourself is that you get tons of different toppings and you get to explore the complex world of a perfect drink ... the second one always tastes better than the first ... the pickles kick ass and actually the staff is not too bad. Last time I was in I overheard the best fat midwestern family take on Lent and giving up television ... well not all television ... you should get to watch an hour or two a night ... haha. Yeah, so perhaps it isnt the place you go to meet that hot man of your dreams and get a perfectly prepared meal ... but after a few bloodys and some good laughs with friends you do not remember you are in the snobbishly self absorbed gold coast area and start to have a great time.
(4)
Leang E.
I love the fact the Late Night food menu is the same as Happy Hour. My friends were starved, while I had eaten all day, so we had to get their stomachs filled. We were seated pretty quick as it's a pretty spacious bar. I was sad to see that the chalkboard of the Final Four had a special order of Hot dogs tied to each team that you could order, and the MSU dog had the least. Though we were the underdogs that day, we did beat University of Connecticut. Go MSU! I did order the wings here, though they offered 3-way on the menu and there are only 2 options but the combination is the 3rd. The combination has a spicy one and the other is grilled. Both were pretty damn tasty. The mozarella sticks were pretty good, and everyone seemed to enjoyed the flatbread that they ordered. What really stood out for us was that our waiter was very awesome. He made sure that we were able to certain items on the menu and was helpful with recommendations. He was also very patient and hooked us up with a small gift card for a $5 to come back to redeem. I wonder if it has anything to do with my friends and I coming in with suits at 11pm on a Saturday night...
(4)
Johnny T.
This place is much like USA soccer twenty years ago.
(3)
liz d.
Came here the other night, pretty dead, but with a great band. The service? Horrid. There was 6 of us that sat down at a table. We had to literally wave someone down for drinks, food, and bill. While waiting for him to come get my card to run for the bill, I just walked up and handed it to him. That bar he was leaning against must have desperately needed him. The beer selection and menu has a great selection, but it does not make up for the poor, poor service. Especially when you can see you server standing around doing nothing.
(1)
Casey M.
I went to Jake Melnick's for a little family reunion last friday night. After running about 30 minutes late, thanks to Redline train becoming express suddenly, I got there and found my family. It was rather hot in Jake's that night and being parched from the journey down I needed a drink bad. I did not see our server and now with the extreme heat of the restaurant things were getting even worse. I then was called over by my big brother to eat some of his hot wings. I thought "ok, I can wait it out a little longer." I bite into the hot wing and flames come spurting out. Man, these were hot!!! The heat came up through my nose and made my eyes water. I was crying, but the heat was soon over as I got a nice fruity taste, typical of habañero and other extreme heat chiles. As I swallowed the heat came back and my eyes went from tearing to a dry and red. Now I really needed a drink and still no server. I drank some of my brother's water, which is always a bad idea because it just spreads chile oils all around, but I needed something cool and wet. My lips were burning and I needed some more water to cool the burn. I ran to the bathroom washed my hands throughly and then splashed water on my burning face. Ouch! There was still chile oils on my hands and I became blinded, I had maced myself. I ran the water in the sink and placed my head under the facet so the water would just pour onto my burning eyes. Finally, after about 3 minute eyewash, I could see again. I dry my face and return to the table. Now I was feeling good while the peppers released endorphins. The server finally comes and a cold Urthel Hop-it is on the way. We all eat another wing and being more experienced now I take the wing in strides. They are really good. There is so much more flavor in these wings than there is heat. I later discover that they used the Bhut Jolokia chile in the wings. One of the hottest chiles in the world. The beer arrives and it's barely cold, but I need it now more than ever. The service was rather slow that evening and the restaurant was a bit warm considering they serve these hot of wings. I later order a spinach and artichoke dip and it comes relatively fast. It's good, creamy, savory and served with tortilla chips. Overall experience was Ok. Service was slow, Restaurant was hot, Hot wings were HOT and amazing, Beer was warm and Arti dip was good. I just might come back Jake's if you would just cool that place down a bit.
(3)
Katie M.
Who knew a sports bar that serves beer and wings could get a bad review? Well, this one does. My friends and I were hungover and couldn't stop talking about greasy food-burgers, fries, onion rings, the whole shebang. When we got there, we thought we were in for a good time. The prices were decent and the atmosphere was upbeat but that's where it ended. We ordered bloody marys after confirming with the waitress that there was no horseradish in them. Of course not, she promised. Interesting enough, we got our bloodys and you could see horseradish floating in them more than you could see the ice. Strike one. Next up, we ordered the spinach artichoke dip. You know, the one appetizer that is IMPOSSIBLE to screw up? Riiiight. Our appetizer came cold, with no artichokes and the overall taste was just no bueno. Strike two. Then we ordered a side salad and a burger-medium well. The burger came out rare. Before I even cut into it, I could see the blood on the bun. Yuck. We sent it back and told them it was supposed to be medium well and they reheated the old burger and brought it back out-this time it was more like med-rare. Yuck. We didn't even eat it. For a sports bar where all you do is drop food into a big fryer, this place totally missed the mark. The waitress didn't even notice that we didn't eat a damn thing. Oh well. There are plenty of other sports bars.
(1)
Donna W.
Food was good, ok for a quick casual bite to eat. Not so sure about the small water glasses given to us as a wine glass though!
(3)
Michael S.
As always, the food was excellent; we had the combo wings, half chicken and pulled pork sammich (a sandwich is something good; a sammich is something that's damn good!). I can only give 4 stars though because the service was horribly slow and inattentive.
(4)
Erica S.
Very enjoyable. Another, "woo, class is over for the semester, let's celebrate!" kind of night. We wanted somewhere with food and beer, that was near, so we chose this spot. I have to say, not bad. I had already eaten but decided that I was still kind of hungry (but really, it's because I can't not eat), so I split the burger of the month. It was called the "Challah-day" burger, and I just thought that was so adorable that I couldn't not get it. It also was kind of spicy and had onion rings on it. Also came with fries. Which is always a plus, and it was paired with a beer. I thought that was a nice special, and I enjoyed it for the price (9.95). Everyone was ok with their food, although there was a slight snafu, as someone ordered their burger medium well and it came medium rare, however, it was taken care of without complaint, and someone higher up came over to ask how the burger was cooked now. Very nice of them. Lots of beers were on special, and they weren't as expensive as I would have thought them to be, and I had a lot. I wish I had gone here when I was actually hungry, as I would have tried the pull pork, because I have a barbecue sauce obsession. Mmmm And sure, there were a lot of d-bags here, but we were sat at a table in the back and we were not really bothered by them at all. Sometimes, I think the food and specials should sometimes outweigh the clientele, especially if you're just going to hang out with a group for a specific reason. I also really liked the way it was set up-lots of open space, lots of different areas to be at. All in all, a good time was had by all, for sure.
(4)
Tomas D.
Went there based on the reviews and location and were not disappointed. The super hot wings are super hot (so please believe your waiter and not make the same mistake I made). There was en engagement party right next to us and they were crowding all over out table a bit. Jeff came by and apologized for them and asked us if we wanted to move. We weren't staying that long so we said no, so he went and bought us a round. Now that is paying attention to your customers! Great wings, great beer selection and great service. What else can you ask for? You have a valued employee in Jeff. Thanks again.
(5)
Chris P.
Went last night. Had the BBQ Burger with the pulled pork and bacon. It was excellent. Wife had the Chicken finger platter, also excellent. Enjoyed the hand cut fries and cole slaw also. Service was good. Taylor was our waitress. She had a lot of tables, but still managed to take good care of us. Floor managers also stopped by several times to check on us and fill water, drinks, etc. I have been here multiple times and have enjoyed most everything I have gotten. It is a good place to watch games, or just get some good bar food. They have decent BBQ, although with all the legitimate BBQ places springing up in Chicago it wouldn't be my first pick for BBQ specifically... One sour grape - our Mac n Cheese was not good. Tasted like plastic. They gladly took it off the bill and apologized. Not sure if it was us or if we got an off order... Either way, we will be back and can't complain about anything else.
(3)
Melanie M.
Food is always delicious, as well as the beer. The service was just OK. Almost as though they are there to only make money without any effort.
(4)
Tia M.
I am a wing fanatic and purist as well, this is my favorite wing spot in the city so far. Huge wings, good prices and great service. Don't forget to get bleu cheese, its amazing as are the sweet potato fries, cornbread, ribs and the beer selection is gigantic as well! This wing king has truly earned its crown.
(5)
GraceFord X.
Awesome wings, great french fries, amazing beer selection both on tap and bottled. Atmosphere can be crowded at times with a very mixed crowd ranging from locals to tourists. My next mission here is to try the Bloody Marys made with their own buffalo sauce.
I know what your thinking another review of a wings place only 30 mins apart? Is that all you eat? Yes, pretty much, I am a future fat ass that corodes my arteries to the let the homies know whats up! Ahhh the wings are here and they are quite large! Again I got the traditional Buffalo Wings. Im not too adventurous when it comes to wings I just like traditional Buffalo style. These wings were very good. Crispy, juicy and coated with hot sauce. However If you read my very recent Bird's Nest review I talk about how many places fail to get crafty enough with their sauce, usually just using Franks ( not a horrible thing), so therefore many have the same taste profile. Unfortunately Jake's falls into that trap, as I have tasted wings like this before. They were good but not special. If im in River North-Downtown area I would love to come back. Note: my friend who claims to be a Wings Master had the Firecracker and Poncho wings, saying they were some of the best he has ever had. But this is my review! The service was fast and attentive. I liked the atmosphere, it reminded me of Hooters but without the scantily claddness and the wings are better than Hooters. The Bulls won game one over Milwaukee as Derrick Rose, legs held together with tape and gum, looked like a capable basketball player for once. So it turned out to be a swell evening. Overall a very pleasant experience. Not the absolute best wings ive had but still pretty good along with great service and a bustling atmosphere. I will be back when im in the area.
(4)
Punit K.
Order the wings- tried the traditional buffalo, Thai chili and ponchos (grilled); Thai chili was prob the better out of all. Service was slow- took 45 minutes for wings to come out. Afterwards- ordered a carry out order of hand tossed chicken tenders- they were disgusting. Worst of all- it was all soggy due to the packaging- they put the fries on top of the chicken tender; sealed in a box = soggy meal. Their side order of cole slaw was enough for 3 bites. I've really heard great things about the place but considering the slow service; and poor carry out meal for $15- I'd say stay away. Overpriced and overhyped.
(1)
Rachel R.
Always great food, great service and smells are amazing. Went a different route and ordered the Spring Mac & Cheese. So good I want it again tomorrow. The boyfriend ordered wings that will always hit the spot just right. I love you Jake.
(5)
L L.
We came to try the firecracker and super hot habanero wings. Firecrackers were delicious--sweet, tangy and bit spicy. Super hot habaneros live up to it's name. I love hot hot hot wings --they were 5 alarm hot and quite tasty. I ate three with tears welling both eyes. My nose and mouth were afire. I also drank 4 large glasses of water to quell the burn. The remaining 5 wings were taken home to cry alone because I didn't want anyone else to see. Service is fast and attentive.
(5)
michael w.
Stopped in after Promat for a work function, vendor had the keg room reserved, nice digs and conducive to the mingle. The food I tried was actually pretty good, bbq, mac, pizza, nachos, sliders, etc. The beer was even better. The only downside I could find, paid like $6 for a Schlitz tap prior to joining the group. Really? Who charges $6 for a Schlitz tap?! Someone is missing the point of the $3 tall boy PBR's.
(4)
Carol K.
A corner bar just a few blocks away from the style and prestige of the Mag Mile? Be still my soul! I came looking for some lunch and left with a full tummy, AND a smile on my face as this place has to have some of the friendliest service in the area! I took a seat at the bar and immediately Leisha, the bartender, was welcoming me to Jake Melnicks and asking me what I wanted to drink. What I wanted was one of their many beers on tap. What I had (it was lunch people, I had to go back to work) was a club soda. But the beers are plentiful and the bartenders knowledgeable about them as well. The menu has some typical bar food but in-between the wings and the nachos are sandwiches and salads and soups, perfect for my lunchtime needs. I ordered a cup of the chili and the chopped salad. The chili came topped with sour cream, cheese and onions and I was glad I only ordered a cup as it was filling. And the salads come in two sizes- a smaller luncheon size as well as a large (did I say LARGE?) dinner portion. The veggies were fresh, and the chicken was tender. As I looked around, I made a mental note about the large number of TV's in the place as I am always on the lookout for places to check out my favorite game. And I also liked that there is an outdoor patio area to enjoy when our Chicago weather cooperates. Not fancy, more of a "northwoods" feel with the rustic nature of the place. But I liked that just fine. If I wanted finery- that exists a few blocks to the east. You can bet I'll be back!
(4)
Matt K.
Our waiter was the only reason I did not give them a perfect 5 stars. We went on Saturday night of Labor Day weekend so it was expected to be busy. The waiter struggled to meet with our table quickly and we ran out of drinks. The food was phenomenal. I got their Octoberfest burger and was surprised at how great it was. My wife tried the bbq pork sandwich which tasted excellent as well. Highly recommend going.
(4)
Stephen M.
Dear sweet baby Jesus, this place is amazing. I'm a bit of a wings connoisseur, so in every city I travel to, I am on a hunt for the best wings. This place did not disappoint. We tried the Firecracker, Cherry Bomb, Pancho and Buffalo wings. Went bone-in for most of them because that's my go-to, but got an order of firecracker in boneless. I usually don't go for the boneless because it always seems to be mostly breeding. Not the case here. It was like a huge chunk of meat lightly breaded and then covered in one of the greatest flavors I have experienced. Wow. It was like a spicy tangy sweet Asian sauce. So good. The Pancho is equally incredible. It's like a smoked wing that has just the right amount of kick. More of a dry wing, but still full of flavor. Their blue cheese is insane. The ranch is also good. As a sauce guy this is very important to me. Both get 5 stars. As far as apps go, we got the BBQ blue cheese chips, the fried pickles and the onion rings. Not a single miss. My personal favorite was the pickles. Though the pickles are best when paired with the BBQ ranch that is served with the onion rings. Do yourself a favor and order that combo. The tap menu is extensive and definitely has plenty of gems in there. The Summer Loving is my favorite, along with the Side Kick, but there are plenty of local brews. Good stuff. I highly recommend this place. It has quickly become one of my favorites in CHI.
(5)
Henry T.
I came here with a party of 6 on a Saturday afternoon and not surprisingly, the place was pretty packed. We were then seated within 10 minutes and our orders were taken. For starters, we ordered pretty much 1 order of every kind of wing offered. The wings that stood out to me the most were the Sweet Sirarcha wings, and the Peanut Butter and Jelly wings. The PB&J wings were interesting, and were smothered in what resembled a sweet thai peanut sauce. The wings even came with a side of cherry jam/jelly! The garlic and traditional hot wings weren't bad either. For side dishes, we had the Mac and Cheese, spanich dip with chips and the fried pickles which were also pretty decent. Overall, this place seemed like a pretty chill sports bar that was equipped with multiple televisions that aired major sporting channels. This was my first time in Chicago and I haven't tried multiple wing places, but this place will pass as "The best wings in Chicago" place for me.
(4)
Aaron S.
I really enjoyed their wings... We sampled four different wings and all were good. The XXX were too hot for me, the Super Hot were delicious though. The PBJ were Ok, interesting flavor mix, but not up my alley. The Pancho was my favorite though. Good blend of grill taste and a little heat. I could have eaten 20+ of them. Not real spicy, just great flavor. All in all, a must stop for any wing afficianado!
(4)
Danielle S.
So, after a week in China I told my man I needed some serious American food! He took me to Jake's for the March Madness Burger. I always thought of this place as a wing spot but the burger did not disappoint!! First, he's a critic and main point is many restaurants pile on the toppings and forget to season the meat. This burger was seasoned perfectly, the meat was fresh and juicy. Toppings were perfect and those two grilled cheese..... Made my day! Who doesn't love grilled cheese?? I also didn't know they had 30 + (maybe more, I forget) beers on tap, another plus! Lastly, our waitress was awesome, super cool, knew her stuff. I will totally come back, maybe again before March Madness is over!!
(4)
Jason M.
Nachos & wings.
(4)
David C.
Jake Melnick's is the reason why I'm proud to be an American. Jake Melnick's boasts an assortment of the richest, heartiest, beefiest choices of American cuisine. The best BBQ you can find, the best wings in Chicago, the cheesiest macaronis. Gluttony is Jake Melnick's middle name. Add an expansive list of brews to the menu, and you're really having a party now. You think you know what it means to indulge? Stop in and your mind will be blown.
(4)
Riva L.
You wouldn't expect it from a place that looks like a regular ole bar, but Melnick's has some of the best BBQ and wings in the city, and a great beer menu to boot. I've been here many times and I recommend it to most of my friends. It's fun to go with friends, family, on a date, with coworkers... The atmosphere is pretty loud, there are always sports on TV/ music playing/ loud, happy people, but if you sit in the patio area, it's quieter (ideal for when I took my Granny). I have a lot of favorite foods here and I tend to struggle when I go because I can NEVER decide on what I want (...I want everything). Highlights include: - The PB&J wings. We first tried these when they were a monthly special and we really only tried them for a laugh. I mean, PB&J wings?? Turns out, they're amazing. The wings are coated in thai peanut sauce, with "jelly" for dipping. The sweet, spicy, salty flavors complement each other perfectly. - Firecracker wings. These are my standby and they're definitely the best ones. They're sweet and spicy, perfectly flavored and seasoned, and quite delicious. As is the case with all of Melnick's wings that I have had, they're nicely crispy on the outside and juicy, flavorful, hot, and soft on the inside. - Garlic parm fries. Boyfriend doesn't like these as much as I do because they are definitely pretty soggy as far as a french fry goes -- but that's how I like my fries. Simultaneously crispy and soggy, weighed down by flavor, and very, very good. - Sloppy pig sandwich. The spices and taste are AMAZING. I like that they mix chicken and pork. Whatever BBQ they're using (their own, I'm guessing) adds rich, juicy flavor, and the crispy onions on top make the texture fun. - Ribs. These ribs are GOOD. Not overcooked, easy to eat, and the BBQ is great. - Burgers. We usually try to get the burger of the month, whatever it is. It's usually yummy, but my favorite part is just how nicely it's cooked - perfectly pink on the inside!! - Mac & cheese. Same deal - we get whatever the mac of the month is! It's always very cheesy (think cheese strings coming off of your fork as you lift pasta off of your plate) and creamy. To top it all off, they have an enormous beer selection and the servers are pretty knowledgeable about it, so if you ask for a good beer to go with your meal, they can usually find it. I love it here! I've never had a bad experience.
(5)
Justin S.
A New Yorker in town for 1 night on business trip. This joint was around the corner from my hotel. Decent lil spot, lots of tv's, friendly waitresses, decent bar menu. Killer Mac-n-Cheese.....and good left-overs
(3)
Jakob C.
The first time I went here I didn't know anything about this place my family and I went here because giordanos and rosebud had an hour wait. But it turned to be one of my favorite restaurants. The reason I love to come here is the wings. The firecracker wings are the best I've ever had. Also I like the PB&J, Buffalo, and Panchos wings. Their food always comes out fast and the scenery is cool. If your in Chicago GO HERE!!!
(5)
Mike M.
I'd rate this a solid 3.5. A bunch of us decided to go to Melnicks after being impressed by their wings at Chicago Wingfest a few years ago. They've won the title of best hot wings and best exotic wings in the past. We had a decent sized group and they were able to set up a table for all of us, which was a plus. For lunch I wanted to get the same wings I tried at wingfest. The firecracker wings were amazing. It had that sweet and spicy Asian flavor going on. Of all the places that offer a similar style wing, I think Melnick's has one of the best. The poncho wing was a unique wing that I really enjoyed at wingfest. It was a marinated grilled wing that had a mild garlic flavor with just a little kick to it. I still thought it tasted good, but I definitely wouldn't get a whole order of it next time. Because it's grilled, the skin isn't very crispy, and since its on the milder side, the flavor gets a bit bland after a few. We also ordered the beer battered onion rings. They were pretty big pieces and looked great at first. However, they were pretty tasteless and severely lacking in flavor. I don't know how something could look so good and have no taste at all. I wouldn't order that again. The part that probably would prevent me from regularly going to Melnick's is the price. For a few wings, we ended up paying a lot more than I've spent for wings at other places. I think it came out to roughly almost $2/wing at the end of the meal. For some guys with big appetites, it could add up pretty quick. Overall, although the flavors of the wings are great, they're definitely on the expensive side and more than I'd want to pay for wings.
(3)
Alex R.
We just stopped in because the place looked fun. We ordered drinks, wings, and an assortment of bbq. Everything was awesome! However, nothing tops the cornbread skillet! Marcos, our server was fun, knowledgeable, and on top of of everything. We couldn't have found a better place to to try out
(5)
Calin D.
Yes, I know Scoville - he's a good friend of mine. We go way back, at least 15 years. As it turns out - Jake knows Scoville too! My oh my! Here's how it works: Step 1. Find a fool brave or stupid enough to eat a Scorpion Pepper. (That's me.) Step 2. Put a tiny fireman's hat on said fool's head. (Giant head, tiny hat!) Step 3. Give the poor fool a bell to ring if the wings get too hot and he needs milk, cheese, ice cream, and other items to "cool the heat." Step 4. Watch in strange wonderment as "The Fool eating the Moruga-Habanero-Ghost Wings" consumes 8 wings with a GIANT smile on his face the entire time, and doesn't even reach for his beer, much less the bell. Step 5. Wonder if those wings really are hot... because he never rang the bell or cried any real tears... then order the 8 POUND HAMBURGER instead just to be safe. The wings really are the "real-deal" - it's just that I'm so used to super-hot peppers the "natural stuff" doesn't get me all that worked up anymore. (Not my first rodeo folks, trust me.) And the burger, well, it's Gia-freaking-normous. (See photo with hand for scale.) I hear they put my photo on the wall there. I'll have to look it up next time I go. Huzzah!
(5)
Stephanie L.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap popped up on yelp when we were looking for a nearby sports bar to watch some SNF. This place was busy, but luckily we were seated within 15 mins. The place is very spacious with plenty of tables and chairs. And of course, TVs everywhere you look so you definitely can't miss a play. They have a good selection of beer on tap and they also have a fully stocked bar. Whatever you want to drink you can have! Their menu is also pretty extensive for food. But we were reading that they're known for their wings. So of course, that's what we decided to go with. They also have monthly specials, so watch out for those. Since we were only here to drink and watch the game, we ordered snacks only. We got their buffalo wings, mild and a plate of nachos. The wings were delicious and a perfect spicy. I would have preferred to order hot, but since we were sharing, mild it was, but it still had a good kick to it. The chicken was tender and juicy. The nachos were the disappointment. It comes fully loaded with sour cream, pico degallo, cheese, beans, and etc. But the chips themselves tasted like they were stale. But I think it's the way they're made. They're oily and more chewy than cunchy. I'll have to pass next time. The servers are also quick, friendly and attentive. Prices are average priced for a bar. Overall, a great sports bar to sit down, munch and drink while watching the game.
(4)
Brittney M.
Everytime I visit this restaurant.... It's a win! I love to get the medium buffalo wings and now my new favorite is the firecracker wings!! Get half and half... You'll be in heaven!
(5)
Aki W.
Cool vibe. The staff is friendly and welcomes you in like an old pal. Now- on to the important stuff: the booze- high end and affordable. The stuff they stock is the stuff you have been meaning to try, and you should! They carry the good stuff here so recognize. Our bartender? Oh, glad you asked-Ivana- this woman is a ripped, sophisticated and a super smart goddess. She's also the best bartender I've ever seen. We asked for her top ten steak house list for Chicago- Ivana did not disappoint . Her knowledge base is pro. Come here, get knowledge and a lovely buzz and be sure to tip well. As I write this, the garlic fries are seducing my nostrils and coaxing me to stay...they are... Persuasive. Go here immediately.
(5)
James L.
My wife and I were thinking it was a "wings and beer" kind of night.. so we ventured out to find a sports bar that had good wings and beers on tap. This was literally down the block from where we were staying at the Mile North Hotel. The service was pretty good -- very attentive, friendly, and welcoming. My only complaint is that our waiter kept trying to take away our plates when we were still working. I still had a few wings left and he took them away before I noticed to stop him. Sounds petty, but when your full order of wings only comes with 6-8 for $12, it doesn't make you happy. Let me eat my wings, damnit! The beer selection was decent; I had this "watermelon beer" which was pretty interesting and I would definitely recommend it for people who like light beers. The wings were pretty good as well as the BBQ pork nachos. I'd say this place is pretty comparable to an Apple Bee's...
(2)
Anthony I.
Went there for the triple x wings with some buddies. We're used to spicy food and these wings got some bite we had to sign a waiver for these wings just for fun and orders away they also have a nice menu but that's for another time we're here for those hot ass wings. So the waitress brings out a sample of the hot wing sauce just to warn us or scare us away haha not a chance it was spicy but it could be hotter so we orders the triple x , duck wings pretty good , and some firecracker wings very good not to hot and a little sweet, so our triple x wings show we dive in right away damn tasty and hot it creeps up on you but very enjoyable, we finish our wings we all shared I suggested we get another order but they chicken out saying they were full but next time we're getting only the triple x wings so we all can leave with our mouths on fire
(4)
Mike G.
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? Jake's is a great bar/tavern unlike any other you'll see the city. It has great food ('specially the wings), a fantastic beer selection and two of the best bartenders in Chicago (April & Erin). There are lots of TVs so we go in there often to catch Cubs, Bull, Hawks and Bears games. There's also a great outdoor patio that I just found out is dog friendly.... so there's that. Jake's seems to attract a big after work crowd mixed in with a fair share of business travelers and locals like me. Jakes is one of those great places where you seem to always fit in and find what you're looking for.
(5)
Melanie Y.
It was my third visit to Jake Melnick's and probably the best so far. Previously I've been too scared to try the hot wings, but this time I decided to get the Super Hot. These are one level below the ones that you have to sign a waiver for. Well, the wings were too spicy. They actually were delicious though! But the heat was so intense. Our waitress, Leigh (Lee?) noticed I was struggling and gave me the medium wings. They were absolutely delicious too. Leigh didn't charge me for the Super Hot wings, but I still got to take them home. It was so great to have them the next day, they seemed to lose a little bit of heat but were still so spicy. The bottom line is, our waitress was awesome and that was so nice of her to take the Super Hot wings off the bill. Also, I love this place and the atmosphere. It kinda reminds me of a log cabin with the woodwork and fireplace. So cozy! Can't wait to go again.
(5)
Richard G.
Went in a bit late, but Ivana was more than helpful in helping me a bit of grub that early Sunday morning. Nice atmosphere...it's perfect for groups or if you're flying solo.
(5)
Tom R.
Firecracker Wings are the bomb! Some of the best wings I have ever had. Went there 2 nights in a row since the Wings and service were so good. If you are looking for a quiet place for dinner or drinks, please skip this place. It is VERY loud, and there are always a few over-served chowder heads around. That is really the reason I didn't give it a 5. Even though there are some extremely boistourous patrons (c'mon - it's Chicago) there are always a few of the CPD's finest there eating, so nothing got out of control. I will be back next time I am in Chicago. Cheers!
(4)
Jane W.
I came here in the spring with a big group for dinner, and had a satisfactory experience. There was a pretty long wait since we went at peak dinnertime, but I wasn't too hungry so it wasn't too bad. I ordered the BBQ flatbread pizza for myself, which was just okay. They weren't too generous with the ingredients or the BBQ sauce (and I like my pizza's/flatbreads super saucy). I did try a few of my friend's wings, which were solid. We also had a lot of fun with the XXX wing (tried a bite of my friends). One wing was completely doable, but I can definitely see why finishing an entire plate would lead to some pretty bad dinnertime (and post-dinnertime) pains. So respect to the brave Yelpers who accomplished this feat. Our waitress was efficient, friendly, and knowledgable. Prices are reasonable.
(3)
Ben B.
Man, I want to love Jake Melnick's. It's got a cool look, all dark and warm and wood-covered. It's pretty big (although it's packed during a game). But the food is just okay. I ordered the wing combo (traditional spicy and Poncho - wood grilled with garlic & cayenne marinade). The spicy wings had sort of a mushy breading going on. Spice level was on-point. Could have used a bit more sauce. The Poncho wings were a bit dry. I assume that's from all that wood grillin'. We also ordered the parmesan & garlic fries. Tons of parmesan, not much garlic. These were okay, but I'm not sure I'd order them again. I ordered a cider. It cost $7, but it was a super-tiny glass - maybe 8 oz. Weird. Service was good and all the employees were pleasant. That's nice. I'll be back, but my expectations will be tempered. Bonus: We spotted Chris O'Dowd (from Bridesmaids) at the bar on a Friday night. The servers say he comes there often.
(3)
Nicholas R.
Was looking for a quite bite to eat for a late lunch and stopped by. I hadn't been here and years but as always Jake's delivered! Inventive beer list, delist wings, to go along with a great happy hour menu? Why not! Oh and on top of it so much food I never wanted to eat dinner that night!!!
(4)
Disgusted P.
My wife and I came here to eat I was not In the best of moods but, our waitress Laura was amazing!!!! The food was great but I can't say enough about her service!!! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Thank you Laura again you made our Chicago experience lot better!!!!
(5)
Elena B.
The wings were so good. I wish there was one in Houston. I think I may have wanted my 2nd experience to match my 1st one but it didn't. I ordered delivery to my hotel which came right on time but was gross. Best bet is to eat at the restaurant.
(4)
Nick B.
I manage to stop in at jakes a few times over the past few years. very busy. Good beer selection. wings are good. This time i enjoyed the wing of the month, Maple bourbon wing. It was fantastic. Jake's is a good spot for some buddies to have a few beers, chat and enjoy pub food.
(5)
Lisa H.
My sister was craving chicken wings, so it was the perfect time to try out the hot wings at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. After all, they were voted the best hot wings in Chicago. The restaurant is like a typical sports bar with numerous televisions throughout the bar and an extensive drink menu, but they do try to separate themselves by having a more laid back vibe with their exposed brick columns, open fire place, and warm overhead lighting. There always seems to be a wait even though the bar is huge, but my sister and I were in luck and were seated right away. For the food, we ordered the wood-grilled artichoke, chili and cheddar fries, and the wing combo which includes the traditional (buffalo) and poncho's (wood grilled with garlic and cayenne marinade.) It took forever for our food to come out because they decided to bring out all the food at once. Unfortunately, it caused the wings to become a little cold which resulted in some of the sauce to dry up and the breading to be mushy. The wings were a good size and the flavor was there, but I could not get over how dry it was and the mushy texture. This is not at all what I would expect from the best wings in Chicago. On the other hand, the fries and the artichoke were nice and warm. It wasn't too spectacular, but good compared to other sports bar. The service here wasn't far off from the food. Our server was nice and informative, but not really attentive. He never checked back on us after he served our food. I wished I had more water throughout my meal and maybe some extra napkins. I don't understand the hype with Jack Melnick's. What is so great about this place? Well I don't recommend you coming here unless you want some subpar service and average food at best.
(2)
Damaris C.
This place is a must! Delicious, heart warming food as well as friendly and helpful customer service. BBQ Nachos are to die for! Imagine your classic nachos plate, topped off with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Does it get any better than that?! Wings are amazing (sauce wise) and onion rings have a home made taste to them. They also have their famous 8 lb. burger. So grab some friends and bring em over! Location is great. Close by the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, but not quite there. Great location, great friends, great food, & a great night.
(5)
Jim K.
I really love Jake Melnicks... despite the fact that I don't really like wings (which is their claim to fame). The service has always been really attentive, without being intrusive. The ambiance has the heave wood accents of a dive bar, while being clean and tv-heavy like a sports bar. The place is very comfortable, and seems like a great place for larger groups. The Food: As I said before, I'm not a wing fan... but of the few I've tried at Jakes, they were stellar. I really do dig their barbecue, and their chicken tenders (channeling my inner 12 year old) are quite good (they are about as fresh as you can get). My favorite dish is, unfortunately, a special: they will make a (and I might be butchering this name) Fireman's Chili in the colder months that is out of this world. If you see it on the "Specials" menu, snag it before they run out (seriously, they will). For a casual night out in north Streeterville/Gold Coast, Melnick's is one of my favorites.
(4)
Amy H.
I like this place, I really do. But they never seem to have it all together. The first time we had a pissy waitress. The second time I ordered the PB&J wings and just didn't really like them. Probably not their fault, probably just not my thing. The wings are usually awesome-just stick to the buffalo, garlic, or firecracker wings (my personal favorite!). This third time, they overcooked the hell out of my buffalo chicken sandwich. :( Like left it in the fryer too long. However, their fries and mac & cheese are kickass and the servers we had in the second and third visits were both really helpful and patient with our hungover selves. Btw, great place to eat hungover. :)
(3)
Dan B.
As a self proclaimed wing- connoisseur, I am privileged to present you the best wings I've ever had. The spicy fries and firecracker wings were perfect both times this week. Having had wings all over the country, I'm sad to say that this Florida native's favorite wings are thousands of mailed away, here at Jakes. Well done guys!
(5)
Rochelle W.
I always go for the late night happy hour..... The wings are AWESOME Nachos are AWESOME Friday night 5$ 'punch' AWESOME I haven't even seen their regular dinner menu....but i'm sure that its.....AWESOME
(5)
AJ B.
Went here with a buddy a few weeks back and while I enjoyed it I was really expecting more from this place. Got half a bbq chicken and sides - I am a big fan of cole slaw...this place actually had bad cold slaw...I don't know how you can mess up cole slaw. Chicken was decent...everything was just pretty good. Great selection of craft beers and a good atmosphere. I love bbq so I'll try again given the opportunity.
(3)
Sandi E.
What drew us in was the claim of Chicago's best wings. Why not start a new Easter tradition I thought, so in we went. I ordered the combo - 4 wings with a medium buffalo sauce and 4 wings with the Poncho rub. I also ordered the parmesan garlic fries. The wings were decent - I do prefer a saucy wing, but Poncho packed good flavor! The fries were plentiful - easily can be shared by two people. And addictive - even after I was full, the flavor made me keep on nibbling!! Service was great, our waiter was attentive and kept the re-fills going.
(4)
Brea L.
Wings weren't the best I've ever had, but they were very good. Service was excellent and friendly. Comfortable environment and not too noisy.
(4)
Y H.
Overrated. Being rated as the best wings in Chicago is a bit disappointing because these really are not the best wings we have had. Ordered the following: 1. Triple XXX wings 2. Spicy buffalo wings 3. Chicken tenders with sweet potato fries Everything was mediocre. Yes, the triple XXX wings are spicy, but not unbearable. I'm not sure how their wings are different than a chain like Buffalo Wild Wings. The tenders were also subpar. Take your money elsewhere and don't fall for the best wings in Chicago, because they aren't and if this is the standard for wings then I feel bad for The Chi.
(2)
Lewis B.
Saw the sign for "Best Wings in Chicago" and shrugged it off as another false advertisement. Stumbled there after a few drinks and, behold, best wings I've had to date! [Updated 9.15.2014] I'd put them at a 3 - 3.5 now, we've been back on a few occasions and my biggest complaint is the wait. The last couple times we put our name on the wait list for 20-25 min wait and it always goes over (they have a digital wait list app that sends you a text to view 'how much longer'). It'll hit 25 mins, then the hostess tells us it'll be another 10-15, so we just left each time. The last time, they did give us a free appetizer card, I guess that helps. Service: - 1st Trip: Robby was our server and he rocked it. Guy was super patient, helpful and extremely nice! - 2nd Trip: Came at around 6:30pm, was closed due to a private party until 8pm. I was craving the wings, so we grabbed drinks at a bar around the corner. Came back at 8:15 and it was still closed to other patrons. Asked to be seated outside and we were told the wait was 20 minutes (even though 5 of the tables were EMPTY!). Hostess wasn't the friendliest (but I was a bit irritated as well). After not seating anyone for 10 minutes she could see my laser eyes piercing theirs + my impatience then seated us (from the time until we were sat until we left - there was still 2 tables unseated outside). Food & Drink: - Firecracker wings are ridiculously good. The sweet thai chili + Sriracha sauce is sweet and not too spicy at all. Topped w/ green onions and fried perfectly. Every last bite was crunchy / crisp. So good. - Dr. Jenkin's Elixir - sounds intimidating (pickle juice, pepper vodka, cucumber water, lime and spicy rim) w/ a free 7oz Miller Pony! But glad I tried it - fantastic flavor and addicting. Tried it the second time around and it wasn't as good (I think the bar back was making them). Highly recommend it if made by the bartender. Even try doing half Elixir half Bloody Mary - so good (with a spicy kick)!
(4)
Will T.
I felt right at home at Jake's when the waitress dropped a "Be right with you hon," and an "Anything else sweetheart?" No she wasn't a transplanted Southerner, but from northern Indiana, who admittedly didn't talk like Chicagoans. It put a smile on my face as did the food. I ordered a bbq pork sandwich from the fast casual menu. It's served with a heaping pile of fries and some slaw in a cute metal pan. I saw some fabulous salads go by, too, lunch specials for around $7. Jake's has a casual bar food feel, a well thought out concept that delivers some pretty tasty grub. Walk a couple of blocks away from the slick towers of Michigan Ave. to find this corner tap that would be at home in any Midwestern town.
(3)
Joe R.
Fun place to drink and eat. Anything but pretentious, but definitely expensive; however the food is well worth it, the service is great, and their cocktails are excellent. Also there is a high quality selection of craft brews to choose from.
(5)
Lucas C.
Chicagoans are spoiled. I look at the yelp reviews for bars and grills in the Chicago area and there is a common trend. The gastro/fufu/fancy pubs get the stars, but old fashioned bar places like Melnick's don't get any credit. Food does not have to be duck confit with caviar to be awesome! Now that my preaching is out of the way, time to review. Food- we started off with the bbq nachos. They were delicious, chunks of hearty smoked brisket, and loads of cheddar and bbq sauce. We also started with an order of some firecracker wings. Oh. My. Gosh. That is when I knew, the choice to skip the Giordanos line was not in vain. The wings have so much meat on them! It's not like crappy Buffalo Wild Wings where you have to scour the bone for some meat. Here you get at least four mouthfuls of meat on each wing. The chicken tastes delicious and well cooked and seasoned. The firecracker sauce was amazing. Tangy, savory, spicy, Asian but not overpowering. They were so good I decided to try a different variety of wings as my entree. I got the wing combo which was a combination of poncho's sauce and medium buffalo sauce. Again, the wings are the best I've ever had, just phenomenal. The poncho's sauce was basically just a light garlicky glaze. It really let the chicken do the talking. The buffalo sauce was delicious as well. This one wasn't like the poncho. It had a very distinct buffalo taste and, when paired with the homemade ranch, was heaven. The only negative thing I have to say about the food was that the garlic Parmesan fries were gross. They would've been great if they had just used the garlic and Parmesan sparingly. The fries plain/with ranch were fantastic though. This place deserves 5 stars for the wings alone! Service- Saturday night. Christmas break. No reservations. PARTY OF TEN! NO PROBLEM! They seated us right away. Our server was also attentive, knowledgable of the menu (always a standard criteria), and got all of our orders right. This should be a Chicago landmark.
(5)
Tami Y.
I love this place because the bartender April ,, she very sweet and active . Thank you April
(5)
Dany C.
So we walked in and got kicked out immediately for having a registered service dog with proper identification. We asked to speak to the manager who was even more rude and condescending and literally walking us out to make sure we left. If you want to be disrespected from the moment you walk through door look no further this is your spot.
(1)
Kelly R.
We went there Saturday night with our 5yr old twins. The enclosed front porch area was back n forth, cold, hot, cold, hot... The tables are so close and crammed in there it's hard to be comfortable. (And we are all slim people) and it's super loud in there. Major attitude with the server. I said and pointed to the beer I wanted, he brought the wrong one and put up his hands saying that's what I pointed to. Then when the table behind us tried to get his attention, he put up his hand and sharply said ' I'll be with you in a moment' As for the food, mediocre and overpriced.
(1)
Mike L.
We stumbled onto this place after some shopping on Michigan Ave and a long walk to and from the seriously overrated Navy Pier. I am from NY and it was actually about as uninteresting as the South St Seaport- though in its defense it at lest didn't have the annoying costumed characters- but aso had much less interesting restaurants- Bubba Gump Shrimp- really? Anyway not here to rant about that....so we had been walking for hours, it seemed, and were hungry and really needed a break, were looking for something local and interesting, not a chain joint and wanted an outdoor cafe. So we found this place and it was just the thing.....I ordered a very mellow Kronbach and she an iced tea... I would have liked to try the wings but she hates wings so that was out....she got the garbage salad- I am not making this up- without salami - which I thought was the most interesting ingredient- and she really liked it. I got the sloppy pig sandwich- which was an interesting combination of pulled pork, brisket, and something else but can't remember what....it came with their own house made fries which were very good, nicely salted, crisp, and tasty. The sandwich was good though so messy had to eat it with a knife and fork.. Service was very good, attentive and irreverent. We did have to listen to a couple at the next table who apparently were unaware that their topic of conversation was not at all appropriate for a public place- the guy actually got up and precipitously left in the middle of the meal- but can 't pin that on the restaurant......really enjoyed the place and would definitely visit again.
(4)
Heather E.
If you don't like this place you're nuts and we can't be friends. Amazing service! Incredible food. Best wings ever. Best bbq. Best burger. My whole family loved it.
(5)
Tena C.
This was a typical Cheers type tavern with food. We had lunch here after a long walk through town. The beer was refreshing and the food was good. We had their famous chicken wings, corn bread and mac & cheese which were all good. The chicken wings were not so spicy but I tend to shy away from the flames.
(4)
Shradha A.
Back here years later and still a mediocre experience. Tried the veggie burger but the bbq sauce on it was overwhelming. It's a neighborhood game watch spot - you shouldn't really go for the food as much as the TVs & beer.
(3)
Christina C.
Don't mind gaining a few pounds after eating the wings and Mac n cheese. You know it's a good spot when the Mac n cheese is dangerously good. They also have crazy spice levels on their wings. Ghost pepper..? You've been warned. Decent beer list with a few ciders. It's a gamble service wise. Most times you'll get a friendly, informative, and attentive server, but sometimes you'll get that sore bum. It's very casual, almost cabin-like with the wooden panels and stumps. Sit around with your friends, have a beer or two, get your hands dirty with dem wings, and have a good time!
(4)
Vicky L.
I love wings, and Jake's certainly has great wings. My personal favorites are the PB & J, Cherry Bomb, and good ol' buffalo medium spicy wings. I've also had their Portabello Reuben, which was surprisingly tasty. The only issue I have is that they're a bit pricey. And it can get pretty crowded and loud. But that's a bar for you.
(4)
Chuck P.
Ate here while visiting from out of town. Dudes at a bar I was drinking at recommended the place and I'm glad they did. On the short list of best burger places I've been to. Highly recommended. And, if that wasn't enough, root beer barrel candies--with which I stuffed my pocket--at the check-in desk! Bonus!!
(5)
Cory S.
These are the best wings in Chicago from the ones I have tried. The wings are the perfect size and are seasoned perfectly. I went with the traditional hot but I'm told the peanut butter and jam are ones you must try. The beer selection was great with a lot of local craft beers. The bartender was amazing she was friendly , helpful and made you feel like a regular. I definitely will come back next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)
Nicole D.
Service was great. Had the street fries which were delicious and the burger of the month. Would go back again.
(4)
Louis L.
Just stopped in for a porter beer that was recommended from waitress and she was rude and mean but beer was tasty but she didn't like comment about the xxx wings on menu so they booted us out Bad attitude
(1)
Frank R.
Good wings which is why you came to this place but I was even more impressed with the burgers which are massive and pretty tasty. I had the frisco which was pretty good and had a few combinations with the avocado which I hadn't tried that worked well! Also the ice cream cookie dessert was really good!
(4)
Brian M.
Came here with my gf and her sister for dinner and I gotta say I was really underwhelmed with this place. We were seated pretty quickly and our waitress was pretty nice but the food here was just not very good. I got the brisket plate which came with cole slaw and fries. The brisket was a little too sweet for my taste and really dry. My gf got the turkey burger which was just ok, I had a bite and it didn't blow me away but acceptable. The sweet potato fries that she got weren't that bad either but nothing special. Her sister got the special apricot and siracha wings that were again really too sweet for my taste with barely any kick. All in all I'd say this place is a bit of a let down and I'm probably not coming back here.
(2)
Mark C.
Came here for a Hawks game for the first time. They were no longer taking reservations the day before, but allowed walk-ins the day of. I got there an hour before the game started and put my name down for 4 and luckily they texted me saying we got a table. The wings were what we came for and we got traditional, poncho, firecracker, monthly special (cherry blue cheese sauce). My favorite were the poncho (flame grilled?) and firecracker ones (sweet and yummy). Shoutout to our waiter Michael, made us feel very welcome on a busy night and constantly swung by to high five us when a goal was scored and just in general check up on us if we needed anything. They were very cool about letting us sit there to watch the game even though we finished our food during the second period.
(5)
Zach J.
This place was damn good. I ordered the garlic wings and thought they were damn good quality and large in size. I also ordered the Mac and cheese (Mac Daddy) "Chicken Saltimbocca." It was creamy and low sodium tasting and rockin with ingrediants such as: Marsala cheese sauce, grilled chicken, prosciutto cheese, crispy sage, provelone, and parmesan cheese. We also had the fried pickles which were the best fried pickles I ever had and they were slices, but not the chip slices but long slices, breaded in delicate and amazing tasting breading. The service here was amazing and very attentative. DO NOT order a burger, it just looks not very good. I saw some served at other tables and it does not look appetizing. Anyway, I will be back here again!
(5)
John F.
I work close, so I'm very familiar, and it's always so good. Any of their BBQ options is a home run, but the Sloppy Pig is amazing. Great french fries! I'm not the biggest fans is their wings, though they boast best in city. The only exception are the poncho wings. Those things are great! The beer selection has dwindled lately. They still have a good amount of craft options, but it used to be better. They do rotate taps, which I like. The service is always top notch, with everyone being very knowledgeable and attentive. It's a great place for a game, or just to chill and have a beer,or to hang out with friends and get fat and drunk. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Manuel A R.
Excellent place. Regular price and excellent quality. I high recommend bbq smoked stuff. It's delicious. And don't forget their wings!! The staff was so kind and our waiter very funny. I'd be back for sure if I visit Chicago again.
(5)
Brad H.
Good burger and fries. Good staff And reasonably priced. Good for a late dinner. Good location.
(4)
Ray H.
Terrible service at the bar. Came in at 1:20pm today. There were at least 10 seats open at the bar so the bar wasn't exceptionally busy. Got menus right away. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. The "bar back" was filling beers for the servers' orders right in front of us but refused to make eye contact with us. They had 1 bartender but he was on the other side of the bar. Others around us were dealing with the same treatment. I would've been fine if the bar back would've at least acknowledged us and apologized for the wait but instead he was busy chatting with the wait staff. At 1:35pm we finally had our order taken. 5 minutes later he brought my wife her drink and started pouring my beer out of the tap marked "Surly Bender." However, a light beer poured out of it. Note to management; don't pour beers out of tap handles that are marked with other beers from the same brewery. I asked for a couple of waters and our tab and we never received our waters after 5 minutes and had to ask for our tab again. The bartender (wearing a "I cry over spilled beer" tshirt) was nice enough once he waited on us but this was definitely not good service overall. I gave it 2 stars because the food is awesome. The wings are great. 1. If someone isn't a bartender but is going to serve drinks, have him in a designated bar back shirt (still don't know if that's what he was). 2. Even if your job is to just take care of the servers, you can still acknowledge other customers with a smile. Walking past us repeatedly without looking up at us makes me feel like we're being ignored. 3. Bars don't always keep their tap lists up to date in the menus so people tend to look at the taps at the bar. Make sure those are up to date.
(2)
Jaclyn W.
I love this place. Server was very nice. I ordered 10 mild boneless wings and they were amazing ($11.95). I also ordered garlic Parmesan fries ($5.00). They give you tons of fries very worth it. We tried the salami flatbread it was alright ($5.00). I would deathly come back I like the atmosphere and you can watch a basketball or any sporting event.
(5)
Amanda D.
Enjoyed beer and BBQ. Didn't order the wings, but the food we did have was good. Service was excellent; polite and prompt. Because of the location, I was expecting it to have the tourist vibe, which is why we've never tried this restaurant before. I was pleasantly surprised that that was not the vibe at all. I'm sure they get tourists, but the surrounding tables seemed to enjoy and behave themselves. It is loud in here, definitely a sports bar vibe. But dress is casual (think JCrew). Probably won't make this a regular food spot, as the area is annoying...but will not rule it out on game day.
(4)
Dawn B.
Food was great. Had the wings and the mini pork sliders 3 ways. I think the dry rub wings were my favorite. Smoked wings with a little bit of a bite on the dry rub. Definitely would come back. We had a large party and they were very accommodating to seat us together and splitting the tabs.
(5)
Benjamin L.
Being completely "hangry" and ready to eat anything led us to Jake Melnick's on a chilly Saturday afternoon. I was surprised how hard it was to find a place to eat at 3 PM without waiting an hour. Jake Melnick's only had a 20 minute wait and the food smelled really good. Also, they claim to have Chicago's best hot wings. We lucked out and ended up waiting only 5 minutes for a table. Most people were there for the football games on TV but I just wanted some kind of nourishment in my belly. We snagged an awesome table tucked in a quieter corner of the place, right next to the cozy fireplace. I was a happy camper as I scoured the menu and our friendly waitress welcomed us. I started off with a Pumpkin Lindeman's Lambic which sounded quite tempting. I've had several Lambics but never a pumpkin one. When the drink came out, it was about 6 ounces and considering it cost about 11 bucks, I was a little disappointed. Now all the Yelp tips said to go for the hot wings but I failed to heed the advice. Between the two of us, we ordered a smoked sausage pizza and the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Unfortunately, both our entrees were pretty bland. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad, just boring and we were hoping for more. The place was pretty packed so most of the servers were pretty slammed. But the service overall was A-OK. The meal certainly served it's purposed and saved me from "hangry" defeat. But I suppose if we ever return, I'll have to give those hot wings a try!
(3)
Matt N.
Came here during a Blackhawks game. Very cool atmosphere for the game. I had the triple play BBQ platter which has brisket, smoked chicken and 1/3 of beef ribs. I would recommend this plate! Super delicious and is bomb with a side of mac n cheese!
(4)
Paradise L.
So the 2 stars is only because I have reservations tomorrow I saw this on restaurant around the world and know someone who loves hot food stay tuned will definitely post photos. So we are he and my friend ate the 10 hot wings 4 a place in the wall of fame it was definitely funny our waiter did a great job he came back to check several times as my friend ate these hot azz wings! They are super nice the spinach and artichoke dip was ok the jumbo chicken tenders GREAT!!!! BARBECUE BRISKET TASTE AND WILL HAVE A PLATE OF MY OWN NEXT TIME yes I will be back .
(4)
Hillary B.
The.Best.Wings.Ever.Period. So good.....I wish I lived in Chicago just so I could eat here everyday!
(5)
Mel B.
Best thing I've put in my mouth in a long time! We had the Ham and Cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll, oh sweet Jesus, so delicious! The Bloody Mary's were perfect, not to spicy, and they came with an adorable tiny bottle of beer. Loved this place!
(5)
Danny W.
Best wings in Chicago? Quite possibly. One of the best spots to watch NFL football in the city? Most definitely. They've got great gameday grub, they do a pretty darn good bloody Mary, and there's tons of TV's playing all the games with sound. Regardless of where you're seated and who you're cheering for you can pretty much see your team in action from anywhere in the restaurant. Given the location it's a melting pot of fans, but of course Da Monsters have priority. The service is super efficient and the prices are pretty reasonable especially considering it's in the heart of the Gold Coast. If you want the things that make football fun Sunday (wings, burgers, beers) you'll be far fetched to find too many places that do them better then Jake Melnick's.
(4)
Hailey S.
I make a point of coming here every time I'm in Chicago. I love this place! It's in the heart of Downtown and has great atmosphere. Burgers, sandwiches, beer. The wings are phenomenal.
(4)
Susan C.
I been here twice and this place have great food. I had buffalo wings both times and they are pretty good. I have yet to try the habanero hot wings since I am big fan of habanero chili. This place is always pack where people watch sports on the big screen tv's and have great food and beer. I would recommend this place to my friends who wants to have a good time watching there favorite sports game and have great foods and drinks.
(4)
Shan D.
Prob the best cookie skillet I've had in Chicago, though I think they've gotten smaller now. Great veggie burger too. Sound is awful to watch games. Wish they'd upgrade their sound system. Still a fun spot to have in the area.
This is a great bar to enjoy some great wings and watch the game. The food is delicious! I always have a great time and great food.
(4)
Naomi Q.
If you come here you must get the wings! Our personal favorite were the firecracker wings - yummy! The location and ambiance are perfect for a nice, casual bar type restaurant in the city. We also received great service and will definitely be returning.
(5)
Omar J.
It's gotta be the WANGS! I went to wingfest in 2011 with my cousins and we tried their firecracker wings. More sweet than hot, but good taste. Also tried the XXX wing. AYE AYE AYE!!! Went to the actual restaurant about 2 week later, and probably the best wings in chicago. Also go for the Parmesan & Garlic French Fries. OOOWWWEEEE!!! Great place to watch the Bulls & Blackhawks, 1,000 times better than the Squared Circle. WAAAAAANNNNGGGSSSS!!!!!
(4)
Meredith S.
I really liked this place! Wanted to go somewhere close to our hotel within walking distance where we could watch some March Madness games and kill some time. Boyfriend's name is Jake, so this seemed like as good of place as any to stop! There was a bit of a wait, but we sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. Higher the alcohol count, the smaller the glass. Boo! But I get it. But still.. boo! They had a beer of the month which was cheaper and I thought pretty tasty too. They have a really extensive draft list which includes several stouts which I was pretty excited about! Once we got seated, I ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup with a side salad. YUM YUM!!!! The grilled cheese was seriously awesome. The tomato soup kinda tasted like a giant bowl of marinara sauce, but hey, I ate it and it was still good. The salad was super fresh and crispy too.. just how I like it. Wish they would have put more croutons on it but that's okay. Boyfriend Jake ordered some wings. I'm not a huge wing fan and he got spicy ones, so I wasn't a fan, but he seemed to enjoy them. It's pretty loud in this place, although it's a sports bar, so that can be expected. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and the food was definitely notches above standard bar fare.
(4)
Marcela A.
Walking around, looking for a happy hour we found Jake Melnikc's. It is a welcoming place. We ordered wing combo, that comes with traditional and poncho (which is grilled wings, instead of fried! Delish!) and a flatbread pizza! Stick to the wings! Pizza was a little too dry. I ordered a drink called Alakazan and it's pretty good. Nice and laid back place to grab a food and drinks.
(3)
David D.
I love the atmosphere of the place, lots of big tvs everywhere, very open, and a great long bar with many solid beer selections. I stopped in with my brother-in-law to watch some basketball and have a few drinks while the wives shopped. We ordered the PBnJ wings, interesting but good. Several drinks later we decided on just eating lunch there too - wife approval of course, ha! I wanted to try their firecracker wing sauce so opted for the chicken tenders and fries with the firecracker sauce, amazing. If you are looking for a great joint to eat and have a few drinks with friends or family, this is a great option near Michigan Ave.
(5)
Sondra M.
Wait was short. Food got there in a reasonable amount of time. Portions are good, price is good for the area And my burger was cooked perfectly. Can't ask for anything else.
(5)
Bob Z.
This is a great downtown pub and grill. Usually very busy. They have a pretty food's beer selection. We have never eaten a full meal there. Only the apps. Chicken wings are pretty good but not in the great category. Servers are typically good but when they are overtly packed they probably could use an extra waiter or two. They ask Harry's have a good selection of craft beer. They are a bit pricier. Good for large groups, especially after class.
(4)
Robert G.
There are many, many burger-and-beer type places in River North, and Jake's fits the mold. I don't have much to say about the beer, but I did have a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with fries. Very, very good fries. Our group of web devs was celebrating a birthday today, so with a little encouragement we ended up at Jake's. After perusing the menu (and deciding not to have the March Madness - a cheeseburger with grilled cheese sandwiches (!?!) for buns) I ordered, and got, my pulled pork sandwich. I didn't think much of it, to be honest; the waitress said that it would be a vinegary sauce but I didn't taste much of it. The pork was decently tender. You might be better off ordering the pork sandwich with a more assertive sauce, especially since the bread is nice and thick. The Georgia-style, I am told, is mustard-based; try that instead? Fortunately the sandwich is saved, and more, by the fries, which were fried and crispy, had great color, and seasoned to perfection. A little ketchup made them perfect, especially the crispy bits. I think so far these are the best fries I've had in River North. The staff delivered a mini skillet cookie a la mode for our coworker's birthday, which was, to be honest, pretty hilarious. Overall I'm looking forward to my next trip to Jake's!
(4)
Ann R.
This is really a 2.5 star review but because I am always so impressed with the service at JMCT I rounded up. Great place a skip and a hop from the tourist destination shopping spots in Chicago. Service is always so friendly, and the drinks are abundant. The problem is that the food 5 out of 10 times falls flat. Fries are cold. The spinach dip, while on a happy hour special menu is a steal for $5, has zero flavor. I will say though, if you're able to strike it right when the food is on its game, it's really good and gluttonous bar food. PERFECT for a cold, wet Chicago day when you're seeking comfort in the form of something fattening.
(3)
Michele W.
We came here on a Sunday so they had bloody Mary specials for $5 and a pony of beer for an additional $1 (beer back). My favorite item was the PB&J wings. OMG! they were cooked perfectly juicy with a slight crisp, tossed in a peanut sauce and served with a side of raspberry chipotle. I licked my fingers and almost had an O!
(4)
Marisa A.
I think you should know that I have gone here close to 15 times in the last 2 months alone. They are the best wings I've ever had. I've had them all, you can't go wrong.
(5)
Justin B.
Very, very average food that would be my go-to sports bar if I lived in the Near North 'hood. I tried the patty melt, fries, $1 beer add-on and the iron skillet cookie dessert last night with a few friends who live nearby. My burger was good, not great, and the fries were a bit too crunchy/crispy. The prices at Melnick's are the main reason why I will never live downtown in Chicago; a patty melt for $14 in Near North/Streeterville would be a $10 sandwich in Wicker. My wife got an order of the traditional wings; $11 for an order of wings here is borderline criminal. The iron skillet cookie was a major downer. Granted, I have been living off of the one at Smoke Daddy for most of the last year or so, so my expectations may have been too high...but still, a hot chocolate chip cookie with ice cream should taste better than this. Noted: don't order the Melnick's version! Our server was very fast in taking our order, bringing out food and getting us a check, so my pregnant wife was happy we could get in and out so fast. Otherwise, you can do better in Chicago if you want to get out of this 'hood.
(3)
Jessica P.
This place is really good. It's a sports bar but it feels a little nicer than that. Lots of TVs everywhere. It's usually pretty busy, but it's also really spacious, so the wait isn't typically too awful. I'm not a wing person, so unfortunately I can't contribute my opinion on their claim of having "Chicago's best wings." But they do have a fairly extensive menu, and I would recommend the pulled pork sandwich. They give you the option of how you want it done up, but I can't for the life of me remember what my three choices were. They also have a large beer menu and will make you any drink you want. My servers have always been pleasant and helpful, if a little slow. And the prices are just about what you could expect from Gold Coast. Also, they do a lot of specials and promotions so keep an eye out for those if you're looking for a deal.
(4)
Kyle W.
A nice, causal and spacious place to grab a drink or bite without the fluff of a lot of other places in the area. There's a long, quality draft beer and a large menu with a few vegetarian options, although none of them are fantastic. It attracts some families and larger groups so it's clearly not just your average corner pub with terrible food. Everyone is always eating the wings. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for a casual place to stop, you could definitely do much worse.
(3)
Robert J.
Best for WINGS! But if you're looking at this page, you probably knew that already. A local pointed us in this direction, and it paid off. There was a very short wait which was aided by the text msg check-in service while we got drinks at the bar. They had a nice selection of beers, including local craft brews. We were big fans of the Left Hand Milk Stout. There's a great selection of wing types. Our group split up the orders to try everything out, and no one was disappointed. The highlights of the regular flavors were the Buffalo and Firecracker wings, which had some kick, but weren't too bad for anyone in the group. When we had finished our meals, we split the SPICY "XXX" and "Super Hot" wings. They were the hottest I've ever had, so I'm glad we stopped there. Plenty of sauce on the wings, and come with ranch, etc to dip in. All in all, a great place for beer & wings. I would come here often if I lived nearby!
(4)
Megan T.
So my cousins live just a block or two away from Jake Melnick's and all we have heard since they moved in is that we HAVE to go for wings. So one fateful Friday, we went. We were sat in one of the side rooms, which I was happy for because I'm not into the yell-across-the-table-to-talk vibe that was going down in the main room. Great drink list - I'm a hard cider fan and was excited to see that they had a couple options on tap. We ordered an app to share and then obviously had to order wings too. The app was fine, the wings were fine, but nothing was to write home about. Our server was pretty inattentive for most of the night but I appreciate that we didn't feel pressured out clear out as soon as we finished our meal. Will I go back? Meh, probably not. Nothing was really that exciting and it lands on the pricier side of things.
(3)
Ana B.
Try the french fries with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. THE BEST!!! Very good wings too. Love it!
(5)
John S.
I'm a wings guy, so I came here for one reason. We'll get to them later! The service was pretty amazing here, the waiter knew what he was talking about and offered a few beer choices based on our first round of drinks. Really friendly and knew the menu well. We ordered the Nachos appetizer w/ the beef brisket, and it was ehh. The cheese was melted but rock solid at this point, so that prevented us from spreading the cheesey love. They also stuffed the center with sour cream and other stuff, which I'd rather have as some sort of side. I'd give the Nachos a 4/5 though, was pretty difficult to eat without one chip having tons of everything and others nothing. The wings though, probably the best I've had so far (tied w/ Mother Hubbards). I customized my wings and got 2 of the xxtra hot or whatever, and 6 of the spicy buffalo. The wings themselves are jumbo and the sauces are simply incredible. I would come here and get the wings ery time without a doubt. The wings are dripping with sauce, so its not those fake wing places where they lightly coat it. Can't wait to come back for the wings. Give this a 4/5 only because they could have improved the Nachos.
(4)
David S.
Have been to Jake's three times since moving to Chicago in May. All three times have been awesome! First time I shared the BBQ Nachos with the pulled pork on top. Amazing! Also Jake's has a great selection of craft beers and specialty drinks. Second time there I went to watch the Packers Jets game. Jake's is a great place to watch NFL games because they'll play any game you want. I had the parm and garlic fries and onion rings with my girlfriend. Both were outstanding and the service was great too! The third time I went was a Friday night and it was pretty busy. We were sat without much of a wait but it was right near the front doors and everyone waiting for tables were surrounding my table, it was awkward and annoying but because we were sat so quickly it wasn't too big of a deal to me. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was great. My girlfriend had the mac and cheese which she enjoyed. Can't really think of a bad thing to say about Jake's. Service, food and atmosphere were all very good.
(5)
Sonya A.
Cool place, pretty good food, good beer selection and holds a place in my heart as the first place I ever had a Left Hand Milk Stout. Solid place to bring a group of people for beer and wings. Warning, there is a major step in spicyness between the super hot wings and the XXX. Yum! Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Location: 4/5
(4)
Fred S.
Hopping downtown bar. What I had was good but not great. However the service was terrific. Considering how busy the place was for folks watching the Hawks game the bartender was incredible. The hosts was also great deal in with the masses. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable all around. Good beer selection but food was just a little above average for a sports bar.
(4)
Merayah P.
I love the fire cracker wings! The fried pickles are definitely the best I've ever had.!And they have a good selection of beer. Definitely our favorite spot!
(5)
Katie K.
Every time my boyfriend and I are in Chicago, we have to come to Jake Melnick's. Our must haves are ponchos wings, the bbq sampler (sub hot link for chicken) and the flavor of the month Mac Daddy Mac n' cheese! Beer selection is great, crowd is never pretentious, and the service is attentive!
(5)
Brandon K.
I can't emphasize how average their food is. First off, their wings. The sauce is great- I'll give them that. But all their wings are classified as "jumbo." Right. Not even close. They come in lots of 8 instead of 12 because they're so.... "Jumbo." For $11 per order, ie $1.38 per wing, it's an complete rip-off. Maaaaaybe if they were in fact jumbo that'd be ok. But they're not. So it's not ok. On to the pizza. Brick oven pizza! Yea! Sounds awesome. Spoiler alert... You're in for a disappointment. Pickup a flatbread pizza in the frozen section of your favorite grocery store & you'll save yourself time, money, and your taste buds will thank you. The saving grace for this place is their draft list. Well rounded & they have a few local brews too. The service was great as well. If I came back it would be solely to have a few beers at the bar. They have plenty of TVs for sports as well.
(3)
Randy C.
Went here on a whim for lunch with my wife and ended up splitting the Sloppy Pig sandwich and Parmesan fries. Glad we did as the food portions were pretty big. The fries were great and the sandwich was really good with a BBQ taste that was spicy but didn't cover up the taste of the pulled pork and brisket. Overall a great experience that didn't break the bank. Highly recommend.
(4)
Jennica S.
This place was near our hotel and we walked past repeatedly. Boasting they had the best wings in Chicago, we decided to give them a try. We had the Parmesan fries with ranch for an appetizer and they were deliciously fresh cut and well coated. Plenty for two, probably even three people. My boyfriend and I each got wings. They come in an 8 count, and you can split 4 and 4 with different flavors if you like. That's what I did, half Ponchos and half bbq. Bbq isn't listed as a wing flavor, but I'm a bit of a sissy when it comes to spicy foods and a lot of the wing sauces were buffalo, sriracha, etc. So I asked if since they had a lot of bbq items on the menu, they could coat my wings with it and our waiter assured me this was no problem. They were delicious, and I actually found myself liking the Ponchos wings even more which surprised me. It's a dry rub and makes the wings taste almost like they were smoked on a spit somehow, which I loved. The wings were definitely Jumbo like the menu claimed, I was only able to eat 4/8 (after the mass amount of fries I consumed.) definitely a cool spot to dine with a lot of variety on the menu, a table near us had nachos that looked quite tasty. They also had a huge beer menu that I would've liked to pick from had I not been tired from exploring the city all day!
(5)
Michael M.
Yes, Yelp, you weren't lying. These people are serious about their wings. I ordered the XXX and the waitress warned me that they would probably be too hot. I asked for the XXX sauce on the side (for fry dipping of course), and I was actually stunned. (My wings were Super Hot and they were the perfect spice level.) The XXX has amazing flavor in addition, though, so I ordered XXX wings on my subsequent visit. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the 8, due to the competing flavor of the IPA. Not complaining though, I finished them the next day. These wings do have a light breading, which is a usually a tiny bit off-putting to me personally, but all things considered these were uniquely delicious. If I lived in Chicago I'd be at this place all the time. The staff was very helpful and friendly, and the environment is just what I'm looking for in a wing place-- casual but not foolish. Jake's is Beer&Wings done right. Good job.
(5)
Darcy W.
A fun neighborhood bar with a great beer selection! The bar just had a nice vibe. We had the pig sandwich and a burger... Both were very tastey! The bartender was excellent and attentive on a busy afternoon. Plenty of TV's to catch a game.
(3)
Cassandra S.
Love the wings. Got the wing of the month, which was a pepperoni pizza wing. It tasted like chicken parm. The fries were superb. The bloody marys are just the right amount of flavor and spice. Firecracker wings are a MUST. The XXX wings and super hot wings were also pretty tasty.
(5)
Andre W.
I am a wings fanatic and I heard the wings here are 2nd to none. Their XXX wings have been voted hottest in the city for years...no way I was trying those. I came in on a wet afternoon and needed a drink. I had about 4 glasses go their Central Waters Riviere beer which was stored in french red wine barrels for a year...very good beer! I got the 8 wing combo in which you can mix & match. My awesome server April recommended the firecracker wings which is sriracha based and the garlic & cayenne marinade wings. The Firecracker wings were delicious...so delicious that I ordered another 4. The garlic and cayenne were nice as I was told to squeeze lemon over them to enhance the flavor...they were pretty good but better when I dipped them in blue cheese or ranch. Someday I will come back and burn the hell out of my mouth with the XXX wings but today just was not the day.
(5)
Karen R.
Love this place. I don't like pickles fried or otherwise but I dream about the fried pickles here! I cannot go to the city without stopping in for some. Came down last night and 4 of us shared two different wing variations, Poncho and Firecracker, both amazing! Also shared a basket of amazing fries and sausage pizza. Wish I hadn't sent the leftovers home with my daughter!
(5)
Paul B.
Great wings and very good craft beer tap. This is a great spot for sports events because its one of the few places that take reservations. I recommend the Super Hot or Asian wing as they both are amazing. I've had XXX and they are very good with great flavor. They are hot however, beware. We watch Hawks and Bears games here and with 1000 TVs you will be hard pressed to miss a game. Great location and ease of access as well.
(4)
Damon M.
This is a great place for "Award Winning" wings. Came in on on a Saturday night thanksgiving weekend and it was surprisingly empty. I guess everyone was still full and didn't want wings. Anyway I ordered the wing combo of traditional buffalo and garlic cayenne (grilled). They were fantastic. I would recommend Jake M to anyone. Enjoy!
(4)
Mario D.
This is my go to spot on weekends for lunch. Panchos wings are the way to go. Everything else is just ok. The wings though and that come out very fast..
(5)
Miranda S.
First of all, it's a corner tap...they boat about their wings and I gotta tell you, the PB&J wings are amazing! I'm fairly confident I gained 10 lbs by eating them for the few months I was in Chicago. The thai peanut sauce is good but when you pair it with the chipotle raspberry jelly....wow. I am not a fan of the to-go ordering as well, I ordered PB&J and got sweet chili instead. So dissapointed in the error. I've had other wings, too and they were good and tasty but again, I'm a huge fan of the PB&J and would get that with a loaded baked potato for my meal. Game days are insane so unless you are there FOR the game, just avoid it.
(4)
Davidson T.
Holy moly! The best wings I've had. Great ambiance for watching NCAA basketball. Try the Mac n' Cheese.
(5)
Joseph D.
Went here on a wing crawl with some friends so my review is limited to wings, beer, service and atmosphere. Showed up here around 5pm on a Saturday night and it was packed! 45 minute wait for a table and it was still early, maybe everyone is in town Christmas shopping? I have no idea. Anyway, once we were seated we dug into our requisite wings and ordered the buffalo, spicy buffalo, Poncho's (wood smoked) and Firecracker (a take on the Thai chicken wing). Since our crawl was to judge the basic Buffalo, Jake's wasn't the best of the bunch. They were good, but not super meaty. However if the contest was for best collection and variety of wings, then yes, Jake's makes a strong case for the winner. The Poncho wings were excellent. They had the great smoked flavor (which we found out they do in the back - awesome) with a garlicky taste that balanced the smoky flavor perfectly. The Firecracker ones were great too. Thai chiles and Sriracha. Yummy! Definitely needed the dressing to cool your mouth down after a few of these. Beer selection here is insane. I had two of the most unique beers I've ever had and I've had a lot of beer in my day. I had the Local Option Morning Wood Oak Aged Coffee Amber Ale and the Port Board Meeting Coffee Brown. Two amazing beers although quite heavy to wash down wings with I will admit... Lots of other choices as well so take your time looking through the menu. Service was also excellent. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and came back frequently to check on us even though the place was packed. Bonus for good service. The only downside to this place is it's a bit touristy. Yes the wings were delicious but it was a bit loud and there were a lot of families. Not that I mind being out at a place where there are children, but having a 2 year old run circles around my table while getting my wings on is a bit much for me. I prefer when I go out to be in a more "bar like" atmosphere but that's just me. If' you've got a 2 year old and love wings, this is your place!
(4)
Mad I.
Been here a bunch of times now, which is funny because this really isn't up my alley... but the hubby loves beer and wings, and this time I was here for his Christmas party. We had a back room all set up and it was really cozy and nice. Shout out to ADAM!!! Nicest server ever! Efficient, friendly and didn't make us feel like we were overstaying our welcome...even though we were...and his shift was over :) Food was just okay, but it was out on a buffet so what do you want... I've had the onion rings as a regular customer, those are the stand out. And of course you must do the ghost pepper wing, and walk out proud with your plastic fire fighter hat!
(4)
Allison P.
For a sports bar- this one gets 5 stars for their service and game options. Upscale bar food, unique craft beers, limited wine selection. Try the Firecracker Wings- such great flavor. We were visiting during football season and went here two days in a row to watch the Oklahoma Sooners/Cowboys. They are very accommodating and made sure we sat where we could see the games, even though we were the minority.
(5)
Keith W.
Poor table service, I had to ask twice for the beer/drink list. Served lukewarm wings, got food poisoning. Server didn't even stop by to pick up the bill, manager did. Was comped a round of drinks due to complaint about the wings, but would have paid hundreds not to be puking all night and missing out on anniversary dinner with my wife.
(1)
Guanun Z.
We came here for a quick drink originally but saw other reviewer's comment on the XXX wings. We decided to try it and it became a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My friend is a really experienced hot food eater and I'm really bad at handling spicy food. When I first mentioned the name XXX, out server had an instinctive shiver and asked us "are u sure?" Heck yeah! When it came up, the wings were dark in color and carries a light vinegar smell. I decided to taste the sauce and licked just a little bit. The initial flavor was mild but it was followed by everlasting intensive mouth burning sense. Just for a tiny bit of sauce, I had to wolf down my Heineken and water. Regrouping my courage, I finally manned up and ate my wing as fast as I could. Net result - I had to clean my tears and sneeze in the restroom and keep ice water running through my mouth for a good 20 minutes! And to worsen the situation, their kitchen close at 10pm and they were out of veggies. Looking forward for chapter 2 in the restroom next morning. And I will forever understand why our server had that instinctive shiver at the beginning.
(5)
Haley J.
I really like the atmosphere at Jake Melnicks. The lighting is warm and cozy and it has a good bar feeling to it. The service was good and staff was friendly. As for the food, I didn't think it was anything that special. When I looked at the menu, there were tons of things that sounded really good that I want to try. My boyfriend and I ended up getting wings and Parmesan garlic fries. I got the boneless barbecue wings and they were pretty good, but I have had better. As for the fries, they were too soft for my liking. I prefer crispier fries and they were far from that. I thought it was kind of pricey. My boyfriend and I each ordered wings, shared an order of fries, and my boyfriend got one beer and the bill was like $44. But I would probably go back to give it another try and order some other items.
(3)
Nicolas D.
BEST wings in the city. Vast bar selection - brews & cocktails are top notch. 5 star because they're Apps & Beers. Firecracker Wings are the best around. Sweet, spicy, and crispy. Fried pickles are made with perfection. Buttermilk ranch kicks ass. Service is ok.
(5)
Angela P.
The wings and macaroni & cheese at Jake Melnick's are second to none! My husband asked me to find the "best wings" in Chicago, and several Yelpers recommended Jake Melnick's. I'm not a fan of traditional buffalo wings, because I don't like the bones. I did try some of the Pancho's wings though, and they were really good - meaty, moist, and well seasoned. They were much better than I expected. My expectations for a casual bar in the River North area aren't very high because this type of establishment is so common. When it comes to Jake Melnick's though, what they do, they do well. I had the chicken saltimbocca macaroni & cheese, a special this month. Their traditional mac & cheese, with a cheesy masala sauce, chicken, prosciutto, and parmesan & provolone cheese was so good! The saltiness of the prosciutto was a nice contrast with the creaminess of the sauce. We shared an order of the parmesan and garlic fries. The portion is huge, we could have shared with another one or two people. And they are super garlicky so make sure you've got some mints on you. All of the food was really good and a satisfying lunch on a rainy day. I'd definitely come back to try their other food or next month's special mac & cheese.
(5)
Hannah M.
I used to really like this place, but the past few times I've been there have been terrible experiences. The last time in particular, I was there to watch a baseball game. I told them this when I was seated. When we asked to have the game put on, our waitress said she wasn't sure if she could. We told her we came to watch the game and had told the hostess. About 15 minutes later and after we asked her about it two more times, the game was finally turned on. She then proceeded to rush us to leave when we were done eating, even though we were there for the game and we were still drinking. On top of that, their prices for typically cheap beers that they don't even have on the menu are insanely expensive for what they are. I will make it a point to go to Timothy O'Toole's from now on instead. They are much better for the prices.
(1)
Jamie B.
I think Jake's is a great place. The service has always been excellent and the wings are really good. This is a nice place for happy hour, late night, or Sunday funday.
(4)
Jeff W.
This place had the FATTEST wings I've ever seen or put in my mouth. I would highly recommend going here if you have the itch for wings. Their beer selection is also great and will go along with any of their wing flavors. The Hot is pretty hot, so pick carefully.
(4)
Iman W.
Bow the freak down to their beer selection. I probably spent a good ten minutes staring at that portion of the menu alone. I wasn't too hungry so I decided to get an appetizer. BBQ nachos, can't be too hard to manage, right? Wrong. Had to conquer it with a friend. We enjoyed every moment of it. Had to wait 20 minutes for a table. That area on a Saturday night, not too bad. And our waiter was an absolute delight. I'd go back.
(4)
D.J. C.
Poor service, particularly at the bar! For a beer bar the list is weak, and WAAAY OVERPRICED! Much better off at Timothy O'Tooles or Green Door Pub! This is a tourist trap!
(1)
Matt E.
Cool place. Friendly staff and great beer selection. I went because the had the #1 wings in Chicago.... Well that was disappointing... frozen, breaded wings. The sauce was good... but Buffalo wings are not breaded. Real let down
(3)
Kevin A.
So went in just for a late afternoon snack because I missed lunch. Only wanted a few wings as I heard they were pretty good here. Ended up eating the whole order. The Firecracker wings are awesome! The only thing keeping this place from five stars is the fact they won't do 1/2 orders(although admittedly I did eat the whole thing!) and the order of 8 wings is pretty pricy. $12 for 8 wings. They are big wings, but still. Anything over $1 a wing is a bit much. Would stop again though! Enjoy.
(4)
Ryan Z.
2 blocks away from the Park Hyatt so this was a very convenient football escape on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was on point --- always at our table when we needed him but never crowding us unnecessarily. The food wast just okay. The wings (that they claim to be famous for) were anything but jumbo (as the menu indicates), and the wing sampler only included 7 wings. I found that very strange and completely inadequate at $11+. The beer selection was solid. I'd go back here for drinks and football and temper my expectations for their food.
(3)
Alex A.
I'd been here once years ago and was fairly impressed with the wings. Now, years later, I go back with people in the know, get the Poncho wings and I'm SOLD. They're hella good! And the "wing of the month" was the Ponchos in the firecracker sauce, a sriracha-based concoction. Holy hell! Ultra good! I previously thought Bird's Nest were the best wings in Chicago but these give BN a run for the money. They're tastier and there are more varieties than BN but BN has the edge on that deep-fried crispiness that I like so much in a wing. JMCT has a good beer program but nothing crazy. Nice rotating selections. Monday 3/17/14 featured Sixpoint Brewery. I liked their IPA. Tasty and smooth without being over-hopped.
(4)
Vicki s.
We ordered Nachos, Fried Pickles and Sweet Potato Fries. The bartender first appeared intoxicated. Swore there was ketchup in the bag as as well as napkins salt pepper but there was none of it. The Nachos were completely cold as if they were made hours ago for someone else. The Pickles were soggy as if they were not left in the deep fryer long enough. And then no ketchup for the sweet potato fries. This was a waste of my money completely!!! Who has an intoxicated bartender working getting people's food out and assisting customers. I would NEVER EVER CHOOSE TO GO BACK HERE AGAIN!!! Find someplace else that has similar food. This is DISGUSTING!
(1)
Alexis R.
The smoked wings are ridiculously good and they serve food late. They also do a great job of with the drinks menu with creative new seasonal specials.
(4)
Cory S.
HORRIBLE service, good food and drink selection. Nachos were large and they actually take the minute to layer in the cheese and meat, not just toss it on top. This place is a good place for the area as its not super expensive, but not a dive either.
(4)
Alicja K.
Some of my friends love coming here. I'm not wowed by their food. It's average. Prices are average. Decor is average. I think there are better choices but there are also worse choices. There are lots of TVs so it's a good place to watch games. But does get crowded.
(3)
Sarah S.
I know I came to Jake's and I know I had a good time...so four stars! Honestly, I came to a UYE here last month and walked in already a bit tipsy. I was given a couple of good beers while there and by the time I left, I was on top of the moon! It wasn't overly crowded for a Friday night and we were able to keep a huge table for most of the night. They had some good craft beers on their menu including a bunch of good ones on tap. Chill atmosphere and fun to be had by all at Jake's!
(4)
Arthur L.
Four of us, gal brought one beer we ordered and thus ordered wings. I asked her if they could add just one xxx wing. Asked if she ever tried the xxx hot and she said she does not do hot food. I simply said OH, your asian and I thought Asians liked spicy. She said not me and walked toward the kitchen. Before we knew it the manager told us to get out! They booted us out! He said my remark was a racial slur. Oh my god, rant we getting touchy. They may have good food but that incident was way out of line. I was kind to give one star.
(1)
Karolina S.
Jake Melnick's is a great place to go eat if you're shopping downtown. Its around the corner from the magnificent mile and has lots of seating. Their wings are the BOMB. Our favorite are wings tossed in both poncho sauce and firecracker sauce. The combo is not on the menu but if you ask your server then they can have them customized for you. They have a nice beer selection and the service is quick. This is our go-to when were shopping the mag mile or Oak street.
(4)
Carlos P.
Decided to test my manhood and ate their XXX wings. Was in a weird state between pain and pleasure. I think I passed the test, well the stupidity test at least.
(4)
Yasmina C.
Had such a nice time here! Fun and lively environment great for all ages. Our server Jana (pronounced Yana) had a lot of knowledge about everything on the menu including all the beers on tap! We had the Mac Daddy Mac and cheese (HIGHLY suggest that) and the wood-grilled artichoke! SUPER delicious. If you are ever in downtown Chicago, you have to make a stop here at Jakes!
(5)
John C.
Excellent wings! Our waiter was right on to recommend the combo. Eight wings total, we went with the mild buffalo and ponchos. Ponchos are rich with flavor, have a nice char flavor that you can only get from grilling. Buffalo went on the spot, rich and tangy. Oven cut fries brought me back to my days of living with mom and dad---can't beat crispy hand cut fries. The crispy pieces explode in your mouth. Finally, jalapeño Mac and Cheese was very good, especially with the panko topping nice and crispy! Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(5)
Adam J.
Excellent food. Too many hipsters. Decent evironment. Says its a "official blackhawks bar" .... dont go here for a hawks game, might run into a few hawks fans but not many.
(3)
Diva G.
I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed with my food. I tried the superhot, spicy and medium wings. The superhot is just that, SUPERHOT, but not so hot that you can't taste the flavors/spices of the chicken. I loooove spicy foods- the hotter, the better, but I must warn you because most people who THINK they can handle superhot will not be able to eat more than 1 or 2 wings. I think my unfavorable review of the wings is more of a personal preference versus bad food. I loooove FRIED wings, NOT baked or grilled. Even though the server stated they are fried, the appearance and texture is definitely more baked/grilled. If you are looking for crispy wings, this is not your place. I also had an order of the onion rings, which were inedible. YUCK! They were overcooked in what tasted like old grease then dumped into a basket and served to me in a pool of grease. That order should've NEVER left the kitchen! When the server inquired if everything was okay, I mentioned my disappointment that the onion rings were overcooked and served in a pool of grease and the wings were definitely not crispy. She apologized and offered to bring fresh onion rings and even offered to put in a new order of wings to make them crispy, which I politely declined. I did eat a few of the wings and was no longer hungry at that point. The manager came to our table to apologize, address the issues and offered to prepare something else from the menu. I still declined, but I did appreciate her sincerity and excellent customer service skills trying to resolve the issue!!! GREAT customer service goes a loooooong way...
(2)
Jeana C.
Great chilled spot! Our server was great and food was delicious! We got the XXX wings, Ponchos wings and the BBQ platter. All were great! $5 Bloody Mary's on Saturdays!
(5)
Joe I.
After wondering aimlessly from place to place with nothing sounding "good" to me at the moment, I decided to give this place a try. (And yes, I Yelped it before walking in!). It looked "gritty" from the outside but not in a bad way. "Neighborhood-y", casual, comforting. LOL. Upon entering, the same. It was like bar meets restaurant meets diner. Service was great, food (NOT HEALTHY) was just what I needed at the time. Burgers 'n beer. Splurged and broke from Paleo and had the Jalapeno mac 'n cheese in addition to my burger (without a bun). A-MAZE-ING. This place was fun. The food was comforting and tasty. A definite thumbs up.
(4)
Lauren P.
We went here on a Sunday night, during the Packers - Seahawks game... Absolutely slammed. We got to the bar and grabbed two seats. My boyfriend had amazing beer, the service was super friendly (even to the tourists), and the food was so good! The bartenders didn't have a moment of spare time, but you certainly didn't wait for a drink or service. Impressive.
(5)
Margaret A.
Had the PB and J wings for an appatizer they were amazing! And for my entree I had the portobello reuben sandwich. It was okay and definitely different. I would probably would try something else next time. But overall the atmosphere is nice and they have a lot to choose from. Would recommend!
(4)
Stephen K.
Huge portions on the chicken tenders and bbq chicken was excellent. Service was fast & great.
(4)
Cynthia R.
I wish I could do a 1/2 star, because I'd give them 2.5....but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give 3 instead of 2 based on service. This was our first time here and our server (her name escapes me), but she was pretty fantastic. It was a beautiful autumn Friday evening. We didn't have to wait very long for a perfect table outside. Our server was very vocal and enthusiastic about the menu and specials. We had quite a few questions and she had an answer for all of them. The food, on the other hand, was, well...meh. I mean, it was ok...it definitely wasn't bad at all, but we've had burgers and wings from several places in Chicago that put Jake Melnick's to shame. If you're downtown and happen to be in the neighborhood, I guess it's an ok place to go, but I'll stick to my neighborhood spots and get GREAT food without the downtown price tag or hype.
(3)
Stein M.
Came to jake's after we were told to have to wait 45 minutes for a pizza at giordanos. Reasonably priced and huge quantities. The beer selection is very good...loved the milk stout. Our server was really nice....he made recommendations for beers since everything on the menu there was local. All the recommendations were good.
(4)
C P.
On the recommendation of the bartender, I ordered the wing sampler and added a side salad as well. The wings were ok, but not my style. They are huge and are more like baked drumsticks. Within 1 hour of leaving this place, I had horrific food poisoning, to the point where I had to go to the ER and get 2 prescriptions. Not sure if it was the salad or the wings, but either way, I won't be back.
(1)
Bill T.
Do you remember the end of "Sixteen Candles"? Sam and Jake Ryan are sitting on the table with the birthday cake in between them and Jake says "Make a wish" and Sam says "It already came true"* Well, Jake Melnick's is my Jake Ryan. I made a wish....and it came true. I came here for one beer. One, I swear. But then I saw the beer menu and it was like that old potato chip commercial "you can't eat just one" or maybe the other one that says "once you pop you can't stop". And I made a wish that I could have more than one. Potato chip references aside, this is an awesome place. Once I saw Allagash Black on the menu, I was hooked. And then the New Belgium Trippel...and the Ommegang Witte. And so my wish came true. Plus the bartenders were both really nice and knowledgeable. They acknowledged everyone who came up to the bar and had great recommendations. I liked the rustic decor of the place. I only wish I'd been able to stay long enough to have some wings. I love you Jake Ryan, I mean Jake Melnick's. And thanks for getting my panties back. __________________________________________________Â_______ * the good part is at 2:16 metacafe.com/watch/11051…
(4)
Jennifer M.
The food here is good. I went with a couple of my friends. We ordered the Fireside Wings, Artichoke Dip, and BBq Ribs. Everthing was very good. I would come back again to this place The service is good here.
(4)
Kyle H.
Didn't even try the famous wings everyone talks about but the food was still delicious and I'd absolutely recommend. Cornbread muffins were great, the brisket was flavorful, and the salads were better than average. They also have a really good beer list. It was a little louder than I like it (just made conversation tough) but the outdoor side patio was great on a summer evening and the whole group I was with thoroughly enjoyed the night. Prices were good and service was cheerful - nothing like some of the negative reviews I read on yelp. We left full and happy.
(4)
Mike D.
They always have great food and drink selection. But tonight they topped their service. We lost our home to a fire tonight, and the insurance put us in a hotel near there. We went there for some comfort food. Emily and Erin knew we were distressed and took really good care of us. They have great food, but really care about people. Eat here! Thanks Emily and Erin.
(5)
G I.
The wings and beers are great. While the prices are a little high for the style of restaurant, the food and atmosphere make it worth the extra cost. Definitely try the bbq choices they have, especially the nachos with pulled pork.
(4)
Jason P.
Pretty cool vibe. Great hot wings and good selection of craft beer. Would recommend going, seems like more of a local hangout with their regulars. Bar girl was attentive and friendly.
(4)
H L.
Food is below average at best, the wings are not good. The drinks were great though. But worst part is, all 3 of us had stomach issues afterwards.
(1)
Kristen W.
I was feeling really ballsy when I dragged my boyfriend in here to try the super hot wings (made with the 3rd hottest pepper in the world), knowing I can't tolerate that much heat we compromised and got half and half wings, 4 super hot and 4 buffalo (spicy). After I ate one super hot wing I thought I was seeing the light, I told everyone I thought I was having an allergic reaction. Haha, I wasnt. But I had never experienced that much spice before, so proceed with caution. I managed to eat two and pat myself on the back for a job well done. The spicy buffalo were great, one of the best buffalo wings I have ever had. They were packing heat, so I didnt even need to try the super hot. Just wish my mouth was burning and melting off so I could nejoy the rest of the spicy buffalo wings. I will be bak for more buffalo wings, but will be steering clear of the super hot! YOu should try them though!
(4)
Shirley H.
I'm alright with handling spicy food, but those Super Hot wings were no joke. I'm not even going to bother attempting the XXX wings. Our server warned us about the Super Hot and we thought we could handle it.. we're sorry that we didn't listen! By the way, those buffalo fries and fried pickles were fantastic.
(4)
Glen H.
Service was good. Server gave us a lot of personal time. I did their hot wing challenge and that's a joke. Didn't even sweet. We were told 80% of the people beat the challenge. Basically it's not a challenge. it's just something to get people in the door. We order a few other things and lets just say fried food isn't there specialty.
(3)
Tony R.
Place is awesome. The food is great for a burger and wing place. The service is fantastic. We live next door and the place is always busy. I chose Jakes for my bachelor party pre party and meal. They were awesome. Treated everyone for well. Until we got too rowdy then we were politely asked to leave, which we deserved. Place rocks!
(5)
Gabrielle A.
Best wings I've ever had in Chicago. Nice laid back place to bring friends. Great atmosphere. Love the huge tables for large parties. I used to go here all the time in college! They have a good amount of craft beers on tap. My fav is the beef brisket, chicken sandwich, spicy wings, and fried pickles! Yum !!
(5)
J M.
Had lobster macaroni and cheese and it was outstanding. The wings were fine, but not as good as I had heard. Beer list was good and the atmosphere was great.
(4)
Kate K.
Standard bar food but they do it pretty well. This place is in kind of a deserted area of river north, so I end up eating here probably more than I would because it's the best bar/casual option for a couple blocks. Good nachos, chicken tenders and barbecue sandwiches. I'm not a huge wing fan but I've heard good things. Also great for delivery.
(3)
Michelle F.
Raise your hand if you were here twice in less than two weeks ::Raises hand proudly:: I'm not even ashamed. Maybe I should be considering I live about an hour away, but I'm not. I'm not even ashamed that I was a hot BBQ-y mess when I left, either. So take THAT! My friend was visiting the city, and I was on my way home from Indiana. It only made sense for us to meet in the city, and he happened to know exactly where this was, so it was a win all around. I got to overindulge in BBQ, and he got to not get lost in the city. WIN WIN. This time, I skipped the alcohol (it was 11 am, after all, and this classy beyotch waits until noon!) but I got a LOT of food. I did the "pick three" meats for $18 and added on a skillet corn bread. I chose the ribs, the pulled pork, and the BBQ chicken. The fries that come with the meal are AMAZING, btw! They're supposed to be a side, but I can see how people can add on some ingredients and make them their meal! My corn bread skilled ($5) was pretty good, but it had a HUGE thing of butter on it. Now don't get me wrong, I like a nice pat of butter as much as the next guy, but this was literally a hockey puck of butter. The meats were really good, though. very tender and fall-of-the-bone. The taste of the BBQ sauce was delicious, too. I was dipping my corn bread into it, too :) So it was a little pricey for just lunch, but it was definitely worth it!!
(4)
Christopher K.
On a business trip from South Florida, I stumbled upon this place using Yelp and on the lookout for wings. These, by far, are the best wings I've ever had. And, they have a buffalo fry appetizer with their wing sauce covering the fries. Great service, great price, food is hot and quick out of the kitchen. If I'm ever in Chicago again, I will eat here everyday.
(5)
Brian L.
This place is pretty decent. Don't care for the location, but the food I thought was pretty good. On par with Red Hot & Blue back home in DC. I thought I would be a tough guy and try the XXX wings (by the way there is no "contest" for it anymore, you just eat the wings or not at your leisure)... so upon first tasting them I actually thought, "wow, these have a nice crispy outside and the sauce is actually really nice." yes, it did feel a bit spicy at this point, but the plot thickens. I also ordered a platter with ribs and pulled pork. Both I thought were excellent. My friend also got ribs and we both agreed the sauce was really really good and itself had a tiny bit of kick to it. We also like it when it's a nice medium of off the bone and stick to the ribs... it was just enough to be able to gnaw at, but not slipping off the bone as if it were some boneless concoction. I'd eat from my platter after a wing or two. As the spiciness started to increase, that is it started to build on me, my tongue and lips lost sensation. I didn't reach for water uncontrollably, but it was definitely starting to bring me a bit of the teary eyes and sweat. Of eight wings, I finished four of them. My buddy's fiancee tried a dab of it on her finger and that was over the top for her, so I guess my tolerance is ridiculous. It wasn't until we paid and walked back outside that the pain actually kicked in. We got about three blocks when I realized things occurring within my stomach were not natural and probably not unlike drinking acid. This is the same pain I experienced when I took a bite out of a Bhut Jolokia two years ago. Didn't think that pain would ever return. I can only describe it as a not quite you have to use the bathroom to poop or puke, but just an eroding of all your vital innards. I had to stop and lean against a planter for about 5-10 minutes as my friend got me a milk chug... which seemed to help a little. I sweat pretty profusely for this time and really felt as though I may have actually visited another planet. In sum: food is great, but the XXX wings will send you to the gates of Dis.
(4)
Grace C.
I tried their hamburger. it was very hearty. it had two layers of cheese bread, egg and the main meat. they offer sweet potato fries with extra dollar. I couldn't finish the dish, so had to bring the half home.
(3)
Jason F.
If you live in River North, Jake's is the perfect place to take your out of town friends to watch the game and eat some really good wings. The wing of the month is always your best option. Great beer selection and if you need advice on what to choose they're very knowledgeable and will help you out. DO NOT let your friends order chicken fingers! I can't believe every time I go there I see someone ordering them, it makes me cringe. It screams clueless out of towner. Special game that your out of town friends need to watch? They're more than happy to put it on...even if they want to watch the Red Wings.
(4)
Amelia B.
It's always hot and stuffy in here. The service is always hit or miss. And for whatever reason, it's always packed. Lots of TVs? Close to Michigan Ave and overrun by tourists? Large tables to accommodate huge groups that linger forever? Probably a combination of all three. But there is the March Madness burger. And the ghost pepper wings, which are highly entertaining in and of themselves (hell no, I would never do such a thing...but my friends will!) So Jake Melnick's, serving up schadenfreude, does just fine.
(3)
Molly C.
Went last night to catch the Bulls & Blackhawks game. It's was pretty busy for a Wednesday night. We got a table right away and our server greeted us promptly. We put in an order for 2 sides of wings and the garlic Parmesan fries. The wings were awesome! Jumbo buffalo wings with lots of meat on the bone and super crispy. The sauce was delicious too. The fries were addicting. Our service could have been better. When we received our food we had to wait about 5 minutes for them to bring us plates. Our server could have been more friendly and smiled more. Overall, I'm a fan.
(3)
Christopher M.
So here's the deal with Jake's ... you can either have a 1 star experience or a 5 star experience, hence me giving them 3 stars. What does a 1 star experience look like? Not getting a beer or wings or BBQ. These are a must. After this they don't have much. What does a 5 star experience look like? Getting beers and wings and BBQ. Their beer list is fantastic ... some hard to find gems as well as many great standbys. In the River North area they really do have the best beer list. Their BBQ is excellent - love the ribs. Their wings, as most have said, are very good. After that? Nothing great. Stick to the plan. Beer. Wings. BBQ.
(3)
Angie C.
Came to drink and watch the football game. Lots of people and lots of energy. Multiple games playing . Drinks were very good. Our server Jana (pronounced with a "y". Yana ) was on the ball! Appetizers were tasty . We tried the "Mac Daddy" Mac and cheese and wood grilled artichoke. Both delicious!
(4)
Abby C.
Went for the wings after hearing several people rave about them. Easy to see why! The wings are good sized with plenty of chicken on them, with 8 per order. I did the combo of buffalo and poncho. Poncho is a very subtle, backyard BBQ kind of seasoning, but their buffalo was very good. If you get anything here, get the Parmesan garlic fries and set yourself free. They're a little on the soggy side (in a good way) and have the perfect amount of garlic, not overbearing, with lots of Parmesan sprinkled on them. Paired with the ranch dressing for dipping, they are a unstoppable force. Very friendly, knowledgable bartenders as well!
(4)
Jack P.
Walked the streets of streeterville and came across this place. Specials of the day were rum punch and madness burger which was a juicy burger in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. We got both specials. They were awesome. Burger deserves the most accolades. A bit large to pickup and eat but the grilled cheese was an awesome idea. Come here for games or just for good happy hour specials!
(5)
Anne Marie C.
I can't say enough good things about this place. It was delicious, the service was great, and the prices were fair. Huge portions! Definitely couldn't finish my entire sandwich in one sitting. Also, had the elixir drink with cucumber water, pickle juice and chili pepper vodka - give it a try, much better than you'd expect!
(5)
Jenny S.
The wings were good, especially the Poncho (which were spicy garlic), but otherwise, I wasn't too impressed by their wings. As a wing conosseuir on football Sundays, as far as wing places go, this one was slightly overpriced given the number of wings you received per order (8) and the overall taste. They had a pretty extensive beer menu and are a great place to go if you like Left Hand brewery. Also, I'd recommend the Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts. It was delicious!
(3)
Elaine M.
My husband, over 21 year old son and I went here for the first time on Saturday during football playoffs. The moment we walked in I was in love. I think this might be the most inviting sports bar I have ever been in. Of course, tons of tvs everywhere and lots of warm and cozy wood. The whole atmosphere welcomes you in and invites you to sit down, stay a while and indulge in some "not good for you" indulgent football food. The highlight in the food department here are the choice of wings. Upon our servers recommendation I went for the firecracker wings - Sweet Thai Chili & Sriracha. They were very good, sweet with just an underscore of spiciness. Right up my husbands alley! In the end though I am more of a traditionalist. Our son had the medium spicy traditional buffalo wings and they were absolutely perfect for my taste! The husband had the BBQ Triple Play Combo - 1/3 slab ribs, pulled pork, slow-smoked & beef brisket. I though the sauce was very good, a Texas style one - really smoky. I didn't much care for the rib though. It was way over cooked, hard and chewy. Then for our son with the hollow leg he had a trio of sliders. They were fantastic but could have used a pickle on each to balance out the palate. Both the BBQ trio and the sliders were served with fries which were also really good. If they aren't hand cut then they make a good show if it. We loved that they left the skins on for that extra potato flavor punch. Service here was friendly and we have no complaints what so ever.
(4)
Eric C.
5 stars would be having the last super with Jesus, that said this place brags that they have "the best wings" and they truly do! "pancho" wings..smokey,and flavorful..just the right amount of heat. the staff is very cool , friendly , professional, and attentive. especially Cythia,Ivon,and lisha. I was Visiting from New York and so glad i found this place.
(4)
Brandon M.
Wings are great and the beer selection is out of this world. I was here off peak, but the bar staff was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)
Jheri B.
I give it more a 3.5. The food overall is mad produced like something from a Chilis. Not outstanding but more than just edible. The BF had a BBQ sandwich. Why when we are from KC? Idk. The artichoke dip was possibly the worst I ever had which made me start to worry. Then I got my wings. Firecracker wings. A Thai style bone in crispy delight. Seriously, so good. Our waiter was very good for how clearly overworked he was. I merely had to mention the dip was no good at all and he took it off the bill. He checked in a bunch, not pushy, and friendly. The real highlight here though is the multitude of beers. Particularly for being out of towners, I like to try local and they had local and more. So if you make it this way I recommend sticking to the booze, ordering the wings and enjoy your friendly server, Alonzo!
(4)
Katelyn S.
YUM!! I had never had fried pickles before but I crave them on a regular basis now! Everything we have tried so far has been great! They usually have a Mac n' cheese dish that changes monthly. My gosh it's always amazing! The environment is fun too.
(5)
Suzanne H.
Know what to expect & you won't be disappointed. We were looking for a "sports bar" to stop in and watch the NCAA Elite 8 games, have a drink & eat some food. It had all of those...game, beer, food. There is an extensive, obscure beer selection. PROBLEM, the $9 (8 oz) beer was served in a hot glass fresh from the dishwasher. The food was average, at best (we had BBQ pizza, burger, brisket sandwich). Do NOT opt for the sweet potato fries...Ore-Ida, ick. The regular fries were GREAT. Deep fried pickles were greasy and very salty. I can ignore average food if the service is good...it wasn't. Our server was friendly, but we only saw her twice...order & pay.
(2)
Sally C.
Comfortable. Casual. Atmosphere and Food. I'd go back. Great service. Exactly as you'd expect.
(3)
Robert U.
This is a fun little spot. It's warm and woody inside. They've got some great local brews on tap. I had a vanilla stout that was excellent. They've got the usual bar/pub food, and it's all pretty good. Their wings are not quite as hot as I'd prefer, but are pretty good. The fries are excellent.
(4)
Laura H.
Fun stop on a day of COLD shopping over New Years in Downtown Chicago. The red wine was tasty and my boyfriend loved his beer. :) We stopped on NYE mid day around 2ish and it was jammed. Snagged a seat at the bar and the bathroom was clean too. Good place to stop.
(3)
Chrissy F.
The wings live up to their reputation. I had the firecracker wings and they were a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy, my brother made it on their 'wall of flame' by finishing their xxx wings that he enjoyed thoroughly. My husband had the smoked brisket and he liked it too. The kids had the mac and cheese and it was better than the usual. Pretty good beer list too!
(4)
Magen R.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would, but I can't so it gets 3. I met two friends here on Easter for a little bit of day drinking. I chose Jake Melnick's because it was close to where they were at and because they have $5 Bloody Mary's on Sundays! I was really surprised a spot in such a busy area would have $5 Bloody Mary's but they did so we went. I started off with the XXX Bloody Mary (their spicy version) was not impressed at all. The tomato juice was way too thick and it was not "XXX" spicy by any stretch of the imagination. For my second drink I chose their standard Bloody Mary and was very impressed. It was not too thick and had a delicious salt and pepper rim. The second one definitely redeemed Jake Melnick's for me and was worth the $5. It's also worth noting that they'll give you a 7 ounce mini Miller Lite for just a $1 extra with your Bloody Mary, definitely worth it! My friends ordered beers and vodka sodas so not much to comment on there, they were definitely affordably priced though. Everyone had already eaten lunch prior to arriving but I was a bit hungry so I decided to go for a light appetizer. I ordered the BBQ Chips that came with blue cheese and scallions. They were really yummy and the portion was HUGE. Definitely worth what I paid for and had a unique, delicious flavor. I was disappointed not to order a meal at Jake Melnick's because the places smells heavenly and all of the food I saw being delivered to near by tables looked outstanding. The service is also very, very good at Jake Melnick's. Despite it being fairly crowded our waitress was a constant fixture at our table and we never had to wait long for a drink. The ambiance is fun and rowdy, definitely the type of place you can chill out to watch a game with a few beers and some good grub. I will say it is a little too touristy for my tastes which is why I generally avoid that area all together, but If I'm back in the area I'll definitely stop by Jake Melnick's and maybe even bump this up to 4 stars!
(3)
Patrick J.
Soggy wings with ok flavor and they are regular size not jumbo as they say and the service is ok but only when it's slow needless to say I will never be coming back
(1)
Jenn M.
We passed by here on a cold evening and it looked very welcoming. So glad we did! - brisket was awesome, tender, flavorful - coleslaw was yum - got a Caesar salad for a side and it was good, and enormous - they had a great list of ciders but I think that was to support CiderCon, however, they support local ciders and have some good ones one the list every other week Good stop!!
(4)
Daniel L.
Living in River North, I've been to Jake's many times and it's one of my favorites. You can't go wrong with any of their BBQ or burgers, and their wings and ribs are delicious. I'd also definitely recommend their sweet potato fries. The portions here are pretty big and they've got a great beer menu too. Great place to take friends or family from out of town.
(5)
Rachel W.
YUM! Love the food here. Such a cozy environment and great for big groups as well. One of my favorite spots. The bbq brisket sandwich is amazing and the portions are generous. Definitely try it out! Very low-key and affordable restaurant considering the location!
(5)
Sharyn M.
Mother's Day included a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and a promising supper choice. I felt such a craving for good crisp saucy Wings and so of course dug into my Yelp! and discovered Jake Melnick's Corner Tap.. A two block walk from home and a mouth watering anticipation. I was not led astray by the high starred reviews. My son, who was treating of course, and I, opted for an outdoor covered seating area, which housed picnic tables in a cozy setting. We thought it would be fun to indulge in beverages and morsels while the storms rolled in. Brooke our server was sincerely wonderful. A great greeting and attentive manner throughout the experience. She arrived not even 5 minutes into our seating and was quick to answer inquiries on Jakes "on tap" cocktails and was a good sell on several selections. My Mothers Day treat of a Top Shelf Long Island (not on tap) was created with expertise. Nicely balanced, not too sour or sweet and just the right acid. Our wing choices for the evening were the Poncho/Buffalo combo, the Poncho being a wood fired grilled, rubbed with a garlic cayenne spice , and the Buffalo, nicely crisp spicy saucy decadence. and the Firecracker, Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha. These were amazing. They were ALL magnificent. Other menu choices ( crab mac and cheese, brisket, ribs) looked enticing but we did not want to over fill. The storms came in as we dined , drank , laughed and had a great Sunday. I do rate Jakes as being a place to kick back and just enjoy. A very positive experience.
(4)
Lola B.
Great place for some classic American flare. Went in for lunch on a Wednesday so it wasn't very crowded. I was dining alone so I sat at the bar. The bartender greeted me right away, introduced herself, and handed me a beer menu as well as food. She was super helpful in helping me select a beer I loved. This place is known for wings, but I opted for the Smoked Turkey and Blueberry Jam sandwich. It was awesome. The fries were crisp and tasty as well. Overall, great food with great service all wrapped up in a great location. Check it out!
(5)
Jason B.
This place has great food. I don't know why it is never packed. Every time I've been, I've gotten good service and been happy with my food. I tend to get the BBQ or a burger. Portion sizes are good and the prices are reasonable. They have a solid beer selection as well. We like to take family here when they are in town.
(4)
Derek H.
Food is so, so. Great atmosphere clean and nice. A lot of draft beers on tap. Service was good, but they need to improve on the food.
(3)
Robert C.
This place is a blast! My girlfriend and I come to Chicago only once a year- and this is always are go-to place. Nice beer selection, delicious food, and genuinely nice people working there!! So refreshing. We love the grilled artichoke and their chicken wings (they're saucy yet still crispy?! Perfection.) In an area over- saturated in crappy chain restaurants , this place and it's staff, is a real gem.
(5)
Sarita B.
I was not excited to "waste" a meal here in my attempt to eat my way through Chicago one weekend, but I was happily proven wrong. The menu is a lot of bar food, so I asked the server for help, she said they're known for their in house smoked meats. I ordered the pulled pork slider trio and upgraded the fries to Parmesan garlic fries. The sliders were tender and amazing, my favorite had a great spicy-sweet sauce with slaw, really nice kick to the sauce, with an almost Asian flair. The second was good, but just plain BBQ sauce. The third had a great curried honey mustard sauce, very unexpected. But those fries, though! Oh.my .god. Always get the garlic Parmesan fries. Freshly cut fries, nice and crisp, good fresh garlic flavor, and a Parmesan ranch type dip. It was me versus my table for those fries. My only regret is letting the server sway me from the pan fried cornbread to the mac and cheese, it was just okay, but my portions were too large to need a side anyway, so I shared.
(5)
Jennifer F.
Excellent go to place for games or "just because." Plenty of TVs everywhere, not just the bar area. Good beer selection. Good food. Good service.
(5)
Celina B.
Yay! I'm a fan. Just not of the wing prices.... We tried going to Cobra Lounge as we heard they have killer wings- but they were sold out. of wings. on a friday night. BOGUS! Straight to google and Yelp! to find Chicago's #1 wings which were at Jake Melnick's. There was no wait at all which was incredible. This place is BIG and has outdoor seating where you can bring your leashed pup. There's a big bar area and a bunch of tables eeeeeverywhere! Our waiter was really awesome! Down to earth, funny, and very helpful with our decision making. My boyfriend said he'd party with him. I think it's because they talked about tattoos... Anyways- Their wings come in portions of 8 and you can mix and match 4 and 4. I got the mild and panchos. Panchos are garlic and cayenne! They're grilled and so delicious!! The mild burned my lips. Not so bad going down, but hot damn were my lips on fire. My boyfriend had gotten the spicy ones and a little more spicier set as well. At one point there was an actual tear in his eye. His lips were on fire for quite some time as well. But he liked them. Now what I'm going to tell you is VERY important... GET THE GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES AND BRING GUM, TOOTHPASTE, AND MOUTHWASH. The garlic lingered til the next day! But they were so damn good. My only "complaint" is we got the shit end of the fry batch and they were barely longer than my finger nail. Still delicious. At one point our server apologized for the drink delay, but someone was complaining about the prices and it involved the bartender and a manager, so he couldn't get the drinks. I really didn't think it took that long to get the drinks so it didn't bother me. We all made jokes about how they should have looked at the menu prices before ordering. Then we got our bill. $12 for 8 wings. DAFUQ?! Maybe WE should have looked at the prices before ordering!! All in all, we had fun, and we enjoyed the food! My 4 stars is because of the price and because I've had better wings that are my #1 fave still. Sorry Jake.
(4)
Christine S.
Jake Melnick's is a large sports bar... I love sports bars...like I, really love them. Tons of TV's. Lot's of different games on. Lots of action everywhere. Big crowds getting into the game of their choice. Great beer specials. ETC. What's not to love? But ehhhhhh, this might not be a sports bar for me. I ended up having a Cobb Salad for dinner (Romaine & iceberg lettuce, avocado, egg, red onions, blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon & chicken tossed in a tomato vinaigrette). The tomato vinaigrette is delicious. It's tangy, sour [in a good way]. Pretty good salad overall. They have a pretty decent beer list. beermenus.com/places/122… and some good specials throughout the week. The staff is super nice... I'm just not feeling Jakes yet... but I'll be back, I've gotta try the wings cause I hear they are fantastic!
(3)
Bryson H.
Good selection of beers and drinks -- they have cider! I love cider! I ordered some wings. As a connoisseur of wings, their menu taunted me with tales of year-after-year wins in best wings competitions. I decided to order their Firecracker wings, and their XXX wings. A word to the wise on the XXX wings: they are made with ghost peppers! Ghost peppers are hot. Extremely hot. In fact, they're the hottest peppers on the planet. I've had ghost pepper wings before and they destroyed me. (But I did finish the whole order.) The waiter informed me that instead of the half/half order of Firecracker and XXX, he could bring me just a single XXX wing instead. I'm not here to prove anything to anybody, just to see what all the fuss is about; I took him up on that offer. The Firecracker wings are not good. They're breaded, the outside is kind of mushy, and the flavor is best described as identical to Panda Express Orange Chicken if you added a hint of cayenne pepper. They're not hot at all, they've got a lot of sweet to them, and just taste like Orange Chicken. Which is to say crappy, sweet, and artificial. I can't believe these have ever won an award for anything, let alone best wings in Chicago. The XXX wings, however, are delicious. Did a single wing destroy me? It certainly did. But under all that heat they've done it right and there's a lot of really good flavor. A nice smokey depth and the chicken itself was pretty good. If I was in the mood for some it-hurts-so-good masochistic chicken wings, I'd come here for sure. The cider I ordered was also delicious. I can't recall which one it was, but they offered two when I was there, and I picked the less-dry of the two. Would definitely drink this again as well.
(3)
Laura D.
The firecracker wings are amazing!!! its literally wing heaven. only comparable to Quaker steak n lube from Pittsburgh. The prices are a little steep for wings tho. The deserts are awesome too, had the chocolate chip cookie skillet sundae it was delightful.
(5)
Leonard F.
Great selection of beer to go with a lively atmosphere. Menu includes many favorites such as huge burgers and wings along with good barbecue choices. The fries are excellent. Friendly wait staff and reasonable prices make this an excellent choice only a few blocks from the Michigan Ave shping district,
(4)
Daniel N.
Fantastic! I am loving this place although I've only been here twice. There is a reason why the wings have been voted Best Of for three years running. The first time I ate here I had the "super hot" wings, which is one step below their "XXX" wings which I hear you have to sign a waiver to eat and are made of ghost peppers. I'll admit, I am one of those "macho" types who feel that I feel no burn so I ordered the super hot thinking, "bring it". Half way thru the 8 wings, I had to stop, go to the bathroom and wash my face as it was on fire. The second time, I just ordered the spicy wings. The sauce is very tasty, not just a flame in your mouth. There is actually a lot of flavor to them. They are also very meaty which makes them filling as well. My fiance got the buffalo chicken sandwich which also looked tasty and to her, were at the the right spice. We also split a baket of garlic fries - we could tell the fires had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while and just "tossed" to order. The bad things about this place is that they are kind of pricey. Not the wings or the sandwich but everything else was pricey. For example, the "spicy" were not actually that hot so I ordered a side of "super spicy" and was charged $1.95! For a little side of dipping sauce! At $7.50, the pilsner, albeit delicious, was pricey. On Mondays you can "flip" a coin for either a free appetizer or 15% off your total bill so that helps a little bit! I'll be back for the wings! I may even "man" up and try for the Wall of Flame!
(4)
Odranre B.
good portion...good food...reasonable prices...cornbread, mac and cheese, briskets are darn great!
(4)
Francis C.
I tried this place the other night... Wow... I really liked it... I wanted to try their. Xxx hot wings. So I ordered some "pumpkin beer" at the bar. Some off-duty waitor from another restaurant laughed and looked at me funny. So I told him to give Frankenstein his face back, and I went about my buisiness... Fugly... The 3 orders of xxx wings were really good. So I had 3 more orders. I really enjoyed them and even broke a sweat. But they were not as spicy I thought, at least going in. ...........At some point in the night I lost control of my bowels and woke up to the horse head scene from the Godfather. Yes I was screaming... But it was worth it, maybe not to my dry cleaner, but it was a special night for me... Note to restaurant: maybe you should change the name to FIRE DOWN BELOW!!!!
(5)
Ben L.
When I walked in I was greeted immediately I sat down at the bar has a drink and a menu with 2 minutes if not less the bartender asked me my name and remembered it. Wings where great different then I usually get and they came out about 4-10 minutes after ordering them sizzling hot and good to go. Great service is a rare review I give these days and they have that in spades
(5)
Jay N.
Friendly bar staff. Good bar food. Large number of beers to choose from some of which are off the beaten path. Recommend the wings and BBQ. Both are served quickly and taste great. Plenty of TVs to watch a game. I stop here many times when I'm in Chicago for work, don't have plans, and just want to relax and watch a game. Has several communal tables which is a good way to meet new people.
(4)
Bonna M.
It was a busy Saturday afternoon on Michigan avenue, lots of shopping and lots of people. We all had to stop to rest our feet, grab a bite to eat and a beer (or two, or three) to drink. I'd heard that Jake Melnicks has great wings and wasn't far so we hoofed it down to the restaurant. When we walked in there were quite a few people waiting. Their waiting area definitely leaves something to be desired because it isn't very big and is right in the middle of the action. However, the hostesses were super friendly and promised to get our group of 9 seated within 20 to 30 minutes. We were happy to grab a beer and wait. Their beer list is absolutely phenomenal. We ordered an Off Color Brewing beer of some sort and weren't disappointed at all (although it was $9). After about 20 minutes they sat us at a corner high top table out of the fray. Our server showed up at our table about 2 minutes later and took our drink orders. He also gave us some information about the wings and their menu. My daughter, husband and I shared their Poncho, Firecracker and Buffalo wings. We all really liked the Firecracker but thought the medium buffalo were good but not great. However, we LOVED their buffalo fries!! Everything was good, I would definitely return.
(4)
Mandy F.
I live close by, and Melnicks is a solid option in the neighborhood. The wings are great! Same with chicken tenders. Burger of the month is also a welcome addition. Occasionally the service is slow and they frequently forget an item for takeout. If the service were more reliable and the prices a bit lower, Melnick's would be hard to beat.
(3)
Dan E.
We came here for drinks the other night and ended up staying for dinner, because the sky absolutely opened up and it didn't make any sense to leave. I was also hooked in by the "Best Wings" in Chicago three years straight advertisement. We started at the bar to have some beers. Beer selection here is very good - easily 25+ but they had a ton of stuff I'd never heard of. I was recommended a beer that I did not like, but then I just switched over to good ol' Sam Adams. Be warned, beer prices are steep here. About $7+ for a beer - ouch. Instead of eating at the bar, we opted for a table in the dining room. They offer a pretty nice BBQ menu which I was a little surprised to see, because the name Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does not make me think of BBQ. The place was also very nice inside. Our waiter throughout the meal was very friendly and provided some good service. I am a 'uge Buffalo Wing fan. I absolutely love Buffalo Wings. We started out with an order of the Spicy Buffalo Wings. When the wings came out, I was pumped. They were breaded - just the way I like them. In my opinion, breaded wings are much better than non-breaded. The blue cheese was incredibly average, though. This place could make the entire wing experience so much better by just upgrading their blue cheese. It was the typical runny dressing kind. Celery was nice and crisp. Overall, the wings were very good and I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for some solid wings. Here's what I didn't like about the wings - the price. I am fundamentally opposed to places that charge more than $1/wing. At Jake's, you pay $11 for only 8 wings. The wings are great, but I feel like that's steep. As for our meals, my wife had the "garbage" salad and I had the Cobb salad. The cobb salad was pretty good - it was chopped which was a nice touch but it wasn't anything over the top spectacular. It was a decent sized salad and I did enjoy the dressing that it came with. The menu said that it was a tomato vinaigrette. I liked it. I didn't try any of my wife's salad, but it actually looked pretty similar to the Cobb salad. She enjoyed it. So...I liked Jake Melnick's. By no means was it the best meal I've ever had but it did the trick. I liked the wings and the beer selection and the salads were decent. If I come back another time, I'm definitely going to try one of their more traditional BBQ dishes.
(3)
Dan L.
This place is great for wings, craft beer, sports, or just to eat. It's a fantastic find! I hope I'm not alone in praising this place. It did catch me by surprise how good everything was here, since the reason I went here in the first place was because we were hungry and it was just around the corner...pretty much the first restaurant we saw. When I first went to Jake's a few years ago, we were eating our food while one of the waiters starts changing the channel on one of the TV's and says, "I think we're on the travel channel right now." Sure enough, they aired a spot on a show about Jake's wings...which actually are phenomenal. Wings: For a first timer, get the firecracker. They're not too spicy and have the best flavor in my opinion. Also be on the lookout for their wings of the month which can sometimes be interesting. Beer: They have all different sorts of beer, from Surly to Stone. They'll usually have a pick of the month if you can't decide. Ask for a beer book to peruse the selection. Food: Beware, you are going to get A LOT of food, no matter what you order. Even if you "just want a salad," prepare for the mount kilimanjaro of salads - no joke. The selection consists mostly of your typical pub fare with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and plenty of bbq. I love that the dishes are so large, and I haven't really had anything bad here yet Sports: I've gone here once on game day, and it was packed. However, I asked to put me on the waitlist for a seat in front of the packer game, and within 15 minutes I had one of the greatest views in the house. They seem to be very accomodating for sports fans.
(5)
Steve A.
Think I was spot on before about his place. Attempted it again with more than most the tables outside free and apparently it was still a 30 minute wait. Think the staff working at the guest reception are looking to seat as few people as possible, comes across lazy, didn't eat here in the end after the obvious zero effort to accommodate all 2 of us
(1)
Emily B.
If you love wings and haven't been to Jakes then you have been missing out! Fun restaurant/game bar. I highly recommend their special firecracker sauces. Yummy! Oh and don't forget the Mac and cheese!
(5)
Laura H.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant. GET THE WINGS-- best in the world. (Hint: get the firecracker wings--the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy!). My entire family is obsessed!!
(5)
Michael J.
Ordered Jake's famous 17-hour smoked brisket sandwich. Sure glad I didn't get the platter because it was dry as a bone. And had to ask for a glass of water.
(2)
Nga Yi N.
First time came here disappointed got the buffalo wings, not very tasty at all. Gave it a chance again,disappointed again with their most popular fire crackers wings,I have no idea how this place got voted for best wings in town lol??!!
(1)
Ashly G.
Good fish sandwich! Good service. Reasonable prices.
(4)
GL H.
Great place. Wings are terrific, beer is ice cold on a hot and humid day and Yvonna at the bar was a delight. Superb.
(5)
Daniel G.
Looks like a fun place. I sat at bar me had fish and chips. No drink though. I didn't care for the batter on the fish, but that was me not them. Nice people. Lots of tv's to watch favorite sporting event.
(5)
Alex J.
The food is average.. Great place to watch people act crazy. The food isn't inexpensive.. When you leave..you'll smell like me bbq sauce
(3)
Jonathan S.
This evening Jake Melnick's put some of the best chicken wings in front of me. My meal began with a simple house salad that was gigantic and anything but simple. The salad was just great. Followed by 1 Pancho and 1 Satay wing. Both wings were grilled and fabulous. Next up, Firecracker Wings..... Wow!!! They were so good. Incredible onion rings on the side. I have finally found my spot after 2 years being back in Chicago. The staff from Emily to Aurora to my server Yanna were so hospitable and welcoming. This was actually my first dinner out on my own since my most recent surgery and I was happy that I chose Jake's for this meal. I am so glad to have found this great spot in my neighborhood. The food, the staff, and fun environment made my Friday night out so much fun. ENJOY THOSE WINGS LIKE I DID! ~Jonathan
(5)
Sam N.
As John Oliver might say "Swanky Texas" ( We are talking about Mexico today otherwise known as 'spicy canada') Good chance if you are here that you are a fan of twangy bbq sauce. Believe it or not this is a local haunt of people who like to go out and they live on the streeterville/river north/gold coast area borders. My favorite is the Asian Chicken salad with wontons. It is humongous. It is enough food for you to as k for it to go and eat it for the next meal. live athmosphere on Weekends
(5)
Ryan R.
We decided to pitstop on here from our walk to Rush street. We saw the display for 'worlds hottest wings' and decided to get a Scooby snack. The beer selection is really nice. I had the hops 'flight' which consisted of 4 samplers of a hoppy beer fermented differently, I like the Bavarian the best for its clovey notes. We also ordered the XXX wings, on the premise they would be hot. We didn't expect much and have seen countless times the claim of 'hottest wings, and thought nothing of it. Well, we were wrong... First, the cool thing is they had a version of the XXX that were boneless. That certainly helped as we struggled for mercy. These wings are HOT.. They are crusted with ghost chili stuff and after finishing only one we were on fire, stealing chip fulls of sour cream to cool the flames. An hour later we were still hurting. Awesome! Staff is cool, but was a little slow because the place was packed and our server was training someone but definitely no biggy.
(4)
Renaud S.
Just went randomly to this place after I realized that the Giordano's nearby way too crowded... and it was a great idea!!! Had their half chicken with BBQ sauce, that was absolutely delicious! Will definitely go back there to have it again; or try some other good food. Their sandwiches looked good as well, my friends had a couple of these. Good tap beer as well. And very friendly staff.
(4)
Suzanne O.
Jake's is my go to place for wings and sports games in Chicago. It will get super crowded for football games, but they're great at accommodating everyone. One time I came to watch the Packer game, and there were like 3 other games going on at the same time, so when we checked in they asked us what game we wanted to watch. When we were seated, we were right by a TV with the Packers game. Great service! And this place obviously gets crowded for Blackhawks games. I was here for a few play off games, and the bar seats quickly filled up 45 minutes before game time. So just be ready to wait if you come in the middle of a busy game day. Every time I come here I get the same thing - the firecracker wings. They're so good that I can't get myself to get anything else. They're deep-fried first, so they're nice and crispy, and then they're smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce. These are not little chicken wings either - these are some nice, meaty wings. And from what I've seen, all the portions here are very generous. The beer menu here is pretty extensive, and they usually have a featured seasonal special. Prices are pretty comparable to other places in the city, with a pint at around $6-9.
(4)
Lisa S.
I didn't think this place was anything special. We came here for drinks and a snack after a Northwestern game. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon. Our service was fast, but there were mistakes made. The buffalo fries were tasty. We ordered chicken wings. We asked for all drums, but only received two. We were also given ranch dressing instead of blue cheese, so our wings order was definitely screwed up, but they were still tasty. This place didn't exactly wow me.
(3)
Kari H.
The Firecracker wings and Traditional Buffalo (medium spicy) are super delicious! The Sangria was yummy. The fries were delicious. The chocolate chip cookie on a skillet with ice cream and whipped cream was SO GOOD. Service is amazing. We had 2 different servers. They were attentive and seemed mindful of letting us take our time. It took a while for us to get our check - they only gave it to us when we asked for it. I wonder if it took a while to get our check because my Sangria was still half full and maybe they were waiting for me to finish it? I'm not sure, but the server recommended the chocolate chip cookie dessert and it was amazing. She wasn't pushy about it, either. I also like how the other server had a whole line of pens in his apron because it means he's prepared. When they refilled our water, they also placed a new lemon in it! We were quoted to have a 20-minute wait for outdoor seating but then got a text 5 minutes later that a seat was available. We were about 2 blocks away and walked all the way back only to find that we were offered an indoor table. However, someone else checked outdoor seating and it just so happened that an outdoor table was available, so we ended up sitting outside. I like that it was well-lit outside and the hanging string lights create a comfortable atmosphere. Outdoor tables are wooden. Hand wipes are on the table. Ketchup and mustard are on the table. I'd love to come back here again to get the wings, fries, and chocolate chip cookie dessert. Servers are super nice and patient so I'd come back for that as well. Hostess is accommodating and flexible.
(4)
Kat G.
I truly enjoy coming to Jake Melnick's. It's a no frills bar slightly off of the touristy Michigan Avenue. They have many different wings here - I am not adventurous to try some of the wild ones such as the Thai PB&J. It always sounds interesting but I typically go for more traditional food. If you are "all about wings" this is your place and you would love their extensive options. I enjoy their wings - always have a nice texture to them, their cobb salad, and their Fish Sandwich or Fish and Chips are done well. Service is pretty good - though it can drag a little if you are there for a lunch break or are pressed for time. Since it's a bar and a little off the beaten path, many locals go to hangout there so I advise if you are pressed for time to let your waiter know upfront and they are accommodating to the best of their ability. Tips: -Ask for recommendations on the drink menu. They stock beers you wouldnt normally find elsewhere (and whatever has been recommended to me has been awesome) in addition to your drinks you'll find at most bars. So you get the best of both. -It will be busy, but worth it. -You'll be paying slightly more for food here but for Chicago and off of Michigan avenue, it's very respectable. -Ask about their 8 pound burger and I dare you to order it ;)
(4)
Kaity K.
Jake Melnick's looks like a normal corner bar from the outside, but we were looking for somewhere to watch the Blackhawks game on a recent trip to Chicago and this was just the place! We liked it so much, we ended up coming back for drinks and appetizers the next day! It is absolutely huge inside compared to what it looks like from the street, which is good since everyone seemed to want to come watch the game here. We were pleasantly surprised with the food selection and quality from this corner bar as well. We tried a variety of their appetizers and loved the garlic fries... nicely seasoned but not over the top. The corn bread in skillets was divine as well! My personal favorite this was the macaroni and cheese... you could see the cheesey strands pulling from the fork when you went in for a bite. YUM! My sister ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and for some reason it came out much later than the rest of our food. The waiter was incredibly nice about it, giving her the meal for free and bringing out a DELICIOUS cookie in a skillet covered in ice cream for dessert. The beer selection is great, and I really liked the atmosphere. Great place to watch a game!
(4)
Carmen P.
We were served by Alonzo he knew his menu and town! The wing assortment was perfect (a little bit of everything). Also had their local beer! We loved it!
(5)
Lauren G.
Some good food some not so great food overall not a good atmosphere. The bar was cute though. It was wayyyy overcrowded when we went the wait was over an hour and a half. Okay maybe an hour 15 to be more precise. I could stand the wait to try out these famous wings I've been hearing about. Their fried pickles and corn bread are good, both really tasty. The wings itself are just way too big and really not even that great tasting. It was overall just okay. I would say better for a few drinks and some appetizers but you really have to go at an off night to avoid the crowd; If those even exist there that is.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Mike M.
I'd rate this a solid 3.5. A bunch of us decided to go to Melnicks after being impressed by their wings at Chicago Wingfest a few years ago. They've won the title of best hot wings and best exotic wings in the past. We had a decent sized group and they were able to set up a table for all of us, which was a plus. For lunch I wanted to get the same wings I tried at wingfest. The firecracker wings were amazing. It had that sweet and spicy Asian flavor going on. Of all the places that offer a similar style wing, I think Melnick's has one of the best. The poncho wing was a unique wing that I really enjoyed at wingfest. It was a marinated grilled wing that had a mild garlic flavor with just a little kick to it. I still thought it tasted good, but I definitely wouldn't get a whole order of it next time. Because it's grilled, the skin isn't very crispy, and since its on the milder side, the flavor gets a bit bland after a few. We also ordered the beer battered onion rings. They were pretty big pieces and looked great at first. However, they were pretty tasteless and severely lacking in flavor. I don't know how something could look so good and have no taste at all. I wouldn't order that again. The part that probably would prevent me from regularly going to Melnick's is the price. For a few wings, we ended up paying a lot more than I've spent for wings at other places. I think it came out to roughly almost $2/wing at the end of the meal. For some guys with big appetites, it could add up pretty quick. Overall, although the flavors of the wings are great, they're definitely on the expensive side and more than I'd want to pay for wings.
(3)Alex R.
We just stopped in because the place looked fun. We ordered drinks, wings, and an assortment of bbq. Everything was awesome! However, nothing tops the cornbread skillet! Marcos, our server was fun, knowledgeable, and on top of of everything. We couldn't have found a better place to to try out
(5)Calin D.
Yes, I know Scoville - he's a good friend of mine. We go way back, at least 15 years. As it turns out - Jake knows Scoville too! My oh my! Here's how it works: Step 1. Find a fool brave or stupid enough to eat a Scorpion Pepper. (That's me.) Step 2. Put a tiny fireman's hat on said fool's head. (Giant head, tiny hat!) Step 3. Give the poor fool a bell to ring if the wings get too hot and he needs milk, cheese, ice cream, and other items to "cool the heat." Step 4. Watch in strange wonderment as "The Fool eating the Moruga-Habanero-Ghost Wings" consumes 8 wings with a GIANT smile on his face the entire time, and doesn't even reach for his beer, much less the bell. Step 5. Wonder if those wings really are hot... because he never rang the bell or cried any real tears... then order the 8 POUND HAMBURGER instead just to be safe. The wings really are the "real-deal" - it's just that I'm so used to super-hot peppers the "natural stuff" doesn't get me all that worked up anymore. (Not my first rodeo folks, trust me.) And the burger, well, it's Gia-freaking-normous. (See photo with hand for scale.) I hear they put my photo on the wall there. I'll have to look it up next time I go. Huzzah!
(5)Stephanie L.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap popped up on yelp when we were looking for a nearby sports bar to watch some SNF. This place was busy, but luckily we were seated within 15 mins. The place is very spacious with plenty of tables and chairs. And of course, TVs everywhere you look so you definitely can't miss a play. They have a good selection of beer on tap and they also have a fully stocked bar. Whatever you want to drink you can have! Their menu is also pretty extensive for food. But we were reading that they're known for their wings. So of course, that's what we decided to go with. They also have monthly specials, so watch out for those. Since we were only here to drink and watch the game, we ordered snacks only. We got their buffalo wings, mild and a plate of nachos. The wings were delicious and a perfect spicy. I would have preferred to order hot, but since we were sharing, mild it was, but it still had a good kick to it. The chicken was tender and juicy. The nachos were the disappointment. It comes fully loaded with sour cream, pico degallo, cheese, beans, and etc. But the chips themselves tasted like they were stale. But I think it's the way they're made. They're oily and more chewy than cunchy. I'll have to pass next time. The servers are also quick, friendly and attentive. Prices are average priced for a bar. Overall, a great sports bar to sit down, munch and drink while watching the game.
(4)Brittney M.
Everytime I visit this restaurant.... It's a win! I love to get the medium buffalo wings and now my new favorite is the firecracker wings!! Get half and half... You'll be in heaven!
(5)Aki W.
Cool vibe. The staff is friendly and welcomes you in like an old pal. Now- on to the important stuff: the booze- high end and affordable. The stuff they stock is the stuff you have been meaning to try, and you should! They carry the good stuff here so recognize. Our bartender? Oh, glad you asked-Ivana- this woman is a ripped, sophisticated and a super smart goddess. She's also the best bartender I've ever seen. We asked for her top ten steak house list for Chicago- Ivana did not disappoint . Her knowledge base is pro. Come here, get knowledge and a lovely buzz and be sure to tip well. As I write this, the garlic fries are seducing my nostrils and coaxing me to stay...they are... Persuasive. Go here immediately.
(5)James L.
My wife and I were thinking it was a "wings and beer" kind of night.. so we ventured out to find a sports bar that had good wings and beers on tap. This was literally down the block from where we were staying at the Mile North Hotel. The service was pretty good -- very attentive, friendly, and welcoming. My only complaint is that our waiter kept trying to take away our plates when we were still working. I still had a few wings left and he took them away before I noticed to stop him. Sounds petty, but when your full order of wings only comes with 6-8 for $12, it doesn't make you happy. Let me eat my wings, damnit! The beer selection was decent; I had this "watermelon beer" which was pretty interesting and I would definitely recommend it for people who like light beers. The wings were pretty good as well as the BBQ pork nachos. I'd say this place is pretty comparable to an Apple Bee's...
(2)Amanda D.
Enjoyed beer and BBQ. Didn't order the wings, but the food we did have was good. Service was excellent; polite and prompt. Because of the location, I was expecting it to have the tourist vibe, which is why we've never tried this restaurant before. I was pleasantly surprised that that was not the vibe at all. I'm sure they get tourists, but the surrounding tables seemed to enjoy and behave themselves. It is loud in here, definitely a sports bar vibe. But dress is casual (think JCrew). Probably won't make this a regular food spot, as the area is annoying...but will not rule it out on game day.
(4)Dawn B.
Food was great. Had the wings and the mini pork sliders 3 ways. I think the dry rub wings were my favorite. Smoked wings with a little bit of a bite on the dry rub. Definitely would come back. We had a large party and they were very accommodating to seat us together and splitting the tabs.
(5)Benjamin L.
Being completely "hangry" and ready to eat anything led us to Jake Melnick's on a chilly Saturday afternoon. I was surprised how hard it was to find a place to eat at 3 PM without waiting an hour. Jake Melnick's only had a 20 minute wait and the food smelled really good. Also, they claim to have Chicago's best hot wings. We lucked out and ended up waiting only 5 minutes for a table. Most people were there for the football games on TV but I just wanted some kind of nourishment in my belly. We snagged an awesome table tucked in a quieter corner of the place, right next to the cozy fireplace. I was a happy camper as I scoured the menu and our friendly waitress welcomed us. I started off with a Pumpkin Lindeman's Lambic which sounded quite tempting. I've had several Lambics but never a pumpkin one. When the drink came out, it was about 6 ounces and considering it cost about 11 bucks, I was a little disappointed. Now all the Yelp tips said to go for the hot wings but I failed to heed the advice. Between the two of us, we ordered a smoked sausage pizza and the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Unfortunately, both our entrees were pretty bland. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad, just boring and we were hoping for more. The place was pretty packed so most of the servers were pretty slammed. But the service overall was A-OK. The meal certainly served it's purposed and saved me from "hangry" defeat. But I suppose if we ever return, I'll have to give those hot wings a try!
(3)Matt N.
Came here during a Blackhawks game. Very cool atmosphere for the game. I had the triple play BBQ platter which has brisket, smoked chicken and 1/3 of beef ribs. I would recommend this plate! Super delicious and is bomb with a side of mac n cheese!
(4)Paradise L.
So the 2 stars is only because I have reservations tomorrow I saw this on restaurant around the world and know someone who loves hot food stay tuned will definitely post photos. So we are he and my friend ate the 10 hot wings 4 a place in the wall of fame it was definitely funny our waiter did a great job he came back to check several times as my friend ate these hot azz wings! They are super nice the spinach and artichoke dip was ok the jumbo chicken tenders GREAT!!!! BARBECUE BRISKET TASTE AND WILL HAVE A PLATE OF MY OWN NEXT TIME yes I will be back .
(4)Hillary B.
The.Best.Wings.Ever.Period. So good.....I wish I lived in Chicago just so I could eat here everyday!
(5)Mel B.
Best thing I've put in my mouth in a long time! We had the Ham and Cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll, oh sweet Jesus, so delicious! The Bloody Mary's were perfect, not to spicy, and they came with an adorable tiny bottle of beer. Loved this place!
(5)Danny W.
Best wings in Chicago? Quite possibly. One of the best spots to watch NFL football in the city? Most definitely. They've got great gameday grub, they do a pretty darn good bloody Mary, and there's tons of TV's playing all the games with sound. Regardless of where you're seated and who you're cheering for you can pretty much see your team in action from anywhere in the restaurant. Given the location it's a melting pot of fans, but of course Da Monsters have priority. The service is super efficient and the prices are pretty reasonable especially considering it's in the heart of the Gold Coast. If you want the things that make football fun Sunday (wings, burgers, beers) you'll be far fetched to find too many places that do them better then Jake Melnick's.
(4)Hailey S.
I make a point of coming here every time I'm in Chicago. I love this place! It's in the heart of Downtown and has great atmosphere. Burgers, sandwiches, beer. The wings are phenomenal.
(4)GL H.
Great place. Wings are terrific, beer is ice cold on a hot and humid day and Yvonna at the bar was a delight. Superb.
(5)Anthony I.
Went there for the triple x wings with some buddies. We're used to spicy food and these wings got some bite we had to sign a waiver for these wings just for fun and orders away they also have a nice menu but that's for another time we're here for those hot ass wings. So the waitress brings out a sample of the hot wing sauce just to warn us or scare us away haha not a chance it was spicy but it could be hotter so we orders the triple x , duck wings pretty good , and some firecracker wings very good not to hot and a little sweet, so our triple x wings show we dive in right away damn tasty and hot it creeps up on you but very enjoyable, we finish our wings we all shared I suggested we get another order but they chicken out saying they were full but next time we're getting only the triple x wings so we all can leave with our mouths on fire
(4)Mike G.
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? Jake's is a great bar/tavern unlike any other you'll see the city. It has great food ('specially the wings), a fantastic beer selection and two of the best bartenders in Chicago (April & Erin). There are lots of TVs so we go in there often to catch Cubs, Bull, Hawks and Bears games. There's also a great outdoor patio that I just found out is dog friendly.... so there's that. Jake's seems to attract a big after work crowd mixed in with a fair share of business travelers and locals like me. Jakes is one of those great places where you seem to always fit in and find what you're looking for.
(5)Melanie Y.
It was my third visit to Jake Melnick's and probably the best so far. Previously I've been too scared to try the hot wings, but this time I decided to get the Super Hot. These are one level below the ones that you have to sign a waiver for. Well, the wings were too spicy. They actually were delicious though! But the heat was so intense. Our waitress, Leigh (Lee?) noticed I was struggling and gave me the medium wings. They were absolutely delicious too. Leigh didn't charge me for the Super Hot wings, but I still got to take them home. It was so great to have them the next day, they seemed to lose a little bit of heat but were still so spicy. The bottom line is, our waitress was awesome and that was so nice of her to take the Super Hot wings off the bill. Also, I love this place and the atmosphere. It kinda reminds me of a log cabin with the woodwork and fireplace. So cozy! Can't wait to go again.
(5)Richard G.
Went in a bit late, but Ivana was more than helpful in helping me a bit of grub that early Sunday morning. Nice atmosphere...it's perfect for groups or if you're flying solo.
(5)Tom R.
Firecracker Wings are the bomb! Some of the best wings I have ever had. Went there 2 nights in a row since the Wings and service were so good. If you are looking for a quiet place for dinner or drinks, please skip this place. It is VERY loud, and there are always a few over-served chowder heads around. That is really the reason I didn't give it a 5. Even though there are some extremely boistourous patrons (c'mon - it's Chicago) there are always a few of the CPD's finest there eating, so nothing got out of control. I will be back next time I am in Chicago. Cheers!
(4)Daniel G.
Looks like a fun place. I sat at bar me had fish and chips. No drink though. I didn't care for the batter on the fish, but that was me not them. Nice people. Lots of tv's to watch favorite sporting event.
(5)Alex J.
The food is average.. Great place to watch people act crazy. The food isn't inexpensive.. When you leave..you'll smell like me bbq sauce
(3)Jane W.
I came here in the spring with a big group for dinner, and had a satisfactory experience. There was a pretty long wait since we went at peak dinnertime, but I wasn't too hungry so it wasn't too bad. I ordered the BBQ flatbread pizza for myself, which was just okay. They weren't too generous with the ingredients or the BBQ sauce (and I like my pizza's/flatbreads super saucy). I did try a few of my friend's wings, which were solid. We also had a lot of fun with the XXX wing (tried a bite of my friends). One wing was completely doable, but I can definitely see why finishing an entire plate would lead to some pretty bad dinnertime (and post-dinnertime) pains. So respect to the brave Yelpers who accomplished this feat. Our waitress was efficient, friendly, and knowledgable. Prices are reasonable.
(3)Ben B.
Man, I want to love Jake Melnick's. It's got a cool look, all dark and warm and wood-covered. It's pretty big (although it's packed during a game). But the food is just okay. I ordered the wing combo (traditional spicy and Poncho - wood grilled with garlic & cayenne marinade). The spicy wings had sort of a mushy breading going on. Spice level was on-point. Could have used a bit more sauce. The Poncho wings were a bit dry. I assume that's from all that wood grillin'. We also ordered the parmesan & garlic fries. Tons of parmesan, not much garlic. These were okay, but I'm not sure I'd order them again. I ordered a cider. It cost $7, but it was a super-tiny glass - maybe 8 oz. Weird. Service was good and all the employees were pleasant. That's nice. I'll be back, but my expectations will be tempered. Bonus: We spotted Chris O'Dowd (from Bridesmaids) at the bar on a Friday night. The servers say he comes there often.
(3)Nicholas R.
Was looking for a quite bite to eat for a late lunch and stopped by. I hadn't been here and years but as always Jake's delivered! Inventive beer list, delist wings, to go along with a great happy hour menu? Why not! Oh and on top of it so much food I never wanted to eat dinner that night!!!
(4)Disgusted P.
My wife and I came here to eat I was not In the best of moods but, our waitress Laura was amazing!!!! The food was great but I can't say enough about her service!!! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Thank you Laura again you made our Chicago experience lot better!!!!
(5)Elena B.
The wings were so good. I wish there was one in Houston. I think I may have wanted my 2nd experience to match my 1st one but it didn't. I ordered delivery to my hotel which came right on time but was gross. Best bet is to eat at the restaurant.
(4)Nick B.
I manage to stop in at jakes a few times over the past few years. very busy. Good beer selection. wings are good. This time i enjoyed the wing of the month, Maple bourbon wing. It was fantastic. Jake's is a good spot for some buddies to have a few beers, chat and enjoy pub food.
(5)David C.
Jake Melnick's is the reason why I'm proud to be an American. Jake Melnick's boasts an assortment of the richest, heartiest, beefiest choices of American cuisine. The best BBQ you can find, the best wings in Chicago, the cheesiest macaronis. Gluttony is Jake Melnick's middle name. Add an expansive list of brews to the menu, and you're really having a party now. You think you know what it means to indulge? Stop in and your mind will be blown.
(4)Lisa H.
My sister was craving chicken wings, so it was the perfect time to try out the hot wings at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. After all, they were voted the best hot wings in Chicago. The restaurant is like a typical sports bar with numerous televisions throughout the bar and an extensive drink menu, but they do try to separate themselves by having a more laid back vibe with their exposed brick columns, open fire place, and warm overhead lighting. There always seems to be a wait even though the bar is huge, but my sister and I were in luck and were seated right away. For the food, we ordered the wood-grilled artichoke, chili and cheddar fries, and the wing combo which includes the traditional (buffalo) and poncho's (wood grilled with garlic and cayenne marinade.) It took forever for our food to come out because they decided to bring out all the food at once. Unfortunately, it caused the wings to become a little cold which resulted in some of the sauce to dry up and the breading to be mushy. The wings were a good size and the flavor was there, but I could not get over how dry it was and the mushy texture. This is not at all what I would expect from the best wings in Chicago. On the other hand, the fries and the artichoke were nice and warm. It wasn't too spectacular, but good compared to other sports bar. The service here wasn't far off from the food. Our server was nice and informative, but not really attentive. He never checked back on us after he served our food. I wished I had more water throughout my meal and maybe some extra napkins. I don't understand the hype with Jack Melnick's. What is so great about this place? Well I don't recommend you coming here unless you want some subpar service and average food at best.
(2)Damaris C.
This place is a must! Delicious, heart warming food as well as friendly and helpful customer service. BBQ Nachos are to die for! Imagine your classic nachos plate, topped off with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Does it get any better than that?! Wings are amazing (sauce wise) and onion rings have a home made taste to them. They also have their famous 8 lb. burger. So grab some friends and bring em over! Location is great. Close by the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, but not quite there. Great location, great friends, great food, & a great night.
(5)Jim K.
I really love Jake Melnicks... despite the fact that I don't really like wings (which is their claim to fame). The service has always been really attentive, without being intrusive. The ambiance has the heave wood accents of a dive bar, while being clean and tv-heavy like a sports bar. The place is very comfortable, and seems like a great place for larger groups. The Food: As I said before, I'm not a wing fan... but of the few I've tried at Jakes, they were stellar. I really do dig their barbecue, and their chicken tenders (channeling my inner 12 year old) are quite good (they are about as fresh as you can get). My favorite dish is, unfortunately, a special: they will make a (and I might be butchering this name) Fireman's Chili in the colder months that is out of this world. If you see it on the "Specials" menu, snag it before they run out (seriously, they will). For a casual night out in north Streeterville/Gold Coast, Melnick's is one of my favorites.
(4)Amy H.
I like this place, I really do. But they never seem to have it all together. The first time we had a pissy waitress. The second time I ordered the PB&J wings and just didn't really like them. Probably not their fault, probably just not my thing. The wings are usually awesome-just stick to the buffalo, garlic, or firecracker wings (my personal favorite!). This third time, they overcooked the hell out of my buffalo chicken sandwich. :( Like left it in the fryer too long. However, their fries and mac & cheese are kickass and the servers we had in the second and third visits were both really helpful and patient with our hungover selves. Btw, great place to eat hungover. :)
(3)Dan B.
As a self proclaimed wing- connoisseur, I am privileged to present you the best wings I've ever had. The spicy fries and firecracker wings were perfect both times this week. Having had wings all over the country, I'm sad to say that this Florida native's favorite wings are thousands of mailed away, here at Jakes. Well done guys!
(5)Rochelle W.
I always go for the late night happy hour..... The wings are AWESOME Nachos are AWESOME Friday night 5$ 'punch' AWESOME I haven't even seen their regular dinner menu....but i'm sure that its.....AWESOME
(5)AJ B.
Went here with a buddy a few weeks back and while I enjoyed it I was really expecting more from this place. Got half a bbq chicken and sides - I am a big fan of cole slaw...this place actually had bad cold slaw...I don't know how you can mess up cole slaw. Chicken was decent...everything was just pretty good. Great selection of craft beers and a good atmosphere. I love bbq so I'll try again given the opportunity.
(3)Y H.
Overrated. Being rated as the best wings in Chicago is a bit disappointing because these really are not the best wings we have had. Ordered the following: 1. Triple XXX wings 2. Spicy buffalo wings 3. Chicken tenders with sweet potato fries Everything was mediocre. Yes, the triple XXX wings are spicy, but not unbearable. I'm not sure how their wings are different than a chain like Buffalo Wild Wings. The tenders were also subpar. Take your money elsewhere and don't fall for the best wings in Chicago, because they aren't and if this is the standard for wings then I feel bad for The Chi.
(2)Dany C.
So we walked in and got kicked out immediately for having a registered service dog with proper identification. We asked to speak to the manager who was even more rude and condescending and literally walking us out to make sure we left. If you want to be disrespected from the moment you walk through door look no further this is your spot.
(1)Lewis B.
Saw the sign for "Best Wings in Chicago" and shrugged it off as another false advertisement. Stumbled there after a few drinks and, behold, best wings I've had to date! [Updated 9.15.2014] I'd put them at a 3 - 3.5 now, we've been back on a few occasions and my biggest complaint is the wait. The last couple times we put our name on the wait list for 20-25 min wait and it always goes over (they have a digital wait list app that sends you a text to view 'how much longer'). It'll hit 25 mins, then the hostess tells us it'll be another 10-15, so we just left each time. The last time, they did give us a free appetizer card, I guess that helps. Service: - 1st Trip: Robby was our server and he rocked it. Guy was super patient, helpful and extremely nice! - 2nd Trip: Came at around 6:30pm, was closed due to a private party until 8pm. I was craving the wings, so we grabbed drinks at a bar around the corner. Came back at 8:15 and it was still closed to other patrons. Asked to be seated outside and we were told the wait was 20 minutes (even though 5 of the tables were EMPTY!). Hostess wasn't the friendliest (but I was a bit irritated as well). After not seating anyone for 10 minutes she could see my laser eyes piercing theirs + my impatience then seated us (from the time until we were sat until we left - there was still 2 tables unseated outside). Food & Drink: - Firecracker wings are ridiculously good. The sweet thai chili + Sriracha sauce is sweet and not too spicy at all. Topped w/ green onions and fried perfectly. Every last bite was crunchy / crisp. So good. - Dr. Jenkin's Elixir - sounds intimidating (pickle juice, pepper vodka, cucumber water, lime and spicy rim) w/ a free 7oz Miller Pony! But glad I tried it - fantastic flavor and addicting. Tried it the second time around and it wasn't as good (I think the bar back was making them). Highly recommend it if made by the bartender. Even try doing half Elixir half Bloody Mary - so good (with a spicy kick)!
(4)Will T.
I felt right at home at Jake's when the waitress dropped a "Be right with you hon," and an "Anything else sweetheart?" No she wasn't a transplanted Southerner, but from northern Indiana, who admittedly didn't talk like Chicagoans. It put a smile on my face as did the food. I ordered a bbq pork sandwich from the fast casual menu. It's served with a heaping pile of fries and some slaw in a cute metal pan. I saw some fabulous salads go by, too, lunch specials for around $7. Jake's has a casual bar food feel, a well thought out concept that delivers some pretty tasty grub. Walk a couple of blocks away from the slick towers of Michigan Ave. to find this corner tap that would be at home in any Midwestern town.
(3)Joe R.
Fun place to drink and eat. Anything but pretentious, but definitely expensive; however the food is well worth it, the service is great, and their cocktails are excellent. Also there is a high quality selection of craft brews to choose from.
(5)Lucas C.
Chicagoans are spoiled. I look at the yelp reviews for bars and grills in the Chicago area and there is a common trend. The gastro/fufu/fancy pubs get the stars, but old fashioned bar places like Melnick's don't get any credit. Food does not have to be duck confit with caviar to be awesome! Now that my preaching is out of the way, time to review. Food- we started off with the bbq nachos. They were delicious, chunks of hearty smoked brisket, and loads of cheddar and bbq sauce. We also started with an order of some firecracker wings. Oh. My. Gosh. That is when I knew, the choice to skip the Giordanos line was not in vain. The wings have so much meat on them! It's not like crappy Buffalo Wild Wings where you have to scour the bone for some meat. Here you get at least four mouthfuls of meat on each wing. The chicken tastes delicious and well cooked and seasoned. The firecracker sauce was amazing. Tangy, savory, spicy, Asian but not overpowering. They were so good I decided to try a different variety of wings as my entree. I got the wing combo which was a combination of poncho's sauce and medium buffalo sauce. Again, the wings are the best I've ever had, just phenomenal. The poncho's sauce was basically just a light garlicky glaze. It really let the chicken do the talking. The buffalo sauce was delicious as well. This one wasn't like the poncho. It had a very distinct buffalo taste and, when paired with the homemade ranch, was heaven. The only negative thing I have to say about the food was that the garlic Parmesan fries were gross. They would've been great if they had just used the garlic and Parmesan sparingly. The fries plain/with ranch were fantastic though. This place deserves 5 stars for the wings alone! Service- Saturday night. Christmas break. No reservations. PARTY OF TEN! NO PROBLEM! They seated us right away. Our server was also attentive, knowledgable of the menu (always a standard criteria), and got all of our orders right. This should be a Chicago landmark.
(5)Tami Y.
I love this place because the bartender April ,, she very sweet and active . Thank you April
(5)Sandi E.
What drew us in was the claim of Chicago's best wings. Why not start a new Easter tradition I thought, so in we went. I ordered the combo - 4 wings with a medium buffalo sauce and 4 wings with the Poncho rub. I also ordered the parmesan garlic fries. The wings were decent - I do prefer a saucy wing, but Poncho packed good flavor! The fries were plentiful - easily can be shared by two people. And addictive - even after I was full, the flavor made me keep on nibbling!! Service was great, our waiter was attentive and kept the re-fills going.
(4)Brea L.
Wings weren't the best I've ever had, but they were very good. Service was excellent and friendly. Comfortable environment and not too noisy.
(4)Mike L.
We stumbled onto this place after some shopping on Michigan Ave and a long walk to and from the seriously overrated Navy Pier. I am from NY and it was actually about as uninteresting as the South St Seaport- though in its defense it at lest didn't have the annoying costumed characters- but aso had much less interesting restaurants- Bubba Gump Shrimp- really? Anyway not here to rant about that....so we had been walking for hours, it seemed, and were hungry and really needed a break, were looking for something local and interesting, not a chain joint and wanted an outdoor cafe. So we found this place and it was just the thing.....I ordered a very mellow Kronbach and she an iced tea... I would have liked to try the wings but she hates wings so that was out....she got the garbage salad- I am not making this up- without salami - which I thought was the most interesting ingredient- and she really liked it. I got the sloppy pig sandwich- which was an interesting combination of pulled pork, brisket, and something else but can't remember what....it came with their own house made fries which were very good, nicely salted, crisp, and tasty. The sandwich was good though so messy had to eat it with a knife and fork.. Service was very good, attentive and irreverent. We did have to listen to a couple at the next table who apparently were unaware that their topic of conversation was not at all appropriate for a public place- the guy actually got up and precipitously left in the middle of the meal- but can 't pin that on the restaurant......really enjoyed the place and would definitely visit again.
(4)Heather E.
If you don't like this place you're nuts and we can't be friends. Amazing service! Incredible food. Best wings ever. Best bbq. Best burger. My whole family loved it.
(5)Tena C.
This was a typical Cheers type tavern with food. We had lunch here after a long walk through town. The beer was refreshing and the food was good. We had their famous chicken wings, corn bread and mac & cheese which were all good. The chicken wings were not so spicy but I tend to shy away from the flames.
(4)Shradha A.
Back here years later and still a mediocre experience. Tried the veggie burger but the bbq sauce on it was overwhelming. It's a neighborhood game watch spot - you shouldn't really go for the food as much as the TVs & beer.
(3)Christina C.
Don't mind gaining a few pounds after eating the wings and Mac n cheese. You know it's a good spot when the Mac n cheese is dangerously good. They also have crazy spice levels on their wings. Ghost pepper..? You've been warned. Decent beer list with a few ciders. It's a gamble service wise. Most times you'll get a friendly, informative, and attentive server, but sometimes you'll get that sore bum. It's very casual, almost cabin-like with the wooden panels and stumps. Sit around with your friends, have a beer or two, get your hands dirty with dem wings, and have a good time!
(4)Kelly R.
We went there Saturday night with our 5yr old twins. The enclosed front porch area was back n forth, cold, hot, cold, hot... The tables are so close and crammed in there it's hard to be comfortable. (And we are all slim people) and it's super loud in there. Major attitude with the server. I said and pointed to the beer I wanted, he brought the wrong one and put up his hands saying that's what I pointed to. Then when the table behind us tried to get his attention, he put up his hand and sharply said ' I'll be with you in a moment' As for the food, mediocre and overpriced.
(1)Vicky L.
I love wings, and Jake's certainly has great wings. My personal favorites are the PB & J, Cherry Bomb, and good ol' buffalo medium spicy wings. I've also had their Portabello Reuben, which was surprisingly tasty. The only issue I have is that they're a bit pricey. And it can get pretty crowded and loud. But that's a bar for you.
(4)Chuck P.
Ate here while visiting from out of town. Dudes at a bar I was drinking at recommended the place and I'm glad they did. On the short list of best burger places I've been to. Highly recommended. And, if that wasn't enough, root beer barrel candies--with which I stuffed my pocket--at the check-in desk! Bonus!!
(5)Cory S.
These are the best wings in Chicago from the ones I have tried. The wings are the perfect size and are seasoned perfectly. I went with the traditional hot but I'm told the peanut butter and jam are ones you must try. The beer selection was great with a lot of local craft beers. The bartender was amazing she was friendly , helpful and made you feel like a regular. I definitely will come back next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)Nicole D.
Service was great. Had the street fries which were delicious and the burger of the month. Would go back again.
(4)Louis L.
Just stopped in for a porter beer that was recommended from waitress and she was rude and mean but beer was tasty but she didn't like comment about the xxx wings on menu so they booted us out Bad attitude
(1)Frank R.
Good wings which is why you came to this place but I was even more impressed with the burgers which are massive and pretty tasty. I had the frisco which was pretty good and had a few combinations with the avocado which I hadn't tried that worked well! Also the ice cream cookie dessert was really good!
(4)Brian M.
Came here with my gf and her sister for dinner and I gotta say I was really underwhelmed with this place. We were seated pretty quickly and our waitress was pretty nice but the food here was just not very good. I got the brisket plate which came with cole slaw and fries. The brisket was a little too sweet for my taste and really dry. My gf got the turkey burger which was just ok, I had a bite and it didn't blow me away but acceptable. The sweet potato fries that she got weren't that bad either but nothing special. Her sister got the special apricot and siracha wings that were again really too sweet for my taste with barely any kick. All in all I'd say this place is a bit of a let down and I'm probably not coming back here.
(2)Stephanie M.
Good food. Great unique beer selection. I'd highly recommend the monthly mac and cheese special or pork sliders. It can get a little crowded during the weeks but we've never had to wait more then 30 mins for a table.
(4)Andrew E.
Awesome wings, seriously the best I've had in the city. Great beer selection to complement the great food. A monthly Mac n cheese as well.
(5)Lauren G.
We regularly dine in and carry out from this neighborhood spot. Delicious indulgent food - I have never been disappointed. The pbj wings are my absolute favorite, and the nachos are also delicious. You really can't go wrong here!
(5)Antonio r.
The best wings in Chicago! I was craving wings and had a few at au cheval, Jefferson tap, ummm I can't remember a few of the other spots but so what because their wings did it for me. I had the buffalo wings (they're famous and award winning wings) and the garlic cayenne and boy did I get my fix! The bar tenders are cool and the beer selection is excellent. Good place for football on Sundays or wings when u have a craving. Their wings are crack!!
(4)Juin C.
Great atmosphere, great food. Had pulled pork and my husband had the beef brisket. We both enjoyed out meals. Next time I would like to try their wings. Have heard so much about them.
(5)Azize S.
The wings here are GREAT. They have a wing of the day, but my favorite is the thai chili wings on the menu. Before I tried the wings, I had the burger and flatbreads which were ok - nothing special. The wings are so damn good I've never bothered ordering anything else after I discovered them. Good beer list, although I'm a scotch drinker and they have a decent selection for that. They occasionally have events like Cider Con which is coming up soon. I live in the neighborhood and like to come here to watch the game at the bar with some tasty wings and a scotch.
(4)Paul T.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars because truly the only complaint that I have is that it can be louder than hell sometimes... But then again, what fun is it to go to a quiet bar and quietly eat wings with your other quiet friends? All in all, amazing food. From the fried dill pickles to the INCREDIBLE wings. Might I add once more, INCREDIBLE wings. Best I've ever eaten. Beware of the hottest sauce they serve. It is made with ghost peppers and its pretty much the equivalent of molten hell. My esophagus has yet to recover.
(4)Dani H.
Server was super great, but what made this place was the beer menu and the amazing grilled artichokes. Never had them grilled, but I HIGHLY suggest it! Also, if you like a strong beer try the one aged in whiskey barrels. Great flavor with a little bite at the end. Location is great, it is just a few blocks off Michigan Ave shopping. So it is close to everything, but still nicely priced compared to everything else on Michigan Ave.
(4)Mollie R.
Love this place for wings, beer and just bad food..well awesome food that is bad for you. :) Lots of tv's too! Great atmosphere! Valet parking too Cons... Service can be par
(5)OG W.
I'm basing my review solely on the wings. I think Melnick's does a great job with their wings. They are consistent, large, flavorful, unique. I make it a point to dine here anytime I'm downtown for a late afternoon snack after shopping. They have great beer options as well. The only reason I didn't give a 5-star rating is because I haven't gotten past the wings, but their menu is robust. A warm and comfortable place to watch a football game.
(4)Michele S.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon. The place was packed with folks watching college football. I loved the menu. BBQ and bar food are some of my favorites. My husband and I both went with the pulled pork sandwich with fries. The food was absolutely delish, and the portions are large for a reasonable price point. The only thing that seemed to be lacking was the service. We barely saw our server the entire time. I was busy, so I can cut them some slack. We will definitely be back.
(4)Ashley J.
Got to Chicago last night. Went out to the Water Tower Place today and waited for my little sister to get off work. She got out at 11, so we walked up to Jakes just to get a drink. We walk in at 11:15, greeted by "are you going to eat or get drinks" we say "maybe both" waiter replies "well the kitchen is closed at 11". Hello, why did you ask of we wanted food? Anyway, we order a beer each. Before we get the beer a random long hair greasy guy comes out of the kitchen and reaches across our table for our salt and pepper shakers, grabs the shakers and pounds them onto the table -the returns to pick up our glass mustard bottle and slams that against the table too! What??! We get our beers at 11:30 our waiter comes back and says "I guess this will be the last round" and hands is a $30 bill! If you want to close at midnight then do it!! Don't close at 11! Rude! I've eaten here before, that's why I wanted to go back - after tonight, forget it! The worst!
(1)Darcie W.
Dan is an amazing server! The only thing I disliked is that they wouldn't turn on the Miami Heat game. Ugh. Other than that, the food is great and so are the drinks!
(5)Luke A.
Had the Smokin' Que Burger, smoked burger wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top with beer battered onions. Best burger I have had in a long time! They are known for their wings so going to have to try that next time. Definitely worth it!
(5)Roy H.
Pretty solid BBQ joint. With a fantastic tap list. The prices can be a tad high but thats river north for you. I have had a few things from here, but the biggest standout was the Mac and cheese...it had BBQ beef, onions, ruffles chips, and some other stuff in it. So wild!! The usual pulled pork sandwiches/etc come with a TON of fries. You can sub for other typical BBQ fare like baked beans/coleslaw...both of them are good also. They have a ton of TVs here so its easy to watch sports while eating with friends.
(4)Carly G.
Looking at the reviews I should've got the wings.. But this place was so good! Went on a Friday night and only took a hour and half to be done and gone. We got their BBQ chicken pizza.. Oh my god it was to die for. I was skeptical cause you never know what it'll taste like.. But it was soo good. The sauce was perfect and they had caramelized onions that made it perfect. Along with their famous chicken on top. I recommend. Only complaint is its so loud I couldn't hear myself talk.
(5)Kate W.
Everything was in a basket.....
(2)Tara G.
Great beer selection and something for everyone on the menu. We got the cornbread which I would skip next time. It's huge and filling - the dinner portions were so big we couldn't finish them. We did not try the wings which they are famous for. Seems like a dependable place to go in downtown Chicago.
(4)Kili P.
Best wings I had in my life.so far...I asked my front desk @ the Hilton Suites Mag Mile who had the best wings in town and recommended me to this place..Believe I know wings I try them every place I go from Honolulu to west coast to east coast now Chicago.. Unreal go try some!.....
(5)Stephen S.
A really good beer list with some rotating offerings and guest brewers that'll bring in some special stuff you probably won't find at the other corner taps. The ambience here is pretty rough. It's a sports bar and is therefore loud and in your face. I had a hard time having a conversation with even the person sitting across from me at a small table. The prices are pretty high but for a spot downtown it's pretty much what you'd expect.
(3)Jeanne B.
Were in Chicago for the weekend and wandered into Jakes for a pint and some lunch. The ambience is definitely sports bar and it's somewhat loud. Ordered a beer but they were out so settled for margaritas which were average at best. We ordered the BBQ Pork Nachos and they were awesome!!! Definitely the best part of our visit. Will probably not repeat next time were in town.
(3)Dana R.
Tons of beer choices, tv's and seating, so has all the makings for a perfect place to waste away on football Sunday's. The decor was reminiscent of Bennigan's- lots of kitsch and filler and surprisingly low ceilings - not my fave, but again, for a sports bar, it is fine. I will say, the nachos were delicious...crunchy chips, even under the layers of yummy toppings.
(3)Michael D.
This is my wife and I second time going to this location, we are from Michigan and since we had a great time/service the last time we came 2 years ago I thought we would go back. I must say we were def not let down once again the service and food is great. My wife had what she had 2 years ago Pulled Pork sliders with fries and I had the burger of the month which was Bison and fries we also had onion rings for an app. My burger also had $1 draft beer that was attached to it which was really nice. We also had 2 lemon drop shots and my wife had a cosmopolitan the shots had patron which we should have maybe asked for a little less expensive liquor we also got two drinks with our dinner just pop. The bill was over $60!! I never would have thought of that price I was really floored by the price the shots alone were $7.25 EACH! We will def be going back again but minus the drinks and just stick with the food..
(4)Julia J.
The Left Hand Milk Stout together with four kinds of wings and their sweet potato fries really made the right first impression on me at Jake's. We strolled in on a Thursday night after work and took a seat at the bar. The bartender was attentive and gave us great service all around. We tried the Poncho, traditional medium annnndddd traditional spicy, plus the wing of the month that had a Thai peanut sauce on it- which was pretty delicious without being too much. The Poncho and wings of the month were grilled while the other two were breaded. I definitely preferred the grilled, but both kinds were larger wings than you'd get at Bdubs or Yakzees and much meatier too. By the time we were leaving around 7pm, the masses were starting to roll in and it was a little hectic. That being said, I definitely wouldn't come in for dinner during the high tourist season, but this is a good place for some good old fashioned American pub food and some delicious beer selections. I'll be back!
(4)Bill D.
This could have been tortuous trap for the gluten intolerant. Surprisingly, it's not. They have one GF beer, but it's either not very popular or it's really popular as they had one bottle. The server was awesome, considering the fun of dealing with a large group of hungry, hungry engineers. I didn't try most of the food that was served (barbeque? usually risky for GF). But the cobb salad and cole slaw were really excellent. I enjoyed the kick-back atmosphere, the lack of attitude and Rush Street atmosphere. If you don't get to this part of the country often, try Sprecher Beer. They have several varieties here.
(4)Kristine N.
Plenty of beer options. Great and friendly service. The blue cheese potato chips are good but a bit skimpy on the blue cheese. The firecracker wings are so so so good. Crispy, kinda sweet, kinda spicy, yummmmmm. The garlic wings were kinda dry, not worth getting. My brother had the pig sandwich and said it was ok. Fries are crispy and fresh though. I'll come back and stick to the firecracker wings.
(4)Kira G.
First off, service was good. Our server checked on us very often. Wanted a place nearby because we were walking around,so I checked yelp for good reviews of places around us. The reviews and the server said they were known for their wings, so we started with wings and spinach artichoke dip. The spinach artichoke dip was super delicious! I highly recommend trying it. They should use different chips or serve it with bread, but either which way, the dip itself was very yummy. The wings were ok, nothing special. For a place that's known for their wings, they should have more flavors for sauces and the wings should definitely be bigger. It says on the menu that they only serve jumbo wings, well, they were definitely not jumbo at all. We then ordered a pick 2 platter for our entrée, which was big enough for 2 people to split. It was good, but still not as good as the spinach artichoke dip. The alcohol selection is pretty nice. The book they have has nice little descriptions for your alcohol preference. The atmosphere was nice, it was a busy place. The idea of community seating was cool because it allows you to socialize with different people and meet new friends. Would go back to try other items on the menu, but I wouldn't go here just for the wings.
(4)Endel J.
Wandered in for a beer and food on a cold evening. Beer menu was amazing. (And I'm a homebrewer.) Server (Jana) was very knowledgeable about the beer and menu in general. I'm a vegan and when I mentioned the veggie burger she volunteered it has egg in the bun. Usually I have to pry that info out of servers and they look at me like I'm "that guy". Faced with such an awesome beer menu I gave some general style ideas to Jana and let her surprise us. She hit the ball out of the park three times in a row. I really appreciate good service and we definitely had that. Never once did we sit there wondering how to get a server's attention. Great beer + great service = a very nice evening. 1 star taken away because I didn't find a single vegan entree on the menu. Ended up eating fries. Still, if I'm in the area again I'd go back. Maybe I can get a salad without chicken or something.
(4)Ken L.
This place is really great. The buffalo fries with bleu cheese crumbles on top are the best! The flavor of the traditional buffalo sauce is the best I have ever had. The wings are really great too! I wish there was a place like this in my hometown.
(3)Frankie S.
There's a reason these guys have won the Chicago Wingsfest for 3 consecutive years. They probably have the best tasting wing flavors in the city. The Firecracker and Poncho wing flavors are my favorite and when the prices here are pretty reasonable for a downtown establishment. I've only had wings and burgers here. I recommend a nice burger. They're descent in size and quite tasty. You can't go wrong with this place when it comes to trying to find a good tasting wing place in the loop. Stop here instead of Hooters. You'll get your moneys worth. I look forward to coming back here.
(5)Kayla B.
Great place. Great atmosphere. Really great and friendly service at the bar. We've been here twice in the last three days. Good beer selection...different, but good. Had the wings too...Poncho's are awesome! We will definitely return when we are back in Chicago.
(4)Bruce G.
Really like the app they use to seat us. Texts to you cell phone and gives you am update on your spot in line. So far wings were great and getting ready to order rest of our lunch. Waitress very attentive. Great atmosphere.
(5)Tom S.
This place is always packed. Plan on waiting. Their fire wings are the hottest (spicy) things I've ever had in my life. It's euphoric to try these things. The rest of the food is good too. My favorite place to watch football on Sundays in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Check it out. You'll like it
(5)Louise G.
Great menu and an awesome atmosphere; right across the street from Sport Clips, this is a great guy's night out place to grab dinner and drinks after a haircut
(5)Richard R.
The Pancho's Wings are amazing! They have become my gold standard when comparing other wings.
(5)Dawn A.
Just like everyone else said here on Yelp, the only thing worth while here is the wings. The rest, gross. My husband ordered a chicken sandwich, added on some fixings which were crazy overpriced. $1 for cheese? He said it had next to no flavor. I ordered a garbage salad, which came so over dressed it was damn near inedible. It also was missing 2 ingredients, apparently they were out. To top this off, service was shit. We got a lot of attention until we ordered our food, then the waiter pretty much disappeared. And our bill was really high I thought for what kind of food this was. If you're gonna charge that much, at least make the food outstanding. This was a major disappointment, and I surely would not return.
(1)Valerie G.
We must have had good luck or come on a good night or something- because our entire experience was great at Jake Melnick's. We came in on a Monday night- MLB series, Monday night football - the place was PACKED! We were able to find two bar stools at the end of the bar, not much room- but no lack of service from the bartenders. This place has a fantastic beer selection along with your usual selection of liquors - there is something for everyone. Our order: Pancho's wings and the Trio of pork sliders. Holy delicious- Most pulled pork sandwiches I've had have had to be doused in sauce to hide their not so greatness- this pork was NOT doused and was absolutely perfectly cooked. The three varieties were all great! Win, win, win. The bartender allowed my husband to give the ghost pepper sauce a try without ordering the wings. We've heard crazy things about the hotness of the sauce, and inquiring minds want to know, but don't want to have to pay for 9 wings if they can't handle it. The sauce was hot, but not unbearable. I'd imagine that eating the sauce on a wing that was soaked in it- and having the requisite sauce on your face and all over your lips would be a much more painful experience though. There were some seasonal food specials - even though we didn't try them. Candy apple wings and mac'n'cheese with apples, bacon and bleu cheese. Service was fantastic - these bartenders were incredibly friendly. We are definitely not locals, but treated as if we were. Two thumbs up all the way around!
(5)Daniella G.
Pretty damn good BBQ & an awesome selection of bottled & tap beers. I had fried pickles for the first time thinking I'd hate them, but I was surprised when I had 2 more helpings. Everything on the menu seems to have pork including Jakes BBQ burger & the mac n' cheese....but I gotta say, everything is really tasty and not over-porked. Stay away from the XXX wings unless you're trying to impress someone- My dad tried them thinking he was bad-ass and left with his tail between his legs & a swollen mouth.
(4)Grace P.
I work nearby, so frequently going away parties or birthday drinks after work bring me here. The wait staff are friendly and seem to work hard, my extremely poor opinion pertains to the prices. I understand drinks are more expensive in this part of town, but $11 for a Jamison neat, that is the worst pour I have ever had is absurd. I avoid this place if possible, and if I get stuck there out of obligation, hope there is a special I can sip on without going broke.
(1)Eric W.
Went here for lunch with a group of guys for a Friday beer-lunch. A few of us got the wings and the others got BBQ. Both are amazing and be sure to grab a bucket of garlic fries while you're there. I have to complain about the waitress in this situation though. She claimed they were out of $5 Lagunitas IPA on draft and suggested something else that was "similar". A friend of mine and I both said OK and were treated to a $9 / 8oz draft of something that resembled an IPA but smelled like bleach. I felt ripped off and lied to. But seriously, get the wings. They're solid.
(3)Dan E.
We came here for drinks the other night and ended up staying for dinner, because the sky absolutely opened up and it didn't make any sense to leave. I was also hooked in by the "Best Wings" in Chicago three years straight advertisement. We started at the bar to have some beers. Beer selection here is very good - easily 25+ but they had a ton of stuff I'd never heard of. I was recommended a beer that I did not like, but then I just switched over to good ol' Sam Adams. Be warned, beer prices are steep here. About $7+ for a beer - ouch. Instead of eating at the bar, we opted for a table in the dining room. They offer a pretty nice BBQ menu which I was a little surprised to see, because the name Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does not make me think of BBQ. The place was also very nice inside. Our waiter throughout the meal was very friendly and provided some good service. I am a 'uge Buffalo Wing fan. I absolutely love Buffalo Wings. We started out with an order of the Spicy Buffalo Wings. When the wings came out, I was pumped. They were breaded - just the way I like them. In my opinion, breaded wings are much better than non-breaded. The blue cheese was incredibly average, though. This place could make the entire wing experience so much better by just upgrading their blue cheese. It was the typical runny dressing kind. Celery was nice and crisp. Overall, the wings were very good and I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for some solid wings. Here's what I didn't like about the wings - the price. I am fundamentally opposed to places that charge more than $1/wing. At Jake's, you pay $11 for only 8 wings. The wings are great, but I feel like that's steep. As for our meals, my wife had the "garbage" salad and I had the Cobb salad. The cobb salad was pretty good - it was chopped which was a nice touch but it wasn't anything over the top spectacular. It was a decent sized salad and I did enjoy the dressing that it came with. The menu said that it was a tomato vinaigrette. I liked it. I didn't try any of my wife's salad, but it actually looked pretty similar to the Cobb salad. She enjoyed it. So...I liked Jake Melnick's. By no means was it the best meal I've ever had but it did the trick. I liked the wings and the beer selection and the salads were decent. If I come back another time, I'm definitely going to try one of their more traditional BBQ dishes.
(3)Melissa E.
Mediocre service, average (and overpriced) food, fairly decent selection of beer- hence the 2 stars. Mostly the bad service turned us off. Update: 6/16/14- after this review the manager contacted me to discuss our experience. Upon describing our poor service experience, he offered us a gift certificate.
(4)Tiffany B.
I will could never rate this place as average considering the plethora of wings that I've had from the city of Chicago. When I say I love this place, its an understatement. Eating here was a breath of fresh air compared to ALL of the other wing joints. Aside from the wings (my favorite being the firecracker and traditional) the fried pickles are AMAZEBALLS! and so is the Salami Flatbread! I don't eat "bad" (unhealthy) food a lot but I make plans on visiting this place very frequently. I have no desire to order wings from anywhere else, they just don't do justice. I'm a fan, an extreme fan lol... If you were on the fence about this place, just go, you wont regret it.
(5)Vincent W.
No.1 Best place in the city for beer. No. 2 Great sports bar for watching games. No.3 Food is good. Like their burgers and wings! No. 4 staffs are nice.
(5)Clark G.
Just had "The King of Wings" supposedly voted best wings in Chicago. Ok, first off there very good breaded wing. It's pretty tough to screw up breaded wings. The bartenders were good and attentive tons of beers to choose but the dude who keeps saying cheers, c'mon man. I would pretty much sum it up as follows: if you like tourists and fat chicks in a place that smells like farts this place is 5 stars.
(2)Spencer M.
Spent NFL Sundays here in the early '00's and was recently back with my family. It was always a nice place for wings and a beer and had a good menu. That said, it's been upgraded to say the least. New menu that's fantastic-pizza, flatbread, burgers not to mention the award winning wings! This staff is tremendous-very customer oriented-and their 'home brewed' gin? Uh....yeah. Highly recommend. Was here on my own and app brought the family. Highly recommend!
(5)E C.
Lousy service. Was not particularly busy. Was not greeted. Waited for service. We ordered drinks and water and waited and waited. No one brought water. No one brought order. Several servers around. We left and found another proprietor who was prompt.
(1)Brian J.
Was out looking for a nice meal at a good price during my trip to the Windy City. Stumbled upon Jake's. Sat at the bar and felt instantly welcomed. The bartender got me a local draft and filled me in on the house specialties! BBQ! Melt in your mouth pulled pork and savory ribs. Take the short stroll on Michigan Ave and enjoy.
(4)Kevin Z.
Bomb wings. Jack Melnick's has the title for the reason. Not sure if they truly serve any other food. These ARE the best wings in Chicago. They let you split your order of wings in half so you can try a couple of kinds. Their rendition of buffalo is outstanding, good heat. I tried something called fire cracker recently, real good, they always have new creative sauces on the menu. They cook the wings to perfection, on the pricey side but worth it.
(5)Sadat A.
The team decided to strap down and return to Jake's Melnick's for Sunday dinner. (To remind you, I hate going downtown because parking sucks, and I rather stay in Lincoln Park, Wrigley, or Roscoe Village to find a wing spot.) I ordered the same things as last time XXX wings, Poncho wings, Firecracker wings and Jake B Que Burger. The XXX wings were hotter the 2nd time around. When I licked my finger before taking my first bite, I was sweating from the forehead. After my first wing, I was in full body sweat. It was freaking awesome. The Firecracker was super tasty with that sweet spice thing going on. Poncho best wings ever. This time I ordered the burger medium rare and it was taster than the first time when I ordered it Medium. The Left Hand Milk Stouts were a life saver like usual.
(5)Andrea R.
It's been almost 4 years since my last review of Jake Melnick's. While my taste in bars has changed tremendously (i'm old, married and pregno these days), I'm still a Jake Melnick's fan. For those of you not "with child" they've got all the drinks you could possible want. The food is also pretty good..especially for bar food. The spinach dip still makes me happy and for brave yelpers like my hubby you can attempt to eat their fire hot wings. You'll even get to wear a fireman hat! HOT! Last weekend my friend rented out the entire bar for her rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, I don't think "Jake" had any idea the Blackhawks would be in the playoffs when they agreed to host our party. It was super casual and fun...and I ate way too much spinach dip, nachos, bbq chicken, among other good eats. They even had a dessert bar full of chocolate deliciousness! If you're looking to throw a small party at Jake Melnick's they do have a private party room in the back that I'd guess could fit around 50 peeps or so.
(4)Kate M.
Jack Melnick's is one of those places I go when I'm nearby, hungry, and can't think of anywhere else to eat or need a burger. The food is always good, the service is always good, and it's a good sports bar atmosphere. I've been to a few events here and they were well done as well. Enough bars set up to keep the crowd happy, buffets set up properly so the line doesn't get confusing. Their burgers are always good. The tuna burger is very yummy, my favorite on the menu. Most of their appetizers are enough for a meal (for me at least) and are good to snack on while chatting over a few drinks. I like that it's not usually packed with tourists, as most places in this area can be. The outdoor seating is nice too.
(3)Kimber L.
We stopped in for dinner later in the evening and the place smelled great! We got a hightop outside and enjoyed the evening. My friend ordered a burger well done and it came out med-rare but she said it was a good burger anyways. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was also tasty. The sauce had a nice bbq flavor but I could have used more of it. The sweet potato fries were great. The mac n cheese was good but not quite salty enough. Service was only fair. indoors was rather loud but hey I guess thats typical for this type of restaurant. I would probably go again.
(3)TJ Y.
Went here on a Sunday to watch football and it was good! Upon entering, they asked if you were there to see a specific game because there were designated areas for each game. I thought that was pretty coo!l! Food & Drink - Food was a big disappointment!! The wings we got were raw inside.... which the server then replaced after much hesitation. The fries were good though. Beer prices were average... Service - the service wasn't that great. They weren't very busy either... our server was mia most of the time... either she was just super busy or new and didn't know what she was doing. Ambiance - This place is a typical bar. Big, lots of space... lots of tvs... Overall, this is a great place to go to watch sports. That's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. Don't go hungry though because the food is definitely a huge disappointment!
(3)Aldi J.
I've been on a recent tear lately trying to find excellent buffalo wings in Chicago. This review is soley on their Wings. I got 2 orders, the buffalo wings and the Ponchos Garlic and Cayenne. The buffalo wings didn't disappoint!!! Jumbo, great sauce (I got spicy), and just the right amount of crunch. I'd definitely come back for these. The Ponchos was OK.. They are good with a squeeze of lemon but nothing to get too excited about. Gave 'em 4 stars cuz I never got a chance to review their other food and service.
(4)MmeMorticia D.
The *only* reason I'd consider coming back is that they actually had Black Sambuca! First time there with large group of friends for a going-away party and felt like I was at a campus sports bar. Yes it was busy but service was not attentive at all (uber slow, no eye contact) but then an automatic 18% gratuity was guaranteed so that seemed to explain the nonchalance. Pulled pork sandwich was dry and disappointing so we moved the party elsewhere. Thankfully they kept the fireplace but all in all, made me really miss the (former) Blackhawk Lodge...
(2)Nick L.
Great beer, great wings (rated #1 in Chicago a couple years in a row... that's saying a lot considering the great wings you can get), great burgers! The food and beverages are amazing. Plenty of TVs to watch your favorite game. The wait staff is fun and full of energy which usually points out a good management team to keep their servers happy. I come here quite a bit with my running group and it's great because I can call an hour ahead and reserve one of their large high top tables for our whole team and they don't even hesitate to set it up for you if it's open. They always have specials... or at least they do when I'm there. On Tuesdays they have a Mystery Beer special that is really fun cause you get to try a bunch of different beers from around the country. This is a go-to place for local who live downtown.
(5)Erika G.
Went here for a friend/former coworkers going away party. I didn't have any food, but the food smelled great. The drinks were pricey, I thought, for this being sort of a TGIFridays level place. It seemed like a place frequented by very young office workers after work crowd, or tourists. AKA, nothing special and not worth a return trip.
(2)Katie S.
Amazing outdoor seating, extremely dog friendly! The staff is absolutely wonderful and the food is great too!
(5)Katie L.
Jake's was a blast for my friend's 25th birthday! They accommodated a large group of us easily, service was prompt, and the food was pretty good! We enjoyed the BBQ Nachos and I ordered the Mac n cheese, which was cooked in its own little Dutch oven! Many of my friends ordered their BBQ meals or their giant burgers, but I had a craving for Mac n cheese (what else is new). Thanks for a fun time Jake's!
(4)Carm B.
Very laid back comfortable atmosphere. Kind of surprising for the location. Came to eat here with my kids so I was a little unsure when we entered, it looks more like a bar kind of establishment, but no need to worry... they are kid friendly. Everyone enjoyed their food. We had burgers, chicken wings, mac & cheese, and fried pickles. The servers were very nice, the restaurant was very clean, and I would like to go back sans the kids for some drinks & wings. We actually found street parking which was surprising. I would recommend.
(4)Dave L.
So they make it pretty clear they have awesome wings when you walk in because there are signs everywhere shouting "WE HAVE AWESOME WINGS!!" Yet somehow we almost didn't order the wings because there are 30 other things on the menu that sound great. Long story short, the wings are hands down the best in Chicago. We also got the artichoke (it was ok... I think its just because I don't like artichoke that much), an Asian chicken salad (came out on a gigantic serving plate and weighed 300lbs, and was great), and a BBQ brisket sandwich (also awesome with awesome fries). It was also $5 mystery beer night where the waitress explained "it could be ANYTHING except bud light, miller light, coors light." At our table we got 5 or 6 mystery beers and they were all really good. Why only 4 stars and not 5? Wasn't the cheapest place I've been to in awhile, but I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)Michael R.
decent price for the food and wings were ok and service form the door to the bar was great. Everything was up to par but the waiter. Maybe he was having a bad day or tired which i hope was the case because this guy just did the least and it wasn't really busy.but all in all it cool spot to check out if your have time.
(3)Cathy P.
OUR EXPERIENCE: A spirited sports bar with a charming atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of options, and the food is flavorful. We visited in 2012, and we had a great server. She was attentive, and we didn't feel rushed. TIP: Be sure to try the wings and barbecue. These are the items they're best known for.
(4)Jeff K.
Loved the selection of beers. Really did not like the physical beer list. Too wordy and very confusing! I thought it was just me, but everyone at our table took a stab and we had to honestly as a table our findings in order to get what we each wanted. The menu on the other hand was straight forward, simple, and delicious! Even the picky three year old who we took with us to lunch loved the food. She was eating off all of our plates.
(4)Deena D.
A sports bar with some rustic flavah. I wasn't even that hungry but somehow licked my plate clean. I did the wings (when in Rome) and had half made XXX and the other garlic/cayenne marinade. I was hooked, I don't think I had ever tried anything like it. Our waiter was super nice and made a lot of recommendations on beers and food. I would love to come back again and try the burgers. This was the perfect spot for a weekend lunch with friends. Also good to watch the game if you can snag a table.
(4)Jon H.
I came here for the wings, but if I was only judging them based on that - I might give them a 2. I didn't think they were anything special at all. However, the atmosphere, the ample TVs for watching sports, the nice beer selection, and the rest of our meal made up for it. I'd go back to watch some sports, but I won't be ordering the wings.
(3)Justin K.
Travel down on blue line for special occasions to Jake's. Favorite place to celebrate! Food: The wings here are just outstanding. They aren't lying when they claim to have the best wings in the Chi. They really do... So many good and unique flavors, and they have SO MUCH CRUNCH... I love the texture and flavor of their wings, far more superior than anything else I've had. Service: For as busy as they are, I'm surprised they aren't worse. One time I did make reservations because it did get pretty packed. I was running about an hour late, so quite honestly I did not expect them to save my reservations. I got there and they of course gave them away, but still managed to seat me very quickly which I thought was a nice thing for them to do. Drinks: Bloody marys are AMAZING, again the best in town. Alright.... I love spicy food. LOVE spicy food, I mean I can take anything.... EXCEPT THE XXX BLOODY MARY lol, those things are un-drinkable. And I'm pretty sure your intestines would blow up if you actually finished it. But the rest of their bloody marys are amazing. I usually just tend to get the traditional but all of the flavors are pretty good. Specials: Go on saturday/sunday, hands down. $5 bloody marys, such a great deal for what you get. Just.. so... good.. tasting *drool* Atmosphere: Nice noise level, nice lighting. Big enough tables to fit huge groups and nice decor. Would recommend making reservations if you go for dinner.
(5)Carson H.
Jake's serves one of the best dirty martinis in the city. Why is Chicago the only city that doesn't look at you cross eyed when you order one with blue cheese olives?? Doesn't everywhere carry them?
(4)Martin J.
i have had a couple good experiences, and couple ok, and one eh. overall, i like the food and the team is pretty cool too. i'm a huge fan of the mystery beer nights; the wings are ok; the burger with pulled pork, and topped with bbq sauce has me wrapped around it's pinky.
(3)Nelson S.
Stopped in here on a Monday night with a friend. Both of us were pretty hungry. They had 1/2 priced Rogue 22oz beers, that's pretty awesome. My experience with the food was very mixed. We ordered the app combo that had Poncho & Buffalo wings, nachos, & fried pickles. I really liked the Poncho wings, they are grilled with garlic & cayenne, very good! Buffalo wings were good too but the Poncho wings stood out. Nachos, eh, fried pickles, good. I ordered half rack ribs as my entree. It was not good. It was as if it was leftover precooked ribs from the weekend, refrigerated, then put back on the grill prior to serving. No amount of sauce on the ribs is going to mask the hard stale ribs where parts were crunchy. I should have sent it back but I just dealt with it. My friend had the pulled pork and had a better experience. Service was good, our waitress was pretty cute and nice. I would recommend sticking with the wings at this place.
(2)Carolynne M.
So, I get a message sent to me a few days ago. It is from the assistant GM of this place, who saw my initial review. The message he sent was really cool, and in it he apologized for what happened last year and invited me to participate in this years competition. I of course jumped at the opportunity. When we got there Andy decided he would order a basket of the wings for himself that were supposedly one step down from the competition grade. I had a bite and honestly? I thought those were hotter than what I ended up having in the contest. Those really packed a wallop. The year before the winner had eaten 35 wings, so I knew I wasn't going to win. I can do any amount of extreme heat, but I cant eat fast and I cant eat massive volumes of food. But I was so excited to be able to taste these bad boys (since there is almost no place in the Chicago area that has the ability to make things hot enough for me) that I really didn't care. There were 10 people competing, and I was the only girl. When we started I was surprised at how Not-Hot these things were, and I was able to eat 15 in the 5 minute time period. Which of course was dead last (the winner ate 51!!!!), until one of the guys got disqualified because he couldnt handle it and ran to throw up. So, hey, there's that. And I was the only one who didn't need the "help" at the end (they gave out plates of bread, milk and ice cream which everyone attacked). yeah, there was a little bit of burning at the back of my throat, but a couple of sips of milk cured that easily enough. So hey thanks for a fun time Jake's. If you can make a contest where someone wins by eating a progressively hotter wing, you got your girl right here. The contest right now? I will let the guys have their gluttonous fun with it. Next year I will be in the audience, having those same wings... but for lunch!
(5)Joel G.
This place was fantastic. Plenty of options for beers from your usual suspects to local and national micro brews. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Chicago's best wings especially the firecracker. It is delicious perfect combination of sweet and spicy, doused in sirracha sauces and sweet chili Thai sauce. We are avid lovers of Mac n cheese sui we had to try it and weren't disappointed. We also ordered the pulled pork trio which was phenomenal. Overall a great hang out spot to watch a game, be social, or even enjoy the outdoor seating.
(5)Jamie H.
We decided to come here Sunday afternoon about 1pm. We had 6 people and they said it'd be about a 20 min wait, we only had to wait 10mins so that was good. The waitress was very attentive, helpful and nice. We started out with the Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne Marinade wings, so so so good!!! Onto the meal, I got the Pulled Pork with the Kansas City sauce, it was excellent. The fries were great also. There was plenty of food and I was able to bring some home for dinner (Always a plus in my book)! One of my friend's got the Burger of the Month, it was huge and also very delicious. I will definitely come back and would recommend to others as well. It's got a fun atmosphere.
(4)Sara L.
On our quest for the best wings in Chicago we came across this place. Several websites and mags claim they have the best wings in Chicago. If there is wings and beer.. well hot damn count me in! The place wasn't as crowded as we thought it would be but somehow it was pretty loud in there. The menu has a bunch of choices so the pickiest eaters should be satisfied. We ended up doing the wing combo (poncho's wings & traditional), beers and basket of parmesan and garlic fries. We got our food before we even received our beers and our waters didn't come till the end of the meals. Don't expect great service here and don't expect the food to come hot either. They advertise the wings as "huge, big, giant, meaty!" All I can say is false advertisement...it is like ...well I have analogy but its not family friendly to say. I do give them credit for the fries...garlicky and deep fried...cannot go wrong there. Overall, service was meh, the wings were meh, the fries were good and the beer was overpriced...go to Hooters...you won't be disappointed there.
(2)Ann Marie M.
Good beer, good food. The small alone when you walk in can make someone that just had Thanksgiving dinner want to have a pulled pork sandwich. It's not the best BBQ I've had, but the fried pickles and pulled pork nachos are top notch. Great place to go if your interested in watching the game; tons of TVs.
(3)Chris W.
A group of six from work decided to try this spot for happy hour and dinner. We put our name on the list at 6PM on Friday, and were told the wait was 20 minutes. Fourty minutes later, we were pointed to a table that we were told was "ours" and that it was waiting to be cleaned. Twenty minutes later, we were directed to the second bar in the back room and asked to see if that would work. We agreed and soon found no seats available in the back room, which prompted a return to the hostess station and a response to our group like we were in the wrong and maybe didn't look hard enough! We finally get a table in said back room and are told that we can choose from the two beers they have on tap in this room. We asked if we could order off the regular beer menu and were told that we would be "encouraged" to order off the choice of two beers at this bar because they were "really good". When pressed, the waitor brought one beer menu for six people, in an effort to say F-off. At the end of the day, the food was decent, beer selection was good (at the main bar), and price was ok for Chicago. Overall, the service (despite running up a healthy tab) ruined the experience and we will not be back.
(1)M H.
It doesn't take long for me to hear the magic words "Meet you at Jake's" The beer list extensive, the cocktail list is inventive (and dare I say inspiring) and the wings are damn good. Everyone I've worked with at Jake's has been a great. It's more than a sports bar while not missing the point of what a real good watering hole should be. Go order a beer you've never tried and get anything from a hearty burger and onion slab to a light asian chicken salad, both are amazing, period.
(5)Susie L.
This place has kind of become a staple in my weekday. It's a great place to relax and grab a bite, drink a Great Divide Hades, and watch the Bulls game at the bar with other enthusiasts. The drink menu is awesome with many beer options. The bartenders are always friendly and quick to recommend their favorite beers. Their food is surprisingly delicious! The chicken wings are always great (try them boneless too). The portions are large and everything always tastes great. The Cobb salad is one of my favorites, the sandwiches are yummy, and please somebody try their house-made fried pickles- amazing! Prices are reasonable, especially for the area it's located. This is a large restaurant, cozy, fireplace, almost lodge-like decor with many TVs. In the summer, they have a nice 2-sided patio where you can bring your dog to eat with you :) And, their brunch is awesome, try the $5 bloody marys on Sat and Sundays.
(4)Elia H.
I end up here pretty often. Once you are seated the wait staff is good. the host stand is a different story. they are not very accommodating when they are busy. i guess they don't have to be but a little customer service couldn't hurt. i recommend making a reservation. the food is all very good and the wings are pretty much the best in the city so that is mainly why i continue to go here. monthly specials are also great and keep things exciting. the beer list is pretty good too. just one problem here-it is way too expensive. when i think wings and beer, i am not expecting to spend a ton of money but you will definitely be in for at least $20 here for 1 order of wings and 1 beer. because of the price, i try to avoid going here, but every once in a while i just need good wings. another thing that can be annoying here is the volume of the TVs. most bars have figured out how to play music during commercials. that is not the case here, so you will listen to commercials at a ridiculous volume.
(4)Joel M.
If you are near the Viagra Traingle and want to get away from the upscale more expensive bars, Jake's is the place to go. The smell of BBQ when you walk in lets you instantly know that the patrons aren't going to be wearing sports coats and sipping martinis. Giant tables are great for accommodating groups, and the service is solid even when its packed. Oh yeah, best beer selection in the near north area by far. Lag IPA on tap and a huge selection of Belgium beer and stouts/porters as well. Recommended for both happy hours and nights out.
(4)Angela O.
Love this place! I work up the street, and our office comes here pretty regularly for lunch. They have hands down, the best fried pickles I have tried to date, trust me, I've tried a lot. Bartenders are awesome, they are very knowledgeable, and always seem to know exactly what kind of beer you have the taste for. But, lets take a moment to talk about their monthly menus.. which aside from the Fried Pickles, and Brew selection, is one of my favorite things about this place. In my opinion, this is where they shine. They usually always have a monthly burger, mac & cheese, and wings; it's always creative, seasonal, and delicious. I have yet to be disappointed. They also have a new Lunch menu I'm excited to try.
(5)Marie D.
Had a craving for wings. Craving satisfied! I see why they've received the best wings award for 3 years in a row! We also had the fried pickles, which were a nice compliment to the wings.
(5)Joseph O.
This the first place I frequented on my business trip to Chicago. I had the fried pickles and a burger for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and even though I didn't try the award winning hot wings, I would definitely go for the food again. What I really enjoyed about the evening was that it was mystery beer night. For four dollars, the bartender would serve you a new mystery beer for each order. All the beers turned out to be high-end craft brews, some local, some from the east and west coasts. I would highly recommend to anyone staying in the local area.
(4)Emily W.
What can one say about wings made with the second hottest pepper in the world, the red savina? It's the only legal hallucinogenic experience in the US today. Sadly, so sadly, they were out of fireman hats, but when my digestive tract has recovered enough, I plan to return for another dose of pain (and a hat). They had a bell you could ring to get a shot of milk, a dollop of sour cream, and a bit of icecream, and you know what, we all talked a lot of trash, but in the end, we all rang that damn bell. My face twitched, my eyes watered, I laughed and I cried. It was fun as hell. On our excursions across Chicago searching for the best wings offered, I can only say that this renewed what had been a flagging enthusiasm by providing a great experience (with great service as well). I'd love to go back and try the wings that won't sear off my taste buds because they were incredibly meaty and saucy though perhaps lacking a little in crispiness, the only area I would dock them in. Hats.... I'm coming back for you!
(5)James D.
I've been going to this bar/restaurant since it opened. Unfortunately, I'm still working on my beer card to get my name on the wall. If you're looking to get some food, the Jake's Burger is good (served on Ciabatta Bread). There are plenty of televisions if you're looking to watch a game... If you're looking for outdoor seating there are two sections. Service can be spotty outside, but just plan ahead (by ordering multiple beers) in the event of a poor server.
(4)Frank G.
This was the first bar/restaurant I ever went to in Chicago and after many more it is still my favorite and still my first stop on every visit. The beer selection is great.......far better than many downtown bars. The food is always good and the ambiance is great. Nothing more welcoming than walking into Jake's on a winter day and smelling the wood burning fire. Great place, highly recommend!
(4)Kandace K.
I went here with some co-workers and clients and it's a good spot. The staff was super nice and the food was yummy. Bar food rocks! Its near some of the nicer hotels in Chicago so the area is nice & clean.
(4)Alison T.
If you look on my profile you will see I pretty much only write reviews when a place is fantastic but this one was bad enough to put on here. I sat down and waited about 15min, no sign of a waitress. She finally came out to bring water to a group that came after I did. When she walked by I had to ask her if I could get water and a menu. I ordered the club sandwich and the only good thing about the meal was the fries. The sandwich really sucked. They forgot the bacon and the avacado so it became a turkey sandwich with extra bread. I waited for the bill for about 20 min and I finally gave up and went inside to the bar. The waiter standing there just replied "well I am not your server". Um I am holding the bill and my credit card, get your lazy butt back there and ring me up buddy! Terrible service, food was weak and they forgot everything good on my sandwich anyway. I would never return to this place. It really is a shame because Chicago is the best city for good food and Ide hate to think a tourist would miss out on somewhere good by wasting their time with this place. The only plus was the nice outside seating area.
(1)Katie S.
We happened upon Jake's as we were wandering the streets looking for a casual dinner option. Jake's is a typical sports bar, but the waitress was really nice and the food was good. I had a chicken sandwich with grilled mushrooms and onions with a decent size portion of fries...it was yummy. My friend had a black & blue burger. They cooked it exactly to her liking. A nice place, but I wouldn't run out to go there again.
(3)Adam V.
Good service. Overpriced drinks. Well below average food.
(1)Joe T.
Food not bad but had to wait an hour for a pickup! In a hurry,,,best go elsewhere...
(1)Kimberly F.
I went here on a Saturday night and it wasn't really that busy. I had already eaten so I can't vouch for the food, aside from the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet thing, which is nothing short of amazing, by the way. Had the service been a bit better and had I not waited nearly 15 minutes for a refill on my Diet Coke (or was it Pepsi?), I'd give 4 stars. It was conducive to conversation all that, so I'll definitely give it another shot, and try the food next time. Oh, and the fact that have beers ranging from Matilda to PBR makes it awesome. I wish I could give half stars...I'd give it a 3.5 for now.
(3)Robert S.
Cool neighborhood place, great selection of beers from various places around the world. My favorite time to go there is for Sunday brunch: their omelettes are fantastic, and they have great French toast, too. Tried it on a weekday for lunch: just sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs (with a fancy name): not my kind of food. Got a decent cobb salad, though.
(3)Rob L.
So I came here for the challenge of the over the top wings. I met fellow hot heads Liz S, Rocky B and hubby and hubby's coworker, Lori L, (let it be known that she is not a hot head), and Mike K. It is a lot of wood all over the place, a large bar, our server was friendly as well. Not a bad menu, we did try a good portion of it with our wings. I will say this, the Parmesan fries totally kick some bleeping butt! Fries tosses in mounds of parm and garlic and herbs.... I would eat an entire basket of them, however I think I would have a fight on my hands if I came here with friends and tried that. Nachos which were a very large platter of goodness, onion loaf, tortilla soup, (nice flavor, but a little cool and watery), and I had the chopped oriental chicken salad. Now my salad had a lot of lettuce and good flavor... however it would be nice if it had a little more chicken, mine seemed to lack a whole lot of it. The over the top wings... the true reason why we came here. I was impressed with the size, a lot bigger than I would have expected. The heat? About an 8. It had some really good heat, some really good flavor, but nothing I would cry home about. However Lori had a quick bite and was quickly asking for some of the relief plates, milk, oranges, ice cream and bread. As I said, not a hot head. I think this is a fun place to share some drinks and food with friends and if I was downtown I would stop by a little more often, but I'm rarely downtown. This is a solid bar option but not amazing bar.
(3)Lindsay A.
I liked this place. I was in town for business and wanted to watch some football and get some work done. It wasn't too crowded, but full, which was a good setting for me since I was trying to have fun but also get work done. Service was decent, good beer and bloody Mary bar. All I had to eat was mozzerella sticks, they were good, sandard. If I'm in this neighborhood again, I'll be back!
(3)Mike H.
Great beer, great food, great bartenders, great TV's, and great prices, every time I'm in town I head to the Corner Tap!
(5)Ria A.
We tried this place last Sunday with a large group and the servers were extremely nice and accomodating. We didn't even ask for separate checks but they gave separate checks to all of us (10+ checks). The place was a large, lively place that had a big menu to choose from. I was in the mood for a veggie burger and it came out pretty tasty. Grilled zuchinis on top and mozarella curds inside the patty. I topped it off with an avocado and had a side of parmesan fries. All in all a pretty tasty veggie burger and a pleasant dining experience.
(4)Hello S.
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! I think this is a common trend here. If you can get someone to serve you, do not expect refills, condiments, to be asked if everything is okay, etc. Melnicks is a sports bar. Yeah its overpriced, but it has to be based on the location so fine, $8 fries. The food is average at best, which I think I'm being nice about, but there is so much really good bar food within a few blocks that I'm not sure why I even bothered going back here a few times. Go to Dublin's. Anything on Division. Pizza at Pizanos. ANYTHING!!!
(1)Jean Z.
ive been here several times for happy hour, but never for a meal. when you have one dollar happy hour food items its kinda hard to say no. it seems now they're serving this really hot pepper spiced wings and they're giving a special alarm bell on the side to cure you from the burn wonder where they'll be the next morning ahem.
(5)R F.
Unfortunately, I don't have much to comment on as I have only been here one time. I came specifically for the newsworthy "over the top" hot wings that people have been buzzing about. I can eat some hot sh!t so I was excited, but a bit nervous considering some of the reviews on metromix, etc. I have been searching for a great tasting, uncomfortably hot wing for a few years now, finding nothing even remotely close to what I was looking for....that is, until now. Lets be clear, these wings are not for everyone....in fact they are not for most. But for the few that this type of things cater to, you will not be disappointed. The flavor is great, and the heat is absurd, yet manageable if you can take this kind of stuff. For the record, I ate all 10 and did not ring the bell. Wish I had that bell the next day however.... :)
(5)Kera E.
It takes a special place to screw up fries and a Heineken Light. I sat at the bar to order the above and the bartender couldn't find his bottle opener-for like a minute or two. Far be it from me to assume that this implement is a tool of the trade that should be kept track of. Regardless, I laughed it off and ordered my food. The menu had cheddar fries listed with a ranch dressing. This seemed easy and benign and quick-why not? 15 minutes later, bartender apologizes that the ticket somehow never got put in due to a computer error. I was understanding, stating that I was in no particular hurry. Cheddar fries come, with no ranch dressing. Another 5 minutes of him running around to acquire it. Check comes and I am presented with two receipts, one with the breakdown of item/price, one for what my card was charged and the totals are different. I point it out to him and he told me he had to charge for the dressing. When I explained that it came with the fries (per the menu) he offered to take off the charge. . . Another 5-7 minutes. . . and much harried running around. He said everyone in the kitchen was busy-restaurant was next to deserted. Ugh. Look, I'd hate to see what kind of chaos is possible here when it's packed and the order is more complicated. 100% unprofessionally dealt with transaction. He's lucky he was cute. ;)
(1)Hope G.
I'm tempted to give Jake's 4 stars based solely on their flatbread pizza. I've been three times and each time I've ordered the artichoke and spinache flatbread. I love it! The crust is the best part, almost crackerbread crispy but still retains a little bit of satisfying chewiness towards the middle - the toppings are delicious as well! I I've tried a few other things at Jakes which were all pretty tasty but definitely unexceptional. We ordered the appetizers platter with mozzarella sticks, wings and nachos. It was good bar food, the wings were perfectly cooked and flavorful, but we were pretty disappointed with the soggy nachos. Also, the steak sandwich was on the tough side. One thing that made the experience slightly uncomfortable was that a few teen-aged looking beggars entered the bar/restaurant area and started just hanging around the tables. One asked if he could sit with us and share. He got angry with us when we did not respond. It took the restaurant management awhile to realize the situation and ask them to leave. All in all jakes is a fun place and the food is pretty satisfying.
(3)Dan R.
Jake's has a great burger - I get the bacon cheeseburger here when I am in the mood for greasing the arteries. The french fries they serve are my favorite as well, they are not the cheapo generics but something akin to what old Chili fries used to be. TVs are kinda small and non-HD which is below par for 2008. The place has a nice bar feeling to it without being dirty. Place is well kept as well.
(4)Carol J.
I decided I was going to be healthy but before doing so went to Jake's for one last burger. It was so good I decided not to follow through on the healthy thing. Especially when one of the Noe brothers from the Jim Beam empire was buying me bourbon at lunchtime! Talk about a sign from god not to start the healthy thing! Fries are great, not too greasy, not to thick. Burgers. Yum. Tried a few other things that were decent but thought it was a little pricey for an everyday lunch spot. But damn that burger was good!
(3)M A.
MEH, says it all. Lots of tourists that should have gone to Portillo's instead. First off the let's talk about the service. 1) After a 35 minute wait (we were told 15 minutes) to take a seat in a half empty restaurant. We were escorted to our table. 2) Nearly 10 minutes later we are introduced to our waitress who takes our drink orders. 3) 10 minutes later the drinks arrive and we place our food orders. 4) 50 minutes later the same waitress comes to check on us and asks "where is your food?" A GREAT QUESTION!!!! 5) 2 minutes later I receive a luke warm, horribly dry rack of ribs. The meat was tough and the whole experience was just disappointing. The Hot Wings are the only thing that elevated this place beyond a single star. On the plus side if you want a decent beer and some tasty wings (i've had better, cheaper) then you might want to stop by this place.
(2)Kim C.
In all fairness I don't drink beer so my rating is based on food and people. Food - I ordered the BBQ pulled pork which was okay. The meat was tough to chew and didn't have much flavor beyond the bbq sauce. The fries were standard. The cole slaw was pretty tasty. I probably should have stuck with the wings they are well known for, but I was starving. People... the employees were cool people, however, some of the patrons could use a dose of manners. My friend and I were there for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (Lightning vs. Bruins). Some douche kept blocking the tv even though he knew we were watching and then became downright mean after my friend said she was rooting for the Bruins because she wanted them to beat Vancouver. I understand - Original 6 teams don't really like each other (severe understatement in some cases) - but come on... no need for the attitude.
(3)Liz S.
In a quest to find spicy food I went here to try their "waiver wings" with Rocky, Rich, Rob, Mike, and Lori (she wasn't there for the wings, just to cheer the rest of us on). We all signed the waiver, which in all reality is more of a joke and mostly just a marketing ploy, so don't be worried about legal obligations. However, the restaurant will not put the sauce on anything else. Best lines of the night was Rocky telling Rob to just rub the sauce on his breast and Rob saying he was done with bones. Back to the wings and food. The wings are really big and I would almost say they were steroid-wings. Also, the sauce itself isn't all that hot, really, you can actually still taste the chicken. However, if you're sensitive to spice better to not try it. As for the food, it's big portions and a pretty good price for the portions they give you. It's not in my neighborhood, so I'm not about to go there every week. But, if I'm in the area I'd definitely stop in for a drink or some grub.
(4)Barrie S.
Mmmmmmm.... I can almost taste those ribs and barbecue beef brisket! This is melt in your mouth tender!! I agree with other reviews that say the service is somewhat lacking, but I'll put up with it. I'd say if you think that Carson's is good - don't try this.
(3)Sara B.
Love Joe K's review from 9/6/10. Was exactly our experience as well. We were seated between two tables of 6 and as a 2-top (not ordering alcohol) we were served as an afterthought. Our waitress was clearly having a bad night and taking it out on us. Urgh. Food was only so so. There are better places to eat at in the neighborhood.
(2)Pamela C.
They've discontinued the onion loaf!? My all time fave! I have to take away a star.
(3)Joshua M.
Wow this place certainly runs the gambit when it comes to reviews! I however will not be swayed, despite seeing the potential for JM to slip into the typical subpar crap sports bar formula I am sadly all too familiar with. Yes, the TVs are pretty small in comparison to most places that sport at least 50" monitors everywhere you look. That's okay by me, I could truly car less about any sport. That being said I wouldn't necessarily sing it's praise over the decor or ambiance, about all I remember about it is it was dark and not super crowded on a Sunday night. What I will get excited about is a burger that actually comes out medium and tastes good, chili cheese fries, and a server that makes sure I am never wanting for a pepsi. I realize all of this might have been an anomaly, but I would definitely go back and give it another shot.
(4)Ray F.
We will never go here again; the service we received was awful. We were seated for over 10 minutes before the waiter took our drink orders. 10 minutes passed before we receive the drinks. He took our food order and received dinner over 20 minutes later. The manager was kind about my complaints and made up for it, but bad service in that part of Chicago is unacceptable.
(2)Eddy C.
Hey Jake/Mr. Melnick, If you're going to have TV's in your bar/restaurant because you're hoping to attract some sports fans, then you should do it the right way and not put any rinky dink 30" TV's. I mean -- we're already paying for your overpriced food (when I shell out $13.95 for a combo platter, I expect it to feed more than just one person) and drinks ($6 for a pint of Guinness? Seriously?) and craning our necks to watch a game that we can't really hear because the table next to us is playing some stupid drinking game that involves pounding your fists on the table while wearing a fireman's helmet. So come on. Nothing smaller than 42", ok? Much obliged, Eddy
(2)Mihir P.
Decent place to watch a game. Each of the TV's have signs underneath them showing which games that TV will show. Some TV's are large and others are not so your game may be shown on a crap screen. The food is OK and is typical. They do have great burgers though. The service is rushed and can be forgetful. I'd like that beer please (for the third time).
(3)Rocky B.
Pretty cool bar. I like the fact that they have high top tables in the bar that seat about 12 people. Great place to bring a group. It's ail dark woods and they also have a nice cozy fireplace which was an added plus considering the temp outside. A few of us Yelpers/Hot Heads ventured out to test out the famous HOT Wings. Yep, we had to sign a waiver first and the table got a bell for any wimps to ring if the heat got too out of control for them. ;) The wings were actually pretty good taste wise but as far as the heat I think we all agreed at the table that we have had hotter. Still it was enough to have some of the people at the table hiccuping, sweating and it was hot enough for someone at our table to have to ring "the bell". To be fair the person that rang the bell was there more for moral support but we managed to coax them into trying out a wing. It was a good time and the server even took a Polaroid of us to pin up on the Hot Wing Wall of Fame..or maybe I should say Flame. Would I go back for the HOT Wings? Sure. If anyone I knew wanted to go check them out I would go back...as I said it was a good flavor but I wouldn't say they were the spiciest wings I've ever had but it was a good attempt.
(3)Tom K.
Great beer selection in comfortable setting. One feels like they are in the North woods somewhere rather than the Gold Coast. Friendly staff and excellent fried pickles.
(4)William C.
Went here for lunch twice, once a year ago and once today. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Both times I had a business meeting and the environment was perfect for that. Tasty hamburgers and fries. Thanks for a delicious and enjoyable lunch, guys!
(5)Mike K.
I read on Reuters that these guys served a chicken wing w/ Red Savina peppers and I knew I had to give these a go. If you'll allow me to get my geek on for a second, I'd like to point out that the the Red Savina pepper is the second hottest pepper known to man clocking in at an impressive 350,000-577,000 Scoville units. For the sake of comparison, your regular Tabasco sauce is at a puny 2500-5000 units. So when I read that someone was insane enough to try and make a chicken wing w/ the Red Savana pepper, I was both excited and apprehensive. I believe it was Public Enemy who said, "don't believe the hype". These wings, while tasty and indeed, hot, are not actually made w/ the Red Savina pepper. Instead, the Chicago Hot Heads (the fire eaters) have deduced the wings are actually made w/ Habaneros. Outside of that detail, the wings are amazingly good. I dare say that these are my favorite wings in all of Chicago. They're spicy but not too overbearing as to make the eating experience a lesson in torture instead of a joyous affair. The wing itself is meaty but not too unwieldy and the tangy taste is expertly blended w/ the heat. It's flat out a great wing and if you're a fan of spicy wings, you owe it to yourself to check these out. As other reviewers have pointed out, they do bring a bell for you to ring if the taste is too hot and, if your ego will allow, I suggest you ring it at the end of the meal. They bring out a shot of milk, bread, sour cream and a scoop of ice cream. Considering they don't charge you for this "service", you might as well ring the bell (lest you lose face w/ your friends) and have yourself a small dessert to finish the meal.
(4)Melissa H.
They claim to have the hottest wings and you have to sign a waiver to eat them. Not only did my husband beat the record of 23 by eating 27 of them INCLUDING the HOT pepper but what do you get for eating them and beating the record? Your picture taken. He's the reigning king and we really thought we were going there for a challenge. I told him should you bother on eating more since you can handle it? He said the only left IS the record.......This is a man who walked in saying "LUCIFER is here." Bad service with the exception of when we moved in the bar area..he was good...she wasn't. She kept forgetting to do things and well I think you should "work" for your tip and at least "pretend" you like your job. It's called the service industry for a reason. Back to the wings...they bring you a bell (in case it gets too hot) and a hat but there is no prize for being able to eat these wings. The wings were good but only temperature hot. Yeah he sweat from the head and some tears came out but we still say Buffalo Wild Wings BLAZING sauce is the hottest. We are now looking into the hottest pepper which is in India and you can't get here. I had the brisket sandwich which was extremely dry. The beer was hella high at $4.00 for an MGD. Considering you can get a 6 pack for what $6.00 and a 12 pack for $9? PULEAZE..... Parking is next to none but there is valet after 5pm and when in Chicago cab or train is best and I believe the L stops close by.
(2)Anna S.
LOVED this place. Had the firecracker wings which were amazing. Definitely the best wings I've ever had. Not only was the wing itself really good, but the sweet/spicy mango sauce was delicious! I also had the trio of pulled pork sliders which was really good, my favorite was the Georgia-delicious sauce! The fries were also really good and their $5 drink special of rum punch was pretty decent. The service was friendly and very quick, which is always a pleasant surprise. This has definitely quickly jumped to the top of my list of places to go for delicious casual food.
(5)Jessica B.
Jake Melnick's is the place to go to for great wings, but pre-game at home. Drinks are outrageously priced, and the selection is subpar. I happen to like Fat Tire out of a can, but 8 bucks???!! Not so much. The wait staff is consistently strange. They seem preoccupied or drugged out and never seem to be around when you need them. All I can say is, if they didn't have awesome wings and half priced lunch through Four Square, I'd probably never go back. Oh, and the Four Square thing can be a real hassel too. If you have a deal, please inform your wait staff, and don't act like it's a huge inconvenience to you!
(2)Jims L.
Never thought about stopping in here until a visiting friend recently had a craving for wings. Was so, so pleasantly surprised with their drink/beer menu. And the menu was stock full of bar favorites. Love this place!
(4)Joe F.
This is a great place to go grab a beer and some wings. Jake's has a good selection of beer, great appetizers, and excellent burgers. The wings are amazing - spicy but still flavorful and tasty. There are plenty of TVs around so you can catch sports games. I've been here four or five times, service has always been courteous and speedy regardless of the day or time. I have even had times to stop by in between classes to get a beer or a quick bite.
(5)Kate M.
Went here on a Sunday for some food with the family. The name is hard to remember and pronouce....but we got here successfully and it looked like a fun place right when you walk in. The service was nice, very friendly, and made some great beer recommendations. Then, the menu. Wow, tons of options from great wings, salad, sandwiches and of course - bbq staple, the platter. I tried the 3 different mini-pulled pork sandwiches with the three different style sauces - reg bbq, carolina and georia. All were really good and the pork was delish but I really liked the carolina tangy sauce with cole slaw on top. I didn't get the fries on the side and coleslaw instead - AMAZING. It was the perfect combo of creamy and vinegar with good texture on the slaw. Love. We also got the corn bread and it comes in this little mini skillet and is so good!! Then, my mom got the platter with brisket and ribs - both good, and great carmelization and smoke on both. Overall, I would for sure recommend this to friends, for a meal, to watch a game and in the summer, to hang outside with a cold beer and some good food.
(4)Aaron L.
4* Super Hot Wings
(4)Sarah H.
We came here for dinner on a Wednesday, so it wasn't that crowded. The pulled pork sliders were delicious, the root beer selection was great, and the service was prompt and friendly. Also, my husband tried several of their beers and would recommend trying the Trois Pistoles demon horse beer.
(5)AJ G.
Firecracker wings are amazing! You're a fool if you don't order them. Beer selection is amazing too, bit expensive but worth it.
(5)Patrick N.
my wife and i had a few hours to kill in chicago while waiting to go back to st louis, and were walking around aimlessly looking for a low key place to have lunch and watch the cards cubs game. i saw the sign advertising "best wings in chicago" and knew i had found our place. jake melnick's is heart attack food for sure, but they are damn good at it. i ordered up some of the famous hot wings, and while they weren't the best i have ever had, they were very very good. we each had burgers, with mine being the real standout. it was called the smokin que burger and consisted of a bacon wrapped beef patty, pulled pork, beer battered onions, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. OMFG. this may be the best burger i have ever eaten. i do not want to know the nutrition facts on this bad boy, but it was delicous. the beer list is pretty awesome too, but i was too hungover from the night before to have any. overall, this is a great place to come to watch a game and have some good bar food and beer.
(4)Bill J.
Outstanding craft beer menu that is constantly changing along with solid BBQ and the best wings in Chicago make this one of my favorite places in the city. Try the firecracker wings, they're not too spicy at all and have a very unique flavor. When I'm in this area I'll be heading to Jake's for a bite and a brew.
(5)Kimberly D.
We first went to Melnick's during the NCAA tournaments and have been fans ever since. The wings really are one of our favorites in Chicago and can see why and how they were voted the best of Wing Fest. We also love the fries, especially the parmesan garlic fries and the cheese fries. They offer great specials during the week for both appetizers and drinks. My favorite drink from the beer cocktail menu is the Wisconsin Sangria. Service can be hit or miss sometimes. The servers are ok but there have been occasions where the server was rude or we are catching them on a bad day because they can't even smile.
(4)Brian P.
Fantastic selection of microbrews on tap. Happy hour was 3:30-6:00 and featured a ton of $5 appetizers. I had the BBQ pork nachos and an order of onion rings. Both were fantastic. Great atmosphere and none of the tourist trap feel of other pubs.
(5)Mike T.
This is home to the hottest hot wings on earth. I know, I've had them. In fact, that's why I went there. These hot wings were the inspiration for a blog I started with my friend Brian. We call it Hot Shit Chicago. The wings are insane, the bartender was a lot of fun, and we ran into two randoms at the bar that did shots with us. The night was legendary. Will I go back for anything other than hot wings? Probably not, that's why the place gets 4 stars.
(4)Chris W.
I've been here a few times with groups of people. They are great for groups, and always make it a fun experience. Their Bacon Cheeseburger is always good, and sometimes I'll go out of my way to get it. Crisp thick bacon, as well as a really great bun, and a thick and juicy burger. Even the fries are delicious. They have a large drink menu as well, with some of the usual appetizers.
(4)Michelle G.
I am always impressed with the staff, food, and drinks at Jakes! The wing special in July was PB & Jelly wings which were awesome! But the firecracker ones are always my favorite. Ashley was my bartender and was able to suggest new and interesting beers based on my previous likes. She is very knowledgable about each drink or beer and was always running around to make sure all of her customers were happy. I wish all bartenders were as attentive and informational as well as she was! I love coming to Jakes and plan on returning frequently!
(5)Harold S.
Walked around the downtown area and everybody was full for lunch except this place. That should have been my first clue. The restaurant was out of a couple of items on the menu and it took near an hour to get my sandwich. I should remember my own rule "eat where the locals eat"
(2)Mary C.
So I have read a lot about the rudeness of the servers from other reviews and I have to say..... they really are. With the exception of the one who sat us. I seriously couldn't believe it. Not to mention the wings were not unbelievable. Good yes but seriously not what I was expecting from the signs outside. Mac n cheese was great Nachos not so much. Maybe I should have tried a burger! I'll go back again but next time it will be for their great beer selection.
(3)Lindsey G.
I went to Jake's a couple of months ago for my birthday. We called a couple days ahead and reserved one of those awesome, long tables near the bar. There ended up being about 25ish of us on a Thursday night. I have been affectionately been referring to Jake Melnick's as Jake's for a while now, and always told everyone how it was one of my favorite everyday places downtown. The food was always good. The service was always fine. Until... This particular night, I was shocked at the level of non-hospitable service we received. Many of the party attendees work in luxury hospitality venues in management positions in Chicago. I am the first to admit, we were not expecting luxury service, however at the bare minimum were expecting non-rude service. To keep the story short, our server was rude, unappreciative of the $1,000+ in revenue we brought in on a fairly slow night in January. We got eye-rolling, unanswered questions, and bills with an undeserved amount of gratuity added. And, at the end of the day, I think when it is someone's birthday and they bring all of these people to a bar, the "nice" thing to do would be to offer to buy a drink for the bday girl... but apparently I am on my own with that thought. I will go back to Jake's again, but next time, I am hoping to not feel like I am annoying our server with business.
(3)Sara O.
I've been here a number of times, usually with a large group of people with the intent of having drinks & dinner. Tonight we went and it was by far the worst experience I have ever had here, enough to not want to come back. The waiter was slow, unresponsive, got our orders wrong, forgot things, had to be asked multiple times for items and left us waiting for 20 minutes to get our check. He was a friendly guy but that doesn't make up for such piss poor service. Since there were more than 6 of us, they added the 18% gratuity to the bill. I wrote a note on there that we didn't want to pay the whole 18% because it wasn't deserved. The waiter took issue with that of course, brought us to talk to a supposed manager who then simply tried to back him up on it instead of fixing the situation. We explained our annoyance and left after receiving no good explanation, apology or anything of the sort. I definitely will not be returning here and I strongly recommend against it. ------ *** Update: I sent in an email on the website for the company, received a reply from the General Manager of JM's. He was very nice about the whole thing and behaved as a manager should when a customer is disappointed! They get an extra star for that.
(2)Mike R.
I had to try the "famous" wings and had to say they were just OK. I didn't get the real spicy ones, just the traditional and I didn't feel like it met my expectations. Although I have to admit, the other menu selections looked amazing and I would come back to try some of their BBQ and burgers.
(3)Megan R.
Went for the first time and I could not be more pleased! Not only was every employee attentive and friendly but the food was amazing. The award winning poncho wings are a must! Just ask staff for their favorite beer choices and you are set!
(5)Eric P.
This is a really tough review to write, because my friend used to work for Levy Restaurants, the ownership company who runs Melnick's. Mike, if you read this, I'm sorry. Jake Melnick's was very average. I had the ribs, since Melnick's is supposed to be known for their ribs. They were overcooked and unremarkable. The mashed potatoes were hard, not at all creamy, and looked like they came out of a plastic tub. The service was very poor, which was surprising because I was with my friend who knew the staff. I thought they would take care of us because my friend was part of the same company, but apparently not. Based on the other reviews I've seen, it looks like my experience was not a fluke.
(2)Liz P.
The few times I've been to Jake's, I left stuffed to the brim and totally satisfied at the quality of my meal. The burgers are HUGE and definitely cure any pangs for a big, meaty hunk of meat. I got a mushroom swiss burger and the mushrooms were falling all over the place--they definitely don't skimp on toppings here. And the fries are great and plentiful, I've never been able to finish all of them. Another time I got their pulled pork sandwich with some good old BBQ and it was AWESOME. Definitely soothed my desire for some savory barbecue. If you're looking for some good quality "American" cuisine, go here.
(4)A.J. M.
I've enjoyed Melnick's when I've eaten there, and I haven't even had the wings. The burgers, in my opinion, are incredibly good. It's the perfect burger when you are in the mood for something like that. The fries were tasty as well. The beer is a tad pricey, but I can get over it when I realize how amazingly the beer compliments the burger.
(4)c d.
5 star wings!! Good food, good beer. Kids love it too.
(3)Misi P.
Holy Happy Hour! I always want to call it Jake Melnicki's, so I think they ought to change the name, strictly on my accord. Headed over last night for happy hour with the coworkers which turned into dinner hour. The pints are reasonable...$5.50 for a Blue Moon isn't GREAT but it's not horrible either. This really turned into a work bitch session, like any good happy hour should, but our tempers were tempered by the massive colon-clogging burgers they serve. Thank God I had been eating beans all week. Otherwise I might have needed a sigmoidoscopy on the spot. I did get some avocado (which comes readily available to put on anything) to up the nutritional value, at least. Melnick's at happy hour makes you ready for bed at 8pm. And that's a good thing.
(4)Chris C.
Probably the worst service and overall attitude I've seen in my life. Hostess was rude, mean and did not care to be helpful in any matter whatsoever.
(1)Meg L.
I love Jake's! It's a refreshing location in the neighborhood because it isn't too expensive or full of stuffies. We especially love Jake's for their awesome beer selection. They even have different specials every day of the week. The food is good too. I'm a vegetarian and they have a really great veggie burger. I've heard the turkey burger is great too, and the wings of course. The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly. I've loved every waiter I've had.
(5)Tony M.
Jake's has pretty good food and a great student discount.
(4)Susan S.
We always have a great time at Jake Melnick's. Someone usually orders some XXX wings and tears are shed. But we all have a good laugh about it over one of the many beers from their extensive beer and beer cocktail menu. My favorite are the buffalo fries!
(4)Jerry M.
I tend to look down on places that charge $4.50 for a Bud Light. If that is expensive, how much is the stuff that I actually get, which are more of high end beers? Service is great. Meals are HUGE. I'm tempted to try the onion ring loaf but didn't. Fries are the best! But $4.50 for a bud light? Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy?
(3)Kyle H.
My favorite bar food in Chicago! Good beer selection and I have yet to have a bad experience here. Nachos are great, the topping to chip ratio is awesome, and the half order is too much for two people. The burgers are great and the fresh cut fries are delicious. Prices are reasonable especially for the quality. Any Cleveland people in Chicago will appreciate the Great lakes beer selection too.
(5)Tom E.
Northwoods decor, nice outdoor seating, and great indoor veranda (sidewalk) seating. Good quality meat, but the pulled pork sandwich had no smoke flavor whatsoever and a little too much barbecue sauce. Fries were good, but a little dry. Contrary to some of the other reviews, the service was just fine (early lunch time).
(2)Samantha V.
Service is great! The beers are expensive but I had the special - $5 bloody Marys and left a happy girl. Enough tv's and decent food for any game!
(4)Anna L.
Beef brisket on the tough and dry side. Weird that I can get better BBQ in NorCal. But portions are ample and prices are reasonable.
(2)Laura M.
Stopped here on a Monday afternoon over lunch, so it was pretty quiet. The server was sweet and while it did take a bit for the food (about a half hour), it was worth it. The waitress accommodated our request to have a smaller portion of the specialty macaroni and cheese with chili (and a chili cheese Frito crust!), and only charged us $2.95 instead of the typical $8 for it, which was such a nice surprise! We didn't try the famous 'Best of Chicago' wings, but the pulled pork and mac and cheese would bring us back. Humble, but tasty food, and friendly service.
(4)Tom S.
I ordered the Que burger and bloody mary wings (all drummettes). I am very happy about the wings but the Que burger is not that great. The wings have a nice little spice but not over powering. They were moist inside and crispy on the outside. Previously, I ordered Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne wings, which were good too, but the bloody mary were better. Definitely recommend. The Que burger is another story. It has pulled pork, cheese, and fried onion rings on top with bbq sauce. Even though there was bbq sauce on top it was still a dry burger that turned into a mushy burger. No crunch at all. Dark, too rich flavors. I will not order it again.
(3)Jake M.
Originally, my fiance and I were stumbling around decently tipsy and came across this place. She wanted to go in due to the closeness between names and it looked like a cool joint. The first night we went was strictly beers although I was very tempted to buy food with the free smells. The beer menu is quite good and I always enjoy a menu that has my Two Bros beers on it. The bartenders were very personable that night and fun to be around and they kept up with a full bar and restaurant. The 2nd time I had to come back with a buddy and go straight savage on some food. After some research, I saw that they won the awards for the firecracker and we love hot, so we tried those and ponchos garlic. Ponchos was pretty good stuff, not really my style but good taste nonetheless. The hot reminded me of hooters hot wings but just better quality and delivery. The firecracker is where it's at. I normally am not a big fan of sweet type wings but these are a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Normally it's just sweet and no spice ...these nail that. As for service, the waitress was phenomenal. She was attentive without being overly pushy and you could see her looking over and checking our glasses. The place was decently packed too. One thing I also noticed about the place, which may cause the waits, is that tables aren't crammed together. It seems like there is a lot of space and room to maneuver when you've held the seal a little too long and need to make a mad dash. We also got the chili cheese fries which were very good as well, however not recommended if you are taking the train out to Joliet! Now the 3rd time is what sealed the 5 rating for me. We stopped by and met some friends on St Pats. It was primetime, 2pm and it was packed solid. We waited a while for a table but it was exactly what they said it would be for the wait. The bartenders were HUSTLING and doing their ultimate to get to people. I know when I went up there to get a round I didn't wait too long to get served. My fiance that day got the pulled pork and it was very good and again the wings were awesome as before. Everyone enjoyed their food and we got the food pretty quick for it being a crazy day. All in all, this is my favorite place in Chicago for drinks and grub, right now. Actually, I think I might take the train tomorrow and grab some wings. Sounds like a plan!
(5)chewy c.
didn't eat here, just met friends for after dinner drinks. extensive beer selection, which is great when you're in the mood to try something new. almost all of the beers on tap were $6.50. an easy place to hang out--plenty of seating was available when we went at 9pm on a saturday night.
(4)Sean D.
I stopped by here during one of the most frigid, windy, and snowy days in my recent Chicago memory. The bar was clean, but not busy due to the weather, and the service was mostly attentive. They have a great selection of beers on tap and the bartenders are cool. I gave the Super Spicy Wings a try and was not disappointed. I passed on the fireman's cap but thoroughly enjoyed the wings. After the first few, my nose started running and eyes watering. You eventually reach a calming warm sensations in your mouth and you cannot stop eating them. I don't think I would eat an entire order in one sitting again but I absolutely loved the challenge! I would definitely return for more!
(4)A P.
When you're looking for good ol' comfort food- you can't go wrong with Jake Melnick's! Come to find out the beer selection is one of the best in the city- I was just there over the weekend for St. Paddy's day with a bunch of my girlfriends, there was about 14 of us total and we had an awesome time! Such a fun atmosphere and we really loved our green beer! Our server was hilarious and his reccomendations were right on. Can't wait to visit again, I am definitely going to try some XXX wings next time!
(5)Yvette C.
I was pumped to come here, what a let down. Heard you had to sign a waiver for the HOT wings, which we didn't even sign. Also heard "They give you bell to ring and fireman's cap. If you can't take the heat, you ring the bell and they bring you packets of sugar and plate with some vanilla ice cream, bread, sour cream, and a shot of milk" but we never saw that either. Granted we had a group of 14 but our service was horrible, maybe it was because he was guaranteed a decent tip! We all ordered and I guess they forgot about mine since I had to ask our server about it after everyone else was served. To say the least I was not impressed and don't see myself coming back here anytime soon.
(1)Zach T.
A friend and I went for the sole purpose of trying the Madness Burger. No, not Madness as in Randy Macho Man Savage, but as in some manner of basketball tournament that takes place in March. At any rate, the Madness Burger is a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg served between 2 grilled cheeses instead of a bun. It's served with Fries and Miller lite for $9.99 during March Madness. The burger itself was good. The cheese was pepper jack on the burger, which was garnished with lettuce, Tomato and mayo. The one grilled cheese was cheddar, the other American. The execution on the grilled cheeses could have been better as they were on like Wonder bread, and didn't make a very good bun for the burger. It fell apart way too quickly, and let me tell you how sticky melted American gets. I will definitely go back to Melnick's. The rest of the menu looks right up my alley and the BBQ smell in there was excellent. The rest of the menu didn't look to be as good a deal as the Madness burger, but not exorbitant, either. MADNESS! OOH YEEAH!
(4)Chitown F.
I must say that these are some great wings. A friend and I are wing fanatics and had to try the "hottest wings" in Chicago. This would be where I say they aren' t that hot....However, they are. They are the hottest wings I have ever had. It was ridiculous!! We finished them in a state of euphoria. They are so hot that you become out of it because of the intensity. It seriously ruined my night and the following day!! I paid for what I ordered. The bar is pretty nice, and does have a good beer menu. A pretty good place, hottest but not the best wings. Buffalo Joes in Evanston still has my vote for best wings.
(4)Bob F.
These are the best wings in Chicago, hands down. If you are a fan of hot wings, this is the place. I recommend the Super Hot wings, made with the Red Savina pepper (2nd hottest pepper in the world!) The only negative is the price. An order of 10 Super Hot wings are $11.99. This is not too bad because the wings are so big but still a tad expensive. My other problem with them is that you can not simply order a side of fries with the wings, you have to order a basket at $5.95. Service is really hit or miss. I've had both positive and negative experiences. Last time I came in, it took me three attempts to get a side of ranch from our waiter. This 20 minutes felt like an hour when your mouth is on fire. Overall, I ignore all the negatives that exist just so I can get my wing fix. I would still highly recommend this place, just wish the prices weren't so hefty that I had to save up to go there.
(4)Sara P.
Okay so honestly I used to HATE HATE HATE this place ... because I didnt care for the crowd, the pricing, and the food. Now I am in love for two simple reasons: 1. A block from home 2. A bloody mary do-it-yourself Lets just be clear, the food is not even close to great and often if you are looking for quality I would tell you to run the other direction. If you are going to do this restaurant right, do it with friends for sports with burgers and enjoy the bloodys. The great thing about a do-it-yourself is that you get tons of different toppings and you get to explore the complex world of a perfect drink ... the second one always tastes better than the first ... the pickles kick ass and actually the staff is not too bad. Last time I was in I overheard the best fat midwestern family take on Lent and giving up television ... well not all television ... you should get to watch an hour or two a night ... haha. Yeah, so perhaps it isnt the place you go to meet that hot man of your dreams and get a perfectly prepared meal ... but after a few bloodys and some good laughs with friends you do not remember you are in the snobbishly self absorbed gold coast area and start to have a great time.
(4)Kelly B.
Jake's is a great place to go if you are in the neighborhood and what to grab a drink. The service is friendly and there is usually always seating. Plus they have a patio which is nice. Their food isn't all that great but if you just want a burger and fries it's OK.
(3)Leang E.
I love the fact the Late Night food menu is the same as Happy Hour. My friends were starved, while I had eaten all day, so we had to get their stomachs filled. We were seated pretty quick as it's a pretty spacious bar. I was sad to see that the chalkboard of the Final Four had a special order of Hot dogs tied to each team that you could order, and the MSU dog had the least. Though we were the underdogs that day, we did beat University of Connecticut. Go MSU! I did order the wings here, though they offered 3-way on the menu and there are only 2 options but the combination is the 3rd. The combination has a spicy one and the other is grilled. Both were pretty damn tasty. The mozarella sticks were pretty good, and everyone seemed to enjoyed the flatbread that they ordered. What really stood out for us was that our waiter was very awesome. He made sure that we were able to certain items on the menu and was helpful with recommendations. He was also very patient and hooked us up with a small gift card for a $5 to come back to redeem. I wonder if it has anything to do with my friends and I coming in with suits at 11pm on a Saturday night...
(4)Johnny T.
This place is much like USA soccer twenty years ago.
(3)liz d.
Came here the other night, pretty dead, but with a great band. The service? Horrid. There was 6 of us that sat down at a table. We had to literally wave someone down for drinks, food, and bill. While waiting for him to come get my card to run for the bill, I just walked up and handed it to him. That bar he was leaning against must have desperately needed him. The beer selection and menu has a great selection, but it does not make up for the poor, poor service. Especially when you can see you server standing around doing nothing.
(1)Francine P.
Try the black and black beer cocktail and others :) The food is yummy, service is great and they have tons of beer on tap and bottle selection. I've eaten the flat bread, the wings, apps, bbq, etc. All very yummy. I really have no complaints and the prices are very decent!
(5)Ryan H.
If you like tasteless, and overpriced food in a mediocre setting. Go to Jake's. Otherwise stay away. A hot dog meal, buffalo chicken meal, and two beers set us back $45. I would have rather gone to McDonald's...seriously. I wish I could give ZERO stars.
(1)Rob C.
I went to Jake Melnick's last night with a bud after atending a talk at Loyola's Water Towner campus because it was late and wasn't sure where else to get a bite to eat. The place is an okay bar with typical bar comfort food. It has a nice warm feel to the place but I wouldn't go here for dinner just drinks with friends. I ordered the spinach and artichoke flat bread pizza but for $10 it was more like the size of an appetizer. Also the service wasn't the best. When the waiter brought out my food he didn't even give me any silverware or any napkins! Once he served the food he never came by the table to seee if we needed anything else so it seemed like we had to keep looking for him if we needed anything. Overall, I'd describe this place as a typical Lincoln Park sports bar in the middle of River North. Good place for drinks with friends and comfort bar food but skip this place for dinner.
(2)lesley s.
I've only been here a few times and nothing sticks out in my memory as wonderful or not wonderful. We recently had a group party at Jake's and they put us in their enclosed patio, right by the fireplace, which I loved. The food was good but not out of this world and the pitchers of beer kept coming, so I really had nothing to complain about. I'll come back on my own and order an actual meal, rather than eating an entire basket of popcorn shrimp like last time.
(3)Bryan K.
I loved the atmosphere and I enjoyed the hell out of my burger. Fantastic selection of beer and great service.
(5)Paul C.
If you're in the Streeterville/River North area the options for sports bars are minimal. So when you're in this hood and looking for a chill place to watch a game, Melnick's wins by default. The burgers are quite good and the beer selection is on par with any good sports bar. It's more expensive than it needs to be, but so is the neighborhood. At the end of the day, if you're looking to watch a game and this hood is your wheelhouse, you can't go wrong with Melnick's.
(3)e e.
i really enjoyed this place- simply good food. and the waitresses are always friendly! outdoor seating when its nice... seemed like a good bar to catch a game with a large group of friends chicken sandwiches + fries = some of the best ive had in the city!
(4)Leslie G.
I live right down the street so I have stopped in here a few times for a few drinks and enjoyed the place! I liked the food and I here the hot wings are amazing! great place to stop in for a little while, but also a good place to remain for the entirety of your night! Either way, this is a fun place!
(4)Kim P.
I agree with Chevy, they are really pricey but the portions are hefty. I've had the spinach artichoke dip and loved it. They didn't skimp on the chokes which was nice. The cheese fries totally rock and I love the mini pizza/ flatbreads. Service was great, we had a fun waiter that sat in the booth with us and chewed the fat. So if you don't mind the price it's a cool place to go.
(3)Garett N.
Relatively inexpensive bar food, pretty decent beer prices, and the large TV screens make this a great sports bar to check out. I've been here twice and they've always been accomodating in turning one of the TVs to show the Red Sox game. They also often have great drink specials, so be on a lookout for that.
(4)marisa s.
jake melnick's is a quality corner bar downtown. they have great beers on tap (312, hiiiii) and a variety of rando bottled beers as well. what really gets me here is the bar food that is not bar food. i have probably tried close to everything here, since it's right down the street from my old place. here what's good: the grilled artichoke - comes with some mustard-dill dipping sauce, so good uh uh the buffalo chicken sandwich - grilled w/bleu cheese the pancho wings - made simple with spices and garlic, squeeze some lemon on them and you'll be in love the garbage salad - chopped with chick peas, salami, artichoke, cheese and moreeee the parmesan fries - hellooooo need i say more?
(4)MJ d.
It's a good place to watch Michigan Football (I guess it's a "Michigan bar?") Decent, basic bar food, and There aren't a lot of pretentious people. Works for me!
(4)Andrew T.
Good chili cheese fries (it's a huge plate) and wings. I had a cobb salad which was fine, just didn't seem to be a great value at 10.95... The bar area has bar seating, tables and a huge table smack in the middle that you can share with other parties.
(3)Amy J.
Pretty good time! Went here after class with my classmates and my professor for beer at the end of the quarter. It's a really fun environment, definitely a Loyola hotspot. I didn't eat here so I can't tell you about that, but we got pitchers of beer and there are plenty of tables and good service. Good time.
(4)Amy D.
My boyfriend currently got relocated to the River North area and I am stuck in a tourist trap, desperately trying to find some light at the the end of the tunnel with original affordable restaurants. Decided to try this place out. Sandwiches were good, drinks were cheap, and their garlic fries are to die for. What's not to like?
(4)Annonymous C.
The veggie burger is good. But beyond that I was deeply dissatisfied with my last visit. I went with a large lunch group for my going away party. We had been there with large groups before, so I wasn't concerned that I brought my debit card. After waiting 45 minutes for our food and another 45 for our check, everyone paid with cash except me and one other person. He brought back the receipt for my coworker, but walked away without giving me mine back. Then after another 10 minutes he brought me mine. The kicker was when I logged into my banking the next day and found that not only was I charged for my amount, but I was charged for the entire table's amount also. When I got a hold of the management, I was told it was an authorization to account for the whole table. I'm no dummy, I know you cannot authorize my account for the entire table if you received cash. Despite the food is decent, that headache will cause me to never go back. Oh, and management didn't even say sorry.
(2)David E.
The manage "Alex" introduced himself to me the other day..(not even knowing iam a yelper) I wish I would have said to him Alex I love Jake's Especially the food. (The food is great no doubt about it) But what I hate about Jake's is they have this neon sign in the window that clearly states "OPEN UNTIL 2AM" This is/was never true. Yes I totally hate them for that and my dear friend alex...I will send people down the street to the other bar sometimes just for that reason....I was there today and I strolled in at 11:24 p.m and the bartender says "I just called last call" but I will give you "one" bottle. So she gets me the bottle 15min later they announce the bar is closed even one bar patron said "I thought they were kidding when they said they were closing" So alex Iam sending them to pippins until you stay open later...
(3)Patrick W.
A bit pricy because it's downtown, but I found the food to be a bit better than bar food usually is. I had the BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, which was great. They had real sliced brisket cooked on site, as opposed to pulled, chipped beef which usually is pre-cooked and re-heated. The fries were outstanding. Our server was pretty good, very friendly and kept our drinks topped off. There are a fair number of tourists here, but given the location, it's not as bad as other locations nearby. My only complaint was that the beers and sandwiches were, as I said, pricy, but I imagine if the place were in any other neighborhood but downtown, everything would be a dollar to two dollars less. Great food, great beer selection; and very cozy- a good place to relax and have a meal when doing some downtown shopping. I heard they used to have some kind of a massive cheeseburger here that entitled you to some kind of great honor if you could finish the whole thing. I forgot to ask when I was there- does anyone know if this still exists?
(4)Bella D.
Nice staff! : ) and good appetizers and beer! : ) great place for afterwork socials. loved going there w/ a bunch of elementary school teachers to unwind from a days w/ cool but a handful of : ) kiddies : )
(4)Kristen D.
This place has a decent selection of beer, but the prices, crowd and temperment of the staff make me hesitant to go back another time. Overall, it's probably as good as you're going to get in the neighborhood, but still not great. I recommend eating elsewhere, as it's overpriced and not that good.
(3)Monica J.
This is definitely a great neighborhood bar (esp in the summer) when outdoor seating is open. Came for a casual dinner with some girl friends one evening and it turned out to be a great time. The food itself was not that great..but will def be back to just chill and drink...they've got happy hour specials mon thru saturday...
(3)Eddie O.
Jake Melnick's is probably my favorite sports bar in the city. As many of the reviews say they do have a great brunch, but I've enjoyed many nights of drinks here as well. It's never overly crowded and is much more sophisticated than the sports bars in LP.
(4)Ramon R.
Great place to go for brunch after visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Go with anything that has red meat in it. This place has the best red meat, hands down.
(5)Emily N.
Not bad, but not great. I've heard they have a good brunch so I'd like to check that out, but I usually stick to drinks only here. The food is just OK. Nothing special.
(3)Geoff M.
The essence of the Mag Mile tourist bar...pricey, mediocre, and without a unique characteristic. I certainly don't mind watching a few sports games here as TVs are plentiful, but have several other places I'd rather stop by first. The food is fair, but not for the money.
(2)Will M.
food/service/atmosphere are weak. it's not terrible, but just sorta lame.
(2)Jonathan S.
This evening Jake Melnick's put some of the best chicken wings in front of me. My meal began with a simple house salad that was gigantic and anything but simple. The salad was just great. Followed by 1 Pancho and 1 Satay wing. Both wings were grilled and fabulous. Next up, Firecracker Wings..... Wow!!! They were so good. Incredible onion rings on the side. I have finally found my spot after 2 years being back in Chicago. The staff from Emily to Aurora to my server Yanna were so hospitable and welcoming. This was actually my first dinner out on my own since my most recent surgery and I was happy that I chose Jake's for this meal. I am so glad to have found this great spot in my neighborhood. The food, the staff, and fun environment made my Friday night out so much fun. ENJOY THOSE WINGS LIKE I DID! ~Jonathan
(5)Sam N.
As John Oliver might say "Swanky Texas" ( We are talking about Mexico today otherwise known as 'spicy canada') Good chance if you are here that you are a fan of twangy bbq sauce. Believe it or not this is a local haunt of people who like to go out and they live on the streeterville/river north/gold coast area borders. My favorite is the Asian Chicken salad with wontons. It is humongous. It is enough food for you to as k for it to go and eat it for the next meal. live athmosphere on Weekends
(5)Ryan R.
We decided to pitstop on here from our walk to Rush street. We saw the display for 'worlds hottest wings' and decided to get a Scooby snack. The beer selection is really nice. I had the hops 'flight' which consisted of 4 samplers of a hoppy beer fermented differently, I like the Bavarian the best for its clovey notes. We also ordered the XXX wings, on the premise they would be hot. We didn't expect much and have seen countless times the claim of 'hottest wings, and thought nothing of it. Well, we were wrong... First, the cool thing is they had a version of the XXX that were boneless. That certainly helped as we struggled for mercy. These wings are HOT.. They are crusted with ghost chili stuff and after finishing only one we were on fire, stealing chip fulls of sour cream to cool the flames. An hour later we were still hurting. Awesome! Staff is cool, but was a little slow because the place was packed and our server was training someone but definitely no biggy.
(4)Suzanne O.
Jake's is my go to place for wings and sports games in Chicago. It will get super crowded for football games, but they're great at accommodating everyone. One time I came to watch the Packer game, and there were like 3 other games going on at the same time, so when we checked in they asked us what game we wanted to watch. When we were seated, we were right by a TV with the Packers game. Great service! And this place obviously gets crowded for Blackhawks games. I was here for a few play off games, and the bar seats quickly filled up 45 minutes before game time. So just be ready to wait if you come in the middle of a busy game day. Every time I come here I get the same thing - the firecracker wings. They're so good that I can't get myself to get anything else. They're deep-fried first, so they're nice and crispy, and then they're smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce. These are not little chicken wings either - these are some nice, meaty wings. And from what I've seen, all the portions here are very generous. The beer menu here is pretty extensive, and they usually have a featured seasonal special. Prices are pretty comparable to other places in the city, with a pint at around $6-9.
(4)Lisa S.
I didn't think this place was anything special. We came here for drinks and a snack after a Northwestern game. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon. Our service was fast, but there were mistakes made. The buffalo fries were tasty. We ordered chicken wings. We asked for all drums, but only received two. We were also given ranch dressing instead of blue cheese, so our wings order was definitely screwed up, but they were still tasty. This place didn't exactly wow me.
(3)Kari H.
The Firecracker wings and Traditional Buffalo (medium spicy) are super delicious! The Sangria was yummy. The fries were delicious. The chocolate chip cookie on a skillet with ice cream and whipped cream was SO GOOD. Service is amazing. We had 2 different servers. They were attentive and seemed mindful of letting us take our time. It took a while for us to get our check - they only gave it to us when we asked for it. I wonder if it took a while to get our check because my Sangria was still half full and maybe they were waiting for me to finish it? I'm not sure, but the server recommended the chocolate chip cookie dessert and it was amazing. She wasn't pushy about it, either. I also like how the other server had a whole line of pens in his apron because it means he's prepared. When they refilled our water, they also placed a new lemon in it! We were quoted to have a 20-minute wait for outdoor seating but then got a text 5 minutes later that a seat was available. We were about 2 blocks away and walked all the way back only to find that we were offered an indoor table. However, someone else checked outdoor seating and it just so happened that an outdoor table was available, so we ended up sitting outside. I like that it was well-lit outside and the hanging string lights create a comfortable atmosphere. Outdoor tables are wooden. Hand wipes are on the table. Ketchup and mustard are on the table. I'd love to come back here again to get the wings, fries, and chocolate chip cookie dessert. Servers are super nice and patient so I'd come back for that as well. Hostess is accommodating and flexible.
(4)Renaud S.
Just went randomly to this place after I realized that the Giordano's nearby way too crowded... and it was a great idea!!! Had their half chicken with BBQ sauce, that was absolutely delicious! Will definitely go back there to have it again; or try some other good food. Their sandwiches looked good as well, my friends had a couple of these. Good tap beer as well. And very friendly staff.
(4)Kat G.
I truly enjoy coming to Jake Melnick's. It's a no frills bar slightly off of the touristy Michigan Avenue. They have many different wings here - I am not adventurous to try some of the wild ones such as the Thai PB&J. It always sounds interesting but I typically go for more traditional food. If you are "all about wings" this is your place and you would love their extensive options. I enjoy their wings - always have a nice texture to them, their cobb salad, and their Fish Sandwich or Fish and Chips are done well. Service is pretty good - though it can drag a little if you are there for a lunch break or are pressed for time. Since it's a bar and a little off the beaten path, many locals go to hangout there so I advise if you are pressed for time to let your waiter know upfront and they are accommodating to the best of their ability. Tips: -Ask for recommendations on the drink menu. They stock beers you wouldnt normally find elsewhere (and whatever has been recommended to me has been awesome) in addition to your drinks you'll find at most bars. So you get the best of both. -It will be busy, but worth it. -You'll be paying slightly more for food here but for Chicago and off of Michigan avenue, it's very respectable. -Ask about their 8 pound burger and I dare you to order it ;)
(4)Kaity K.
Jake Melnick's looks like a normal corner bar from the outside, but we were looking for somewhere to watch the Blackhawks game on a recent trip to Chicago and this was just the place! We liked it so much, we ended up coming back for drinks and appetizers the next day! It is absolutely huge inside compared to what it looks like from the street, which is good since everyone seemed to want to come watch the game here. We were pleasantly surprised with the food selection and quality from this corner bar as well. We tried a variety of their appetizers and loved the garlic fries... nicely seasoned but not over the top. The corn bread in skillets was divine as well! My personal favorite this was the macaroni and cheese... you could see the cheesey strands pulling from the fork when you went in for a bite. YUM! My sister ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and for some reason it came out much later than the rest of our food. The waiter was incredibly nice about it, giving her the meal for free and bringing out a DELICIOUS cookie in a skillet covered in ice cream for dessert. The beer selection is great, and I really liked the atmosphere. Great place to watch a game!
(4)Lauren K.
FAVORITEST BAR IN THE ENTIRE CHICAGO AREA!!! I highly recommend Jake Melnick's to anyone looking for a bar to watch the Bulls or Blackhawks play or just for a friendly meeting between buddies. I stumbled upon this little gem a couple of years ago after a little (or rather, a lot) of retail therapy and had adequately worked up my appetite. It's in a great location because of its close proximity to the Water Tower Place and Navy Pier as well (though that's a tad bit further). In other words, my friends, you don't have to walk those poor little feet too far away to find a nice little joint where you can kick back a few drinks with delicious food. I've introduced many of my friends to Jake Melnick's whenever we have been in the area and never once have they been let down (needless to say I have a good track record) and I wouldn't lie to you when I say it's an awesome bar. I get that everyone has their favorite go-to bar, but try something new and go here! If you are a margarita person then their margaritas are quite tastey and if you're a beer guy or gal then go for their home-made shandy! Personally I like both margaritas and beer so I typically order a couple of each, but even if you don't get both, at least get one for goodness sakes! And boy, oh, boy if you are a hot chicken wing lover then you will most definitely need to make this your new favorite bar! Jake Melnick's claims to have the hottest wings in all of the Chicago land area and my fiancé can surely attest to this. I brought him (like many others) here when we were first dating and he was brave enough to try the XXX wings - 11 wings covered in Habanero, ghost and scorpion chilis! I thought I was going to have to call the fire department because his mouth was THAT MUCH on fire. If you dare to complete this challenge you will be rewarded with your name on the infamous Wall of Flame. You will be legnedary...but not before you have the shakes because of the hellish heat in your mouth. When my fiancé ate their wings I couldn't stop laughing...so there you go - watching someone eat Jake Melnick's XXX wings could be entertainment. The restaurant is just comfortable and there's no way you couldn't feel at home here. I love it and I hope you come to love it too!!!
(5)Lauren G.
Some good food some not so great food overall not a good atmosphere. The bar was cute though. It was wayyyy overcrowded when we went the wait was over an hour and a half. Okay maybe an hour 15 to be more precise. I could stand the wait to try out these famous wings I've been hearing about. Their fried pickles and corn bread are good, both really tasty. The wings itself are just way too big and really not even that great tasting. It was overall just okay. I would say better for a few drinks and some appetizers but you really have to go at an off night to avoid the crowd; If those even exist there that is.
(3)Laura H.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant. GET THE WINGS-- best in the world. (Hint: get the firecracker wings--the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy!). My entire family is obsessed!!
(5)Michael J.
Ordered Jake's famous 17-hour smoked brisket sandwich. Sure glad I didn't get the platter because it was dry as a bone. And had to ask for a glass of water.
(2)David P.
I know what your thinking another review of a wings place only 30 mins apart? Is that all you eat? Yes, pretty much, I am a future fat ass that corodes my arteries to the let the homies know whats up! Ahhh the wings are here and they are quite large! Again I got the traditional Buffalo Wings. Im not too adventurous when it comes to wings I just like traditional Buffalo style. These wings were very good. Crispy, juicy and coated with hot sauce. However If you read my very recent Bird's Nest review I talk about how many places fail to get crafty enough with their sauce, usually just using Franks ( not a horrible thing), so therefore many have the same taste profile. Unfortunately Jake's falls into that trap, as I have tasted wings like this before. They were good but not special. If im in River North-Downtown area I would love to come back. Note: my friend who claims to be a Wings Master had the Firecracker and Poncho wings, saying they were some of the best he has ever had. But this is my review! The service was fast and attentive. I liked the atmosphere, it reminded me of Hooters but without the scantily claddness and the wings are better than Hooters. The Bulls won game one over Milwaukee as Derrick Rose, legs held together with tape and gum, looked like a capable basketball player for once. So it turned out to be a swell evening. Overall a very pleasant experience. Not the absolute best wings ive had but still pretty good along with great service and a bustling atmosphere. I will be back when im in the area.
(4)Punit K.
Order the wings- tried the traditional buffalo, Thai chili and ponchos (grilled); Thai chili was prob the better out of all. Service was slow- took 45 minutes for wings to come out. Afterwards- ordered a carry out order of hand tossed chicken tenders- they were disgusting. Worst of all- it was all soggy due to the packaging- they put the fries on top of the chicken tender; sealed in a box = soggy meal. Their side order of cole slaw was enough for 3 bites. I've really heard great things about the place but considering the slow service; and poor carry out meal for $15- I'd say stay away. Overpriced and overhyped.
(1)michael w.
Stopped in after Promat for a work function, vendor had the keg room reserved, nice digs and conducive to the mingle. The food I tried was actually pretty good, bbq, mac, pizza, nachos, sliders, etc. The beer was even better. The only downside I could find, paid like $6 for a Schlitz tap prior to joining the group. Really? Who charges $6 for a Schlitz tap?! Someone is missing the point of the $3 tall boy PBR's.
(4)Carmen P.
We were served by Alonzo he knew his menu and town! The wing assortment was perfect (a little bit of everything). Also had their local beer! We loved it!
(5)Carol K.
A corner bar just a few blocks away from the style and prestige of the Mag Mile? Be still my soul! I came looking for some lunch and left with a full tummy, AND a smile on my face as this place has to have some of the friendliest service in the area! I took a seat at the bar and immediately Leisha, the bartender, was welcoming me to Jake Melnicks and asking me what I wanted to drink. What I wanted was one of their many beers on tap. What I had (it was lunch people, I had to go back to work) was a club soda. But the beers are plentiful and the bartenders knowledgeable about them as well. The menu has some typical bar food but in-between the wings and the nachos are sandwiches and salads and soups, perfect for my lunchtime needs. I ordered a cup of the chili and the chopped salad. The chili came topped with sour cream, cheese and onions and I was glad I only ordered a cup as it was filling. And the salads come in two sizes- a smaller luncheon size as well as a large (did I say LARGE?) dinner portion. The veggies were fresh, and the chicken was tender. As I looked around, I made a mental note about the large number of TV's in the place as I am always on the lookout for places to check out my favorite game. And I also liked that there is an outdoor patio area to enjoy when our Chicago weather cooperates. Not fancy, more of a "northwoods" feel with the rustic nature of the place. But I liked that just fine. If I wanted finery- that exists a few blocks to the east. You can bet I'll be back!
(4)Matt K.
Our waiter was the only reason I did not give them a perfect 5 stars. We went on Saturday night of Labor Day weekend so it was expected to be busy. The waiter struggled to meet with our table quickly and we ran out of drinks. The food was phenomenal. I got their Octoberfest burger and was surprised at how great it was. My wife tried the bbq pork sandwich which tasted excellent as well. Highly recommend going.
(4)Stephen M.
Dear sweet baby Jesus, this place is amazing. I'm a bit of a wings connoisseur, so in every city I travel to, I am on a hunt for the best wings. This place did not disappoint. We tried the Firecracker, Cherry Bomb, Pancho and Buffalo wings. Went bone-in for most of them because that's my go-to, but got an order of firecracker in boneless. I usually don't go for the boneless because it always seems to be mostly breeding. Not the case here. It was like a huge chunk of meat lightly breaded and then covered in one of the greatest flavors I have experienced. Wow. It was like a spicy tangy sweet Asian sauce. So good. The Pancho is equally incredible. It's like a smoked wing that has just the right amount of kick. More of a dry wing, but still full of flavor. Their blue cheese is insane. The ranch is also good. As a sauce guy this is very important to me. Both get 5 stars. As far as apps go, we got the BBQ blue cheese chips, the fried pickles and the onion rings. Not a single miss. My personal favorite was the pickles. Though the pickles are best when paired with the BBQ ranch that is served with the onion rings. Do yourself a favor and order that combo. The tap menu is extensive and definitely has plenty of gems in there. The Summer Loving is my favorite, along with the Side Kick, but there are plenty of local brews. Good stuff. I highly recommend this place. It has quickly become one of my favorites in CHI.
(5)Henry T.
I came here with a party of 6 on a Saturday afternoon and not surprisingly, the place was pretty packed. We were then seated within 10 minutes and our orders were taken. For starters, we ordered pretty much 1 order of every kind of wing offered. The wings that stood out to me the most were the Sweet Sirarcha wings, and the Peanut Butter and Jelly wings. The PB&J wings were interesting, and were smothered in what resembled a sweet thai peanut sauce. The wings even came with a side of cherry jam/jelly! The garlic and traditional hot wings weren't bad either. For side dishes, we had the Mac and Cheese, spanich dip with chips and the fried pickles which were also pretty decent. Overall, this place seemed like a pretty chill sports bar that was equipped with multiple televisions that aired major sporting channels. This was my first time in Chicago and I haven't tried multiple wing places, but this place will pass as "The best wings in Chicago" place for me.
(4)Aaron S.
I really enjoyed their wings... We sampled four different wings and all were good. The XXX were too hot for me, the Super Hot were delicious though. The PBJ were Ok, interesting flavor mix, but not up my alley. The Pancho was my favorite though. Good blend of grill taste and a little heat. I could have eaten 20+ of them. Not real spicy, just great flavor. All in all, a must stop for any wing afficianado!
(4)Danielle S.
So, after a week in China I told my man I needed some serious American food! He took me to Jake's for the March Madness Burger. I always thought of this place as a wing spot but the burger did not disappoint!! First, he's a critic and main point is many restaurants pile on the toppings and forget to season the meat. This burger was seasoned perfectly, the meat was fresh and juicy. Toppings were perfect and those two grilled cheese..... Made my day! Who doesn't love grilled cheese?? I also didn't know they had 30 + (maybe more, I forget) beers on tap, another plus! Lastly, our waitress was awesome, super cool, knew her stuff. I will totally come back, maybe again before March Madness is over!!
(4)Jason M.
Nachos & wings.
(4)Nga Yi N.
First time came here disappointed got the buffalo wings, not very tasty at all. Gave it a chance again,disappointed again with their most popular fire crackers wings,I have no idea how this place got voted for best wings in town lol??!!
(1)Ashly G.
Good fish sandwich! Good service. Reasonable prices.
(4)Jaclyn W.
I love this place. Server was very nice. I ordered 10 mild boneless wings and they were amazing ($11.95). I also ordered garlic Parmesan fries ($5.00). They give you tons of fries very worth it. We tried the salami flatbread it was alright ($5.00). I would deathly come back I like the atmosphere and you can watch a basketball or any sporting event.
(5)Dan L.
This place is great for wings, craft beer, sports, or just to eat. It's a fantastic find! I hope I'm not alone in praising this place. It did catch me by surprise how good everything was here, since the reason I went here in the first place was because we were hungry and it was just around the corner...pretty much the first restaurant we saw. When I first went to Jake's a few years ago, we were eating our food while one of the waiters starts changing the channel on one of the TV's and says, "I think we're on the travel channel right now." Sure enough, they aired a spot on a show about Jake's wings...which actually are phenomenal. Wings: For a first timer, get the firecracker. They're not too spicy and have the best flavor in my opinion. Also be on the lookout for their wings of the month which can sometimes be interesting. Beer: They have all different sorts of beer, from Surly to Stone. They'll usually have a pick of the month if you can't decide. Ask for a beer book to peruse the selection. Food: Beware, you are going to get A LOT of food, no matter what you order. Even if you "just want a salad," prepare for the mount kilimanjaro of salads - no joke. The selection consists mostly of your typical pub fare with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and plenty of bbq. I love that the dishes are so large, and I haven't really had anything bad here yet Sports: I've gone here once on game day, and it was packed. However, I asked to put me on the waitlist for a seat in front of the packer game, and within 15 minutes I had one of the greatest views in the house. They seem to be very accomodating for sports fans.
(5)Steve A.
Think I was spot on before about his place. Attempted it again with more than most the tables outside free and apparently it was still a 30 minute wait. Think the staff working at the guest reception are looking to seat as few people as possible, comes across lazy, didn't eat here in the end after the obvious zero effort to accommodate all 2 of us
(1)Emily B.
If you love wings and haven't been to Jakes then you have been missing out! Fun restaurant/game bar. I highly recommend their special firecracker sauces. Yummy! Oh and don't forget the Mac and cheese!
(5)Rachel R.
Always great food, great service and smells are amazing. Went a different route and ordered the Spring Mac & Cheese. So good I want it again tomorrow. The boyfriend ordered wings that will always hit the spot just right. I love you Jake.
(5)L L.
We came to try the firecracker and super hot habanero wings. Firecrackers were delicious--sweet, tangy and bit spicy. Super hot habaneros live up to it's name. I love hot hot hot wings --they were 5 alarm hot and quite tasty. I ate three with tears welling both eyes. My nose and mouth were afire. I also drank 4 large glasses of water to quell the burn. The remaining 5 wings were taken home to cry alone because I didn't want anyone else to see. Service is fast and attentive.
(5)Riva L.
You wouldn't expect it from a place that looks like a regular ole bar, but Melnick's has some of the best BBQ and wings in the city, and a great beer menu to boot. I've been here many times and I recommend it to most of my friends. It's fun to go with friends, family, on a date, with coworkers... The atmosphere is pretty loud, there are always sports on TV/ music playing/ loud, happy people, but if you sit in the patio area, it's quieter (ideal for when I took my Granny). I have a lot of favorite foods here and I tend to struggle when I go because I can NEVER decide on what I want (...I want everything). Highlights include: - The PB&J wings. We first tried these when they were a monthly special and we really only tried them for a laugh. I mean, PB&J wings?? Turns out, they're amazing. The wings are coated in thai peanut sauce, with "jelly" for dipping. The sweet, spicy, salty flavors complement each other perfectly. - Firecracker wings. These are my standby and they're definitely the best ones. They're sweet and spicy, perfectly flavored and seasoned, and quite delicious. As is the case with all of Melnick's wings that I have had, they're nicely crispy on the outside and juicy, flavorful, hot, and soft on the inside. - Garlic parm fries. Boyfriend doesn't like these as much as I do because they are definitely pretty soggy as far as a french fry goes -- but that's how I like my fries. Simultaneously crispy and soggy, weighed down by flavor, and very, very good. - Sloppy pig sandwich. The spices and taste are AMAZING. I like that they mix chicken and pork. Whatever BBQ they're using (their own, I'm guessing) adds rich, juicy flavor, and the crispy onions on top make the texture fun. - Ribs. These ribs are GOOD. Not overcooked, easy to eat, and the BBQ is great. - Burgers. We usually try to get the burger of the month, whatever it is. It's usually yummy, but my favorite part is just how nicely it's cooked - perfectly pink on the inside!! - Mac & cheese. Same deal - we get whatever the mac of the month is! It's always very cheesy (think cheese strings coming off of your fork as you lift pasta off of your plate) and creamy. To top it all off, they have an enormous beer selection and the servers are pretty knowledgeable about it, so if you ask for a good beer to go with your meal, they can usually find it. I love it here! I've never had a bad experience.
(5)Justin S.
A New Yorker in town for 1 night on business trip. This joint was around the corner from my hotel. Decent lil spot, lots of tv's, friendly waitresses, decent bar menu. Killer Mac-n-Cheese.....and good left-overs
(3)Jakob C.
The first time I went here I didn't know anything about this place my family and I went here because giordanos and rosebud had an hour wait. But it turned to be one of my favorite restaurants. The reason I love to come here is the wings. The firecracker wings are the best I've ever had. Also I like the PB&J, Buffalo, and Panchos wings. Their food always comes out fast and the scenery is cool. If your in Chicago GO HERE!!!
(5)Chris P.
Went last night. Had the BBQ Burger with the pulled pork and bacon. It was excellent. Wife had the Chicken finger platter, also excellent. Enjoyed the hand cut fries and cole slaw also. Service was good. Taylor was our waitress. She had a lot of tables, but still managed to take good care of us. Floor managers also stopped by several times to check on us and fill water, drinks, etc. I have been here multiple times and have enjoyed most everything I have gotten. It is a good place to watch games, or just get some good bar food. They have decent BBQ, although with all the legitimate BBQ places springing up in Chicago it wouldn't be my first pick for BBQ specifically... One sour grape - our Mac n Cheese was not good. Tasted like plastic. They gladly took it off the bill and apologized. Not sure if it was us or if we got an off order... Either way, we will be back and can't complain about anything else.
(3)Melanie M.
Food is always delicious, as well as the beer. The service was just OK. Almost as though they are there to only make money without any effort.
(4)Tia M.
I am a wing fanatic and purist as well, this is my favorite wing spot in the city so far. Huge wings, good prices and great service. Don't forget to get bleu cheese, its amazing as are the sweet potato fries, cornbread, ribs and the beer selection is gigantic as well! This wing king has truly earned its crown.
(5)GraceFord X.
Awesome wings, great french fries, amazing beer selection both on tap and bottled. Atmosphere can be crowded at times with a very mixed crowd ranging from locals to tourists. My next mission here is to try the Bloody Marys made with their own buffalo sauce.
(4)Michelle H.
Good Wings. BUT...11.00 for seven wings, really? Forget "jumbo" as listed, they weren't enough for even one person.
(2)michael p.
The good: This place has some great beer selections and is 2 blocks off the Chicago ave red line. The bad: The food is pretty bland. The wings that they brag about were sub par. I asked for closer to well done wings and i got slop, and the BBQ here is a joke. My buddy ordered the pulled pork nachos and the pork was a stringy, greasy mess and all of the chips were super soggy. Pork lacked real flavor and i doubt it was actually smoked, tasted like a slow cooker did all the work. Our other friend got the ribs and she said they were awful and they looked the part for sure Service was really bad as we had to flag the waitress down every time we wanted another beer. She kind of acted like we were coffee drinkers who refused to leave when instead we were constantly ordering rounds of drinks. The host staff however, were all very nice to our group walking in as well as leaving. At best it's a good place to go for a beer before or after you are wandering around town.
(2)Joanna T.
After seeing that line was out the door on a Sunday night at Gino's East, we walked around and saw Jake Melnick's. The sign that proudly proclaimed that they were "king of the wings" or something to that effect totally won over my boyfriend. This man loves wings and loves anything that will burn his mouth off so of course he got the XXX wings and believe me, these were blazing hot. Now normally, restaurants say things are spicy and they are never spicy enough for him. He ate 3 and while he could've gone on, he safely and wisely decided to not continue for the sake of his digestive tract. I took one bite and my tongue and lips were burning for a while, but I'm a wuss. One look at my boyfriend who eats thai chilis for a snack and seeing him sweat was actually pretty funny. Now on to the rest of the food. The best thing I had there was the salad with the tomato vinaigrette. This was really refreshing and the dressing was awesome. We also got the triple play platter and chose ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. About 15 minutes or so after we ordered, we were told that they were out of ribs. It was probably around 8:30PM so we just ordered extra chicken. We also got the mac and cheese and corn bread. Everything was okay. The chicken was super juicy, but didn't have much flavor. All the flavor was on the outside with the skin, but I didn't really want to eat that, because the skin was rubbery and not that good kind of crispy chicken skin. The rest of the food was pretty average and I really could've been anywhere. I do have to say that I like the atmosphere. The servers and others seemed nice. The space was large and the patio seemed like a great place to chill out.bb
(2)Jim G.
Went to see a friend ordained at Holy Name Cathedral, which is only a block away. By the time the three hour ceremony was over, my friend and I were ready to get a beer and something to eat. The dining room was full, but we were able to get a table in the bar area right away and order lunch quickly. They have a pretty good selection of beers and the food was good. I played it safe and just had one of their burgers (a regular one, not the 8-Pound Monster Burger!). Overall this was a fine place to grab something to eat if you just happen to be nearby, but I did not see anything special that would warrant going out of your way to go here.
(3)Mark C.
Came here for a Hawks game for the first time. They were no longer taking reservations the day before, but allowed walk-ins the day of. I got there an hour before the game started and put my name down for 4 and luckily they texted me saying we got a table. The wings were what we came for and we got traditional, poncho, firecracker, monthly special (cherry blue cheese sauce). My favorite were the poncho (flame grilled?) and firecracker ones (sweet and yummy). Shoutout to our waiter Michael, made us feel very welcome on a busy night and constantly swung by to high five us when a goal was scored and just in general check up on us if we needed anything. They were very cool about letting us sit there to watch the game even though we finished our food during the second period.
(5)Zach J.
This place was damn good. I ordered the garlic wings and thought they were damn good quality and large in size. I also ordered the Mac and cheese (Mac Daddy) "Chicken Saltimbocca." It was creamy and low sodium tasting and rockin with ingrediants such as: Marsala cheese sauce, grilled chicken, prosciutto cheese, crispy sage, provelone, and parmesan cheese. We also had the fried pickles which were the best fried pickles I ever had and they were slices, but not the chip slices but long slices, breaded in delicate and amazing tasting breading. The service here was amazing and very attentative. DO NOT order a burger, it just looks not very good. I saw some served at other tables and it does not look appetizing. Anyway, I will be back here again!
(5)John F.
I work close, so I'm very familiar, and it's always so good. Any of their BBQ options is a home run, but the Sloppy Pig is amazing. Great french fries! I'm not the biggest fans is their wings, though they boast best in city. The only exception are the poncho wings. Those things are great! The beer selection has dwindled lately. They still have a good amount of craft options, but it used to be better. They do rotate taps, which I like. The service is always top notch, with everyone being very knowledgeable and attentive. It's a great place for a game, or just to chill and have a beer,or to hang out with friends and get fat and drunk. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Manuel A R.
Excellent place. Regular price and excellent quality. I high recommend bbq smoked stuff. It's delicious. And don't forget their wings!! The staff was so kind and our waiter very funny. I'd be back for sure if I visit Chicago again.
(5)Brad H.
Good burger and fries. Good staff And reasonably priced. Good for a late dinner. Good location.
(4)Keith W.
Poor table service, I had to ask twice for the beer/drink list. Served lukewarm wings, got food poisoning. Server didn't even stop by to pick up the bill, manager did. Was comped a round of drinks due to complaint about the wings, but would have paid hundreds not to be puking all night and missing out on anniversary dinner with my wife.
(1)Ryan Z.
2 blocks away from the Park Hyatt so this was a very convenient football escape on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was on point --- always at our table when we needed him but never crowding us unnecessarily. The food wast just okay. The wings (that they claim to be famous for) were anything but jumbo (as the menu indicates), and the wing sampler only included 7 wings. I found that very strange and completely inadequate at $11+. The beer selection was solid. I'd go back here for drinks and football and temper my expectations for their food.
(3)Ray H.
Terrible service at the bar. Came in at 1:20pm today. There were at least 10 seats open at the bar so the bar wasn't exceptionally busy. Got menus right away. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. The "bar back" was filling beers for the servers' orders right in front of us but refused to make eye contact with us. They had 1 bartender but he was on the other side of the bar. Others around us were dealing with the same treatment. I would've been fine if the bar back would've at least acknowledged us and apologized for the wait but instead he was busy chatting with the wait staff. At 1:35pm we finally had our order taken. 5 minutes later he brought my wife her drink and started pouring my beer out of the tap marked "Surly Bender." However, a light beer poured out of it. Note to management; don't pour beers out of tap handles that are marked with other beers from the same brewery. I asked for a couple of waters and our tab and we never received our waters after 5 minutes and had to ask for our tab again. The bartender (wearing a "I cry over spilled beer" tshirt) was nice enough once he waited on us but this was definitely not good service overall. I gave it 2 stars because the food is awesome. The wings are great. 1. If someone isn't a bartender but is going to serve drinks, have him in a designated bar back shirt (still don't know if that's what he was). 2. Even if your job is to just take care of the servers, you can still acknowledge other customers with a smile. Walking past us repeatedly without looking up at us makes me feel like we're being ignored. 3. Bars don't always keep their tap lists up to date in the menus so people tend to look at the taps at the bar. Make sure those are up to date.
(2)D.J. C.
Poor service, particularly at the bar! For a beer bar the list is weak, and WAAAY OVERPRICED! Much better off at Timothy O'Tooles or Green Door Pub! This is a tourist trap!
(1)Matt E.
Cool place. Friendly staff and great beer selection. I went because the had the #1 wings in Chicago.... Well that was disappointing... frozen, breaded wings. The sauce was good... but Buffalo wings are not breaded. Real let down
(3)Kevin A.
So went in just for a late afternoon snack because I missed lunch. Only wanted a few wings as I heard they were pretty good here. Ended up eating the whole order. The Firecracker wings are awesome! The only thing keeping this place from five stars is the fact they won't do 1/2 orders(although admittedly I did eat the whole thing!) and the order of 8 wings is pretty pricy. $12 for 8 wings. They are big wings, but still. Anything over $1 a wing is a bit much. Would stop again though! Enjoy.
(4)Allison P.
For a sports bar- this one gets 5 stars for their service and game options. Upscale bar food, unique craft beers, limited wine selection. Try the Firecracker Wings- such great flavor. We were visiting during football season and went here two days in a row to watch the Oklahoma Sooners/Cowboys. They are very accommodating and made sure we sat where we could see the games, even though we were the minority.
(5)Alex A.
I'd been here once years ago and was fairly impressed with the wings. Now, years later, I go back with people in the know, get the Poncho wings and I'm SOLD. They're hella good! And the "wing of the month" was the Ponchos in the firecracker sauce, a sriracha-based concoction. Holy hell! Ultra good! I previously thought Bird's Nest were the best wings in Chicago but these give BN a run for the money. They're tastier and there are more varieties than BN but BN has the edge on that deep-fried crispiness that I like so much in a wing. JMCT has a good beer program but nothing crazy. Nice rotating selections. Monday 3/17/14 featured Sixpoint Brewery. I liked their IPA. Tasty and smooth without being over-hopped.
(4)Vicki s.
We ordered Nachos, Fried Pickles and Sweet Potato Fries. The bartender first appeared intoxicated. Swore there was ketchup in the bag as as well as napkins salt pepper but there was none of it. The Nachos were completely cold as if they were made hours ago for someone else. The Pickles were soggy as if they were not left in the deep fryer long enough. And then no ketchup for the sweet potato fries. This was a waste of my money completely!!! Who has an intoxicated bartender working getting people's food out and assisting customers. I would NEVER EVER CHOOSE TO GO BACK HERE AGAIN!!! Find someplace else that has similar food. This is DISGUSTING!
(1)Alexis R.
The smoked wings are ridiculously good and they serve food late. They also do a great job of with the drinks menu with creative new seasonal specials.
(4)Cory S.
HORRIBLE service, good food and drink selection. Nachos were large and they actually take the minute to layer in the cheese and meat, not just toss it on top. This place is a good place for the area as its not super expensive, but not a dive either.
(4)Susan C.
I been here twice and this place have great food. I had buffalo wings both times and they are pretty good. I have yet to try the habanero hot wings since I am big fan of habanero chili. This place is always pack where people watch sports on the big screen tv's and have great food and beer. I would recommend this place to my friends who wants to have a good time watching there favorite sports game and have great foods and drinks.
(4)Shan D.
Prob the best cookie skillet I've had in Chicago, though I think they've gotten smaller now. Great veggie burger too. Sound is awful to watch games. Wish they'd upgrade their sound system. Still a fun spot to have in the area.
(4)Ghiané J.
This is a great bar to enjoy some great wings and watch the game. The food is delicious! I always have a great time and great food.
(4)Naomi Q.
If you come here you must get the wings! Our personal favorite were the firecracker wings - yummy! The location and ambiance are perfect for a nice, casual bar type restaurant in the city. We also received great service and will definitely be returning.
(5)Meredith S.
I really liked this place! Wanted to go somewhere close to our hotel within walking distance where we could watch some March Madness games and kill some time. Boyfriend's name is Jake, so this seemed like as good of place as any to stop! There was a bit of a wait, but we sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. Higher the alcohol count, the smaller the glass. Boo! But I get it. But still.. boo! They had a beer of the month which was cheaper and I thought pretty tasty too. They have a really extensive draft list which includes several stouts which I was pretty excited about! Once we got seated, I ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup with a side salad. YUM YUM!!!! The grilled cheese was seriously awesome. The tomato soup kinda tasted like a giant bowl of marinara sauce, but hey, I ate it and it was still good. The salad was super fresh and crispy too.. just how I like it. Wish they would have put more croutons on it but that's okay. Boyfriend Jake ordered some wings. I'm not a huge wing fan and he got spicy ones, so I wasn't a fan, but he seemed to enjoy them. It's pretty loud in this place, although it's a sports bar, so that can be expected. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and the food was definitely notches above standard bar fare.
(4)Marcela A.
Walking around, looking for a happy hour we found Jake Melnikc's. It is a welcoming place. We ordered wing combo, that comes with traditional and poncho (which is grilled wings, instead of fried! Delish!) and a flatbread pizza! Stick to the wings! Pizza was a little too dry. I ordered a drink called Alakazan and it's pretty good. Nice and laid back place to grab a food and drinks.
(3)David D.
I love the atmosphere of the place, lots of big tvs everywhere, very open, and a great long bar with many solid beer selections. I stopped in with my brother-in-law to watch some basketball and have a few drinks while the wives shopped. We ordered the PBnJ wings, interesting but good. Several drinks later we decided on just eating lunch there too - wife approval of course, ha! I wanted to try their firecracker wing sauce so opted for the chicken tenders and fries with the firecracker sauce, amazing. If you are looking for a great joint to eat and have a few drinks with friends or family, this is a great option near Michigan Ave.
(5)Sondra M.
Wait was short. Food got there in a reasonable amount of time. Portions are good, price is good for the area And my burger was cooked perfectly. Can't ask for anything else.
(5)Bob Z.
This is a great downtown pub and grill. Usually very busy. They have a pretty food's beer selection. We have never eaten a full meal there. Only the apps. Chicken wings are pretty good but not in the great category. Servers are typically good but when they are overtly packed they probably could use an extra waiter or two. They ask Harry's have a good selection of craft beer. They are a bit pricier. Good for large groups, especially after class.
(4)Robert G.
There are many, many burger-and-beer type places in River North, and Jake's fits the mold. I don't have much to say about the beer, but I did have a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with fries. Very, very good fries. Our group of web devs was celebrating a birthday today, so with a little encouragement we ended up at Jake's. After perusing the menu (and deciding not to have the March Madness - a cheeseburger with grilled cheese sandwiches (!?!) for buns) I ordered, and got, my pulled pork sandwich. I didn't think much of it, to be honest; the waitress said that it would be a vinegary sauce but I didn't taste much of it. The pork was decently tender. You might be better off ordering the pork sandwich with a more assertive sauce, especially since the bread is nice and thick. The Georgia-style, I am told, is mustard-based; try that instead? Fortunately the sandwich is saved, and more, by the fries, which were fried and crispy, had great color, and seasoned to perfection. A little ketchup made them perfect, especially the crispy bits. I think so far these are the best fries I've had in River North. The staff delivered a mini skillet cookie a la mode for our coworker's birthday, which was, to be honest, pretty hilarious. Overall I'm looking forward to my next trip to Jake's!
(4)Ann R.
This is really a 2.5 star review but because I am always so impressed with the service at JMCT I rounded up. Great place a skip and a hop from the tourist destination shopping spots in Chicago. Service is always so friendly, and the drinks are abundant. The problem is that the food 5 out of 10 times falls flat. Fries are cold. The spinach dip, while on a happy hour special menu is a steal for $5, has zero flavor. I will say though, if you're able to strike it right when the food is on its game, it's really good and gluttonous bar food. PERFECT for a cold, wet Chicago day when you're seeking comfort in the form of something fattening.
(3)Michele W.
We came here on a Sunday so they had bloody Mary specials for $5 and a pony of beer for an additional $1 (beer back). My favorite item was the PB&J wings. OMG! they were cooked perfectly juicy with a slight crisp, tossed in a peanut sauce and served with a side of raspberry chipotle. I licked my fingers and almost had an O!
(4)Marisa A.
I think you should know that I have gone here close to 15 times in the last 2 months alone. They are the best wings I've ever had. I've had them all, you can't go wrong.
(5)Omar J.
It's gotta be the WANGS! I went to wingfest in 2011 with my cousins and we tried their firecracker wings. More sweet than hot, but good taste. Also tried the XXX wing. AYE AYE AYE!!! Went to the actual restaurant about 2 week later, and probably the best wings in chicago. Also go for the Parmesan & Garlic French Fries. OOOWWWEEEE!!! Great place to watch the Bulls & Blackhawks, 1,000 times better than the Squared Circle. WAAAAAANNNNGGGSSSS!!!!!
(4)Justin B.
Very, very average food that would be my go-to sports bar if I lived in the Near North 'hood. I tried the patty melt, fries, $1 beer add-on and the iron skillet cookie dessert last night with a few friends who live nearby. My burger was good, not great, and the fries were a bit too crunchy/crispy. The prices at Melnick's are the main reason why I will never live downtown in Chicago; a patty melt for $14 in Near North/Streeterville would be a $10 sandwich in Wicker. My wife got an order of the traditional wings; $11 for an order of wings here is borderline criminal. The iron skillet cookie was a major downer. Granted, I have been living off of the one at Smoke Daddy for most of the last year or so, so my expectations may have been too high...but still, a hot chocolate chip cookie with ice cream should taste better than this. Noted: don't order the Melnick's version! Our server was very fast in taking our order, bringing out food and getting us a check, so my pregnant wife was happy we could get in and out so fast. Otherwise, you can do better in Chicago if you want to get out of this 'hood.
(3)Jessica P.
This place is really good. It's a sports bar but it feels a little nicer than that. Lots of TVs everywhere. It's usually pretty busy, but it's also really spacious, so the wait isn't typically too awful. I'm not a wing person, so unfortunately I can't contribute my opinion on their claim of having "Chicago's best wings." But they do have a fairly extensive menu, and I would recommend the pulled pork sandwich. They give you the option of how you want it done up, but I can't for the life of me remember what my three choices were. They also have a large beer menu and will make you any drink you want. My servers have always been pleasant and helpful, if a little slow. And the prices are just about what you could expect from Gold Coast. Also, they do a lot of specials and promotions so keep an eye out for those if you're looking for a deal.
(4)Kyle W.
A nice, causal and spacious place to grab a drink or bite without the fluff of a lot of other places in the area. There's a long, quality draft beer and a large menu with a few vegetarian options, although none of them are fantastic. It attracts some families and larger groups so it's clearly not just your average corner pub with terrible food. Everyone is always eating the wings. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for a casual place to stop, you could definitely do much worse.
(3)Robert J.
Best for WINGS! But if you're looking at this page, you probably knew that already. A local pointed us in this direction, and it paid off. There was a very short wait which was aided by the text msg check-in service while we got drinks at the bar. They had a nice selection of beers, including local craft brews. We were big fans of the Left Hand Milk Stout. There's a great selection of wing types. Our group split up the orders to try everything out, and no one was disappointed. The highlights of the regular flavors were the Buffalo and Firecracker wings, which had some kick, but weren't too bad for anyone in the group. When we had finished our meals, we split the SPICY "XXX" and "Super Hot" wings. They were the hottest I've ever had, so I'm glad we stopped there. Plenty of sauce on the wings, and come with ranch, etc to dip in. All in all, a great place for beer & wings. I would come here often if I lived nearby!
(4)Megan T.
So my cousins live just a block or two away from Jake Melnick's and all we have heard since they moved in is that we HAVE to go for wings. So one fateful Friday, we went. We were sat in one of the side rooms, which I was happy for because I'm not into the yell-across-the-table-to-talk vibe that was going down in the main room. Great drink list - I'm a hard cider fan and was excited to see that they had a couple options on tap. We ordered an app to share and then obviously had to order wings too. The app was fine, the wings were fine, but nothing was to write home about. Our server was pretty inattentive for most of the night but I appreciate that we didn't feel pressured out clear out as soon as we finished our meal. Will I go back? Meh, probably not. Nothing was really that exciting and it lands on the pricier side of things.
(3)Ana B.
Try the french fries with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. THE BEST!!! Very good wings too. Love it!
(5)John S.
I'm a wings guy, so I came here for one reason. We'll get to them later! The service was pretty amazing here, the waiter knew what he was talking about and offered a few beer choices based on our first round of drinks. Really friendly and knew the menu well. We ordered the Nachos appetizer w/ the beef brisket, and it was ehh. The cheese was melted but rock solid at this point, so that prevented us from spreading the cheesey love. They also stuffed the center with sour cream and other stuff, which I'd rather have as some sort of side. I'd give the Nachos a 4/5 though, was pretty difficult to eat without one chip having tons of everything and others nothing. The wings though, probably the best I've had so far (tied w/ Mother Hubbards). I customized my wings and got 2 of the xxtra hot or whatever, and 6 of the spicy buffalo. The wings themselves are jumbo and the sauces are simply incredible. I would come here and get the wings ery time without a doubt. The wings are dripping with sauce, so its not those fake wing places where they lightly coat it. Can't wait to come back for the wings. Give this a 4/5 only because they could have improved the Nachos.
(4)David S.
Have been to Jake's three times since moving to Chicago in May. All three times have been awesome! First time I shared the BBQ Nachos with the pulled pork on top. Amazing! Also Jake's has a great selection of craft beers and specialty drinks. Second time there I went to watch the Packers Jets game. Jake's is a great place to watch NFL games because they'll play any game you want. I had the parm and garlic fries and onion rings with my girlfriend. Both were outstanding and the service was great too! The third time I went was a Friday night and it was pretty busy. We were sat without much of a wait but it was right near the front doors and everyone waiting for tables were surrounding my table, it was awkward and annoying but because we were sat so quickly it wasn't too big of a deal to me. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was great. My girlfriend had the mac and cheese which she enjoyed. Can't really think of a bad thing to say about Jake's. Service, food and atmosphere were all very good.
(5)Sonya A.
Cool place, pretty good food, good beer selection and holds a place in my heart as the first place I ever had a Left Hand Milk Stout. Solid place to bring a group of people for beer and wings. Warning, there is a major step in spicyness between the super hot wings and the XXX. Yum! Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Location: 4/5
(4)Fred S.
Hopping downtown bar. What I had was good but not great. However the service was terrific. Considering how busy the place was for folks watching the Hawks game the bartender was incredible. The hosts was also great deal in with the masses. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable all around. Good beer selection but food was just a little above average for a sports bar.
(4)Merayah P.
I love the fire cracker wings! The fried pickles are definitely the best I've ever had.!And they have a good selection of beer. Definitely our favorite spot!
(5)Katie K.
Every time my boyfriend and I are in Chicago, we have to come to Jake Melnick's. Our must haves are ponchos wings, the bbq sampler (sub hot link for chicken) and the flavor of the month Mac Daddy Mac n' cheese! Beer selection is great, crowd is never pretentious, and the service is attentive!
(5)Brandon K.
I can't emphasize how average their food is. First off, their wings. The sauce is great- I'll give them that. But all their wings are classified as "jumbo." Right. Not even close. They come in lots of 8 instead of 12 because they're so.... "Jumbo." For $11 per order, ie $1.38 per wing, it's an complete rip-off. Maaaaaybe if they were in fact jumbo that'd be ok. But they're not. So it's not ok. On to the pizza. Brick oven pizza! Yea! Sounds awesome. Spoiler alert... You're in for a disappointment. Pickup a flatbread pizza in the frozen section of your favorite grocery store & you'll save yourself time, money, and your taste buds will thank you. The saving grace for this place is their draft list. Well rounded & they have a few local brews too. The service was great as well. If I came back it would be solely to have a few beers at the bar. They have plenty of TVs for sports as well.
(3)Randy C.
Went here on a whim for lunch with my wife and ended up splitting the Sloppy Pig sandwich and Parmesan fries. Glad we did as the food portions were pretty big. The fries were great and the sandwich was really good with a BBQ taste that was spicy but didn't cover up the taste of the pulled pork and brisket. Overall a great experience that didn't break the bank. Highly recommend.
(4)Jennica S.
This place was near our hotel and we walked past repeatedly. Boasting they had the best wings in Chicago, we decided to give them a try. We had the Parmesan fries with ranch for an appetizer and they were deliciously fresh cut and well coated. Plenty for two, probably even three people. My boyfriend and I each got wings. They come in an 8 count, and you can split 4 and 4 with different flavors if you like. That's what I did, half Ponchos and half bbq. Bbq isn't listed as a wing flavor, but I'm a bit of a sissy when it comes to spicy foods and a lot of the wing sauces were buffalo, sriracha, etc. So I asked if since they had a lot of bbq items on the menu, they could coat my wings with it and our waiter assured me this was no problem. They were delicious, and I actually found myself liking the Ponchos wings even more which surprised me. It's a dry rub and makes the wings taste almost like they were smoked on a spit somehow, which I loved. The wings were definitely Jumbo like the menu claimed, I was only able to eat 4/8 (after the mass amount of fries I consumed.) definitely a cool spot to dine with a lot of variety on the menu, a table near us had nachos that looked quite tasty. They also had a huge beer menu that I would've liked to pick from had I not been tired from exploring the city all day!
(5)Michael M.
Yes, Yelp, you weren't lying. These people are serious about their wings. I ordered the XXX and the waitress warned me that they would probably be too hot. I asked for the XXX sauce on the side (for fry dipping of course), and I was actually stunned. (My wings were Super Hot and they were the perfect spice level.) The XXX has amazing flavor in addition, though, so I ordered XXX wings on my subsequent visit. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the 8, due to the competing flavor of the IPA. Not complaining though, I finished them the next day. These wings do have a light breading, which is a usually a tiny bit off-putting to me personally, but all things considered these were uniquely delicious. If I lived in Chicago I'd be at this place all the time. The staff was very helpful and friendly, and the environment is just what I'm looking for in a wing place-- casual but not foolish. Jake's is Beer&Wings done right. Good job.
(5)Darcy W.
A fun neighborhood bar with a great beer selection! The bar just had a nice vibe. We had the pig sandwich and a burger... Both were very tastey! The bartender was excellent and attentive on a busy afternoon. Plenty of TV's to catch a game.
(3)Cassandra S.
Love the wings. Got the wing of the month, which was a pepperoni pizza wing. It tasted like chicken parm. The fries were superb. The bloody marys are just the right amount of flavor and spice. Firecracker wings are a MUST. The XXX wings and super hot wings were also pretty tasty.
(5)Andre W.
I am a wings fanatic and I heard the wings here are 2nd to none. Their XXX wings have been voted hottest in the city for years...no way I was trying those. I came in on a wet afternoon and needed a drink. I had about 4 glasses go their Central Waters Riviere beer which was stored in french red wine barrels for a year...very good beer! I got the 8 wing combo in which you can mix & match. My awesome server April recommended the firecracker wings which is sriracha based and the garlic & cayenne marinade wings. The Firecracker wings were delicious...so delicious that I ordered another 4. The garlic and cayenne were nice as I was told to squeeze lemon over them to enhance the flavor...they were pretty good but better when I dipped them in blue cheese or ranch. Someday I will come back and burn the hell out of my mouth with the XXX wings but today just was not the day.
(5)Karen R.
Love this place. I don't like pickles fried or otherwise but I dream about the fried pickles here! I cannot go to the city without stopping in for some. Came down last night and 4 of us shared two different wing variations, Poncho and Firecracker, both amazing! Also shared a basket of amazing fries and sausage pizza. Wish I hadn't sent the leftovers home with my daughter!
(5)Paul B.
Great wings and very good craft beer tap. This is a great spot for sports events because its one of the few places that take reservations. I recommend the Super Hot or Asian wing as they both are amazing. I've had XXX and they are very good with great flavor. They are hot however, beware. We watch Hawks and Bears games here and with 1000 TVs you will be hard pressed to miss a game. Great location and ease of access as well.
(4)Damon M.
This is a great place for "Award Winning" wings. Came in on on a Saturday night thanksgiving weekend and it was surprisingly empty. I guess everyone was still full and didn't want wings. Anyway I ordered the wing combo of traditional buffalo and garlic cayenne (grilled). They were fantastic. I would recommend Jake M to anyone. Enjoy!
(4)Mario D.
This is my go to spot on weekends for lunch. Panchos wings are the way to go. Everything else is just ok. The wings though and that come out very fast..
(5)Miranda S.
First of all, it's a corner tap...they boat about their wings and I gotta tell you, the PB&J wings are amazing! I'm fairly confident I gained 10 lbs by eating them for the few months I was in Chicago. The thai peanut sauce is good but when you pair it with the chipotle raspberry jelly....wow. I am not a fan of the to-go ordering as well, I ordered PB&J and got sweet chili instead. So dissapointed in the error. I've had other wings, too and they were good and tasty but again, I'm a huge fan of the PB&J and would get that with a loaded baked potato for my meal. Game days are insane so unless you are there FOR the game, just avoid it.
(4)Davidson T.
Holy moly! The best wings I've had. Great ambiance for watching NCAA basketball. Try the Mac n' Cheese.
(5)Joseph D.
Went here on a wing crawl with some friends so my review is limited to wings, beer, service and atmosphere. Showed up here around 5pm on a Saturday night and it was packed! 45 minute wait for a table and it was still early, maybe everyone is in town Christmas shopping? I have no idea. Anyway, once we were seated we dug into our requisite wings and ordered the buffalo, spicy buffalo, Poncho's (wood smoked) and Firecracker (a take on the Thai chicken wing). Since our crawl was to judge the basic Buffalo, Jake's wasn't the best of the bunch. They were good, but not super meaty. However if the contest was for best collection and variety of wings, then yes, Jake's makes a strong case for the winner. The Poncho wings were excellent. They had the great smoked flavor (which we found out they do in the back - awesome) with a garlicky taste that balanced the smoky flavor perfectly. The Firecracker ones were great too. Thai chiles and Sriracha. Yummy! Definitely needed the dressing to cool your mouth down after a few of these. Beer selection here is insane. I had two of the most unique beers I've ever had and I've had a lot of beer in my day. I had the Local Option Morning Wood Oak Aged Coffee Amber Ale and the Port Board Meeting Coffee Brown. Two amazing beers although quite heavy to wash down wings with I will admit... Lots of other choices as well so take your time looking through the menu. Service was also excellent. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and came back frequently to check on us even though the place was packed. Bonus for good service. The only downside to this place is it's a bit touristy. Yes the wings were delicious but it was a bit loud and there were a lot of families. Not that I mind being out at a place where there are children, but having a 2 year old run circles around my table while getting my wings on is a bit much for me. I prefer when I go out to be in a more "bar like" atmosphere but that's just me. If' you've got a 2 year old and love wings, this is your place!
(4)Mad I.
Been here a bunch of times now, which is funny because this really isn't up my alley... but the hubby loves beer and wings, and this time I was here for his Christmas party. We had a back room all set up and it was really cozy and nice. Shout out to ADAM!!! Nicest server ever! Efficient, friendly and didn't make us feel like we were overstaying our welcome...even though we were...and his shift was over :) Food was just okay, but it was out on a buffet so what do you want... I've had the onion rings as a regular customer, those are the stand out. And of course you must do the ghost pepper wing, and walk out proud with your plastic fire fighter hat!
(4)Karolina S.
Jake Melnick's is a great place to go eat if you're shopping downtown. Its around the corner from the magnificent mile and has lots of seating. Their wings are the BOMB. Our favorite are wings tossed in both poncho sauce and firecracker sauce. The combo is not on the menu but if you ask your server then they can have them customized for you. They have a nice beer selection and the service is quick. This is our go-to when were shopping the mag mile or Oak street.
(4)Carlos P.
Decided to test my manhood and ate their XXX wings. Was in a weird state between pain and pleasure. I think I passed the test, well the stupidity test at least.
(4)Guanun Z.
We came here for a quick drink originally but saw other reviewer's comment on the XXX wings. We decided to try it and it became a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My friend is a really experienced hot food eater and I'm really bad at handling spicy food. When I first mentioned the name XXX, out server had an instinctive shiver and asked us "are u sure?" Heck yeah! When it came up, the wings were dark in color and carries a light vinegar smell. I decided to taste the sauce and licked just a little bit. The initial flavor was mild but it was followed by everlasting intensive mouth burning sense. Just for a tiny bit of sauce, I had to wolf down my Heineken and water. Regrouping my courage, I finally manned up and ate my wing as fast as I could. Net result - I had to clean my tears and sneeze in the restroom and keep ice water running through my mouth for a good 20 minutes! And to worsen the situation, their kitchen close at 10pm and they were out of veggies. Looking forward for chapter 2 in the restroom next morning. And I will forever understand why our server had that instinctive shiver at the beginning.
(5)Haley J.
I really like the atmosphere at Jake Melnicks. The lighting is warm and cozy and it has a good bar feeling to it. The service was good and staff was friendly. As for the food, I didn't think it was anything that special. When I looked at the menu, there were tons of things that sounded really good that I want to try. My boyfriend and I ended up getting wings and Parmesan garlic fries. I got the boneless barbecue wings and they were pretty good, but I have had better. As for the fries, they were too soft for my liking. I prefer crispier fries and they were far from that. I thought it was kind of pricey. My boyfriend and I each ordered wings, shared an order of fries, and my boyfriend got one beer and the bill was like $44. But I would probably go back to give it another try and order some other items.
(3)Nicolas D.
BEST wings in the city. Vast bar selection - brews & cocktails are top notch. 5 star because they're Apps & Beers. Firecracker Wings are the best around. Sweet, spicy, and crispy. Fried pickles are made with perfection. Buttermilk ranch kicks ass. Service is ok.
(5)Angela P.
The wings and macaroni & cheese at Jake Melnick's are second to none! My husband asked me to find the "best wings" in Chicago, and several Yelpers recommended Jake Melnick's. I'm not a fan of traditional buffalo wings, because I don't like the bones. I did try some of the Pancho's wings though, and they were really good - meaty, moist, and well seasoned. They were much better than I expected. My expectations for a casual bar in the River North area aren't very high because this type of establishment is so common. When it comes to Jake Melnick's though, what they do, they do well. I had the chicken saltimbocca macaroni & cheese, a special this month. Their traditional mac & cheese, with a cheesy masala sauce, chicken, prosciutto, and parmesan & provolone cheese was so good! The saltiness of the prosciutto was a nice contrast with the creaminess of the sauce. We shared an order of the parmesan and garlic fries. The portion is huge, we could have shared with another one or two people. And they are super garlicky so make sure you've got some mints on you. All of the food was really good and a satisfying lunch on a rainy day. I'd definitely come back to try their other food or next month's special mac & cheese.
(5)Hannah M.
I used to really like this place, but the past few times I've been there have been terrible experiences. The last time in particular, I was there to watch a baseball game. I told them this when I was seated. When we asked to have the game put on, our waitress said she wasn't sure if she could. We told her we came to watch the game and had told the hostess. About 15 minutes later and after we asked her about it two more times, the game was finally turned on. She then proceeded to rush us to leave when we were done eating, even though we were there for the game and we were still drinking. On top of that, their prices for typically cheap beers that they don't even have on the menu are insanely expensive for what they are. I will make it a point to go to Timothy O'Toole's from now on instead. They are much better for the prices.
(1)Jamie B.
I think Jake's is a great place. The service has always been excellent and the wings are really good. This is a nice place for happy hour, late night, or Sunday funday.
(4)Jeff W.
This place had the FATTEST wings I've ever seen or put in my mouth. I would highly recommend going here if you have the itch for wings. Their beer selection is also great and will go along with any of their wing flavors. The Hot is pretty hot, so pick carefully.
(4)Iman W.
Bow the freak down to their beer selection. I probably spent a good ten minutes staring at that portion of the menu alone. I wasn't too hungry so I decided to get an appetizer. BBQ nachos, can't be too hard to manage, right? Wrong. Had to conquer it with a friend. We enjoyed every moment of it. Had to wait 20 minutes for a table. That area on a Saturday night, not too bad. And our waiter was an absolute delight. I'd go back.
(4)Alicja K.
Some of my friends love coming here. I'm not wowed by their food. It's average. Prices are average. Decor is average. I think there are better choices but there are also worse choices. There are lots of TVs so it's a good place to watch games. But does get crowded.
(3)Sarah S.
I know I came to Jake's and I know I had a good time...so four stars! Honestly, I came to a UYE here last month and walked in already a bit tipsy. I was given a couple of good beers while there and by the time I left, I was on top of the moon! It wasn't overly crowded for a Friday night and we were able to keep a huge table for most of the night. They had some good craft beers on their menu including a bunch of good ones on tap. Chill atmosphere and fun to be had by all at Jake's!
(4)Arthur L.
Four of us, gal brought one beer we ordered and thus ordered wings. I asked her if they could add just one xxx wing. Asked if she ever tried the xxx hot and she said she does not do hot food. I simply said OH, your asian and I thought Asians liked spicy. She said not me and walked toward the kitchen. Before we knew it the manager told us to get out! They booted us out! He said my remark was a racial slur. Oh my god, rant we getting touchy. They may have good food but that incident was way out of line. I was kind to give one star.
(1)Yasmina C.
Had such a nice time here! Fun and lively environment great for all ages. Our server Jana (pronounced Yana) had a lot of knowledge about everything on the menu including all the beers on tap! We had the Mac Daddy Mac and cheese (HIGHLY suggest that) and the wood-grilled artichoke! SUPER delicious. If you are ever in downtown Chicago, you have to make a stop here at Jakes!
(5)John C.
Excellent wings! Our waiter was right on to recommend the combo. Eight wings total, we went with the mild buffalo and ponchos. Ponchos are rich with flavor, have a nice char flavor that you can only get from grilling. Buffalo went on the spot, rich and tangy. Oven cut fries brought me back to my days of living with mom and dad---can't beat crispy hand cut fries. The crispy pieces explode in your mouth. Finally, jalapeño Mac and Cheese was very good, especially with the panko topping nice and crispy! Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(5)Adam J.
Excellent food. Too many hipsters. Decent evironment. Says its a "official blackhawks bar" .... dont go here for a hawks game, might run into a few hawks fans but not many.
(3)Diva G.
I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed with my food. I tried the superhot, spicy and medium wings. The superhot is just that, SUPERHOT, but not so hot that you can't taste the flavors/spices of the chicken. I loooove spicy foods- the hotter, the better, but I must warn you because most people who THINK they can handle superhot will not be able to eat more than 1 or 2 wings. I think my unfavorable review of the wings is more of a personal preference versus bad food. I loooove FRIED wings, NOT baked or grilled. Even though the server stated they are fried, the appearance and texture is definitely more baked/grilled. If you are looking for crispy wings, this is not your place. I also had an order of the onion rings, which were inedible. YUCK! They were overcooked in what tasted like old grease then dumped into a basket and served to me in a pool of grease. That order should've NEVER left the kitchen! When the server inquired if everything was okay, I mentioned my disappointment that the onion rings were overcooked and served in a pool of grease and the wings were definitely not crispy. She apologized and offered to bring fresh onion rings and even offered to put in a new order of wings to make them crispy, which I politely declined. I did eat a few of the wings and was no longer hungry at that point. The manager came to our table to apologize, address the issues and offered to prepare something else from the menu. I still declined, but I did appreciate her sincerity and excellent customer service skills trying to resolve the issue!!! GREAT customer service goes a loooooong way...
(2)Jeana C.
Great chilled spot! Our server was great and food was delicious! We got the XXX wings, Ponchos wings and the BBQ platter. All were great! $5 Bloody Mary's on Saturdays!
(5)Joe I.
After wondering aimlessly from place to place with nothing sounding "good" to me at the moment, I decided to give this place a try. (And yes, I Yelped it before walking in!). It looked "gritty" from the outside but not in a bad way. "Neighborhood-y", casual, comforting. LOL. Upon entering, the same. It was like bar meets restaurant meets diner. Service was great, food (NOT HEALTHY) was just what I needed at the time. Burgers 'n beer. Splurged and broke from Paleo and had the Jalapeno mac 'n cheese in addition to my burger (without a bun). A-MAZE-ING. This place was fun. The food was comforting and tasty. A definite thumbs up.
(4)Lauren P.
We went here on a Sunday night, during the Packers - Seahawks game... Absolutely slammed. We got to the bar and grabbed two seats. My boyfriend had amazing beer, the service was super friendly (even to the tourists), and the food was so good! The bartenders didn't have a moment of spare time, but you certainly didn't wait for a drink or service. Impressive.
(5)Margaret A.
Had the PB and J wings for an appatizer they were amazing! And for my entree I had the portobello reuben sandwich. It was okay and definitely different. I would probably would try something else next time. But overall the atmosphere is nice and they have a lot to choose from. Would recommend!
(4)Stephen K.
Huge portions on the chicken tenders and bbq chicken was excellent. Service was fast & great.
(4)Cynthia R.
I wish I could do a 1/2 star, because I'd give them 2.5....but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give 3 instead of 2 based on service. This was our first time here and our server (her name escapes me), but she was pretty fantastic. It was a beautiful autumn Friday evening. We didn't have to wait very long for a perfect table outside. Our server was very vocal and enthusiastic about the menu and specials. We had quite a few questions and she had an answer for all of them. The food, on the other hand, was, well...meh. I mean, it was ok...it definitely wasn't bad at all, but we've had burgers and wings from several places in Chicago that put Jake Melnick's to shame. If you're downtown and happen to be in the neighborhood, I guess it's an ok place to go, but I'll stick to my neighborhood spots and get GREAT food without the downtown price tag or hype.
(3)Stein M.
Came to jake's after we were told to have to wait 45 minutes for a pizza at giordanos. Reasonably priced and huge quantities. The beer selection is very good...loved the milk stout. Our server was really nice....he made recommendations for beers since everything on the menu there was local. All the recommendations were good.
(4)C P.
On the recommendation of the bartender, I ordered the wing sampler and added a side salad as well. The wings were ok, but not my style. They are huge and are more like baked drumsticks. Within 1 hour of leaving this place, I had horrific food poisoning, to the point where I had to go to the ER and get 2 prescriptions. Not sure if it was the salad or the wings, but either way, I won't be back.
(1)Bill T.
Do you remember the end of "Sixteen Candles"? Sam and Jake Ryan are sitting on the table with the birthday cake in between them and Jake says "Make a wish" and Sam says "It already came true"* Well, Jake Melnick's is my Jake Ryan. I made a wish....and it came true. I came here for one beer. One, I swear. But then I saw the beer menu and it was like that old potato chip commercial "you can't eat just one" or maybe the other one that says "once you pop you can't stop". And I made a wish that I could have more than one. Potato chip references aside, this is an awesome place. Once I saw Allagash Black on the menu, I was hooked. And then the New Belgium Trippel...and the Ommegang Witte. And so my wish came true. Plus the bartenders were both really nice and knowledgeable. They acknowledged everyone who came up to the bar and had great recommendations. I liked the rustic decor of the place. I only wish I'd been able to stay long enough to have some wings. I love you Jake Ryan, I mean Jake Melnick's. And thanks for getting my panties back. __________________________________________________Â_______ * the good part is at 2:16 metacafe.com/watch/11051…
(4)Jennifer M.
The food here is good. I went with a couple of my friends. We ordered the Fireside Wings, Artichoke Dip, and BBq Ribs. Everthing was very good. I would come back again to this place The service is good here.
(4)Kyle H.
Didn't even try the famous wings everyone talks about but the food was still delicious and I'd absolutely recommend. Cornbread muffins were great, the brisket was flavorful, and the salads were better than average. They also have a really good beer list. It was a little louder than I like it (just made conversation tough) but the outdoor side patio was great on a summer evening and the whole group I was with thoroughly enjoyed the night. Prices were good and service was cheerful - nothing like some of the negative reviews I read on yelp. We left full and happy.
(4)Mike D.
They always have great food and drink selection. But tonight they topped their service. We lost our home to a fire tonight, and the insurance put us in a hotel near there. We went there for some comfort food. Emily and Erin knew we were distressed and took really good care of us. They have great food, but really care about people. Eat here! Thanks Emily and Erin.
(5)G I.
The wings and beers are great. While the prices are a little high for the style of restaurant, the food and atmosphere make it worth the extra cost. Definitely try the bbq choices they have, especially the nachos with pulled pork.
(4)Jason P.
Pretty cool vibe. Great hot wings and good selection of craft beer. Would recommend going, seems like more of a local hangout with their regulars. Bar girl was attentive and friendly.
(4)H L.
Food is below average at best, the wings are not good. The drinks were great though. But worst part is, all 3 of us had stomach issues afterwards.
(1)Kristen W.
I was feeling really ballsy when I dragged my boyfriend in here to try the super hot wings (made with the 3rd hottest pepper in the world), knowing I can't tolerate that much heat we compromised and got half and half wings, 4 super hot and 4 buffalo (spicy). After I ate one super hot wing I thought I was seeing the light, I told everyone I thought I was having an allergic reaction. Haha, I wasnt. But I had never experienced that much spice before, so proceed with caution. I managed to eat two and pat myself on the back for a job well done. The spicy buffalo were great, one of the best buffalo wings I have ever had. They were packing heat, so I didnt even need to try the super hot. Just wish my mouth was burning and melting off so I could nejoy the rest of the spicy buffalo wings. I will be bak for more buffalo wings, but will be steering clear of the super hot! YOu should try them though!
(4)Shirley H.
I'm alright with handling spicy food, but those Super Hot wings were no joke. I'm not even going to bother attempting the XXX wings. Our server warned us about the Super Hot and we thought we could handle it.. we're sorry that we didn't listen! By the way, those buffalo fries and fried pickles were fantastic.
(4)Glen H.
Service was good. Server gave us a lot of personal time. I did their hot wing challenge and that's a joke. Didn't even sweet. We were told 80% of the people beat the challenge. Basically it's not a challenge. it's just something to get people in the door. We order a few other things and lets just say fried food isn't there specialty.
(3)Tony R.
Place is awesome. The food is great for a burger and wing place. The service is fantastic. We live next door and the place is always busy. I chose Jakes for my bachelor party pre party and meal. They were awesome. Treated everyone for well. Until we got too rowdy then we were politely asked to leave, which we deserved. Place rocks!
(5)Gabrielle A.
Best wings I've ever had in Chicago. Nice laid back place to bring friends. Great atmosphere. Love the huge tables for large parties. I used to go here all the time in college! They have a good amount of craft beers on tap. My fav is the beef brisket, chicken sandwich, spicy wings, and fried pickles! Yum !!
(5)J M.
Had lobster macaroni and cheese and it was outstanding. The wings were fine, but not as good as I had heard. Beer list was good and the atmosphere was great.
(4)Kate K.
Standard bar food but they do it pretty well. This place is in kind of a deserted area of river north, so I end up eating here probably more than I would because it's the best bar/casual option for a couple blocks. Good nachos, chicken tenders and barbecue sandwiches. I'm not a huge wing fan but I've heard good things. Also great for delivery.
(3)Michelle F.
Raise your hand if you were here twice in less than two weeks ::Raises hand proudly:: I'm not even ashamed. Maybe I should be considering I live about an hour away, but I'm not. I'm not even ashamed that I was a hot BBQ-y mess when I left, either. So take THAT! My friend was visiting the city, and I was on my way home from Indiana. It only made sense for us to meet in the city, and he happened to know exactly where this was, so it was a win all around. I got to overindulge in BBQ, and he got to not get lost in the city. WIN WIN. This time, I skipped the alcohol (it was 11 am, after all, and this classy beyotch waits until noon!) but I got a LOT of food. I did the "pick three" meats for $18 and added on a skillet corn bread. I chose the ribs, the pulled pork, and the BBQ chicken. The fries that come with the meal are AMAZING, btw! They're supposed to be a side, but I can see how people can add on some ingredients and make them their meal! My corn bread skilled ($5) was pretty good, but it had a HUGE thing of butter on it. Now don't get me wrong, I like a nice pat of butter as much as the next guy, but this was literally a hockey puck of butter. The meats were really good, though. very tender and fall-of-the-bone. The taste of the BBQ sauce was delicious, too. I was dipping my corn bread into it, too :) So it was a little pricey for just lunch, but it was definitely worth it!!
(4)Christopher K.
On a business trip from South Florida, I stumbled upon this place using Yelp and on the lookout for wings. These, by far, are the best wings I've ever had. And, they have a buffalo fry appetizer with their wing sauce covering the fries. Great service, great price, food is hot and quick out of the kitchen. If I'm ever in Chicago again, I will eat here everyday.
(5)Molly C.
Went last night to catch the Bulls & Blackhawks game. It's was pretty busy for a Wednesday night. We got a table right away and our server greeted us promptly. We put in an order for 2 sides of wings and the garlic Parmesan fries. The wings were awesome! Jumbo buffalo wings with lots of meat on the bone and super crispy. The sauce was delicious too. The fries were addicting. Our service could have been better. When we received our food we had to wait about 5 minutes for them to bring us plates. Our server could have been more friendly and smiled more. Overall, I'm a fan.
(3)Christopher M.
So here's the deal with Jake's ... you can either have a 1 star experience or a 5 star experience, hence me giving them 3 stars. What does a 1 star experience look like? Not getting a beer or wings or BBQ. These are a must. After this they don't have much. What does a 5 star experience look like? Getting beers and wings and BBQ. Their beer list is fantastic ... some hard to find gems as well as many great standbys. In the River North area they really do have the best beer list. Their BBQ is excellent - love the ribs. Their wings, as most have said, are very good. After that? Nothing great. Stick to the plan. Beer. Wings. BBQ.
(3)Angie C.
Came to drink and watch the football game. Lots of people and lots of energy. Multiple games playing . Drinks were very good. Our server Jana (pronounced with a "y". Yana ) was on the ball! Appetizers were tasty . We tried the "Mac Daddy" Mac and cheese and wood grilled artichoke. Both delicious!
(4)Brian L.
This place is pretty decent. Don't care for the location, but the food I thought was pretty good. On par with Red Hot & Blue back home in DC. I thought I would be a tough guy and try the XXX wings (by the way there is no "contest" for it anymore, you just eat the wings or not at your leisure)... so upon first tasting them I actually thought, "wow, these have a nice crispy outside and the sauce is actually really nice." yes, it did feel a bit spicy at this point, but the plot thickens. I also ordered a platter with ribs and pulled pork. Both I thought were excellent. My friend also got ribs and we both agreed the sauce was really really good and itself had a tiny bit of kick to it. We also like it when it's a nice medium of off the bone and stick to the ribs... it was just enough to be able to gnaw at, but not slipping off the bone as if it were some boneless concoction. I'd eat from my platter after a wing or two. As the spiciness started to increase, that is it started to build on me, my tongue and lips lost sensation. I didn't reach for water uncontrollably, but it was definitely starting to bring me a bit of the teary eyes and sweat. Of eight wings, I finished four of them. My buddy's fiancee tried a dab of it on her finger and that was over the top for her, so I guess my tolerance is ridiculous. It wasn't until we paid and walked back outside that the pain actually kicked in. We got about three blocks when I realized things occurring within my stomach were not natural and probably not unlike drinking acid. This is the same pain I experienced when I took a bite out of a Bhut Jolokia two years ago. Didn't think that pain would ever return. I can only describe it as a not quite you have to use the bathroom to poop or puke, but just an eroding of all your vital innards. I had to stop and lean against a planter for about 5-10 minutes as my friend got me a milk chug... which seemed to help a little. I sweat pretty profusely for this time and really felt as though I may have actually visited another planet. In sum: food is great, but the XXX wings will send you to the gates of Dis.
(4)Grace C.
I tried their hamburger. it was very hearty. it had two layers of cheese bread, egg and the main meat. they offer sweet potato fries with extra dollar. I couldn't finish the dish, so had to bring the half home.
(3)Jason F.
If you live in River North, Jake's is the perfect place to take your out of town friends to watch the game and eat some really good wings. The wing of the month is always your best option. Great beer selection and if you need advice on what to choose they're very knowledgeable and will help you out. DO NOT let your friends order chicken fingers! I can't believe every time I go there I see someone ordering them, it makes me cringe. It screams clueless out of towner. Special game that your out of town friends need to watch? They're more than happy to put it on...even if they want to watch the Red Wings.
(4)Amelia B.
It's always hot and stuffy in here. The service is always hit or miss. And for whatever reason, it's always packed. Lots of TVs? Close to Michigan Ave and overrun by tourists? Large tables to accommodate huge groups that linger forever? Probably a combination of all three. But there is the March Madness burger. And the ghost pepper wings, which are highly entertaining in and of themselves (hell no, I would never do such a thing...but my friends will!) So Jake Melnick's, serving up schadenfreude, does just fine.
(3)Abby C.
Went for the wings after hearing several people rave about them. Easy to see why! The wings are good sized with plenty of chicken on them, with 8 per order. I did the combo of buffalo and poncho. Poncho is a very subtle, backyard BBQ kind of seasoning, but their buffalo was very good. If you get anything here, get the Parmesan garlic fries and set yourself free. They're a little on the soggy side (in a good way) and have the perfect amount of garlic, not overbearing, with lots of Parmesan sprinkled on them. Paired with the ranch dressing for dipping, they are a unstoppable force. Very friendly, knowledgable bartenders as well!
(4)Jack P.
Walked the streets of streeterville and came across this place. Specials of the day were rum punch and madness burger which was a juicy burger in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. We got both specials. They were awesome. Burger deserves the most accolades. A bit large to pickup and eat but the grilled cheese was an awesome idea. Come here for games or just for good happy hour specials!
(5)Anne Marie C.
I can't say enough good things about this place. It was delicious, the service was great, and the prices were fair. Huge portions! Definitely couldn't finish my entire sandwich in one sitting. Also, had the elixir drink with cucumber water, pickle juice and chili pepper vodka - give it a try, much better than you'd expect!
(5)Jenny S.
The wings were good, especially the Poncho (which were spicy garlic), but otherwise, I wasn't too impressed by their wings. As a wing conosseuir on football Sundays, as far as wing places go, this one was slightly overpriced given the number of wings you received per order (8) and the overall taste. They had a pretty extensive beer menu and are a great place to go if you like Left Hand brewery. Also, I'd recommend the Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts. It was delicious!
(3)Robert U.
This is a fun little spot. It's warm and woody inside. They've got some great local brews on tap. I had a vanilla stout that was excellent. They've got the usual bar/pub food, and it's all pretty good. Their wings are not quite as hot as I'd prefer, but are pretty good. The fries are excellent.
(4)Laura H.
Fun stop on a day of COLD shopping over New Years in Downtown Chicago. The red wine was tasty and my boyfriend loved his beer. :) We stopped on NYE mid day around 2ish and it was jammed. Snagged a seat at the bar and the bathroom was clean too. Good place to stop.
(3)Chrissy F.
The wings live up to their reputation. I had the firecracker wings and they were a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy, my brother made it on their 'wall of flame' by finishing their xxx wings that he enjoyed thoroughly. My husband had the smoked brisket and he liked it too. The kids had the mac and cheese and it was better than the usual. Pretty good beer list too!
(4)Elaine M.
My husband, over 21 year old son and I went here for the first time on Saturday during football playoffs. The moment we walked in I was in love. I think this might be the most inviting sports bar I have ever been in. Of course, tons of tvs everywhere and lots of warm and cozy wood. The whole atmosphere welcomes you in and invites you to sit down, stay a while and indulge in some "not good for you" indulgent football food. The highlight in the food department here are the choice of wings. Upon our servers recommendation I went for the firecracker wings - Sweet Thai Chili & Sriracha. They were very good, sweet with just an underscore of spiciness. Right up my husbands alley! In the end though I am more of a traditionalist. Our son had the medium spicy traditional buffalo wings and they were absolutely perfect for my taste! The husband had the BBQ Triple Play Combo - 1/3 slab ribs, pulled pork, slow-smoked & beef brisket. I though the sauce was very good, a Texas style one - really smoky. I didn't much care for the rib though. It was way over cooked, hard and chewy. Then for our son with the hollow leg he had a trio of sliders. They were fantastic but could have used a pickle on each to balance out the palate. Both the BBQ trio and the sliders were served with fries which were also really good. If they aren't hand cut then they make a good show if it. We loved that they left the skins on for that extra potato flavor punch. Service here was friendly and we have no complaints what so ever.
(4)Eric C.
5 stars would be having the last super with Jesus, that said this place brags that they have "the best wings" and they truly do! "pancho" wings..smokey,and flavorful..just the right amount of heat. the staff is very cool , friendly , professional, and attentive. especially Cythia,Ivon,and lisha. I was Visiting from New York and so glad i found this place.
(4)Brandon M.
Wings are great and the beer selection is out of this world. I was here off peak, but the bar staff was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)Jheri B.
I give it more a 3.5. The food overall is mad produced like something from a Chilis. Not outstanding but more than just edible. The BF had a BBQ sandwich. Why when we are from KC? Idk. The artichoke dip was possibly the worst I ever had which made me start to worry. Then I got my wings. Firecracker wings. A Thai style bone in crispy delight. Seriously, so good. Our waiter was very good for how clearly overworked he was. I merely had to mention the dip was no good at all and he took it off the bill. He checked in a bunch, not pushy, and friendly. The real highlight here though is the multitude of beers. Particularly for being out of towners, I like to try local and they had local and more. So if you make it this way I recommend sticking to the booze, ordering the wings and enjoy your friendly server, Alonzo!
(4)Katelyn S.
YUM!! I had never had fried pickles before but I crave them on a regular basis now! Everything we have tried so far has been great! They usually have a Mac n' cheese dish that changes monthly. My gosh it's always amazing! The environment is fun too.
(5)Suzanne H.
Know what to expect & you won't be disappointed. We were looking for a "sports bar" to stop in and watch the NCAA Elite 8 games, have a drink & eat some food. It had all of those...game, beer, food. There is an extensive, obscure beer selection. PROBLEM, the $9 (8 oz) beer was served in a hot glass fresh from the dishwasher. The food was average, at best (we had BBQ pizza, burger, brisket sandwich). Do NOT opt for the sweet potato fries...Ore-Ida, ick. The regular fries were GREAT. Deep fried pickles were greasy and very salty. I can ignore average food if the service is good...it wasn't. Our server was friendly, but we only saw her twice...order & pay.
(2)Sally C.
Comfortable. Casual. Atmosphere and Food. I'd go back. Great service. Exactly as you'd expect.
(3)Magen R.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would, but I can't so it gets 3. I met two friends here on Easter for a little bit of day drinking. I chose Jake Melnick's because it was close to where they were at and because they have $5 Bloody Mary's on Sundays! I was really surprised a spot in such a busy area would have $5 Bloody Mary's but they did so we went. I started off with the XXX Bloody Mary (their spicy version) was not impressed at all. The tomato juice was way too thick and it was not "XXX" spicy by any stretch of the imagination. For my second drink I chose their standard Bloody Mary and was very impressed. It was not too thick and had a delicious salt and pepper rim. The second one definitely redeemed Jake Melnick's for me and was worth the $5. It's also worth noting that they'll give you a 7 ounce mini Miller Lite for just a $1 extra with your Bloody Mary, definitely worth it! My friends ordered beers and vodka sodas so not much to comment on there, they were definitely affordably priced though. Everyone had already eaten lunch prior to arriving but I was a bit hungry so I decided to go for a light appetizer. I ordered the BBQ Chips that came with blue cheese and scallions. They were really yummy and the portion was HUGE. Definitely worth what I paid for and had a unique, delicious flavor. I was disappointed not to order a meal at Jake Melnick's because the places smells heavenly and all of the food I saw being delivered to near by tables looked outstanding. The service is also very, very good at Jake Melnick's. Despite it being fairly crowded our waitress was a constant fixture at our table and we never had to wait long for a drink. The ambiance is fun and rowdy, definitely the type of place you can chill out to watch a game with a few beers and some good grub. I will say it is a little too touristy for my tastes which is why I generally avoid that area all together, but If I'm back in the area I'll definitely stop by Jake Melnick's and maybe even bump this up to 4 stars!
(3)Patrick J.
Soggy wings with ok flavor and they are regular size not jumbo as they say and the service is ok but only when it's slow needless to say I will never be coming back
(1)Sharyn M.
Mother's Day included a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and a promising supper choice. I felt such a craving for good crisp saucy Wings and so of course dug into my Yelp! and discovered Jake Melnick's Corner Tap.. A two block walk from home and a mouth watering anticipation. I was not led astray by the high starred reviews. My son, who was treating of course, and I, opted for an outdoor covered seating area, which housed picnic tables in a cozy setting. We thought it would be fun to indulge in beverages and morsels while the storms rolled in. Brooke our server was sincerely wonderful. A great greeting and attentive manner throughout the experience. She arrived not even 5 minutes into our seating and was quick to answer inquiries on Jakes "on tap" cocktails and was a good sell on several selections. My Mothers Day treat of a Top Shelf Long Island (not on tap) was created with expertise. Nicely balanced, not too sour or sweet and just the right acid. Our wing choices for the evening were the Poncho/Buffalo combo, the Poncho being a wood fired grilled, rubbed with a garlic cayenne spice , and the Buffalo, nicely crisp spicy saucy decadence. and the Firecracker, Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha. These were amazing. They were ALL magnificent. Other menu choices ( crab mac and cheese, brisket, ribs) looked enticing but we did not want to over fill. The storms came in as we dined , drank , laughed and had a great Sunday. I do rate Jakes as being a place to kick back and just enjoy. A very positive experience.
(4)Lola B.
Great place for some classic American flare. Went in for lunch on a Wednesday so it wasn't very crowded. I was dining alone so I sat at the bar. The bartender greeted me right away, introduced herself, and handed me a beer menu as well as food. She was super helpful in helping me select a beer I loved. This place is known for wings, but I opted for the Smoked Turkey and Blueberry Jam sandwich. It was awesome. The fries were crisp and tasty as well. Overall, great food with great service all wrapped up in a great location. Check it out!
(5)Jason B.
This place has great food. I don't know why it is never packed. Every time I've been, I've gotten good service and been happy with my food. I tend to get the BBQ or a burger. Portion sizes are good and the prices are reasonable. They have a solid beer selection as well. We like to take family here when they are in town.
(4)Derek H.
Food is so, so. Great atmosphere clean and nice. A lot of draft beers on tap. Service was good, but they need to improve on the food.
(3)Robert C.
This place is a blast! My girlfriend and I come to Chicago only once a year- and this is always are go-to place. Nice beer selection, delicious food, and genuinely nice people working there!! So refreshing. We love the grilled artichoke and their chicken wings (they're saucy yet still crispy?! Perfection.) In an area over- saturated in crappy chain restaurants , this place and it's staff, is a real gem.
(5)Jenn M.
We passed by here on a cold evening and it looked very welcoming. So glad we did! - brisket was awesome, tender, flavorful - coleslaw was yum - got a Caesar salad for a side and it was good, and enormous - they had a great list of ciders but I think that was to support CiderCon, however, they support local ciders and have some good ones one the list every other week Good stop!!
(4)Sarita B.
I was not excited to "waste" a meal here in my attempt to eat my way through Chicago one weekend, but I was happily proven wrong. The menu is a lot of bar food, so I asked the server for help, she said they're known for their in house smoked meats. I ordered the pulled pork slider trio and upgraded the fries to Parmesan garlic fries. The sliders were tender and amazing, my favorite had a great spicy-sweet sauce with slaw, really nice kick to the sauce, with an almost Asian flair. The second was good, but just plain BBQ sauce. The third had a great curried honey mustard sauce, very unexpected. But those fries, though! Oh.my .god. Always get the garlic Parmesan fries. Freshly cut fries, nice and crisp, good fresh garlic flavor, and a Parmesan ranch type dip. It was me versus my table for those fries. My only regret is letting the server sway me from the pan fried cornbread to the mac and cheese, it was just okay, but my portions were too large to need a side anyway, so I shared.
(5)Jennifer F.
Excellent go to place for games or "just because." Plenty of TVs everywhere, not just the bar area. Good beer selection. Good food. Good service.
(5)Bryson H.
Good selection of beers and drinks -- they have cider! I love cider! I ordered some wings. As a connoisseur of wings, their menu taunted me with tales of year-after-year wins in best wings competitions. I decided to order their Firecracker wings, and their XXX wings. A word to the wise on the XXX wings: they are made with ghost peppers! Ghost peppers are hot. Extremely hot. In fact, they're the hottest peppers on the planet. I've had ghost pepper wings before and they destroyed me. (But I did finish the whole order.) The waiter informed me that instead of the half/half order of Firecracker and XXX, he could bring me just a single XXX wing instead. I'm not here to prove anything to anybody, just to see what all the fuss is about; I took him up on that offer. The Firecracker wings are not good. They're breaded, the outside is kind of mushy, and the flavor is best described as identical to Panda Express Orange Chicken if you added a hint of cayenne pepper. They're not hot at all, they've got a lot of sweet to them, and just taste like Orange Chicken. Which is to say crappy, sweet, and artificial. I can't believe these have ever won an award for anything, let alone best wings in Chicago. The XXX wings, however, are delicious. Did a single wing destroy me? It certainly did. But under all that heat they've done it right and there's a lot of really good flavor. A nice smokey depth and the chicken itself was pretty good. If I was in the mood for some it-hurts-so-good masochistic chicken wings, I'd come here for sure. The cider I ordered was also delicious. I can't recall which one it was, but they offered two when I was there, and I picked the less-dry of the two. Would definitely drink this again as well.
(3)Celina B.
Yay! I'm a fan. Just not of the wing prices.... We tried going to Cobra Lounge as we heard they have killer wings- but they were sold out. of wings. on a friday night. BOGUS! Straight to google and Yelp! to find Chicago's #1 wings which were at Jake Melnick's. There was no wait at all which was incredible. This place is BIG and has outdoor seating where you can bring your leashed pup. There's a big bar area and a bunch of tables eeeeeverywhere! Our waiter was really awesome! Down to earth, funny, and very helpful with our decision making. My boyfriend said he'd party with him. I think it's because they talked about tattoos... Anyways- Their wings come in portions of 8 and you can mix and match 4 and 4. I got the mild and panchos. Panchos are garlic and cayenne! They're grilled and so delicious!! The mild burned my lips. Not so bad going down, but hot damn were my lips on fire. My boyfriend had gotten the spicy ones and a little more spicier set as well. At one point there was an actual tear in his eye. His lips were on fire for quite some time as well. But he liked them. Now what I'm going to tell you is VERY important... GET THE GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES AND BRING GUM, TOOTHPASTE, AND MOUTHWASH. The garlic lingered til the next day! But they were so damn good. My only "complaint" is we got the shit end of the fry batch and they were barely longer than my finger nail. Still delicious. At one point our server apologized for the drink delay, but someone was complaining about the prices and it involved the bartender and a manager, so he couldn't get the drinks. I really didn't think it took that long to get the drinks so it didn't bother me. We all made jokes about how they should have looked at the menu prices before ordering. Then we got our bill. $12 for 8 wings. DAFUQ?! Maybe WE should have looked at the prices before ordering!! All in all, we had fun, and we enjoyed the food! My 4 stars is because of the price and because I've had better wings that are my #1 fave still. Sorry Jake.
(4)Daniel L.
Living in River North, I've been to Jake's many times and it's one of my favorites. You can't go wrong with any of their BBQ or burgers, and their wings and ribs are delicious. I'd also definitely recommend their sweet potato fries. The portions here are pretty big and they've got a great beer menu too. Great place to take friends or family from out of town.
(5)Rachel W.
YUM! Love the food here. Such a cozy environment and great for big groups as well. One of my favorite spots. The bbq brisket sandwich is amazing and the portions are generous. Definitely try it out! Very low-key and affordable restaurant considering the location!
(5)Christine S.
Jake Melnick's is a large sports bar... I love sports bars...like I, really love them. Tons of TV's. Lot's of different games on. Lots of action everywhere. Big crowds getting into the game of their choice. Great beer specials. ETC. What's not to love? But ehhhhhh, this might not be a sports bar for me. I ended up having a Cobb Salad for dinner (Romaine & iceberg lettuce, avocado, egg, red onions, blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon & chicken tossed in a tomato vinaigrette). The tomato vinaigrette is delicious. It's tangy, sour [in a good way]. Pretty good salad overall. They have a pretty decent beer list. beermenus.com/places/122… and some good specials throughout the week. The staff is super nice... I'm just not feeling Jakes yet... but I'll be back, I've gotta try the wings cause I hear they are fantastic!
(3)Laura D.
The firecracker wings are amazing!!! its literally wing heaven. only comparable to Quaker steak n lube from Pittsburgh. The prices are a little steep for wings tho. The deserts are awesome too, had the chocolate chip cookie skillet sundae it was delightful.
(5)Leonard F.
Great selection of beer to go with a lively atmosphere. Menu includes many favorites such as huge burgers and wings along with good barbecue choices. The fries are excellent. Friendly wait staff and reasonable prices make this an excellent choice only a few blocks from the Michigan Ave shping district,
(4)Daniel N.
Fantastic! I am loving this place although I've only been here twice. There is a reason why the wings have been voted Best Of for three years running. The first time I ate here I had the "super hot" wings, which is one step below their "XXX" wings which I hear you have to sign a waiver to eat and are made of ghost peppers. I'll admit, I am one of those "macho" types who feel that I feel no burn so I ordered the super hot thinking, "bring it". Half way thru the 8 wings, I had to stop, go to the bathroom and wash my face as it was on fire. The second time, I just ordered the spicy wings. The sauce is very tasty, not just a flame in your mouth. There is actually a lot of flavor to them. They are also very meaty which makes them filling as well. My fiance got the buffalo chicken sandwich which also looked tasty and to her, were at the the right spice. We also split a baket of garlic fries - we could tell the fires had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while and just "tossed" to order. The bad things about this place is that they are kind of pricey. Not the wings or the sandwich but everything else was pricey. For example, the "spicy" were not actually that hot so I ordered a side of "super spicy" and was charged $1.95! For a little side of dipping sauce! At $7.50, the pilsner, albeit delicious, was pricey. On Mondays you can "flip" a coin for either a free appetizer or 15% off your total bill so that helps a little bit! I'll be back for the wings! I may even "man" up and try for the Wall of Flame!
(4)Odranre B.
good portion...good food...reasonable prices...cornbread, mac and cheese, briskets are darn great!
(4)Francis C.
I tried this place the other night... Wow... I really liked it... I wanted to try their. Xxx hot wings. So I ordered some "pumpkin beer" at the bar. Some off-duty waitor from another restaurant laughed and looked at me funny. So I told him to give Frankenstein his face back, and I went about my buisiness... Fugly... The 3 orders of xxx wings were really good. So I had 3 more orders. I really enjoyed them and even broke a sweat. But they were not as spicy I thought, at least going in. ...........At some point in the night I lost control of my bowels and woke up to the horse head scene from the Godfather. Yes I was screaming... But it was worth it, maybe not to my dry cleaner, but it was a special night for me... Note to restaurant: maybe you should change the name to FIRE DOWN BELOW!!!!
(5)Bonna M.
It was a busy Saturday afternoon on Michigan avenue, lots of shopping and lots of people. We all had to stop to rest our feet, grab a bite to eat and a beer (or two, or three) to drink. I'd heard that Jake Melnicks has great wings and wasn't far so we hoofed it down to the restaurant. When we walked in there were quite a few people waiting. Their waiting area definitely leaves something to be desired because it isn't very big and is right in the middle of the action. However, the hostesses were super friendly and promised to get our group of 9 seated within 20 to 30 minutes. We were happy to grab a beer and wait. Their beer list is absolutely phenomenal. We ordered an Off Color Brewing beer of some sort and weren't disappointed at all (although it was $9). After about 20 minutes they sat us at a corner high top table out of the fray. Our server showed up at our table about 2 minutes later and took our drink orders. He also gave us some information about the wings and their menu. My daughter, husband and I shared their Poncho, Firecracker and Buffalo wings. We all really liked the Firecracker but thought the medium buffalo were good but not great. However, we LOVED their buffalo fries!! Everything was good, I would definitely return.
(4)Mandy F.
I live close by, and Melnicks is a solid option in the neighborhood. The wings are great! Same with chicken tenders. Burger of the month is also a welcome addition. Occasionally the service is slow and they frequently forget an item for takeout. If the service were more reliable and the prices a bit lower, Melnick's would be hard to beat.
(3)Adam S.
A friend and I were headed to Michigan Ave and were craving wings. After reading a few reviews, we decided this was the place to try. We are very happy we did! The atmosphere was appropriate for a sports bar/restaurant. The beer selection was great. Good locals and craft beers. Now the wings! I ordered the Super Hot. The waiter asked me if I was sure and I hesitated. He suggested getting half Super Hot, and Half Spicy Buffalo. They aren't kidding, the Super Hot, is SUPER HOT! However they are extremely flavorful. I am glad I tried them, but also glad I didn't get a full order. The wings are possibly some of the biggest that I've had. There was a great amount of meat on them. It was a great experience. I will defiantly be returning for more wings.
(4)Jennifer C.
The wings were delicious! The Bloody Mary tasted like a buffalo wing which ended up being pretty tasty. Fun atmosphere!
(3)Jules H.
Fun Streeterville spot...a bit of nice outdoor sidewalk seating, rustic plank tables inside. I met some friends here, who bragged about needing to eat Inferno Ghost wings. Tim R has a tattoo, Carm was really kind and sweet. Bobby O is funny in person and in talk. Was great to meet Linda, Jess blew us off, but she is forgiven because she's Jess. John N arrived late...wtf dude? John S and James Z were A-Okay. The food was less than dazzling, the service was excellent. Great waitress who never let our glasses rest empty for too long. They made a Chicago cop sign a waiver before he ate their crazy hot wings. Really? I'd go back for the booze and company, the food needs a "bar rescue".
(4)Gino W.
I caught up with two former co-workers after work one evening and the original restaurant choice was a no-go. So there was a suggestion for Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. Sports bar meets Cheers. I had the barbecue pulled pork sandwich. The barbecue sauce was a Kansas City style sauce. Having spent some time Down South, I know a thing or two about good barbecue. But this was pub grub. The sandwich was soggy and the barbecue sauce was pretty much a glaze. Some of the fries were crispy; some were soggy. Being British and preferring stouts and dark ales, nothing on the beer menu jumped out at me. So I took a pass on beer. I think you go to Jake Melnick's to watch the game and root for your favourite team mostly. I get to say that I've been, but that's about it.
(3)Daron D.
Ok bar not bad. Typical bar, they do have a nice selection of beer, but on the other hand, it is too high as far as pricing. Had the firecracker wings, sauce is good, but the wings are too big in size to me and doesn't taste right, onions are ok, nothing great and unlike other chicago bars this one closes at 2 am. Very average place.
(3)Kylie S.
There's nothing special about this place and yet I love it anyways. Good beer, good food, good people. So many restaurants in this area are pretentious and that's just not my scene. I want to feel comfortable and relaxed if I stop in for lunch and a drink -- Jake Melnick's has that vibe. Love their "mystery beer Tuesdays" -- check it out.
(4)G R.
Sure it's a bit pricey, but it's the high rent district, so you have to go with the flow. After an initial delay to get my first drink service did improve and was fine after that. I didn't have any food so I can't comment on that. Overall, it's a nice casual place to get together with a few friends or even a larger group, our server did split my check from the rest of the group, but she did hit me up with the 18% auto gratuity, so if you're leaving from a group watch for that. You don't want to double tip, nor do you want to short change a server either. To John S., I thought it was what I drank that made you look 40 pounds lighter, but you lost weight here, now that's impressive.
(3)Breanna C.
Amazing wings. Had the peach BBQ as a month special. Also buffalo wings, sweet potato fries, and spinache dip were on point. Great food and great service. Next time I'm coming back to do the 8lb burger challenge.
(5)Neil R.
The first time I went here, I thought the wings were slightly over-hyped. But I went back today and was pleasantly surprised. I was with 5 people so we ordered four different types of wings and they were all really good! The beer selection is very good and I do like the atmosphere. I cannot give it a five - the reason being is that I am from upstate NY (i.e. in the vicinity of Buffalo, NY), so I have very high standards when it comes to wings. Hard to compete, not going to lie. That said, very solid place to check out
(4)Mike M.
Great wings. Very very very hot. It was an awesome experience. The people there were very nice and btw the cheddar fries were awesome.
(4)Melissa F.
Another pleasant surprise. I came here for drinks and was not disappointed. Melnick's is not very distinctive as a bar - its cleanliness is both reassuring and renders a quasi-corporate feel. My date and I each enjoyed pumpkin cider. Our server was VERY helpful and friendly - not in that fake, angling for tips way, but in a genuinely helpful way. He pointed us toward Ace brand pumpkin cider, which TASTES LIKE DREAMS. Sometimes a pumpkin flavor is just a cute little dot on your tastebuds' radar, but this cider was full-on fizzy pumpkin happiness. Real talk. Although each pint was $7.50 :(, the cider was simply amazing. Melnick's was a relaxing place to enjoy these majestically delicious pints. Minus one star for the weird amount of heat being piped in! I know it's getting a teeny bit colder, but not enough to start circulating heat!
(4)Kevin A.
The wings were meh, not so great. I dont think the food itself was the problem, it was more the person taking orders. The service is pretty mediocre, always some sort of communication problems and you end up getting something you didnt want. For a place that somehow earned the title to best wings in chicago at some point, the chicken was pretty pink, and not hot at all! Beware if youre not a local...
(2)Steven P.
Moderately over priced sports bar. Been here many times when in Chicago for business. 1969 Mets -- sorry, my Tourette's. Anyway, I have had wings, burgers and the brisket here. All good. Always busy, but staff friendly and though not quite Cheers, you can talk to the person sitting next to you at the bar. Incredible selection of beer at okay prices. Great sports bar too. Got to watch the last game of the World Series, although I had to explain what that was to the local Cubs fans. Oh, sorry. Heck, I am a Mets fan and pretty much forgot as well.
(4)Ginger R.
Really moist bbq pork and attentive waiter. The atmosphere is very casual and great food!! Prices are reasonable considering Chicago and just off Michigan Ave
(4)Dixie D.
Best wings I've ever had in my life! Who knew I'd find the best wings ever in Chicago!? A sweet corner pub (I don't drink) where I know good food can be found- but this one surprised me. I also enjoyed the pork sliders. I still think if this place. Wish it was in my hometown.
(5)Thorsten L.
great location for hanging out with friends. best wings in town...
(5)Meghan H.
They have some pretty good wings here. Everyone with me believed they were the best wings ever, though I'm skeptical. The restaurant does tout that it was voted best hot wings at Wingfest 2010 and 2012.... I still love my bww. Aside from the wings, the rest of the food was pretty decent. Our waiter was great - really on top of things and attentive. Heads up that this place is definitely more a bar than a restaurant though.
(3)Jessica K.
I was incredibly impressed with this place. Our service was amazing! They were absolutely packed when we (I, my brother and his wife) got there, and we decided to stick it out for the 45min - 1hr wait. So happy we did. We were brought back via a text saying our table was to be ready, and we ended up having to wait a little extra time. No big deal. We got seated, and ordered some drinks to start. I ordered the Castaway #2, and it was delicious. Great taste combinations. They came very quickly, and we ordered our appetizer - deep fried pickles. Our waitress came back with those, as well as an order of their Hand-Cut BBQ chips, stating that in apology of us waiting so long, our appetizers were on the house. We were so incredibly impressed. It was just such a lovely gesture, as we hadn't said a word towards the long wait for our table. Both the appetizers were, as is the trend so far, delicious. Then we got some wings. We ordered their monthly special (Peach Bourbon BBQ) as well as a split-order of their Poncho (Grilled with Garlic & Cayenne Marinade) and Firecracker (Sweet Chili Oil and Sriracha). The Peach Bourbon Wings were delicious, but in small amounts, they were quite sweet. We were blown away by the Firecracker wings, loving them enough to order another helping of just those even after we felt stuffed. The Poncho's were a close second. I have to say I was very impressed with the food and service. This has easily become my new favorite place to go for some wings and I will definitely be going once a month at minimum to sample their monthly creations for Mac'n'cheese and wings.
(5)M N.
Wings are average at best and menu items are overpriced for portion size. I'm not sure who decided these are the best wings in Chicago but I've had wings at least a half dozen other placed that put these to shame. Will not be going back. Service was very good though...
(2)Mahsa T.
Jake Melnick, where have you been all my life? Why have I passed by you so many times and not stopped in to say hello? Never thought bar food could be this good, but this is surprisingly good food. And they have my favorite beer too. The 5 Rabbit Huitzi (a Belgian Strong Golden Ale, brewed with hibiscus flowers, ginger, thai palm sugar and local Chicago honey)---it's delicious---where has this beer been all my life? I don't drink a lot, but I could drink three of these easy. It goes down smooth and it's strong too. Ok, so the food--cobb salad, fresh and good. BBQ double play combo (we got it with the 1/3 slab of ribs and 1/4 smoked chicken)--phenomenally good BBQ (the kind you'd expect to find at a specialty BBQ place)--even the chicken was good. Their burger--easily one of the best burgers in the city. Their fries are addicting, can't just eat one, you end up eating the whole basket. It does get crowded when there's a game on and there are a lot of tourists, but you may have better luck during the week or off peak hours. Service was solid. I've been here twice already and plan to return many more times during the summer to enjoy some outdoor beer.
(5)Sheila G.
When we arrived at Jake Melnick's we hung around for a bit outside, and I was amazed at the constant stream of people entering the restaurant. We were here for a private party in their back room, and it turned out to be a terrific choice. Although we had a set menu to choose from, it was big enough so that there was something for everyone. For appetizers we chose the flatbread, which was delicious. I'm not a big fan of wings, even if they are proclaimed AWESOME, so we didn't order them, but they must be good - the little brother of the party boy gobbled up a whole order in five minutes flat. (The servers were very good about cleaning up the mess he left, which threatened to annihilate my clothing!). For the main course, hubby and I decided to share the turkey burger and a Cobb salad. The burger, with grilled onions, mushrooms, and Swiss, was just perfect, but it was the Cobb salad that sent me straight to heaven; it had to be one of the best salads I've ever eaten. I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm a big fan of high-test cider, so I was thrilled to see that Jake Melnick's had two different ones available on tap. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Sundae was the icing on the cake, and we left stuffed and happy -- well, not so happy that we ate so much, but happy that we ate well, and with great service, too.
(5)Hk S.
Hands down my favorite place for wings. I love spicy food and always get the XXX wings when I go. I absolutely love them, but I warn you it is not for the light hearted. If you dare you try them you will be pleasantly surprised how flavorful they are as well as very very spicy. I am a huge fan of seasoned hot wings and these are exactly that. My bf and I also shared a baked potato with bbq pulled pork on top. The potato is huge!!! I wasn't expecting that at all. It is super cheesy and just baked to perfection. We where completely satisfied. This place is always busy and the servers are super sweet. I would recommend this place to any wing lover. It is the place to be!
(5)Nancy D.
I got 'addicted' to chicken wings because of Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. I had a preference for the meatier parts of chicken, then one day when I had just moved into the neighborhood a new friend suggested we try out some chicken wings at the place. It was love at first bite with all the different and spicy flavours available as well as great service. The beer selection is equally good and I have even explored the menu finding the equally delicious Pulled Pork Slider trio. So even though my orders vary, the chicken wings are always part of it. There's also an awesome selection of burgers you can choose from and I have never noticed any drop in the quality of food preparation or servings. The crowd is warm and friendly so even when you are seated alone, it is easy to start a conversation with equally starved strangers. There is no other place like Corner Tap in Chicago.
(5)Susan W.
Went here for dinner last night at about 8 pm. We were a group of 7 that were seated rather quickly considering they were pretty busy for a Monday night. Took quite a while for the waitress to take our orders. Then took quite a while for water. Then even longer for beers. I think our waitress Laura was assigned too many tables for her to handle. Needless to say it took a long time to receive our food. While we waited neighboring tables received their food before ours. Finally frustrated 1 of our party went up to the hostess to ask for a manager. Of course then our food comes out. (Murphy's law). Anyhoo.... The food was adequate. 4 people ordered salads & they all looked fine. But how long does it take to make salads??? One person had the house made veggie burger with side salad. She said the veggie burg had a nice spice to it. Another had a plain grilled chicken breast with a side of sweet potato fries. The fries are advertised as shareable and are $6. I would think the portion size should have been larger. When her bill came they charged her for a full chicken sandwich meal not just a side chicken breast. Did get corrected. I got the worst entree of the whole table. I was so disappointed. I had researched the restaurant & was the one who suggested it to my friends. My buffalo chicken sandwich was small & had very little buffalo sauce & a miniscule amount of blue cheese crumbles on it. It did however have a ginormous bun. :( Fries were not hot. Server was kind enough to split our check & 18% gratuity was already added in. I think we would have all been within our rights to scratch that out & reduce it to 10% based on the slow service we received. Overall I am left feeling very disappointed because I had already picked out what I would have when I went back. Now I don't think I will.
(1)Ben L.
When I walked in I was greeted immediately I sat down at the bar has a drink and a menu with 2 minutes if not less the bartender asked me my name and remembered it. Wings where great different then I usually get and they came out about 4-10 minutes after ordering them sizzling hot and good to go. Great service is a rare review I give these days and they have that in spades
(5)Jay N.
Friendly bar staff. Good bar food. Large number of beers to choose from some of which are off the beaten path. Recommend the wings and BBQ. Both are served quickly and taste great. Plenty of TVs to watch a game. I stop here many times when I'm in Chicago for work, don't have plans, and just want to relax and watch a game. Has several communal tables which is a good way to meet new people.
(4)Nate M.
I went here a couple times while I was staying in the area. Great beer selection with some knowledgeable bartenders to offer advice. I had the pork slider trio once and the hot link special the other. Good BBQ! I have had better pork, but it was still very tasty with good, flavorful sauces. Good atmosphere and worth checking out!!
(4)D h.
Great food, drinks, beer, & atmosphere. Looks corporate, but was told there's only one. North front door enters into a large dining room with high & low tables on each side. A long bar is located on the south wall. Walls are mostly a nice stone with large windows on the north side. Actual bar is classic, even the bar back (mirrors, shelves, etc.). Great for large groups, but there were also many younger singles sitting at the bar, which seemed kind of odd, but was told that many will stop by just for dinner. Food was incredible (stick with wings or BBQ) and Jake's has an extensive beer menu, with try before you buy. Sides are delicious and huge. Sports on all their HDTVs, which are plentiful, including game audio for the bigger games. Crowd is mostly younger, but not obnoxious. Overall atmosphere is very easy going. Great starter place for food or drinks, or for one last one.
(4)Lynn B.
We came here for the wings as they have been voted 'Best Wings in Chicago' by several sources. The wings were delicious and I was eyeing some of the other food people were eating which also looked amazing. It is bar food, so don't expect high class fancy pants food. I also liked their bar menu. They had a few beer cocktails, such as the House Shandy, which is beer mixed with lemonade, a 22oz pour for $7. Can't beat that price in the area. We will be back!
(5)Christopher V.
Wings are good, but overpriced at $12 for seven pieces. Pass on the ribs, looks better than they taste. Pass on the Nutter Butter Banana Pudding..soupy with very little Nutter Butter. Onion rings needed salt, but otherwise the beer batter was pretty good. Service is solid. Food is overpriced and ranges from average to below average. Won't return unless they have a wing special.
(2)Thamer B.
Me and my wife was looking for wings and this place was the nearest to us so we decided to give it a shot We had the BBQ wings and the grilled wings I am not sure what was the name of it, we had the loaded baked potato and the three small Angus burger, the burger and potato was fine but the wings truly it's one of the best, we even brought our friends the next day to try them up! We had the cookie with ice cream and the chocolate fudge and it was amazing although the other day it was not good as it was in the first time, I loved the place and I really think I would come again
(4)Kelly S.
Yanna was the most amazing waitress ever and made our group of 11 feel welcomed and well taken care of!! Try the firecracker wings!!! We split an order, next time I'll get my own! Barbecue is tasty and well smoked, lots if flavor... Beer could have been a little colder, but that was all we found less than great!!!
(5)Brendan B.
Drinks were good, service was great. Nice place to come and unwind! Wish they had something like this back home!
(5)Melissa K.
I was prepared to come on here and write a scathing review of Melnick's after a bad experience today, but after some great customer service I'm here with a well-earned 4 star review. I live in the area, so I've gone to Jake Melnick's often in the last few years. It's become a favorite of my parents as well, who like to take me and the BF here for lunch when they swing by town. As my parents were coming down to take us to lunch today, we immediately thought of Jake Melnick's. However, knowing it was a Sunday AND St. Patrick's day, it was sure to be crowded, so we decided to try their carry-out service instead. I called and placed my order, and was told it would take 30 minutes. The BF headed over right at the half hour mark, and was told it wasn't ready. Ok, no big deal, it's a busy day. But 30 minutes later, he was still waiting, and he hadn't even been given an update on when the food would be ready. An hour after placing the order, he finally got our food, only to bring it home and find out we were missing food. I was irate (and hungry!). I thought to myself, if you can't handle carry-out orders on busy days, you shouldn't offer carry-out at all. I called back, and I explained what had happened to whoever picked up the phone. She put me on hold as she went to find a manager. After 6 minutes of waiting on the phone, I was even saltier, and I again explained what happened and asked that the missing items be delivered to my apartment. Here's where the story gets good: Less than 15 minutes later, a delivery man was at my door with not only the missing food, but an envelope containing cash in the amount of the missing food PLUS $20 in gift cards. I tried to give the delivery guy a tip, but he was so apologetic and wouldn't accept. Wow. Thanks, Jake Melnick's! It was really nice to see such great customer service on one of the busiest days of the year (especially when I wasn't exactly the nicest customer on the phone). Can't wait to stop by again soon with the gift cards!
(4)Ladd W.
All of their wings are great, best in the city. I love their xxx wings.... and yes, I would marry them if I could.
(5)Melis A.
Sat at the bar during lunch today. Good service, great selection of brews; guess I was just not psyched about the good selection or quality. The brown fries tasted odd that it required a lot of ranch and buffalo to stomach. Sort of a boring ambiance, too. Not what I was expecting from a Chicago pub.
(3)Jon O.
This sports bars atmosphere is very much what you'd expect from a....well....sports bar restaurant. I went for lunch and sat near the street at a table that was comfortable but felt a little removed from the restaurant itself. I guess it converts into open air seating in the summer. The server was Johnny on the spot with making sure our drinks were filled up and that we had everything we needed. I had a appetizer of their white chili, which I think was a special, and it was very creamy and I almost had to order another one it was so good. I'm glad I opted out on the second chili though since I ordered a turkey burger and it was gigantic. The burger was cooked to perfection and mine came with a side of sweet potato fries which were a little on the soggy side which kinda sucked. This is a pretty good lunch spot imo if you are in the mood for some high quality bar food.
(4)Alan F.
Back yesterday for my yearly visit, and was delighted to find that their beer list is better than ever, now including no fewer than 20 Mikeller lines, taking up a page and a half of the menu. That alone gets them a fifth star. While in Chicago I'll return to sample a few of these. Meanwhile, on yesterday's visit, I tried Revolution's Very Mad Cow bourbon-barrel aged milk stout, and Revolution Third Year, the latter not even currently available at Revolution itself. Oh, Jake's is carrying some prime stuff.
(5)Ariel H.
Ok seriously, I have an addiction to this place.... I don't go for the drinks I go for the WINGS! Seriously their wings are the best.. Go during happy hour and get the buffalo fries $5 and super good.. Bbq nachos are good, corn bread and they always have a killer Mac and cheese of the month! Drinks are overpriced for my liking but the food makes up for it.. I've taken all sorts of people here and they leave happy! Seriously go!!
(5)Adam E.
Oh man, you walk into this place and it just smells so good you pretty much start drooling and doing that zombie hobble to the bar immediately. Chanting, "Wiiings, WIIIINNNGGSSS!" Rightfully so. The wings are abnormally delicious. And I think the guy sitting beside us when we arrived was either a zombie of a werewolf. He was slurping away at his wings, looking and sounding like a wild animal. Which is disgusting, by the way, no matter how awesome the wings are. Have a little dignity, dude. The bartender who served us was extremely knowledgable and friendly. Patient too. When it took us a while to make our decision on what to order, he offered to describe any dish in more detail, and didn't rush us at all. He knew a ton about the beers on tap and gave my beer-brewing bartender bff a very thorough rundown on the features of each brew she asked about. He didn't miss a beat. And there were a ton of beers. Good ones too, like a pilsner from Meantime Brewery in England. On tap! We decided to split a sandwich and 2 kinds of wings. I was not crazy about the pulled pork sandwich, but I didn't hate it. There just wasn't much to the sauce and it wasn't really "pulled." It was more like chunks of pork on a bun with a kind of boring sauce. But, the wings more than made up for it. We got the boneless variety, which I know are not really wings, but my bff is too civilized to eat meat off the bone. The tenders were ridiculous. We got the traditional spicy buffalo and the "exotic" wings which had a sweet and spicy asian sauce. I wish we ordered more of them instead of the sandwich. Learn from my experience and order the wings at the place that has won all kinds of awards for their wings. They deserve the accolades.
(4)A L.
I went back for a second time on a Saturday night. It's was super busy but the line went pretty quick. The wings are terrible, they say jumbo but my friends boneless wings had more meat on them. The French fries were burnt ! Every tv in the entire place had a assortment of football games on from all over the U.S. And when we requested the Bulls game which was in Chicago that night they put it on in the corner tv so far from our table we couldn't see it after promising is when we arrived it would be right in front of us. I had family in town and it was a awful experience. I will not return !
(1)Melanie S.
Over the years, this location was home to Randall's Ribhouse, Blackhawk Lodge, and currently, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. There's your Chicago trivia for the day. First and foremost, it's a sports bar, but it also happens to have good food. You can't really go wrong with anything you order here. They offer tons of barbecue items, salads, sandwiches, tons of french fry options (the garlic parmesan are a must-try)and their famous, much-ballyhooed wings, often touted as "best in Chicago." While they're good, I can't crown them Chicago's best. They should be crispier and more flavorful. A recent order of the garlic-cayenne wings yielded no real discernible taste of either garlic or cayenne. Sad face. They have an extensive beer list and daily specials. If you're a craft beer lover, this place will give you a beer boner. Service is friendly. Prices are kind of high, but given the area, not outrageous. The clientele is a mix of sports fans (they have TVs in every area), older folks, the after-work crowd, and tourists. Everyone seems to be comfortable here. I guess what I'm saying is Jake's is fine. You could do worse.
(3)Michelle M.
Had an average experience here. The restaurant itself has a great ambiance and a wide selection of unique beers, which I liked! When I asked the waitress for a beer recommendation, she didn't quite listen to what I liked and didn't seem very knowledgeable. My friend and I ordered the tuna burger and side of cornbread skillet to share. Cornbread skillet=eh, okay. Tuna burger=eh, okay. I'd definitely come here for happy hour with friends, but not if you're looking for great food.
(3)Sannie L.
3.5 This place was pretty good. Stopped here with some co-workers on a work trip after a long day. I ordered their special at the time, which was the "Hell-o-ween" burger. It was supposed to be really spicy, hence the "hell." Whatever, it had guac on it and I loves me some guac. The burger was super tasty and came out along with fries and pickle slices in a bucket platter. The portion was huuuge and I ended up saving some for later that night. My other coworker ordered the brat with a beer and thoroughly enjoyed her meal. I also want to try their famous wings. Prices are reasonable given their size. I'd come back here again as it seems like a good place to sit, relax, and have a drink. They have comfortable seating inside, at the bar, or out on the street. Overall good, but it didn't feel like anything special.
(3)Drew D.
Just ate here. Great service at the bar from Brandon. Easily the best wings I've ever had in my life. Also get the Parmesan fries as a side substitute. You won't regret it.
(5)Gina S.
We have been to Jake's about 5 times. We love the wings. We get the ponchos and traditional buffalo medium. We also drink plenty of captain and cokes and vodka and tonic. The friendliness of the servers has been hit and miss. Great atmosphere, great food, a few drinks, TVs everywhere, and good company; what more can you ask for??
(5)Jared P.
Their BBQ nachos were great! They're almost as good as Southern style. Almost...
(4)Eric L.
Can't provide much information about this place as we just stopped in for a drink before heading off to another place for dinner. They have a nice outdoor area and the menu looked pretty good. I got one of their drink specials called a "Double Gin" which was potent and delicious! The server was a little spacey and slow but nothing major to complain about. Might have been before they were catering to the people sitting indoors? Anyway, it's one of those places that I would classify as "touristy". They promote themselves to have the best wings in Chicago. Couldn't tell ya cuz we didn't have any but looks like a ploy to get tourists into the building. I can't say I would definitely not go there again - I might. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
(3)Andy J.
The wings were outstanding here. They did not overload them with sauce and the meat was tender and juicy. Pair this with some local beers on tap which they have plenty of. The service was prompt and polite. I would definitely recommend this place for casual dining in Chicago.
(4)Jules L.
I am surprised I haven't reviewed this place before. It's the go-to after-work hangout for my coworkers so I've been here a good couple of times with those guys. They used to have a really cool cocktail that I always ordered but it doesn't look like they have it anymore. But their array of beers is ridiculous! And their food is decent as well. It's not really the kind of place I'd choose to go to on my own, but I've always had a good time here with the job mob.
(3)Andrea W.
We recently hosted a rehearsal dinner and rented out the keg room and patio. We were looking for a casual place where out of town guests could eat and drink, and not worry about having to be dressed up. The price was reasonable and Jessica was very easy to work with. Prior to the event we dropped off a cake and cookies, which they had no problem refrigerating the items. When we arrived everything was set up and ready to go. We did a buffet with various foods items (mini pulled pork, mini tacos, chicken skewers, flatbreads) and the staff did a great job making sure the food was re-stocked. The food was amazing and I can't tell you how many of our guests commented on the great food. They even had a staff member go around and hand out slices of cake. The bartenders were great and were very knowledgeable about the beers that were offered. Overall, I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to host a casual event.
(5)Melanie B.
They got us in pretty quickly considering how busy they were. We shared an order of wings and onion rings which were were very good. Staff was excellent. They have a great outdoor seating area which was enclosed due to cold weather while we were there but it looked like it would be a great spot to people watch while enjoying a meal.
(4)Ken O.
If you are downtown and looking for a great restaurant of off the mag. mile...Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is the place. Seriously. There were two in my group. As soon as you open the door, BBQ aroma hits you, however, it's not overpowering but you you know it's a place that knows it's BBQ. We were greet by the Manager/host, very pleasant. We were seated in the covered patio area. Our female service (I apologize that I don't remember her name) was great! She gave us a few minutes to settle in before taking our drink order and reviewed the menu with us. She also gave us her favorites, which I like. Who better know the food than the server? Upon delivering our drinks, she took our order without rushing us. Within a reasonable amount of time, our food was at our table. My lunch companion, Jan, had the veggie burger and I had the chicken sandwich. We had shared the mac'n'cheese - which I would highly recommend. I would place their mac'n'cheese within the top five of my list. I would say that I'm connoisseur of the cheesie stuff. Both sandwiches were large and delicious. Fries are also included with the meal. You will not leave hunger. Unfortunately, we weren't able to try the desserts. The main dining room has both regular size tables and the communal tables. Which is a great way to meet other people. The noise level in the area was not bad. The noise level in the patio was definitely louder. During the warmer weather, the pation would be great to sit at. Overall, great restaurant and great food. Looking to go back and try more food.
(4)Anthony W.
Came here on a Friday during sweet 16 march madness tourney and there was a wait. But well worth the wait. Luckily two seats opened up at bar 5 min after checking in. Had the fried pickles. Was great. I recommend getting those. Ordered the fish n chips cuz it is lent. Was also great. I'm actually thinking if going back and getting them today again. Also great variety of craft beer available. Love this place.
(4)Marissa B.
I only came here once, but the wings and grilled cheese were DELICIOUS. Bloody Mary wasn't bad either, but not the best I've ever had. Service was a little slow, but it was a very busy Sunday and several football games were on. When back in Chicago, I don't know if I'd return simply based on the plethora of other restaurants, but I'd definitely recommend it to someone looking for a casual place where they could grab a beer and watch a game.
(3)Jed M.
Went here for a late Friday lunch during NCAA tournament games. The place is a typical gastropub layout with a long bar and many tables. Also an outdoor patio in nicer weather. We ordered onion rings as an appetizer which was very good. Flaky and not too greasy. I ordered a messy pig which was delicious, but the portion sizes were way too large. I had enough food to be completely full for two meals. The beer selection was pretty solid, but a lot of what they had posted on beermenus was not accurate and the replacement selections weren't as good. It was also on the pricy side especially for the bottle selection. Our server was a little strange, but overall was attentive and met our needs. They have several tv's, but they are kind of awkwardly laid out. I didn't have a really good close view of any one of them. Overall it seems like this place is just trying a little too hard to be cool. I would certainly return, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice since many other places nearby have a lot more character.
(3)Peter P.
The beer is still good. They've changed a lot of the taps since my last visit and someone there clearly knows how to pick them.
(3)Jon M.
First thing I'm going to say is.. I'm definitely coming back here again to try something different. Service was good! They sat us in an area private enough and loud enough for two people to sit. Our waitress didn't check on us at first, but that's ok. My gf and i had ample amount of time to look over the beer menu and food menu. For the Unique beers we had, she had the Jolly Pumpkin and I had the Escoffier. We enjoyed our choices to the fullest. Because of the Lenten season, my gf gave up red meat. That's ok, we came here for the chicken wings and it did not disappoint. We had the poncho wings. Oh snap. Each bite made me eat slower just so i can savor each bite.. In the words of Homer Simpson.. Awesomaaaaah Powaaah!!!! 10 jumbo wings per basket, and you can't get the poncho wings in boneless. They were oh so juicy & tender. I clean my bones along with the cartilage and all, and they were all clean. I know not to waste. But we shared a huge plate of the nachos. Other yelpers say it's good with chili, but I can't wait till we come back and try the nachos with bbq pork. We weren't completely done yet. We ended with an awesome dessert! NUTTER BUTTER BANANA PUDDING!!! Wow.. Just wow!! Each bite is worth putting me into a deeper sense of food coma. Amazing. We are definitely coming back!
(5)Ajay B.
They tout themselves as the best wings in Chicago. Maybe that's the case, maybe not, idk... But regardless, we did LOVE the wings here! Cooked perfectly for a crisp skin on the outside n the meat on the inside was still very moist. Flavors def got through the skin into the meat as well. Sadly though that's where the good news ends... We didn't really care for much of anything else.. average bar food, average service. Lively loud bar type atmosphere (but not sloppy or messy or anything) throughout the whole place... including a small covered outdoor patio area... If I ever go back it'd be for the wings and wings only.
(3)Taylor A.
A classic sports bar with a more rustic feel, and a way better beer list that you would expect. I had a couple Great Divide Hades, and my friend had an Evil Twin Biscotti Break. My only big issue with this place is the price and size of some of their specialty beers. My friends Evil Twin was the size of a normal tasting sample and cost $9. Way overpriced. I would be broke if I came here and drank for more than an hour or so.
(3)Stacey N.
Had been there before, had an average experience (really great sweet potato fries, but who could screw that up?) Was there last Thursday, had their tuna burger w/sweet potato fries (of course) it comes with a wasabi mayo which is tasty, but the burger itself was flavorless. (Didn't eat the bun). Come around 1:30 in the morning I was unpleasantly surprised with food poisoning that kept me up for over 2 hours sick, sick, sick. Clearly I will not go there again. Ever.
(1)Greyser C.
Very good place all around. The waiters are really good, what you would u expect in river north. The wings are good, even comparable to Mother hubbards which is saying a lot. It's cool because they have mixed drinks on tap too. Definitely will come back here.
(5)Michael L.
My favorite food of all time is chicken wings and I think this place do have one of the best in the city. The wings are jumbo and meaty. They also have great beer selection. The servers know their beers as well so you don't have to go to the bar. They can accommodate for large parties and have TV in pretty much any angle you sit in. Another cool thing is my wife and I forgot our leftovers on our table. We realize this as soon as we got to our car after a 5 block walk. We drove back up to the restaurant and as I walked in to ask if they still had it. They did not throw it away as they actually had it placed on the side for me. Caught me by surprise. Little things like that makes my day.
(5)John F.
I struggled with the rating of Jake Melnick's - 3 or 4.. 3 or 4.. ahhh 3! I guess it all depends on what you order and your tastes. If you like Long Island Ice Teas, this is NOT your bar, they are EXTREMELY weak here. I honestly think the server just gave me an Arnold Palmer and charged me 9 bucks for it. I guess that's my fault for ordering a cocktail at a place with over 100 beers, but what can I say, I was craving a Long Island! So yes, they have tons of beer options here so stick with beer. As far as food, well I'm sure you've heard, but they have some pretty good wings here. it's not a myth. However, don't order the Ghost Chile wings - you'll regret it, I know I did. I regretted it several times a day for a week. I completed their dumb wing challenge and didn't get anything for it except an ulcer. I even had to pay for it! Whatever, this place isn't known for their hot wing challenge, only for having good wings so stick to the basics. The barbecue here is okay. I'm pretty critical about my barbecue so I'm sure many will find the barbecue here amazing, but to a purist it's just okay. For a bar, it is very good though so take it for what it's worth. So what did we learn here? Order beer. Order any type of wings except for the Ghost Chile ones. Order one of their barbecue sandwiches or burgers. Follow those guidelines and you'll enjoy your time here.
(3)Ivanka B.
Oh company holiday party - damn you! Loved the booths and the drinks, didn't try the food but the karaoke was fantastic. Until next time ....
(3)Katerina K.
I am literally never disappointed when eating at Jake's. Now that I do not live downtown, any time I do go downtown, I make sure I stop to eat at Jake's with whoever is with me. Their wings are AMAZING. They are pretty spicy even if you get their traditional buffalo. Love this place and I will be downtown tomorrow and cannot wait to stop in.
(5)Jack F.
Sweet Lord the March Madness burger. If you come to Jake's, come for THAT. it's an amazing experience. I struggled, but prevailed. Fries are pretty good here as well.
(4)Sarah M.
Of course, the wings are great. We tried the firecracker this time, and they were awesome! Surprisingly though, this is my go-to place for a quick salad and a beer. The garbage and cobb salads are both really good. The beer is always good. They have a great selection. They really need to do away with the tiny glasses though. I paid $8.50 for a 3" tall glass of beer. That's annoying! Usually the service is good. However, this time our server wasn't friendly at all, and worst of all, she was sooo slow.
(4)Kristen T.
Had the best time here while visiting Chicago with friends. The Bloody Mary's are excellent (and come with a shooter of Miller Lite for $1!) and the wings were very tasty. We were there for brunch and the portions were extremely generous and kept us all full for the entire day. Our waiter, Dan, was amazing! After overhearing my husband wish one of the friends we were there with a "happy birthday" Dan surprised the birthday boy with a delicious dessert on the house. We were blown away!
(4)Mike M.
the best wings in illinois! nuff-said! go there!
(5)Emily C.
Pretty good sports bar in this part of the city. They have a great beer selection and good burgers (try the turkey burger - it's my fave). They usually have a special burger and / or special wings (we once tried the PB&J wings and they were great). The BBQ is pretty good. The special the last time we went was a burger with an egg on top in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It was too much. Try the chocolate chip cookie skillet for dessert. 85/365
(3)Zach E.
Jake's wings are the must have when going here. i personally stick to boneless, and change between the buffalo and the wing of the month. hard to go wrong in downtown 60611.
(4)Adoley J.
A good BBQ spot with great beer selections. YES PLEASE! Had dinner here last night and over 24 hours later I am still dreaming about the pulled pork. Cannot wait to go back and try the famous wings.
(5)Rokey T.
Jake Melnick's advertises the best wings in town and it doesn't disappoint. The buffalo, spicy buffalo and garlic wings are super tasty! They're a little smaller than "jumbo" as stated on the menu, but ehh every restaurant pulls that. The ranch is real nice. The nachos are loaded and okay. I wouldn't order them again, but if you're in the mood for cheesy chips with chilli--give it a shot! Honestly, haven't eaten anything else because the wings are JUST THAT GOOD! ***They don't do delivery, but pick up is super quick and the food is always warm by the time I bring it home.
(5)Bill K.
The good - extensive beer menu, decent food. The bad - prices (usually at least $6-7 for a beer, up to $12.95 for a dozen wings), service, and most TVs don't have HD. Let me repeat and expand on that last comment....the year is 2012 where most households have high def TVs, and this is supposed to be a sports bar that charges +$7/beer and $12.95/dozen wings, yet they don't have the games in HD!!! Even worse, most of the TVs are pretty small and hard to see due to their positioning. You are much better off cooking or ordering in and watching games in your own living room than going to this joint.
(1)Matthew W.
As Homer Simpson says..."Beer". Order "A little Sumpin' Sumpin'" It's a good beer and you'll sound ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. Extensive beer list. A lot that I hadn't heard of until Jake's. Good specials. Not cheap but probably worth the cost. The food is average but it's comfort food and a lot of it and that has to count for something. They make a pretty good burger. Skip the pulled pork though. Good place to watch the game...any game. They have a ton of TVs. No pretension either. Just a good time. They even have a rewards card for loyal customers. Don't forget to check in on Foursquare for great specials like free fries or 50% off lunch and definitely don't forget to grab a Root Beer Barrel Candy on the way out. Tell 'em Jake sent ya. I've never actually tried that but maybe it'll work.
(4)Dustin G.
We were hungry. It was lunchtime. This was the only place without a wait. This could have been disastrous but it was delightful. The bbq sauce is like hickory-smoked crack! I could've drank it by the glass. I tried the pork sandwich, the brisket and the garbage salad. The meat was delicious and it reminded me of real SOUTHERN bbq, not this wacky midwest stuff they usually have up in Chi town. If you're from the deep south, check this place out the next time you have a hankerin' for some down home flavors. Oh! Amazing bloody marys. Absolutely delicious and very spicy.
(4)Rits M.
the atmosphere is great here. perfect bar feel, lots of wood and bbq. Also like the writing on the wall. Place is pretty large and well stacked with beer. Service was rather slow, but it was a friday evening so Im not holding it against them.
(3)Francesca L.
I've been going to Jack Melnick's for a long time. I feel like it's a hidden in the loop area. The food is decent and they have a really good beer selection. They are known for their wings so try them! If you are in the area and looking for some good beers and decent bar food, check out Jack Melnick's!
(4)Dennis S.
Now these people understand hospitality! After two unsuccessful stops trying to partake of advertised Kentucky Derby "special events" (see one-star reviews of Market Restaurant and David Burke's Primehouse), we got to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap at 4:50, with post time for the Derby at 5:20. Sign on the door - "Closed at 5:00 for Private Party." Now I'm getting worried - there is no Plan D. I went in and asked the hostess about watching the Derby. She said to come on in, order a drink, but the bar closes at 5pm. We're welcome to stay and watch the race, but then need to leave after the race because their private party needs to be set up. Now that's how to run a customer-oriented business! We, along with about 30 others, watched the race on dozens of TV's, heard the background info on the horses and heard the race called, yelled for our horses, watch 15 minutes of post-race interviews and analysis, finished our drinks, and left. Very civilized. Everybody was happy, I won't ever give Jake's four stars for their food, but they certainly cemented my loyalty as a "fan," and five stars for hospitality.
(4)Dan G.
I've been here a bunch and always liked it. But, I think today was an off day. Always a solid choice for a few brews and excellent BBQ. It had been a long time since we've been here and I was craving the gluttony that typically awaits me here. Jake maybe you were too focused on the line of tourists in your joint. I know you can do much better. We opened with the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza. It pretty much sucked as it was cold and didn't have any blue cheese or even a decent helping of the other toppings. We usually get this and it was awful this time and I simply tried to regroup for my pigout. We instead focused our efforts on the refreshing pitcher of New Belgium's Dandelion Ale that we were enjoying from their nice draft selections. Our waiter let us try it first, which just added to the attentive service he provided. A short bit later entrees arrived, veggie burger for her, pork BBQ sampler for me plus garlic fries. My wife enjoyed what she calls a burger and I loved the cue. To me, that's your best bet here and they do it well. My sampler included Carolina, Georgia and KC versions of pulled pork, all of which were great. I'm glad it was too, because the brisket is killer and something I rarely pass on. The typically scrumptious fries were not so great. Undercooked and poorly seasoned, they lacked the crispy texture and saltiness that clears them from our table in the blink of an eye. But I'm a trooper and I was unimpeded in putting away the whole basket. I really like Jake's and just hope that they pick it up in the future. Football is right around the corner and this is the perfect place for gamewatching.
(3)Viola I.
Went here with a group a friends a few times. Noticed the sign for "award-winning wings". I'm always skeptical of those banners claiming best this and that or award winning, but I had to give them a try. And boy, did the wings live up to that banner. They were awesome!! The other food was also a crowd pleaser throw in great service and you have yourself a perfect place to grab dinner!! Definitely a must go.
(5)Don B.
Went back for the BBQ and it did not disappoint! Had a trio of BBQ sliders, pulled pork with three different styles of sauce. I really liked the N.C. sauce, I'm a sucker for the bite of vinegar! Also split another round of wings, just as good as before. For my money this is about as closed as you'll get to a local neighborhood bar in the middle of Mag Mile/Gold Coast.
(4)Charlie R.
Went here after seeing the Christmas sites by Water Tower Place. Wanted a good eating experience, but not too uptight. Jake Melnick's came to mind. Went in on a very busy Saturday night and was told that it would be a 45 minute wait. Not surprised at all so we got a beer at the bar. GREAT BEER MENU! 20 minutes later we were seated in the back. Started off with a side of onion rings which were ehh. I ordered a burger, can't remember the name but had bacon, pork and BBQ sauce as toppings. One of the best burgers I have ever had! Service was a little slow, seemed like our server was paying attention to other tables more and our waters were always empty, but I will chalk that up to being near the holidays. Great food and beer selection!
(4)Susie Q.
I have been here a few times, and both the food, service, and drinks were of good quality. The food even hold up well for delivery (ceo). Wings....love them all except the garlic marinade, as they didn't have much of a flavor. They can pull off a good pulled pork sandwich too. It's pretty cool that you can also do a build-a-burger and build-a-chicken sammy. Easy place to grab a weekend breakfast without the extensive lines like most of the other places in the area. Icing on the cake-- always check out the burger of the month special. Check it out. Eat a burger. Grab a brew.
(4)Dario C.
The burgers rock. And they're huge. Fries are excellent as well. I think the wings are good, but not out of this world. I had them again recently, and they were a bit too greasy for my tastes. They're definitely meaty, though. We watched a Bears game here on a Sunday; there were a lot of tourists there (I'm not suggesting this is a bad thing). We just figured all the hotels on the Mile probably recommended Jake's. Bottom line: great place for a beer and a burger.
(4)Chris R.
I ordered the Halloween wing mix of spicy, very hot, and XXX wings and they were great. The XXX wings are dressed with Bhut Pepper (ghost pepper) sauce and holy crap were these hot but with great flavor. The waitress properly warned me they were ghost pepper so unless you know what this is you probably will be in more hell than heaven if you order them.
(5)Lauren D.
Melnick's and I have a pretty long standing relationship - the first time I came here I knew I'd been before; back in the day when it used to be the Blackhawk Lodge. They had amazing clam chowder. Anyway, with a good beer list, fun drink specials (last night was $5 hurricanes) and loads of TVs for your sports-inclined companions, it's a great, casual bar to consider when you're in the mood for that kind of thing. I've generally had great service, with the exception of a slow and inattentive server last night, but the manager was on top of things and definitely made up for that. The food is good - I like the flat breads and salads and their fries are incredible. There's generally not too long of a wait, even on weekends, and brunch is decent too. PS: I'd say it's more like 3.6, but I rounded down because it's Saturday.
(3)Parsa B.
Went here two weeks ago. Fiancee loved the mild wings. I ordered the XXX wings and almost died.
(4)Tom Y.
I did not expect the amount of microbrews that they have here when I walked-in. If I knew better I would have gotten my co-worker to drive. I am a beer guy and I was just giddy from all of the regional beers that were available, but we came here to eat too and that is when everything went downhill. We had the appetizer combo with the works and it was smaller than similar dishes at other places, than we had a spinach-artichoke dip. All of the food was bland and mediocre, really mediocre. Come here for the beer, skip the food.
(3)Alex L.
I love this place cin Chicago, a great place to have a couple of beers after a shopping day on Magnificiant Mile. They have a great selections of beers and good finger food. The burgers are great too.
(4)Jen K.
Will never go here again based on the service we received. Although, the manager was kind about it, and made up for it too. Unfortunately though, the restaurant is forever stained with the poor service and attitudes of the host and server. We were with a group of 6 people and waited over an hour to get sat at a table in the bar. :/ The hosts weren't very kind either. Is it the Downtown Chicago snob attitude? I don't know but they should really be kinder to a group that is about to drop a $100 tab into their laps... One thing I will say is their salami & pepperoncini flatbread pizza was delicious! Then again, maybe I was just starving after waiting an hour and a half, in a half full restaurant. :(
(1)Ericka L.
My friends and I came here for the HOT chicken wings. Heard something about needing to sign a waiver before you eat them...yeah, I dont think so. The sauce was hot to me - cuz Im a wuss - to a regular beer drinking male - not so much. My boyfriend said that they werent hot at all and then he wasnt even asked to sign the "waiver" before he the others ate them! I was disappointed to say the least. The waiter we had was nice but we barely saw him and my friend waited almost an hour for her veggie burger! The drink I had from the bar was not good and the ribs I had left something to be desired...I think they're still in my fridge from weeks ago. Overall, not good eats.
(2)Jeff L.
Service was very poor on this Saturday afternoon visit. Only ordered the wings to confirm that they were as good as reported. In my opinion they were only average. Nice size, but the sauce and preparation were nothing special.
(3)John K.
A good spot to hangout with buddies after work. Onion wings are great and so are the nachos. Recommend.
(4)Kristen C.
Love the food, and service is always speedy! The fried pickles are the best I have ever had; the wings are amazing!
(5)Joe E.
So I previously reviewed Jake Melnick's for their XXX wing challenge. But, this time, I tried their amazing wings. Rated as some of the best in the city, I was excited to try the different sauces they offered. And just like the city's consensus, I agree with the title as some of the best. The waiting staff is friendly and the atmosphere is very sports bar-like. I do want to come back and try some of their flatbreads and BBQ that I saw other tables trying. Hope to update soon!
(4)Stephanie W.
Jake Melnick's is probably a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and chow down some junk food, but I wouldn't come back for any other reason. We stopped by for lunch because we were in the neighborhood and starving and they had valet parking, and on further consideration, we really should have looked a little further afield. The second star is solely for our waitress, who was a total sweetheart, super attentive, friendly, and personable. We ordered a BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, a Chinese chicken salad, and a garbage salad. The portions were HUGE, but the pizza was mediocre at best and the salads were barely edible. Definitely sticking to the bar food next time.
(2)Lea J.
Another random spot. Franchised-feel but friendly. Couldn't stop eating their sweet potato fries. Will try their burgers and wings on next visit.
(3)Amanda F.
This is my go-to bar on the weekends. River North lacks cheap low maintenance bars with good food. I not only like/know most of the waiters/waitresses but the secret 30% student discount is key (that is, if you're a student). Some of my regular orders: 5.00 bloody marys on Sundays garbage salad bbq brisket roasted chicken cobb salad wings
(5)Katie M.
We came for a beer unveiling and while that particular beer was a bust, I really enjoyed everything about Jake Melnick's. I like that everything is sort of a hybrid between classic pub food and down-home barbeque - it's a nice balance. We made it just in time to catch their $5 apps happy hour. We filled up on bbq nachos, spinach pizza, & potato skins. Made the extra rounds of beer a little more affordable. Also, our server was awesome. Our party went from two to five to eight to a dozen and they were super cool about letting us grab two booths sidebyside so we could all hang out. Our beers were always full and our sever was really good about making sure that everything was perfect. I will definitely be back.
(3)Amy L.
Stumbled upon Jake's while walking down the Magnificent Mile, and couldn't have been more impressed. The first thing that stuck out was the service. We were visiting from San Diego which some consider the craft brew mecca of the U.S. and we were thoroughly impressed by the knowledge of our bartender when it came to the great selection of beer Jake's had to offer. We weren't hungry at the time, but we were compelled to return and order a couple orders of their award winning wings togo after we went to a nearby pub to shoot some pool, which our knowledgable bartender recommended. Even though the wings were cold by the time we got to our hotel room, they were just about the best wings we have ever had. Wish we could go back and try the rest of the menu, I definitely recommend!
(5)Keyona D.
Large sandwiches and good portions of wings. Decent prices, cool soda selection, but the cookie desert needs more ice cream and less whipped cream.
(3)Al C.
Why doesn't Yelp allow us to do ZERO stars and .5 stars?? Me thinks it imposes quite the limitations on my culinary reviewing prowess. Anyhoo...my man, a huge wing fanatic, was drawn to this place by the huge, alluring banner stating this place had the "BEST WINGS IN CHICAGO". What a bold statement, huh? So, we took the bait and ordered some wings, an appetizer sampler platter, mac and cheese, and a salad. My husband couldn't force himself to gum down the wings and the mac and cheese was NASTY. The salad was not so bad compared to everything else. So we left this place like $45 poorer, still hungry, and pissed off. Best wings in chicago, my ass.
(1)Adam M.
Although voted the best wings in Chicago three years coming the wings are pleasing, but only satisfy a certain liking. The breading on the spicy buffalo doesn't have a crunch to it or that perfect seasoning I would expect out of award winning wings. Truthfully I've had much better wings in the Chicagoland area and was rather bummed out that these were "award winning". One cool thing that Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does is they have a new chef's special mac n' cheese and wings every month. So each month the chef comes up with a new wing recipe and mac n' cheese. The month I went was a mac n' cheese that was spiced with buffalo and chipotle seasonings with bacon in it. The actual taste of the mac n' cheese was ok, but wasn't as good as I would have expected. The overall quality of the food was good, but not some of the best "award winning" food I have even eaten. The restaurant is worth checking out at least once even just for all the beer they serve on tap.
(3)Andrea S.
I go here when I'm traveling for work and need to catch up on out of town sports games.
(3)Ariana S.
Came across this little gem in search of a nice outdoor patio on a nice night in Chicago (yes they exist people..nice nights that is). After the patio, the first thing we noticed was the heavenly scent of wings and BBQ. Table for 3 please! Now this place is the real deal. Brisket, Pulled Pork, Corn Bread, Wings- it was a difficult choice. We of course had to try the Mac & Cheese of the Month which happened to be Poblano style with corn. AMAZING. COme to find out that every month is a new style (they've done Chilli Cheese, Pizza style, BBQ chicken style) They also have some really good craft beers (although we figured we would take it easy on this Wednesday night). Cool atmosphere, not expensive and food was good. Weird location for a spot like this but definitely a place I would go back...especially when they have panko crusted mac & cheese on the menu. Oh forgot to mention April- our server!. The sweetest thing EVER. She even asked if she could split our checks three ways (splitting up the appetizer too). Now seriously I can count on one hand the times I didnt get an eye-roll for this request, let alone an offer.
(4)Vincent C.
If these are the best wings in Chicago, then Chicago really doesn't have very good wings. The traditional buffalo wings were tasty, but nothing to write home about. Jake Melnick's batters their wings, but I prefer mine without, so that might be where my indifference comes from. The tequila-marinated, flavor-of-the-month wing really fell flat. It tasted like bland grilled chicken, but at least it came with some lime and salsa. I did appreciate that they used meatier wings, but that doesn't make up for not living up to its own hype. And I think what makes the Blood Marys special on the weekends is that they don't use any vodka. All the pepper in the world can't hide the lack of alcohol!
(2)Lala S.
Best Wings Hands Down! Sometimes I'm weary of places that claim to have the "best" of anything, may be it's my cynical side. But this place delivered! The wings were the shit and I have dreams of sucking bones dry here quite often. Their Pancho Wings are super good...definitely one of the best smoked/grilled wings I've had. They have a nice light crisp to them and are perfectly marinated. Their XXX wings are pretty spicy, although, I don't personally think it's so hot that it requires a waiver to be signed. I guess there are just a lot of pansies that try these wings--grow a pair. The Jake Smoque BQ Burger is to die for. It slightly reminds me of the Bacon Explosion. So good, but so bad for you. The Pulled Pork Slider trio was also very tasty. I prefered the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. mmm mmm mmm.
(5)Jaime S.
What I thought was going to be a small, dark and smelly Division Street-ish bar was NOT one at all! When we walked in, not only was the place huge, but it smelled like BBQ sauce was being infused into the ventilation system. Y-U-M. The menu is standard bar food, the drink list is extensive, and something about this place just makes me want to turn it into my new local haunt. It was warm and inviting on a "feels like - 35 degree" day in the city, and had college basketball on every TV in the place. Perfection.
(3)Patricia L.
Let me paint you a picture: Thursday night. 7:30pm. Party of 8. Mind you, there was also a March Madness going on that night so I was excited to be going to a sports bar. First off, I need to tell you that the burger I had there? Was one of the most amazing burgers I've ever had. Let me paint you another picture: March Burger of the Month 10.95, pair it with a pint for 11.95. "The Madness Burger"- Jake's signature burger BETWEEN TWO GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES with lettuce, tomato, BACON, A FRIED EGG, pepper jack cheese and mayo. Oh and by the by, the burger is 9oz, served with fries in a shallow bucket. You know that feeling of awesomeness while eating drunk food? That's what it felt like eating this mad burger. Split it with a friend, and oh so very glad I did. HERE'S THE THING... -our waiter was pretty rude at times -i couldn't even see the tv screens to watch the game from where i was sitting which was pretty disappointing. every seat should have a view of a tv screen if you're going to call it a "sports bar" -the madness burger was only available for the month of march. and then what? what would i get in april? -very loud...and there was so much space between me and the person across the table from me i had to yell so he could hear me Yes it was a phenomenal burger. But it's gone now...and that was the only reason I would return.
(3)Suzy D.
We went here with some friends to celebrate my husband's birthday tonight. We ordered the fried pickles, a bunch of wings, some nachos, and fries. The wings were the standout and the BBQ nachos were also very tasty. Next time I go, I think I might try the pulled pork sandwich. They have a lot of good draft beers, like Lagunitas. Yum! We had a great time. My husband and his buddies got the XXX wings and those wings were definitely flaming hot. Come here for a fun and affordable night in River North!
(4)Tiff W.
Thanks Chicago Craft Beer Week, for without you, I wouldn't have ever gone to Jake Melnick's. When you first step into the bar, you are greeted by the tasty aroma of BBQ. Fortunately (or unfortunately, however you want to look at it) for me, I had just eaten. But it sure did smell good. Jake Melnick's has excellent beer on tap and lots of TVs. The place is also really open and spacious (of course, we came on a Sunday afternoon, so take that for what it is). The BF & I probably could have hung around all afternoon had it not been for our ambitious bar crawl to collect bottle caps for Beer Week.
(4)Elizabeth P.
They had Strongbow. IN A BOTTLE. Consider my mind blown. Anyway, we went on Superbowl Sunday and got seated immediately. There were LOTS of drink options, even root beer for the baby brother. We had a great waiter -- from Kansas, as 3/4 of the people I run into in Chicago are, which immediately endeared him to us. Everyone was pleased with their food. My chicken sandwich was HUGE, and quite yummy. The fries were only okay.
(4)noelle o.
My boyfriend and I were in town from NYC for a wedding and only had about 2 or 3 meals that I was going to have time for. Luck had to be on my side because I had no time to waste. We were in this part of town and had to choose something soon bc we hadn't eaten for some time.. that being said, we were also slighty picky aout our choice... read some menus within the 3 block radius, but weren't going to settle for a chain spot or a touristy vibe. We got very lucky! I don't eat "bar food" very often, so when I do, I'd like it to be extra worth it! The wings were tasty and juicy. I think we did medium spice and that was the perfect amount! I also had the fried cod sandwich! LOVED IT! only thing was that it had american cheese on it, and wasn't aware that it came with cheese until it arrived... wasn't about to send it back because it wasn't neccessary and I was past hungry. We shared the basket of sweet potato fries which were DELICIOUS too! and.... the beer was yuumy and cold... I forget the type I had, but it was light with a hint of citrus lemon flavor. I would definitely go back if I'm in Chicago again!!!
(4)Heather H.
If I lived downtown it would probably be in the neighborhood of Jake Melnick's. The place itself is spacious yet has a rather cozy, neighborhood bar kind of feel to it. I've been a few times and they have quite honestly some of the best "bar food" I've ever had, if you can call it that. The turkey club is big and the turkey tastes and looks like it's fresh off the Thanksgiving table. A friend and I just tried their special Halloween burger. Crunchy fried onions, spicy mayo... mouthwatering! Hefty beer list with some unique choices for the beer connoisseur. The late night vibe is pretty cool, servers and bartenders are nice and informative. I also love their outdoor seating in the summer. It's probably a good thing I don't live closer, I think this place could put quite a dent in my bank account.
(3)Jiyoun B.
I read about how Jake had the spiciest chicken wings in Chicago and I was intrigued. Given that I've passed Jake Melnick's several million times, I didn't think much when I went in for the first time. I sampled: XXX and Super Spicy along side a full order of the Mixed: Ponchos and Traditional Spicy. I also ordered the Wood-Grilled Artichoke that comes with their mustard and lemon dipping sauce. The Artichoke was good but the sauce was addictive. I ran out of the sauce but still had some artichoke left at the end. The Poncho is good but soft. I like my chicken wings with a bit of crunch. The Traditional spicy had too much breading, which would have been okay if it didn't look like it had been sitting out for a bit. Now, I tried the Super Spicy before the XXX. Big mistake. I should have known better. Different spices affect different parts of the body. For example, wasabi hits the nose, Thai food hits the throat, vindaloo hits the tummy. Most spicy things hits your tongue. The Super spicy hits your mouth and its surroundings and any cuts on your finger. By the time my mouth cooled down for me to try the XXX, I couldn't feel anything. The XXX went straight for my stomach. It didn't knock me out though.
(4)william b.
Good food, earnest enough atmosphere for foodies, comfortably enough atmosphere for us (somewhat) sophisticated tourists, so worked out really well. I really enjoyed the barbecue brisket and ribs, and the friends went crazy over the eight pound burger. Most of all Jake's was a lifesaver for the bachelor party that I helped plan when I didn't know bupkiss about Chicago. Talked with an awesome hostess on the phone when making a reservation, and a really helpful hostess at the door the day of. Waitstaff was a little slow, but that was okay. We were a little boisterous.
(4)Sara Z.
Wonderful restaurant with both great food AND service! My husband and I stayed in a condo not too far from this restaurant and what a lucky find we stumbled upon... we both agree this was one of the highlights of our vacation (yes, we do love food; I doubt we'll ever travel to England). Our server was very informative (the manager requires the servers to taste the dishes so that they are more able to explain them - novel idea). Their burger of the day or week (I can't recall) caught my husband's eye and she informed him that it was "very spicy". You see, if she just said "spicy" then I might have tried it too and the Chicago Fire Department would have been called. My only warning is that the proportions are rather large... unbeknownst to us we were also ordering dinner. There really isn't much more to say here other than as long as you're not a vegetarian (and you love burgers, chicken wings, beer, Bloody Mary's (they have more than a few) - you get the gist), you should check this restaurant out... and Chicago, too - what a fabulous City!
(4)Jermaine H.
Despite the fact that I walk by just about every morning while on my way to work, I have never stopped in to experience what a lot of friends are buzzing about when mentioning Jake Melnick's. I recently decided to dine in with some colleagues and potential clients... and we had an absolutely amazing time. The restaurant was pretty energetic and the food was well prepared and very appetizing. Our server, Austin, was simply a delight to the group. He was very genuine and service oriented; very knowledgeable of the menu and restaurant; and humorous. I must say he did in fact impress the group. As a matter of fact, there wasn't very much I needed to do with the exception of enjoying the evening and waiting to see if our clients would bring us there business . And of course they did. So, I suppose I owe a bit of gratitude to our server and to the warm and welcoming atmosphere he and his colleagues provided for our group. We will certainly be regular guests in the coming days and weeks - and when it comes time to determine the next venue for our company gathering, we will certainly be eyeing Jack Melnick's. Positive experience...especially if Austin is your server! Thanks again--
(5)John V.
This review is for their XXX wings only. I went to Melnick's for the first time this past Friday just to try their XXX wings, which are supposed to be some of the hottest in the city. They were certainly hot, but there was almost no flavor to the wings. If you want to down some incredibly hot wings just for the sake of eating hot wings then you cannot go wrong with these wings. (If you finish they even put a little red plastic fireman's hat on your head and take your picture.) But, if you are someone who likes a LOT of heat and a LOT of flavor then save your money and go somewhere else. Now, as for the restaurant itself, I have no complaints. From start to finish my entire experience there was a fantastic one. I had a cut on my hand what was in an awkward place so bandages did not stay on very well and my waitress brought me a pair of "rubber gloves" from the kitchen so I could keep the sauce out of my cut. She also made sure to caution against rubbing my face afterward. Their beer selection is really good (they even have some Unibroue!). Also, the smell of their wood oven/smoker(?) permeated the entire restaurant and was quite mouth watering. I will definitely go back to try some other items on the menu, but I will not be going back for their wings.
(2)Stephanie V.
awesome parmesan garlic fries and many beers to choose from. wasn't very impressed with the Garbage Salad. we did enjoy the dominos game they have available for customers
(3)Jay S.
Been here many times and it never disappoints. Great wings, great burgers and above average bbq. My favorite sauce for wings is the Firecracker sauce - it was a monthly special awhile back but guess it was so popular they have it on the permanent menu now. I personally like to get the chicken tenders and ask them to toss it in the sauce. As for burgers, their burger of the month is always good enough to try. If you want a really "bad for you" meal then get the smokin que burger - it's wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top. Other than that, waiters/waitresses are always nice and attentive. They also have good knowledge of the beer list which is extensive.
(4)Jenna E.
Have been coming here every month for almost a year! I love trying their wing of the month every month! So far my favorite was the Caption Crunch! I think that if they ever bring it back..I may go everyday! Not only are their wings delicious but every other item I have ordered has been great as well! Anytime a friend comes in town to visit we always come to Jakes!
(5)Steven N.
I'll keep this one short and to the point - it's a great joint for a number of different casual get-togethers. We went here for happy hour today and were not disappointed. The drinks selections are great (great for beer lovers) and the bar food is slightly above average. Great location and the staff was friendly and accommodating. What's definitely worth mentioning is that I got a free beer because the bartender thought he made me wait too long for it. He ran out of what I wanted behind the bar, so he had to dig into the back fridge for it. All in all it only took less than 5 mins, but it was a very classy gesture. Check this place out for your next happy hour!
(3)Michelle R.
OMG the BEST Burgers in the City and I have many of them. My search is finally done for the BEST Chicago Burger...JAKES!! Love the fries and ranch too and the staff are nice. I only can go once a month/two month because its a lot of calories to take in. So I use Jakes as my CHEAT MEAL!! You Try their burgers
(5)C S.
a little too pricey to warrant 4 stars, but if you don't mind dropping at least $6.50 & up per beer this is a great bar. Great TV's, convenient location (even in sub 0 weather), and an interesting enough menu.
(3)Thongsy S.
I was here for a holiday party so we were in a private room. The food was very good. I especially enjoyed their spinach artichoke dip and chips. Very very good. And surprisingly, the mini turkey burgers were also very good. I never had turkey burgers before this so I didn't know what to expect but they were definitely yummy. I would have given 4 stars if it weren't for the service. The party was buffet style so the servers still had to take our drink orders. All I wanted was water to wash my food down. My friend ordered a coke and most of us ordered alcoholic beverages (beer, cocktails, etc.). Ten minutes later, the drinks arrived and of course, the waitress forgot my water and didn't even apologize. It's too bad because I would have still tipped her for the water. Oh wells.
(3)Jason M.
At just 62 paces from the front door of the building where I live... this is the closest place for me to enjoy an adult beverage or cold beer, with the exception of my home bar or refrigerator. April the bartender has been nothing but sweet and accommodating. This is the only bar I have found so far that has one of my favorite beers Trummer Pils. The $8.31 price with tax is one of the reasons I'm not giving 5 stars. The portions at this place are freaking obscene (in a good way, if you like large portions). The wings are incredible here. Large and juicy. Had the super hot, which the name fits perfectly for. The super hot was so hot, I didn't dare try the XXX wing I'd ordered a la carte. Unfortunately right now their menu and large awesome selection of beer isn't conducive with my current diet. This place does have a number of tourists, but that's okay. They have a large number of very nice flat screen tv's. This place might become my Sunday football watching home. Especially as the winter sets in and 62 paces will seem like a mile to me walking in the cold. Ashley is the other bartender I know by name and she is super nice and accommodating as well. All of the staff always great you when they see you and seem very pleasant as well.
(4)Jessica C.
Alright, I'll give this place an "A" for effort. I was in my typical woman mood one night and was craving bar food. Not too busy for a Wednesday night but there was still a nice crowd. I've tried to stop in here on a Friday or Saturday - no such luck, the place is packed. I was very excited to see they serve Strongbrow Cider (11% alcohol I might add). The BF and I split some platter with fries, brisket, and ribs? Anyway, definately not a meal that should be eaten by 1 person. Not bad food - the ribs weren't exactly fall off the bone, but good. Fries were a little soggy. Ehh, I got my fix.. not sure if I would eat here again but definately might stop in for some beers from time to time.
(3)Mike T.
Can't argue Jake's. You go for the wings or whatever the burger of the month is. I never got a burger, too busy eating delicious chicken. But the burgers were always well received by whoever I was with and there's a beer special with them. Which brings me to my next point, beer. There's a great selection here. Actually that's not accurate. There's an exorbitant amount of beers. I grew found of "A Little Sumpin Sumpin" which not only has the bet name around but it's a solid beer. Free fries with 4square check in. Only complaint is on a Monday I was there and they had "Mystery Beer Night" which was a random beer in a brown bag. Never one to turn down the opportunity to drink from a brown bag, I was disappointed when I got the same beer twice. It was like buying a kidrobot, loving it, and then getting the same one. Great spot in Chicity, definitely hit this up. And if you talk about advertising, you'll probably run into someone else who is.
(4)Diane D.
Recently spent several days in Chicago and went here twice. There were two consistent themes: Beer selection is awesome and Service is ridiculously slow. The food was ok, I like to judge a place based on it's blue cheese-theirs was decent. If you order the fried pickles, they use the thin dill stackers as opposed to chips or spears, but I love fried goodness! We had the garlic cayenne wings both nights; definitely a keeper, but no boneless. It appeared to be a great place to grab a drink, but I wouldn't count on it for a great dinner.
(3)Kimberly O.
We came here to watch the World Cup 1/4 final. We sat at the bar and ordered coffee - we had to ask the bartender to wipe down the bar from the previous animal (Winnie the Poo maybe?) who appeared to have dined there - it was rather sticky. He did so but begrudgingly and made a shoddy job of it. Our coffee came via the waitress. My friend had ordered a Baileys on the side but the bartender gave us both one then acted annoyed when I said that I didn't want mine so my GF gallantly drank both. We had to ask grudgy for water twice. We ordered the wings (spicy) and I asked what was in the fruit punch. That drew a blank look or was it a scowl then he said it might be rum and coconut ( fyi it wasn't). At this point we decided to cut our losses with Neanderthal man and move to a table. We were still waiting on our wings -which took a good 25 minutes -they were good but not 'best in Chicago good' which was the claim and they weren't that spicy. The waitress was slow as in - is she ever coming back with our drinks or extra blue cheese slow. Since she had gone into hiding my friend went to the bar and refilled her water. Waitress got very upset and told her she would have done it. (Retort -yes but you didn't did you). A cat fight looked like it might break out but then Ghana missed a penalty and the ensuing mayhem from the soccer fans (including myself) proved a distraction. What a great game! BFF and I carried on firing into the fruit punch and watching the ensuing penalty shoot out drama unfold. When my friends was 3 drinks happy the blue cheese arrived, the wings were long since gone but my friend made nice with the waitress anyway. She even ended up giving us some tips on which places to check out on our Chicago tour although I'm not sure I'd trust her. All in all a great time at Jake Melnick's helped out by copious amounts of 'mystery punch' and some great soccer drama but no thanks to the service.
(2)Lizard F.
I've worked a few short blocks from Jake's for over 2 years now. I've eaten there twice in the last two months, and was sorely disappointed--on my second visit, downright grossed out. The first visit, I only had a side salad while I was chatting with visiting family members. It consisted of mostly iceberg lettuce, a.k.a. crunchy water. Disappointing, but not a deal-breaker. I went back this past Wednesday with colleagues. I asked if they could take the bacon and chicken off the cobb salad, and if I could get all romaine (instead of romaine and iceberg). Sadly, the lettuce is pre-mixed. So I went searching for something else veg-friendly....and settled on a chicken Asian salad without the chicken and a loaded baked potato without the bacon. The salad was coming along alright, despite the unsatisfying lettuce, and I was about 3/4 done with it when I looked down and saw A HAIR IN MY SALAD!!!!!!! A LONG DARK HAIR!!!!!!!! I had the waiter take my plate away immediately, and then decided to tackle the baked potato, which was 50% overly-starchy potato and 50% oily cheese. Yuck. To be fair, they didn't charge me for my salad, but I'm not willing to give them a third chance. Sorry, Jake Melnick's--MAJOR FAIL.
(1)T W.
Came in with a group on a Monday night. The place was pretty quiet. They have an interesting beer selection. We had some beers and some chicken wings. There was nothing bad to report in our visit., but nothing outstanding, either. (Thus, the 3 stars). The chicken wings we had were normal, the beer was normal and the service was ... very good. All in all, a good experience, but we could have been back home in Mpls, or in Memphis or in Mobile for that matter. Normal.
(3)Tina W.
Where to start? For some inexplicable reason, this place was really packed. The crowd consisted of a strange mixture of families and loud girls with sparkly tops. The waiter appeared to be woefully inexperienced. He had to be prompted to bring us a drink menu, spilled my iced tea all over the table and his fancy-looking watch, and attempted to clear my friend's still-full plate. The artichoke spinach flatbread was mediocre (and not worth 10$) and we had some parmesan garlic fries that had the most garlicky of garlicky tastes that ever passed my lips. At some point I was using a napkin to wipe off garlic pieces before eating. Moderation people! At this point a third friend joined us and ordered a cider. The bottle came broken with a knifelike projection on the lip which cut my friend's lip pretty badly. She was bleeding onto a napkin when our waiter and his manager came over multiple times to express their apologies. They paid for her cider and filled out an "accident report", which suspiciously only involved getting down her name. Considering the seriousness of the offense, I thought they could have paid the whole bill.
(2)Internet U.
HOT WINGS I went there for 1 thing and 1 thing only! HOT WINGS... So when you order it, you get a plastic fire hat, and sign a waiver! Then, when you get them, you have the option of when you ring a bell, they rush out with ice cream, bread, milk, and sour cream to put out the fire! And boy, was it a fire! My mouth STILL hurt that night when i got home! Once i couldn't eat any more of the Satan-rigged, lightbulb-sized wings, they took my picture and put it on the wall! My dad had a burger, he said it was really good... :P I would love to go back again, and try to beat my record of 2 wings! ;D
(4)Jarod P.
I HATE this kind of place. There are so many places in Chicago that are on the cusp of 3 and 4 stars - we are a city dominated by B-minus! Now if you are bothering to read this review, I should tell you that I came here for one reason only: to try those triple X wings they brag about, that have that ghost pepper stuff. They're supposed to be the hottest wings in the world! THE WORLD! So if you want a more rounded review skip to the next one. So, what was the wing experience? Bottom line: "Good wings." To go into more detail: Our waitress didn't seem particularly interested in serving us. She didn't neglect us but her attitude was one of wishing she was anywhere in the world except right there serving us. You read about this place and it's supposed to be: if you order the hot wings, you get: - A plastic fireman hat - A waiver to sign - A bell to ring; if you ring it, the servers come rushing to your aid with ice cream, milk, bread and sour cream to put out the fire. Now, see, I'm into the theatrics. I love Ed Devebic's, Mi Tierra, and Medieval Times. As long as the food and service are there too, the gimmicks can be lots of fun! Well, they seem really bored by their own gimmicks at Jack Melnick's. We got the hats. She dumped the waivers on the table without explaining what they were. No bell, though. It was kind of underwhelming - if you're gonna have that stuff, you gotta SELL IT! But the wings themselves were pretty damn good. The parmesan-garlic fries with ranch sauce were aces. The blue cheese dip was wonderful. The XXX wings, interestingly, were not as hot as the "atomic" wings at WingStop, at least initially. But it was a heat that refused to die out. With the atomic wings, after ten minutes you're fine. With the XXX wings, it took a good half hour for the suffering to end, even with that "cold plate" of milk and ice cream and junk. I did like that they have a whole load of beers. Although it's annoying when you're like "OMGWFT they serve my favorite beer I can't get anywhere else!" and they're like "Yeah we're out of that." But if you can't find a beer you like here, just order something, you'll like it anyway. So, I'm on the fence between 3 and 4 stars. I figure go with 4 because we had good food, good beer and a good time, even if the experience didn't live up to the hype. And we talked about coming back; I was able to do two XXX wings, but I think I could do five if I really put my mind to it. So four it is. Just don't expect the crazy theatrics promised by their web site and reviews.
(4)Brian K.
Melnick's has a little bit of Loop feel because of the conventioneers and business people that will inevitably end up there due to it's location, but if you can get past that, it's a great place. Generally speaking, the wings are amazing, but if you like it hot, get the XXX wings and you will not be disappointed...makes Hooters look like it's run by a pack of blond bimbos. They have a good local/regional beer selection, some ridiculous Bloody Mary's and and 8lbs hamburger that is novel and will over feed a family of 8.
(4)Amy H.
Again, I wish 3 1/2 stars were an option because I can't quite give it the 4 stars it may deserve after only 1 visit. First let me admit that I am a very pedestrian beer drinker--my favorite is Miller High Life so I cannot appreciate the rave reviews that their beer selection receives. Also, I did not try the wings (although I am generally a fan of wings) which is what seems to be their specialty because they seemed kind of pricey to me. That being said, they might serve the BEST Bloody Mary I have ever had, and I am a connoisseur of Bloody Mary's. All Bloody Mary's (and they have 6 or 7 kinds) are $5 on Saturdays and Sundays, and are well worth it. I had "The Standard" as I am a bit of a purist, and could have drank more than one if I wasn't so tired. We went on the Saturday night before Easter. Place was very busy but we were seated immediately and the service was excellent. They have a good menu for a sports bar type place. The atmosphere felt a tad corporate and impersonal to me, but I attribute that to the area in which it is located. The service was great, friendly and attentive. I had pulled pork and ordered it with onion rings, both of which were excellent. My husband ordered the beef brisket with hand cut fries. His was also very good, but we both liked mine better. The beef didn't seem like a brisket cut of meat, it seemed more like a smoked roast. I may not know what I'm talking about as far as that goes, but I know that I prefer brisket I've had elsewhere much better. The main complaint either of us had was that it was not served with enough BBQ sauce; and by the time we realized we needed more we had already told the waiter several times that everything was delicious and we didn't need anything else, so he had stopped checking on us. Kinda feel like that was our own fault; but my suggestion to any restaurant where BBQ is a big part of their menu is provide plenty, or even put bottles on the table. I wouldn't make a special trip out of my way to go to this place, but would recommend it to anyone staying in the area and would definitely go again if only for a Bloody Mary if I was nearby.
(3)Amy H.
I've been here twice, and I feel like it's safe to pass judgment on it. The first time I wasn't thrilled, but that was due to a poor order on my part, not due to the food or service being bad. Last time I went I ordered the pulled pork sliders. A trio of 3 different sauces on 3 sliders, served with a hefty portion of fries. The food was excellent. It wasn't busy at all either time I went.
(4)Michael N.
Jake's is a great neighborhood establishment with a fantastic staff and a fantastic beer list. The food is above average BBQ. I've only had one thing in my MANY (my parents live next door) visits that I did not like-the Buffalo Chicken flatbread. It's known for its buffalo wings so I thought this would be a nice option. Instead, it fell short of my expectations. Other than that, the appetizers are are really good; the soups are always tasty; and the sandwiches are also very food. WARNING: If you get a salad, be prepared to only finish about 1/2 of it; they're HUGE. For those coming in from out of town looking for some above average BBQ, this is a great option, but understand that this is not Kansas City, St. Louis, North Carolina, Memphis, Texas, etc. We are known for great hot dogs, pizza, pop corn (Garrett's), etc. so don't go in expecting Arthur Bryant's (if you don't know what that is, then don't call yourself a BBQ fan). But, if you want a good pulled pork or beef brisket sandwich, this is a great place to stop.
(4)Pamela P.
Having lived in the building for about 5 years (but thankfully moved away), I've been here a lot. It's always the same: mediocre. The food is just alright, bland at times but always heavily oily and heart-attack inducing. The music is much too loud. The drinks are watered-down and pricey. In fact, some of the drinks I've actually had to send back because they were awful and, contrary to common belief, I hate sending drinks or food back. The crowd is an older, after work bunch. Also, the thing that always go to me is that it closes early, even on the weekends, and the kitchen closes even earlier than the restaurant. What's up with that? The brisket is actually good and the veggie burger was delicious. Other than that, it's pricey average pub food...
(3)Nancy H.
I've been here on many occassions and have nothing I strongly recommend except their $5 happy hour menu M-F from 3:30 - 6 PM and 11 PM - 1 AM which is mainly appetizers and 4 flatbread pizzas. And I'm in love with the caesar salad. In January, they started offering extremely hot wings made with red savina peppers (supposedly one of the world's hottest). They claim they make you sign a waiver form (we never got one), and they give you a bell to ring when you need to succumb to their "relief package" which is a small glass of milk, a pat of sour cream, 1 sliced white bread, and best of all - a scoop of ice cream. I say ring it even if you don't need it b/c it's free. They take your picture which gets posted on the wall by the bathrooms. 10 super hot wings will cost you $9 and probably multiple uncomfortable trips to the restroom. I only had one wing, and even that will do you in the next day. No matter how much your tongue can handle it, your stomach most likely can't. It's been smelling like a wet mop in here the last two times I've come here, and the waitresses aren't the friendliest, but it's a staple neighborhood sports bar in a neighborhood without many bars (Cathedral District).
(3)Seth G.
We went to this place for the wings and they were fine just fine. The place is a total tourist spot, which is expected by its location. The wings are advertised as jumbo but were the size of regular wings. Our server was very friendly and knew his stuff, but other than that nothing too exciting. I can't imagine I would go back there.
(3)Nikki V.
My boyfriend works around the corner from Jake's, so we decided to stop in for a drink. First off, their specialty cocktails sounded delicious. Not just a bunch of "martinis". They were proper cocktails using seasonal ingredients, something I wasn't expecting. I had the Curly Cucumber, which was delicious. Next time I'll have the New Yorker. Since we'd just gotten off work and were hungry, we tried the nachos off the "Late Night Food" menu. Full size plate of nachos with smoked brisket for FIVE BUCKS! Tasty to boot. Our server, Dave, was amazing. Seriously, best late night service I've ever received anywhere, and possibly one of the best service experiences ever, period. He was attentive, friendly, informative, and super nice- our friends forgot their car keys and he ran down the street to catch them (although for any server, getting to leave the building even for 30 seconds is a treat)! We'll definitely be back.
(5)Jason H.
Its great for big groups. Went there twice for events w/ 20+ people. The service was great and there's room to move. They also have a great beer selection and a burger that is literally larger than your brain.
(4)Daniel G.
Go here if you want good food and unique beer and drinks. I had the BBQ smoke house burger wrapped in bacon. Very tasty, my server gave me a sample of a beer that was brewed with lavender and it rocked! Awesome customer service and great vibe.
(5)Neal S.
Great place to get a micro brew and some wings. Plenty of tv's so all the games are on. Tremendous service -- the servers have a good time with the customers. The food was hot, fresh and really good. We had wings, nachos, spinach dip and a brownie dessert. All were great. Came here 3 times in 3 days because it was close to our hotel and the staff treated us so well. Not a place to come get a glass of wine. This is a beer/wing joint and they have a wide selection of locally brewed beers.
(4)Eugene H.
great wings good place to catch the game
(4)Andrew L.
The wings here are worth coming back to. We ordered the XXX wings here, and we got the whole fanfare of plastic firefighter hats, fake "these wings are seriously hot" waivers and a cool-down bell for when you just can't handle the heat anymore. Spoiler alert: the wings weren't that hot. They were delicious, though! Oh, and they have a nice selection of beers.
(4)Christine K.
Decided to come here on a random Thursday night. Our waitress, Laura, was friendly and attentive. We ordered a basket each of the "spicy" and the "super hot" wings. Spicy was good for my taste, without being too hot to enjoy. The super hot was just that...super hot! The guys in my group liked them though. The wings were also decently meaty - not like the tiny little wings you might get at some other places. We also ordered one of the specials of the day - the sloppy pig. YUM! Fries were delish as well. All in all, a great stop if you enjoy bar food with a little twist.
(4)L G.
Great good, great service, great place to watch sports, will certainly go back!!
(4)Jamie B.
I love the firecracker wings. The sauce is so savory/sweet! I generally dip anything that I can find into the remainder. Also for beer be sure to try the Avery Maharaja which is a double IPA at 10.3%!!
(4)Casey M.
I went to Jake Melnick's for a little family reunion last friday night. After running about 30 minutes late, thanks to Redline train becoming express suddenly, I got there and found my family. It was rather hot in Jake's that night and being parched from the journey down I needed a drink bad. I did not see our server and now with the extreme heat of the restaurant things were getting even worse. I then was called over by my big brother to eat some of his hot wings. I thought "ok, I can wait it out a little longer." I bite into the hot wing and flames come spurting out. Man, these were hot!!! The heat came up through my nose and made my eyes water. I was crying, but the heat was soon over as I got a nice fruity taste, typical of habañero and other extreme heat chiles. As I swallowed the heat came back and my eyes went from tearing to a dry and red. Now I really needed a drink and still no server. I drank some of my brother's water, which is always a bad idea because it just spreads chile oils all around, but I needed something cool and wet. My lips were burning and I needed some more water to cool the burn. I ran to the bathroom washed my hands throughly and then splashed water on my burning face. Ouch! There was still chile oils on my hands and I became blinded, I had maced myself. I ran the water in the sink and placed my head under the facet so the water would just pour onto my burning eyes. Finally, after about 3 minute eyewash, I could see again. I dry my face and return to the table. Now I was feeling good while the peppers released endorphins. The server finally comes and a cold Urthel Hop-it is on the way. We all eat another wing and being more experienced now I take the wing in strides. They are really good. There is so much more flavor in these wings than there is heat. I later discover that they used the Bhut Jolokia chile in the wings. One of the hottest chiles in the world. The beer arrives and it's barely cold, but I need it now more than ever. The service was rather slow that evening and the restaurant was a bit warm considering they serve these hot of wings. I later order a spinach and artichoke dip and it comes relatively fast. It's good, creamy, savory and served with tortilla chips. Overall experience was Ok. Service was slow, Restaurant was hot, Hot wings were HOT and amazing, Beer was warm and Arti dip was good. I just might come back Jake's if you would just cool that place down a bit.
(3)Tomas D.
Went there based on the reviews and location and were not disappointed. The super hot wings are super hot (so please believe your waiter and not make the same mistake I made). There was en engagement party right next to us and they were crowding all over out table a bit. Jeff came by and apologized for them and asked us if we wanted to move. We weren't staying that long so we said no, so he went and bought us a round. Now that is paying attention to your customers! Great wings, great beer selection and great service. What else can you ask for? You have a valued employee in Jeff. Thanks again.
(5)Katie M.
Who knew a sports bar that serves beer and wings could get a bad review? Well, this one does. My friends and I were hungover and couldn't stop talking about greasy food-burgers, fries, onion rings, the whole shebang. When we got there, we thought we were in for a good time. The prices were decent and the atmosphere was upbeat but that's where it ended. We ordered bloody marys after confirming with the waitress that there was no horseradish in them. Of course not, she promised. Interesting enough, we got our bloodys and you could see horseradish floating in them more than you could see the ice. Strike one. Next up, we ordered the spinach artichoke dip. You know, the one appetizer that is IMPOSSIBLE to screw up? Riiiight. Our appetizer came cold, with no artichokes and the overall taste was just no bueno. Strike two. Then we ordered a side salad and a burger-medium well. The burger came out rare. Before I even cut into it, I could see the blood on the bun. Yuck. We sent it back and told them it was supposed to be medium well and they reheated the old burger and brought it back out-this time it was more like med-rare. Yuck. We didn't even eat it. For a sports bar where all you do is drop food into a big fryer, this place totally missed the mark. The waitress didn't even notice that we didn't eat a damn thing. Oh well. There are plenty of other sports bars.
(1)Donna W.
Food was good, ok for a quick casual bite to eat. Not so sure about the small water glasses given to us as a wine glass though!
(3)Michael S.
As always, the food was excellent; we had the combo wings, half chicken and pulled pork sammich (a sandwich is something good; a sammich is something that's damn good!). I can only give 4 stars though because the service was horribly slow and inattentive.
(4)Erica S.
Very enjoyable. Another, "woo, class is over for the semester, let's celebrate!" kind of night. We wanted somewhere with food and beer, that was near, so we chose this spot. I have to say, not bad. I had already eaten but decided that I was still kind of hungry (but really, it's because I can't not eat), so I split the burger of the month. It was called the "Challah-day" burger, and I just thought that was so adorable that I couldn't not get it. It also was kind of spicy and had onion rings on it. Also came with fries. Which is always a plus, and it was paired with a beer. I thought that was a nice special, and I enjoyed it for the price (9.95). Everyone was ok with their food, although there was a slight snafu, as someone ordered their burger medium well and it came medium rare, however, it was taken care of without complaint, and someone higher up came over to ask how the burger was cooked now. Very nice of them. Lots of beers were on special, and they weren't as expensive as I would have thought them to be, and I had a lot. I wish I had gone here when I was actually hungry, as I would have tried the pull pork, because I have a barbecue sauce obsession. Mmmm And sure, there were a lot of d-bags here, but we were sat at a table in the back and we were not really bothered by them at all. Sometimes, I think the food and specials should sometimes outweigh the clientele, especially if you're just going to hang out with a group for a specific reason. I also really liked the way it was set up-lots of open space, lots of different areas to be at. All in all, a good time was had by all, for sure.
(4)Joe S.
I stopped in here whilst sight seeing in chi town. I was pretty happy. The menu includes a lot of pork, BBQ and tons of beer. In fact, the beer selection was definitely impressive. I tried the grilled artichokes to start, and was a little disappointed. I had the half chicken and it was good, but a lil too saucy. I should have ordered the "rub" and not the heavy sauce. Anywayyy- it wasn't bad. The service was good. You'll leave full no matter what.
(3)Kara A.
"There's a Beetle in my Noodle!" sounds like a cute title for a children's book, but let me tell you...it wasn't that cute at all. So...I was out shopping on Saturday and worked up quite an appetite. Dodging tourists on Michigan Ave. is pretty good cardio. Stopped in this place because A) it was 75 degrees and there was plenty of patio seating available, and B) the beer list. Ordered an Allagash Four beer and the Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese, which were both delicious. I was going about my business, enjoying my meal and the weather, until I got down to the last five or six bites I found a whole, intact, INSECT IN MY FOOD. I've worked in restaurants and I know accidents happen, but it is still not appetizing at all to uncover a shiny brown carcass with legs and antennae in your meal. I took my plate inside and asked to speak to a manager. When he asked where I was sitting and I told him I was outside, the initial reaction was almost: "Ok, a bug flew in her food while she was sitting on the patio and she's just trying to get a free meal." That was the vibe I got, but hopefully the manager and chef took a closer look at the creepy crawler and realized the beetle/roach/whatever had obviously been cooked in with the food. Jeff-the-Manager was accommodating. He apologized, comped my bill and gave me a $10 coupon "for the next time". I had him charge a $1 on my credit card so I could tip my server since I didn't have cash, and didn't want to stiff the poor guy. (It certainly wasn't his fault.) IF I do return, it'll just be for the beer...I'd stay away from the food.
(1)Zach M.
One of my absolute favorite places to go in the city. Great comfortable setting. Try any burger special they have that month. Best beer selection in the city. Best bartenders. And... Great place to watch a game. Almost forgot. If you ok with taking a break on a diet, go for the Buffalo Bleu Cheese Fries.... Absolutely amazing!
(5)Jeffrey M.
I had a really good time here. After getting over the initial disappointment of learning they were out of the angry mango that is. I moved on and tried the XXX bloody Mary instead, and I rate it up there in my top three for Bloody Marys I've had in Chicago. After that I moved on to rum punches which were so delicious they were dangerous. For the food we shared a wing flight, spinach and artichoke flat bread, and some loaded fries. Everything was very good. Dessert was outrageously good. We had the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet. I felt dirty, absolutely guilty after that. If you're in the market for wings and drinks, you can't go wrong here.
(4)Megan K.
Extremely Average. I came here with a party of ten on a Friday night in celebration of a friend's birthday. We were able to easily secure a reservation, which was nice as large parties can be difficult to accommodate. This process was extremely smooth and they made sure to follow up twice to make sure that we were still coming and to confirm the date/time. That is where all the positives end with my recent experience. We arrived promptly at our reservation time and were seated immediately. The waitress (yes, one single waitress for our party of ten) was friendly but slow. It took her about 15 minutes to take our drink order and then another 5-10 to bring out the drinks. We were only able to get one refill the entire time we were there (about two hours) which is absolutely ridiculous. The service issues aside, I feel that it is important to note that they do have a nice beer list, albeit overpriced. I didn't see a single non-light beer under $5, with many beers ranging in the $7-$10 range when you can find them around $5-$7 elsewhere in the city. I had heard decent things about the wings at Jake's, so my boyfriend and I decided to split two orders so we could sample what they had to offer. The traditional spicy were on par with what you would find at most bars in the city--slightly crispy with a bit of spice. They had a slight crunch to them (which was good) meaning that they were made to order and hadn't been sitting around getting soggy. The other order of wings was the "Poncho" which have a garlic and cayenne marinade and they're grilled instead of fried. These had a nice, smoky flavor, but they were incredibly inconsistent from wing to wing. Some wings were moist and flavorful, but others were dry and chewy with almost no flavor whatsoever. The waitress came by once after the food was delivered to clear out the plates and didn't ask how the food was or if there were any issues. At this point I was almost happy that we had an absentee waitress because I wouldn't have wanted to throw away any more money at this establishment. My boyfriend and I spent around $55 on two beers each and two platters of wings, which is way too steep for the quality of food. Service: 1 Food: 2 Atmosphere: 2 Beverage Selection: 4 Value: 2 Jake's, I won't be back.
(2)Tyrod B.
CiderCon was going on and i tried the roasted almond cider with a lobster mac and cheese. This is the place to go for a real cider and amazing mac. However they have won first place in the wing city competition 3 years in a row. Needless to say Im coming back again soon.
(5)Jeffrey H.
I really like Jake's wings and fried goodies. There is one set of wings that I don't like was ponchos. The regular wings are probably my favorite in Chicago. Good beers and good atmosphere. This is more of a sport bar theme which is probably why they have good appetizers and such. My wife had the nachos which she loved. The spinach dip is pretty good too. If you want to raise your cholesterol, come to Jakes where it's worth the taste.
(4)Claudia S.
I'm teetering on this review, as my experience was somewhat disappointing, but it wasn't awful either. My birthday falls on a big day. It's a day I don't expect many people to be out eating and growing up, it's a day that my favorite restaurant would be closed. That being said, Jake Melnick's was open on my birthday and they have wings! Not only do they have wings, they've been voted to have some of the best. Service was great, I have no complaints there. My issue was that everything we seemed to order was out. I'm glad I got a wing order in when I did, because when I went to order more, they only had 2 types left. One I didn't care for, the other just didn't appeal to me in the first place. There were a few other items my mom and step-dad tried to order, but I'm going to assume the reason they were out of so many items was because of the holiday. I ended up going with a buffalo chicken sandwich (or something like that...it was chicken and I know there was buffalo sauce, as that's pretty much a staple for me). Filling, good flavor, no funky coating and it saved my birthday dinner. Unfortunately I can't remember what drinks we had, but they were all good. Aside from not knowing what to order a few times, I enjoyed Jake Melnick's. A little disappointing because I love wings, but the few traditional ones I had were worth choosing this spot for a birthday dinner.
(4)Nicki W.
I have come here a couple of times before for a drink or two but I've never tried the food. My friend and I were strolling around shopping and enjoying the weather and we got hungry. I suggested that we sit on the patio at Jake Melnicks. Usually I'm the one with the bright ideas and clearly this idea was not one of them. It's sad because I love the interior of this place and their patio is cute. Our waiter was totally MIA for most of the time we sat there. I felt bad because as we sat there waiting for our drinks to be refilled, or maybe a simple "how are things over here", we noticed other tables getting sat near us. Those people got ignored as well, and eventually got up and left. We both had salads, and they were pretty good. We just wanted this dude to come on out and check on us. We had to wait about 15 minutes before he finally came back outside so we could ask for our check. I understand if he was busy, but I was watching him inside and he didn't seem weeded at all. No sense of urgency. Bummer. Meh.
(2)Anup S.
Mystery Beer Tuesdays!
(3)Cassidy S.
This is more of a teaser trailer than a review, I suppose. Met a friend for a pint after work on Thursday and she recommended the place. Overall? I'm definitely going back. The place smelled amazing from the first second through the door. Barbecue wafted in the air... We were given a hightop right away, tucked against a wall but snug and seemingly private for the boisterous atmosphere. A few huge parties increased the volume a bit, but my friend and I could still converse without yelling across the table. Our server was, if anything, overattentive, but helpful with her draft recommendations and full of energy. The late-night menu was the only one available by the time we arrived, but I'm definitely coming back to find out what that smell was about.
(4)blondyne b.
I arrived downtown at 10:00 am to shop. As I look for a park, I noticed a sign that read "Best hot wings in Chicago". I knew then that was my spot for lunch. I made my way back to Jack's around noon. The place was nearly empty, I was concerned however, it was still early. Their menu selection seemed pretty good. I ordered traditional hot wings, artichoke dip w/ tortilla chips, fries, and topped it off with an iced tea. The wait staff were typical college students trying to make it. My server was very nice and attentive. They got the 3rd star because of the outside patio. The wings were a disappointment...I was expecting "the best in Chicago". Although they were ok, they reminded me of smaller Hooter wings. I've had better...much better! I prefer Juniors. I am not a beer drinker but they had a better than normal selection. Also, they had a selection of root beer that I did not get a chance to take advantage of. This place is cool if your walking by and want some bar food and catch a game. However, I will not be driving downtown to specifically eat here.
(3)Chris L.
I thought this place was awesome. We came here for two reasons. 1: I read that this place had the best wings in Chicago and wanted to see what Chicago's best had to offer, and 2: I needed a place to watch my beloved Buckeyes best Syracuse in the Elite 8. My wife and I came here for dinner and shared nachos, some chinese salad and medium buffalo wings. The waitress was awesome, asked if we were splitting these appetizers and split up the salad for us without us even asking. She then asked what kind of beer I was wanting and I had no clue. She asked me what I liked and suggested a local brew called Metropolitan Crankshaft. Awesome. It was an amazing beer. The food was equally as delicious. There was even some Buckeye fans to share the love with. With great food, decor and an extensive ever-changing beer selection, I'm really bummed that I am returning to Columbus tomorrow and cannot visit Jake's all the time.
(5)Steve S.
I must preface this review because I did end up getting the meal free because of a kitchen screw-up. Even so, I'd still go back. I was here on a Sunday. I could imagine this would be a great place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night because of the excellent atmosphere and it's location near Rush Street. I had the turkey burger which took forever to come out. I was told it was the longest thing on the menu to cook. I've never heard that excuse before for a slow kitchen. The person I was with found a piece of plastic with her teeth on top of the burger. The meal was comp'd and all was OK in the end. I'd say there are probably better places on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a burger and a brew, but I was satisfied with my choice.
(3)Ed C.
The wings lived up to the reputation
(4)McStrokin J.
Great wings and sauce. Wings are extremely meaty like they're supposed to be.
(4)Andrew S.
i'm not in this neighborhood often but when i am (normally waiting out a shopping spree or make up appointment arranged by the wife) i always patron this bar. draft selection is normally quiet eclectic. the food is what "pub or bar" food should be and they truly have some of the best buffalo wings in the city.
(4)Victor M.
My overall experience with Jake's was ~30mins and here it goes! Setting: Sunday Evening, June 19th, 2011. Cast: Host, Waitress 1, Me, Friends. [Me & Friends walkin] Host: Hi, welcome to Jakes. How many? Me: Table of four please. Host: Do you care to watch the game? Me: Nah, any table is fine. Host: Alright, let me check if there's any available tables. [Host walks away and Friends peer through the dining room area] Friend: The dining area is half full. Me & Friend: haha, that's funny. [Host returns] Host: Ah, I found a table for you. Me: Thank you! [Me and Friends sit down at a table in the corner by the patio with two other tables by us] Me: Ohh! food looks good here! Friends: Share the 8lb burger? Nah, the bbq looks good though. Me: I think I'll try the chicken. Friends: Wings? [Conversation among Me and Friends change] Friends: So what's new? Me: School is.. blah blah blah blah Friends: Oh yeah? blah blah blah blah [Conversation continues] [~20mins pass] Me: I'm thirsty, where's my water? Friends: I don't know.. where's our settings? Me: Didn't get them yet. Friends: The dining area is still half-full, I've seen a couple of waitresses walk by. Me: Want to try someplace else? Friends: Sure, let's go. [Friends and Me walk towards the entrance] Waitress: Thanks for coming guys, have a good one. Friends: Thanks, you do the same. [As Me and Friends approach the door, Me smiles at the Host] [Host has an expression of, "WTF, these guys just sat down] [Friends and Me leave and head 1 block West and South along State st.]
(1)Lenora C.
Me and the boyfriend were having a dilemma on where to eat.. first it was Bennigan's then, Gino's East. We ended up getting off at Chicago and walking back to Superior. I saw the usual places but, never seen Jake's. The boyfriend and I checked the menu, he wanted a good burger and I wanted some kind of meat whether it clucks, moos, snorts, or lives in water. We found exactly that on the menu. It was crowded in the front area when we went in so, we got seated by the indoor patio area which had TV's tuned to ESPN showing baseball highlights. How wondrous that you steal my heart Jake's! Sports, spirits, and good food is always on on my list.
(3)Meridith E.
Fun place to have drinks & aps for happy hour. I can't judge on their entire menu as I've only had drinks here. (Hey, don't judge me.) I love the atmosphere and love me some high-top tables in the bar section. My one issue is that I always feel as though it's so hot in there....I'm like, bring on the A/C people. The service is always on par with friendly staff. They have a full bar, so everyone can have some drinks and relax.
(3)Borat S.
BE A MAN AND GET THE XXX WINGS... burns going in and even worse going out... The brisket nachos were goood...
(4)Paul L.
Great beer selection.
(4)Michael B.
Food: Always good. Service: Just about always terrible. Do yourself a favor- go to Timothy O'tooles in Streeterville, a 10 minute walk form this place- and you'll be much happier you did. This place is SEVERELY UNDERSTAFFED, especially during the week. In the few times i've been here, the waiter has completely forgot to bring us something we ordered, gave us the superhot wings without bringing us water (which I asked for twice before those wings came)- and completely neglected us for long periods of time. This is a nice bar in the Gold Coast, I don't understand why the service is always crap. Also, if the waiter is understaffed, management- make your waiters write down their orders. The waiter in my area was in control of way more tables than she could handle, and kept apologizing for the wait. While she didn't mess up anyones order as far as i could tell, her stress level was off the charts trying to remember something. It's ok, write down the order- it makes both parties feel more comfortable. RIP OFF CENTRAL: Went on a Tuesday for Mystery Beer Night, where they give u can of beer usually in a brown bag, you take a few sips, and remove the bag to get the surprise of what you are drinking. Except this time, she hands me my mystery beer and says "oh, we ran out of mystery bags"- so I just paid 5 bucks for Two Brothers IPA, without the surprise factor? What a joke? Melnick's might as well hire criminals to steal from their patrons, it's pretty much the same thing. The food, the beer list, the ambiance, are really really good. BUT a concern for me, as a guy that actually goes to bars for food, drink AND to watch games, IS THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TVs, and ALL OF THE TVs SHOW THE SAME GAME. Reasons why O'Tooles is a better bar: Cheaper food, more menu options, bigger restaurant, nicer and faster service, and about 1,000 more TVs
(2)Craig R.
Although I've visited Jake Melnicks quite a few times, we spent New Years there last night and it was a hell of a lot of fun! I've read several of the other reviews here and most of the complaints seem to be around service as far as I can see. Last night we had one of the better servers I've ever had anywhere. John was his name. Awesome guy. We had a table of 7, and the place was pretty jammed most of the night. Our service was great. Whenever we needed drinks they came quickly, and all of the food we ordered came in a timely fashion. In general the place has a solid menu for your typical beer and bar food joint. A lot of standard bar fare like burgers and onion rings etc. The fries are pretty good, I'd recommend the garlic Parmesan version of them as those are quite tasty. They also do decent wings, not my favorite in the world, but they are certainly serviceable. Jake's also does have a very solid beer list, but does tend to charge a little more than say the Map Room or maybe Hopleaf. This I think has a lot to do with the location they are in, you're in the middle of tourist town where floor space is a little more pricy. Jake's is also a nice place to sit outside in the summer. The only thing that is a drag about it is the patio closes up at 11 or so, but this is just standard Chicago laws and all bars have to do it... I definitely give a thumbs up here, well worth a visit!
(4)Tres B.
Just steps from the snooty-riums of poshness and dainty delicacies of Michigan Avenue and their high end hotels is this informal, welcoming glorified diner, slinging outrageously messy and marvelous wings, BBQ and various concoctions thereof. They are famous (and rightly so) for their wings. Even the mild has a kick. The very hot might light the roof of your mouth on fire. BE WARY. One of us, who shall remain nameless, had this big disgusting burger with fried onions and bacon and brisket all piled on. Oy vey! It was received quite favorably by the taste buds, but not by the arteries. Nice beer selection. The interior is faux rustic, very comfortable, dark and warm. The service was exceptional, friendly and on-spot. Valet parking is $11.
(4)Brian P.
Recently spent a weekend in Chicago with my younger brother and to be completely honest, it was all about sports, drinks and fun. Needless to say, we weren't hitting up any white-clothed table bistros so.... Jake Melnick's worked perfectly. There was a wait for a table of two, which usually is a pretty good sign (I never mind waiting a little bit if there's a good bar to have a pre-dinner drink). Both of us are IPA lovers so the bartender quickly gave us the lowdown on the local IPA's on tap. I should've written this review immediately as our favorite escapes me...but admittedly it escaped me a couple hours after we left. That, by no means indicates whether it was good or not...just that we had a good time! Once we were seated, we started with some wings as the menu pretty much told us we had to. Good move because they were delicious. We went with mild and even those gave me a little sweat. I couldn't even imagine what XXX tasted, or felt like but my wimpy tolerance for hot wings would never had handled that. Bad move because of the monster of a burger I was planning on ordering and needed all the room I could save!! Beers were coming at a steady pace, TV near us was switched to the Knicks game for some Linsanity (yes, even though we were in Chicago)...so overall we were quite content. I ordered...(deep breath)...a HUGE burger (only cooked medium rare) wrapped in BBQ bacon (yes wrapped) topped with pulled pork, fried onions and, because it was necessary...BBQ sauce. Remember the bad move comment about getting the wings....sooooo yeaaaa. I've had some great burgers across the US in my travels mainly thanks to Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. My favorite is still Plan B in West Hartford and I thought MaxBurger in West Hartford's Fatty Melt won my "Cardiac Burger" award....but congrats Mr. Melnick, you sir...are now in the lead. Even if I hadn't had the wings, there was no way I could finish...but man, did I want to. This certainly slowed me down for the rest of the night in Chicago but we were hitting Wrigleyville early the next day for some college hoops viewing prior to the Bulls game so it was ok. Neighborhood bar feel, great burgers, great beer selection and overall great time.
(4)Aaron N.
If you like beer and wings, Jake's is a spot in Chicago you have to try. The beer selection is freaking ridiculous. I have never heard of 90% of the beers they offer (prolly cause I tend to stick with Bud-Light), but whatever flavor you like, Jakes will have it. I enjoyed their moonshine which was a perfect mix of flavor and alcohol (whiskey)...plus it was served in a mason jar, which always helps. On to the food. I went with a bunch of people and they said the spicy wings were slamming. I (like an idiot) took the challenge and tried their XXX wing. I knew I was in for a disaster when the server said the sauce was made with the 2nd spiciest pepper in the world! Althought I finished the wing (like a champ), it was not fun at all. My tongue felt like it was about to explode and nothing helped cure the pain...only time. So, I suggest you only try one, regardless of how "tough" you think you are. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot and will definitely be coming back to eat the normal wings. Boom!
(4)Mickey A.
I brought a friend in since we were dress shopping nearby. It wasn't terribly busy for a Thursday night, so it worked for us hungry gals. Space is key here. I like that. There's enough space to walk between tables, and unlike some places, you're not "sharing" space with the guests near you. Plus, if you're sick of waiting for 2 hours for a table at Giordanos up the street, you can always come here. (Sorry, Giordanos.) Want to catch a game while eating? Well, they have plenty of TVs placed through out the place for that. Food is okay. My friend and I went with the combo appetizer platter, which included two kinds of wings (a mix of spicy and non spicy), mozzarella sticks, and nachos. By the way, the spicier of the two are the ones that looked like they were grilled. I learned the hard way. H-O-T! I'm okay though. I'm just a wimp when it comes to spicy stuff. The nachos were served on a small skillet in the middle of this huge platter. I expected fresh hot nachos but sadly the whole skillet was cold? Actually, we thought the whole combo platter to be kind of blah. I was kind of surprised because I've been here before and thought food was decent enough. Oh well. Did I mention that it was also $5 cocktail day? I can't guarantee that every Thursday is $5 cocktail day, but today, yes. It applies only to what's on their drink menu. I probably will be back because I got a $5 gift card just for signing up for their email list. Whatever. I think I'll use it toward a dessert next time.
(3)Jessica C.
Wings: as fluffy and scrumptious as could be! Service: HORRENDOUS. We literally waited 20 minutes in between every request (water, food, bill, get our credit cards back, etc.). Did I mention that our cups were DIRTY and had bits and pieces of who knows what at the bottom?! I loved their wings but am very dissatisfied with the service. It makes it hard for me to even want to return if I have to wait that long for our waiter/waitress.
(3)Whitney O.
YUM! I want it right now. Pulled pork was great - opted for the 3 sliders to taste them all. Also split the buffalo bleu cheese fries, delicious! Really want to try the wings and mac & cheese!!!! Amazing beer selection!!!
(4)laurie s.
Oh such a disappointing experience! Jake's was our neighborhood "go to" spot, for fun, casual meals. Hey Jake's just as an FYI, if your too busy to handle a take out order, just say so, we would be disappointed but would be appreciative of the honesty. Instead you quote us 30 minutes for the order to be prepared, turned into well over 50 minutes, only to receive an over cooked, dry burger, (was suppose to be med.) cold soggy fries and cold, soggy flat bread. Will be hard pressed to do anything but cash in our FOJ card and find a new place to call our "go to" spot.
(1)Jimmy G.
Jake Melnick's is great for a good burger, a great variety of reasonably well done barbeque styles, and an even better place to sample a range of different beers, both on tap and in bottles. We like to go on Thursdays when they first open. The place isn't too crowded at that time, and the barbeque is at it's best. It's not the best place for people watching because most people who eat barbeque are pretty like me :P
(4)Andy D.
GLUTEN FREE WINGS: Go with the Pancho's Wings, they are unbreaded, and have them also dipped in Buffalo- Mild or Spicy. Great spice and meat falls off bone. Healthy alternative to breaded variety.
(4)Angela W.
So I've only been to this place once, and even though it's a 3/5 I would definitely come back. The only reason I'm giving it a 3 is because my boyfriend and I probably didn't order the right things. We started off with the BBQ nachos, and they were great. They would have been perfect if they went lighter on the cheese and heavier on the shredded pork (YUM!). We ended up both ordering burgers for our entree, and although they were good, they probably did not do this place justice. First, my country friend burger was a MISTAKE. It was soooooo greasy that I could barely stand eating it. The only reason I ate about half of it was because I was starving. I really regretted not ordering the shredded BBQ pork sandwich. The pork tasted delicious on the nachos. Next time I go back, their BBQ is a must. Have not tried the wings but hear good things!
(3)Tommy M.
Have been back a couple of times and I still enjoy Jake's as much as the first time. I am a creature of habit and keep getting the hot wings followed by the pulled pork trio. The waiter was something of a jokester - usually that would turn me off but he had us laughing. The big challenge here is deciding what beer to order - great great variety.
(4)Joe K.
This is a classic case of service can KILL your experience at a restaurant. 1.) Was seated and waited 10-12 minutes for the waitress to even come by to bring waters out. 2.) After we ordered waters and drinks it took about 8 minutes more to bring them out. When they came out she forgot the sweetener and lemons, more waiting. 3.) Ordered a salad with dressing on the side, and of coarse, it was drenched in it. 4.) No salt and pepper on the table for our food which needed some, queue the waiting line (8 more minutes of food getting cold). 5.) Finally we get to eating our food, and we haven't seen the waitress in a while. We're done with our food and I have my debit card out on the table waiting for her to take before she even brings out the check. 6.) She takes my debit card, comes back a couple minutes later (and I'm thinking at least that was fast!) and she brings back someone else's bill/debit card... are you kidding? The food was fine, it was cheap, fine for a Thursday night. I want to say that it wasn't insanely crowded either.... With all the choices of restaurants in this city, based on the service alone, I won't be back. Thanks- Joe
(1)Rafael C.
I just came here to brave the hot wings. I figured they must be seriously hot with a higher price of say $16 for a dozen plus them making a show of having the wings - i.e signing a waiver, wearing a fireman hat! Well they were certainly hot as advertised; however, they sacrificed taste in order to make them ridiculously hot. I did manage to get it done though! My friend tagged along and got a pulled pork sandwich which he was satisfied with it. I also saw they had a pretty good beer selection as well as other menu food options. The bar has plenty of room and TVs so that is a plus. Service wasn't stellar but luckily not so busy that day so it wasn't a problem ... well except when I needed another drink as the wings were kicking my arse. I may not go out of my way to come back here but if the mood hits me and I'm nearby, I'm sure to give them another shot.
(3)Helena D.
Jake Melnick's is one of the better, chill bars in the Gold Coast. Just a couple of blocks off of Michigan Avenue, Jake is where locals and business men flock to whether they're looking to hang out with friends or catch any number of sporting events featured on their flat-screen TVs. Wing lovers will delight in their hot wings, which were recently v0ted #1 in Chicago at the annual Wingfest. Each month, a different burger is featured and for under $10 you can get a cold bottle of beer plus a burger. Moreover, there are generally drink specials like beer cocktail that will set you back just $5. Their food portions are generous and filling and you can't beat the laidback atmosphere. Ladies, the Millionaire Matchmaker was right - come here if you're single and want to mingle. There are tons of men that flock here and you'll definitely stand out from the load of baseball caps and jeans.
(4)Jared H.
Great bar and great food for drinking- nothing is a challenge here- not a challenge to drink, to get a server to come to the table, not a challenge to order or understand the menu. Its always busy and its just close enough but just off the tourist track enough for any easy dinner.
(4)Tiffany B.
My company's Holiday Party was held here last Thursday night (yeah you read it right !).... 3 weeks late. It was a nice enough place. Typical pub/bar vibe. They claim to have the best Hot Wings in Chicago and I think they claim to have won some kind of Wing Award. But I beg to differ. Too greasy. No seasoning salt. Who makes fried chicken without Lawry's?? I know chicken wings and those were nowhere near the best. They deserve two stars but I'll give'em three because the food was free.
(3)Michael P.
If you don't like beer, I feel bad for you, son: I've got 99 problems, but when I go to Jake Melnick's, drinking beer ain't one. Great BBQ-based items. I've been here at least three times; I'll be back at least three more. Solid.
(4)Daniel M.
Good choice for barbecue and kid friendly atmosphere ...however my son knocked over a planter on the patio (my son is 6) and whoever the manager was re-planting the dirt and plants was a very ryde...muttered something under his breathe, and I thought that to be in poor taste. Food great, staff was super attentive, but the mgr's attitude needs fixing
(4)Katie R.
I may be partial to Jake's since I live next door, but they do have great beer, good food, I always enjoy whatever I'm eating or drinking there. The staff is always friendly. It can be a tourist hot spot for those tourists who migrate a little too far west of Michigan Ave. so the wait may be long between 6-8pm. It's a good spot to bring a group of eclectic people that may prefer a salad or wings or burgers or mac-n-cheese.
(5)Tyler A.
I was drawn here to eat the XXX wings, so good job JM's for luring me in with that little gimmick.. Wait a second! you guys have a freakin 8 pound burger?! For 50 dollars?!! I want that! (I'm a Man v. Food fan..) Tyler... Focus. Ok so the 10 wings are 16 dollars.. yes. The normal wings are 10, i think, dollars. But for the 6 dollar difference you get: 1. Ghost chili hotness/goodness/evilness 2. A "cooling plate" consisting of spicy food kryptonite such as sour cream, ICE cream, a slice of orange (what the?), a shotglass of milk and white bread triangles 3. A plastic fireman hat 4. A nicely printed "waiver" that you sign, and then I can only assume is thrown directly into the garbage (i signed mine AFTER I ate the wings, which I thought was a little, i dunno, shady? Even for a fake waiver..) 5. A digital photo which goes on the website So at least you're gettting something for that six dollars. Oh I almost forgot, you also get, 6. To clear your sinuses 7. To turn beat red 8. The ability to not look serious when you're having a conversation 9. The ability to freely cry about your miserable life, and use the hot wings as an excuse. Now I can take blisteringly hot. I've got years of experience under my belt. I encourage people to take their overconfident friends here to take this challenge. It's more fun like that. How is the heat? It's a slow afterburn. The sauce they use is actually really tasty classic buffalo sauce. The wings are pretty good sized (they should be for 16 dollars dangit) I was actually somewhat underwhelmed by the heat, but again I have eaten some pretty spicy foods. I think I just want some validation that I'm some kind of spicy food stud but there's lots of photos on the website so that tells me these aren't THAT hot.. The other food at our table was pretty above average for bar food and our waitress was pretty attentive. Oh, I must say though, the BBQ ribs, not good. The place is pretty big with indoor/outdoor seating and I'd come back here again. So in conclusion, XXX wings, expensive, kinda tasty, kinda fun, KINDA super-hot. Who else has got some suggestions for spicy foods I can check out next?
(4)Dan B.
I soooo wanted to love this place. Rough, fun exterior, awesome beer selection, good menu. The beers are great but VERY expensive. Had the nachos and was very disappointed, too little cheese, maybe a couple tablespoons of chili, again, VERY expensive $10.95 for literally a plateful of toasted nacho chips. Cool atmosphere, lots of TVs. Server was friendly but didn't come around enough to get us new beers (they were not busy, so good service was expected). Manager clearly not on top of it.
(2)David C.
Big fan of this place. Great beer selection. Good food. Great for groups. Plenty of space.
(4)Dale H.
Went here after a long night of drinking at a fundraiser, we were looking for some good bar food to fill our stomachs with something other than beer and wine. They were about to close the kitchen when we got there, but kept it open long enough to get our orders in. Brisket topped nachos and wings were the meals we had and they were outstanding! Atmosphere was nice, service was great. I would like to go back many times!
(4)Andrew W.
L-O-V-E IT! and i am dedicating my 200th review for this awesome place Across downtown~ for you to find a place to hang~ to locate a hardcore sport heaven to cheer~ are nearly impossible chain restaurants filled... snobby luxurious Italiano or Steak Houses scatter throughout... often you will have to sacrifice the volume... just to spot a tv in a bar of a restaurent... that is truly a nightmare for sport fans! however, just couple block far out from the heart of downtown... you can spot this great sport heave, with EXCELLENT food how often can you say, the food at a bar is good? not often! But this place delivers! Ribs, burger, wings, salad, soup, dessert..... YOU NAME IT! with great selection of TVs... they aren't hesitate to share just one tv for you, even if you are not looking for a local game! ooh ohh, they also tune up the volume for you as well! where can you find that?! the food is great, the dudes behind the counter are great and i got to keep up with my fanhood, while i am on the road YOU HAVE TO COME AND HANG OUT THIS CHICAGO LOCAL-FAVORITE DESTINATION!
(5)Arian H.
They place was pretty cool. Wonderful atmosphere with the warm wood theme going. Service was great. I had the wings , which was pretty good. However, I don't see why their know as the best. You don't get that many wings as well . I ended up grabbing a snap from chick fil a. They also had a full bar which looked like a fun time. Parking is downtown parking, not too much to expect.
(4)Brandon Y.
Great Beers on tap (a little heavy on the belgians and czechs but I'm alright with that) I'm a beer purist and though I like a good hoppy IPA it's nice to see some traditional European Lagers on tap at a beer heavy bar. Came in for some beers and college football, didn't eat there but was salivating over the delicious looking and smelling BBQ food all around me.
(4)Keely B.
I like Jakes. A friend and I stop by occasionally for lunch during work, when we're looking for a place with better ambiance than Foodlife or the food court in Chicago Place. They've got a pretty amazing buffalo chicken sandwich, and it's huge. The drawbacks are that the place is kind of pricey for lunch, and the service is hella slow. Also, they have a "beer wall" where they write the names of the beers they serve, and they always spell the brewery "Surly" wrong. We've mentioned it to them several times, but whenver we go back it's the same.
(3)Helena B.
By far one of the better bars in the area - close enough to all that is going on but far enough from Michigan Avenue so as not to be utterly overrun by tourists. The beer selection was impressive. In addition to standard bars on tap, they had a long list of domestic and imported bottles. Date (also a beer snob) and I were both able to try things we hadn't had before. Our server was attentive and friendly. We never had to wait for the next round. The best thing about the place was being able to drink outside. They had several cafe tables set up on the front sidewalk. This was relatively peaceful on a Sunday evening in April, but I'm not sure if it would get too crowded as the sidewalks fill up later in the year. I prefer enclosed beer gardens in the back. Overall - a nice place, but not much of a general draw to pull me back unless I happened to be in the area.
(3)Sarah F.
Normally when there's lots of beer drinking, the evening gets progressively better (well, to a point, anyway). Jake Melnick's started out well before it took a nosedive into a big ol' pool of disappointment. I met a group of friends here for a Stone Brewery event. With the warm weather, the outdoor seating area was packed, leaving a relatively small crowd (including us) indoors. As the restaurant changed its taps over to the evening's featured brews, our server was knowledgeable about which brews were still available, and could make recommendations based on everyone's preferences. She was attentive for the first 90 minutes or so that we were there, but then all but disappeared. At one point we'd had questions about the Surly drafts that were featured, and while she snagged someone who could describe the beers, she never came back to take our orders. Nobody should have to wait half an hour to order a beer, especially when everyone's glass was dry. Maybe the point was to make us surly, too... Except for the brisket, which was excellent both on the BBQ nachos and in a sandwich, the food was meh. Said nachos were woefully lacking in toppings, the onion slab was frightfully greasy, and the mozzarella sticks were...well, the same thing you can get anywhere.
(2)Benson G.
Beer selection was great and food was better than typical bar food. Will definitely go bad if in the area again.
(4)Vanessa T.
I came here because I wanted to watch the Penguins/Blues game and my friend wanted to watch the Lakers/Nuggets game. My friend and I shared fish and chips and a buffalo chicken sandwich (from the special). I don't expect outstanding food from sports bars. However, for a sports bar, the food here is good, better than chain restaurants like Chilis. I also didn't feel like the food was that greasy. Of course the selection of food isn't anything special because.. well.. it's a sports bar. The server was very friendly and attentive. I'm not sure if I'd go back. Since I'm not from Chicago, I'd want to try other restaurants in the area before I come back here. However, if I were a local, I'd definitely go back.
(4)Anne P.
This place is always a good time. It has a laid-back atmosphere and pretty good food. I usually get the bbq nachos which are really delicious, but they a burger of the month that is always great. It is usually a fully loaded burger with fries paired with a beer for only $9. This is definitely one of the better deals in River North. Also, the place has many large tvs strategically placed throughout the bar which makes any seat in the place perfect for viewing the game.
(4)Erik Y.
Stopped in on a random weeknight. Sat at the bar and had a Stone IPA. Beer was a little expensive but you are in that area of town. Had wings. Half of the order were their spiciest and the other half were some sort of marinated wings. The spicy wings were so flavorful, crunchy, great. The marinaded ones were good but not spectacular. With 1 beer, 10 wings, and tip was $23. Not too bad. Would return sometime!
(4)Corey H.
I had a great time here. Two of us went here on a Friday night in the middle of January at about 9pm. We had to wait for about 5 minutes for a table. No problem. I imagine that during a more tourist season and a more reasonable dinner time (ie 6pm ish), this place probably has a pretty long wait. Maybe call ahead to see the wait time. As previously said, they have the best wings in Chicago. I LOVE wings and I have to try them at just about any place. I've even created a list on this website for best wings in my area. This place has really good wings. They have about 6 flavors... traditional buffalo hot or medium, garlicish, grilled, super hot and XXX. I love spicy wings and inquired about the heat level of the last two I mentioned. They offered to let me try them but warned me that they only recommend it for "professionals". I was glad they did. As I figured the sauce is too hot to actually be enjoyed. It was good but the only reason to order them would be to challenge yourself. They are meant to make you cry and sweat. I stuck with the traditional buffalo spicy sauce. It was franks red hot, which I like. The wings are slightly breaded and fried. They were slightly crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Loved em. SIDENOTE - I see someone complaining because they ordered the XXX wings with their husband and some friends and it was too spicy and they couldn't take the heat and complain they were not formally warned with the "waiver". You should have noticed all the stuff on the walls talking about how spicy their wings are. Second, you should have tasted a little of the sauce first, that was a rookie mistake. Don't blame this place because you underestimated the heat, especially when you declined to taste the sauce first. As for the waiver they didn't bring out, its only for show and doesn't serve and anything more than some memorabilia to remember the experience with. That shouldn't give you reason to EX this place. My guest had the trio of BBQ sliders. They came with the three types of BBQ they offer. It was really good. I liked the Carolina style because they put coleslaw on it with a vinegary and spicy BBQ sauce. The beer selection was awesome. Tons of micro brews and then some. TVs everywhere to watch any game. As for the service, our waiter was awesome. Super friendly, and helped us out with beer selections. I gave him a big tip in appreciation. The decor was pretty laid back. Wood with lights all over the place. Pretty standard of a BBQ joint. I liked it. I'm from out of town but I'll go back for sure if I'm ever in town again.
(4)David F.
Wings are great - huge! Wife selection of beers. Good atmosphere too. Will definitely return!
(5)Bruce B.
Meh...that about sum's it up. There's not anything unique about this place. I didn't find their wings to be anything special. Their drink prices are pretty high for what you get. I tried their spiked Arnold Palmer and it was meh...meh. The food is meh and the ambiance is meh. Jake's is a three star on the dot. I might go here again, but I wouldn't go out of my way. I liked the outside seating area, but there's nothing special about it that would make me want to go back. Their food is on par with bar food and their drinks are watered down. I don't like around Jake's but it seems like one of the few pubs around that area. If you want to sit outside and basically have a Chili's feel - go here. It's A-okay.
(3)Nathan G.
So we went to this place because it was listed in the "foodie" iphone app I had recently downloaded. They were offering a complimentary appetizer if you purchased 2 entrees. Sounds good to me! So we went in and got seated immediately, even though the place appeared to be pretty busy. Nice atmosphere; it's a place where you can come to relax and have some good food. For appetizer, we were recommended the Pancho's (?) Grilled wings, so we went with that. They were absolutely delicious! I would highly recommend these to anyone who goes there. For entree, I got the beef brisket and it was good. Large portion, so that was nice. The taste didn't knock my socks off or anything, but it was definitely really good. Overall I would definitely eat here again, even without the free appetizer =)
(5)M H.
I work in the area so I figured I'd give Jake's a try. I heard good things about the wings and their buffalo chicken sandwich plus with a banner outside stating voted the best wings in Chicago...how could i go wrong? I took my girlfriend there since she suggested something American nothings is more American than wings, burgers and football. There was a 30 minute wait that was only 20 minutes so that was good. the service was ok we were being taken care of by a rather fidgity waitress. She greeted us and we put our orders in i had a Steak sandwich and my girlfriend got the Que Burger a speciality burger angus wrapped in bacon.......(insert Homer Simpsons voice ...UMMMM Bacon!) We started with their fried pickles which were great. I ordered one of their house beers I was impressed. Then the food came my steak was coked a perfect medium well. My girlfriend's burger was still alive dripping blood onto the plate. So we got the waitress to have the cook throw it back on the grill. At this time I'm in full masticating mode and had her blessing to eat while she waited....Thanks boo your the best :) So she returns with the food and being apologetic so she cuts into it again and it seem like they just dressed it with barbeque sauce and warmed it up. It goes back for the second time at this point I'm concern they are going to burn the burger to a crisp. Finally she returns for the third time I'm at the end of my meal and its finally cooked and not jumping over the moon. While cooking the burger they continued to recook the fries which on the third time were burned. She ask for a box to take the burger home while i talk to the waitress on getting a discount for a not so pleasant dining experience. We weren't charged for the burger and the waitress was nice somewhat forgetful. The experience hasn't soured me on Jake's I think I'll just stick to the wings.
(2)Paul G.
Food was mediocre at best, but the beer selection boosts the rating one star. I got the super hot wings, and they were as advertised.....super hot. The waitress was kind enough to warn me about the heat, but they were hot to the point of inedible. Good rule of thumb: if it comes garnished with a raw habanero, they're hot. The sauce was very flavorful though and I was warned so my fault. The wings are breaded though and were somewhat tough. I had mac and cheese with it, and it was undercooked and very poor. Their beer selection is stellar though, so that helped. I don't think I'd go back to eat, but if you're a fan of high quality craft brews, I'd recommend the place to have a drink.
(3)Stacy Y.
I was part of the group of 14 that includes the lovely Yvette C. and Ericka L. below and our experience here pretty much sucked. First of all, I am notoriously late - to everything. I arrived 30 minutes after everyone else and they had already placed their food orders. I glanced over the menu really quick when I arrived so I could sneak my order in and still enjoy the meal with my friends. It was almost impossible to get our server's attention so I could do so. Shortly after I ordered everyone at the table was served their entree - except for me and poor Yvette. My order arrived pretty quickly (considering I arrived so late) but can someone please explain to me how it was possible that I received my entree before Yvette did. I ARRIVED AND ORDERED 30 MINUTES LATER THAN THE REST OF THE PARTY! She was served her entree AFTER MINE! I'm sorry but that is totally inexcusable. We obviously came here for the kitsch of the "Waiver Wings". There was no waiver, fireman's hat or anything else other than a couple orders of wings that "weren't that hot" according to the members of our group that ate them. I had the fish and chips - run of the mill frozen, fried food. My meal was okay. Although totally overpriced. Our server was terrible and if we needed anything we had to go and track him down ourselves. If it wasn't for the large party policy of 18% gratuity included with the bill this guy would not have received a tip at all! The service was that bad. The beer selection is pretty good, BUT I can get the same beer for $1-2 less per bottle at other places I actually like, such as The Ashland. Long story short: Don't bother with Jake Melnick's! Unless you happen to like overpriced, crappy food and service.
(1)Jacob J.
Great service, everyone is helpful and welcoming. Food is ok. The dinners aren't worth the price, should be cheaper. When your plate arrives you think, where's the rest?? Go for the sandwiches, worth the price and decent. Brisket sandwich or dinner (without bread), disappointing. Smoked chicken is tender and slides right off the bone. Hardly any flavor & kinda dry. Well made martini's and an ample beer selection. Average for a beer pitcher is about +$15. They DO have daily specials. Eye candy begins to roll in about 6 or 7-ish.
(3)Stephanie P.
I ordered the veggie burger and asked for steamed veggies on the side rather than the fries it came with. One hour later and the check comes...I was charged $2 for the veggies. Thanks, waitress, for telling me ahead of time! Not. Otherwise, I was pleased with the burger, as it was actually made out of grains and veggies instead of being a mystery patty.
(3)Job E.
An impressive list of beers on tap; I'd guess it was about 20-25 beers with at least five of them new to me. But the service was horrible. Waiting at a table, we eventually gave up and just went to the bar to get a drink. After finishing that, we just left because we still hadn't had a waiter stop by to see if we want anything.
(2)Jeanette S.
We had a bad experience. We obviously didn't do our homework before coming because we had no idea what the wing challenge was. My husband likes really hot food. The friends we were with also like really hot food. So, when ordering the wings, it didn't seem like a bad idea to try the XXX wings. The waitress asked if he had had them before, and she also asked if he wanted to try the sauce first. He declined since he has never had a problem before, even with the hottest level the restaurant offered. So, we order our food - which took a very long time to get and the restaurant was not packed - and dig in. The mac and cheese was great. The baked potato was great. The wings were passed around and everyone started sweating and gagging a bit. Finally, when it was too hot to stand, my husband said something and the waitress brought out a 'cooling plate'. It helped a little, but at that point it was too late for anything but time. After doing some follow up on the website, it appears that this XXX wing heat requries the eater to sign a waiver and they get a picture and a fireman's hat and that there is some form of more formal 'warning' about the heat. Had we known that (or seen a waiver come out...), the order would never have been placed for that heat level, and 3 of the 3 people that ate them would not have the 'digestive issues' wreaking havoc the next morning. The main disappointment is the lack of disclosure from the waitress on the true level of the heat, followed by the wait time for a less-than-packed place. Sadly, this is within walking distance and we had high hopes of many returns. Time to find a new favorite.
(2)bettina k.
One of those fake pubs that heaps hyperbole on its own menu offerings without delivering the quality, but always exceeds the price expectations of what is essentially bar food. The jumbo wings are mini with a maxi price tag , whiskey shots are $11, and they skimp on ketchup or BBQ sauce for menu items. The BBQ rib combo will leave you hungry for more meat. On three occasions, the publicized free wifi didn't work . During football season get a far superior burger at Zed 451 for half of the price with a $3 draft , or else go to Pippins for authenticity instead of this Marriott hotel bar annex
(2)Howard A.
Jake Melnick's is so normal, it's totally unique! For the Gold Coast anyways. In this hoity-toity hotsie-totsie 'hood of everything from molecular cuisine to comida de Rick Bayless, where do you get a good slabs of ribs and a cold beer? I don't want to spend a fortune and I'm usually in a hurry. "Hey buddy, can you turn on the game?" "Yeah, no problem! Which of the 100 or so TVs do you want to watch it on?" There is hand santizer on the wall! Sweet! This place knows how to handle crowds well. The food has never disapointed. Get the rib and chicken combo. Bliss! While not unique, I would challenge you to find a better place for great portions of tasty comfort food anywhere in the area. Jake's makes a great low light refuge from work or shopping. You won't go broke their either!
(5)Linda G.
These stars are for a superb beer menu, fast service, good food, great location, fun atmosphere. Nuff said.
(5)Anthony W.
This being my first trip to Chicago, there were tons of places to go. As I was walking by, I see a large sign promotion the best wings in Chicago. Naturally, I stepped in. This place was eloquent and still had that laid back Chicago sports atmosphere. I had the steak sandwich and fries with an Ommegang draft. I know, should have tried the wings. The beer was fantastic, it was a sip of Belgian perfection. They bring the food out in an old rustic bowl, I loved it. Our waitress was wonderful and chatted it up like I've known here for years. Being from Cleveland, I was pleasantly surprised to see they had Great Lakes beer here as well. For being a sports bar, the beer selections and food was perfect. To get a table on a Friday night was also very surprising. Whether your from Chicago or just a tourist, I highly recommend.
(4)Alex O.
Amazing wings and beer or Amazing burgers and beer? You decide.
(5)Adam H.
A co-worker loves this place and raved about their wings and beer selections. I like wings. I like beer. I grabbed my wife and some friends and went. The good things: The food: The best thing about this place is their cheese fries. Yes. They don't sound like anything special. Melted cheddar cheese on crispy fries served with a homemade ranch dressing. Simple but a key element makes them great. Real cheddar cheese. For some reason the city of Chicago hates cheddar cheese. If one orders cheese fries at a hot dog stand, sandwich shop, diner, sports bar, pizza place, pretty much anywhere in Chicago, 99.99% of the time the cheese fries will come out overly smothered in a cheese sauce. This place does it right and is the only eatery I know of in the city that serves their cheese fries with real grated melted cheddar cheese. My wife loves this real version of cheese fries and we will be coming back to this place just for them alone. Their hot wings are good. I wouldn't call them jumbo like advertised but they are a good size and tasty. I had their wing combo with their Traditional spicy and Poncho's Marinated wings. The Traditional was a good tasting buffalo wing served with a good tasting blue cheese. They didn't really have any crispiness to them like I prefer but they weren't soggy either so I was fine and I would order them again in the future. The Poncho's wings were a hit or miss. The first three wings I had were kind of bland in taste and they made me wonder how they won best wing in Chicago. Then I had the last two, the ones that were on the bottom of the pile soaking in all the juices and flavor, and it all made sense. Pretty dang good. Too bad not all of Poncho's wings were that tasty but at least my meal ended on a high note. The last thing I tried was their BBQ Pork Nachos. Really quite delicious. Nice pork and the bbq sauce worked with all the nacho fixings. The only problem I had was the jalapenos. I like jalapenos and spicy things. But for some reason my nachos had a little too many thick slices of the peppers all throughout the dish and all of them were hidden under the layer of melted cheese. Eating the chips became a game of chance and I had to start picking at everything to make sure I didn't have too many peppers in each bite. An annoyance. Yes. A deal breaker. No. Still good nachos. The drinks: Great beer selection and even great bottled soda pop selection. I had fun trying out the Goose Island soft drinks that I didn't even know existed and my wife enjoyed the fact that they had five choices of hard cider. The not so good things: Service: Our server Molly was great. At first. She was very helpful in navigating my table on what beers to get and had inisght on what food we should try and was all smiles while doing so. And she was there again for us for round two of our drinks laughing and being pleasent the whole way. And then she was gone. Like a faded dream. I wasn't drinking alcohol and was indulging my sweet tooth with soda. I got a root beer and an orange cream. Both were good and I could have and would have drank more but she wasn't around. Luckily everything was fine with our food and my friends really weren't drinking too much so they were content but I wanted something more and sadly didn't get it. Even though the place was busy I just wished the great start could have lasted to the end. Ambiance: It was loud. I know. It's a bar. A nice bar. But nonetheless it's not called Corner Tap for nothing. I could barely hear my friend across our table when she talked sometimes though. There were just several large groups eating in there the thursday night we went and it was a loud experience. The rest of the place with its look and feel was nice but the volume kind of was overwhelming for most of our visit. The conclusion: Everything I ate and drank I liked but I have a hard time getting excited to come back to this place on any sort of regular basis. I know I'll be coming into a noisy atmosphere where servers will eventually forget about me. But I need to stop listening to my head and start paying more attention to my stomach. Good wings. Great cheese fries. Good wings. Great cheese fries. I may just have to keep trying this place until I get it right.
(3)Tati B.
Love this place. I've never had anything here that wasn't delicious. The wings are great, burgers are awesome too. They have a burger of the month where you can get a certain beer with it for $1 more. I love going just to see what it is each month. Everyone I've taken here has loved it. Great bar atmosphere that is hard to find in River North unless you go to an Irish pub...
(5)Molly L.
I've been to Jake Melnick's a few times now. I have no idea what I've eaten, though. I remember things being good, but just (obviously) not memorable. Because of the dearth of sports bars in the Gold Coast, this place gets packed when there's a big game on, so beware during the month of March or on a Sunday in the fall. They have a decent beer selection and a standard array of burgers and bar food. Overall, Jake's is A-OK.
(3)Joe G.
Great beer selection, great burger. It's all that I can ask for. BBQ burger was very lean, not greasy. Almost like roast beef. Excellent. Service was good. All that, and Lagunitis IPA on tap. Not bad. I will be back.
(4)Brian S.
Definitely one of the worst experiences I've had in Chicago. One of the bitchiest hostesses i've ever dealt with and then a really lousy, rude server that ignored our table for 20 minutes after we got seated, INTENTIONALLY!, because she was mad that we sat down at the table before the bussers were done clearing (place was packed, we were just trying to get out of the way). Never going back - too bad, because the location is super convenient for us yuppie dorks that need a sports bar in river north's tool box (the area i've complicity critiqued myself as living in that runs from the Fordham to the Pinnacle to 55 E. Erie to the Park Hyatt)
(1)Sharon J.
Fun sports bar. Good food. Good drinks. Consistant service. I have been back several times and is is great. The barbeque is unbelievably good. Even better than some I have had in Georgia. Will be back on my next trip to Chicago.
(4)Denise B.
Jake's is a decent bar / restaurant down the street from my dad's apartment. They have a menu full of average-tasting pub food and lots of beer. What I like about this restaurant is that it's more neighborhood-y than most restaurants and has more of a local crowd (I say somewhat ironically, as someone who no longer lives here). The outside is also a really nice place to eat dinner or nurse a beer during the summer. During the rest of the year, though, it's not really worth coming here. The interior is dark and leaves a lot to be desired. Service is of average quality, most like much of the rest of this bar. If you're tired of most of the restaurants in this part of Chicago having really long lines and tons of tourists, Jake's might be worth a try.
(3)Ed B.
This place is OK. It has TV's everywhere and its a little more yuppidy then some of the other places to watch some sports, but it is a good place to go to catch a game and get some grub. The food is alright, but nothing special. I had the mini dog combo which is three mini hot dogs each a different style (Chicago style, New York Style and Philly style) over fries. I thought it was alright. My dad had the baby back ribs which were nothing special, but weren't bad either. We were there on a Sunday night to watch the Bears game and it wasn't too busy, but yet my beer went dry more then a few times for more then 10 minutes before the waitress noticed I needed another, so the service wasn't as good as some of the other places we visited, but I'd still say it's kind of a nice place.
(3)Chris P.
friend got a burger which was solid and i had a beer. pretty commercial feel but could be fun with the right crowd.
(3)Jennifer R.
I went to Jakes the other night with my BF and some of his friends. We had reservations and were lead straight to our table. Scanning the menu, nearly every option had something with bread in it or encasing it (even the wings were breaded). Not wanting to be put straight into a carb-coma, I decided on the wings. They were standard chicken wings - nothing really stuck out about them other than how messy they were lol. The service bringing our drinks/food out was not as fast as it could have been. Finally, and this is the reason for dropping them down to one star. We asked if the television could be changed to a mixed martial arts event, and were told it was against their policy to show fights on the tv. Our group was comprised of mainly teachers, doctors, and a fireman - definitely not the type of group to cause trouble. Nonetheless, they would not accomodate us, we quickly finished our meal and had a great night elsewhere. While the restaurant was average, the intangibles were definitely lacking. Sorry Jakey.
(1)Elyse C.
Blech. The food tastes frozen. I'd need to drink a ridiculous amount to eat anything off their menu again and there are infinitely better beer selections and atomospheres in this city.
(1)Maryann M.
Dear Jake Melnick's, Put the October burger of the month on the menu full time. It is the best burger you have! That being said, your regular burgers are pretty great. And I really do love your fries. And cole slaw. And pulled pork. Can you tell I'm here quite a bit? Actually, probably too much. The good: Food listed above. The staff - always friendly and quick. Atmosphere - I really like the low key sports bar feel it has. Hooks under bar for handbags. Why doesn't every bar have these? It's common sense! Outdoor seating - always important in the summer months. The bad: The wings - I LOVE hot wings. However, I hate when the wings are super breaded and these wings have WAY too much breading on them. Or whatever they're coated in. Too much. Sauces are awesome though. I think that's all. I love Jake's.
(5)Brock R.
Great place. My favorite sports bar to go when I'm in Chicago! Chicago is my home away from home!
(4)Michael J.
I came here to try "Chicago's Best Wings." The wings were good but they were cold because of the extremely slow service. Either they have been working our waitress to death over the holidays, her dog just died, or she was heavily sedated because she was the slothiest, most inattentive server on the planet. To the restaurant's credit, the other servers were quite helpful when I went up to them to ask to put in a food order or order drink refills. The buffalo wings were quite good, but I expected more than 8 for $11.00. I didn't see a lot of value. We had fish and chips about $13 for two pieces of fish and $2 extra to substitute fries with onion rings that never came out until we were finished with the rest of our food. We also had a pulled pork trio which wasn't bad. I guess the service really killed it for me. I expect to spend a ridiculous amount of money when dining out in the Gold Coast, but in return I shouldn't be expected to work to get my food. I could have stayed home and made wings and drank beer for about 20% of the cost of what I spent at Jake's so I was upset that I had to wait my own table and almost had to make my own onion rings.
(2)WP L.
I was just there for a Mardi Gras/Birthday Celebration. The restaurant was dead at 10:00pm, bad sign. I ordered the fish sandwhich which turned out to be a large bun, small (itsy bitsy filet of cod), a huge handful of lettuce shreds, an ounce of tartar sauce, one lemon wedge, and a huge order of cold fries. The waiter was slow , did not come back to the table to ask if we wanted more drinks, and was rude. I had to (after politiely telling them their food was inedible) argue with waiter and manager to get my food removed from the bill. Can you believe that this place argued with me over $9 dollars????? How cheap can you be? I am not going to pay for disgusting food poorly cooked. I have to go throw up what I did eat of the fish, gross! PS The band that was playing there Rocked!
(1)Dustin W.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is well deserving of my top-3 craft-brew must visits in all of Chicago (again thanks to Chicago Craft Beer week or I would still be in the dark on Jake's). While perusing my CCBW passport to all things beer in Chicago, I happened upon a peculiarly long named establishment boasting bbq and Two Brothers craft brew, specifically the first keg kick-off of Askew sour release party. Checking the location on my CCBW droid application allowed for pinpointing the exact location, and has become my go-to for determining strategic brew tasting, bar-hopping in a responsible, no-drivey kinda way. I made a quick call down to Jake's and sure enough the Askew is still flowing and they are also boasting two firkins of double dry hopped (DDH) bitter end and cain and ebel (throw your panties on the bar ladies). Needless to say, I made sure we showed up 15 minutes before tapping the DDH firkin wonders, which were out of sight tasty, smooth and hoppy, yet not over-hopped or bittered beyond palatability. When we arrived, I was shocked and a bit worried as the exterior reminded me a lot of a chain-restaurant with loud gimmicky BBQ signage. Then I remembered where it lay location-wise and that a Rainforest cafe was nearby. Perhaps this is actually a very strategic and ultimately necessary business move to draw the local customers and travelers in and remind them that there is a really amazing bbq brewhouse joint to grub down at as an alternative to the everyday chain. Luckily for me, I had not eaten, because the bbq at Jake's is Guy Fieri off-the-chain delightful. I went with the beef brisket, which is smoked for something insane like 17 hours. It came classically arranged piled high atop a piece of texas toast and sauced on top to perfection (not dripping or mushed into the meat). They give you the extra sauce on the side as it is meant to be served so you can sauce each delicious morsel appropriately and avoid sticky soggy think heavy bbq syndrome. The smoke was deep and intense, all the way through (not just a slight rubbed smoke ring on the exterior). If bbq were wood, Ron Bergundy would likely describe Jake's brisket as a "rich mahogany." This smoke is clearly the marking of a true bbq warrior, and I am quite sure that Jake's will be winning many an award for backyard bbq in the future as well. We also tried out the mac-daddy mac-n-cheese of the month, which was bbq'd up inside and coated with panko. It was an interesting take, perhaps a bit to bbq-y for me, but delicious take on a classic none-the-less. Of course we got the award winning Firecracker wings (sweet and spicy sriacha sauced with cilantro - excellent) and tried the wing of the month, mint julep wings (tasty but not a lot of mint taste which we were hoping for). Overall, great bbq, amazing, huge, colossal beer selection that is a must stop for any beer geek.
(5)Anna P.
chill atmosphere. great BBQ. awesome beer list. patio space in the middle of downtown chicago. that pretty much says it all :-)
(3)Ryan K.
My wife and I brought the kids (ages 1 and 5.5) to mosey around on Michigan Avenue for the day after Black Friday, and we rather happily stumbled upon Jake's. We had headed off of Michigan in an effort to get away from the crowds, to refill the parking meter on my car (which was also on Superior) and to find a joint that served hot dogs, as that's what my daughter was saying that she wanted. We quickly looked at the menu that was posted outside the door and I noticed that they offered a Flight Of Hot Dogs. Score! We were seated in the 3-seasons type room that overlooked Superior, and it was more than spacious for all of us (including a high chair for my son). I'm not sure how family friendly it would be for younger kids if the bar was a bit more packed, but I can only say good things about it for going at 1:00 on a Saturday afternoon. The grub was good bar food. I had a turkey burger with Swiss, mushrooms and onions, my wife had the flight of hot dogs, and the kids had some kids food. The beer list was expansive, and the Bloody Mary special was good. The waitress was attentive, but the food serving was a bit (but not overly) slow. I'm not sure if I would have even noticed if I didn't have a 1 year old getting grumpy for the food. I think it was a bit pricier for bar fare, but only moderately. Total bill for the 4 of us was $50 plus tip, but that included a beer and a Bloody Mary. We would definitely return, as the proximity to Michigan Ave is ideal and we got a $5 gift card to be used on a future visit.
(4)Len W.
Full disclosure: I'm not a BBQ fan. But this was in the neighborhood and I was really hungry. Anyway, the service was good. I had a brisket sandwich. It was ok. But again, I'm no bbq fan. We had mac and cheese, too. Best part of dinner. The people I was with had a steak sandwich and a flatbread pizza thing. Neither person had much to say about what they ordered. Also ordered a artichoke/spinach dip appetizer which was pretty ordinary.
(2)Brenda M.
Solid beer and wine selection as well as a full menu of barbeque, wings, burgers and classic pub grub. The brisquit was a little dry but the barbeque sauce made up for it. The wings are breaded and you can ask for the sauce on the side without rebuke. The wings were good but I wouldn't rate them the best. It is more of a sports bar atmosphere so don't expect to go there for a quiet evening....it is a bit loud. The waitress was friendly and accomodating without hovering. We were far from rushed. We ended our meal with bread pudding which is definitely worth going back to get again....some of the best I've had drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
(3)Samantha P.
I went here with some friends a few weeks ago and always intend to go back when I'm in the city but it's just never worked out. The place is in a good location and decorated like a typical pub/bar/family-sport eatery. The service was pretty decent and we loved the option of the "Mystery Beer". They have a decent beer selection in general too. I had the buffalo chicken wrap which was good but nothing I can't get anywhere. We shared a plate of the BBQ brisket nachos which were AMAZING! They alone earned a 4 star and months later I'm still dreaming about them.
(4)fab f.
Football (it's soccer for most of you) fans have a new place. I went to Fado to see the Champion's League and had a serious disappointment: just two games displayed and both of English teams. Valencia-ManU was actually the most interesting game of the day, but Tottenham-Twente was way behind an Internazionale - Werder Bremen. No reason to make such a choice, for football fans (unless they are all from London). At my request to change at least one tv to the best game (4-0 for Inter, hattrick of Eto'o), the guy said that he only could display 2 games. So I remembered that I saw few World Cup games at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and gave it a shot. Couldn't be better. The pretty bartender said 'of course', she made me choice the place where I wanted to stay and switched to channel I asked for. Good beer, fine food and a lovely waitress. Actually, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap -for the downtown fans- is in a good location, quiet. The place is big, and tvs are in good positions (many games could be shown). Fado is small and dark and to watch any tv you have to go too early to find a decent spot. Fado is gone, for me. Thank you, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
(4)MaryAnne M.
Parmesan French fries. Go, order them. That is all. Oh, they also know what "medium" means. Many don't
(3)Mike S.
have been meaning to get back here to try the wings. i had a work function here over a year ago butr was late and missed out on the food. ordered some of the traditional medium and poncho (garlic and chayenne). i thought both types of wings were good. i chickened out on getting the hot wings since ive heard they are ridiculous. i enjoyed their french fries - were thinly cut and reminded me of the type you get at a state fair. there were a lot of hockey fans in here - was a sunday. understandable since it was game 6 of the blackhawk series. would have like to see some nba playoffs on at least one televsion but thats neither here nor there. food was good - id like to come back sometime soon. on a side note - friend i was with ordered a pint of jager. the waitress looked at him cross eyed but delivered! it wasnt that expensive either ~15 dollar range.
(4)Jeff N.
Normally this is a solid 3 star place. Good comfort/bar food. Good patio. WHOA! Not this time. We waited in bar area for a patio table to open up. Our entertainment was witnessing Mr. White Trash at the table next to us give his hoochie female friend a hickey on her eyelid. Yes, her eyelid. All the while, listening to his repeated and loud F-Bombs. The hostess heard all this crap and did nothing. Finally got a patio seat and a very bored waiter finally took our order 10-15 minutes later. Wife had the brisket platter and I had the dry rub chicken. Mine should have just said DRY and that would be a better description. Brisket was average at best. I know this place can do better, but it will be a long time before I try this place again.
(1)Robert W.
Wings overpriced and inconsistent
(3)Adam S.
A friend and I were headed to Michigan Ave and were craving wings. After reading a few reviews, we decided this was the place to try. We are very happy we did! The atmosphere was appropriate for a sports bar/restaurant. The beer selection was great. Good locals and craft beers. Now the wings! I ordered the Super Hot. The waiter asked me if I was sure and I hesitated. He suggested getting half Super Hot, and Half Spicy Buffalo. They aren't kidding, the Super Hot, is SUPER HOT! However they are extremely flavorful. I am glad I tried them, but also glad I didn't get a full order. The wings are possibly some of the biggest that I've had. There was a great amount of meat on them. It was a great experience. I will defiantly be returning for more wings.
(4)Jennifer C.
The wings were delicious! The Bloody Mary tasted like a buffalo wing which ended up being pretty tasty. Fun atmosphere!
(3)Jules H.
Fun Streeterville spot...a bit of nice outdoor sidewalk seating, rustic plank tables inside. I met some friends here, who bragged about needing to eat Inferno Ghost wings. Tim R has a tattoo, Carm was really kind and sweet. Bobby O is funny in person and in talk. Was great to meet Linda, Jess blew us off, but she is forgiven because she's Jess. John N arrived late...wtf dude? John S and James Z were A-Okay. The food was less than dazzling, the service was excellent. Great waitress who never let our glasses rest empty for too long. They made a Chicago cop sign a waiver before he ate their crazy hot wings. Really? I'd go back for the booze and company, the food needs a "bar rescue".
(4)Gino W.
I caught up with two former co-workers after work one evening and the original restaurant choice was a no-go. So there was a suggestion for Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. Sports bar meets Cheers. I had the barbecue pulled pork sandwich. The barbecue sauce was a Kansas City style sauce. Having spent some time Down South, I know a thing or two about good barbecue. But this was pub grub. The sandwich was soggy and the barbecue sauce was pretty much a glaze. Some of the fries were crispy; some were soggy. Being British and preferring stouts and dark ales, nothing on the beer menu jumped out at me. So I took a pass on beer. I think you go to Jake Melnick's to watch the game and root for your favourite team mostly. I get to say that I've been, but that's about it.
(3)Daron D.
Ok bar not bad. Typical bar, they do have a nice selection of beer, but on the other hand, it is too high as far as pricing. Had the firecracker wings, sauce is good, but the wings are too big in size to me and doesn't taste right, onions are ok, nothing great and unlike other chicago bars this one closes at 2 am. Very average place.
(3)Jessica K.
I was incredibly impressed with this place. Our service was amazing! They were absolutely packed when we (I, my brother and his wife) got there, and we decided to stick it out for the 45min - 1hr wait. So happy we did. We were brought back via a text saying our table was to be ready, and we ended up having to wait a little extra time. No big deal. We got seated, and ordered some drinks to start. I ordered the Castaway #2, and it was delicious. Great taste combinations. They came very quickly, and we ordered our appetizer - deep fried pickles. Our waitress came back with those, as well as an order of their Hand-Cut BBQ chips, stating that in apology of us waiting so long, our appetizers were on the house. We were so incredibly impressed. It was just such a lovely gesture, as we hadn't said a word towards the long wait for our table. Both the appetizers were, as is the trend so far, delicious. Then we got some wings. We ordered their monthly special (Peach Bourbon BBQ) as well as a split-order of their Poncho (Grilled with Garlic & Cayenne Marinade) and Firecracker (Sweet Chili Oil and Sriracha). The Peach Bourbon Wings were delicious, but in small amounts, they were quite sweet. We were blown away by the Firecracker wings, loving them enough to order another helping of just those even after we felt stuffed. The Poncho's were a close second. I have to say I was very impressed with the food and service. This has easily become my new favorite place to go for some wings and I will definitely be going once a month at minimum to sample their monthly creations for Mac'n'cheese and wings.
(5)M N.
Wings are average at best and menu items are overpriced for portion size. I'm not sure who decided these are the best wings in Chicago but I've had wings at least a half dozen other placed that put these to shame. Will not be going back. Service was very good though...
(2)Mahsa T.
Jake Melnick, where have you been all my life? Why have I passed by you so many times and not stopped in to say hello? Never thought bar food could be this good, but this is surprisingly good food. And they have my favorite beer too. The 5 Rabbit Huitzi (a Belgian Strong Golden Ale, brewed with hibiscus flowers, ginger, thai palm sugar and local Chicago honey)---it's delicious---where has this beer been all my life? I don't drink a lot, but I could drink three of these easy. It goes down smooth and it's strong too. Ok, so the food--cobb salad, fresh and good. BBQ double play combo (we got it with the 1/3 slab of ribs and 1/4 smoked chicken)--phenomenally good BBQ (the kind you'd expect to find at a specialty BBQ place)--even the chicken was good. Their burger--easily one of the best burgers in the city. Their fries are addicting, can't just eat one, you end up eating the whole basket. It does get crowded when there's a game on and there are a lot of tourists, but you may have better luck during the week or off peak hours. Service was solid. I've been here twice already and plan to return many more times during the summer to enjoy some outdoor beer.
(5)Neil R.
The first time I went here, I thought the wings were slightly over-hyped. But I went back today and was pleasantly surprised. I was with 5 people so we ordered four different types of wings and they were all really good! The beer selection is very good and I do like the atmosphere. I cannot give it a five - the reason being is that I am from upstate NY (i.e. in the vicinity of Buffalo, NY), so I have very high standards when it comes to wings. Hard to compete, not going to lie. That said, very solid place to check out
(4)Mike M.
Great wings. Very very very hot. It was an awesome experience. The people there were very nice and btw the cheddar fries were awesome.
(4)Sheila G.
When we arrived at Jake Melnick's we hung around for a bit outside, and I was amazed at the constant stream of people entering the restaurant. We were here for a private party in their back room, and it turned out to be a terrific choice. Although we had a set menu to choose from, it was big enough so that there was something for everyone. For appetizers we chose the flatbread, which was delicious. I'm not a big fan of wings, even if they are proclaimed AWESOME, so we didn't order them, but they must be good - the little brother of the party boy gobbled up a whole order in five minutes flat. (The servers were very good about cleaning up the mess he left, which threatened to annihilate my clothing!). For the main course, hubby and I decided to share the turkey burger and a Cobb salad. The burger, with grilled onions, mushrooms, and Swiss, was just perfect, but it was the Cobb salad that sent me straight to heaven; it had to be one of the best salads I've ever eaten. I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm a big fan of high-test cider, so I was thrilled to see that Jake Melnick's had two different ones available on tap. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Sundae was the icing on the cake, and we left stuffed and happy -- well, not so happy that we ate so much, but happy that we ate well, and with great service, too.
(5)Hk S.
Hands down my favorite place for wings. I love spicy food and always get the XXX wings when I go. I absolutely love them, but I warn you it is not for the light hearted. If you dare you try them you will be pleasantly surprised how flavorful they are as well as very very spicy. I am a huge fan of seasoned hot wings and these are exactly that. My bf and I also shared a baked potato with bbq pulled pork on top. The potato is huge!!! I wasn't expecting that at all. It is super cheesy and just baked to perfection. We where completely satisfied. This place is always busy and the servers are super sweet. I would recommend this place to any wing lover. It is the place to be!
(5)Nancy D.
I got 'addicted' to chicken wings because of Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. I had a preference for the meatier parts of chicken, then one day when I had just moved into the neighborhood a new friend suggested we try out some chicken wings at the place. It was love at first bite with all the different and spicy flavours available as well as great service. The beer selection is equally good and I have even explored the menu finding the equally delicious Pulled Pork Slider trio. So even though my orders vary, the chicken wings are always part of it. There's also an awesome selection of burgers you can choose from and I have never noticed any drop in the quality of food preparation or servings. The crowd is warm and friendly so even when you are seated alone, it is easy to start a conversation with equally starved strangers. There is no other place like Corner Tap in Chicago.
(5)Susan W.
Went here for dinner last night at about 8 pm. We were a group of 7 that were seated rather quickly considering they were pretty busy for a Monday night. Took quite a while for the waitress to take our orders. Then took quite a while for water. Then even longer for beers. I think our waitress Laura was assigned too many tables for her to handle. Needless to say it took a long time to receive our food. While we waited neighboring tables received their food before ours. Finally frustrated 1 of our party went up to the hostess to ask for a manager. Of course then our food comes out. (Murphy's law). Anyhoo.... The food was adequate. 4 people ordered salads & they all looked fine. But how long does it take to make salads??? One person had the house made veggie burger with side salad. She said the veggie burg had a nice spice to it. Another had a plain grilled chicken breast with a side of sweet potato fries. The fries are advertised as shareable and are $6. I would think the portion size should have been larger. When her bill came they charged her for a full chicken sandwich meal not just a side chicken breast. Did get corrected. I got the worst entree of the whole table. I was so disappointed. I had researched the restaurant & was the one who suggested it to my friends. My buffalo chicken sandwich was small & had very little buffalo sauce & a miniscule amount of blue cheese crumbles on it. It did however have a ginormous bun. :( Fries were not hot. Server was kind enough to split our check & 18% gratuity was already added in. I think we would have all been within our rights to scratch that out & reduce it to 10% based on the slow service we received. Overall I am left feeling very disappointed because I had already picked out what I would have when I went back. Now I don't think I will.
(1)Nate M.
I went here a couple times while I was staying in the area. Great beer selection with some knowledgeable bartenders to offer advice. I had the pork slider trio once and the hot link special the other. Good BBQ! I have had better pork, but it was still very tasty with good, flavorful sauces. Good atmosphere and worth checking out!!
(4)D h.
Great food, drinks, beer, & atmosphere. Looks corporate, but was told there's only one. North front door enters into a large dining room with high & low tables on each side. A long bar is located on the south wall. Walls are mostly a nice stone with large windows on the north side. Actual bar is classic, even the bar back (mirrors, shelves, etc.). Great for large groups, but there were also many younger singles sitting at the bar, which seemed kind of odd, but was told that many will stop by just for dinner. Food was incredible (stick with wings or BBQ) and Jake's has an extensive beer menu, with try before you buy. Sides are delicious and huge. Sports on all their HDTVs, which are plentiful, including game audio for the bigger games. Crowd is mostly younger, but not obnoxious. Overall atmosphere is very easy going. Great starter place for food or drinks, or for one last one.
(4)Lynn B.
We came here for the wings as they have been voted 'Best Wings in Chicago' by several sources. The wings were delicious and I was eyeing some of the other food people were eating which also looked amazing. It is bar food, so don't expect high class fancy pants food. I also liked their bar menu. They had a few beer cocktails, such as the House Shandy, which is beer mixed with lemonade, a 22oz pour for $7. Can't beat that price in the area. We will be back!
(5)Christopher V.
Wings are good, but overpriced at $12 for seven pieces. Pass on the ribs, looks better than they taste. Pass on the Nutter Butter Banana Pudding..soupy with very little Nutter Butter. Onion rings needed salt, but otherwise the beer batter was pretty good. Service is solid. Food is overpriced and ranges from average to below average. Won't return unless they have a wing special.
(2)Thamer B.
Me and my wife was looking for wings and this place was the nearest to us so we decided to give it a shot We had the BBQ wings and the grilled wings I am not sure what was the name of it, we had the loaded baked potato and the three small Angus burger, the burger and potato was fine but the wings truly it's one of the best, we even brought our friends the next day to try them up! We had the cookie with ice cream and the chocolate fudge and it was amazing although the other day it was not good as it was in the first time, I loved the place and I really think I would come again
(4)Melissa K.
I was prepared to come on here and write a scathing review of Melnick's after a bad experience today, but after some great customer service I'm here with a well-earned 4 star review. I live in the area, so I've gone to Jake Melnick's often in the last few years. It's become a favorite of my parents as well, who like to take me and the BF here for lunch when they swing by town. As my parents were coming down to take us to lunch today, we immediately thought of Jake Melnick's. However, knowing it was a Sunday AND St. Patrick's day, it was sure to be crowded, so we decided to try their carry-out service instead. I called and placed my order, and was told it would take 30 minutes. The BF headed over right at the half hour mark, and was told it wasn't ready. Ok, no big deal, it's a busy day. But 30 minutes later, he was still waiting, and he hadn't even been given an update on when the food would be ready. An hour after placing the order, he finally got our food, only to bring it home and find out we were missing food. I was irate (and hungry!). I thought to myself, if you can't handle carry-out orders on busy days, you shouldn't offer carry-out at all. I called back, and I explained what had happened to whoever picked up the phone. She put me on hold as she went to find a manager. After 6 minutes of waiting on the phone, I was even saltier, and I again explained what happened and asked that the missing items be delivered to my apartment. Here's where the story gets good: Less than 15 minutes later, a delivery man was at my door with not only the missing food, but an envelope containing cash in the amount of the missing food PLUS $20 in gift cards. I tried to give the delivery guy a tip, but he was so apologetic and wouldn't accept. Wow. Thanks, Jake Melnick's! It was really nice to see such great customer service on one of the busiest days of the year (especially when I wasn't exactly the nicest customer on the phone). Can't wait to stop by again soon with the gift cards!
(4)Ladd W.
All of their wings are great, best in the city. I love their xxx wings.... and yes, I would marry them if I could.
(5)Melis A.
Sat at the bar during lunch today. Good service, great selection of brews; guess I was just not psyched about the good selection or quality. The brown fries tasted odd that it required a lot of ranch and buffalo to stomach. Sort of a boring ambiance, too. Not what I was expecting from a Chicago pub.
(3)Jon O.
This sports bars atmosphere is very much what you'd expect from a....well....sports bar restaurant. I went for lunch and sat near the street at a table that was comfortable but felt a little removed from the restaurant itself. I guess it converts into open air seating in the summer. The server was Johnny on the spot with making sure our drinks were filled up and that we had everything we needed. I had a appetizer of their white chili, which I think was a special, and it was very creamy and I almost had to order another one it was so good. I'm glad I opted out on the second chili though since I ordered a turkey burger and it was gigantic. The burger was cooked to perfection and mine came with a side of sweet potato fries which were a little on the soggy side which kinda sucked. This is a pretty good lunch spot imo if you are in the mood for some high quality bar food.
(4)Kelly S.
Yanna was the most amazing waitress ever and made our group of 11 feel welcomed and well taken care of!! Try the firecracker wings!!! We split an order, next time I'll get my own! Barbecue is tasty and well smoked, lots if flavor... Beer could have been a little colder, but that was all we found less than great!!!
(5)Brendan B.
Drinks were good, service was great. Nice place to come and unwind! Wish they had something like this back home!
(5)Alan F.
Back yesterday for my yearly visit, and was delighted to find that their beer list is better than ever, now including no fewer than 20 Mikeller lines, taking up a page and a half of the menu. That alone gets them a fifth star. While in Chicago I'll return to sample a few of these. Meanwhile, on yesterday's visit, I tried Revolution's Very Mad Cow bourbon-barrel aged milk stout, and Revolution Third Year, the latter not even currently available at Revolution itself. Oh, Jake's is carrying some prime stuff.
(5)Ariel H.
Ok seriously, I have an addiction to this place.... I don't go for the drinks I go for the WINGS! Seriously their wings are the best.. Go during happy hour and get the buffalo fries $5 and super good.. Bbq nachos are good, corn bread and they always have a killer Mac and cheese of the month! Drinks are overpriced for my liking but the food makes up for it.. I've taken all sorts of people here and they leave happy! Seriously go!!
(5)Adam E.
Oh man, you walk into this place and it just smells so good you pretty much start drooling and doing that zombie hobble to the bar immediately. Chanting, "Wiiings, WIIIINNNGGSSS!" Rightfully so. The wings are abnormally delicious. And I think the guy sitting beside us when we arrived was either a zombie of a werewolf. He was slurping away at his wings, looking and sounding like a wild animal. Which is disgusting, by the way, no matter how awesome the wings are. Have a little dignity, dude. The bartender who served us was extremely knowledgable and friendly. Patient too. When it took us a while to make our decision on what to order, he offered to describe any dish in more detail, and didn't rush us at all. He knew a ton about the beers on tap and gave my beer-brewing bartender bff a very thorough rundown on the features of each brew she asked about. He didn't miss a beat. And there were a ton of beers. Good ones too, like a pilsner from Meantime Brewery in England. On tap! We decided to split a sandwich and 2 kinds of wings. I was not crazy about the pulled pork sandwich, but I didn't hate it. There just wasn't much to the sauce and it wasn't really "pulled." It was more like chunks of pork on a bun with a kind of boring sauce. But, the wings more than made up for it. We got the boneless variety, which I know are not really wings, but my bff is too civilized to eat meat off the bone. The tenders were ridiculous. We got the traditional spicy buffalo and the "exotic" wings which had a sweet and spicy asian sauce. I wish we ordered more of them instead of the sandwich. Learn from my experience and order the wings at the place that has won all kinds of awards for their wings. They deserve the accolades.
(4)A L.
I went back for a second time on a Saturday night. It's was super busy but the line went pretty quick. The wings are terrible, they say jumbo but my friends boneless wings had more meat on them. The French fries were burnt ! Every tv in the entire place had a assortment of football games on from all over the U.S. And when we requested the Bulls game which was in Chicago that night they put it on in the corner tv so far from our table we couldn't see it after promising is when we arrived it would be right in front of us. I had family in town and it was a awful experience. I will not return !
(1)Melanie S.
Over the years, this location was home to Randall's Ribhouse, Blackhawk Lodge, and currently, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. There's your Chicago trivia for the day. First and foremost, it's a sports bar, but it also happens to have good food. You can't really go wrong with anything you order here. They offer tons of barbecue items, salads, sandwiches, tons of french fry options (the garlic parmesan are a must-try)and their famous, much-ballyhooed wings, often touted as "best in Chicago." While they're good, I can't crown them Chicago's best. They should be crispier and more flavorful. A recent order of the garlic-cayenne wings yielded no real discernible taste of either garlic or cayenne. Sad face. They have an extensive beer list and daily specials. If you're a craft beer lover, this place will give you a beer boner. Service is friendly. Prices are kind of high, but given the area, not outrageous. The clientele is a mix of sports fans (they have TVs in every area), older folks, the after-work crowd, and tourists. Everyone seems to be comfortable here. I guess what I'm saying is Jake's is fine. You could do worse.
(3)Michelle M.
Had an average experience here. The restaurant itself has a great ambiance and a wide selection of unique beers, which I liked! When I asked the waitress for a beer recommendation, she didn't quite listen to what I liked and didn't seem very knowledgeable. My friend and I ordered the tuna burger and side of cornbread skillet to share. Cornbread skillet=eh, okay. Tuna burger=eh, okay. I'd definitely come here for happy hour with friends, but not if you're looking for great food.
(3)Sannie L.
3.5 This place was pretty good. Stopped here with some co-workers on a work trip after a long day. I ordered their special at the time, which was the "Hell-o-ween" burger. It was supposed to be really spicy, hence the "hell." Whatever, it had guac on it and I loves me some guac. The burger was super tasty and came out along with fries and pickle slices in a bucket platter. The portion was huuuge and I ended up saving some for later that night. My other coworker ordered the brat with a beer and thoroughly enjoyed her meal. I also want to try their famous wings. Prices are reasonable given their size. I'd come back here again as it seems like a good place to sit, relax, and have a drink. They have comfortable seating inside, at the bar, or out on the street. Overall good, but it didn't feel like anything special.
(3)Drew D.
Just ate here. Great service at the bar from Brandon. Easily the best wings I've ever had in my life. Also get the Parmesan fries as a side substitute. You won't regret it.
(5)Gina S.
We have been to Jake's about 5 times. We love the wings. We get the ponchos and traditional buffalo medium. We also drink plenty of captain and cokes and vodka and tonic. The friendliness of the servers has been hit and miss. Great atmosphere, great food, a few drinks, TVs everywhere, and good company; what more can you ask for??
(5)Jared P.
Their BBQ nachos were great! They're almost as good as Southern style. Almost...
(4)Eric L.
Can't provide much information about this place as we just stopped in for a drink before heading off to another place for dinner. They have a nice outdoor area and the menu looked pretty good. I got one of their drink specials called a "Double Gin" which was potent and delicious! The server was a little spacey and slow but nothing major to complain about. Might have been before they were catering to the people sitting indoors? Anyway, it's one of those places that I would classify as "touristy". They promote themselves to have the best wings in Chicago. Couldn't tell ya cuz we didn't have any but looks like a ploy to get tourists into the building. I can't say I would definitely not go there again - I might. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
(3)Andy J.
The wings were outstanding here. They did not overload them with sauce and the meat was tender and juicy. Pair this with some local beers on tap which they have plenty of. The service was prompt and polite. I would definitely recommend this place for casual dining in Chicago.
(4)Jules L.
I am surprised I haven't reviewed this place before. It's the go-to after-work hangout for my coworkers so I've been here a good couple of times with those guys. They used to have a really cool cocktail that I always ordered but it doesn't look like they have it anymore. But their array of beers is ridiculous! And their food is decent as well. It's not really the kind of place I'd choose to go to on my own, but I've always had a good time here with the job mob.
(3)Andrea W.
We recently hosted a rehearsal dinner and rented out the keg room and patio. We were looking for a casual place where out of town guests could eat and drink, and not worry about having to be dressed up. The price was reasonable and Jessica was very easy to work with. Prior to the event we dropped off a cake and cookies, which they had no problem refrigerating the items. When we arrived everything was set up and ready to go. We did a buffet with various foods items (mini pulled pork, mini tacos, chicken skewers, flatbreads) and the staff did a great job making sure the food was re-stocked. The food was amazing and I can't tell you how many of our guests commented on the great food. They even had a staff member go around and hand out slices of cake. The bartenders were great and were very knowledgeable about the beers that were offered. Overall, I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to host a casual event.
(5)Melanie B.
They got us in pretty quickly considering how busy they were. We shared an order of wings and onion rings which were were very good. Staff was excellent. They have a great outdoor seating area which was enclosed due to cold weather while we were there but it looked like it would be a great spot to people watch while enjoying a meal.
(4)Ken O.
If you are downtown and looking for a great restaurant of off the mag. mile...Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is the place. Seriously. There were two in my group. As soon as you open the door, BBQ aroma hits you, however, it's not overpowering but you you know it's a place that knows it's BBQ. We were greet by the Manager/host, very pleasant. We were seated in the covered patio area. Our female service (I apologize that I don't remember her name) was great! She gave us a few minutes to settle in before taking our drink order and reviewed the menu with us. She also gave us her favorites, which I like. Who better know the food than the server? Upon delivering our drinks, she took our order without rushing us. Within a reasonable amount of time, our food was at our table. My lunch companion, Jan, had the veggie burger and I had the chicken sandwich. We had shared the mac'n'cheese - which I would highly recommend. I would place their mac'n'cheese within the top five of my list. I would say that I'm connoisseur of the cheesie stuff. Both sandwiches were large and delicious. Fries are also included with the meal. You will not leave hunger. Unfortunately, we weren't able to try the desserts. The main dining room has both regular size tables and the communal tables. Which is a great way to meet other people. The noise level in the area was not bad. The noise level in the patio was definitely louder. During the warmer weather, the pation would be great to sit at. Overall, great restaurant and great food. Looking to go back and try more food.
(4)Anthony W.
Came here on a Friday during sweet 16 march madness tourney and there was a wait. But well worth the wait. Luckily two seats opened up at bar 5 min after checking in. Had the fried pickles. Was great. I recommend getting those. Ordered the fish n chips cuz it is lent. Was also great. I'm actually thinking if going back and getting them today again. Also great variety of craft beer available. Love this place.
(4)Marissa B.
I only came here once, but the wings and grilled cheese were DELICIOUS. Bloody Mary wasn't bad either, but not the best I've ever had. Service was a little slow, but it was a very busy Sunday and several football games were on. When back in Chicago, I don't know if I'd return simply based on the plethora of other restaurants, but I'd definitely recommend it to someone looking for a casual place where they could grab a beer and watch a game.
(3)Jed M.
Went here for a late Friday lunch during NCAA tournament games. The place is a typical gastropub layout with a long bar and many tables. Also an outdoor patio in nicer weather. We ordered onion rings as an appetizer which was very good. Flaky and not too greasy. I ordered a messy pig which was delicious, but the portion sizes were way too large. I had enough food to be completely full for two meals. The beer selection was pretty solid, but a lot of what they had posted on beermenus was not accurate and the replacement selections weren't as good. It was also on the pricy side especially for the bottle selection. Our server was a little strange, but overall was attentive and met our needs. They have several tv's, but they are kind of awkwardly laid out. I didn't have a really good close view of any one of them. Overall it seems like this place is just trying a little too hard to be cool. I would certainly return, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice since many other places nearby have a lot more character.
(3)Peter P.
The beer is still good. They've changed a lot of the taps since my last visit and someone there clearly knows how to pick them.
(3)Jon M.
First thing I'm going to say is.. I'm definitely coming back here again to try something different. Service was good! They sat us in an area private enough and loud enough for two people to sit. Our waitress didn't check on us at first, but that's ok. My gf and i had ample amount of time to look over the beer menu and food menu. For the Unique beers we had, she had the Jolly Pumpkin and I had the Escoffier. We enjoyed our choices to the fullest. Because of the Lenten season, my gf gave up red meat. That's ok, we came here for the chicken wings and it did not disappoint. We had the poncho wings. Oh snap. Each bite made me eat slower just so i can savor each bite.. In the words of Homer Simpson.. Awesomaaaaah Powaaah!!!! 10 jumbo wings per basket, and you can't get the poncho wings in boneless. They were oh so juicy & tender. I clean my bones along with the cartilage and all, and they were all clean. I know not to waste. But we shared a huge plate of the nachos. Other yelpers say it's good with chili, but I can't wait till we come back and try the nachos with bbq pork. We weren't completely done yet. We ended with an awesome dessert! NUTTER BUTTER BANANA PUDDING!!! Wow.. Just wow!! Each bite is worth putting me into a deeper sense of food coma. Amazing. We are definitely coming back!
(5)Ajay B.
They tout themselves as the best wings in Chicago. Maybe that's the case, maybe not, idk... But regardless, we did LOVE the wings here! Cooked perfectly for a crisp skin on the outside n the meat on the inside was still very moist. Flavors def got through the skin into the meat as well. Sadly though that's where the good news ends... We didn't really care for much of anything else.. average bar food, average service. Lively loud bar type atmosphere (but not sloppy or messy or anything) throughout the whole place... including a small covered outdoor patio area... If I ever go back it'd be for the wings and wings only.
(3)Taylor A.
A classic sports bar with a more rustic feel, and a way better beer list that you would expect. I had a couple Great Divide Hades, and my friend had an Evil Twin Biscotti Break. My only big issue with this place is the price and size of some of their specialty beers. My friends Evil Twin was the size of a normal tasting sample and cost $9. Way overpriced. I would be broke if I came here and drank for more than an hour or so.
(3)Stacey N.
Had been there before, had an average experience (really great sweet potato fries, but who could screw that up?) Was there last Thursday, had their tuna burger w/sweet potato fries (of course) it comes with a wasabi mayo which is tasty, but the burger itself was flavorless. (Didn't eat the bun). Come around 1:30 in the morning I was unpleasantly surprised with food poisoning that kept me up for over 2 hours sick, sick, sick. Clearly I will not go there again. Ever.
(1)Greyser C.
Very good place all around. The waiters are really good, what you would u expect in river north. The wings are good, even comparable to Mother hubbards which is saying a lot. It's cool because they have mixed drinks on tap too. Definitely will come back here.
(5)Michael L.
My favorite food of all time is chicken wings and I think this place do have one of the best in the city. The wings are jumbo and meaty. They also have great beer selection. The servers know their beers as well so you don't have to go to the bar. They can accommodate for large parties and have TV in pretty much any angle you sit in. Another cool thing is my wife and I forgot our leftovers on our table. We realize this as soon as we got to our car after a 5 block walk. We drove back up to the restaurant and as I walked in to ask if they still had it. They did not throw it away as they actually had it placed on the side for me. Caught me by surprise. Little things like that makes my day.
(5)John F.
I struggled with the rating of Jake Melnick's - 3 or 4.. 3 or 4.. ahhh 3! I guess it all depends on what you order and your tastes. If you like Long Island Ice Teas, this is NOT your bar, they are EXTREMELY weak here. I honestly think the server just gave me an Arnold Palmer and charged me 9 bucks for it. I guess that's my fault for ordering a cocktail at a place with over 100 beers, but what can I say, I was craving a Long Island! So yes, they have tons of beer options here so stick with beer. As far as food, well I'm sure you've heard, but they have some pretty good wings here. it's not a myth. However, don't order the Ghost Chile wings - you'll regret it, I know I did. I regretted it several times a day for a week. I completed their dumb wing challenge and didn't get anything for it except an ulcer. I even had to pay for it! Whatever, this place isn't known for their hot wing challenge, only for having good wings so stick to the basics. The barbecue here is okay. I'm pretty critical about my barbecue so I'm sure many will find the barbecue here amazing, but to a purist it's just okay. For a bar, it is very good though so take it for what it's worth. So what did we learn here? Order beer. Order any type of wings except for the Ghost Chile ones. Order one of their barbecue sandwiches or burgers. Follow those guidelines and you'll enjoy your time here.
(3)Ivanka B.
Oh company holiday party - damn you! Loved the booths and the drinks, didn't try the food but the karaoke was fantastic. Until next time ....
(3)Kylie S.
There's nothing special about this place and yet I love it anyways. Good beer, good food, good people. So many restaurants in this area are pretentious and that's just not my scene. I want to feel comfortable and relaxed if I stop in for lunch and a drink -- Jake Melnick's has that vibe. Love their "mystery beer Tuesdays" -- check it out.
(4)G R.
Sure it's a bit pricey, but it's the high rent district, so you have to go with the flow. After an initial delay to get my first drink service did improve and was fine after that. I didn't have any food so I can't comment on that. Overall, it's a nice casual place to get together with a few friends or even a larger group, our server did split my check from the rest of the group, but she did hit me up with the 18% auto gratuity, so if you're leaving from a group watch for that. You don't want to double tip, nor do you want to short change a server either. To John S., I thought it was what I drank that made you look 40 pounds lighter, but you lost weight here, now that's impressive.
(3)Breanna C.
Amazing wings. Had the peach BBQ as a month special. Also buffalo wings, sweet potato fries, and spinache dip were on point. Great food and great service. Next time I'm coming back to do the 8lb burger challenge.
(5)Melissa F.
Another pleasant surprise. I came here for drinks and was not disappointed. Melnick's is not very distinctive as a bar - its cleanliness is both reassuring and renders a quasi-corporate feel. My date and I each enjoyed pumpkin cider. Our server was VERY helpful and friendly - not in that fake, angling for tips way, but in a genuinely helpful way. He pointed us toward Ace brand pumpkin cider, which TASTES LIKE DREAMS. Sometimes a pumpkin flavor is just a cute little dot on your tastebuds' radar, but this cider was full-on fizzy pumpkin happiness. Real talk. Although each pint was $7.50 :(, the cider was simply amazing. Melnick's was a relaxing place to enjoy these majestically delicious pints. Minus one star for the weird amount of heat being piped in! I know it's getting a teeny bit colder, but not enough to start circulating heat!
(4)Kevin A.
The wings were meh, not so great. I dont think the food itself was the problem, it was more the person taking orders. The service is pretty mediocre, always some sort of communication problems and you end up getting something you didnt want. For a place that somehow earned the title to best wings in chicago at some point, the chicken was pretty pink, and not hot at all! Beware if youre not a local...
(2)Steven P.
Moderately over priced sports bar. Been here many times when in Chicago for business. 1969 Mets -- sorry, my Tourette's. Anyway, I have had wings, burgers and the brisket here. All good. Always busy, but staff friendly and though not quite Cheers, you can talk to the person sitting next to you at the bar. Incredible selection of beer at okay prices. Great sports bar too. Got to watch the last game of the World Series, although I had to explain what that was to the local Cubs fans. Oh, sorry. Heck, I am a Mets fan and pretty much forgot as well.
(4)Ginger R.
Really moist bbq pork and attentive waiter. The atmosphere is very casual and great food!! Prices are reasonable considering Chicago and just off Michigan Ave
(4)Dixie D.
Best wings I've ever had in my life! Who knew I'd find the best wings ever in Chicago!? A sweet corner pub (I don't drink) where I know good food can be found- but this one surprised me. I also enjoyed the pork sliders. I still think if this place. Wish it was in my hometown.
(5)Thorsten L.
great location for hanging out with friends. best wings in town...
(5)Meghan H.
They have some pretty good wings here. Everyone with me believed they were the best wings ever, though I'm skeptical. The restaurant does tout that it was voted best hot wings at Wingfest 2010 and 2012.... I still love my bww. Aside from the wings, the rest of the food was pretty decent. Our waiter was great - really on top of things and attentive. Heads up that this place is definitely more a bar than a restaurant though.
(3)Kara A.
"There's a Beetle in my Noodle!" sounds like a cute title for a children's book, but let me tell you...it wasn't that cute at all. So...I was out shopping on Saturday and worked up quite an appetite. Dodging tourists on Michigan Ave. is pretty good cardio. Stopped in this place because A) it was 75 degrees and there was plenty of patio seating available, and B) the beer list. Ordered an Allagash Four beer and the Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese, which were both delicious. I was going about my business, enjoying my meal and the weather, until I got down to the last five or six bites I found a whole, intact, INSECT IN MY FOOD. I've worked in restaurants and I know accidents happen, but it is still not appetizing at all to uncover a shiny brown carcass with legs and antennae in your meal. I took my plate inside and asked to speak to a manager. When he asked where I was sitting and I told him I was outside, the initial reaction was almost: "Ok, a bug flew in her food while she was sitting on the patio and she's just trying to get a free meal." That was the vibe I got, but hopefully the manager and chef took a closer look at the creepy crawler and realized the beetle/roach/whatever had obviously been cooked in with the food. Jeff-the-Manager was accommodating. He apologized, comped my bill and gave me a $10 coupon "for the next time". I had him charge a $1 on my credit card so I could tip my server since I didn't have cash, and didn't want to stiff the poor guy. (It certainly wasn't his fault.) IF I do return, it'll just be for the beer...I'd stay away from the food.
(1)Megan K.
Extremely Average. I came here with a party of ten on a Friday night in celebration of a friend's birthday. We were able to easily secure a reservation, which was nice as large parties can be difficult to accommodate. This process was extremely smooth and they made sure to follow up twice to make sure that we were still coming and to confirm the date/time. That is where all the positives end with my recent experience. We arrived promptly at our reservation time and were seated immediately. The waitress (yes, one single waitress for our party of ten) was friendly but slow. It took her about 15 minutes to take our drink order and then another 5-10 to bring out the drinks. We were only able to get one refill the entire time we were there (about two hours) which is absolutely ridiculous. The service issues aside, I feel that it is important to note that they do have a nice beer list, albeit overpriced. I didn't see a single non-light beer under $5, with many beers ranging in the $7-$10 range when you can find them around $5-$7 elsewhere in the city. I had heard decent things about the wings at Jake's, so my boyfriend and I decided to split two orders so we could sample what they had to offer. The traditional spicy were on par with what you would find at most bars in the city--slightly crispy with a bit of spice. They had a slight crunch to them (which was good) meaning that they were made to order and hadn't been sitting around getting soggy. The other order of wings was the "Poncho" which have a garlic and cayenne marinade and they're grilled instead of fried. These had a nice, smoky flavor, but they were incredibly inconsistent from wing to wing. Some wings were moist and flavorful, but others were dry and chewy with almost no flavor whatsoever. The waitress came by once after the food was delivered to clear out the plates and didn't ask how the food was or if there were any issues. At this point I was almost happy that we had an absentee waitress because I wouldn't have wanted to throw away any more money at this establishment. My boyfriend and I spent around $55 on two beers each and two platters of wings, which is way too steep for the quality of food. Service: 1 Food: 2 Atmosphere: 2 Beverage Selection: 4 Value: 2 Jake's, I won't be back.
(2)Tyrod B.
CiderCon was going on and i tried the roasted almond cider with a lobster mac and cheese. This is the place to go for a real cider and amazing mac. However they have won first place in the wing city competition 3 years in a row. Needless to say Im coming back again soon.
(5)Jeffrey H.
I really like Jake's wings and fried goodies. There is one set of wings that I don't like was ponchos. The regular wings are probably my favorite in Chicago. Good beers and good atmosphere. This is more of a sport bar theme which is probably why they have good appetizers and such. My wife had the nachos which she loved. The spinach dip is pretty good too. If you want to raise your cholesterol, come to Jakes where it's worth the taste.
(4)Claudia S.
I'm teetering on this review, as my experience was somewhat disappointing, but it wasn't awful either. My birthday falls on a big day. It's a day I don't expect many people to be out eating and growing up, it's a day that my favorite restaurant would be closed. That being said, Jake Melnick's was open on my birthday and they have wings! Not only do they have wings, they've been voted to have some of the best. Service was great, I have no complaints there. My issue was that everything we seemed to order was out. I'm glad I got a wing order in when I did, because when I went to order more, they only had 2 types left. One I didn't care for, the other just didn't appeal to me in the first place. There were a few other items my mom and step-dad tried to order, but I'm going to assume the reason they were out of so many items was because of the holiday. I ended up going with a buffalo chicken sandwich (or something like that...it was chicken and I know there was buffalo sauce, as that's pretty much a staple for me). Filling, good flavor, no funky coating and it saved my birthday dinner. Unfortunately I can't remember what drinks we had, but they were all good. Aside from not knowing what to order a few times, I enjoyed Jake Melnick's. A little disappointing because I love wings, but the few traditional ones I had were worth choosing this spot for a birthday dinner.
(4)Nicki W.
I have come here a couple of times before for a drink or two but I've never tried the food. My friend and I were strolling around shopping and enjoying the weather and we got hungry. I suggested that we sit on the patio at Jake Melnicks. Usually I'm the one with the bright ideas and clearly this idea was not one of them. It's sad because I love the interior of this place and their patio is cute. Our waiter was totally MIA for most of the time we sat there. I felt bad because as we sat there waiting for our drinks to be refilled, or maybe a simple "how are things over here", we noticed other tables getting sat near us. Those people got ignored as well, and eventually got up and left. We both had salads, and they were pretty good. We just wanted this dude to come on out and check on us. We had to wait about 15 minutes before he finally came back outside so we could ask for our check. I understand if he was busy, but I was watching him inside and he didn't seem weeded at all. No sense of urgency. Bummer. Meh.
(2)Anup S.
Mystery Beer Tuesdays!
(3)Cassidy S.
This is more of a teaser trailer than a review, I suppose. Met a friend for a pint after work on Thursday and she recommended the place. Overall? I'm definitely going back. The place smelled amazing from the first second through the door. Barbecue wafted in the air... We were given a hightop right away, tucked against a wall but snug and seemingly private for the boisterous atmosphere. A few huge parties increased the volume a bit, but my friend and I could still converse without yelling across the table. Our server was, if anything, overattentive, but helpful with her draft recommendations and full of energy. The late-night menu was the only one available by the time we arrived, but I'm definitely coming back to find out what that smell was about.
(4)Zach M.
One of my absolute favorite places to go in the city. Great comfortable setting. Try any burger special they have that month. Best beer selection in the city. Best bartenders. And... Great place to watch a game. Almost forgot. If you ok with taking a break on a diet, go for the Buffalo Bleu Cheese Fries.... Absolutely amazing!
(5)Stephanie M.
Good food. Great unique beer selection. I'd highly recommend the monthly mac and cheese special or pork sliders. It can get a little crowded during the weeks but we've never had to wait more then 30 mins for a table.
(4)Andrew E.
Awesome wings, seriously the best I've had in the city. Great beer selection to complement the great food. A monthly Mac n cheese as well.
(5)Lauren G.
We regularly dine in and carry out from this neighborhood spot. Delicious indulgent food - I have never been disappointed. The pbj wings are my absolute favorite, and the nachos are also delicious. You really can't go wrong here!
(5)Antonio r.
The best wings in Chicago! I was craving wings and had a few at au cheval, Jefferson tap, ummm I can't remember a few of the other spots but so what because their wings did it for me. I had the buffalo wings (they're famous and award winning wings) and the garlic cayenne and boy did I get my fix! The bar tenders are cool and the beer selection is excellent. Good place for football on Sundays or wings when u have a craving. Their wings are crack!!
(4)Juin C.
Great atmosphere, great food. Had pulled pork and my husband had the beef brisket. We both enjoyed out meals. Next time I would like to try their wings. Have heard so much about them.
(5)Azize S.
The wings here are GREAT. They have a wing of the day, but my favorite is the thai chili wings on the menu. Before I tried the wings, I had the burger and flatbreads which were ok - nothing special. The wings are so damn good I've never bothered ordering anything else after I discovered them. Good beer list, although I'm a scotch drinker and they have a decent selection for that. They occasionally have events like Cider Con which is coming up soon. I live in the neighborhood and like to come here to watch the game at the bar with some tasty wings and a scotch.
(4)Paul T.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars because truly the only complaint that I have is that it can be louder than hell sometimes... But then again, what fun is it to go to a quiet bar and quietly eat wings with your other quiet friends? All in all, amazing food. From the fried dill pickles to the INCREDIBLE wings. Might I add once more, INCREDIBLE wings. Best I've ever eaten. Beware of the hottest sauce they serve. It is made with ghost peppers and its pretty much the equivalent of molten hell. My esophagus has yet to recover.
(4)Dani H.
Server was super great, but what made this place was the beer menu and the amazing grilled artichokes. Never had them grilled, but I HIGHLY suggest it! Also, if you like a strong beer try the one aged in whiskey barrels. Great flavor with a little bite at the end. Location is great, it is just a few blocks off Michigan Ave shopping. So it is close to everything, but still nicely priced compared to everything else on Michigan Ave.
(4)Mollie R.
Love this place for wings, beer and just bad food..well awesome food that is bad for you. :) Lots of tv's too! Great atmosphere! Valet parking too Cons... Service can be par
(5)OG W.
I'm basing my review solely on the wings. I think Melnick's does a great job with their wings. They are consistent, large, flavorful, unique. I make it a point to dine here anytime I'm downtown for a late afternoon snack after shopping. They have great beer options as well. The only reason I didn't give a 5-star rating is because I haven't gotten past the wings, but their menu is robust. A warm and comfortable place to watch a football game.
(4)Michele S.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon. The place was packed with folks watching college football. I loved the menu. BBQ and bar food are some of my favorites. My husband and I both went with the pulled pork sandwich with fries. The food was absolutely delish, and the portions are large for a reasonable price point. The only thing that seemed to be lacking was the service. We barely saw our server the entire time. I was busy, so I can cut them some slack. We will definitely be back.
(4)Ashley J.
Got to Chicago last night. Went out to the Water Tower Place today and waited for my little sister to get off work. She got out at 11, so we walked up to Jakes just to get a drink. We walk in at 11:15, greeted by "are you going to eat or get drinks" we say "maybe both" waiter replies "well the kitchen is closed at 11". Hello, why did you ask of we wanted food? Anyway, we order a beer each. Before we get the beer a random long hair greasy guy comes out of the kitchen and reaches across our table for our salt and pepper shakers, grabs the shakers and pounds them onto the table -the returns to pick up our glass mustard bottle and slams that against the table too! What??! We get our beers at 11:30 our waiter comes back and says "I guess this will be the last round" and hands is a $30 bill! If you want to close at midnight then do it!! Don't close at 11! Rude! I've eaten here before, that's why I wanted to go back - after tonight, forget it! The worst!
(1)Darcie W.
Dan is an amazing server! The only thing I disliked is that they wouldn't turn on the Miami Heat game. Ugh. Other than that, the food is great and so are the drinks!
(5)Luke A.
Had the Smokin' Que Burger, smoked burger wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top with beer battered onions. Best burger I have had in a long time! They are known for their wings so going to have to try that next time. Definitely worth it!
(5)Roy H.
Pretty solid BBQ joint. With a fantastic tap list. The prices can be a tad high but thats river north for you. I have had a few things from here, but the biggest standout was the Mac and cheese...it had BBQ beef, onions, ruffles chips, and some other stuff in it. So wild!! The usual pulled pork sandwiches/etc come with a TON of fries. You can sub for other typical BBQ fare like baked beans/coleslaw...both of them are good also. They have a ton of TVs here so its easy to watch sports while eating with friends.
(4)Carly G.
Looking at the reviews I should've got the wings.. But this place was so good! Went on a Friday night and only took a hour and half to be done and gone. We got their BBQ chicken pizza.. Oh my god it was to die for. I was skeptical cause you never know what it'll taste like.. But it was soo good. The sauce was perfect and they had caramelized onions that made it perfect. Along with their famous chicken on top. I recommend. Only complaint is its so loud I couldn't hear myself talk.
(5)Kate W.
Everything was in a basket.....
(2)Tara G.
Great beer selection and something for everyone on the menu. We got the cornbread which I would skip next time. It's huge and filling - the dinner portions were so big we couldn't finish them. We did not try the wings which they are famous for. Seems like a dependable place to go in downtown Chicago.
(4)Kili P.
Best wings I had in my life.so far...I asked my front desk @ the Hilton Suites Mag Mile who had the best wings in town and recommended me to this place..Believe I know wings I try them every place I go from Honolulu to west coast to east coast now Chicago.. Unreal go try some!.....
(5)Stephen S.
A really good beer list with some rotating offerings and guest brewers that'll bring in some special stuff you probably won't find at the other corner taps. The ambience here is pretty rough. It's a sports bar and is therefore loud and in your face. I had a hard time having a conversation with even the person sitting across from me at a small table. The prices are pretty high but for a spot downtown it's pretty much what you'd expect.
(3)Jeanne B.
Were in Chicago for the weekend and wandered into Jakes for a pint and some lunch. The ambience is definitely sports bar and it's somewhat loud. Ordered a beer but they were out so settled for margaritas which were average at best. We ordered the BBQ Pork Nachos and they were awesome!!! Definitely the best part of our visit. Will probably not repeat next time were in town.
(3)Dana R.
Tons of beer choices, tv's and seating, so has all the makings for a perfect place to waste away on football Sunday's. The decor was reminiscent of Bennigan's- lots of kitsch and filler and surprisingly low ceilings - not my fave, but again, for a sports bar, it is fine. I will say, the nachos were delicious...crunchy chips, even under the layers of yummy toppings.
(3)Michael D.
This is my wife and I second time going to this location, we are from Michigan and since we had a great time/service the last time we came 2 years ago I thought we would go back. I must say we were def not let down once again the service and food is great. My wife had what she had 2 years ago Pulled Pork sliders with fries and I had the burger of the month which was Bison and fries we also had onion rings for an app. My burger also had $1 draft beer that was attached to it which was really nice. We also had 2 lemon drop shots and my wife had a cosmopolitan the shots had patron which we should have maybe asked for a little less expensive liquor we also got two drinks with our dinner just pop. The bill was over $60!! I never would have thought of that price I was really floored by the price the shots alone were $7.25 EACH! We will def be going back again but minus the drinks and just stick with the food..
(4)Julia J.
The Left Hand Milk Stout together with four kinds of wings and their sweet potato fries really made the right first impression on me at Jake's. We strolled in on a Thursday night after work and took a seat at the bar. The bartender was attentive and gave us great service all around. We tried the Poncho, traditional medium annnndddd traditional spicy, plus the wing of the month that had a Thai peanut sauce on it- which was pretty delicious without being too much. The Poncho and wings of the month were grilled while the other two were breaded. I definitely preferred the grilled, but both kinds were larger wings than you'd get at Bdubs or Yakzees and much meatier too. By the time we were leaving around 7pm, the masses were starting to roll in and it was a little hectic. That being said, I definitely wouldn't come in for dinner during the high tourist season, but this is a good place for some good old fashioned American pub food and some delicious beer selections. I'll be back!
(4)Bill D.
This could have been tortuous trap for the gluten intolerant. Surprisingly, it's not. They have one GF beer, but it's either not very popular or it's really popular as they had one bottle. The server was awesome, considering the fun of dealing with a large group of hungry, hungry engineers. I didn't try most of the food that was served (barbeque? usually risky for GF). But the cobb salad and cole slaw were really excellent. I enjoyed the kick-back atmosphere, the lack of attitude and Rush Street atmosphere. If you don't get to this part of the country often, try Sprecher Beer. They have several varieties here.
(4)Kristine N.
Plenty of beer options. Great and friendly service. The blue cheese potato chips are good but a bit skimpy on the blue cheese. The firecracker wings are so so so good. Crispy, kinda sweet, kinda spicy, yummmmmm. The garlic wings were kinda dry, not worth getting. My brother had the pig sandwich and said it was ok. Fries are crispy and fresh though. I'll come back and stick to the firecracker wings.
(4)Kira G.
First off, service was good. Our server checked on us very often. Wanted a place nearby because we were walking around,so I checked yelp for good reviews of places around us. The reviews and the server said they were known for their wings, so we started with wings and spinach artichoke dip. The spinach artichoke dip was super delicious! I highly recommend trying it. They should use different chips or serve it with bread, but either which way, the dip itself was very yummy. The wings were ok, nothing special. For a place that's known for their wings, they should have more flavors for sauces and the wings should definitely be bigger. It says on the menu that they only serve jumbo wings, well, they were definitely not jumbo at all. We then ordered a pick 2 platter for our entrée, which was big enough for 2 people to split. It was good, but still not as good as the spinach artichoke dip. The alcohol selection is pretty nice. The book they have has nice little descriptions for your alcohol preference. The atmosphere was nice, it was a busy place. The idea of community seating was cool because it allows you to socialize with different people and meet new friends. Would go back to try other items on the menu, but I wouldn't go here just for the wings.
(4)Endel J.
Wandered in for a beer and food on a cold evening. Beer menu was amazing. (And I'm a homebrewer.) Server (Jana) was very knowledgeable about the beer and menu in general. I'm a vegan and when I mentioned the veggie burger she volunteered it has egg in the bun. Usually I have to pry that info out of servers and they look at me like I'm "that guy". Faced with such an awesome beer menu I gave some general style ideas to Jana and let her surprise us. She hit the ball out of the park three times in a row. I really appreciate good service and we definitely had that. Never once did we sit there wondering how to get a server's attention. Great beer + great service = a very nice evening. 1 star taken away because I didn't find a single vegan entree on the menu. Ended up eating fries. Still, if I'm in the area again I'd go back. Maybe I can get a salad without chicken or something.
(4)Ken L.
This place is really great. The buffalo fries with bleu cheese crumbles on top are the best! The flavor of the traditional buffalo sauce is the best I have ever had. The wings are really great too! I wish there was a place like this in my hometown.
(3)Frankie S.
There's a reason these guys have won the Chicago Wingsfest for 3 consecutive years. They probably have the best tasting wing flavors in the city. The Firecracker and Poncho wing flavors are my favorite and when the prices here are pretty reasonable for a downtown establishment. I've only had wings and burgers here. I recommend a nice burger. They're descent in size and quite tasty. You can't go wrong with this place when it comes to trying to find a good tasting wing place in the loop. Stop here instead of Hooters. You'll get your moneys worth. I look forward to coming back here.
(5)Kayla B.
Great place. Great atmosphere. Really great and friendly service at the bar. We've been here twice in the last three days. Good beer selection...different, but good. Had the wings too...Poncho's are awesome! We will definitely return when we are back in Chicago.
(4)Bruce G.
Really like the app they use to seat us. Texts to you cell phone and gives you am update on your spot in line. So far wings were great and getting ready to order rest of our lunch. Waitress very attentive. Great atmosphere.
(5)Tom S.
This place is always packed. Plan on waiting. Their fire wings are the hottest (spicy) things I've ever had in my life. It's euphoric to try these things. The rest of the food is good too. My favorite place to watch football on Sundays in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Check it out. You'll like it
(5)Louise G.
Great menu and an awesome atmosphere; right across the street from Sport Clips, this is a great guy's night out place to grab dinner and drinks after a haircut
(5)Richard R.
The Pancho's Wings are amazing! They have become my gold standard when comparing other wings.
(5)Dawn A.
Just like everyone else said here on Yelp, the only thing worth while here is the wings. The rest, gross. My husband ordered a chicken sandwich, added on some fixings which were crazy overpriced. $1 for cheese? He said it had next to no flavor. I ordered a garbage salad, which came so over dressed it was damn near inedible. It also was missing 2 ingredients, apparently they were out. To top this off, service was shit. We got a lot of attention until we ordered our food, then the waiter pretty much disappeared. And our bill was really high I thought for what kind of food this was. If you're gonna charge that much, at least make the food outstanding. This was a major disappointment, and I surely would not return.
(1)Valerie G.
We must have had good luck or come on a good night or something- because our entire experience was great at Jake Melnick's. We came in on a Monday night- MLB series, Monday night football - the place was PACKED! We were able to find two bar stools at the end of the bar, not much room- but no lack of service from the bartenders. This place has a fantastic beer selection along with your usual selection of liquors - there is something for everyone. Our order: Pancho's wings and the Trio of pork sliders. Holy delicious- Most pulled pork sandwiches I've had have had to be doused in sauce to hide their not so greatness- this pork was NOT doused and was absolutely perfectly cooked. The three varieties were all great! Win, win, win. The bartender allowed my husband to give the ghost pepper sauce a try without ordering the wings. We've heard crazy things about the hotness of the sauce, and inquiring minds want to know, but don't want to have to pay for 9 wings if they can't handle it. The sauce was hot, but not unbearable. I'd imagine that eating the sauce on a wing that was soaked in it- and having the requisite sauce on your face and all over your lips would be a much more painful experience though. There were some seasonal food specials - even though we didn't try them. Candy apple wings and mac'n'cheese with apples, bacon and bleu cheese. Service was fantastic - these bartenders were incredibly friendly. We are definitely not locals, but treated as if we were. Two thumbs up all the way around!
(5)Daniella G.
Pretty damn good BBQ & an awesome selection of bottled & tap beers. I had fried pickles for the first time thinking I'd hate them, but I was surprised when I had 2 more helpings. Everything on the menu seems to have pork including Jakes BBQ burger & the mac n' cheese....but I gotta say, everything is really tasty and not over-porked. Stay away from the XXX wings unless you're trying to impress someone- My dad tried them thinking he was bad-ass and left with his tail between his legs & a swollen mouth.
(4)Grace P.
I work nearby, so frequently going away parties or birthday drinks after work bring me here. The wait staff are friendly and seem to work hard, my extremely poor opinion pertains to the prices. I understand drinks are more expensive in this part of town, but $11 for a Jamison neat, that is the worst pour I have ever had is absurd. I avoid this place if possible, and if I get stuck there out of obligation, hope there is a special I can sip on without going broke.
(1)Eric W.
Went here for lunch with a group of guys for a Friday beer-lunch. A few of us got the wings and the others got BBQ. Both are amazing and be sure to grab a bucket of garlic fries while you're there. I have to complain about the waitress in this situation though. She claimed they were out of $5 Lagunitas IPA on draft and suggested something else that was "similar". A friend of mine and I both said OK and were treated to a $9 / 8oz draft of something that resembled an IPA but smelled like bleach. I felt ripped off and lied to. But seriously, get the wings. They're solid.
(3)Katerina K.
I am literally never disappointed when eating at Jake's. Now that I do not live downtown, any time I do go downtown, I make sure I stop to eat at Jake's with whoever is with me. Their wings are AMAZING. They are pretty spicy even if you get their traditional buffalo. Love this place and I will be downtown tomorrow and cannot wait to stop in.
(5)Jack F.
Sweet Lord the March Madness burger. If you come to Jake's, come for THAT. it's an amazing experience. I struggled, but prevailed. Fries are pretty good here as well.
(4)Sarah M.
Of course, the wings are great. We tried the firecracker this time, and they were awesome! Surprisingly though, this is my go-to place for a quick salad and a beer. The garbage and cobb salads are both really good. The beer is always good. They have a great selection. They really need to do away with the tiny glasses though. I paid $8.50 for a 3" tall glass of beer. That's annoying! Usually the service is good. However, this time our server wasn't friendly at all, and worst of all, she was sooo slow.
(4)Kristen T.
Had the best time here while visiting Chicago with friends. The Bloody Mary's are excellent (and come with a shooter of Miller Lite for $1!) and the wings were very tasty. We were there for brunch and the portions were extremely generous and kept us all full for the entire day. Our waiter, Dan, was amazing! After overhearing my husband wish one of the friends we were there with a "happy birthday" Dan surprised the birthday boy with a delicious dessert on the house. We were blown away!
(4)Mike M.
the best wings in illinois! nuff-said! go there!
(5)Emily C.
Pretty good sports bar in this part of the city. They have a great beer selection and good burgers (try the turkey burger - it's my fave). They usually have a special burger and / or special wings (we once tried the PB&J wings and they were great). The BBQ is pretty good. The special the last time we went was a burger with an egg on top in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It was too much. Try the chocolate chip cookie skillet for dessert. 85/365
(3)Zach E.
Jake's wings are the must have when going here. i personally stick to boneless, and change between the buffalo and the wing of the month. hard to go wrong in downtown 60611.
(4)Adoley J.
A good BBQ spot with great beer selections. YES PLEASE! Had dinner here last night and over 24 hours later I am still dreaming about the pulled pork. Cannot wait to go back and try the famous wings.
(5)Rokey T.
Jake Melnick's advertises the best wings in town and it doesn't disappoint. The buffalo, spicy buffalo and garlic wings are super tasty! They're a little smaller than "jumbo" as stated on the menu, but ehh every restaurant pulls that. The ranch is real nice. The nachos are loaded and okay. I wouldn't order them again, but if you're in the mood for cheesy chips with chilli--give it a shot! Honestly, haven't eaten anything else because the wings are JUST THAT GOOD! ***They don't do delivery, but pick up is super quick and the food is always warm by the time I bring it home.
(5)Joe S.
I stopped in here whilst sight seeing in chi town. I was pretty happy. The menu includes a lot of pork, BBQ and tons of beer. In fact, the beer selection was definitely impressive. I tried the grilled artichokes to start, and was a little disappointed. I had the half chicken and it was good, but a lil too saucy. I should have ordered the "rub" and not the heavy sauce. Anywayyy- it wasn't bad. The service was good. You'll leave full no matter what.
(3)Melissa E.
Mediocre service, average (and overpriced) food, fairly decent selection of beer- hence the 2 stars. Mostly the bad service turned us off. Update: 6/16/14- after this review the manager contacted me to discuss our experience. Upon describing our poor service experience, he offered us a gift certificate.
(4)Tiffany B.
I will could never rate this place as average considering the plethora of wings that I've had from the city of Chicago. When I say I love this place, its an understatement. Eating here was a breath of fresh air compared to ALL of the other wing joints. Aside from the wings (my favorite being the firecracker and traditional) the fried pickles are AMAZEBALLS! and so is the Salami Flatbread! I don't eat "bad" (unhealthy) food a lot but I make plans on visiting this place very frequently. I have no desire to order wings from anywhere else, they just don't do justice. I'm a fan, an extreme fan lol... If you were on the fence about this place, just go, you wont regret it.
(5)Vincent W.
No.1 Best place in the city for beer. No. 2 Great sports bar for watching games. No.3 Food is good. Like their burgers and wings! No. 4 staffs are nice.
(5)Clark G.
Just had "The King of Wings" supposedly voted best wings in Chicago. Ok, first off there very good breaded wing. It's pretty tough to screw up breaded wings. The bartenders were good and attentive tons of beers to choose but the dude who keeps saying cheers, c'mon man. I would pretty much sum it up as follows: if you like tourists and fat chicks in a place that smells like farts this place is 5 stars.
(2)Spencer M.
Spent NFL Sundays here in the early '00's and was recently back with my family. It was always a nice place for wings and a beer and had a good menu. That said, it's been upgraded to say the least. New menu that's fantastic-pizza, flatbread, burgers not to mention the award winning wings! This staff is tremendous-very customer oriented-and their 'home brewed' gin? Uh....yeah. Highly recommend. Was here on my own and app brought the family. Highly recommend!
(5)E C.
Lousy service. Was not particularly busy. Was not greeted. Waited for service. We ordered drinks and water and waited and waited. No one brought water. No one brought order. Several servers around. We left and found another proprietor who was prompt.
(1)Brian J.
Was out looking for a nice meal at a good price during my trip to the Windy City. Stumbled upon Jake's. Sat at the bar and felt instantly welcomed. The bartender got me a local draft and filled me in on the house specialties! BBQ! Melt in your mouth pulled pork and savory ribs. Take the short stroll on Michigan Ave and enjoy.
(4)Kevin Z.
Bomb wings. Jack Melnick's has the title for the reason. Not sure if they truly serve any other food. These ARE the best wings in Chicago. They let you split your order of wings in half so you can try a couple of kinds. Their rendition of buffalo is outstanding, good heat. I tried something called fire cracker recently, real good, they always have new creative sauces on the menu. They cook the wings to perfection, on the pricey side but worth it.
(5)Sadat A.
The team decided to strap down and return to Jake's Melnick's for Sunday dinner. (To remind you, I hate going downtown because parking sucks, and I rather stay in Lincoln Park, Wrigley, or Roscoe Village to find a wing spot.) I ordered the same things as last time XXX wings, Poncho wings, Firecracker wings and Jake B Que Burger. The XXX wings were hotter the 2nd time around. When I licked my finger before taking my first bite, I was sweating from the forehead. After my first wing, I was in full body sweat. It was freaking awesome. The Firecracker was super tasty with that sweet spice thing going on. Poncho best wings ever. This time I ordered the burger medium rare and it was taster than the first time when I ordered it Medium. The Left Hand Milk Stouts were a life saver like usual.
(5)Andrea R.
It's been almost 4 years since my last review of Jake Melnick's. While my taste in bars has changed tremendously (i'm old, married and pregno these days), I'm still a Jake Melnick's fan. For those of you not "with child" they've got all the drinks you could possible want. The food is also pretty good..especially for bar food. The spinach dip still makes me happy and for brave yelpers like my hubby you can attempt to eat their fire hot wings. You'll even get to wear a fireman hat! HOT! Last weekend my friend rented out the entire bar for her rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, I don't think "Jake" had any idea the Blackhawks would be in the playoffs when they agreed to host our party. It was super casual and fun...and I ate way too much spinach dip, nachos, bbq chicken, among other good eats. They even had a dessert bar full of chocolate deliciousness! If you're looking to throw a small party at Jake Melnick's they do have a private party room in the back that I'd guess could fit around 50 peeps or so.
(4)Kate M.
Jack Melnick's is one of those places I go when I'm nearby, hungry, and can't think of anywhere else to eat or need a burger. The food is always good, the service is always good, and it's a good sports bar atmosphere. I've been to a few events here and they were well done as well. Enough bars set up to keep the crowd happy, buffets set up properly so the line doesn't get confusing. Their burgers are always good. The tuna burger is very yummy, my favorite on the menu. Most of their appetizers are enough for a meal (for me at least) and are good to snack on while chatting over a few drinks. I like that it's not usually packed with tourists, as most places in this area can be. The outdoor seating is nice too.
(3)Kimber L.
We stopped in for dinner later in the evening and the place smelled great! We got a hightop outside and enjoyed the evening. My friend ordered a burger well done and it came out med-rare but she said it was a good burger anyways. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was also tasty. The sauce had a nice bbq flavor but I could have used more of it. The sweet potato fries were great. The mac n cheese was good but not quite salty enough. Service was only fair. indoors was rather loud but hey I guess thats typical for this type of restaurant. I would probably go again.
(3)TJ Y.
Went here on a Sunday to watch football and it was good! Upon entering, they asked if you were there to see a specific game because there were designated areas for each game. I thought that was pretty coo!l! Food & Drink - Food was a big disappointment!! The wings we got were raw inside.... which the server then replaced after much hesitation. The fries were good though. Beer prices were average... Service - the service wasn't that great. They weren't very busy either... our server was mia most of the time... either she was just super busy or new and didn't know what she was doing. Ambiance - This place is a typical bar. Big, lots of space... lots of tvs... Overall, this is a great place to go to watch sports. That's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. Don't go hungry though because the food is definitely a huge disappointment!
(3)Aldi J.
I've been on a recent tear lately trying to find excellent buffalo wings in Chicago. This review is soley on their Wings. I got 2 orders, the buffalo wings and the Ponchos Garlic and Cayenne. The buffalo wings didn't disappoint!!! Jumbo, great sauce (I got spicy), and just the right amount of crunch. I'd definitely come back for these. The Ponchos was OK.. They are good with a squeeze of lemon but nothing to get too excited about. Gave 'em 4 stars cuz I never got a chance to review their other food and service.
(4)MmeMorticia D.
The *only* reason I'd consider coming back is that they actually had Black Sambuca! First time there with large group of friends for a going-away party and felt like I was at a campus sports bar. Yes it was busy but service was not attentive at all (uber slow, no eye contact) but then an automatic 18% gratuity was guaranteed so that seemed to explain the nonchalance. Pulled pork sandwich was dry and disappointing so we moved the party elsewhere. Thankfully they kept the fireplace but all in all, made me really miss the (former) Blackhawk Lodge...
(2)Nick L.
Great beer, great wings (rated #1 in Chicago a couple years in a row... that's saying a lot considering the great wings you can get), great burgers! The food and beverages are amazing. Plenty of TVs to watch your favorite game. The wait staff is fun and full of energy which usually points out a good management team to keep their servers happy. I come here quite a bit with my running group and it's great because I can call an hour ahead and reserve one of their large high top tables for our whole team and they don't even hesitate to set it up for you if it's open. They always have specials... or at least they do when I'm there. On Tuesdays they have a Mystery Beer special that is really fun cause you get to try a bunch of different beers from around the country. This is a go-to place for local who live downtown.
(5)Erika G.
Went here for a friend/former coworkers going away party. I didn't have any food, but the food smelled great. The drinks were pricey, I thought, for this being sort of a TGIFridays level place. It seemed like a place frequented by very young office workers after work crowd, or tourists. AKA, nothing special and not worth a return trip.
(2)Katie S.
Amazing outdoor seating, extremely dog friendly! The staff is absolutely wonderful and the food is great too!
(5)Katie L.
Jake's was a blast for my friend's 25th birthday! They accommodated a large group of us easily, service was prompt, and the food was pretty good! We enjoyed the BBQ Nachos and I ordered the Mac n cheese, which was cooked in its own little Dutch oven! Many of my friends ordered their BBQ meals or their giant burgers, but I had a craving for Mac n cheese (what else is new). Thanks for a fun time Jake's!
(4)Carm B.
Very laid back comfortable atmosphere. Kind of surprising for the location. Came to eat here with my kids so I was a little unsure when we entered, it looks more like a bar kind of establishment, but no need to worry... they are kid friendly. Everyone enjoyed their food. We had burgers, chicken wings, mac & cheese, and fried pickles. The servers were very nice, the restaurant was very clean, and I would like to go back sans the kids for some drinks & wings. We actually found street parking which was surprising. I would recommend.
(4)Dave L.
So they make it pretty clear they have awesome wings when you walk in because there are signs everywhere shouting "WE HAVE AWESOME WINGS!!" Yet somehow we almost didn't order the wings because there are 30 other things on the menu that sound great. Long story short, the wings are hands down the best in Chicago. We also got the artichoke (it was ok... I think its just because I don't like artichoke that much), an Asian chicken salad (came out on a gigantic serving plate and weighed 300lbs, and was great), and a BBQ brisket sandwich (also awesome with awesome fries). It was also $5 mystery beer night where the waitress explained "it could be ANYTHING except bud light, miller light, coors light." At our table we got 5 or 6 mystery beers and they were all really good. Why only 4 stars and not 5? Wasn't the cheapest place I've been to in awhile, but I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)Michael R.
decent price for the food and wings were ok and service form the door to the bar was great. Everything was up to par but the waiter. Maybe he was having a bad day or tired which i hope was the case because this guy just did the least and it wasn't really busy.but all in all it cool spot to check out if your have time.
(3)Cathy P.
OUR EXPERIENCE: A spirited sports bar with a charming atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of options, and the food is flavorful. We visited in 2012, and we had a great server. She was attentive, and we didn't feel rushed. TIP: Be sure to try the wings and barbecue. These are the items they're best known for.
(4)Jeff K.
Loved the selection of beers. Really did not like the physical beer list. Too wordy and very confusing! I thought it was just me, but everyone at our table took a stab and we had to honestly as a table our findings in order to get what we each wanted. The menu on the other hand was straight forward, simple, and delicious! Even the picky three year old who we took with us to lunch loved the food. She was eating off all of our plates.
(4)Deena D.
A sports bar with some rustic flavah. I wasn't even that hungry but somehow licked my plate clean. I did the wings (when in Rome) and had half made XXX and the other garlic/cayenne marinade. I was hooked, I don't think I had ever tried anything like it. Our waiter was super nice and made a lot of recommendations on beers and food. I would love to come back again and try the burgers. This was the perfect spot for a weekend lunch with friends. Also good to watch the game if you can snag a table.
(4)Jon H.
I came here for the wings, but if I was only judging them based on that - I might give them a 2. I didn't think they were anything special at all. However, the atmosphere, the ample TVs for watching sports, the nice beer selection, and the rest of our meal made up for it. I'd go back to watch some sports, but I won't be ordering the wings.
(3)Justin K.
Travel down on blue line for special occasions to Jake's. Favorite place to celebrate! Food: The wings here are just outstanding. They aren't lying when they claim to have the best wings in the Chi. They really do... So many good and unique flavors, and they have SO MUCH CRUNCH... I love the texture and flavor of their wings, far more superior than anything else I've had. Service: For as busy as they are, I'm surprised they aren't worse. One time I did make reservations because it did get pretty packed. I was running about an hour late, so quite honestly I did not expect them to save my reservations. I got there and they of course gave them away, but still managed to seat me very quickly which I thought was a nice thing for them to do. Drinks: Bloody marys are AMAZING, again the best in town. Alright.... I love spicy food. LOVE spicy food, I mean I can take anything.... EXCEPT THE XXX BLOODY MARY lol, those things are un-drinkable. And I'm pretty sure your intestines would blow up if you actually finished it. But the rest of their bloody marys are amazing. I usually just tend to get the traditional but all of the flavors are pretty good. Specials: Go on saturday/sunday, hands down. $5 bloody marys, such a great deal for what you get. Just.. so... good.. tasting *drool* Atmosphere: Nice noise level, nice lighting. Big enough tables to fit huge groups and nice decor. Would recommend making reservations if you go for dinner.
(5)Meridith E.
Fun place to have drinks & aps for happy hour. I can't judge on their entire menu as I've only had drinks here. (Hey, don't judge me.) I love the atmosphere and love me some high-top tables in the bar section. My one issue is that I always feel as though it's so hot in there....I'm like, bring on the A/C people. The service is always on par with friendly staff. They have a full bar, so everyone can have some drinks and relax.
(3)Borat S.
BE A MAN AND GET THE XXX WINGS... burns going in and even worse going out... The brisket nachos were goood...
(4)Paul L.
Great beer selection.
(4)Tres B.
Just steps from the snooty-riums of poshness and dainty delicacies of Michigan Avenue and their high end hotels is this informal, welcoming glorified diner, slinging outrageously messy and marvelous wings, BBQ and various concoctions thereof. They are famous (and rightly so) for their wings. Even the mild has a kick. The very hot might light the roof of your mouth on fire. BE WARY. One of us, who shall remain nameless, had this big disgusting burger with fried onions and bacon and brisket all piled on. Oy vey! It was received quite favorably by the taste buds, but not by the arteries. Nice beer selection. The interior is faux rustic, very comfortable, dark and warm. The service was exceptional, friendly and on-spot. Valet parking is $11.
(4)Carolynne M.
So, I get a message sent to me a few days ago. It is from the assistant GM of this place, who saw my initial review. The message he sent was really cool, and in it he apologized for what happened last year and invited me to participate in this years competition. I of course jumped at the opportunity. When we got there Andy decided he would order a basket of the wings for himself that were supposedly one step down from the competition grade. I had a bite and honestly? I thought those were hotter than what I ended up having in the contest. Those really packed a wallop. The year before the winner had eaten 35 wings, so I knew I wasn't going to win. I can do any amount of extreme heat, but I cant eat fast and I cant eat massive volumes of food. But I was so excited to be able to taste these bad boys (since there is almost no place in the Chicago area that has the ability to make things hot enough for me) that I really didn't care. There were 10 people competing, and I was the only girl. When we started I was surprised at how Not-Hot these things were, and I was able to eat 15 in the 5 minute time period. Which of course was dead last (the winner ate 51!!!!), until one of the guys got disqualified because he couldnt handle it and ran to throw up. So, hey, there's that. And I was the only one who didn't need the "help" at the end (they gave out plates of bread, milk and ice cream which everyone attacked). yeah, there was a little bit of burning at the back of my throat, but a couple of sips of milk cured that easily enough. So hey thanks for a fun time Jake's. If you can make a contest where someone wins by eating a progressively hotter wing, you got your girl right here. The contest right now? I will let the guys have their gluttonous fun with it. Next year I will be in the audience, having those same wings... but for lunch!
(5)Joel G.
This place was fantastic. Plenty of options for beers from your usual suspects to local and national micro brews. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Chicago's best wings especially the firecracker. It is delicious perfect combination of sweet and spicy, doused in sirracha sauces and sweet chili Thai sauce. We are avid lovers of Mac n cheese sui we had to try it and weren't disappointed. We also ordered the pulled pork trio which was phenomenal. Overall a great hang out spot to watch a game, be social, or even enjoy the outdoor seating.
(5)Jamie H.
We decided to come here Sunday afternoon about 1pm. We had 6 people and they said it'd be about a 20 min wait, we only had to wait 10mins so that was good. The waitress was very attentive, helpful and nice. We started out with the Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne Marinade wings, so so so good!!! Onto the meal, I got the Pulled Pork with the Kansas City sauce, it was excellent. The fries were great also. There was plenty of food and I was able to bring some home for dinner (Always a plus in my book)! One of my friend's got the Burger of the Month, it was huge and also very delicious. I will definitely come back and would recommend to others as well. It's got a fun atmosphere.
(4)Sara L.
On our quest for the best wings in Chicago we came across this place. Several websites and mags claim they have the best wings in Chicago. If there is wings and beer.. well hot damn count me in! The place wasn't as crowded as we thought it would be but somehow it was pretty loud in there. The menu has a bunch of choices so the pickiest eaters should be satisfied. We ended up doing the wing combo (poncho's wings & traditional), beers and basket of parmesan and garlic fries. We got our food before we even received our beers and our waters didn't come till the end of the meals. Don't expect great service here and don't expect the food to come hot either. They advertise the wings as "huge, big, giant, meaty!" All I can say is false advertisement...it is like ...well I have analogy but its not family friendly to say. I do give them credit for the fries...garlicky and deep fried...cannot go wrong there. Overall, service was meh, the wings were meh, the fries were good and the beer was overpriced...go to Hooters...you won't be disappointed there.
(2)Ann Marie M.
Good beer, good food. The small alone when you walk in can make someone that just had Thanksgiving dinner want to have a pulled pork sandwich. It's not the best BBQ I've had, but the fried pickles and pulled pork nachos are top notch. Great place to go if your interested in watching the game; tons of TVs.
(3)Chris W.
A group of six from work decided to try this spot for happy hour and dinner. We put our name on the list at 6PM on Friday, and were told the wait was 20 minutes. Fourty minutes later, we were pointed to a table that we were told was "ours" and that it was waiting to be cleaned. Twenty minutes later, we were directed to the second bar in the back room and asked to see if that would work. We agreed and soon found no seats available in the back room, which prompted a return to the hostess station and a response to our group like we were in the wrong and maybe didn't look hard enough! We finally get a table in said back room and are told that we can choose from the two beers they have on tap in this room. We asked if we could order off the regular beer menu and were told that we would be "encouraged" to order off the choice of two beers at this bar because they were "really good". When pressed, the waitor brought one beer menu for six people, in an effort to say F-off. At the end of the day, the food was decent, beer selection was good (at the main bar), and price was ok for Chicago. Overall, the service (despite running up a healthy tab) ruined the experience and we will not be back.
(1)Jeff L.
Service was very poor on this Saturday afternoon visit. Only ordered the wings to confirm that they were as good as reported. In my opinion they were only average. Nice size, but the sauce and preparation were nothing special.
(3)Susie L.
This place has kind of become a staple in my weekday. It's a great place to relax and grab a bite, drink a Great Divide Hades, and watch the Bulls game at the bar with other enthusiasts. The drink menu is awesome with many beer options. The bartenders are always friendly and quick to recommend their favorite beers. Their food is surprisingly delicious! The chicken wings are always great (try them boneless too). The portions are large and everything always tastes great. The Cobb salad is one of my favorites, the sandwiches are yummy, and please somebody try their house-made fried pickles- amazing! Prices are reasonable, especially for the area it's located. This is a large restaurant, cozy, fireplace, almost lodge-like decor with many TVs. In the summer, they have a nice 2-sided patio where you can bring your dog to eat with you :) And, their brunch is awesome, try the $5 bloody marys on Sat and Sundays.
(4)Elia H.
I end up here pretty often. Once you are seated the wait staff is good. the host stand is a different story. they are not very accommodating when they are busy. i guess they don't have to be but a little customer service couldn't hurt. i recommend making a reservation. the food is all very good and the wings are pretty much the best in the city so that is mainly why i continue to go here. monthly specials are also great and keep things exciting. the beer list is pretty good too. just one problem here-it is way too expensive. when i think wings and beer, i am not expecting to spend a ton of money but you will definitely be in for at least $20 here for 1 order of wings and 1 beer. because of the price, i try to avoid going here, but every once in a while i just need good wings. another thing that can be annoying here is the volume of the TVs. most bars have figured out how to play music during commercials. that is not the case here, so you will listen to commercials at a ridiculous volume.
(4)Joel M.
If you are near the Viagra Traingle and want to get away from the upscale more expensive bars, Jake's is the place to go. The smell of BBQ when you walk in lets you instantly know that the patrons aren't going to be wearing sports coats and sipping martinis. Giant tables are great for accommodating groups, and the service is solid even when its packed. Oh yeah, best beer selection in the near north area by far. Lag IPA on tap and a huge selection of Belgium beer and stouts/porters as well. Recommended for both happy hours and nights out.
(4)Marie D.
Had a craving for wings. Craving satisfied! I see why they've received the best wings award for 3 years in a row! We also had the fried pickles, which were a nice compliment to the wings.
(5)Chris R.
I ordered the Halloween wing mix of spicy, very hot, and XXX wings and they were great. The XXX wings are dressed with Bhut Pepper (ghost pepper) sauce and holy crap were these hot but with great flavor. The waitress properly warned me they were ghost pepper so unless you know what this is you probably will be in more hell than heaven if you order them.
(5)Angela O.
Love this place! I work up the street, and our office comes here pretty regularly for lunch. They have hands down, the best fried pickles I have tried to date, trust me, I've tried a lot. Bartenders are awesome, they are very knowledgeable, and always seem to know exactly what kind of beer you have the taste for. But, lets take a moment to talk about their monthly menus.. which aside from the Fried Pickles, and Brew selection, is one of my favorite things about this place. In my opinion, this is where they shine. They usually always have a monthly burger, mac & cheese, and wings; it's always creative, seasonal, and delicious. I have yet to be disappointed. They also have a new Lunch menu I'm excited to try.
(5)Emily W.
What can one say about wings made with the second hottest pepper in the world, the red savina? It's the only legal hallucinogenic experience in the US today. Sadly, so sadly, they were out of fireman hats, but when my digestive tract has recovered enough, I plan to return for another dose of pain (and a hat). They had a bell you could ring to get a shot of milk, a dollop of sour cream, and a bit of icecream, and you know what, we all talked a lot of trash, but in the end, we all rang that damn bell. My face twitched, my eyes watered, I laughed and I cried. It was fun as hell. On our excursions across Chicago searching for the best wings offered, I can only say that this renewed what had been a flagging enthusiasm by providing a great experience (with great service as well). I'd love to go back and try the wings that won't sear off my taste buds because they were incredibly meaty and saucy though perhaps lacking a little in crispiness, the only area I would dock them in. Hats.... I'm coming back for you!
(5)Jeffrey M.
I had a really good time here. After getting over the initial disappointment of learning they were out of the angry mango that is. I moved on and tried the XXX bloody Mary instead, and I rate it up there in my top three for Bloody Marys I've had in Chicago. After that I moved on to rum punches which were so delicious they were dangerous. For the food we shared a wing flight, spinach and artichoke flat bread, and some loaded fries. Everything was very good. Dessert was outrageously good. We had the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet. I felt dirty, absolutely guilty after that. If you're in the market for wings and drinks, you can't go wrong here.
(4)blondyne b.
I arrived downtown at 10:00 am to shop. As I look for a park, I noticed a sign that read "Best hot wings in Chicago". I knew then that was my spot for lunch. I made my way back to Jack's around noon. The place was nearly empty, I was concerned however, it was still early. Their menu selection seemed pretty good. I ordered traditional hot wings, artichoke dip w/ tortilla chips, fries, and topped it off with an iced tea. The wait staff were typical college students trying to make it. My server was very nice and attentive. They got the 3rd star because of the outside patio. The wings were a disappointment...I was expecting "the best in Chicago". Although they were ok, they reminded me of smaller Hooter wings. I've had better...much better! I prefer Juniors. I am not a beer drinker but they had a better than normal selection. Also, they had a selection of root beer that I did not get a chance to take advantage of. This place is cool if your walking by and want some bar food and catch a game. However, I will not be driving downtown to specifically eat here.
(3)Chris L.
I thought this place was awesome. We came here for two reasons. 1: I read that this place had the best wings in Chicago and wanted to see what Chicago's best had to offer, and 2: I needed a place to watch my beloved Buckeyes best Syracuse in the Elite 8. My wife and I came here for dinner and shared nachos, some chinese salad and medium buffalo wings. The waitress was awesome, asked if we were splitting these appetizers and split up the salad for us without us even asking. She then asked what kind of beer I was wanting and I had no clue. She asked me what I liked and suggested a local brew called Metropolitan Crankshaft. Awesome. It was an amazing beer. The food was equally as delicious. There was even some Buckeye fans to share the love with. With great food, decor and an extensive ever-changing beer selection, I'm really bummed that I am returning to Columbus tomorrow and cannot visit Jake's all the time.
(5)Steve S.
I must preface this review because I did end up getting the meal free because of a kitchen screw-up. Even so, I'd still go back. I was here on a Sunday. I could imagine this would be a great place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night because of the excellent atmosphere and it's location near Rush Street. I had the turkey burger which took forever to come out. I was told it was the longest thing on the menu to cook. I've never heard that excuse before for a slow kitchen. The person I was with found a piece of plastic with her teeth on top of the burger. The meal was comp'd and all was OK in the end. I'd say there are probably better places on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a burger and a brew, but I was satisfied with my choice.
(3)Ed C.
The wings lived up to the reputation
(4)McStrokin J.
Great wings and sauce. Wings are extremely meaty like they're supposed to be.
(4)Andrew S.
i'm not in this neighborhood often but when i am (normally waiting out a shopping spree or make up appointment arranged by the wife) i always patron this bar. draft selection is normally quiet eclectic. the food is what "pub or bar" food should be and they truly have some of the best buffalo wings in the city.
(4)Bill K.
The good - extensive beer menu, decent food. The bad - prices (usually at least $6-7 for a beer, up to $12.95 for a dozen wings), service, and most TVs don't have HD. Let me repeat and expand on that last comment....the year is 2012 where most households have high def TVs, and this is supposed to be a sports bar that charges +$7/beer and $12.95/dozen wings, yet they don't have the games in HD!!! Even worse, most of the TVs are pretty small and hard to see due to their positioning. You are much better off cooking or ordering in and watching games in your own living room than going to this joint.
(1)Victor M.
My overall experience with Jake's was ~30mins and here it goes! Setting: Sunday Evening, June 19th, 2011. Cast: Host, Waitress 1, Me, Friends. [Me & Friends walkin] Host: Hi, welcome to Jakes. How many? Me: Table of four please. Host: Do you care to watch the game? Me: Nah, any table is fine. Host: Alright, let me check if there's any available tables. [Host walks away and Friends peer through the dining room area] Friend: The dining area is half full. Me & Friend: haha, that's funny. [Host returns] Host: Ah, I found a table for you. Me: Thank you! [Me and Friends sit down at a table in the corner by the patio with two other tables by us] Me: Ohh! food looks good here! Friends: Share the 8lb burger? Nah, the bbq looks good though. Me: I think I'll try the chicken. Friends: Wings? [Conversation among Me and Friends change] Friends: So what's new? Me: School is.. blah blah blah blah Friends: Oh yeah? blah blah blah blah [Conversation continues] [~20mins pass] Me: I'm thirsty, where's my water? Friends: I don't know.. where's our settings? Me: Didn't get them yet. Friends: The dining area is still half-full, I've seen a couple of waitresses walk by. Me: Want to try someplace else? Friends: Sure, let's go. [Friends and Me walk towards the entrance] Waitress: Thanks for coming guys, have a good one. Friends: Thanks, you do the same. [As Me and Friends approach the door, Me smiles at the Host] [Host has an expression of, "WTF, these guys just sat down] [Friends and Me leave and head 1 block West and South along State st.]
(1)Lenora C.
Me and the boyfriend were having a dilemma on where to eat.. first it was Bennigan's then, Gino's East. We ended up getting off at Chicago and walking back to Superior. I saw the usual places but, never seen Jake's. The boyfriend and I checked the menu, he wanted a good burger and I wanted some kind of meat whether it clucks, moos, snorts, or lives in water. We found exactly that on the menu. It was crowded in the front area when we went in so, we got seated by the indoor patio area which had TV's tuned to ESPN showing baseball highlights. How wondrous that you steal my heart Jake's! Sports, spirits, and good food is always on on my list.
(3)Susie Q.
I have been here a few times, and both the food, service, and drinks were of good quality. The food even hold up well for delivery (ceo). Wings....love them all except the garlic marinade, as they didn't have much of a flavor. They can pull off a good pulled pork sandwich too. It's pretty cool that you can also do a build-a-burger and build-a-chicken sammy. Easy place to grab a weekend breakfast without the extensive lines like most of the other places in the area. Icing on the cake-- always check out the burger of the month special. Check it out. Eat a burger. Grab a brew.
(4)Dario C.
The burgers rock. And they're huge. Fries are excellent as well. I think the wings are good, but not out of this world. I had them again recently, and they were a bit too greasy for my tastes. They're definitely meaty, though. We watched a Bears game here on a Sunday; there were a lot of tourists there (I'm not suggesting this is a bad thing). We just figured all the hotels on the Mile probably recommended Jake's. Bottom line: great place for a beer and a burger.
(4)Michael B.
Food: Always good. Service: Just about always terrible. Do yourself a favor- go to Timothy O'tooles in Streeterville, a 10 minute walk form this place- and you'll be much happier you did. This place is SEVERELY UNDERSTAFFED, especially during the week. In the few times i've been here, the waiter has completely forgot to bring us something we ordered, gave us the superhot wings without bringing us water (which I asked for twice before those wings came)- and completely neglected us for long periods of time. This is a nice bar in the Gold Coast, I don't understand why the service is always crap. Also, if the waiter is understaffed, management- make your waiters write down their orders. The waiter in my area was in control of way more tables than she could handle, and kept apologizing for the wait. While she didn't mess up anyones order as far as i could tell, her stress level was off the charts trying to remember something. It's ok, write down the order- it makes both parties feel more comfortable. RIP OFF CENTRAL: Went on a Tuesday for Mystery Beer Night, where they give u can of beer usually in a brown bag, you take a few sips, and remove the bag to get the surprise of what you are drinking. Except this time, she hands me my mystery beer and says "oh, we ran out of mystery bags"- so I just paid 5 bucks for Two Brothers IPA, without the surprise factor? What a joke? Melnick's might as well hire criminals to steal from their patrons, it's pretty much the same thing. The food, the beer list, the ambiance, are really really good. BUT a concern for me, as a guy that actually goes to bars for food, drink AND to watch games, IS THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TVs, and ALL OF THE TVs SHOW THE SAME GAME. Reasons why O'Tooles is a better bar: Cheaper food, more menu options, bigger restaurant, nicer and faster service, and about 1,000 more TVs
(2)Craig R.
Although I've visited Jake Melnicks quite a few times, we spent New Years there last night and it was a hell of a lot of fun! I've read several of the other reviews here and most of the complaints seem to be around service as far as I can see. Last night we had one of the better servers I've ever had anywhere. John was his name. Awesome guy. We had a table of 7, and the place was pretty jammed most of the night. Our service was great. Whenever we needed drinks they came quickly, and all of the food we ordered came in a timely fashion. In general the place has a solid menu for your typical beer and bar food joint. A lot of standard bar fare like burgers and onion rings etc. The fries are pretty good, I'd recommend the garlic Parmesan version of them as those are quite tasty. They also do decent wings, not my favorite in the world, but they are certainly serviceable. Jake's also does have a very solid beer list, but does tend to charge a little more than say the Map Room or maybe Hopleaf. This I think has a lot to do with the location they are in, you're in the middle of tourist town where floor space is a little more pricy. Jake's is also a nice place to sit outside in the summer. The only thing that is a drag about it is the patio closes up at 11 or so, but this is just standard Chicago laws and all bars have to do it... I definitely give a thumbs up here, well worth a visit!
(4)Brian P.
Recently spent a weekend in Chicago with my younger brother and to be completely honest, it was all about sports, drinks and fun. Needless to say, we weren't hitting up any white-clothed table bistros so.... Jake Melnick's worked perfectly. There was a wait for a table of two, which usually is a pretty good sign (I never mind waiting a little bit if there's a good bar to have a pre-dinner drink). Both of us are IPA lovers so the bartender quickly gave us the lowdown on the local IPA's on tap. I should've written this review immediately as our favorite escapes me...but admittedly it escaped me a couple hours after we left. That, by no means indicates whether it was good or not...just that we had a good time! Once we were seated, we started with some wings as the menu pretty much told us we had to. Good move because they were delicious. We went with mild and even those gave me a little sweat. I couldn't even imagine what XXX tasted, or felt like but my wimpy tolerance for hot wings would never had handled that. Bad move because of the monster of a burger I was planning on ordering and needed all the room I could save!! Beers were coming at a steady pace, TV near us was switched to the Knicks game for some Linsanity (yes, even though we were in Chicago)...so overall we were quite content. I ordered...(deep breath)...a HUGE burger (only cooked medium rare) wrapped in BBQ bacon (yes wrapped) topped with pulled pork, fried onions and, because it was necessary...BBQ sauce. Remember the bad move comment about getting the wings....sooooo yeaaaa. I've had some great burgers across the US in my travels mainly thanks to Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. My favorite is still Plan B in West Hartford and I thought MaxBurger in West Hartford's Fatty Melt won my "Cardiac Burger" award....but congrats Mr. Melnick, you sir...are now in the lead. Even if I hadn't had the wings, there was no way I could finish...but man, did I want to. This certainly slowed me down for the rest of the night in Chicago but we were hitting Wrigleyville early the next day for some college hoops viewing prior to the Bulls game so it was ok. Neighborhood bar feel, great burgers, great beer selection and overall great time.
(4)Aaron N.
If you like beer and wings, Jake's is a spot in Chicago you have to try. The beer selection is freaking ridiculous. I have never heard of 90% of the beers they offer (prolly cause I tend to stick with Bud-Light), but whatever flavor you like, Jakes will have it. I enjoyed their moonshine which was a perfect mix of flavor and alcohol (whiskey)...plus it was served in a mason jar, which always helps. On to the food. I went with a bunch of people and they said the spicy wings were slamming. I (like an idiot) took the challenge and tried their XXX wing. I knew I was in for a disaster when the server said the sauce was made with the 2nd spiciest pepper in the world! Althought I finished the wing (like a champ), it was not fun at all. My tongue felt like it was about to explode and nothing helped cure the pain...only time. So, I suggest you only try one, regardless of how "tough" you think you are. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot and will definitely be coming back to eat the normal wings. Boom!
(4)Mickey A.
I brought a friend in since we were dress shopping nearby. It wasn't terribly busy for a Thursday night, so it worked for us hungry gals. Space is key here. I like that. There's enough space to walk between tables, and unlike some places, you're not "sharing" space with the guests near you. Plus, if you're sick of waiting for 2 hours for a table at Giordanos up the street, you can always come here. (Sorry, Giordanos.) Want to catch a game while eating? Well, they have plenty of TVs placed through out the place for that. Food is okay. My friend and I went with the combo appetizer platter, which included two kinds of wings (a mix of spicy and non spicy), mozzarella sticks, and nachos. By the way, the spicier of the two are the ones that looked like they were grilled. I learned the hard way. H-O-T! I'm okay though. I'm just a wimp when it comes to spicy stuff. The nachos were served on a small skillet in the middle of this huge platter. I expected fresh hot nachos but sadly the whole skillet was cold? Actually, we thought the whole combo platter to be kind of blah. I was kind of surprised because I've been here before and thought food was decent enough. Oh well. Did I mention that it was also $5 cocktail day? I can't guarantee that every Thursday is $5 cocktail day, but today, yes. It applies only to what's on their drink menu. I probably will be back because I got a $5 gift card just for signing up for their email list. Whatever. I think I'll use it toward a dessert next time.
(3)Jessica C.
Wings: as fluffy and scrumptious as could be! Service: HORRENDOUS. We literally waited 20 minutes in between every request (water, food, bill, get our credit cards back, etc.). Did I mention that our cups were DIRTY and had bits and pieces of who knows what at the bottom?! I loved their wings but am very dissatisfied with the service. It makes it hard for me to even want to return if I have to wait that long for our waiter/waitress.
(3)Whitney O.
YUM! I want it right now. Pulled pork was great - opted for the 3 sliders to taste them all. Also split the buffalo bleu cheese fries, delicious! Really want to try the wings and mac & cheese!!!! Amazing beer selection!!!
(4)laurie s.
Oh such a disappointing experience! Jake's was our neighborhood "go to" spot, for fun, casual meals. Hey Jake's just as an FYI, if your too busy to handle a take out order, just say so, we would be disappointed but would be appreciative of the honesty. Instead you quote us 30 minutes for the order to be prepared, turned into well over 50 minutes, only to receive an over cooked, dry burger, (was suppose to be med.) cold soggy fries and cold, soggy flat bread. Will be hard pressed to do anything but cash in our FOJ card and find a new place to call our "go to" spot.
(1)Matthew W.
As Homer Simpson says..."Beer". Order "A little Sumpin' Sumpin'" It's a good beer and you'll sound ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. Extensive beer list. A lot that I hadn't heard of until Jake's. Good specials. Not cheap but probably worth the cost. The food is average but it's comfort food and a lot of it and that has to count for something. They make a pretty good burger. Skip the pulled pork though. Good place to watch the game...any game. They have a ton of TVs. No pretension either. Just a good time. They even have a rewards card for loyal customers. Don't forget to check in on Foursquare for great specials like free fries or 50% off lunch and definitely don't forget to grab a Root Beer Barrel Candy on the way out. Tell 'em Jake sent ya. I've never actually tried that but maybe it'll work.
(4)Dustin G.
We were hungry. It was lunchtime. This was the only place without a wait. This could have been disastrous but it was delightful. The bbq sauce is like hickory-smoked crack! I could've drank it by the glass. I tried the pork sandwich, the brisket and the garbage salad. The meat was delicious and it reminded me of real SOUTHERN bbq, not this wacky midwest stuff they usually have up in Chi town. If you're from the deep south, check this place out the next time you have a hankerin' for some down home flavors. Oh! Amazing bloody marys. Absolutely delicious and very spicy.
(4)Rits M.
the atmosphere is great here. perfect bar feel, lots of wood and bbq. Also like the writing on the wall. Place is pretty large and well stacked with beer. Service was rather slow, but it was a friday evening so Im not holding it against them.
(3)Francesca L.
I've been going to Jack Melnick's for a long time. I feel like it's a hidden in the loop area. The food is decent and they have a really good beer selection. They are known for their wings so try them! If you are in the area and looking for some good beers and decent bar food, check out Jack Melnick's!
(4)Dennis S.
Now these people understand hospitality! After two unsuccessful stops trying to partake of advertised Kentucky Derby "special events" (see one-star reviews of Market Restaurant and David Burke's Primehouse), we got to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap at 4:50, with post time for the Derby at 5:20. Sign on the door - "Closed at 5:00 for Private Party." Now I'm getting worried - there is no Plan D. I went in and asked the hostess about watching the Derby. She said to come on in, order a drink, but the bar closes at 5pm. We're welcome to stay and watch the race, but then need to leave after the race because their private party needs to be set up. Now that's how to run a customer-oriented business! We, along with about 30 others, watched the race on dozens of TV's, heard the background info on the horses and heard the race called, yelled for our horses, watch 15 minutes of post-race interviews and analysis, finished our drinks, and left. Very civilized. Everybody was happy, I won't ever give Jake's four stars for their food, but they certainly cemented my loyalty as a "fan," and five stars for hospitality.
(4)Dan G.
I've been here a bunch and always liked it. But, I think today was an off day. Always a solid choice for a few brews and excellent BBQ. It had been a long time since we've been here and I was craving the gluttony that typically awaits me here. Jake maybe you were too focused on the line of tourists in your joint. I know you can do much better. We opened with the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza. It pretty much sucked as it was cold and didn't have any blue cheese or even a decent helping of the other toppings. We usually get this and it was awful this time and I simply tried to regroup for my pigout. We instead focused our efforts on the refreshing pitcher of New Belgium's Dandelion Ale that we were enjoying from their nice draft selections. Our waiter let us try it first, which just added to the attentive service he provided. A short bit later entrees arrived, veggie burger for her, pork BBQ sampler for me plus garlic fries. My wife enjoyed what she calls a burger and I loved the cue. To me, that's your best bet here and they do it well. My sampler included Carolina, Georgia and KC versions of pulled pork, all of which were great. I'm glad it was too, because the brisket is killer and something I rarely pass on. The typically scrumptious fries were not so great. Undercooked and poorly seasoned, they lacked the crispy texture and saltiness that clears them from our table in the blink of an eye. But I'm a trooper and I was unimpeded in putting away the whole basket. I really like Jake's and just hope that they pick it up in the future. Football is right around the corner and this is the perfect place for gamewatching.
(3)Viola I.
Went here with a group a friends a few times. Noticed the sign for "award-winning wings". I'm always skeptical of those banners claiming best this and that or award winning, but I had to give them a try. And boy, did the wings live up to that banner. They were awesome!! The other food was also a crowd pleaser throw in great service and you have yourself a perfect place to grab dinner!! Definitely a must go.
(5)Don B.
Went back for the BBQ and it did not disappoint! Had a trio of BBQ sliders, pulled pork with three different styles of sauce. I really liked the N.C. sauce, I'm a sucker for the bite of vinegar! Also split another round of wings, just as good as before. For my money this is about as closed as you'll get to a local neighborhood bar in the middle of Mag Mile/Gold Coast.
(4)Charlie R.
Went here after seeing the Christmas sites by Water Tower Place. Wanted a good eating experience, but not too uptight. Jake Melnick's came to mind. Went in on a very busy Saturday night and was told that it would be a 45 minute wait. Not surprised at all so we got a beer at the bar. GREAT BEER MENU! 20 minutes later we were seated in the back. Started off with a side of onion rings which were ehh. I ordered a burger, can't remember the name but had bacon, pork and BBQ sauce as toppings. One of the best burgers I have ever had! Service was a little slow, seemed like our server was paying attention to other tables more and our waters were always empty, but I will chalk that up to being near the holidays. Great food and beer selection!
(4)Lauren D.
Melnick's and I have a pretty long standing relationship - the first time I came here I knew I'd been before; back in the day when it used to be the Blackhawk Lodge. They had amazing clam chowder. Anyway, with a good beer list, fun drink specials (last night was $5 hurricanes) and loads of TVs for your sports-inclined companions, it's a great, casual bar to consider when you're in the mood for that kind of thing. I've generally had great service, with the exception of a slow and inattentive server last night, but the manager was on top of things and definitely made up for that. The food is good - I like the flat breads and salads and their fries are incredible. There's generally not too long of a wait, even on weekends, and brunch is decent too. PS: I'd say it's more like 3.6, but I rounded down because it's Saturday.
(3)Parsa B.
Went here two weeks ago. Fiancee loved the mild wings. I ordered the XXX wings and almost died.
(4)Tom Y.
I did not expect the amount of microbrews that they have here when I walked-in. If I knew better I would have gotten my co-worker to drive. I am a beer guy and I was just giddy from all of the regional beers that were available, but we came here to eat too and that is when everything went downhill. We had the appetizer combo with the works and it was smaller than similar dishes at other places, than we had a spinach-artichoke dip. All of the food was bland and mediocre, really mediocre. Come here for the beer, skip the food.
(3)Alex L.
I love this place cin Chicago, a great place to have a couple of beers after a shopping day on Magnificiant Mile. They have a great selections of beers and good finger food. The burgers are great too.
(4)Jen K.
Will never go here again based on the service we received. Although, the manager was kind about it, and made up for it too. Unfortunately though, the restaurant is forever stained with the poor service and attitudes of the host and server. We were with a group of 6 people and waited over an hour to get sat at a table in the bar. :/ The hosts weren't very kind either. Is it the Downtown Chicago snob attitude? I don't know but they should really be kinder to a group that is about to drop a $100 tab into their laps... One thing I will say is their salami & pepperoncini flatbread pizza was delicious! Then again, maybe I was just starving after waiting an hour and a half, in a half full restaurant. :(
(1)Ericka L.
My friends and I came here for the HOT chicken wings. Heard something about needing to sign a waiver before you eat them...yeah, I dont think so. The sauce was hot to me - cuz Im a wuss - to a regular beer drinking male - not so much. My boyfriend said that they werent hot at all and then he wasnt even asked to sign the "waiver" before he the others ate them! I was disappointed to say the least. The waiter we had was nice but we barely saw him and my friend waited almost an hour for her veggie burger! The drink I had from the bar was not good and the ribs I had left something to be desired...I think they're still in my fridge from weeks ago. Overall, not good eats.
(2)Adam M.
Although voted the best wings in Chicago three years coming the wings are pleasing, but only satisfy a certain liking. The breading on the spicy buffalo doesn't have a crunch to it or that perfect seasoning I would expect out of award winning wings. Truthfully I've had much better wings in the Chicagoland area and was rather bummed out that these were "award winning". One cool thing that Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does is they have a new chef's special mac n' cheese and wings every month. So each month the chef comes up with a new wing recipe and mac n' cheese. The month I went was a mac n' cheese that was spiced with buffalo and chipotle seasonings with bacon in it. The actual taste of the mac n' cheese was ok, but wasn't as good as I would have expected. The overall quality of the food was good, but not some of the best "award winning" food I have even eaten. The restaurant is worth checking out at least once even just for all the beer they serve on tap.
(3)Andrea S.
I go here when I'm traveling for work and need to catch up on out of town sports games.
(3)Ariana S.
Came across this little gem in search of a nice outdoor patio on a nice night in Chicago (yes they exist people..nice nights that is). After the patio, the first thing we noticed was the heavenly scent of wings and BBQ. Table for 3 please! Now this place is the real deal. Brisket, Pulled Pork, Corn Bread, Wings- it was a difficult choice. We of course had to try the Mac & Cheese of the Month which happened to be Poblano style with corn. AMAZING. COme to find out that every month is a new style (they've done Chilli Cheese, Pizza style, BBQ chicken style) They also have some really good craft beers (although we figured we would take it easy on this Wednesday night). Cool atmosphere, not expensive and food was good. Weird location for a spot like this but definitely a place I would go back...especially when they have panko crusted mac & cheese on the menu. Oh forgot to mention April- our server!. The sweetest thing EVER. She even asked if she could split our checks three ways (splitting up the appetizer too). Now seriously I can count on one hand the times I didnt get an eye-roll for this request, let alone an offer.
(4)Vincent C.
If these are the best wings in Chicago, then Chicago really doesn't have very good wings. The traditional buffalo wings were tasty, but nothing to write home about. Jake Melnick's batters their wings, but I prefer mine without, so that might be where my indifference comes from. The tequila-marinated, flavor-of-the-month wing really fell flat. It tasted like bland grilled chicken, but at least it came with some lime and salsa. I did appreciate that they used meatier wings, but that doesn't make up for not living up to its own hype. And I think what makes the Blood Marys special on the weekends is that they don't use any vodka. All the pepper in the world can't hide the lack of alcohol!
(2)Lala S.
Best Wings Hands Down! Sometimes I'm weary of places that claim to have the "best" of anything, may be it's my cynical side. But this place delivered! The wings were the shit and I have dreams of sucking bones dry here quite often. Their Pancho Wings are super good...definitely one of the best smoked/grilled wings I've had. They have a nice light crisp to them and are perfectly marinated. Their XXX wings are pretty spicy, although, I don't personally think it's so hot that it requires a waiver to be signed. I guess there are just a lot of pansies that try these wings--grow a pair. The Jake Smoque BQ Burger is to die for. It slightly reminds me of the Bacon Explosion. So good, but so bad for you. The Pulled Pork Slider trio was also very tasty. I prefered the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. mmm mmm mmm.
(5)Patricia L.
Let me paint you a picture: Thursday night. 7:30pm. Party of 8. Mind you, there was also a March Madness going on that night so I was excited to be going to a sports bar. First off, I need to tell you that the burger I had there? Was one of the most amazing burgers I've ever had. Let me paint you another picture: March Burger of the Month 10.95, pair it with a pint for 11.95. "The Madness Burger"- Jake's signature burger BETWEEN TWO GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES with lettuce, tomato, BACON, A FRIED EGG, pepper jack cheese and mayo. Oh and by the by, the burger is 9oz, served with fries in a shallow bucket. You know that feeling of awesomeness while eating drunk food? That's what it felt like eating this mad burger. Split it with a friend, and oh so very glad I did. HERE'S THE THING... -our waiter was pretty rude at times -i couldn't even see the tv screens to watch the game from where i was sitting which was pretty disappointing. every seat should have a view of a tv screen if you're going to call it a "sports bar" -the madness burger was only available for the month of march. and then what? what would i get in april? -very loud...and there was so much space between me and the person across the table from me i had to yell so he could hear me Yes it was a phenomenal burger. But it's gone now...and that was the only reason I would return.
(3)Suzy D.
We went here with some friends to celebrate my husband's birthday tonight. We ordered the fried pickles, a bunch of wings, some nachos, and fries. The wings were the standout and the BBQ nachos were also very tasty. Next time I go, I think I might try the pulled pork sandwich. They have a lot of good draft beers, like Lagunitas. Yum! We had a great time. My husband and his buddies got the XXX wings and those wings were definitely flaming hot. Come here for a fun and affordable night in River North!
(4)Tiff W.
Thanks Chicago Craft Beer Week, for without you, I wouldn't have ever gone to Jake Melnick's. When you first step into the bar, you are greeted by the tasty aroma of BBQ. Fortunately (or unfortunately, however you want to look at it) for me, I had just eaten. But it sure did smell good. Jake Melnick's has excellent beer on tap and lots of TVs. The place is also really open and spacious (of course, we came on a Sunday afternoon, so take that for what it is). The BF & I probably could have hung around all afternoon had it not been for our ambitious bar crawl to collect bottle caps for Beer Week.
(4)noelle o.
My boyfriend and I were in town from NYC for a wedding and only had about 2 or 3 meals that I was going to have time for. Luck had to be on my side because I had no time to waste. We were in this part of town and had to choose something soon bc we hadn't eaten for some time.. that being said, we were also slighty picky aout our choice... read some menus within the 3 block radius, but weren't going to settle for a chain spot or a touristy vibe. We got very lucky! I don't eat "bar food" very often, so when I do, I'd like it to be extra worth it! The wings were tasty and juicy. I think we did medium spice and that was the perfect amount! I also had the fried cod sandwich! LOVED IT! only thing was that it had american cheese on it, and wasn't aware that it came with cheese until it arrived... wasn't about to send it back because it wasn't neccessary and I was past hungry. We shared the basket of sweet potato fries which were DELICIOUS too! and.... the beer was yuumy and cold... I forget the type I had, but it was light with a hint of citrus lemon flavor. I would definitely go back if I'm in Chicago again!!!
(4)Heather H.
If I lived downtown it would probably be in the neighborhood of Jake Melnick's. The place itself is spacious yet has a rather cozy, neighborhood bar kind of feel to it. I've been a few times and they have quite honestly some of the best "bar food" I've ever had, if you can call it that. The turkey club is big and the turkey tastes and looks like it's fresh off the Thanksgiving table. A friend and I just tried their special Halloween burger. Crunchy fried onions, spicy mayo... mouthwatering! Hefty beer list with some unique choices for the beer connoisseur. The late night vibe is pretty cool, servers and bartenders are nice and informative. I also love their outdoor seating in the summer. It's probably a good thing I don't live closer, I think this place could put quite a dent in my bank account.
(3)Jiyoun B.
I read about how Jake had the spiciest chicken wings in Chicago and I was intrigued. Given that I've passed Jake Melnick's several million times, I didn't think much when I went in for the first time. I sampled: XXX and Super Spicy along side a full order of the Mixed: Ponchos and Traditional Spicy. I also ordered the Wood-Grilled Artichoke that comes with their mustard and lemon dipping sauce. The Artichoke was good but the sauce was addictive. I ran out of the sauce but still had some artichoke left at the end. The Poncho is good but soft. I like my chicken wings with a bit of crunch. The Traditional spicy had too much breading, which would have been okay if it didn't look like it had been sitting out for a bit. Now, I tried the Super Spicy before the XXX. Big mistake. I should have known better. Different spices affect different parts of the body. For example, wasabi hits the nose, Thai food hits the throat, vindaloo hits the tummy. Most spicy things hits your tongue. The Super spicy hits your mouth and its surroundings and any cuts on your finger. By the time my mouth cooled down for me to try the XXX, I couldn't feel anything. The XXX went straight for my stomach. It didn't knock me out though.
(4)Jaime S.
What I thought was going to be a small, dark and smelly Division Street-ish bar was NOT one at all! When we walked in, not only was the place huge, but it smelled like BBQ sauce was being infused into the ventilation system. Y-U-M. The menu is standard bar food, the drink list is extensive, and something about this place just makes me want to turn it into my new local haunt. It was warm and inviting on a "feels like - 35 degree" day in the city, and had college basketball on every TV in the place. Perfection.
(3)Elizabeth P.
They had Strongbow. IN A BOTTLE. Consider my mind blown. Anyway, we went on Superbowl Sunday and got seated immediately. There were LOTS of drink options, even root beer for the baby brother. We had a great waiter -- from Kansas, as 3/4 of the people I run into in Chicago are, which immediately endeared him to us. Everyone was pleased with their food. My chicken sandwich was HUGE, and quite yummy. The fries were only okay.
(4)william b.
Good food, earnest enough atmosphere for foodies, comfortably enough atmosphere for us (somewhat) sophisticated tourists, so worked out really well. I really enjoyed the barbecue brisket and ribs, and the friends went crazy over the eight pound burger. Most of all Jake's was a lifesaver for the bachelor party that I helped plan when I didn't know bupkiss about Chicago. Talked with an awesome hostess on the phone when making a reservation, and a really helpful hostess at the door the day of. Waitstaff was a little slow, but that was okay. We were a little boisterous.
(4)Sara Z.
Wonderful restaurant with both great food AND service! My husband and I stayed in a condo not too far from this restaurant and what a lucky find we stumbled upon... we both agree this was one of the highlights of our vacation (yes, we do love food; I doubt we'll ever travel to England). Our server was very informative (the manager requires the servers to taste the dishes so that they are more able to explain them - novel idea). Their burger of the day or week (I can't recall) caught my husband's eye and she informed him that it was "very spicy". You see, if she just said "spicy" then I might have tried it too and the Chicago Fire Department would have been called. My only warning is that the proportions are rather large... unbeknownst to us we were also ordering dinner. There really isn't much more to say here other than as long as you're not a vegetarian (and you love burgers, chicken wings, beer, Bloody Mary's (they have more than a few) - you get the gist), you should check this restaurant out... and Chicago, too - what a fabulous City!
(4)Jenna E.
Have been coming here every month for almost a year! I love trying their wing of the month every month! So far my favorite was the Caption Crunch! I think that if they ever bring it back..I may go everyday! Not only are their wings delicious but every other item I have ordered has been great as well! Anytime a friend comes in town to visit we always come to Jakes!
(5)Jermaine H.
Despite the fact that I walk by just about every morning while on my way to work, I have never stopped in to experience what a lot of friends are buzzing about when mentioning Jake Melnick's. I recently decided to dine in with some colleagues and potential clients... and we had an absolutely amazing time. The restaurant was pretty energetic and the food was well prepared and very appetizing. Our server, Austin, was simply a delight to the group. He was very genuine and service oriented; very knowledgeable of the menu and restaurant; and humorous. I must say he did in fact impress the group. As a matter of fact, there wasn't very much I needed to do with the exception of enjoying the evening and waiting to see if our clients would bring us there business . And of course they did. So, I suppose I owe a bit of gratitude to our server and to the warm and welcoming atmosphere he and his colleagues provided for our group. We will certainly be regular guests in the coming days and weeks - and when it comes time to determine the next venue for our company gathering, we will certainly be eyeing Jack Melnick's. Positive experience...especially if Austin is your server! Thanks again--
(5)John V.
This review is for their XXX wings only. I went to Melnick's for the first time this past Friday just to try their XXX wings, which are supposed to be some of the hottest in the city. They were certainly hot, but there was almost no flavor to the wings. If you want to down some incredibly hot wings just for the sake of eating hot wings then you cannot go wrong with these wings. (If you finish they even put a little red plastic fireman's hat on your head and take your picture.) But, if you are someone who likes a LOT of heat and a LOT of flavor then save your money and go somewhere else. Now, as for the restaurant itself, I have no complaints. From start to finish my entire experience there was a fantastic one. I had a cut on my hand what was in an awkward place so bandages did not stay on very well and my waitress brought me a pair of "rubber gloves" from the kitchen so I could keep the sauce out of my cut. She also made sure to caution against rubbing my face afterward. Their beer selection is really good (they even have some Unibroue!). Also, the smell of their wood oven/smoker(?) permeated the entire restaurant and was quite mouth watering. I will definitely go back to try some other items on the menu, but I will not be going back for their wings.
(2)Stephanie V.
awesome parmesan garlic fries and many beers to choose from. wasn't very impressed with the Garbage Salad. we did enjoy the dominos game they have available for customers
(3)Jay S.
Been here many times and it never disappoints. Great wings, great burgers and above average bbq. My favorite sauce for wings is the Firecracker sauce - it was a monthly special awhile back but guess it was so popular they have it on the permanent menu now. I personally like to get the chicken tenders and ask them to toss it in the sauce. As for burgers, their burger of the month is always good enough to try. If you want a really "bad for you" meal then get the smokin que burger - it's wrapped in bacon with pulled pork on top. Other than that, waiters/waitresses are always nice and attentive. They also have good knowledge of the beer list which is extensive.
(4)Steven N.
I'll keep this one short and to the point - it's a great joint for a number of different casual get-togethers. We went here for happy hour today and were not disappointed. The drinks selections are great (great for beer lovers) and the bar food is slightly above average. Great location and the staff was friendly and accommodating. What's definitely worth mentioning is that I got a free beer because the bartender thought he made me wait too long for it. He ran out of what I wanted behind the bar, so he had to dig into the back fridge for it. All in all it only took less than 5 mins, but it was a very classy gesture. Check this place out for your next happy hour!
(3)Michelle R.
OMG the BEST Burgers in the City and I have many of them. My search is finally done for the BEST Chicago Burger...JAKES!! Love the fries and ranch too and the staff are nice. I only can go once a month/two month because its a lot of calories to take in. So I use Jakes as my CHEAT MEAL!! You Try their burgers
(5)C S.
a little too pricey to warrant 4 stars, but if you don't mind dropping at least $6.50 & up per beer this is a great bar. Great TV's, convenient location (even in sub 0 weather), and an interesting enough menu.
(3)Thongsy S.
I was here for a holiday party so we were in a private room. The food was very good. I especially enjoyed their spinach artichoke dip and chips. Very very good. And surprisingly, the mini turkey burgers were also very good. I never had turkey burgers before this so I didn't know what to expect but they were definitely yummy. I would have given 4 stars if it weren't for the service. The party was buffet style so the servers still had to take our drink orders. All I wanted was water to wash my food down. My friend ordered a coke and most of us ordered alcoholic beverages (beer, cocktails, etc.). Ten minutes later, the drinks arrived and of course, the waitress forgot my water and didn't even apologize. It's too bad because I would have still tipped her for the water. Oh wells.
(3)Jason M.
At just 62 paces from the front door of the building where I live... this is the closest place for me to enjoy an adult beverage or cold beer, with the exception of my home bar or refrigerator. April the bartender has been nothing but sweet and accommodating. This is the only bar I have found so far that has one of my favorite beers Trummer Pils. The $8.31 price with tax is one of the reasons I'm not giving 5 stars. The portions at this place are freaking obscene (in a good way, if you like large portions). The wings are incredible here. Large and juicy. Had the super hot, which the name fits perfectly for. The super hot was so hot, I didn't dare try the XXX wing I'd ordered a la carte. Unfortunately right now their menu and large awesome selection of beer isn't conducive with my current diet. This place does have a number of tourists, but that's okay. They have a large number of very nice flat screen tv's. This place might become my Sunday football watching home. Especially as the winter sets in and 62 paces will seem like a mile to me walking in the cold. Ashley is the other bartender I know by name and she is super nice and accommodating as well. All of the staff always great you when they see you and seem very pleasant as well.
(4)Jessica C.
Alright, I'll give this place an "A" for effort. I was in my typical woman mood one night and was craving bar food. Not too busy for a Wednesday night but there was still a nice crowd. I've tried to stop in here on a Friday or Saturday - no such luck, the place is packed. I was very excited to see they serve Strongbrow Cider (11% alcohol I might add). The BF and I split some platter with fries, brisket, and ribs? Anyway, definately not a meal that should be eaten by 1 person. Not bad food - the ribs weren't exactly fall off the bone, but good. Fries were a little soggy. Ehh, I got my fix.. not sure if I would eat here again but definately might stop in for some beers from time to time.
(3)Mike T.
Can't argue Jake's. You go for the wings or whatever the burger of the month is. I never got a burger, too busy eating delicious chicken. But the burgers were always well received by whoever I was with and there's a beer special with them. Which brings me to my next point, beer. There's a great selection here. Actually that's not accurate. There's an exorbitant amount of beers. I grew found of "A Little Sumpin Sumpin" which not only has the bet name around but it's a solid beer. Free fries with 4square check in. Only complaint is on a Monday I was there and they had "Mystery Beer Night" which was a random beer in a brown bag. Never one to turn down the opportunity to drink from a brown bag, I was disappointed when I got the same beer twice. It was like buying a kidrobot, loving it, and then getting the same one. Great spot in Chicity, definitely hit this up. And if you talk about advertising, you'll probably run into someone else who is.
(4)Diane D.
Recently spent several days in Chicago and went here twice. There were two consistent themes: Beer selection is awesome and Service is ridiculously slow. The food was ok, I like to judge a place based on it's blue cheese-theirs was decent. If you order the fried pickles, they use the thin dill stackers as opposed to chips or spears, but I love fried goodness! We had the garlic cayenne wings both nights; definitely a keeper, but no boneless. It appeared to be a great place to grab a drink, but I wouldn't count on it for a great dinner.
(3)T W.
Came in with a group on a Monday night. The place was pretty quiet. They have an interesting beer selection. We had some beers and some chicken wings. There was nothing bad to report in our visit., but nothing outstanding, either. (Thus, the 3 stars). The chicken wings we had were normal, the beer was normal and the service was ... very good. All in all, a good experience, but we could have been back home in Mpls, or in Memphis or in Mobile for that matter. Normal.
(3)Kimberly O.
We came here to watch the World Cup 1/4 final. We sat at the bar and ordered coffee - we had to ask the bartender to wipe down the bar from the previous animal (Winnie the Poo maybe?) who appeared to have dined there - it was rather sticky. He did so but begrudgingly and made a shoddy job of it. Our coffee came via the waitress. My friend had ordered a Baileys on the side but the bartender gave us both one then acted annoyed when I said that I didn't want mine so my GF gallantly drank both. We had to ask grudgy for water twice. We ordered the wings (spicy) and I asked what was in the fruit punch. That drew a blank look or was it a scowl then he said it might be rum and coconut ( fyi it wasn't). At this point we decided to cut our losses with Neanderthal man and move to a table. We were still waiting on our wings -which took a good 25 minutes -they were good but not 'best in Chicago good' which was the claim and they weren't that spicy. The waitress was slow as in - is she ever coming back with our drinks or extra blue cheese slow. Since she had gone into hiding my friend went to the bar and refilled her water. Waitress got very upset and told her she would have done it. (Retort -yes but you didn't did you). A cat fight looked like it might break out but then Ghana missed a penalty and the ensuing mayhem from the soccer fans (including myself) proved a distraction. What a great game! BFF and I carried on firing into the fruit punch and watching the ensuing penalty shoot out drama unfold. When my friends was 3 drinks happy the blue cheese arrived, the wings were long since gone but my friend made nice with the waitress anyway. She even ended up giving us some tips on which places to check out on our Chicago tour although I'm not sure I'd trust her. All in all a great time at Jake Melnick's helped out by copious amounts of 'mystery punch' and some great soccer drama but no thanks to the service.
(2)Lizard F.
I've worked a few short blocks from Jake's for over 2 years now. I've eaten there twice in the last two months, and was sorely disappointed--on my second visit, downright grossed out. The first visit, I only had a side salad while I was chatting with visiting family members. It consisted of mostly iceberg lettuce, a.k.a. crunchy water. Disappointing, but not a deal-breaker. I went back this past Wednesday with colleagues. I asked if they could take the bacon and chicken off the cobb salad, and if I could get all romaine (instead of romaine and iceberg). Sadly, the lettuce is pre-mixed. So I went searching for something else veg-friendly....and settled on a chicken Asian salad without the chicken and a loaded baked potato without the bacon. The salad was coming along alright, despite the unsatisfying lettuce, and I was about 3/4 done with it when I looked down and saw A HAIR IN MY SALAD!!!!!!! A LONG DARK HAIR!!!!!!!! I had the waiter take my plate away immediately, and then decided to tackle the baked potato, which was 50% overly-starchy potato and 50% oily cheese. Yuck. To be fair, they didn't charge me for my salad, but I'm not willing to give them a third chance. Sorry, Jake Melnick's--MAJOR FAIL.
(1)Tina W.
Where to start? For some inexplicable reason, this place was really packed. The crowd consisted of a strange mixture of families and loud girls with sparkly tops. The waiter appeared to be woefully inexperienced. He had to be prompted to bring us a drink menu, spilled my iced tea all over the table and his fancy-looking watch, and attempted to clear my friend's still-full plate. The artichoke spinach flatbread was mediocre (and not worth 10$) and we had some parmesan garlic fries that had the most garlicky of garlicky tastes that ever passed my lips. At some point I was using a napkin to wipe off garlic pieces before eating. Moderation people! At this point a third friend joined us and ordered a cider. The bottle came broken with a knifelike projection on the lip which cut my friend's lip pretty badly. She was bleeding onto a napkin when our waiter and his manager came over multiple times to express their apologies. They paid for her cider and filled out an "accident report", which suspiciously only involved getting down her name. Considering the seriousness of the offense, I thought they could have paid the whole bill.
(2)Internet U.
HOT WINGS I went there for 1 thing and 1 thing only! HOT WINGS... So when you order it, you get a plastic fire hat, and sign a waiver! Then, when you get them, you have the option of when you ring a bell, they rush out with ice cream, bread, milk, and sour cream to put out the fire! And boy, was it a fire! My mouth STILL hurt that night when i got home! Once i couldn't eat any more of the Satan-rigged, lightbulb-sized wings, they took my picture and put it on the wall! My dad had a burger, he said it was really good... :P I would love to go back again, and try to beat my record of 2 wings! ;D
(4)Brian K.
Melnick's has a little bit of Loop feel because of the conventioneers and business people that will inevitably end up there due to it's location, but if you can get past that, it's a great place. Generally speaking, the wings are amazing, but if you like it hot, get the XXX wings and you will not be disappointed...makes Hooters look like it's run by a pack of blond bimbos. They have a good local/regional beer selection, some ridiculous Bloody Mary's and and 8lbs hamburger that is novel and will over feed a family of 8.
(4)Pamela P.
Having lived in the building for about 5 years (but thankfully moved away), I've been here a lot. It's always the same: mediocre. The food is just alright, bland at times but always heavily oily and heart-attack inducing. The music is much too loud. The drinks are watered-down and pricey. In fact, some of the drinks I've actually had to send back because they were awful and, contrary to common belief, I hate sending drinks or food back. The crowd is an older, after work bunch. Also, the thing that always go to me is that it closes early, even on the weekends, and the kitchen closes even earlier than the restaurant. What's up with that? The brisket is actually good and the veggie burger was delicious. Other than that, it's pricey average pub food...
(3)Jarod P.
I HATE this kind of place. There are so many places in Chicago that are on the cusp of 3 and 4 stars - we are a city dominated by B-minus! Now if you are bothering to read this review, I should tell you that I came here for one reason only: to try those triple X wings they brag about, that have that ghost pepper stuff. They're supposed to be the hottest wings in the world! THE WORLD! So if you want a more rounded review skip to the next one. So, what was the wing experience? Bottom line: "Good wings." To go into more detail: Our waitress didn't seem particularly interested in serving us. She didn't neglect us but her attitude was one of wishing she was anywhere in the world except right there serving us. You read about this place and it's supposed to be: if you order the hot wings, you get: - A plastic fireman hat - A waiver to sign - A bell to ring; if you ring it, the servers come rushing to your aid with ice cream, milk, bread and sour cream to put out the fire. Now, see, I'm into the theatrics. I love Ed Devebic's, Mi Tierra, and Medieval Times. As long as the food and service are there too, the gimmicks can be lots of fun! Well, they seem really bored by their own gimmicks at Jack Melnick's. We got the hats. She dumped the waivers on the table without explaining what they were. No bell, though. It was kind of underwhelming - if you're gonna have that stuff, you gotta SELL IT! But the wings themselves were pretty damn good. The parmesan-garlic fries with ranch sauce were aces. The blue cheese dip was wonderful. The XXX wings, interestingly, were not as hot as the "atomic" wings at WingStop, at least initially. But it was a heat that refused to die out. With the atomic wings, after ten minutes you're fine. With the XXX wings, it took a good half hour for the suffering to end, even with that "cold plate" of milk and ice cream and junk. I did like that they have a whole load of beers. Although it's annoying when you're like "OMGWFT they serve my favorite beer I can't get anywhere else!" and they're like "Yeah we're out of that." But if you can't find a beer you like here, just order something, you'll like it anyway. So, I'm on the fence between 3 and 4 stars. I figure go with 4 because we had good food, good beer and a good time, even if the experience didn't live up to the hype. And we talked about coming back; I was able to do two XXX wings, but I think I could do five if I really put my mind to it. So four it is. Just don't expect the crazy theatrics promised by their web site and reviews.
(4)Neal S.
Great place to get a micro brew and some wings. Plenty of tv's so all the games are on. Tremendous service -- the servers have a good time with the customers. The food was hot, fresh and really good. We had wings, nachos, spinach dip and a brownie dessert. All were great. Came here 3 times in 3 days because it was close to our hotel and the staff treated us so well. Not a place to come get a glass of wine. This is a beer/wing joint and they have a wide selection of locally brewed beers.
(4)Eugene H.
great wings good place to catch the game
(4)Andrew L.
The wings here are worth coming back to. We ordered the XXX wings here, and we got the whole fanfare of plastic firefighter hats, fake "these wings are seriously hot" waivers and a cool-down bell for when you just can't handle the heat anymore. Spoiler alert: the wings weren't that hot. They were delicious, though! Oh, and they have a nice selection of beers.
(4)Amy H.
Again, I wish 3 1/2 stars were an option because I can't quite give it the 4 stars it may deserve after only 1 visit. First let me admit that I am a very pedestrian beer drinker--my favorite is Miller High Life so I cannot appreciate the rave reviews that their beer selection receives. Also, I did not try the wings (although I am generally a fan of wings) which is what seems to be their specialty because they seemed kind of pricey to me. That being said, they might serve the BEST Bloody Mary I have ever had, and I am a connoisseur of Bloody Mary's. All Bloody Mary's (and they have 6 or 7 kinds) are $5 on Saturdays and Sundays, and are well worth it. I had "The Standard" as I am a bit of a purist, and could have drank more than one if I wasn't so tired. We went on the Saturday night before Easter. Place was very busy but we were seated immediately and the service was excellent. They have a good menu for a sports bar type place. The atmosphere felt a tad corporate and impersonal to me, but I attribute that to the area in which it is located. The service was great, friendly and attentive. I had pulled pork and ordered it with onion rings, both of which were excellent. My husband ordered the beef brisket with hand cut fries. His was also very good, but we both liked mine better. The beef didn't seem like a brisket cut of meat, it seemed more like a smoked roast. I may not know what I'm talking about as far as that goes, but I know that I prefer brisket I've had elsewhere much better. The main complaint either of us had was that it was not served with enough BBQ sauce; and by the time we realized we needed more we had already told the waiter several times that everything was delicious and we didn't need anything else, so he had stopped checking on us. Kinda feel like that was our own fault; but my suggestion to any restaurant where BBQ is a big part of their menu is provide plenty, or even put bottles on the table. I wouldn't make a special trip out of my way to go to this place, but would recommend it to anyone staying in the area and would definitely go again if only for a Bloody Mary if I was nearby.
(3)Amy H.
I've been here twice, and I feel like it's safe to pass judgment on it. The first time I wasn't thrilled, but that was due to a poor order on my part, not due to the food or service being bad. Last time I went I ordered the pulled pork sliders. A trio of 3 different sauces on 3 sliders, served with a hefty portion of fries. The food was excellent. It wasn't busy at all either time I went.
(4)Michael N.
Jake's is a great neighborhood establishment with a fantastic staff and a fantastic beer list. The food is above average BBQ. I've only had one thing in my MANY (my parents live next door) visits that I did not like-the Buffalo Chicken flatbread. It's known for its buffalo wings so I thought this would be a nice option. Instead, it fell short of my expectations. Other than that, the appetizers are are really good; the soups are always tasty; and the sandwiches are also very food. WARNING: If you get a salad, be prepared to only finish about 1/2 of it; they're HUGE. For those coming in from out of town looking for some above average BBQ, this is a great option, but understand that this is not Kansas City, St. Louis, North Carolina, Memphis, Texas, etc. We are known for great hot dogs, pizza, pop corn (Garrett's), etc. so don't go in expecting Arthur Bryant's (if you don't know what that is, then don't call yourself a BBQ fan). But, if you want a good pulled pork or beef brisket sandwich, this is a great place to stop.
(4)Nancy H.
I've been here on many occassions and have nothing I strongly recommend except their $5 happy hour menu M-F from 3:30 - 6 PM and 11 PM - 1 AM which is mainly appetizers and 4 flatbread pizzas. And I'm in love with the caesar salad. In January, they started offering extremely hot wings made with red savina peppers (supposedly one of the world's hottest). They claim they make you sign a waiver form (we never got one), and they give you a bell to ring when you need to succumb to their "relief package" which is a small glass of milk, a pat of sour cream, 1 sliced white bread, and best of all - a scoop of ice cream. I say ring it even if you don't need it b/c it's free. They take your picture which gets posted on the wall by the bathrooms. 10 super hot wings will cost you $9 and probably multiple uncomfortable trips to the restroom. I only had one wing, and even that will do you in the next day. No matter how much your tongue can handle it, your stomach most likely can't. It's been smelling like a wet mop in here the last two times I've come here, and the waitresses aren't the friendliest, but it's a staple neighborhood sports bar in a neighborhood without many bars (Cathedral District).
(3)Seth G.
We went to this place for the wings and they were fine just fine. The place is a total tourist spot, which is expected by its location. The wings are advertised as jumbo but were the size of regular wings. Our server was very friendly and knew his stuff, but other than that nothing too exciting. I can't imagine I would go back there.
(3)Nikki V.
My boyfriend works around the corner from Jake's, so we decided to stop in for a drink. First off, their specialty cocktails sounded delicious. Not just a bunch of "martinis". They were proper cocktails using seasonal ingredients, something I wasn't expecting. I had the Curly Cucumber, which was delicious. Next time I'll have the New Yorker. Since we'd just gotten off work and were hungry, we tried the nachos off the "Late Night Food" menu. Full size plate of nachos with smoked brisket for FIVE BUCKS! Tasty to boot. Our server, Dave, was amazing. Seriously, best late night service I've ever received anywhere, and possibly one of the best service experiences ever, period. He was attentive, friendly, informative, and super nice- our friends forgot their car keys and he ran down the street to catch them (although for any server, getting to leave the building even for 30 seconds is a treat)! We'll definitely be back.
(5)Jason H.
Its great for big groups. Went there twice for events w/ 20+ people. The service was great and there's room to move. They also have a great beer selection and a burger that is literally larger than your brain.
(4)Daniel G.
Go here if you want good food and unique beer and drinks. I had the BBQ smoke house burger wrapped in bacon. Very tasty, my server gave me a sample of a beer that was brewed with lavender and it rocked! Awesome customer service and great vibe.
(5)Christine K.
Decided to come here on a random Thursday night. Our waitress, Laura, was friendly and attentive. We ordered a basket each of the "spicy" and the "super hot" wings. Spicy was good for my taste, without being too hot to enjoy. The super hot was just that...super hot! The guys in my group liked them though. The wings were also decently meaty - not like the tiny little wings you might get at some other places. We also ordered one of the specials of the day - the sloppy pig. YUM! Fries were delish as well. All in all, a great stop if you enjoy bar food with a little twist.
(4)L G.
Great good, great service, great place to watch sports, will certainly go back!!
(4)Jamie B.
I love the firecracker wings. The sauce is so savory/sweet! I generally dip anything that I can find into the remainder. Also for beer be sure to try the Avery Maharaja which is a double IPA at 10.3%!!
(4)John K.
A good spot to hangout with buddies after work. Onion wings are great and so are the nachos. Recommend.
(4)Kristen C.
Love the food, and service is always speedy! The fried pickles are the best I have ever had; the wings are amazing!
(5)Joe E.
So I previously reviewed Jake Melnick's for their XXX wing challenge. But, this time, I tried their amazing wings. Rated as some of the best in the city, I was excited to try the different sauces they offered. And just like the city's consensus, I agree with the title as some of the best. The waiting staff is friendly and the atmosphere is very sports bar-like. I do want to come back and try some of their flatbreads and BBQ that I saw other tables trying. Hope to update soon!
(4)Stephanie W.
Jake Melnick's is probably a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and chow down some junk food, but I wouldn't come back for any other reason. We stopped by for lunch because we were in the neighborhood and starving and they had valet parking, and on further consideration, we really should have looked a little further afield. The second star is solely for our waitress, who was a total sweetheart, super attentive, friendly, and personable. We ordered a BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, a Chinese chicken salad, and a garbage salad. The portions were HUGE, but the pizza was mediocre at best and the salads were barely edible. Definitely sticking to the bar food next time.
(2)Lea J.
Another random spot. Franchised-feel but friendly. Couldn't stop eating their sweet potato fries. Will try their burgers and wings on next visit.
(3)Amanda F.
This is my go-to bar on the weekends. River North lacks cheap low maintenance bars with good food. I not only like/know most of the waiters/waitresses but the secret 30% student discount is key (that is, if you're a student). Some of my regular orders: 5.00 bloody marys on Sundays garbage salad bbq brisket roasted chicken cobb salad wings
(5)Katie M.
We came for a beer unveiling and while that particular beer was a bust, I really enjoyed everything about Jake Melnick's. I like that everything is sort of a hybrid between classic pub food and down-home barbeque - it's a nice balance. We made it just in time to catch their $5 apps happy hour. We filled up on bbq nachos, spinach pizza, & potato skins. Made the extra rounds of beer a little more affordable. Also, our server was awesome. Our party went from two to five to eight to a dozen and they were super cool about letting us grab two booths sidebyside so we could all hang out. Our beers were always full and our sever was really good about making sure that everything was perfect. I will definitely be back.
(3)Amy L.
Stumbled upon Jake's while walking down the Magnificent Mile, and couldn't have been more impressed. The first thing that stuck out was the service. We were visiting from San Diego which some consider the craft brew mecca of the U.S. and we were thoroughly impressed by the knowledge of our bartender when it came to the great selection of beer Jake's had to offer. We weren't hungry at the time, but we were compelled to return and order a couple orders of their award winning wings togo after we went to a nearby pub to shoot some pool, which our knowledgable bartender recommended. Even though the wings were cold by the time we got to our hotel room, they were just about the best wings we have ever had. Wish we could go back and try the rest of the menu, I definitely recommend!
(5)Keyona D.
Large sandwiches and good portions of wings. Decent prices, cool soda selection, but the cookie desert needs more ice cream and less whipped cream.
(3)Al C.
Why doesn't Yelp allow us to do ZERO stars and .5 stars?? Me thinks it imposes quite the limitations on my culinary reviewing prowess. Anyhoo...my man, a huge wing fanatic, was drawn to this place by the huge, alluring banner stating this place had the "BEST WINGS IN CHICAGO". What a bold statement, huh? So, we took the bait and ordered some wings, an appetizer sampler platter, mac and cheese, and a salad. My husband couldn't force himself to gum down the wings and the mac and cheese was NASTY. The salad was not so bad compared to everything else. So we left this place like $45 poorer, still hungry, and pissed off. Best wings in chicago, my ass.
(1)Michelle H.
Good Wings. BUT...11.00 for seven wings, really? Forget "jumbo" as listed, they weren't enough for even one person.
(2)Jimmy G.
Jake Melnick's is great for a good burger, a great variety of reasonably well done barbeque styles, and an even better place to sample a range of different beers, both on tap and in bottles. We like to go on Thursdays when they first open. The place isn't too crowded at that time, and the barbeque is at it's best. It's not the best place for people watching because most people who eat barbeque are pretty like me :P
(4)michael p.
The good: This place has some great beer selections and is 2 blocks off the Chicago ave red line. The bad: The food is pretty bland. The wings that they brag about were sub par. I asked for closer to well done wings and i got slop, and the BBQ here is a joke. My buddy ordered the pulled pork nachos and the pork was a stringy, greasy mess and all of the chips were super soggy. Pork lacked real flavor and i doubt it was actually smoked, tasted like a slow cooker did all the work. Our other friend got the ribs and she said they were awful and they looked the part for sure Service was really bad as we had to flag the waitress down every time we wanted another beer. She kind of acted like we were coffee drinkers who refused to leave when instead we were constantly ordering rounds of drinks. The host staff however, were all very nice to our group walking in as well as leaving. At best it's a good place to go for a beer before or after you are wandering around town.
(2)Joanna T.
After seeing that line was out the door on a Sunday night at Gino's East, we walked around and saw Jake Melnick's. The sign that proudly proclaimed that they were "king of the wings" or something to that effect totally won over my boyfriend. This man loves wings and loves anything that will burn his mouth off so of course he got the XXX wings and believe me, these were blazing hot. Now normally, restaurants say things are spicy and they are never spicy enough for him. He ate 3 and while he could've gone on, he safely and wisely decided to not continue for the sake of his digestive tract. I took one bite and my tongue and lips were burning for a while, but I'm a wuss. One look at my boyfriend who eats thai chilis for a snack and seeing him sweat was actually pretty funny. Now on to the rest of the food. The best thing I had there was the salad with the tomato vinaigrette. This was really refreshing and the dressing was awesome. We also got the triple play platter and chose ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. About 15 minutes or so after we ordered, we were told that they were out of ribs. It was probably around 8:30PM so we just ordered extra chicken. We also got the mac and cheese and corn bread. Everything was okay. The chicken was super juicy, but didn't have much flavor. All the flavor was on the outside with the skin, but I didn't really want to eat that, because the skin was rubbery and not that good kind of crispy chicken skin. The rest of the food was pretty average and I really could've been anywhere. I do have to say that I like the atmosphere. The servers and others seemed nice. The space was large and the patio seemed like a great place to chill out.bb
(2)Jim G.
Went to see a friend ordained at Holy Name Cathedral, which is only a block away. By the time the three hour ceremony was over, my friend and I were ready to get a beer and something to eat. The dining room was full, but we were able to get a table in the bar area right away and order lunch quickly. They have a pretty good selection of beers and the food was good. I played it safe and just had one of their burgers (a regular one, not the 8-Pound Monster Burger!). Overall this was a fine place to grab something to eat if you just happen to be nearby, but I did not see anything special that would warrant going out of your way to go here.
(3)Angela W.
So I've only been to this place once, and even though it's a 3/5 I would definitely come back. The only reason I'm giving it a 3 is because my boyfriend and I probably didn't order the right things. We started off with the BBQ nachos, and they were great. They would have been perfect if they went lighter on the cheese and heavier on the shredded pork (YUM!). We ended up both ordering burgers for our entree, and although they were good, they probably did not do this place justice. First, my country friend burger was a MISTAKE. It was soooooo greasy that I could barely stand eating it. The only reason I ate about half of it was because I was starving. I really regretted not ordering the shredded BBQ pork sandwich. The pork tasted delicious on the nachos. Next time I go back, their BBQ is a must. Have not tried the wings but hear good things!
(3)Tommy M.
Have been back a couple of times and I still enjoy Jake's as much as the first time. I am a creature of habit and keep getting the hot wings followed by the pulled pork trio. The waiter was something of a jokester - usually that would turn me off but he had us laughing. The big challenge here is deciding what beer to order - great great variety.
(4)Joe K.
This is a classic case of service can KILL your experience at a restaurant. 1.) Was seated and waited 10-12 minutes for the waitress to even come by to bring waters out. 2.) After we ordered waters and drinks it took about 8 minutes more to bring them out. When they came out she forgot the sweetener and lemons, more waiting. 3.) Ordered a salad with dressing on the side, and of coarse, it was drenched in it. 4.) No salt and pepper on the table for our food which needed some, queue the waiting line (8 more minutes of food getting cold). 5.) Finally we get to eating our food, and we haven't seen the waitress in a while. We're done with our food and I have my debit card out on the table waiting for her to take before she even brings out the check. 6.) She takes my debit card, comes back a couple minutes later (and I'm thinking at least that was fast!) and she brings back someone else's bill/debit card... are you kidding? The food was fine, it was cheap, fine for a Thursday night. I want to say that it wasn't insanely crowded either.... With all the choices of restaurants in this city, based on the service alone, I won't be back. Thanks- Joe
(1)Rafael C.
I just came here to brave the hot wings. I figured they must be seriously hot with a higher price of say $16 for a dozen plus them making a show of having the wings - i.e signing a waiver, wearing a fireman hat! Well they were certainly hot as advertised; however, they sacrificed taste in order to make them ridiculously hot. I did manage to get it done though! My friend tagged along and got a pulled pork sandwich which he was satisfied with it. I also saw they had a pretty good beer selection as well as other menu food options. The bar has plenty of room and TVs so that is a plus. Service wasn't stellar but luckily not so busy that day so it wasn't a problem ... well except when I needed another drink as the wings were kicking my arse. I may not go out of my way to come back here but if the mood hits me and I'm nearby, I'm sure to give them another shot.
(3)Helena D.
Jake Melnick's is one of the better, chill bars in the Gold Coast. Just a couple of blocks off of Michigan Avenue, Jake is where locals and business men flock to whether they're looking to hang out with friends or catch any number of sporting events featured on their flat-screen TVs. Wing lovers will delight in their hot wings, which were recently v0ted #1 in Chicago at the annual Wingfest. Each month, a different burger is featured and for under $10 you can get a cold bottle of beer plus a burger. Moreover, there are generally drink specials like beer cocktail that will set you back just $5. Their food portions are generous and filling and you can't beat the laidback atmosphere. Ladies, the Millionaire Matchmaker was right - come here if you're single and want to mingle. There are tons of men that flock here and you'll definitely stand out from the load of baseball caps and jeans.
(4)Jared H.
Great bar and great food for drinking- nothing is a challenge here- not a challenge to drink, to get a server to come to the table, not a challenge to order or understand the menu. Its always busy and its just close enough but just off the tourist track enough for any easy dinner.
(4)Tiffany B.
My company's Holiday Party was held here last Thursday night (yeah you read it right !).... 3 weeks late. It was a nice enough place. Typical pub/bar vibe. They claim to have the best Hot Wings in Chicago and I think they claim to have won some kind of Wing Award. But I beg to differ. Too greasy. No seasoning salt. Who makes fried chicken without Lawry's?? I know chicken wings and those were nowhere near the best. They deserve two stars but I'll give'em three because the food was free.
(3)Michael P.
If you don't like beer, I feel bad for you, son: I've got 99 problems, but when I go to Jake Melnick's, drinking beer ain't one. Great BBQ-based items. I've been here at least three times; I'll be back at least three more. Solid.
(4)Daniel M.
Good choice for barbecue and kid friendly atmosphere ...however my son knocked over a planter on the patio (my son is 6) and whoever the manager was re-planting the dirt and plants was a very ryde...muttered something under his breathe, and I thought that to be in poor taste. Food great, staff was super attentive, but the mgr's attitude needs fixing
(4)Katie R.
I may be partial to Jake's since I live next door, but they do have great beer, good food, I always enjoy whatever I'm eating or drinking there. The staff is always friendly. It can be a tourist hot spot for those tourists who migrate a little too far west of Michigan Ave. so the wait may be long between 6-8pm. It's a good spot to bring a group of eclectic people that may prefer a salad or wings or burgers or mac-n-cheese.
(5)Tyler A.
I was drawn here to eat the XXX wings, so good job JM's for luring me in with that little gimmick.. Wait a second! you guys have a freakin 8 pound burger?! For 50 dollars?!! I want that! (I'm a Man v. Food fan..) Tyler... Focus. Ok so the 10 wings are 16 dollars.. yes. The normal wings are 10, i think, dollars. But for the 6 dollar difference you get: 1. Ghost chili hotness/goodness/evilness 2. A "cooling plate" consisting of spicy food kryptonite such as sour cream, ICE cream, a slice of orange (what the?), a shotglass of milk and white bread triangles 3. A plastic fireman hat 4. A nicely printed "waiver" that you sign, and then I can only assume is thrown directly into the garbage (i signed mine AFTER I ate the wings, which I thought was a little, i dunno, shady? Even for a fake waiver..) 5. A digital photo which goes on the website So at least you're gettting something for that six dollars. Oh I almost forgot, you also get, 6. To clear your sinuses 7. To turn beat red 8. The ability to not look serious when you're having a conversation 9. The ability to freely cry about your miserable life, and use the hot wings as an excuse. Now I can take blisteringly hot. I've got years of experience under my belt. I encourage people to take their overconfident friends here to take this challenge. It's more fun like that. How is the heat? It's a slow afterburn. The sauce they use is actually really tasty classic buffalo sauce. The wings are pretty good sized (they should be for 16 dollars dangit) I was actually somewhat underwhelmed by the heat, but again I have eaten some pretty spicy foods. I think I just want some validation that I'm some kind of spicy food stud but there's lots of photos on the website so that tells me these aren't THAT hot.. The other food at our table was pretty above average for bar food and our waitress was pretty attentive. Oh, I must say though, the BBQ ribs, not good. The place is pretty big with indoor/outdoor seating and I'd come back here again. So in conclusion, XXX wings, expensive, kinda tasty, kinda fun, KINDA super-hot. Who else has got some suggestions for spicy foods I can check out next?
(4)Dan B.
I soooo wanted to love this place. Rough, fun exterior, awesome beer selection, good menu. The beers are great but VERY expensive. Had the nachos and was very disappointed, too little cheese, maybe a couple tablespoons of chili, again, VERY expensive $10.95 for literally a plateful of toasted nacho chips. Cool atmosphere, lots of TVs. Server was friendly but didn't come around enough to get us new beers (they were not busy, so good service was expected). Manager clearly not on top of it.
(2)David C.
Big fan of this place. Great beer selection. Good food. Great for groups. Plenty of space.
(4)Andy D.
GLUTEN FREE WINGS: Go with the Pancho's Wings, they are unbreaded, and have them also dipped in Buffalo- Mild or Spicy. Great spice and meat falls off bone. Healthy alternative to breaded variety.
(4)Andrew W.
L-O-V-E IT! and i am dedicating my 200th review for this awesome place Across downtown~ for you to find a place to hang~ to locate a hardcore sport heaven to cheer~ are nearly impossible chain restaurants filled... snobby luxurious Italiano or Steak Houses scatter throughout... often you will have to sacrifice the volume... just to spot a tv in a bar of a restaurent... that is truly a nightmare for sport fans! however, just couple block far out from the heart of downtown... you can spot this great sport heave, with EXCELLENT food how often can you say, the food at a bar is good? not often! But this place delivers! Ribs, burger, wings, salad, soup, dessert..... YOU NAME IT! with great selection of TVs... they aren't hesitate to share just one tv for you, even if you are not looking for a local game! ooh ohh, they also tune up the volume for you as well! where can you find that?! the food is great, the dudes behind the counter are great and i got to keep up with my fanhood, while i am on the road YOU HAVE TO COME AND HANG OUT THIS CHICAGO LOCAL-FAVORITE DESTINATION!
(5)Arian H.
They place was pretty cool. Wonderful atmosphere with the warm wood theme going. Service was great. I had the wings , which was pretty good. However, I don't see why their know as the best. You don't get that many wings as well . I ended up grabbing a snap from chick fil a. They also had a full bar which looked like a fun time. Parking is downtown parking, not too much to expect.
(4)Brandon Y.
Great Beers on tap (a little heavy on the belgians and czechs but I'm alright with that) I'm a beer purist and though I like a good hoppy IPA it's nice to see some traditional European Lagers on tap at a beer heavy bar. Came in for some beers and college football, didn't eat there but was salivating over the delicious looking and smelling BBQ food all around me.
(4)Keely B.
I like Jakes. A friend and I stop by occasionally for lunch during work, when we're looking for a place with better ambiance than Foodlife or the food court in Chicago Place. They've got a pretty amazing buffalo chicken sandwich, and it's huge. The drawbacks are that the place is kind of pricey for lunch, and the service is hella slow. Also, they have a "beer wall" where they write the names of the beers they serve, and they always spell the brewery "Surly" wrong. We've mentioned it to them several times, but whenver we go back it's the same.
(3)Helena B.
By far one of the better bars in the area - close enough to all that is going on but far enough from Michigan Avenue so as not to be utterly overrun by tourists. The beer selection was impressive. In addition to standard bars on tap, they had a long list of domestic and imported bottles. Date (also a beer snob) and I were both able to try things we hadn't had before. Our server was attentive and friendly. We never had to wait for the next round. The best thing about the place was being able to drink outside. They had several cafe tables set up on the front sidewalk. This was relatively peaceful on a Sunday evening in April, but I'm not sure if it would get too crowded as the sidewalks fill up later in the year. I prefer enclosed beer gardens in the back. Overall - a nice place, but not much of a general draw to pull me back unless I happened to be in the area.
(3)Sarah F.
Normally when there's lots of beer drinking, the evening gets progressively better (well, to a point, anyway). Jake Melnick's started out well before it took a nosedive into a big ol' pool of disappointment. I met a group of friends here for a Stone Brewery event. With the warm weather, the outdoor seating area was packed, leaving a relatively small crowd (including us) indoors. As the restaurant changed its taps over to the evening's featured brews, our server was knowledgeable about which brews were still available, and could make recommendations based on everyone's preferences. She was attentive for the first 90 minutes or so that we were there, but then all but disappeared. At one point we'd had questions about the Surly drafts that were featured, and while she snagged someone who could describe the beers, she never came back to take our orders. Nobody should have to wait half an hour to order a beer, especially when everyone's glass was dry. Maybe the point was to make us surly, too... Except for the brisket, which was excellent both on the BBQ nachos and in a sandwich, the food was meh. Said nachos were woefully lacking in toppings, the onion slab was frightfully greasy, and the mozzarella sticks were...well, the same thing you can get anywhere.
(2)Benson G.
Beer selection was great and food was better than typical bar food. Will definitely go bad if in the area again.
(4)Vanessa T.
I came here because I wanted to watch the Penguins/Blues game and my friend wanted to watch the Lakers/Nuggets game. My friend and I shared fish and chips and a buffalo chicken sandwich (from the special). I don't expect outstanding food from sports bars. However, for a sports bar, the food here is good, better than chain restaurants like Chilis. I also didn't feel like the food was that greasy. Of course the selection of food isn't anything special because.. well.. it's a sports bar. The server was very friendly and attentive. I'm not sure if I'd go back. Since I'm not from Chicago, I'd want to try other restaurants in the area before I come back here. However, if I were a local, I'd definitely go back.
(4)Anne P.
This place is always a good time. It has a laid-back atmosphere and pretty good food. I usually get the bbq nachos which are really delicious, but they a burger of the month that is always great. It is usually a fully loaded burger with fries paired with a beer for only $9. This is definitely one of the better deals in River North. Also, the place has many large tvs strategically placed throughout the bar which makes any seat in the place perfect for viewing the game.
(4)Erik Y.
Stopped in on a random weeknight. Sat at the bar and had a Stone IPA. Beer was a little expensive but you are in that area of town. Had wings. Half of the order were their spiciest and the other half were some sort of marinated wings. The spicy wings were so flavorful, crunchy, great. The marinaded ones were good but not spectacular. With 1 beer, 10 wings, and tip was $23. Not too bad. Would return sometime!
(4)Corey H.
I had a great time here. Two of us went here on a Friday night in the middle of January at about 9pm. We had to wait for about 5 minutes for a table. No problem. I imagine that during a more tourist season and a more reasonable dinner time (ie 6pm ish), this place probably has a pretty long wait. Maybe call ahead to see the wait time. As previously said, they have the best wings in Chicago. I LOVE wings and I have to try them at just about any place. I've even created a list on this website for best wings in my area. This place has really good wings. They have about 6 flavors... traditional buffalo hot or medium, garlicish, grilled, super hot and XXX. I love spicy wings and inquired about the heat level of the last two I mentioned. They offered to let me try them but warned me that they only recommend it for "professionals". I was glad they did. As I figured the sauce is too hot to actually be enjoyed. It was good but the only reason to order them would be to challenge yourself. They are meant to make you cry and sweat. I stuck with the traditional buffalo spicy sauce. It was franks red hot, which I like. The wings are slightly breaded and fried. They were slightly crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Loved em. SIDENOTE - I see someone complaining because they ordered the XXX wings with their husband and some friends and it was too spicy and they couldn't take the heat and complain they were not formally warned with the "waiver". You should have noticed all the stuff on the walls talking about how spicy their wings are. Second, you should have tasted a little of the sauce first, that was a rookie mistake. Don't blame this place because you underestimated the heat, especially when you declined to taste the sauce first. As for the waiver they didn't bring out, its only for show and doesn't serve and anything more than some memorabilia to remember the experience with. That shouldn't give you reason to EX this place. My guest had the trio of BBQ sliders. They came with the three types of BBQ they offer. It was really good. I liked the Carolina style because they put coleslaw on it with a vinegary and spicy BBQ sauce. The beer selection was awesome. Tons of micro brews and then some. TVs everywhere to watch any game. As for the service, our waiter was awesome. Super friendly, and helped us out with beer selections. I gave him a big tip in appreciation. The decor was pretty laid back. Wood with lights all over the place. Pretty standard of a BBQ joint. I liked it. I'm from out of town but I'll go back for sure if I'm ever in town again.
(4)David F.
Wings are great - huge! Wife selection of beers. Good atmosphere too. Will definitely return!
(5)Bruce B.
Meh...that about sum's it up. There's not anything unique about this place. I didn't find their wings to be anything special. Their drink prices are pretty high for what you get. I tried their spiked Arnold Palmer and it was meh...meh. The food is meh and the ambiance is meh. Jake's is a three star on the dot. I might go here again, but I wouldn't go out of my way. I liked the outside seating area, but there's nothing special about it that would make me want to go back. Their food is on par with bar food and their drinks are watered down. I don't like around Jake's but it seems like one of the few pubs around that area. If you want to sit outside and basically have a Chili's feel - go here. It's A-okay.
(3)Nathan G.
So we went to this place because it was listed in the "foodie" iphone app I had recently downloaded. They were offering a complimentary appetizer if you purchased 2 entrees. Sounds good to me! So we went in and got seated immediately, even though the place appeared to be pretty busy. Nice atmosphere; it's a place where you can come to relax and have some good food. For appetizer, we were recommended the Pancho's (?) Grilled wings, so we went with that. They were absolutely delicious! I would highly recommend these to anyone who goes there. For entree, I got the beef brisket and it was good. Large portion, so that was nice. The taste didn't knock my socks off or anything, but it was definitely really good. Overall I would definitely eat here again, even without the free appetizer =)
(5)M H.
I work in the area so I figured I'd give Jake's a try. I heard good things about the wings and their buffalo chicken sandwich plus with a banner outside stating voted the best wings in Chicago...how could i go wrong? I took my girlfriend there since she suggested something American nothings is more American than wings, burgers and football. There was a 30 minute wait that was only 20 minutes so that was good. the service was ok we were being taken care of by a rather fidgity waitress. She greeted us and we put our orders in i had a Steak sandwich and my girlfriend got the Que Burger a speciality burger angus wrapped in bacon.......(insert Homer Simpsons voice ...UMMMM Bacon!) We started with their fried pickles which were great. I ordered one of their house beers I was impressed. Then the food came my steak was coked a perfect medium well. My girlfriend's burger was still alive dripping blood onto the plate. So we got the waitress to have the cook throw it back on the grill. At this time I'm in full masticating mode and had her blessing to eat while she waited....Thanks boo your the best :) So she returns with the food and being apologetic so she cuts into it again and it seem like they just dressed it with barbeque sauce and warmed it up. It goes back for the second time at this point I'm concern they are going to burn the burger to a crisp. Finally she returns for the third time I'm at the end of my meal and its finally cooked and not jumping over the moon. While cooking the burger they continued to recook the fries which on the third time were burned. She ask for a box to take the burger home while i talk to the waitress on getting a discount for a not so pleasant dining experience. We weren't charged for the burger and the waitress was nice somewhat forgetful. The experience hasn't soured me on Jake's I think I'll just stick to the wings.
(2)Paul G.
Food was mediocre at best, but the beer selection boosts the rating one star. I got the super hot wings, and they were as advertised.....super hot. The waitress was kind enough to warn me about the heat, but they were hot to the point of inedible. Good rule of thumb: if it comes garnished with a raw habanero, they're hot. The sauce was very flavorful though and I was warned so my fault. The wings are breaded though and were somewhat tough. I had mac and cheese with it, and it was undercooked and very poor. Their beer selection is stellar though, so that helped. I don't think I'd go back to eat, but if you're a fan of high quality craft brews, I'd recommend the place to have a drink.
(3)Stacy Y.
I was part of the group of 14 that includes the lovely Yvette C. and Ericka L. below and our experience here pretty much sucked. First of all, I am notoriously late - to everything. I arrived 30 minutes after everyone else and they had already placed their food orders. I glanced over the menu really quick when I arrived so I could sneak my order in and still enjoy the meal with my friends. It was almost impossible to get our server's attention so I could do so. Shortly after I ordered everyone at the table was served their entree - except for me and poor Yvette. My order arrived pretty quickly (considering I arrived so late) but can someone please explain to me how it was possible that I received my entree before Yvette did. I ARRIVED AND ORDERED 30 MINUTES LATER THAN THE REST OF THE PARTY! She was served her entree AFTER MINE! I'm sorry but that is totally inexcusable. We obviously came here for the kitsch of the "Waiver Wings". There was no waiver, fireman's hat or anything else other than a couple orders of wings that "weren't that hot" according to the members of our group that ate them. I had the fish and chips - run of the mill frozen, fried food. My meal was okay. Although totally overpriced. Our server was terrible and if we needed anything we had to go and track him down ourselves. If it wasn't for the large party policy of 18% gratuity included with the bill this guy would not have received a tip at all! The service was that bad. The beer selection is pretty good, BUT I can get the same beer for $1-2 less per bottle at other places I actually like, such as The Ashland. Long story short: Don't bother with Jake Melnick's! Unless you happen to like overpriced, crappy food and service.
(1)Jacob J.
Great service, everyone is helpful and welcoming. Food is ok. The dinners aren't worth the price, should be cheaper. When your plate arrives you think, where's the rest?? Go for the sandwiches, worth the price and decent. Brisket sandwich or dinner (without bread), disappointing. Smoked chicken is tender and slides right off the bone. Hardly any flavor & kinda dry. Well made martini's and an ample beer selection. Average for a beer pitcher is about +$15. They DO have daily specials. Eye candy begins to roll in about 6 or 7-ish.
(3)Stephanie P.
I ordered the veggie burger and asked for steamed veggies on the side rather than the fries it came with. One hour later and the check comes...I was charged $2 for the veggies. Thanks, waitress, for telling me ahead of time! Not. Otherwise, I was pleased with the burger, as it was actually made out of grains and veggies instead of being a mystery patty.
(3)Job E.
An impressive list of beers on tap; I'd guess it was about 20-25 beers with at least five of them new to me. But the service was horrible. Waiting at a table, we eventually gave up and just went to the bar to get a drink. After finishing that, we just left because we still hadn't had a waiter stop by to see if we want anything.
(2)Jeanette S.
We had a bad experience. We obviously didn't do our homework before coming because we had no idea what the wing challenge was. My husband likes really hot food. The friends we were with also like really hot food. So, when ordering the wings, it didn't seem like a bad idea to try the XXX wings. The waitress asked if he had had them before, and she also asked if he wanted to try the sauce first. He declined since he has never had a problem before, even with the hottest level the restaurant offered. So, we order our food - which took a very long time to get and the restaurant was not packed - and dig in. The mac and cheese was great. The baked potato was great. The wings were passed around and everyone started sweating and gagging a bit. Finally, when it was too hot to stand, my husband said something and the waitress brought out a 'cooling plate'. It helped a little, but at that point it was too late for anything but time. After doing some follow up on the website, it appears that this XXX wing heat requries the eater to sign a waiver and they get a picture and a fireman's hat and that there is some form of more formal 'warning' about the heat. Had we known that (or seen a waiver come out...), the order would never have been placed for that heat level, and 3 of the 3 people that ate them would not have the 'digestive issues' wreaking havoc the next morning. The main disappointment is the lack of disclosure from the waitress on the true level of the heat, followed by the wait time for a less-than-packed place. Sadly, this is within walking distance and we had high hopes of many returns. Time to find a new favorite.
(2)bettina k.
One of those fake pubs that heaps hyperbole on its own menu offerings without delivering the quality, but always exceeds the price expectations of what is essentially bar food. The jumbo wings are mini with a maxi price tag , whiskey shots are $11, and they skimp on ketchup or BBQ sauce for menu items. The BBQ rib combo will leave you hungry for more meat. On three occasions, the publicized free wifi didn't work . During football season get a far superior burger at Zed 451 for half of the price with a $3 draft , or else go to Pippins for authenticity instead of this Marriott hotel bar annex
(2)Howard A.
Jake Melnick's is so normal, it's totally unique! For the Gold Coast anyways. In this hoity-toity hotsie-totsie 'hood of everything from molecular cuisine to comida de Rick Bayless, where do you get a good slabs of ribs and a cold beer? I don't want to spend a fortune and I'm usually in a hurry. "Hey buddy, can you turn on the game?" "Yeah, no problem! Which of the 100 or so TVs do you want to watch it on?" There is hand santizer on the wall! Sweet! This place knows how to handle crowds well. The food has never disapointed. Get the rib and chicken combo. Bliss! While not unique, I would challenge you to find a better place for great portions of tasty comfort food anywhere in the area. Jake's makes a great low light refuge from work or shopping. You won't go broke their either!
(5)Linda G.
These stars are for a superb beer menu, fast service, good food, great location, fun atmosphere. Nuff said.
(5)Anthony W.
This being my first trip to Chicago, there were tons of places to go. As I was walking by, I see a large sign promotion the best wings in Chicago. Naturally, I stepped in. This place was eloquent and still had that laid back Chicago sports atmosphere. I had the steak sandwich and fries with an Ommegang draft. I know, should have tried the wings. The beer was fantastic, it was a sip of Belgian perfection. They bring the food out in an old rustic bowl, I loved it. Our waitress was wonderful and chatted it up like I've known here for years. Being from Cleveland, I was pleasantly surprised to see they had Great Lakes beer here as well. For being a sports bar, the beer selections and food was perfect. To get a table on a Friday night was also very surprising. Whether your from Chicago or just a tourist, I highly recommend.
(4)Alex O.
Amazing wings and beer or Amazing burgers and beer? You decide.
(5)Adam H.
A co-worker loves this place and raved about their wings and beer selections. I like wings. I like beer. I grabbed my wife and some friends and went. The good things: The food: The best thing about this place is their cheese fries. Yes. They don't sound like anything special. Melted cheddar cheese on crispy fries served with a homemade ranch dressing. Simple but a key element makes them great. Real cheddar cheese. For some reason the city of Chicago hates cheddar cheese. If one orders cheese fries at a hot dog stand, sandwich shop, diner, sports bar, pizza place, pretty much anywhere in Chicago, 99.99% of the time the cheese fries will come out overly smothered in a cheese sauce. This place does it right and is the only eatery I know of in the city that serves their cheese fries with real grated melted cheddar cheese. My wife loves this real version of cheese fries and we will be coming back to this place just for them alone. Their hot wings are good. I wouldn't call them jumbo like advertised but they are a good size and tasty. I had their wing combo with their Traditional spicy and Poncho's Marinated wings. The Traditional was a good tasting buffalo wing served with a good tasting blue cheese. They didn't really have any crispiness to them like I prefer but they weren't soggy either so I was fine and I would order them again in the future. The Poncho's wings were a hit or miss. The first three wings I had were kind of bland in taste and they made me wonder how they won best wing in Chicago. Then I had the last two, the ones that were on the bottom of the pile soaking in all the juices and flavor, and it all made sense. Pretty dang good. Too bad not all of Poncho's wings were that tasty but at least my meal ended on a high note. The last thing I tried was their BBQ Pork Nachos. Really quite delicious. Nice pork and the bbq sauce worked with all the nacho fixings. The only problem I had was the jalapenos. I like jalapenos and spicy things. But for some reason my nachos had a little too many thick slices of the peppers all throughout the dish and all of them were hidden under the layer of melted cheese. Eating the chips became a game of chance and I had to start picking at everything to make sure I didn't have too many peppers in each bite. An annoyance. Yes. A deal breaker. No. Still good nachos. The drinks: Great beer selection and even great bottled soda pop selection. I had fun trying out the Goose Island soft drinks that I didn't even know existed and my wife enjoyed the fact that they had five choices of hard cider. The not so good things: Service: Our server Molly was great. At first. She was very helpful in navigating my table on what beers to get and had inisght on what food we should try and was all smiles while doing so. And she was there again for us for round two of our drinks laughing and being pleasent the whole way. And then she was gone. Like a faded dream. I wasn't drinking alcohol and was indulging my sweet tooth with soda. I got a root beer and an orange cream. Both were good and I could have and would have drank more but she wasn't around. Luckily everything was fine with our food and my friends really weren't drinking too much so they were content but I wanted something more and sadly didn't get it. Even though the place was busy I just wished the great start could have lasted to the end. Ambiance: It was loud. I know. It's a bar. A nice bar. But nonetheless it's not called Corner Tap for nothing. I could barely hear my friend across our table when she talked sometimes though. There were just several large groups eating in there the thursday night we went and it was a loud experience. The rest of the place with its look and feel was nice but the volume kind of was overwhelming for most of our visit. The conclusion: Everything I ate and drank I liked but I have a hard time getting excited to come back to this place on any sort of regular basis. I know I'll be coming into a noisy atmosphere where servers will eventually forget about me. But I need to stop listening to my head and start paying more attention to my stomach. Good wings. Great cheese fries. Good wings. Great cheese fries. I may just have to keep trying this place until I get it right.
(3)Tati B.
Love this place. I've never had anything here that wasn't delicious. The wings are great, burgers are awesome too. They have a burger of the month where you can get a certain beer with it for $1 more. I love going just to see what it is each month. Everyone I've taken here has loved it. Great bar atmosphere that is hard to find in River North unless you go to an Irish pub...
(5)Molly L.
I've been to Jake Melnick's a few times now. I have no idea what I've eaten, though. I remember things being good, but just (obviously) not memorable. Because of the dearth of sports bars in the Gold Coast, this place gets packed when there's a big game on, so beware during the month of March or on a Sunday in the fall. They have a decent beer selection and a standard array of burgers and bar food. Overall, Jake's is A-OK.
(3)Joe G.
Great beer selection, great burger. It's all that I can ask for. BBQ burger was very lean, not greasy. Almost like roast beef. Excellent. Service was good. All that, and Lagunitis IPA on tap. Not bad. I will be back.
(4)Brian S.
Definitely one of the worst experiences I've had in Chicago. One of the bitchiest hostesses i've ever dealt with and then a really lousy, rude server that ignored our table for 20 minutes after we got seated, INTENTIONALLY!, because she was mad that we sat down at the table before the bussers were done clearing (place was packed, we were just trying to get out of the way). Never going back - too bad, because the location is super convenient for us yuppie dorks that need a sports bar in river north's tool box (the area i've complicity critiqued myself as living in that runs from the Fordham to the Pinnacle to 55 E. Erie to the Park Hyatt)
(1)Sharon J.
Fun sports bar. Good food. Good drinks. Consistant service. I have been back several times and is is great. The barbeque is unbelievably good. Even better than some I have had in Georgia. Will be back on my next trip to Chicago.
(4)Denise B.
Jake's is a decent bar / restaurant down the street from my dad's apartment. They have a menu full of average-tasting pub food and lots of beer. What I like about this restaurant is that it's more neighborhood-y than most restaurants and has more of a local crowd (I say somewhat ironically, as someone who no longer lives here). The outside is also a really nice place to eat dinner or nurse a beer during the summer. During the rest of the year, though, it's not really worth coming here. The interior is dark and leaves a lot to be desired. Service is of average quality, most like much of the rest of this bar. If you're tired of most of the restaurants in this part of Chicago having really long lines and tons of tourists, Jake's might be worth a try.
(3)Ed B.
This place is OK. It has TV's everywhere and its a little more yuppidy then some of the other places to watch some sports, but it is a good place to go to catch a game and get some grub. The food is alright, but nothing special. I had the mini dog combo which is three mini hot dogs each a different style (Chicago style, New York Style and Philly style) over fries. I thought it was alright. My dad had the baby back ribs which were nothing special, but weren't bad either. We were there on a Sunday night to watch the Bears game and it wasn't too busy, but yet my beer went dry more then a few times for more then 10 minutes before the waitress noticed I needed another, so the service wasn't as good as some of the other places we visited, but I'd still say it's kind of a nice place.
(3)Chris P.
friend got a burger which was solid and i had a beer. pretty commercial feel but could be fun with the right crowd.
(3)Jennifer R.
I went to Jakes the other night with my BF and some of his friends. We had reservations and were lead straight to our table. Scanning the menu, nearly every option had something with bread in it or encasing it (even the wings were breaded). Not wanting to be put straight into a carb-coma, I decided on the wings. They were standard chicken wings - nothing really stuck out about them other than how messy they were lol. The service bringing our drinks/food out was not as fast as it could have been. Finally, and this is the reason for dropping them down to one star. We asked if the television could be changed to a mixed martial arts event, and were told it was against their policy to show fights on the tv. Our group was comprised of mainly teachers, doctors, and a fireman - definitely not the type of group to cause trouble. Nonetheless, they would not accomodate us, we quickly finished our meal and had a great night elsewhere. While the restaurant was average, the intangibles were definitely lacking. Sorry Jakey.
(1)Elyse C.
Blech. The food tastes frozen. I'd need to drink a ridiculous amount to eat anything off their menu again and there are infinitely better beer selections and atomospheres in this city.
(1)Maryann M.
Dear Jake Melnick's, Put the October burger of the month on the menu full time. It is the best burger you have! That being said, your regular burgers are pretty great. And I really do love your fries. And cole slaw. And pulled pork. Can you tell I'm here quite a bit? Actually, probably too much. The good: Food listed above. The staff - always friendly and quick. Atmosphere - I really like the low key sports bar feel it has. Hooks under bar for handbags. Why doesn't every bar have these? It's common sense! Outdoor seating - always important in the summer months. The bad: The wings - I LOVE hot wings. However, I hate when the wings are super breaded and these wings have WAY too much breading on them. Or whatever they're coated in. Too much. Sauces are awesome though. I think that's all. I love Jake's.
(5)Brock R.
Great place. My favorite sports bar to go when I'm in Chicago! Chicago is my home away from home!
(4)Michael J.
I came here to try "Chicago's Best Wings." The wings were good but they were cold because of the extremely slow service. Either they have been working our waitress to death over the holidays, her dog just died, or she was heavily sedated because she was the slothiest, most inattentive server on the planet. To the restaurant's credit, the other servers were quite helpful when I went up to them to ask to put in a food order or order drink refills. The buffalo wings were quite good, but I expected more than 8 for $11.00. I didn't see a lot of value. We had fish and chips about $13 for two pieces of fish and $2 extra to substitute fries with onion rings that never came out until we were finished with the rest of our food. We also had a pulled pork trio which wasn't bad. I guess the service really killed it for me. I expect to spend a ridiculous amount of money when dining out in the Gold Coast, but in return I shouldn't be expected to work to get my food. I could have stayed home and made wings and drank beer for about 20% of the cost of what I spent at Jake's so I was upset that I had to wait my own table and almost had to make my own onion rings.
(2)WP L.
I was just there for a Mardi Gras/Birthday Celebration. The restaurant was dead at 10:00pm, bad sign. I ordered the fish sandwhich which turned out to be a large bun, small (itsy bitsy filet of cod), a huge handful of lettuce shreds, an ounce of tartar sauce, one lemon wedge, and a huge order of cold fries. The waiter was slow , did not come back to the table to ask if we wanted more drinks, and was rude. I had to (after politiely telling them their food was inedible) argue with waiter and manager to get my food removed from the bill. Can you believe that this place argued with me over $9 dollars????? How cheap can you be? I am not going to pay for disgusting food poorly cooked. I have to go throw up what I did eat of the fish, gross! PS The band that was playing there Rocked!
(1)Dustin W.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is well deserving of my top-3 craft-brew must visits in all of Chicago (again thanks to Chicago Craft Beer week or I would still be in the dark on Jake's). While perusing my CCBW passport to all things beer in Chicago, I happened upon a peculiarly long named establishment boasting bbq and Two Brothers craft brew, specifically the first keg kick-off of Askew sour release party. Checking the location on my CCBW droid application allowed for pinpointing the exact location, and has become my go-to for determining strategic brew tasting, bar-hopping in a responsible, no-drivey kinda way. I made a quick call down to Jake's and sure enough the Askew is still flowing and they are also boasting two firkins of double dry hopped (DDH) bitter end and cain and ebel (throw your panties on the bar ladies). Needless to say, I made sure we showed up 15 minutes before tapping the DDH firkin wonders, which were out of sight tasty, smooth and hoppy, yet not over-hopped or bittered beyond palatability. When we arrived, I was shocked and a bit worried as the exterior reminded me a lot of a chain-restaurant with loud gimmicky BBQ signage. Then I remembered where it lay location-wise and that a Rainforest cafe was nearby. Perhaps this is actually a very strategic and ultimately necessary business move to draw the local customers and travelers in and remind them that there is a really amazing bbq brewhouse joint to grub down at as an alternative to the everyday chain. Luckily for me, I had not eaten, because the bbq at Jake's is Guy Fieri off-the-chain delightful. I went with the beef brisket, which is smoked for something insane like 17 hours. It came classically arranged piled high atop a piece of texas toast and sauced on top to perfection (not dripping or mushed into the meat). They give you the extra sauce on the side as it is meant to be served so you can sauce each delicious morsel appropriately and avoid sticky soggy think heavy bbq syndrome. The smoke was deep and intense, all the way through (not just a slight rubbed smoke ring on the exterior). If bbq were wood, Ron Bergundy would likely describe Jake's brisket as a "rich mahogany." This smoke is clearly the marking of a true bbq warrior, and I am quite sure that Jake's will be winning many an award for backyard bbq in the future as well. We also tried out the mac-daddy mac-n-cheese of the month, which was bbq'd up inside and coated with panko. It was an interesting take, perhaps a bit to bbq-y for me, but delicious take on a classic none-the-less. Of course we got the award winning Firecracker wings (sweet and spicy sriacha sauced with cilantro - excellent) and tried the wing of the month, mint julep wings (tasty but not a lot of mint taste which we were hoping for). Overall, great bbq, amazing, huge, colossal beer selection that is a must stop for any beer geek.
(5)Anna P.
chill atmosphere. great BBQ. awesome beer list. patio space in the middle of downtown chicago. that pretty much says it all :-)
(3)Ryan K.
My wife and I brought the kids (ages 1 and 5.5) to mosey around on Michigan Avenue for the day after Black Friday, and we rather happily stumbled upon Jake's. We had headed off of Michigan in an effort to get away from the crowds, to refill the parking meter on my car (which was also on Superior) and to find a joint that served hot dogs, as that's what my daughter was saying that she wanted. We quickly looked at the menu that was posted outside the door and I noticed that they offered a Flight Of Hot Dogs. Score! We were seated in the 3-seasons type room that overlooked Superior, and it was more than spacious for all of us (including a high chair for my son). I'm not sure how family friendly it would be for younger kids if the bar was a bit more packed, but I can only say good things about it for going at 1:00 on a Saturday afternoon. The grub was good bar food. I had a turkey burger with Swiss, mushrooms and onions, my wife had the flight of hot dogs, and the kids had some kids food. The beer list was expansive, and the Bloody Mary special was good. The waitress was attentive, but the food serving was a bit (but not overly) slow. I'm not sure if I would have even noticed if I didn't have a 1 year old getting grumpy for the food. I think it was a bit pricier for bar fare, but only moderately. Total bill for the 4 of us was $50 plus tip, but that included a beer and a Bloody Mary. We would definitely return, as the proximity to Michigan Ave is ideal and we got a $5 gift card to be used on a future visit.
(4)Len W.
Full disclosure: I'm not a BBQ fan. But this was in the neighborhood and I was really hungry. Anyway, the service was good. I had a brisket sandwich. It was ok. But again, I'm no bbq fan. We had mac and cheese, too. Best part of dinner. The people I was with had a steak sandwich and a flatbread pizza thing. Neither person had much to say about what they ordered. Also ordered a artichoke/spinach dip appetizer which was pretty ordinary.
(2)Brenda M.
Solid beer and wine selection as well as a full menu of barbeque, wings, burgers and classic pub grub. The brisquit was a little dry but the barbeque sauce made up for it. The wings are breaded and you can ask for the sauce on the side without rebuke. The wings were good but I wouldn't rate them the best. It is more of a sports bar atmosphere so don't expect to go there for a quiet evening....it is a bit loud. The waitress was friendly and accomodating without hovering. We were far from rushed. We ended our meal with bread pudding which is definitely worth going back to get again....some of the best I've had drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
(3)Samantha P.
I went here with some friends a few weeks ago and always intend to go back when I'm in the city but it's just never worked out. The place is in a good location and decorated like a typical pub/bar/family-sport eatery. The service was pretty decent and we loved the option of the "Mystery Beer". They have a decent beer selection in general too. I had the buffalo chicken wrap which was good but nothing I can't get anywhere. We shared a plate of the BBQ brisket nachos which were AMAZING! They alone earned a 4 star and months later I'm still dreaming about them.
(4)fab f.
Football (it's soccer for most of you) fans have a new place. I went to Fado to see the Champion's League and had a serious disappointment: just two games displayed and both of English teams. Valencia-ManU was actually the most interesting game of the day, but Tottenham-Twente was way behind an Internazionale - Werder Bremen. No reason to make such a choice, for football fans (unless they are all from London). At my request to change at least one tv to the best game (4-0 for Inter, hattrick of Eto'o), the guy said that he only could display 2 games. So I remembered that I saw few World Cup games at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and gave it a shot. Couldn't be better. The pretty bartender said 'of course', she made me choice the place where I wanted to stay and switched to channel I asked for. Good beer, fine food and a lovely waitress. Actually, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap -for the downtown fans- is in a good location, quiet. The place is big, and tvs are in good positions (many games could be shown). Fado is small and dark and to watch any tv you have to go too early to find a decent spot. Fado is gone, for me. Thank you, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
(4)MaryAnne M.
Parmesan French fries. Go, order them. That is all. Oh, they also know what "medium" means. Many don't
(3)Mike S.
have been meaning to get back here to try the wings. i had a work function here over a year ago butr was late and missed out on the food. ordered some of the traditional medium and poncho (garlic and chayenne). i thought both types of wings were good. i chickened out on getting the hot wings since ive heard they are ridiculous. i enjoyed their french fries - were thinly cut and reminded me of the type you get at a state fair. there were a lot of hockey fans in here - was a sunday. understandable since it was game 6 of the blackhawk series. would have like to see some nba playoffs on at least one televsion but thats neither here nor there. food was good - id like to come back sometime soon. on a side note - friend i was with ordered a pint of jager. the waitress looked at him cross eyed but delivered! it wasnt that expensive either ~15 dollar range.
(4)Jeff N.
Normally this is a solid 3 star place. Good comfort/bar food. Good patio. WHOA! Not this time. We waited in bar area for a patio table to open up. Our entertainment was witnessing Mr. White Trash at the table next to us give his hoochie female friend a hickey on her eyelid. Yes, her eyelid. All the while, listening to his repeated and loud F-Bombs. The hostess heard all this crap and did nothing. Finally got a patio seat and a very bored waiter finally took our order 10-15 minutes later. Wife had the brisket platter and I had the dry rub chicken. Mine should have just said DRY and that would be a better description. Brisket was average at best. I know this place can do better, but it will be a long time before I try this place again.
(1)Robert W.
Wings overpriced and inconsistent
(3)Kera E.
It takes a special place to screw up fries and a Heineken Light. I sat at the bar to order the above and the bartender couldn't find his bottle opener-for like a minute or two. Far be it from me to assume that this implement is a tool of the trade that should be kept track of. Regardless, I laughed it off and ordered my food. The menu had cheddar fries listed with a ranch dressing. This seemed easy and benign and quick-why not? 15 minutes later, bartender apologizes that the ticket somehow never got put in due to a computer error. I was understanding, stating that I was in no particular hurry. Cheddar fries come, with no ranch dressing. Another 5 minutes of him running around to acquire it. Check comes and I am presented with two receipts, one with the breakdown of item/price, one for what my card was charged and the totals are different. I point it out to him and he told me he had to charge for the dressing. When I explained that it came with the fries (per the menu) he offered to take off the charge. . . Another 5-7 minutes. . . and much harried running around. He said everyone in the kitchen was busy-restaurant was next to deserted. Ugh. Look, I'd hate to see what kind of chaos is possible here when it's packed and the order is more complicated. 100% unprofessionally dealt with transaction. He's lucky he was cute. ;)
(1)Hope G.
I'm tempted to give Jake's 4 stars based solely on their flatbread pizza. I've been three times and each time I've ordered the artichoke and spinache flatbread. I love it! The crust is the best part, almost crackerbread crispy but still retains a little bit of satisfying chewiness towards the middle - the toppings are delicious as well! I I've tried a few other things at Jakes which were all pretty tasty but definitely unexceptional. We ordered the appetizers platter with mozzarella sticks, wings and nachos. It was good bar food, the wings were perfectly cooked and flavorful, but we were pretty disappointed with the soggy nachos. Also, the steak sandwich was on the tough side. One thing that made the experience slightly uncomfortable was that a few teen-aged looking beggars entered the bar/restaurant area and started just hanging around the tables. One asked if he could sit with us and share. He got angry with us when we did not respond. It took the restaurant management awhile to realize the situation and ask them to leave. All in all jakes is a fun place and the food is pretty satisfying.
(3)Dan R.
Jake's has a great burger - I get the bacon cheeseburger here when I am in the mood for greasing the arteries. The french fries they serve are my favorite as well, they are not the cheapo generics but something akin to what old Chili fries used to be. TVs are kinda small and non-HD which is below par for 2008. The place has a nice bar feeling to it without being dirty. Place is well kept as well.
(4)Carol J.
I decided I was going to be healthy but before doing so went to Jake's for one last burger. It was so good I decided not to follow through on the healthy thing. Especially when one of the Noe brothers from the Jim Beam empire was buying me bourbon at lunchtime! Talk about a sign from god not to start the healthy thing! Fries are great, not too greasy, not to thick. Burgers. Yum. Tried a few other things that were decent but thought it was a little pricey for an everyday lunch spot. But damn that burger was good!
(3)M A.
MEH, says it all. Lots of tourists that should have gone to Portillo's instead. First off the let's talk about the service. 1) After a 35 minute wait (we were told 15 minutes) to take a seat in a half empty restaurant. We were escorted to our table. 2) Nearly 10 minutes later we are introduced to our waitress who takes our drink orders. 3) 10 minutes later the drinks arrive and we place our food orders. 4) 50 minutes later the same waitress comes to check on us and asks "where is your food?" A GREAT QUESTION!!!! 5) 2 minutes later I receive a luke warm, horribly dry rack of ribs. The meat was tough and the whole experience was just disappointing. The Hot Wings are the only thing that elevated this place beyond a single star. On the plus side if you want a decent beer and some tasty wings (i've had better, cheaper) then you might want to stop by this place.
(2)Kim C.
In all fairness I don't drink beer so my rating is based on food and people. Food - I ordered the BBQ pulled pork which was okay. The meat was tough to chew and didn't have much flavor beyond the bbq sauce. The fries were standard. The cole slaw was pretty tasty. I probably should have stuck with the wings they are well known for, but I was starving. People... the employees were cool people, however, some of the patrons could use a dose of manners. My friend and I were there for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (Lightning vs. Bruins). Some douche kept blocking the tv even though he knew we were watching and then became downright mean after my friend said she was rooting for the Bruins because she wanted them to beat Vancouver. I understand - Original 6 teams don't really like each other (severe understatement in some cases) - but come on... no need for the attitude.
(3)Liz S.
In a quest to find spicy food I went here to try their "waiver wings" with Rocky, Rich, Rob, Mike, and Lori (she wasn't there for the wings, just to cheer the rest of us on). We all signed the waiver, which in all reality is more of a joke and mostly just a marketing ploy, so don't be worried about legal obligations. However, the restaurant will not put the sauce on anything else. Best lines of the night was Rocky telling Rob to just rub the sauce on his breast and Rob saying he was done with bones. Back to the wings and food. The wings are really big and I would almost say they were steroid-wings. Also, the sauce itself isn't all that hot, really, you can actually still taste the chicken. However, if you're sensitive to spice better to not try it. As for the food, it's big portions and a pretty good price for the portions they give you. It's not in my neighborhood, so I'm not about to go there every week. But, if I'm in the area I'd definitely stop in for a drink or some grub.
(4)Barrie S.
Mmmmmmm.... I can almost taste those ribs and barbecue beef brisket! This is melt in your mouth tender!! I agree with other reviews that say the service is somewhat lacking, but I'll put up with it. I'd say if you think that Carson's is good - don't try this.
(3)Dale H.
Went here after a long night of drinking at a fundraiser, we were looking for some good bar food to fill our stomachs with something other than beer and wine. They were about to close the kitchen when we got there, but kept it open long enough to get our orders in. Brisket topped nachos and wings were the meals we had and they were outstanding! Atmosphere was nice, service was great. I would like to go back many times!
(4)Sara B.
Love Joe K's review from 9/6/10. Was exactly our experience as well. We were seated between two tables of 6 and as a 2-top (not ordering alcohol) we were served as an afterthought. Our waitress was clearly having a bad night and taking it out on us. Urgh. Food was only so so. There are better places to eat at in the neighborhood.
(2)Pamela C.
They've discontinued the onion loaf!? My all time fave! I have to take away a star.
(3)Joshua M.
Wow this place certainly runs the gambit when it comes to reviews! I however will not be swayed, despite seeing the potential for JM to slip into the typical subpar crap sports bar formula I am sadly all too familiar with. Yes, the TVs are pretty small in comparison to most places that sport at least 50" monitors everywhere you look. That's okay by me, I could truly car less about any sport. That being said I wouldn't necessarily sing it's praise over the decor or ambiance, about all I remember about it is it was dark and not super crowded on a Sunday night. What I will get excited about is a burger that actually comes out medium and tastes good, chili cheese fries, and a server that makes sure I am never wanting for a pepsi. I realize all of this might have been an anomaly, but I would definitely go back and give it another shot.
(4)Ray F.
We will never go here again; the service we received was awful. We were seated for over 10 minutes before the waiter took our drink orders. 10 minutes passed before we receive the drinks. He took our food order and received dinner over 20 minutes later. The manager was kind about my complaints and made up for it, but bad service in that part of Chicago is unacceptable.
(2)Eddy C.
Hey Jake/Mr. Melnick, If you're going to have TV's in your bar/restaurant because you're hoping to attract some sports fans, then you should do it the right way and not put any rinky dink 30" TV's. I mean -- we're already paying for your overpriced food (when I shell out $13.95 for a combo platter, I expect it to feed more than just one person) and drinks ($6 for a pint of Guinness? Seriously?) and craning our necks to watch a game that we can't really hear because the table next to us is playing some stupid drinking game that involves pounding your fists on the table while wearing a fireman's helmet. So come on. Nothing smaller than 42", ok? Much obliged, Eddy
(2)Rocky B.
Pretty cool bar. I like the fact that they have high top tables in the bar that seat about 12 people. Great place to bring a group. It's ail dark woods and they also have a nice cozy fireplace which was an added plus considering the temp outside. A few of us Yelpers/Hot Heads ventured out to test out the famous HOT Wings. Yep, we had to sign a waiver first and the table got a bell for any wimps to ring if the heat got too out of control for them. ;) The wings were actually pretty good taste wise but as far as the heat I think we all agreed at the table that we have had hotter. Still it was enough to have some of the people at the table hiccuping, sweating and it was hot enough for someone at our table to have to ring "the bell". To be fair the person that rang the bell was there more for moral support but we managed to coax them into trying out a wing. It was a good time and the server even took a Polaroid of us to pin up on the Hot Wing Wall of Fame..or maybe I should say Flame. Would I go back for the HOT Wings? Sure. If anyone I knew wanted to go check them out I would go back...as I said it was a good flavor but I wouldn't say they were the spiciest wings I've ever had but it was a good attempt.
(3)Tom K.
Great beer selection in comfortable setting. One feels like they are in the North woods somewhere rather than the Gold Coast. Friendly staff and excellent fried pickles.
(4)William C.
Went here for lunch twice, once a year ago and once today. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Both times I had a business meeting and the environment was perfect for that. Tasty hamburgers and fries. Thanks for a delicious and enjoyable lunch, guys!
(5)Mike K.
I read on Reuters that these guys served a chicken wing w/ Red Savina peppers and I knew I had to give these a go. If you'll allow me to get my geek on for a second, I'd like to point out that the the Red Savina pepper is the second hottest pepper known to man clocking in at an impressive 350,000-577,000 Scoville units. For the sake of comparison, your regular Tabasco sauce is at a puny 2500-5000 units. So when I read that someone was insane enough to try and make a chicken wing w/ the Red Savana pepper, I was both excited and apprehensive. I believe it was Public Enemy who said, "don't believe the hype". These wings, while tasty and indeed, hot, are not actually made w/ the Red Savina pepper. Instead, the Chicago Hot Heads (the fire eaters) have deduced the wings are actually made w/ Habaneros. Outside of that detail, the wings are amazingly good. I dare say that these are my favorite wings in all of Chicago. They're spicy but not too overbearing as to make the eating experience a lesson in torture instead of a joyous affair. The wing itself is meaty but not too unwieldy and the tangy taste is expertly blended w/ the heat. It's flat out a great wing and if you're a fan of spicy wings, you owe it to yourself to check these out. As other reviewers have pointed out, they do bring a bell for you to ring if the taste is too hot and, if your ego will allow, I suggest you ring it at the end of the meal. They bring out a shot of milk, bread, sour cream and a scoop of ice cream. Considering they don't charge you for this "service", you might as well ring the bell (lest you lose face w/ your friends) and have yourself a small dessert to finish the meal.
(4)Mihir P.
Decent place to watch a game. Each of the TV's have signs underneath them showing which games that TV will show. Some TV's are large and others are not so your game may be shown on a crap screen. The food is OK and is typical. They do have great burgers though. The service is rushed and can be forgetful. I'd like that beer please (for the third time).
(3)Melissa H.
They claim to have the hottest wings and you have to sign a waiver to eat them. Not only did my husband beat the record of 23 by eating 27 of them INCLUDING the HOT pepper but what do you get for eating them and beating the record? Your picture taken. He's the reigning king and we really thought we were going there for a challenge. I told him should you bother on eating more since you can handle it? He said the only left IS the record.......This is a man who walked in saying "LUCIFER is here." Bad service with the exception of when we moved in the bar area..he was good...she wasn't. She kept forgetting to do things and well I think you should "work" for your tip and at least "pretend" you like your job. It's called the service industry for a reason. Back to the wings...they bring you a bell (in case it gets too hot) and a hat but there is no prize for being able to eat these wings. The wings were good but only temperature hot. Yeah he sweat from the head and some tears came out but we still say Buffalo Wild Wings BLAZING sauce is the hottest. We are now looking into the hottest pepper which is in India and you can't get here. I had the brisket sandwich which was extremely dry. The beer was hella high at $4.00 for an MGD. Considering you can get a 6 pack for what $6.00 and a 12 pack for $9? PULEAZE..... Parking is next to none but there is valet after 5pm and when in Chicago cab or train is best and I believe the L stops close by.
(2)Anna S.
LOVED this place. Had the firecracker wings which were amazing. Definitely the best wings I've ever had. Not only was the wing itself really good, but the sweet/spicy mango sauce was delicious! I also had the trio of pulled pork sliders which was really good, my favorite was the Georgia-delicious sauce! The fries were also really good and their $5 drink special of rum punch was pretty decent. The service was friendly and very quick, which is always a pleasant surprise. This has definitely quickly jumped to the top of my list of places to go for delicious casual food.
(5)Jessica B.
Jake Melnick's is the place to go to for great wings, but pre-game at home. Drinks are outrageously priced, and the selection is subpar. I happen to like Fat Tire out of a can, but 8 bucks???!! Not so much. The wait staff is consistently strange. They seem preoccupied or drugged out and never seem to be around when you need them. All I can say is, if they didn't have awesome wings and half priced lunch through Four Square, I'd probably never go back. Oh, and the Four Square thing can be a real hassel too. If you have a deal, please inform your wait staff, and don't act like it's a huge inconvenience to you!
(2)Kate M.
Went here on a Sunday for some food with the family. The name is hard to remember and pronouce....but we got here successfully and it looked like a fun place right when you walk in. The service was nice, very friendly, and made some great beer recommendations. Then, the menu. Wow, tons of options from great wings, salad, sandwiches and of course - bbq staple, the platter. I tried the 3 different mini-pulled pork sandwiches with the three different style sauces - reg bbq, carolina and georia. All were really good and the pork was delish but I really liked the carolina tangy sauce with cole slaw on top. I didn't get the fries on the side and coleslaw instead - AMAZING. It was the perfect combo of creamy and vinegar with good texture on the slaw. Love. We also got the corn bread and it comes in this little mini skillet and is so good!! Then, my mom got the platter with brisket and ribs - both good, and great carmelization and smoke on both. Overall, I would for sure recommend this to friends, for a meal, to watch a game and in the summer, to hang outside with a cold beer and some good food.
(4)Aaron L.
4* Super Hot Wings
(4)Sarah H.
We came here for dinner on a Wednesday, so it wasn't that crowded. The pulled pork sliders were delicious, the root beer selection was great, and the service was prompt and friendly. Also, my husband tried several of their beers and would recommend trying the Trois Pistoles demon horse beer.
(5)AJ G.
Firecracker wings are amazing! You're a fool if you don't order them. Beer selection is amazing too, bit expensive but worth it.
(5)Patrick N.
my wife and i had a few hours to kill in chicago while waiting to go back to st louis, and were walking around aimlessly looking for a low key place to have lunch and watch the cards cubs game. i saw the sign advertising "best wings in chicago" and knew i had found our place. jake melnick's is heart attack food for sure, but they are damn good at it. i ordered up some of the famous hot wings, and while they weren't the best i have ever had, they were very very good. we each had burgers, with mine being the real standout. it was called the smokin que burger and consisted of a bacon wrapped beef patty, pulled pork, beer battered onions, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. OMFG. this may be the best burger i have ever eaten. i do not want to know the nutrition facts on this bad boy, but it was delicous. the beer list is pretty awesome too, but i was too hungover from the night before to have any. overall, this is a great place to come to watch a game and have some good bar food and beer.
(4)Bill J.
Outstanding craft beer menu that is constantly changing along with solid BBQ and the best wings in Chicago make this one of my favorite places in the city. Try the firecracker wings, they're not too spicy at all and have a very unique flavor. When I'm in this area I'll be heading to Jake's for a bite and a brew.
(5)Jims L.
Never thought about stopping in here until a visiting friend recently had a craving for wings. Was so, so pleasantly surprised with their drink/beer menu. And the menu was stock full of bar favorites. Love this place!
(4)Joe F.
This is a great place to go grab a beer and some wings. Jake's has a good selection of beer, great appetizers, and excellent burgers. The wings are amazing - spicy but still flavorful and tasty. There are plenty of TVs around so you can catch sports games. I've been here four or five times, service has always been courteous and speedy regardless of the day or time. I have even had times to stop by in between classes to get a beer or a quick bite.
(5)Kimberly D.
We first went to Melnick's during the NCAA tournaments and have been fans ever since. The wings really are one of our favorites in Chicago and can see why and how they were voted the best of Wing Fest. We also love the fries, especially the parmesan garlic fries and the cheese fries. They offer great specials during the week for both appetizers and drinks. My favorite drink from the beer cocktail menu is the Wisconsin Sangria. Service can be hit or miss sometimes. The servers are ok but there have been occasions where the server was rude or we are catching them on a bad day because they can't even smile.
(4)Brian P.
Fantastic selection of microbrews on tap. Happy hour was 3:30-6:00 and featured a ton of $5 appetizers. I had the BBQ pork nachos and an order of onion rings. Both were fantastic. Great atmosphere and none of the tourist trap feel of other pubs.
(5)Mike T.
This is home to the hottest hot wings on earth. I know, I've had them. In fact, that's why I went there. These hot wings were the inspiration for a blog I started with my friend Brian. We call it Hot Shit Chicago. The wings are insane, the bartender was a lot of fun, and we ran into two randoms at the bar that did shots with us. The night was legendary. Will I go back for anything other than hot wings? Probably not, that's why the place gets 4 stars.
(4)Chris W.
I've been here a few times with groups of people. They are great for groups, and always make it a fun experience. Their Bacon Cheeseburger is always good, and sometimes I'll go out of my way to get it. Crisp thick bacon, as well as a really great bun, and a thick and juicy burger. Even the fries are delicious. They have a large drink menu as well, with some of the usual appetizers.
(4)Michelle G.
I am always impressed with the staff, food, and drinks at Jakes! The wing special in July was PB & Jelly wings which were awesome! But the firecracker ones are always my favorite. Ashley was my bartender and was able to suggest new and interesting beers based on my previous likes. She is very knowledgable about each drink or beer and was always running around to make sure all of her customers were happy. I wish all bartenders were as attentive and informational as well as she was! I love coming to Jakes and plan on returning frequently!
(5)Harold S.
Walked around the downtown area and everybody was full for lunch except this place. That should have been my first clue. The restaurant was out of a couple of items on the menu and it took near an hour to get my sandwich. I should remember my own rule "eat where the locals eat"
(2)Mary C.
So I have read a lot about the rudeness of the servers from other reviews and I have to say..... they really are. With the exception of the one who sat us. I seriously couldn't believe it. Not to mention the wings were not unbelievable. Good yes but seriously not what I was expecting from the signs outside. Mac n cheese was great Nachos not so much. Maybe I should have tried a burger! I'll go back again but next time it will be for their great beer selection.
(3)Lindsey G.
I went to Jake's a couple of months ago for my birthday. We called a couple days ahead and reserved one of those awesome, long tables near the bar. There ended up being about 25ish of us on a Thursday night. I have been affectionately been referring to Jake Melnick's as Jake's for a while now, and always told everyone how it was one of my favorite everyday places downtown. The food was always good. The service was always fine. Until... This particular night, I was shocked at the level of non-hospitable service we received. Many of the party attendees work in luxury hospitality venues in management positions in Chicago. I am the first to admit, we were not expecting luxury service, however at the bare minimum were expecting non-rude service. To keep the story short, our server was rude, unappreciative of the $1,000+ in revenue we brought in on a fairly slow night in January. We got eye-rolling, unanswered questions, and bills with an undeserved amount of gratuity added. And, at the end of the day, I think when it is someone's birthday and they bring all of these people to a bar, the "nice" thing to do would be to offer to buy a drink for the bday girl... but apparently I am on my own with that thought. I will go back to Jake's again, but next time, I am hoping to not feel like I am annoying our server with business.
(3)Sara O.
I've been here a number of times, usually with a large group of people with the intent of having drinks & dinner. Tonight we went and it was by far the worst experience I have ever had here, enough to not want to come back. The waiter was slow, unresponsive, got our orders wrong, forgot things, had to be asked multiple times for items and left us waiting for 20 minutes to get our check. He was a friendly guy but that doesn't make up for such piss poor service. Since there were more than 6 of us, they added the 18% gratuity to the bill. I wrote a note on there that we didn't want to pay the whole 18% because it wasn't deserved. The waiter took issue with that of course, brought us to talk to a supposed manager who then simply tried to back him up on it instead of fixing the situation. We explained our annoyance and left after receiving no good explanation, apology or anything of the sort. I definitely will not be returning here and I strongly recommend against it. ------ *** Update: I sent in an email on the website for the company, received a reply from the General Manager of JM's. He was very nice about the whole thing and behaved as a manager should when a customer is disappointed! They get an extra star for that.
(2)Mike R.
I had to try the "famous" wings and had to say they were just OK. I didn't get the real spicy ones, just the traditional and I didn't feel like it met my expectations. Although I have to admit, the other menu selections looked amazing and I would come back to try some of their BBQ and burgers.
(3)Megan R.
Went for the first time and I could not be more pleased! Not only was every employee attentive and friendly but the food was amazing. The award winning poncho wings are a must! Just ask staff for their favorite beer choices and you are set!
(5)Eric P.
This is a really tough review to write, because my friend used to work for Levy Restaurants, the ownership company who runs Melnick's. Mike, if you read this, I'm sorry. Jake Melnick's was very average. I had the ribs, since Melnick's is supposed to be known for their ribs. They were overcooked and unremarkable. The mashed potatoes were hard, not at all creamy, and looked like they came out of a plastic tub. The service was very poor, which was surprising because I was with my friend who knew the staff. I thought they would take care of us because my friend was part of the same company, but apparently not. Based on the other reviews I've seen, it looks like my experience was not a fluke.
(2)Liz P.
The few times I've been to Jake's, I left stuffed to the brim and totally satisfied at the quality of my meal. The burgers are HUGE and definitely cure any pangs for a big, meaty hunk of meat. I got a mushroom swiss burger and the mushrooms were falling all over the place--they definitely don't skimp on toppings here. And the fries are great and plentiful, I've never been able to finish all of them. Another time I got their pulled pork sandwich with some good old BBQ and it was AWESOME. Definitely soothed my desire for some savory barbecue. If you're looking for some good quality "American" cuisine, go here.
(4)A.J. M.
I've enjoyed Melnick's when I've eaten there, and I haven't even had the wings. The burgers, in my opinion, are incredibly good. It's the perfect burger when you are in the mood for something like that. The fries were tasty as well. The beer is a tad pricey, but I can get over it when I realize how amazingly the beer compliments the burger.
(4)c d.
5 star wings!! Good food, good beer. Kids love it too.
(3)Misi P.
Holy Happy Hour! I always want to call it Jake Melnicki's, so I think they ought to change the name, strictly on my accord. Headed over last night for happy hour with the coworkers which turned into dinner hour. The pints are reasonable...$5.50 for a Blue Moon isn't GREAT but it's not horrible either. This really turned into a work bitch session, like any good happy hour should, but our tempers were tempered by the massive colon-clogging burgers they serve. Thank God I had been eating beans all week. Otherwise I might have needed a sigmoidoscopy on the spot. I did get some avocado (which comes readily available to put on anything) to up the nutritional value, at least. Melnick's at happy hour makes you ready for bed at 8pm. And that's a good thing.
(4)Chris C.
Probably the worst service and overall attitude I've seen in my life. Hostess was rude, mean and did not care to be helpful in any matter whatsoever.
(1)Meg L.
I love Jake's! It's a refreshing location in the neighborhood because it isn't too expensive or full of stuffies. We especially love Jake's for their awesome beer selection. They even have different specials every day of the week. The food is good too. I'm a vegetarian and they have a really great veggie burger. I've heard the turkey burger is great too, and the wings of course. The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly. I've loved every waiter I've had.
(5)Tony M.
Jake's has pretty good food and a great student discount.
(4)Susan S.
We always have a great time at Jake Melnick's. Someone usually orders some XXX wings and tears are shed. But we all have a good laugh about it over one of the many beers from their extensive beer and beer cocktail menu. My favorite are the buffalo fries!
(4)Jerry M.
I tend to look down on places that charge $4.50 for a Bud Light. If that is expensive, how much is the stuff that I actually get, which are more of high end beers? Service is great. Meals are HUGE. I'm tempted to try the onion ring loaf but didn't. Fries are the best! But $4.50 for a bud light? Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy?
(3)Kyle H.
My favorite bar food in Chicago! Good beer selection and I have yet to have a bad experience here. Nachos are great, the topping to chip ratio is awesome, and the half order is too much for two people. The burgers are great and the fresh cut fries are delicious. Prices are reasonable especially for the quality. Any Cleveland people in Chicago will appreciate the Great lakes beer selection too.
(5)Tom E.
Northwoods decor, nice outdoor seating, and great indoor veranda (sidewalk) seating. Good quality meat, but the pulled pork sandwich had no smoke flavor whatsoever and a little too much barbecue sauce. Fries were good, but a little dry. Contrary to some of the other reviews, the service was just fine (early lunch time).
(2)Samantha V.
Service is great! The beers are expensive but I had the special - $5 bloody Marys and left a happy girl. Enough tv's and decent food for any game!
(4)Anna L.
Beef brisket on the tough and dry side. Weird that I can get better BBQ in NorCal. But portions are ample and prices are reasonable.
(2)Laura M.
Stopped here on a Monday afternoon over lunch, so it was pretty quiet. The server was sweet and while it did take a bit for the food (about a half hour), it was worth it. The waitress accommodated our request to have a smaller portion of the specialty macaroni and cheese with chili (and a chili cheese Frito crust!), and only charged us $2.95 instead of the typical $8 for it, which was such a nice surprise! We didn't try the famous 'Best of Chicago' wings, but the pulled pork and mac and cheese would bring us back. Humble, but tasty food, and friendly service.
(4)Tom S.
I ordered the Que burger and bloody mary wings (all drummettes). I am very happy about the wings but the Que burger is not that great. The wings have a nice little spice but not over powering. They were moist inside and crispy on the outside. Previously, I ordered Pancho's Garlic & Cayenne wings, which were good too, but the bloody mary were better. Definitely recommend. The Que burger is another story. It has pulled pork, cheese, and fried onion rings on top with bbq sauce. Even though there was bbq sauce on top it was still a dry burger that turned into a mushy burger. No crunch at all. Dark, too rich flavors. I will not order it again.
(3)Jake M.
Originally, my fiance and I were stumbling around decently tipsy and came across this place. She wanted to go in due to the closeness between names and it looked like a cool joint. The first night we went was strictly beers although I was very tempted to buy food with the free smells. The beer menu is quite good and I always enjoy a menu that has my Two Bros beers on it. The bartenders were very personable that night and fun to be around and they kept up with a full bar and restaurant. The 2nd time I had to come back with a buddy and go straight savage on some food. After some research, I saw that they won the awards for the firecracker and we love hot, so we tried those and ponchos garlic. Ponchos was pretty good stuff, not really my style but good taste nonetheless. The hot reminded me of hooters hot wings but just better quality and delivery. The firecracker is where it's at. I normally am not a big fan of sweet type wings but these are a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Normally it's just sweet and no spice ...these nail that. As for service, the waitress was phenomenal. She was attentive without being overly pushy and you could see her looking over and checking our glasses. The place was decently packed too. One thing I also noticed about the place, which may cause the waits, is that tables aren't crammed together. It seems like there is a lot of space and room to maneuver when you've held the seal a little too long and need to make a mad dash. We also got the chili cheese fries which were very good as well, however not recommended if you are taking the train out to Joliet! Now the 3rd time is what sealed the 5 rating for me. We stopped by and met some friends on St Pats. It was primetime, 2pm and it was packed solid. We waited a while for a table but it was exactly what they said it would be for the wait. The bartenders were HUSTLING and doing their ultimate to get to people. I know when I went up there to get a round I didn't wait too long to get served. My fiance that day got the pulled pork and it was very good and again the wings were awesome as before. Everyone enjoyed their food and we got the food pretty quick for it being a crazy day. All in all, this is my favorite place in Chicago for drinks and grub, right now. Actually, I think I might take the train tomorrow and grab some wings. Sounds like a plan!
(5)chewy c.
didn't eat here, just met friends for after dinner drinks. extensive beer selection, which is great when you're in the mood to try something new. almost all of the beers on tap were $6.50. an easy place to hang out--plenty of seating was available when we went at 9pm on a saturday night.
(4)Francine P.
Try the black and black beer cocktail and others :) The food is yummy, service is great and they have tons of beer on tap and bottle selection. I've eaten the flat bread, the wings, apps, bbq, etc. All very yummy. I really have no complaints and the prices are very decent!
(5)Ryan H.
If you like tasteless, and overpriced food in a mediocre setting. Go to Jake's. Otherwise stay away. A hot dog meal, buffalo chicken meal, and two beers set us back $45. I would have rather gone to McDonald's...seriously. I wish I could give ZERO stars.
(1)Rob C.
I went to Jake Melnick's last night with a bud after atending a talk at Loyola's Water Towner campus because it was late and wasn't sure where else to get a bite to eat. The place is an okay bar with typical bar comfort food. It has a nice warm feel to the place but I wouldn't go here for dinner just drinks with friends. I ordered the spinach and artichoke flat bread pizza but for $10 it was more like the size of an appetizer. Also the service wasn't the best. When the waiter brought out my food he didn't even give me any silverware or any napkins! Once he served the food he never came by the table to seee if we needed anything else so it seemed like we had to keep looking for him if we needed anything. Overall, I'd describe this place as a typical Lincoln Park sports bar in the middle of River North. Good place for drinks with friends and comfort bar food but skip this place for dinner.
(2)Kelly B.
Jake's is a great place to go if you are in the neighborhood and what to grab a drink. The service is friendly and there is usually always seating. Plus they have a patio which is nice. Their food isn't all that great but if you just want a burger and fries it's OK.
(3)lesley s.
I've only been here a few times and nothing sticks out in my memory as wonderful or not wonderful. We recently had a group party at Jake's and they put us in their enclosed patio, right by the fireplace, which I loved. The food was good but not out of this world and the pitchers of beer kept coming, so I really had nothing to complain about. I'll come back on my own and order an actual meal, rather than eating an entire basket of popcorn shrimp like last time.
(3)Bryan K.
I loved the atmosphere and I enjoyed the hell out of my burger. Fantastic selection of beer and great service.
(5)Paul C.
If you're in the Streeterville/River North area the options for sports bars are minimal. So when you're in this hood and looking for a chill place to watch a game, Melnick's wins by default. The burgers are quite good and the beer selection is on par with any good sports bar. It's more expensive than it needs to be, but so is the neighborhood. At the end of the day, if you're looking to watch a game and this hood is your wheelhouse, you can't go wrong with Melnick's.
(3)e e.
i really enjoyed this place- simply good food. and the waitresses are always friendly! outdoor seating when its nice... seemed like a good bar to catch a game with a large group of friends chicken sandwiches + fries = some of the best ive had in the city!
(4)James D.
I've been going to this bar/restaurant since it opened. Unfortunately, I'm still working on my beer card to get my name on the wall. If you're looking to get some food, the Jake's Burger is good (served on Ciabatta Bread). There are plenty of televisions if you're looking to watch a game... If you're looking for outdoor seating there are two sections. Service can be spotty outside, but just plan ahead (by ordering multiple beers) in the event of a poor server.
(4)Frank G.
This was the first bar/restaurant I ever went to in Chicago and after many more it is still my favorite and still my first stop on every visit. The beer selection is great.......far better than many downtown bars. The food is always good and the ambiance is great. Nothing more welcoming than walking into Jake's on a winter day and smelling the wood burning fire. Great place, highly recommend!
(4)Kandace K.
I went here with some co-workers and clients and it's a good spot. The staff was super nice and the food was yummy. Bar food rocks! Its near some of the nicer hotels in Chicago so the area is nice & clean.
(4)Joseph O.
This the first place I frequented on my business trip to Chicago. I had the fried pickles and a burger for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and even though I didn't try the award winning hot wings, I would definitely go for the food again. What I really enjoyed about the evening was that it was mystery beer night. For four dollars, the bartender would serve you a new mystery beer for each order. All the beers turned out to be high-end craft brews, some local, some from the east and west coasts. I would highly recommend to anyone staying in the local area.
(4)M H.
It doesn't take long for me to hear the magic words "Meet you at Jake's" The beer list extensive, the cocktail list is inventive (and dare I say inspiring) and the wings are damn good. Everyone I've worked with at Jake's has been a great. It's more than a sports bar while not missing the point of what a real good watering hole should be. Go order a beer you've never tried and get anything from a hearty burger and onion slab to a light asian chicken salad, both are amazing, period.
(5)Alison T.
If you look on my profile you will see I pretty much only write reviews when a place is fantastic but this one was bad enough to put on here. I sat down and waited about 15min, no sign of a waitress. She finally came out to bring water to a group that came after I did. When she walked by I had to ask her if I could get water and a menu. I ordered the club sandwich and the only good thing about the meal was the fries. The sandwich really sucked. They forgot the bacon and the avacado so it became a turkey sandwich with extra bread. I waited for the bill for about 20 min and I finally gave up and went inside to the bar. The waiter standing there just replied "well I am not your server". Um I am holding the bill and my credit card, get your lazy butt back there and ring me up buddy! Terrible service, food was weak and they forgot everything good on my sandwich anyway. I would never return to this place. It really is a shame because Chicago is the best city for good food and Ide hate to think a tourist would miss out on somewhere good by wasting their time with this place. The only plus was the nice outside seating area.
(1)Katie S.
We happened upon Jake's as we were wandering the streets looking for a casual dinner option. Jake's is a typical sports bar, but the waitress was really nice and the food was good. I had a chicken sandwich with grilled mushrooms and onions with a decent size portion of fries...it was yummy. My friend had a black & blue burger. They cooked it exactly to her liking. A nice place, but I wouldn't run out to go there again.
(3)Adam V.
Good service. Overpriced drinks. Well below average food.
(1)Joe T.
Food not bad but had to wait an hour for a pickup! In a hurry,,,best go elsewhere...
(1)Kimberly F.
I went here on a Saturday night and it wasn't really that busy. I had already eaten so I can't vouch for the food, aside from the chocolate chip cookie sundae skillet thing, which is nothing short of amazing, by the way. Had the service been a bit better and had I not waited nearly 15 minutes for a refill on my Diet Coke (or was it Pepsi?), I'd give 4 stars. It was conducive to conversation all that, so I'll definitely give it another shot, and try the food next time. Oh, and the fact that have beers ranging from Matilda to PBR makes it awesome. I wish I could give half stars...I'd give it a 3.5 for now.
(3)Robert S.
Cool neighborhood place, great selection of beers from various places around the world. My favorite time to go there is for Sunday brunch: their omelettes are fantastic, and they have great French toast, too. Tried it on a weekday for lunch: just sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs (with a fancy name): not my kind of food. Got a decent cobb salad, though.
(3)Rob L.
So I came here for the challenge of the over the top wings. I met fellow hot heads Liz S, Rocky B and hubby and hubby's coworker, Lori L, (let it be known that she is not a hot head), and Mike K. It is a lot of wood all over the place, a large bar, our server was friendly as well. Not a bad menu, we did try a good portion of it with our wings. I will say this, the Parmesan fries totally kick some bleeping butt! Fries tosses in mounds of parm and garlic and herbs.... I would eat an entire basket of them, however I think I would have a fight on my hands if I came here with friends and tried that. Nachos which were a very large platter of goodness, onion loaf, tortilla soup, (nice flavor, but a little cool and watery), and I had the chopped oriental chicken salad. Now my salad had a lot of lettuce and good flavor... however it would be nice if it had a little more chicken, mine seemed to lack a whole lot of it. The over the top wings... the true reason why we came here. I was impressed with the size, a lot bigger than I would have expected. The heat? About an 8. It had some really good heat, some really good flavor, but nothing I would cry home about. However Lori had a quick bite and was quickly asking for some of the relief plates, milk, oranges, ice cream and bread. As I said, not a hot head. I think this is a fun place to share some drinks and food with friends and if I was downtown I would stop by a little more often, but I'm rarely downtown. This is a solid bar option but not amazing bar.
(3)Lindsay A.
I liked this place. I was in town for business and wanted to watch some football and get some work done. It wasn't too crowded, but full, which was a good setting for me since I was trying to have fun but also get work done. Service was decent, good beer and bloody Mary bar. All I had to eat was mozzerella sticks, they were good, sandard. If I'm in this neighborhood again, I'll be back!
(3)Mike H.
Great beer, great food, great bartenders, great TV's, and great prices, every time I'm in town I head to the Corner Tap!
(5)Ria A.
We tried this place last Sunday with a large group and the servers were extremely nice and accomodating. We didn't even ask for separate checks but they gave separate checks to all of us (10+ checks). The place was a large, lively place that had a big menu to choose from. I was in the mood for a veggie burger and it came out pretty tasty. Grilled zuchinis on top and mozarella curds inside the patty. I topped it off with an avocado and had a side of parmesan fries. All in all a pretty tasty veggie burger and a pleasant dining experience.
(4)Hello S.
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! I think this is a common trend here. If you can get someone to serve you, do not expect refills, condiments, to be asked if everything is okay, etc. Melnicks is a sports bar. Yeah its overpriced, but it has to be based on the location so fine, $8 fries. The food is average at best, which I think I'm being nice about, but there is so much really good bar food within a few blocks that I'm not sure why I even bothered going back here a few times. Go to Dublin's. Anything on Division. Pizza at Pizanos. ANYTHING!!!
(1)Carson H.
Jake's serves one of the best dirty martinis in the city. Why is Chicago the only city that doesn't look at you cross eyed when you order one with blue cheese olives?? Doesn't everywhere carry them?
(4)Martin J.
i have had a couple good experiences, and couple ok, and one eh. overall, i like the food and the team is pretty cool too. i'm a huge fan of the mystery beer nights; the wings are ok; the burger with pulled pork, and topped with bbq sauce has me wrapped around it's pinky.
(3)Nelson S.
Stopped in here on a Monday night with a friend. Both of us were pretty hungry. They had 1/2 priced Rogue 22oz beers, that's pretty awesome. My experience with the food was very mixed. We ordered the app combo that had Poncho & Buffalo wings, nachos, & fried pickles. I really liked the Poncho wings, they are grilled with garlic & cayenne, very good! Buffalo wings were good too but the Poncho wings stood out. Nachos, eh, fried pickles, good. I ordered half rack ribs as my entree. It was not good. It was as if it was leftover precooked ribs from the weekend, refrigerated, then put back on the grill prior to serving. No amount of sauce on the ribs is going to mask the hard stale ribs where parts were crunchy. I should have sent it back but I just dealt with it. My friend had the pulled pork and had a better experience. Service was good, our waitress was pretty cute and nice. I would recommend sticking with the wings at this place.
(2)Jean Z.
ive been here several times for happy hour, but never for a meal. when you have one dollar happy hour food items its kinda hard to say no. it seems now they're serving this really hot pepper spiced wings and they're giving a special alarm bell on the side to cure you from the burn wonder where they'll be the next morning ahem.
(5)R F.
Unfortunately, I don't have much to comment on as I have only been here one time. I came specifically for the newsworthy "over the top" hot wings that people have been buzzing about. I can eat some hot sh!t so I was excited, but a bit nervous considering some of the reviews on metromix, etc. I have been searching for a great tasting, uncomfortably hot wing for a few years now, finding nothing even remotely close to what I was looking for....that is, until now. Lets be clear, these wings are not for everyone....in fact they are not for most. But for the few that this type of things cater to, you will not be disappointed. The flavor is great, and the heat is absurd, yet manageable if you can take this kind of stuff. For the record, I ate all 10 and did not ring the bell. Wish I had that bell the next day however.... :)
(5)Leslie G.
I live right down the street so I have stopped in here a few times for a few drinks and enjoyed the place! I liked the food and I here the hot wings are amazing! great place to stop in for a little while, but also a good place to remain for the entirety of your night! Either way, this is a fun place!
(4)Kim P.
I agree with Chevy, they are really pricey but the portions are hefty. I've had the spinach artichoke dip and loved it. They didn't skimp on the chokes which was nice. The cheese fries totally rock and I love the mini pizza/ flatbreads. Service was great, we had a fun waiter that sat in the booth with us and chewed the fat. So if you don't mind the price it's a cool place to go.
(3)Garett N.
Relatively inexpensive bar food, pretty decent beer prices, and the large TV screens make this a great sports bar to check out. I've been here twice and they've always been accomodating in turning one of the TVs to show the Red Sox game. They also often have great drink specials, so be on a lookout for that.
(4)marisa s.
jake melnick's is a quality corner bar downtown. they have great beers on tap (312, hiiiii) and a variety of rando bottled beers as well. what really gets me here is the bar food that is not bar food. i have probably tried close to everything here, since it's right down the street from my old place. here what's good: the grilled artichoke - comes with some mustard-dill dipping sauce, so good uh uh the buffalo chicken sandwich - grilled w/bleu cheese the pancho wings - made simple with spices and garlic, squeeze some lemon on them and you'll be in love the garbage salad - chopped with chick peas, salami, artichoke, cheese and moreeee the parmesan fries - hellooooo need i say more?
(4)MJ d.
It's a good place to watch Michigan Football (I guess it's a "Michigan bar?") Decent, basic bar food, and There aren't a lot of pretentious people. Works for me!
(4)Andrew T.
Good chili cheese fries (it's a huge plate) and wings. I had a cobb salad which was fine, just didn't seem to be a great value at 10.95... The bar area has bar seating, tables and a huge table smack in the middle that you can share with other parties.
(3)Amy J.
Pretty good time! Went here after class with my classmates and my professor for beer at the end of the quarter. It's a really fun environment, definitely a Loyola hotspot. I didn't eat here so I can't tell you about that, but we got pitchers of beer and there are plenty of tables and good service. Good time.
(4)Amy D.
My boyfriend currently got relocated to the River North area and I am stuck in a tourist trap, desperately trying to find some light at the the end of the tunnel with original affordable restaurants. Decided to try this place out. Sandwiches were good, drinks were cheap, and their garlic fries are to die for. What's not to like?
(4)Annonymous C.
The veggie burger is good. But beyond that I was deeply dissatisfied with my last visit. I went with a large lunch group for my going away party. We had been there with large groups before, so I wasn't concerned that I brought my debit card. After waiting 45 minutes for our food and another 45 for our check, everyone paid with cash except me and one other person. He brought back the receipt for my coworker, but walked away without giving me mine back. Then after another 10 minutes he brought me mine. The kicker was when I logged into my banking the next day and found that not only was I charged for my amount, but I was charged for the entire table's amount also. When I got a hold of the management, I was told it was an authorization to account for the whole table. I'm no dummy, I know you cannot authorize my account for the entire table if you received cash. Despite the food is decent, that headache will cause me to never go back. Oh, and management didn't even say sorry.
(2)David E.
The manage "Alex" introduced himself to me the other day..(not even knowing iam a yelper) I wish I would have said to him Alex I love Jake's Especially the food. (The food is great no doubt about it) But what I hate about Jake's is they have this neon sign in the window that clearly states "OPEN UNTIL 2AM" This is/was never true. Yes I totally hate them for that and my dear friend alex...I will send people down the street to the other bar sometimes just for that reason....I was there today and I strolled in at 11:24 p.m and the bartender says "I just called last call" but I will give you "one" bottle. So she gets me the bottle 15min later they announce the bar is closed even one bar patron said "I thought they were kidding when they said they were closing" So alex Iam sending them to pippins until you stay open later...
(3)Patrick W.
A bit pricy because it's downtown, but I found the food to be a bit better than bar food usually is. I had the BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, which was great. They had real sliced brisket cooked on site, as opposed to pulled, chipped beef which usually is pre-cooked and re-heated. The fries were outstanding. Our server was pretty good, very friendly and kept our drinks topped off. There are a fair number of tourists here, but given the location, it's not as bad as other locations nearby. My only complaint was that the beers and sandwiches were, as I said, pricy, but I imagine if the place were in any other neighborhood but downtown, everything would be a dollar to two dollars less. Great food, great beer selection; and very cozy- a good place to relax and have a meal when doing some downtown shopping. I heard they used to have some kind of a massive cheeseburger here that entitled you to some kind of great honor if you could finish the whole thing. I forgot to ask when I was there- does anyone know if this still exists?
(4)Bella D.
Nice staff! : ) and good appetizers and beer! : ) great place for afterwork socials. loved going there w/ a bunch of elementary school teachers to unwind from a days w/ cool but a handful of : ) kiddies : )
(4)Kristen D.
This place has a decent selection of beer, but the prices, crowd and temperment of the staff make me hesitant to go back another time. Overall, it's probably as good as you're going to get in the neighborhood, but still not great. I recommend eating elsewhere, as it's overpriced and not that good.
(3)Monica J.
This is definitely a great neighborhood bar (esp in the summer) when outdoor seating is open. Came for a casual dinner with some girl friends one evening and it turned out to be a great time. The food itself was not that great..but will def be back to just chill and drink...they've got happy hour specials mon thru saturday...
(3)Eddie O.
Jake Melnick's is probably my favorite sports bar in the city. As many of the reviews say they do have a great brunch, but I've enjoyed many nights of drinks here as well. It's never overly crowded and is much more sophisticated than the sports bars in LP.
(4)Ramon R.
Great place to go for brunch after visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Go with anything that has red meat in it. This place has the best red meat, hands down.
(5)Emily N.
Not bad, but not great. I've heard they have a good brunch so I'd like to check that out, but I usually stick to drinks only here. The food is just OK. Nothing special.
(3)Geoff M.
The essence of the Mag Mile tourist bar...pricey, mediocre, and without a unique characteristic. I certainly don't mind watching a few sports games here as TVs are plentiful, but have several other places I'd rather stop by first. The food is fair, but not for the money.
(2)Will M.
food/service/atmosphere are weak. it's not terrible, but just sorta lame.
(2)Sean D.
I stopped by here during one of the most frigid, windy, and snowy days in my recent Chicago memory. The bar was clean, but not busy due to the weather, and the service was mostly attentive. They have a great selection of beers on tap and the bartenders are cool. I gave the Super Spicy Wings a try and was not disappointed. I passed on the fireman's cap but thoroughly enjoyed the wings. After the first few, my nose started running and eyes watering. You eventually reach a calming warm sensations in your mouth and you cannot stop eating them. I don't think I would eat an entire order in one sitting again but I absolutely loved the challenge! I would definitely return for more!
(4)A P.
When you're looking for good ol' comfort food- you can't go wrong with Jake Melnick's! Come to find out the beer selection is one of the best in the city- I was just there over the weekend for St. Paddy's day with a bunch of my girlfriends, there was about 14 of us total and we had an awesome time! Such a fun atmosphere and we really loved our green beer! Our server was hilarious and his reccomendations were right on. Can't wait to visit again, I am definitely going to try some XXX wings next time!
(5)Yvette C.
I was pumped to come here, what a let down. Heard you had to sign a waiver for the HOT wings, which we didn't even sign. Also heard "They give you bell to ring and fireman's cap. If you can't take the heat, you ring the bell and they bring you packets of sugar and plate with some vanilla ice cream, bread, sour cream, and a shot of milk" but we never saw that either. Granted we had a group of 14 but our service was horrible, maybe it was because he was guaranteed a decent tip! We all ordered and I guess they forgot about mine since I had to ask our server about it after everyone else was served. To say the least I was not impressed and don't see myself coming back here anytime soon.
(1)Zach T.
A friend and I went for the sole purpose of trying the Madness Burger. No, not Madness as in Randy Macho Man Savage, but as in some manner of basketball tournament that takes place in March. At any rate, the Madness Burger is a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg served between 2 grilled cheeses instead of a bun. It's served with Fries and Miller lite for $9.99 during March Madness. The burger itself was good. The cheese was pepper jack on the burger, which was garnished with lettuce, Tomato and mayo. The one grilled cheese was cheddar, the other American. The execution on the grilled cheeses could have been better as they were on like Wonder bread, and didn't make a very good bun for the burger. It fell apart way too quickly, and let me tell you how sticky melted American gets. I will definitely go back to Melnick's. The rest of the menu looks right up my alley and the BBQ smell in there was excellent. The rest of the menu didn't look to be as good a deal as the Madness burger, but not exorbitant, either. MADNESS! OOH YEEAH!
(4)Chitown F.
I must say that these are some great wings. A friend and I are wing fanatics and had to try the "hottest wings" in Chicago. This would be where I say they aren' t that hot....However, they are. They are the hottest wings I have ever had. It was ridiculous!! We finished them in a state of euphoria. They are so hot that you become out of it because of the intensity. It seriously ruined my night and the following day!! I paid for what I ordered. The bar is pretty nice, and does have a good beer menu. A pretty good place, hottest but not the best wings. Buffalo Joes in Evanston still has my vote for best wings.
(4)Bob F.
These are the best wings in Chicago, hands down. If you are a fan of hot wings, this is the place. I recommend the Super Hot wings, made with the Red Savina pepper (2nd hottest pepper in the world!) The only negative is the price. An order of 10 Super Hot wings are $11.99. This is not too bad because the wings are so big but still a tad expensive. My other problem with them is that you can not simply order a side of fries with the wings, you have to order a basket at $5.95. Service is really hit or miss. I've had both positive and negative experiences. Last time I came in, it took me three attempts to get a side of ranch from our waiter. This 20 minutes felt like an hour when your mouth is on fire. Overall, I ignore all the negatives that exist just so I can get my wing fix. I would still highly recommend this place, just wish the prices weren't so hefty that I had to save up to go there.
(4)Sara P.
Okay so honestly I used to HATE HATE HATE this place ... because I didnt care for the crowd, the pricing, and the food. Now I am in love for two simple reasons: 1. A block from home 2. A bloody mary do-it-yourself Lets just be clear, the food is not even close to great and often if you are looking for quality I would tell you to run the other direction. If you are going to do this restaurant right, do it with friends for sports with burgers and enjoy the bloodys. The great thing about a do-it-yourself is that you get tons of different toppings and you get to explore the complex world of a perfect drink ... the second one always tastes better than the first ... the pickles kick ass and actually the staff is not too bad. Last time I was in I overheard the best fat midwestern family take on Lent and giving up television ... well not all television ... you should get to watch an hour or two a night ... haha. Yeah, so perhaps it isnt the place you go to meet that hot man of your dreams and get a perfectly prepared meal ... but after a few bloodys and some good laughs with friends you do not remember you are in the snobbishly self absorbed gold coast area and start to have a great time.
(4)Leang E.
I love the fact the Late Night food menu is the same as Happy Hour. My friends were starved, while I had eaten all day, so we had to get their stomachs filled. We were seated pretty quick as it's a pretty spacious bar. I was sad to see that the chalkboard of the Final Four had a special order of Hot dogs tied to each team that you could order, and the MSU dog had the least. Though we were the underdogs that day, we did beat University of Connecticut. Go MSU! I did order the wings here, though they offered 3-way on the menu and there are only 2 options but the combination is the 3rd. The combination has a spicy one and the other is grilled. Both were pretty damn tasty. The mozarella sticks were pretty good, and everyone seemed to enjoyed the flatbread that they ordered. What really stood out for us was that our waiter was very awesome. He made sure that we were able to certain items on the menu and was helpful with recommendations. He was also very patient and hooked us up with a small gift card for a $5 to come back to redeem. I wonder if it has anything to do with my friends and I coming in with suits at 11pm on a Saturday night...
(4)Johnny T.
This place is much like USA soccer twenty years ago.
(3)liz d.
Came here the other night, pretty dead, but with a great band. The service? Horrid. There was 6 of us that sat down at a table. We had to literally wave someone down for drinks, food, and bill. While waiting for him to come get my card to run for the bill, I just walked up and handed it to him. That bar he was leaning against must have desperately needed him. The beer selection and menu has a great selection, but it does not make up for the poor, poor service. Especially when you can see you server standing around doing nothing.
(1)Casey M.
I went to Jake Melnick's for a little family reunion last friday night. After running about 30 minutes late, thanks to Redline train becoming express suddenly, I got there and found my family. It was rather hot in Jake's that night and being parched from the journey down I needed a drink bad. I did not see our server and now with the extreme heat of the restaurant things were getting even worse. I then was called over by my big brother to eat some of his hot wings. I thought "ok, I can wait it out a little longer." I bite into the hot wing and flames come spurting out. Man, these were hot!!! The heat came up through my nose and made my eyes water. I was crying, but the heat was soon over as I got a nice fruity taste, typical of habañero and other extreme heat chiles. As I swallowed the heat came back and my eyes went from tearing to a dry and red. Now I really needed a drink and still no server. I drank some of my brother's water, which is always a bad idea because it just spreads chile oils all around, but I needed something cool and wet. My lips were burning and I needed some more water to cool the burn. I ran to the bathroom washed my hands throughly and then splashed water on my burning face. Ouch! There was still chile oils on my hands and I became blinded, I had maced myself. I ran the water in the sink and placed my head under the facet so the water would just pour onto my burning eyes. Finally, after about 3 minute eyewash, I could see again. I dry my face and return to the table. Now I was feeling good while the peppers released endorphins. The server finally comes and a cold Urthel Hop-it is on the way. We all eat another wing and being more experienced now I take the wing in strides. They are really good. There is so much more flavor in these wings than there is heat. I later discover that they used the Bhut Jolokia chile in the wings. One of the hottest chiles in the world. The beer arrives and it's barely cold, but I need it now more than ever. The service was rather slow that evening and the restaurant was a bit warm considering they serve these hot of wings. I later order a spinach and artichoke dip and it comes relatively fast. It's good, creamy, savory and served with tortilla chips. Overall experience was Ok. Service was slow, Restaurant was hot, Hot wings were HOT and amazing, Beer was warm and Arti dip was good. I just might come back Jake's if you would just cool that place down a bit.
(3)Katie M.
Who knew a sports bar that serves beer and wings could get a bad review? Well, this one does. My friends and I were hungover and couldn't stop talking about greasy food-burgers, fries, onion rings, the whole shebang. When we got there, we thought we were in for a good time. The prices were decent and the atmosphere was upbeat but that's where it ended. We ordered bloody marys after confirming with the waitress that there was no horseradish in them. Of course not, she promised. Interesting enough, we got our bloodys and you could see horseradish floating in them more than you could see the ice. Strike one. Next up, we ordered the spinach artichoke dip. You know, the one appetizer that is IMPOSSIBLE to screw up? Riiiight. Our appetizer came cold, with no artichokes and the overall taste was just no bueno. Strike two. Then we ordered a side salad and a burger-medium well. The burger came out rare. Before I even cut into it, I could see the blood on the bun. Yuck. We sent it back and told them it was supposed to be medium well and they reheated the old burger and brought it back out-this time it was more like med-rare. Yuck. We didn't even eat it. For a sports bar where all you do is drop food into a big fryer, this place totally missed the mark. The waitress didn't even notice that we didn't eat a damn thing. Oh well. There are plenty of other sports bars.
(1)Donna W.
Food was good, ok for a quick casual bite to eat. Not so sure about the small water glasses given to us as a wine glass though!
(3)Michael S.
As always, the food was excellent; we had the combo wings, half chicken and pulled pork sammich (a sandwich is something good; a sammich is something that's damn good!). I can only give 4 stars though because the service was horribly slow and inattentive.
(4)Erica S.
Very enjoyable. Another, "woo, class is over for the semester, let's celebrate!" kind of night. We wanted somewhere with food and beer, that was near, so we chose this spot. I have to say, not bad. I had already eaten but decided that I was still kind of hungry (but really, it's because I can't not eat), so I split the burger of the month. It was called the "Challah-day" burger, and I just thought that was so adorable that I couldn't not get it. It also was kind of spicy and had onion rings on it. Also came with fries. Which is always a plus, and it was paired with a beer. I thought that was a nice special, and I enjoyed it for the price (9.95). Everyone was ok with their food, although there was a slight snafu, as someone ordered their burger medium well and it came medium rare, however, it was taken care of without complaint, and someone higher up came over to ask how the burger was cooked now. Very nice of them. Lots of beers were on special, and they weren't as expensive as I would have thought them to be, and I had a lot. I wish I had gone here when I was actually hungry, as I would have tried the pull pork, because I have a barbecue sauce obsession. Mmmm And sure, there were a lot of d-bags here, but we were sat at a table in the back and we were not really bothered by them at all. Sometimes, I think the food and specials should sometimes outweigh the clientele, especially if you're just going to hang out with a group for a specific reason. I also really liked the way it was set up-lots of open space, lots of different areas to be at. All in all, a good time was had by all, for sure.
(4)Tomas D.
Went there based on the reviews and location and were not disappointed. The super hot wings are super hot (so please believe your waiter and not make the same mistake I made). There was en engagement party right next to us and they were crowding all over out table a bit. Jeff came by and apologized for them and asked us if we wanted to move. We weren't staying that long so we said no, so he went and bought us a round. Now that is paying attention to your customers! Great wings, great beer selection and great service. What else can you ask for? You have a valued employee in Jeff. Thanks again.
(5)Chris P.
Went last night. Had the BBQ Burger with the pulled pork and bacon. It was excellent. Wife had the Chicken finger platter, also excellent. Enjoyed the hand cut fries and cole slaw also. Service was good. Taylor was our waitress. She had a lot of tables, but still managed to take good care of us. Floor managers also stopped by several times to check on us and fill water, drinks, etc. I have been here multiple times and have enjoyed most everything I have gotten. It is a good place to watch games, or just get some good bar food. They have decent BBQ, although with all the legitimate BBQ places springing up in Chicago it wouldn't be my first pick for BBQ specifically... One sour grape - our Mac n Cheese was not good. Tasted like plastic. They gladly took it off the bill and apologized. Not sure if it was us or if we got an off order... Either way, we will be back and can't complain about anything else.
(3)Melanie M.
Food is always delicious, as well as the beer. The service was just OK. Almost as though they are there to only make money without any effort.
(4)Tia M.
I am a wing fanatic and purist as well, this is my favorite wing spot in the city so far. Huge wings, good prices and great service. Don't forget to get bleu cheese, its amazing as are the sweet potato fries, cornbread, ribs and the beer selection is gigantic as well! This wing king has truly earned its crown.
(5)GraceFord X.
Awesome wings, great french fries, amazing beer selection both on tap and bottled. Atmosphere can be crowded at times with a very mixed crowd ranging from locals to tourists. My next mission here is to try the Bloody Marys made with their own buffalo sauce.
(4)Lauren K.
FAVORITEST BAR IN THE ENTIRE CHICAGO AREA!!! I highly recommend Jake Melnick's to anyone looking for a bar to watch the Bulls or Blackhawks play or just for a friendly meeting between buddies. I stumbled upon this little gem a couple of years ago after a little (or rather, a lot) of retail therapy and had adequately worked up my appetite. It's in a great location because of its close proximity to the Water Tower Place and Navy Pier as well (though that's a tad bit further). In other words, my friends, you don't have to walk those poor little feet too far away to find a nice little joint where you can kick back a few drinks with delicious food. I've introduced many of my friends to Jake Melnick's whenever we have been in the area and never once have they been let down (needless to say I have a good track record) and I wouldn't lie to you when I say it's an awesome bar. I get that everyone has their favorite go-to bar, but try something new and go here! If you are a margarita person then their margaritas are quite tastey and if you're a beer guy or gal then go for their home-made shandy! Personally I like both margaritas and beer so I typically order a couple of each, but even if you don't get both, at least get one for goodness sakes! And boy, oh, boy if you are a hot chicken wing lover then you will most definitely need to make this your new favorite bar! Jake Melnick's claims to have the hottest wings in all of the Chicago land area and my fiancé can surely attest to this. I brought him (like many others) here when we were first dating and he was brave enough to try the XXX wings - 11 wings covered in Habanero, ghost and scorpion chilis! I thought I was going to have to call the fire department because his mouth was THAT MUCH on fire. If you dare to complete this challenge you will be rewarded with your name on the infamous Wall of Flame. You will be legnedary...but not before you have the shakes because of the hellish heat in your mouth. When my fiancé ate their wings I couldn't stop laughing...so there you go - watching someone eat Jake Melnick's XXX wings could be entertainment. The restaurant is just comfortable and there's no way you couldn't feel at home here. I love it and I hope you come to love it too!!!
(5)David P.
I know what your thinking another review of a wings place only 30 mins apart? Is that all you eat? Yes, pretty much, I am a future fat ass that corodes my arteries to the let the homies know whats up! Ahhh the wings are here and they are quite large! Again I got the traditional Buffalo Wings. Im not too adventurous when it comes to wings I just like traditional Buffalo style. These wings were very good. Crispy, juicy and coated with hot sauce. However If you read my very recent Bird's Nest review I talk about how many places fail to get crafty enough with their sauce, usually just using Franks ( not a horrible thing), so therefore many have the same taste profile. Unfortunately Jake's falls into that trap, as I have tasted wings like this before. They were good but not special. If im in River North-Downtown area I would love to come back. Note: my friend who claims to be a Wings Master had the Firecracker and Poncho wings, saying they were some of the best he has ever had. But this is my review! The service was fast and attentive. I liked the atmosphere, it reminded me of Hooters but without the scantily claddness and the wings are better than Hooters. The Bulls won game one over Milwaukee as Derrick Rose, legs held together with tape and gum, looked like a capable basketball player for once. So it turned out to be a swell evening. Overall a very pleasant experience. Not the absolute best wings ive had but still pretty good along with great service and a bustling atmosphere. I will be back when im in the area.
(4)Punit K.
Order the wings- tried the traditional buffalo, Thai chili and ponchos (grilled); Thai chili was prob the better out of all. Service was slow- took 45 minutes for wings to come out. Afterwards- ordered a carry out order of hand tossed chicken tenders- they were disgusting. Worst of all- it was all soggy due to the packaging- they put the fries on top of the chicken tender; sealed in a box = soggy meal. Their side order of cole slaw was enough for 3 bites. I've really heard great things about the place but considering the slow service; and poor carry out meal for $15- I'd say stay away. Overpriced and overhyped.
(1)Rachel R.
Always great food, great service and smells are amazing. Went a different route and ordered the Spring Mac & Cheese. So good I want it again tomorrow. The boyfriend ordered wings that will always hit the spot just right. I love you Jake.
(5)L L.
We came to try the firecracker and super hot habanero wings. Firecrackers were delicious--sweet, tangy and bit spicy. Super hot habaneros live up to it's name. I love hot hot hot wings --they were 5 alarm hot and quite tasty. I ate three with tears welling both eyes. My nose and mouth were afire. I also drank 4 large glasses of water to quell the burn. The remaining 5 wings were taken home to cry alone because I didn't want anyone else to see. Service is fast and attentive.
(5)michael w.
Stopped in after Promat for a work function, vendor had the keg room reserved, nice digs and conducive to the mingle. The food I tried was actually pretty good, bbq, mac, pizza, nachos, sliders, etc. The beer was even better. The only downside I could find, paid like $6 for a Schlitz tap prior to joining the group. Really? Who charges $6 for a Schlitz tap?! Someone is missing the point of the $3 tall boy PBR's.
(4)Carol K.
A corner bar just a few blocks away from the style and prestige of the Mag Mile? Be still my soul! I came looking for some lunch and left with a full tummy, AND a smile on my face as this place has to have some of the friendliest service in the area! I took a seat at the bar and immediately Leisha, the bartender, was welcoming me to Jake Melnicks and asking me what I wanted to drink. What I wanted was one of their many beers on tap. What I had (it was lunch people, I had to go back to work) was a club soda. But the beers are plentiful and the bartenders knowledgeable about them as well. The menu has some typical bar food but in-between the wings and the nachos are sandwiches and salads and soups, perfect for my lunchtime needs. I ordered a cup of the chili and the chopped salad. The chili came topped with sour cream, cheese and onions and I was glad I only ordered a cup as it was filling. And the salads come in two sizes- a smaller luncheon size as well as a large (did I say LARGE?) dinner portion. The veggies were fresh, and the chicken was tender. As I looked around, I made a mental note about the large number of TV's in the place as I am always on the lookout for places to check out my favorite game. And I also liked that there is an outdoor patio area to enjoy when our Chicago weather cooperates. Not fancy, more of a "northwoods" feel with the rustic nature of the place. But I liked that just fine. If I wanted finery- that exists a few blocks to the east. You can bet I'll be back!
(4)Matt K.
Our waiter was the only reason I did not give them a perfect 5 stars. We went on Saturday night of Labor Day weekend so it was expected to be busy. The waiter struggled to meet with our table quickly and we ran out of drinks. The food was phenomenal. I got their Octoberfest burger and was surprised at how great it was. My wife tried the bbq pork sandwich which tasted excellent as well. Highly recommend going.
(4)Stephen M.
Dear sweet baby Jesus, this place is amazing. I'm a bit of a wings connoisseur, so in every city I travel to, I am on a hunt for the best wings. This place did not disappoint. We tried the Firecracker, Cherry Bomb, Pancho and Buffalo wings. Went bone-in for most of them because that's my go-to, but got an order of firecracker in boneless. I usually don't go for the boneless because it always seems to be mostly breeding. Not the case here. It was like a huge chunk of meat lightly breaded and then covered in one of the greatest flavors I have experienced. Wow. It was like a spicy tangy sweet Asian sauce. So good. The Pancho is equally incredible. It's like a smoked wing that has just the right amount of kick. More of a dry wing, but still full of flavor. Their blue cheese is insane. The ranch is also good. As a sauce guy this is very important to me. Both get 5 stars. As far as apps go, we got the BBQ blue cheese chips, the fried pickles and the onion rings. Not a single miss. My personal favorite was the pickles. Though the pickles are best when paired with the BBQ ranch that is served with the onion rings. Do yourself a favor and order that combo. The tap menu is extensive and definitely has plenty of gems in there. The Summer Loving is my favorite, along with the Side Kick, but there are plenty of local brews. Good stuff. I highly recommend this place. It has quickly become one of my favorites in CHI.
(5)Henry T.
I came here with a party of 6 on a Saturday afternoon and not surprisingly, the place was pretty packed. We were then seated within 10 minutes and our orders were taken. For starters, we ordered pretty much 1 order of every kind of wing offered. The wings that stood out to me the most were the Sweet Sirarcha wings, and the Peanut Butter and Jelly wings. The PB&J wings were interesting, and were smothered in what resembled a sweet thai peanut sauce. The wings even came with a side of cherry jam/jelly! The garlic and traditional hot wings weren't bad either. For side dishes, we had the Mac and Cheese, spanich dip with chips and the fried pickles which were also pretty decent. Overall, this place seemed like a pretty chill sports bar that was equipped with multiple televisions that aired major sporting channels. This was my first time in Chicago and I haven't tried multiple wing places, but this place will pass as "The best wings in Chicago" place for me.
(4)Aaron S.
I really enjoyed their wings... We sampled four different wings and all were good. The XXX were too hot for me, the Super Hot were delicious though. The PBJ were Ok, interesting flavor mix, but not up my alley. The Pancho was my favorite though. Good blend of grill taste and a little heat. I could have eaten 20+ of them. Not real spicy, just great flavor. All in all, a must stop for any wing afficianado!
(4)Danielle S.
So, after a week in China I told my man I needed some serious American food! He took me to Jake's for the March Madness Burger. I always thought of this place as a wing spot but the burger did not disappoint!! First, he's a critic and main point is many restaurants pile on the toppings and forget to season the meat. This burger was seasoned perfectly, the meat was fresh and juicy. Toppings were perfect and those two grilled cheese..... Made my day! Who doesn't love grilled cheese?? I also didn't know they had 30 + (maybe more, I forget) beers on tap, another plus! Lastly, our waitress was awesome, super cool, knew her stuff. I will totally come back, maybe again before March Madness is over!!
(4)Jason M.
Nachos & wings.
(4)David C.
Jake Melnick's is the reason why I'm proud to be an American. Jake Melnick's boasts an assortment of the richest, heartiest, beefiest choices of American cuisine. The best BBQ you can find, the best wings in Chicago, the cheesiest macaronis. Gluttony is Jake Melnick's middle name. Add an expansive list of brews to the menu, and you're really having a party now. You think you know what it means to indulge? Stop in and your mind will be blown.
(4)Riva L.
You wouldn't expect it from a place that looks like a regular ole bar, but Melnick's has some of the best BBQ and wings in the city, and a great beer menu to boot. I've been here many times and I recommend it to most of my friends. It's fun to go with friends, family, on a date, with coworkers... The atmosphere is pretty loud, there are always sports on TV/ music playing/ loud, happy people, but if you sit in the patio area, it's quieter (ideal for when I took my Granny). I have a lot of favorite foods here and I tend to struggle when I go because I can NEVER decide on what I want (...I want everything). Highlights include: - The PB&J wings. We first tried these when they were a monthly special and we really only tried them for a laugh. I mean, PB&J wings?? Turns out, they're amazing. The wings are coated in thai peanut sauce, with "jelly" for dipping. The sweet, spicy, salty flavors complement each other perfectly. - Firecracker wings. These are my standby and they're definitely the best ones. They're sweet and spicy, perfectly flavored and seasoned, and quite delicious. As is the case with all of Melnick's wings that I have had, they're nicely crispy on the outside and juicy, flavorful, hot, and soft on the inside. - Garlic parm fries. Boyfriend doesn't like these as much as I do because they are definitely pretty soggy as far as a french fry goes -- but that's how I like my fries. Simultaneously crispy and soggy, weighed down by flavor, and very, very good. - Sloppy pig sandwich. The spices and taste are AMAZING. I like that they mix chicken and pork. Whatever BBQ they're using (their own, I'm guessing) adds rich, juicy flavor, and the crispy onions on top make the texture fun. - Ribs. These ribs are GOOD. Not overcooked, easy to eat, and the BBQ is great. - Burgers. We usually try to get the burger of the month, whatever it is. It's usually yummy, but my favorite part is just how nicely it's cooked - perfectly pink on the inside!! - Mac & cheese. Same deal - we get whatever the mac of the month is! It's always very cheesy (think cheese strings coming off of your fork as you lift pasta off of your plate) and creamy. To top it all off, they have an enormous beer selection and the servers are pretty knowledgeable about it, so if you ask for a good beer to go with your meal, they can usually find it. I love it here! I've never had a bad experience.
(5)Justin S.
A New Yorker in town for 1 night on business trip. This joint was around the corner from my hotel. Decent lil spot, lots of tv's, friendly waitresses, decent bar menu. Killer Mac-n-Cheese.....and good left-overs
(3)Jakob C.
The first time I went here I didn't know anything about this place my family and I went here because giordanos and rosebud had an hour wait. But it turned to be one of my favorite restaurants. The reason I love to come here is the wings. The firecracker wings are the best I've ever had. Also I like the PB&J, Buffalo, and Panchos wings. Their food always comes out fast and the scenery is cool. If your in Chicago GO HERE!!!
(5)Mike M.
I'd rate this a solid 3.5. A bunch of us decided to go to Melnicks after being impressed by their wings at Chicago Wingfest a few years ago. They've won the title of best hot wings and best exotic wings in the past. We had a decent sized group and they were able to set up a table for all of us, which was a plus. For lunch I wanted to get the same wings I tried at wingfest. The firecracker wings were amazing. It had that sweet and spicy Asian flavor going on. Of all the places that offer a similar style wing, I think Melnick's has one of the best. The poncho wing was a unique wing that I really enjoyed at wingfest. It was a marinated grilled wing that had a mild garlic flavor with just a little kick to it. I still thought it tasted good, but I definitely wouldn't get a whole order of it next time. Because it's grilled, the skin isn't very crispy, and since its on the milder side, the flavor gets a bit bland after a few. We also ordered the beer battered onion rings. They were pretty big pieces and looked great at first. However, they were pretty tasteless and severely lacking in flavor. I don't know how something could look so good and have no taste at all. I wouldn't order that again. The part that probably would prevent me from regularly going to Melnick's is the price. For a few wings, we ended up paying a lot more than I've spent for wings at other places. I think it came out to roughly almost $2/wing at the end of the meal. For some guys with big appetites, it could add up pretty quick. Overall, although the flavors of the wings are great, they're definitely on the expensive side and more than I'd want to pay for wings.
(3)Alex R.
We just stopped in because the place looked fun. We ordered drinks, wings, and an assortment of bbq. Everything was awesome! However, nothing tops the cornbread skillet! Marcos, our server was fun, knowledgeable, and on top of of everything. We couldn't have found a better place to to try out
(5)Calin D.
Yes, I know Scoville - he's a good friend of mine. We go way back, at least 15 years. As it turns out - Jake knows Scoville too! My oh my! Here's how it works: Step 1. Find a fool brave or stupid enough to eat a Scorpion Pepper. (That's me.) Step 2. Put a tiny fireman's hat on said fool's head. (Giant head, tiny hat!) Step 3. Give the poor fool a bell to ring if the wings get too hot and he needs milk, cheese, ice cream, and other items to "cool the heat." Step 4. Watch in strange wonderment as "The Fool eating the Moruga-Habanero-Ghost Wings" consumes 8 wings with a GIANT smile on his face the entire time, and doesn't even reach for his beer, much less the bell. Step 5. Wonder if those wings really are hot... because he never rang the bell or cried any real tears... then order the 8 POUND HAMBURGER instead just to be safe. The wings really are the "real-deal" - it's just that I'm so used to super-hot peppers the "natural stuff" doesn't get me all that worked up anymore. (Not my first rodeo folks, trust me.) And the burger, well, it's Gia-freaking-normous. (See photo with hand for scale.) I hear they put my photo on the wall there. I'll have to look it up next time I go. Huzzah!
(5)Stephanie L.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap popped up on yelp when we were looking for a nearby sports bar to watch some SNF. This place was busy, but luckily we were seated within 15 mins. The place is very spacious with plenty of tables and chairs. And of course, TVs everywhere you look so you definitely can't miss a play. They have a good selection of beer on tap and they also have a fully stocked bar. Whatever you want to drink you can have! Their menu is also pretty extensive for food. But we were reading that they're known for their wings. So of course, that's what we decided to go with. They also have monthly specials, so watch out for those. Since we were only here to drink and watch the game, we ordered snacks only. We got their buffalo wings, mild and a plate of nachos. The wings were delicious and a perfect spicy. I would have preferred to order hot, but since we were sharing, mild it was, but it still had a good kick to it. The chicken was tender and juicy. The nachos were the disappointment. It comes fully loaded with sour cream, pico degallo, cheese, beans, and etc. But the chips themselves tasted like they were stale. But I think it's the way they're made. They're oily and more chewy than cunchy. I'll have to pass next time. The servers are also quick, friendly and attentive. Prices are average priced for a bar. Overall, a great sports bar to sit down, munch and drink while watching the game.
(4)Brittney M.
Everytime I visit this restaurant.... It's a win! I love to get the medium buffalo wings and now my new favorite is the firecracker wings!! Get half and half... You'll be in heaven!
(5)Aki W.
Cool vibe. The staff is friendly and welcomes you in like an old pal. Now- on to the important stuff: the booze- high end and affordable. The stuff they stock is the stuff you have been meaning to try, and you should! They carry the good stuff here so recognize. Our bartender? Oh, glad you asked-Ivana- this woman is a ripped, sophisticated and a super smart goddess. She's also the best bartender I've ever seen. We asked for her top ten steak house list for Chicago- Ivana did not disappoint . Her knowledge base is pro. Come here, get knowledge and a lovely buzz and be sure to tip well. As I write this, the garlic fries are seducing my nostrils and coaxing me to stay...they are... Persuasive. Go here immediately.
(5)James L.
My wife and I were thinking it was a "wings and beer" kind of night.. so we ventured out to find a sports bar that had good wings and beers on tap. This was literally down the block from where we were staying at the Mile North Hotel. The service was pretty good -- very attentive, friendly, and welcoming. My only complaint is that our waiter kept trying to take away our plates when we were still working. I still had a few wings left and he took them away before I noticed to stop him. Sounds petty, but when your full order of wings only comes with 6-8 for $12, it doesn't make you happy. Let me eat my wings, damnit! The beer selection was decent; I had this "watermelon beer" which was pretty interesting and I would definitely recommend it for people who like light beers. The wings were pretty good as well as the BBQ pork nachos. I'd say this place is pretty comparable to an Apple Bee's...
(2)Anthony I.
Went there for the triple x wings with some buddies. We're used to spicy food and these wings got some bite we had to sign a waiver for these wings just for fun and orders away they also have a nice menu but that's for another time we're here for those hot ass wings. So the waitress brings out a sample of the hot wing sauce just to warn us or scare us away haha not a chance it was spicy but it could be hotter so we orders the triple x , duck wings pretty good , and some firecracker wings very good not to hot and a little sweet, so our triple x wings show we dive in right away damn tasty and hot it creeps up on you but very enjoyable, we finish our wings we all shared I suggested we get another order but they chicken out saying they were full but next time we're getting only the triple x wings so we all can leave with our mouths on fire
(4)Mike G.
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? Jake's is a great bar/tavern unlike any other you'll see the city. It has great food ('specially the wings), a fantastic beer selection and two of the best bartenders in Chicago (April & Erin). There are lots of TVs so we go in there often to catch Cubs, Bull, Hawks and Bears games. There's also a great outdoor patio that I just found out is dog friendly.... so there's that. Jake's seems to attract a big after work crowd mixed in with a fair share of business travelers and locals like me. Jakes is one of those great places where you seem to always fit in and find what you're looking for.
(5)Melanie Y.
It was my third visit to Jake Melnick's and probably the best so far. Previously I've been too scared to try the hot wings, but this time I decided to get the Super Hot. These are one level below the ones that you have to sign a waiver for. Well, the wings were too spicy. They actually were delicious though! But the heat was so intense. Our waitress, Leigh (Lee?) noticed I was struggling and gave me the medium wings. They were absolutely delicious too. Leigh didn't charge me for the Super Hot wings, but I still got to take them home. It was so great to have them the next day, they seemed to lose a little bit of heat but were still so spicy. The bottom line is, our waitress was awesome and that was so nice of her to take the Super Hot wings off the bill. Also, I love this place and the atmosphere. It kinda reminds me of a log cabin with the woodwork and fireplace. So cozy! Can't wait to go again.
(5)Richard G.
Went in a bit late, but Ivana was more than helpful in helping me a bit of grub that early Sunday morning. Nice atmosphere...it's perfect for groups or if you're flying solo.
(5)Tom R.
Firecracker Wings are the bomb! Some of the best wings I have ever had. Went there 2 nights in a row since the Wings and service were so good. If you are looking for a quiet place for dinner or drinks, please skip this place. It is VERY loud, and there are always a few over-served chowder heads around. That is really the reason I didn't give it a 5. Even though there are some extremely boistourous patrons (c'mon - it's Chicago) there are always a few of the CPD's finest there eating, so nothing got out of control. I will be back next time I am in Chicago. Cheers!
(4)Jane W.
I came here in the spring with a big group for dinner, and had a satisfactory experience. There was a pretty long wait since we went at peak dinnertime, but I wasn't too hungry so it wasn't too bad. I ordered the BBQ flatbread pizza for myself, which was just okay. They weren't too generous with the ingredients or the BBQ sauce (and I like my pizza's/flatbreads super saucy). I did try a few of my friend's wings, which were solid. We also had a lot of fun with the XXX wing (tried a bite of my friends). One wing was completely doable, but I can definitely see why finishing an entire plate would lead to some pretty bad dinnertime (and post-dinnertime) pains. So respect to the brave Yelpers who accomplished this feat. Our waitress was efficient, friendly, and knowledgable. Prices are reasonable.
(3)Ben B.
Man, I want to love Jake Melnick's. It's got a cool look, all dark and warm and wood-covered. It's pretty big (although it's packed during a game). But the food is just okay. I ordered the wing combo (traditional spicy and Poncho - wood grilled with garlic & cayenne marinade). The spicy wings had sort of a mushy breading going on. Spice level was on-point. Could have used a bit more sauce. The Poncho wings were a bit dry. I assume that's from all that wood grillin'. We also ordered the parmesan & garlic fries. Tons of parmesan, not much garlic. These were okay, but I'm not sure I'd order them again. I ordered a cider. It cost $7, but it was a super-tiny glass - maybe 8 oz. Weird. Service was good and all the employees were pleasant. That's nice. I'll be back, but my expectations will be tempered. Bonus: We spotted Chris O'Dowd (from Bridesmaids) at the bar on a Friday night. The servers say he comes there often.
(3)Nicholas R.
Was looking for a quite bite to eat for a late lunch and stopped by. I hadn't been here and years but as always Jake's delivered! Inventive beer list, delist wings, to go along with a great happy hour menu? Why not! Oh and on top of it so much food I never wanted to eat dinner that night!!!
(4)Disgusted P.
My wife and I came here to eat I was not In the best of moods but, our waitress Laura was amazing!!!! The food was great but I can't say enough about her service!!! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Thank you Laura again you made our Chicago experience lot better!!!!
(5)Elena B.
The wings were so good. I wish there was one in Houston. I think I may have wanted my 2nd experience to match my 1st one but it didn't. I ordered delivery to my hotel which came right on time but was gross. Best bet is to eat at the restaurant.
(4)Nick B.
I manage to stop in at jakes a few times over the past few years. very busy. Good beer selection. wings are good. This time i enjoyed the wing of the month, Maple bourbon wing. It was fantastic. Jake's is a good spot for some buddies to have a few beers, chat and enjoy pub food.
(5)Lisa H.
My sister was craving chicken wings, so it was the perfect time to try out the hot wings at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. After all, they were voted the best hot wings in Chicago. The restaurant is like a typical sports bar with numerous televisions throughout the bar and an extensive drink menu, but they do try to separate themselves by having a more laid back vibe with their exposed brick columns, open fire place, and warm overhead lighting. There always seems to be a wait even though the bar is huge, but my sister and I were in luck and were seated right away. For the food, we ordered the wood-grilled artichoke, chili and cheddar fries, and the wing combo which includes the traditional (buffalo) and poncho's (wood grilled with garlic and cayenne marinade.) It took forever for our food to come out because they decided to bring out all the food at once. Unfortunately, it caused the wings to become a little cold which resulted in some of the sauce to dry up and the breading to be mushy. The wings were a good size and the flavor was there, but I could not get over how dry it was and the mushy texture. This is not at all what I would expect from the best wings in Chicago. On the other hand, the fries and the artichoke were nice and warm. It wasn't too spectacular, but good compared to other sports bar. The service here wasn't far off from the food. Our server was nice and informative, but not really attentive. He never checked back on us after he served our food. I wished I had more water throughout my meal and maybe some extra napkins. I don't understand the hype with Jack Melnick's. What is so great about this place? Well I don't recommend you coming here unless you want some subpar service and average food at best.
(2)Damaris C.
This place is a must! Delicious, heart warming food as well as friendly and helpful customer service. BBQ Nachos are to die for! Imagine your classic nachos plate, topped off with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Does it get any better than that?! Wings are amazing (sauce wise) and onion rings have a home made taste to them. They also have their famous 8 lb. burger. So grab some friends and bring em over! Location is great. Close by the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, but not quite there. Great location, great friends, great food, & a great night.
(5)Jim K.
I really love Jake Melnicks... despite the fact that I don't really like wings (which is their claim to fame). The service has always been really attentive, without being intrusive. The ambiance has the heave wood accents of a dive bar, while being clean and tv-heavy like a sports bar. The place is very comfortable, and seems like a great place for larger groups. The Food: As I said before, I'm not a wing fan... but of the few I've tried at Jakes, they were stellar. I really do dig their barbecue, and their chicken tenders (channeling my inner 12 year old) are quite good (they are about as fresh as you can get). My favorite dish is, unfortunately, a special: they will make a (and I might be butchering this name) Fireman's Chili in the colder months that is out of this world. If you see it on the "Specials" menu, snag it before they run out (seriously, they will). For a casual night out in north Streeterville/Gold Coast, Melnick's is one of my favorites.
(4)Amy H.
I like this place, I really do. But they never seem to have it all together. The first time we had a pissy waitress. The second time I ordered the PB&J wings and just didn't really like them. Probably not their fault, probably just not my thing. The wings are usually awesome-just stick to the buffalo, garlic, or firecracker wings (my personal favorite!). This third time, they overcooked the hell out of my buffalo chicken sandwich. :( Like left it in the fryer too long. However, their fries and mac & cheese are kickass and the servers we had in the second and third visits were both really helpful and patient with our hungover selves. Btw, great place to eat hungover. :)
(3)Dan B.
As a self proclaimed wing- connoisseur, I am privileged to present you the best wings I've ever had. The spicy fries and firecracker wings were perfect both times this week. Having had wings all over the country, I'm sad to say that this Florida native's favorite wings are thousands of mailed away, here at Jakes. Well done guys!
(5)Rochelle W.
I always go for the late night happy hour..... The wings are AWESOME Nachos are AWESOME Friday night 5$ 'punch' AWESOME I haven't even seen their regular dinner menu....but i'm sure that its.....AWESOME
(5)AJ B.
Went here with a buddy a few weeks back and while I enjoyed it I was really expecting more from this place. Got half a bbq chicken and sides - I am a big fan of cole slaw...this place actually had bad cold slaw...I don't know how you can mess up cole slaw. Chicken was decent...everything was just pretty good. Great selection of craft beers and a good atmosphere. I love bbq so I'll try again given the opportunity.
(3)Sandi E.
What drew us in was the claim of Chicago's best wings. Why not start a new Easter tradition I thought, so in we went. I ordered the combo - 4 wings with a medium buffalo sauce and 4 wings with the Poncho rub. I also ordered the parmesan garlic fries. The wings were decent - I do prefer a saucy wing, but Poncho packed good flavor! The fries were plentiful - easily can be shared by two people. And addictive - even after I was full, the flavor made me keep on nibbling!! Service was great, our waiter was attentive and kept the re-fills going.
(4)Brea L.
Wings weren't the best I've ever had, but they were very good. Service was excellent and friendly. Comfortable environment and not too noisy.
(4)Y H.
Overrated. Being rated as the best wings in Chicago is a bit disappointing because these really are not the best wings we have had. Ordered the following: 1. Triple XXX wings 2. Spicy buffalo wings 3. Chicken tenders with sweet potato fries Everything was mediocre. Yes, the triple XXX wings are spicy, but not unbearable. I'm not sure how their wings are different than a chain like Buffalo Wild Wings. The tenders were also subpar. Take your money elsewhere and don't fall for the best wings in Chicago, because they aren't and if this is the standard for wings then I feel bad for The Chi.
(2)Lewis B.
Saw the sign for "Best Wings in Chicago" and shrugged it off as another false advertisement. Stumbled there after a few drinks and, behold, best wings I've had to date! [Updated 9.15.2014] I'd put them at a 3 - 3.5 now, we've been back on a few occasions and my biggest complaint is the wait. The last couple times we put our name on the wait list for 20-25 min wait and it always goes over (they have a digital wait list app that sends you a text to view 'how much longer'). It'll hit 25 mins, then the hostess tells us it'll be another 10-15, so we just left each time. The last time, they did give us a free appetizer card, I guess that helps. Service: - 1st Trip: Robby was our server and he rocked it. Guy was super patient, helpful and extremely nice! - 2nd Trip: Came at around 6:30pm, was closed due to a private party until 8pm. I was craving the wings, so we grabbed drinks at a bar around the corner. Came back at 8:15 and it was still closed to other patrons. Asked to be seated outside and we were told the wait was 20 minutes (even though 5 of the tables were EMPTY!). Hostess wasn't the friendliest (but I was a bit irritated as well). After not seating anyone for 10 minutes she could see my laser eyes piercing theirs + my impatience then seated us (from the time until we were sat until we left - there was still 2 tables unseated outside). Food & Drink: - Firecracker wings are ridiculously good. The sweet thai chili + Sriracha sauce is sweet and not too spicy at all. Topped w/ green onions and fried perfectly. Every last bite was crunchy / crisp. So good. - Dr. Jenkin's Elixir - sounds intimidating (pickle juice, pepper vodka, cucumber water, lime and spicy rim) w/ a free 7oz Miller Pony! But glad I tried it - fantastic flavor and addicting. Tried it the second time around and it wasn't as good (I think the bar back was making them). Highly recommend it if made by the bartender. Even try doing half Elixir half Bloody Mary - so good (with a spicy kick)!
(4)Will T.
I felt right at home at Jake's when the waitress dropped a "Be right with you hon," and an "Anything else sweetheart?" No she wasn't a transplanted Southerner, but from northern Indiana, who admittedly didn't talk like Chicagoans. It put a smile on my face as did the food. I ordered a bbq pork sandwich from the fast casual menu. It's served with a heaping pile of fries and some slaw in a cute metal pan. I saw some fabulous salads go by, too, lunch specials for around $7. Jake's has a casual bar food feel, a well thought out concept that delivers some pretty tasty grub. Walk a couple of blocks away from the slick towers of Michigan Ave. to find this corner tap that would be at home in any Midwestern town.
(3)Joe R.
Fun place to drink and eat. Anything but pretentious, but definitely expensive; however the food is well worth it, the service is great, and their cocktails are excellent. Also there is a high quality selection of craft brews to choose from.
(5)Lucas C.
Chicagoans are spoiled. I look at the yelp reviews for bars and grills in the Chicago area and there is a common trend. The gastro/fufu/fancy pubs get the stars, but old fashioned bar places like Melnick's don't get any credit. Food does not have to be duck confit with caviar to be awesome! Now that my preaching is out of the way, time to review. Food- we started off with the bbq nachos. They were delicious, chunks of hearty smoked brisket, and loads of cheddar and bbq sauce. We also started with an order of some firecracker wings. Oh. My. Gosh. That is when I knew, the choice to skip the Giordanos line was not in vain. The wings have so much meat on them! It's not like crappy Buffalo Wild Wings where you have to scour the bone for some meat. Here you get at least four mouthfuls of meat on each wing. The chicken tastes delicious and well cooked and seasoned. The firecracker sauce was amazing. Tangy, savory, spicy, Asian but not overpowering. They were so good I decided to try a different variety of wings as my entree. I got the wing combo which was a combination of poncho's sauce and medium buffalo sauce. Again, the wings are the best I've ever had, just phenomenal. The poncho's sauce was basically just a light garlicky glaze. It really let the chicken do the talking. The buffalo sauce was delicious as well. This one wasn't like the poncho. It had a very distinct buffalo taste and, when paired with the homemade ranch, was heaven. The only negative thing I have to say about the food was that the garlic Parmesan fries were gross. They would've been great if they had just used the garlic and Parmesan sparingly. The fries plain/with ranch were fantastic though. This place deserves 5 stars for the wings alone! Service- Saturday night. Christmas break. No reservations. PARTY OF TEN! NO PROBLEM! They seated us right away. Our server was also attentive, knowledgable of the menu (always a standard criteria), and got all of our orders right. This should be a Chicago landmark.
(5)Tami Y.
I love this place because the bartender April ,, she very sweet and active . Thank you April
(5)Dany C.
So we walked in and got kicked out immediately for having a registered service dog with proper identification. We asked to speak to the manager who was even more rude and condescending and literally walking us out to make sure we left. If you want to be disrespected from the moment you walk through door look no further this is your spot.
(1)Kelly R.
We went there Saturday night with our 5yr old twins. The enclosed front porch area was back n forth, cold, hot, cold, hot... The tables are so close and crammed in there it's hard to be comfortable. (And we are all slim people) and it's super loud in there. Major attitude with the server. I said and pointed to the beer I wanted, he brought the wrong one and put up his hands saying that's what I pointed to. Then when the table behind us tried to get his attention, he put up his hand and sharply said ' I'll be with you in a moment' As for the food, mediocre and overpriced.
(1)Mike L.
We stumbled onto this place after some shopping on Michigan Ave and a long walk to and from the seriously overrated Navy Pier. I am from NY and it was actually about as uninteresting as the South St Seaport- though in its defense it at lest didn't have the annoying costumed characters- but aso had much less interesting restaurants- Bubba Gump Shrimp- really? Anyway not here to rant about that....so we had been walking for hours, it seemed, and were hungry and really needed a break, were looking for something local and interesting, not a chain joint and wanted an outdoor cafe. So we found this place and it was just the thing.....I ordered a very mellow Kronbach and she an iced tea... I would have liked to try the wings but she hates wings so that was out....she got the garbage salad- I am not making this up- without salami - which I thought was the most interesting ingredient- and she really liked it. I got the sloppy pig sandwich- which was an interesting combination of pulled pork, brisket, and something else but can't remember what....it came with their own house made fries which were very good, nicely salted, crisp, and tasty. The sandwich was good though so messy had to eat it with a knife and fork.. Service was very good, attentive and irreverent. We did have to listen to a couple at the next table who apparently were unaware that their topic of conversation was not at all appropriate for a public place- the guy actually got up and precipitously left in the middle of the meal- but can 't pin that on the restaurant......really enjoyed the place and would definitely visit again.
(4)Heather E.
If you don't like this place you're nuts and we can't be friends. Amazing service! Incredible food. Best wings ever. Best bbq. Best burger. My whole family loved it.
(5)Tena C.
This was a typical Cheers type tavern with food. We had lunch here after a long walk through town. The beer was refreshing and the food was good. We had their famous chicken wings, corn bread and mac & cheese which were all good. The chicken wings were not so spicy but I tend to shy away from the flames.
(4)Shradha A.
Back here years later and still a mediocre experience. Tried the veggie burger but the bbq sauce on it was overwhelming. It's a neighborhood game watch spot - you shouldn't really go for the food as much as the TVs & beer.
(3)Christina C.
Don't mind gaining a few pounds after eating the wings and Mac n cheese. You know it's a good spot when the Mac n cheese is dangerously good. They also have crazy spice levels on their wings. Ghost pepper..? You've been warned. Decent beer list with a few ciders. It's a gamble service wise. Most times you'll get a friendly, informative, and attentive server, but sometimes you'll get that sore bum. It's very casual, almost cabin-like with the wooden panels and stumps. Sit around with your friends, have a beer or two, get your hands dirty with dem wings, and have a good time!
(4)Vicky L.
I love wings, and Jake's certainly has great wings. My personal favorites are the PB & J, Cherry Bomb, and good ol' buffalo medium spicy wings. I've also had their Portabello Reuben, which was surprisingly tasty. The only issue I have is that they're a bit pricey. And it can get pretty crowded and loud. But that's a bar for you.
(4)Chuck P.
Ate here while visiting from out of town. Dudes at a bar I was drinking at recommended the place and I'm glad they did. On the short list of best burger places I've been to. Highly recommended. And, if that wasn't enough, root beer barrel candies--with which I stuffed my pocket--at the check-in desk! Bonus!!
(5)Cory S.
These are the best wings in Chicago from the ones I have tried. The wings are the perfect size and are seasoned perfectly. I went with the traditional hot but I'm told the peanut butter and jam are ones you must try. The beer selection was great with a lot of local craft beers. The bartender was amazing she was friendly , helpful and made you feel like a regular. I definitely will come back next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)Nicole D.
Service was great. Had the street fries which were delicious and the burger of the month. Would go back again.
(4)Louis L.
Just stopped in for a porter beer that was recommended from waitress and she was rude and mean but beer was tasty but she didn't like comment about the xxx wings on menu so they booted us out Bad attitude
(1)Frank R.
Good wings which is why you came to this place but I was even more impressed with the burgers which are massive and pretty tasty. I had the frisco which was pretty good and had a few combinations with the avocado which I hadn't tried that worked well! Also the ice cream cookie dessert was really good!
(4)Brian M.
Came here with my gf and her sister for dinner and I gotta say I was really underwhelmed with this place. We were seated pretty quickly and our waitress was pretty nice but the food here was just not very good. I got the brisket plate which came with cole slaw and fries. The brisket was a little too sweet for my taste and really dry. My gf got the turkey burger which was just ok, I had a bite and it didn't blow me away but acceptable. The sweet potato fries that she got weren't that bad either but nothing special. Her sister got the special apricot and siracha wings that were again really too sweet for my taste with barely any kick. All in all I'd say this place is a bit of a let down and I'm probably not coming back here.
(2)Mark C.
Came here for a Hawks game for the first time. They were no longer taking reservations the day before, but allowed walk-ins the day of. I got there an hour before the game started and put my name down for 4 and luckily they texted me saying we got a table. The wings were what we came for and we got traditional, poncho, firecracker, monthly special (cherry blue cheese sauce). My favorite were the poncho (flame grilled?) and firecracker ones (sweet and yummy). Shoutout to our waiter Michael, made us feel very welcome on a busy night and constantly swung by to high five us when a goal was scored and just in general check up on us if we needed anything. They were very cool about letting us sit there to watch the game even though we finished our food during the second period.
(5)Zach J.
This place was damn good. I ordered the garlic wings and thought they were damn good quality and large in size. I also ordered the Mac and cheese (Mac Daddy) "Chicken Saltimbocca." It was creamy and low sodium tasting and rockin with ingrediants such as: Marsala cheese sauce, grilled chicken, prosciutto cheese, crispy sage, provelone, and parmesan cheese. We also had the fried pickles which were the best fried pickles I ever had and they were slices, but not the chip slices but long slices, breaded in delicate and amazing tasting breading. The service here was amazing and very attentative. DO NOT order a burger, it just looks not very good. I saw some served at other tables and it does not look appetizing. Anyway, I will be back here again!
(5)John F.
I work close, so I'm very familiar, and it's always so good. Any of their BBQ options is a home run, but the Sloppy Pig is amazing. Great french fries! I'm not the biggest fans is their wings, though they boast best in city. The only exception are the poncho wings. Those things are great! The beer selection has dwindled lately. They still have a good amount of craft options, but it used to be better. They do rotate taps, which I like. The service is always top notch, with everyone being very knowledgeable and attentive. It's a great place for a game, or just to chill and have a beer,or to hang out with friends and get fat and drunk. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Manuel A R.
Excellent place. Regular price and excellent quality. I high recommend bbq smoked stuff. It's delicious. And don't forget their wings!! The staff was so kind and our waiter very funny. I'd be back for sure if I visit Chicago again.
(5)Brad H.
Good burger and fries. Good staff And reasonably priced. Good for a late dinner. Good location.
(4)Ray H.
Terrible service at the bar. Came in at 1:20pm today. There were at least 10 seats open at the bar so the bar wasn't exceptionally busy. Got menus right away. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. The "bar back" was filling beers for the servers' orders right in front of us but refused to make eye contact with us. They had 1 bartender but he was on the other side of the bar. Others around us were dealing with the same treatment. I would've been fine if the bar back would've at least acknowledged us and apologized for the wait but instead he was busy chatting with the wait staff. At 1:35pm we finally had our order taken. 5 minutes later he brought my wife her drink and started pouring my beer out of the tap marked "Surly Bender." However, a light beer poured out of it. Note to management; don't pour beers out of tap handles that are marked with other beers from the same brewery. I asked for a couple of waters and our tab and we never received our waters after 5 minutes and had to ask for our tab again. The bartender (wearing a "I cry over spilled beer" tshirt) was nice enough once he waited on us but this was definitely not good service overall. I gave it 2 stars because the food is awesome. The wings are great. 1. If someone isn't a bartender but is going to serve drinks, have him in a designated bar back shirt (still don't know if that's what he was). 2. Even if your job is to just take care of the servers, you can still acknowledge other customers with a smile. Walking past us repeatedly without looking up at us makes me feel like we're being ignored. 3. Bars don't always keep their tap lists up to date in the menus so people tend to look at the taps at the bar. Make sure those are up to date.
(2)Jaclyn W.
I love this place. Server was very nice. I ordered 10 mild boneless wings and they were amazing ($11.95). I also ordered garlic Parmesan fries ($5.00). They give you tons of fries very worth it. We tried the salami flatbread it was alright ($5.00). I would deathly come back I like the atmosphere and you can watch a basketball or any sporting event.
(5)Amanda D.
Enjoyed beer and BBQ. Didn't order the wings, but the food we did have was good. Service was excellent; polite and prompt. Because of the location, I was expecting it to have the tourist vibe, which is why we've never tried this restaurant before. I was pleasantly surprised that that was not the vibe at all. I'm sure they get tourists, but the surrounding tables seemed to enjoy and behave themselves. It is loud in here, definitely a sports bar vibe. But dress is casual (think JCrew). Probably won't make this a regular food spot, as the area is annoying...but will not rule it out on game day.
(4)Dawn B.
Food was great. Had the wings and the mini pork sliders 3 ways. I think the dry rub wings were my favorite. Smoked wings with a little bit of a bite on the dry rub. Definitely would come back. We had a large party and they were very accommodating to seat us together and splitting the tabs.
(5)Benjamin L.
Being completely "hangry" and ready to eat anything led us to Jake Melnick's on a chilly Saturday afternoon. I was surprised how hard it was to find a place to eat at 3 PM without waiting an hour. Jake Melnick's only had a 20 minute wait and the food smelled really good. Also, they claim to have Chicago's best hot wings. We lucked out and ended up waiting only 5 minutes for a table. Most people were there for the football games on TV but I just wanted some kind of nourishment in my belly. We snagged an awesome table tucked in a quieter corner of the place, right next to the cozy fireplace. I was a happy camper as I scoured the menu and our friendly waitress welcomed us. I started off with a Pumpkin Lindeman's Lambic which sounded quite tempting. I've had several Lambics but never a pumpkin one. When the drink came out, it was about 6 ounces and considering it cost about 11 bucks, I was a little disappointed. Now all the Yelp tips said to go for the hot wings but I failed to heed the advice. Between the two of us, we ordered a smoked sausage pizza and the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Unfortunately, both our entrees were pretty bland. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad, just boring and we were hoping for more. The place was pretty packed so most of the servers were pretty slammed. But the service overall was A-OK. The meal certainly served it's purposed and saved me from "hangry" defeat. But I suppose if we ever return, I'll have to give those hot wings a try!
(3)Matt N.
Came here during a Blackhawks game. Very cool atmosphere for the game. I had the triple play BBQ platter which has brisket, smoked chicken and 1/3 of beef ribs. I would recommend this plate! Super delicious and is bomb with a side of mac n cheese!
(4)Paradise L.
So the 2 stars is only because I have reservations tomorrow I saw this on restaurant around the world and know someone who loves hot food stay tuned will definitely post photos. So we are he and my friend ate the 10 hot wings 4 a place in the wall of fame it was definitely funny our waiter did a great job he came back to check several times as my friend ate these hot azz wings! They are super nice the spinach and artichoke dip was ok the jumbo chicken tenders GREAT!!!! BARBECUE BRISKET TASTE AND WILL HAVE A PLATE OF MY OWN NEXT TIME yes I will be back .
(4)Hillary B.
The.Best.Wings.Ever.Period. So good.....I wish I lived in Chicago just so I could eat here everyday!
(5)Mel B.
Best thing I've put in my mouth in a long time! We had the Ham and Cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll, oh sweet Jesus, so delicious! The Bloody Mary's were perfect, not to spicy, and they came with an adorable tiny bottle of beer. Loved this place!
(5)Danny W.
Best wings in Chicago? Quite possibly. One of the best spots to watch NFL football in the city? Most definitely. They've got great gameday grub, they do a pretty darn good bloody Mary, and there's tons of TV's playing all the games with sound. Regardless of where you're seated and who you're cheering for you can pretty much see your team in action from anywhere in the restaurant. Given the location it's a melting pot of fans, but of course Da Monsters have priority. The service is super efficient and the prices are pretty reasonable especially considering it's in the heart of the Gold Coast. If you want the things that make football fun Sunday (wings, burgers, beers) you'll be far fetched to find too many places that do them better then Jake Melnick's.
(4)Hailey S.
I make a point of coming here every time I'm in Chicago. I love this place! It's in the heart of Downtown and has great atmosphere. Burgers, sandwiches, beer. The wings are phenomenal.
(4)Susan C.
I been here twice and this place have great food. I had buffalo wings both times and they are pretty good. I have yet to try the habanero hot wings since I am big fan of habanero chili. This place is always pack where people watch sports on the big screen tv's and have great food and beer. I would recommend this place to my friends who wants to have a good time watching there favorite sports game and have great foods and drinks.
(4)Shan D.
Prob the best cookie skillet I've had in Chicago, though I think they've gotten smaller now. Great veggie burger too. Sound is awful to watch games. Wish they'd upgrade their sound system. Still a fun spot to have in the area.
(4)Ghiané J.
This is a great bar to enjoy some great wings and watch the game. The food is delicious! I always have a great time and great food.
(4)Naomi Q.
If you come here you must get the wings! Our personal favorite were the firecracker wings - yummy! The location and ambiance are perfect for a nice, casual bar type restaurant in the city. We also received great service and will definitely be returning.
(5)Omar J.
It's gotta be the WANGS! I went to wingfest in 2011 with my cousins and we tried their firecracker wings. More sweet than hot, but good taste. Also tried the XXX wing. AYE AYE AYE!!! Went to the actual restaurant about 2 week later, and probably the best wings in chicago. Also go for the Parmesan & Garlic French Fries. OOOWWWEEEE!!! Great place to watch the Bulls & Blackhawks, 1,000 times better than the Squared Circle. WAAAAAANNNNGGGSSSS!!!!!
(4)Meredith S.
I really liked this place! Wanted to go somewhere close to our hotel within walking distance where we could watch some March Madness games and kill some time. Boyfriend's name is Jake, so this seemed like as good of place as any to stop! There was a bit of a wait, but we sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. Higher the alcohol count, the smaller the glass. Boo! But I get it. But still.. boo! They had a beer of the month which was cheaper and I thought pretty tasty too. They have a really extensive draft list which includes several stouts which I was pretty excited about! Once we got seated, I ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup with a side salad. YUM YUM!!!! The grilled cheese was seriously awesome. The tomato soup kinda tasted like a giant bowl of marinara sauce, but hey, I ate it and it was still good. The salad was super fresh and crispy too.. just how I like it. Wish they would have put more croutons on it but that's okay. Boyfriend Jake ordered some wings. I'm not a huge wing fan and he got spicy ones, so I wasn't a fan, but he seemed to enjoy them. It's pretty loud in this place, although it's a sports bar, so that can be expected. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and the food was definitely notches above standard bar fare.
(4)Marcela A.
Walking around, looking for a happy hour we found Jake Melnikc's. It is a welcoming place. We ordered wing combo, that comes with traditional and poncho (which is grilled wings, instead of fried! Delish!) and a flatbread pizza! Stick to the wings! Pizza was a little too dry. I ordered a drink called Alakazan and it's pretty good. Nice and laid back place to grab a food and drinks.
(3)David D.
I love the atmosphere of the place, lots of big tvs everywhere, very open, and a great long bar with many solid beer selections. I stopped in with my brother-in-law to watch some basketball and have a few drinks while the wives shopped. We ordered the PBnJ wings, interesting but good. Several drinks later we decided on just eating lunch there too - wife approval of course, ha! I wanted to try their firecracker wing sauce so opted for the chicken tenders and fries with the firecracker sauce, amazing. If you are looking for a great joint to eat and have a few drinks with friends or family, this is a great option near Michigan Ave.
(5)Sondra M.
Wait was short. Food got there in a reasonable amount of time. Portions are good, price is good for the area And my burger was cooked perfectly. Can't ask for anything else.
(5)Bob Z.
This is a great downtown pub and grill. Usually very busy. They have a pretty food's beer selection. We have never eaten a full meal there. Only the apps. Chicken wings are pretty good but not in the great category. Servers are typically good but when they are overtly packed they probably could use an extra waiter or two. They ask Harry's have a good selection of craft beer. They are a bit pricier. Good for large groups, especially after class.
(4)Robert G.
There are many, many burger-and-beer type places in River North, and Jake's fits the mold. I don't have much to say about the beer, but I did have a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with fries. Very, very good fries. Our group of web devs was celebrating a birthday today, so with a little encouragement we ended up at Jake's. After perusing the menu (and deciding not to have the March Madness - a cheeseburger with grilled cheese sandwiches (!?!) for buns) I ordered, and got, my pulled pork sandwich. I didn't think much of it, to be honest; the waitress said that it would be a vinegary sauce but I didn't taste much of it. The pork was decently tender. You might be better off ordering the pork sandwich with a more assertive sauce, especially since the bread is nice and thick. The Georgia-style, I am told, is mustard-based; try that instead? Fortunately the sandwich is saved, and more, by the fries, which were fried and crispy, had great color, and seasoned to perfection. A little ketchup made them perfect, especially the crispy bits. I think so far these are the best fries I've had in River North. The staff delivered a mini skillet cookie a la mode for our coworker's birthday, which was, to be honest, pretty hilarious. Overall I'm looking forward to my next trip to Jake's!
(4)Ann R.
This is really a 2.5 star review but because I am always so impressed with the service at JMCT I rounded up. Great place a skip and a hop from the tourist destination shopping spots in Chicago. Service is always so friendly, and the drinks are abundant. The problem is that the food 5 out of 10 times falls flat. Fries are cold. The spinach dip, while on a happy hour special menu is a steal for $5, has zero flavor. I will say though, if you're able to strike it right when the food is on its game, it's really good and gluttonous bar food. PERFECT for a cold, wet Chicago day when you're seeking comfort in the form of something fattening.
(3)Michele W.
We came here on a Sunday so they had bloody Mary specials for $5 and a pony of beer for an additional $1 (beer back). My favorite item was the PB&J wings. OMG! they were cooked perfectly juicy with a slight crisp, tossed in a peanut sauce and served with a side of raspberry chipotle. I licked my fingers and almost had an O!
(4)Marisa A.
I think you should know that I have gone here close to 15 times in the last 2 months alone. They are the best wings I've ever had. I've had them all, you can't go wrong.
(5)Justin B.
Very, very average food that would be my go-to sports bar if I lived in the Near North 'hood. I tried the patty melt, fries, $1 beer add-on and the iron skillet cookie dessert last night with a few friends who live nearby. My burger was good, not great, and the fries were a bit too crunchy/crispy. The prices at Melnick's are the main reason why I will never live downtown in Chicago; a patty melt for $14 in Near North/Streeterville would be a $10 sandwich in Wicker. My wife got an order of the traditional wings; $11 for an order of wings here is borderline criminal. The iron skillet cookie was a major downer. Granted, I have been living off of the one at Smoke Daddy for most of the last year or so, so my expectations may have been too high...but still, a hot chocolate chip cookie with ice cream should taste better than this. Noted: don't order the Melnick's version! Our server was very fast in taking our order, bringing out food and getting us a check, so my pregnant wife was happy we could get in and out so fast. Otherwise, you can do better in Chicago if you want to get out of this 'hood.
(3)Jessica P.
This place is really good. It's a sports bar but it feels a little nicer than that. Lots of TVs everywhere. It's usually pretty busy, but it's also really spacious, so the wait isn't typically too awful. I'm not a wing person, so unfortunately I can't contribute my opinion on their claim of having "Chicago's best wings." But they do have a fairly extensive menu, and I would recommend the pulled pork sandwich. They give you the option of how you want it done up, but I can't for the life of me remember what my three choices were. They also have a large beer menu and will make you any drink you want. My servers have always been pleasant and helpful, if a little slow. And the prices are just about what you could expect from Gold Coast. Also, they do a lot of specials and promotions so keep an eye out for those if you're looking for a deal.
(4)Kyle W.
A nice, causal and spacious place to grab a drink or bite without the fluff of a lot of other places in the area. There's a long, quality draft beer and a large menu with a few vegetarian options, although none of them are fantastic. It attracts some families and larger groups so it's clearly not just your average corner pub with terrible food. Everyone is always eating the wings. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for a casual place to stop, you could definitely do much worse.
(3)Robert J.
Best for WINGS! But if you're looking at this page, you probably knew that already. A local pointed us in this direction, and it paid off. There was a very short wait which was aided by the text msg check-in service while we got drinks at the bar. They had a nice selection of beers, including local craft brews. We were big fans of the Left Hand Milk Stout. There's a great selection of wing types. Our group split up the orders to try everything out, and no one was disappointed. The highlights of the regular flavors were the Buffalo and Firecracker wings, which had some kick, but weren't too bad for anyone in the group. When we had finished our meals, we split the SPICY "XXX" and "Super Hot" wings. They were the hottest I've ever had, so I'm glad we stopped there. Plenty of sauce on the wings, and come with ranch, etc to dip in. All in all, a great place for beer & wings. I would come here often if I lived nearby!
(4)Megan T.
So my cousins live just a block or two away from Jake Melnick's and all we have heard since they moved in is that we HAVE to go for wings. So one fateful Friday, we went. We were sat in one of the side rooms, which I was happy for because I'm not into the yell-across-the-table-to-talk vibe that was going down in the main room. Great drink list - I'm a hard cider fan and was excited to see that they had a couple options on tap. We ordered an app to share and then obviously had to order wings too. The app was fine, the wings were fine, but nothing was to write home about. Our server was pretty inattentive for most of the night but I appreciate that we didn't feel pressured out clear out as soon as we finished our meal. Will I go back? Meh, probably not. Nothing was really that exciting and it lands on the pricier side of things.
(3)Ana B.
Try the french fries with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. THE BEST!!! Very good wings too. Love it!
(5)John S.
I'm a wings guy, so I came here for one reason. We'll get to them later! The service was pretty amazing here, the waiter knew what he was talking about and offered a few beer choices based on our first round of drinks. Really friendly and knew the menu well. We ordered the Nachos appetizer w/ the beef brisket, and it was ehh. The cheese was melted but rock solid at this point, so that prevented us from spreading the cheesey love. They also stuffed the center with sour cream and other stuff, which I'd rather have as some sort of side. I'd give the Nachos a 4/5 though, was pretty difficult to eat without one chip having tons of everything and others nothing. The wings though, probably the best I've had so far (tied w/ Mother Hubbards). I customized my wings and got 2 of the xxtra hot or whatever, and 6 of the spicy buffalo. The wings themselves are jumbo and the sauces are simply incredible. I would come here and get the wings ery time without a doubt. The wings are dripping with sauce, so its not those fake wing places where they lightly coat it. Can't wait to come back for the wings. Give this a 4/5 only because they could have improved the Nachos.
(4)David S.
Have been to Jake's three times since moving to Chicago in May. All three times have been awesome! First time I shared the BBQ Nachos with the pulled pork on top. Amazing! Also Jake's has a great selection of craft beers and specialty drinks. Second time there I went to watch the Packers Jets game. Jake's is a great place to watch NFL games because they'll play any game you want. I had the parm and garlic fries and onion rings with my girlfriend. Both were outstanding and the service was great too! The third time I went was a Friday night and it was pretty busy. We were sat without much of a wait but it was right near the front doors and everyone waiting for tables were surrounding my table, it was awkward and annoying but because we were sat so quickly it wasn't too big of a deal to me. I had the beef brisket sandwich which was great. My girlfriend had the mac and cheese which she enjoyed. Can't really think of a bad thing to say about Jake's. Service, food and atmosphere were all very good.
(5)Sonya A.
Cool place, pretty good food, good beer selection and holds a place in my heart as the first place I ever had a Left Hand Milk Stout. Solid place to bring a group of people for beer and wings. Warning, there is a major step in spicyness between the super hot wings and the XXX. Yum! Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Location: 4/5
(4)Fred S.
Hopping downtown bar. What I had was good but not great. However the service was terrific. Considering how busy the place was for folks watching the Hawks game the bartender was incredible. The hosts was also great deal in with the masses. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable all around. Good beer selection but food was just a little above average for a sports bar.
(4)Merayah P.
I love the fire cracker wings! The fried pickles are definitely the best I've ever had.!And they have a good selection of beer. Definitely our favorite spot!
(5)Katie K.
Every time my boyfriend and I are in Chicago, we have to come to Jake Melnick's. Our must haves are ponchos wings, the bbq sampler (sub hot link for chicken) and the flavor of the month Mac Daddy Mac n' cheese! Beer selection is great, crowd is never pretentious, and the service is attentive!
(5)Brandon K.
I can't emphasize how average their food is. First off, their wings. The sauce is great- I'll give them that. But all their wings are classified as "jumbo." Right. Not even close. They come in lots of 8 instead of 12 because they're so.... "Jumbo." For $11 per order, ie $1.38 per wing, it's an complete rip-off. Maaaaaybe if they were in fact jumbo that'd be ok. But they're not. So it's not ok. On to the pizza. Brick oven pizza! Yea! Sounds awesome. Spoiler alert... You're in for a disappointment. Pickup a flatbread pizza in the frozen section of your favorite grocery store & you'll save yourself time, money, and your taste buds will thank you. The saving grace for this place is their draft list. Well rounded & they have a few local brews too. The service was great as well. If I came back it would be solely to have a few beers at the bar. They have plenty of TVs for sports as well.
(3)Randy C.
Went here on a whim for lunch with my wife and ended up splitting the Sloppy Pig sandwich and Parmesan fries. Glad we did as the food portions were pretty big. The fries were great and the sandwich was really good with a BBQ taste that was spicy but didn't cover up the taste of the pulled pork and brisket. Overall a great experience that didn't break the bank. Highly recommend.
(4)Jennica S.
This place was near our hotel and we walked past repeatedly. Boasting they had the best wings in Chicago, we decided to give them a try. We had the Parmesan fries with ranch for an appetizer and they were deliciously fresh cut and well coated. Plenty for two, probably even three people. My boyfriend and I each got wings. They come in an 8 count, and you can split 4 and 4 with different flavors if you like. That's what I did, half Ponchos and half bbq. Bbq isn't listed as a wing flavor, but I'm a bit of a sissy when it comes to spicy foods and a lot of the wing sauces were buffalo, sriracha, etc. So I asked if since they had a lot of bbq items on the menu, they could coat my wings with it and our waiter assured me this was no problem. They were delicious, and I actually found myself liking the Ponchos wings even more which surprised me. It's a dry rub and makes the wings taste almost like they were smoked on a spit somehow, which I loved. The wings were definitely Jumbo like the menu claimed, I was only able to eat 4/8 (after the mass amount of fries I consumed.) definitely a cool spot to dine with a lot of variety on the menu, a table near us had nachos that looked quite tasty. They also had a huge beer menu that I would've liked to pick from had I not been tired from exploring the city all day!
(5)Michael M.
Yes, Yelp, you weren't lying. These people are serious about their wings. I ordered the XXX and the waitress warned me that they would probably be too hot. I asked for the XXX sauce on the side (for fry dipping of course), and I was actually stunned. (My wings were Super Hot and they were the perfect spice level.) The XXX has amazing flavor in addition, though, so I ordered XXX wings on my subsequent visit. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the 8, due to the competing flavor of the IPA. Not complaining though, I finished them the next day. These wings do have a light breading, which is a usually a tiny bit off-putting to me personally, but all things considered these were uniquely delicious. If I lived in Chicago I'd be at this place all the time. The staff was very helpful and friendly, and the environment is just what I'm looking for in a wing place-- casual but not foolish. Jake's is Beer&Wings done right. Good job.
(5)Darcy W.
A fun neighborhood bar with a great beer selection! The bar just had a nice vibe. We had the pig sandwich and a burger... Both were very tastey! The bartender was excellent and attentive on a busy afternoon. Plenty of TV's to catch a game.
(3)Cassandra S.
Love the wings. Got the wing of the month, which was a pepperoni pizza wing. It tasted like chicken parm. The fries were superb. The bloody marys are just the right amount of flavor and spice. Firecracker wings are a MUST. The XXX wings and super hot wings were also pretty tasty.
(5)Andre W.
I am a wings fanatic and I heard the wings here are 2nd to none. Their XXX wings have been voted hottest in the city for years...no way I was trying those. I came in on a wet afternoon and needed a drink. I had about 4 glasses go their Central Waters Riviere beer which was stored in french red wine barrels for a year...very good beer! I got the 8 wing combo in which you can mix & match. My awesome server April recommended the firecracker wings which is sriracha based and the garlic & cayenne marinade wings. The Firecracker wings were delicious...so delicious that I ordered another 4. The garlic and cayenne were nice as I was told to squeeze lemon over them to enhance the flavor...they were pretty good but better when I dipped them in blue cheese or ranch. Someday I will come back and burn the hell out of my mouth with the XXX wings but today just was not the day.
(5)Karen R.
Love this place. I don't like pickles fried or otherwise but I dream about the fried pickles here! I cannot go to the city without stopping in for some. Came down last night and 4 of us shared two different wing variations, Poncho and Firecracker, both amazing! Also shared a basket of amazing fries and sausage pizza. Wish I hadn't sent the leftovers home with my daughter!
(5)Paul B.
Great wings and very good craft beer tap. This is a great spot for sports events because its one of the few places that take reservations. I recommend the Super Hot or Asian wing as they both are amazing. I've had XXX and they are very good with great flavor. They are hot however, beware. We watch Hawks and Bears games here and with 1000 TVs you will be hard pressed to miss a game. Great location and ease of access as well.
(4)Damon M.
This is a great place for "Award Winning" wings. Came in on on a Saturday night thanksgiving weekend and it was surprisingly empty. I guess everyone was still full and didn't want wings. Anyway I ordered the wing combo of traditional buffalo and garlic cayenne (grilled). They were fantastic. I would recommend Jake M to anyone. Enjoy!
(4)Mario D.
This is my go to spot on weekends for lunch. Panchos wings are the way to go. Everything else is just ok. The wings though and that come out very fast..
(5)Miranda S.
First of all, it's a corner tap...they boat about their wings and I gotta tell you, the PB&J wings are amazing! I'm fairly confident I gained 10 lbs by eating them for the few months I was in Chicago. The thai peanut sauce is good but when you pair it with the chipotle raspberry jelly....wow. I am not a fan of the to-go ordering as well, I ordered PB&J and got sweet chili instead. So dissapointed in the error. I've had other wings, too and they were good and tasty but again, I'm a huge fan of the PB&J and would get that with a loaded baked potato for my meal. Game days are insane so unless you are there FOR the game, just avoid it.
(4)Davidson T.
Holy moly! The best wings I've had. Great ambiance for watching NCAA basketball. Try the Mac n' Cheese.
(5)Joseph D.
Went here on a wing crawl with some friends so my review is limited to wings, beer, service and atmosphere. Showed up here around 5pm on a Saturday night and it was packed! 45 minute wait for a table and it was still early, maybe everyone is in town Christmas shopping? I have no idea. Anyway, once we were seated we dug into our requisite wings and ordered the buffalo, spicy buffalo, Poncho's (wood smoked) and Firecracker (a take on the Thai chicken wing). Since our crawl was to judge the basic Buffalo, Jake's wasn't the best of the bunch. They were good, but not super meaty. However if the contest was for best collection and variety of wings, then yes, Jake's makes a strong case for the winner. The Poncho wings were excellent. They had the great smoked flavor (which we found out they do in the back - awesome) with a garlicky taste that balanced the smoky flavor perfectly. The Firecracker ones were great too. Thai chiles and Sriracha. Yummy! Definitely needed the dressing to cool your mouth down after a few of these. Beer selection here is insane. I had two of the most unique beers I've ever had and I've had a lot of beer in my day. I had the Local Option Morning Wood Oak Aged Coffee Amber Ale and the Port Board Meeting Coffee Brown. Two amazing beers although quite heavy to wash down wings with I will admit... Lots of other choices as well so take your time looking through the menu. Service was also excellent. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and came back frequently to check on us even though the place was packed. Bonus for good service. The only downside to this place is it's a bit touristy. Yes the wings were delicious but it was a bit loud and there were a lot of families. Not that I mind being out at a place where there are children, but having a 2 year old run circles around my table while getting my wings on is a bit much for me. I prefer when I go out to be in a more "bar like" atmosphere but that's just me. If' you've got a 2 year old and love wings, this is your place!
(4)Mad I.
Been here a bunch of times now, which is funny because this really isn't up my alley... but the hubby loves beer and wings, and this time I was here for his Christmas party. We had a back room all set up and it was really cozy and nice. Shout out to ADAM!!! Nicest server ever! Efficient, friendly and didn't make us feel like we were overstaying our welcome...even though we were...and his shift was over :) Food was just okay, but it was out on a buffet so what do you want... I've had the onion rings as a regular customer, those are the stand out. And of course you must do the ghost pepper wing, and walk out proud with your plastic fire fighter hat!
(4)Allison P.
For a sports bar- this one gets 5 stars for their service and game options. Upscale bar food, unique craft beers, limited wine selection. Try the Firecracker Wings- such great flavor. We were visiting during football season and went here two days in a row to watch the Oklahoma Sooners/Cowboys. They are very accommodating and made sure we sat where we could see the games, even though we were the minority.
(5)Keith W.
Poor table service, I had to ask twice for the beer/drink list. Served lukewarm wings, got food poisoning. Server didn't even stop by to pick up the bill, manager did. Was comped a round of drinks due to complaint about the wings, but would have paid hundreds not to be puking all night and missing out on anniversary dinner with my wife.
(1)Guanun Z.
We came here for a quick drink originally but saw other reviewer's comment on the XXX wings. We decided to try it and it became a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My friend is a really experienced hot food eater and I'm really bad at handling spicy food. When I first mentioned the name XXX, out server had an instinctive shiver and asked us "are u sure?" Heck yeah! When it came up, the wings were dark in color and carries a light vinegar smell. I decided to taste the sauce and licked just a little bit. The initial flavor was mild but it was followed by everlasting intensive mouth burning sense. Just for a tiny bit of sauce, I had to wolf down my Heineken and water. Regrouping my courage, I finally manned up and ate my wing as fast as I could. Net result - I had to clean my tears and sneeze in the restroom and keep ice water running through my mouth for a good 20 minutes! And to worsen the situation, their kitchen close at 10pm and they were out of veggies. Looking forward for chapter 2 in the restroom next morning. And I will forever understand why our server had that instinctive shiver at the beginning.
(5)Haley J.
I really like the atmosphere at Jake Melnicks. The lighting is warm and cozy and it has a good bar feeling to it. The service was good and staff was friendly. As for the food, I didn't think it was anything that special. When I looked at the menu, there were tons of things that sounded really good that I want to try. My boyfriend and I ended up getting wings and Parmesan garlic fries. I got the boneless barbecue wings and they were pretty good, but I have had better. As for the fries, they were too soft for my liking. I prefer crispier fries and they were far from that. I thought it was kind of pricey. My boyfriend and I each ordered wings, shared an order of fries, and my boyfriend got one beer and the bill was like $44. But I would probably go back to give it another try and order some other items.
(3)Nicolas D.
BEST wings in the city. Vast bar selection - brews & cocktails are top notch. 5 star because they're Apps & Beers. Firecracker Wings are the best around. Sweet, spicy, and crispy. Fried pickles are made with perfection. Buttermilk ranch kicks ass. Service is ok.
(5)Angela P.
The wings and macaroni & cheese at Jake Melnick's are second to none! My husband asked me to find the "best wings" in Chicago, and several Yelpers recommended Jake Melnick's. I'm not a fan of traditional buffalo wings, because I don't like the bones. I did try some of the Pancho's wings though, and they were really good - meaty, moist, and well seasoned. They were much better than I expected. My expectations for a casual bar in the River North area aren't very high because this type of establishment is so common. When it comes to Jake Melnick's though, what they do, they do well. I had the chicken saltimbocca macaroni & cheese, a special this month. Their traditional mac & cheese, with a cheesy masala sauce, chicken, prosciutto, and parmesan & provolone cheese was so good! The saltiness of the prosciutto was a nice contrast with the creaminess of the sauce. We shared an order of the parmesan and garlic fries. The portion is huge, we could have shared with another one or two people. And they are super garlicky so make sure you've got some mints on you. All of the food was really good and a satisfying lunch on a rainy day. I'd definitely come back to try their other food or next month's special mac & cheese.
(5)Hannah M.
I used to really like this place, but the past few times I've been there have been terrible experiences. The last time in particular, I was there to watch a baseball game. I told them this when I was seated. When we asked to have the game put on, our waitress said she wasn't sure if she could. We told her we came to watch the game and had told the hostess. About 15 minutes later and after we asked her about it two more times, the game was finally turned on. She then proceeded to rush us to leave when we were done eating, even though we were there for the game and we were still drinking. On top of that, their prices for typically cheap beers that they don't even have on the menu are insanely expensive for what they are. I will make it a point to go to Timothy O'Toole's from now on instead. They are much better for the prices.
(1)Jamie B.
I think Jake's is a great place. The service has always been excellent and the wings are really good. This is a nice place for happy hour, late night, or Sunday funday.
(4)Jeff W.
This place had the FATTEST wings I've ever seen or put in my mouth. I would highly recommend going here if you have the itch for wings. Their beer selection is also great and will go along with any of their wing flavors. The Hot is pretty hot, so pick carefully.
(4)Iman W.
Bow the freak down to their beer selection. I probably spent a good ten minutes staring at that portion of the menu alone. I wasn't too hungry so I decided to get an appetizer. BBQ nachos, can't be too hard to manage, right? Wrong. Had to conquer it with a friend. We enjoyed every moment of it. Had to wait 20 minutes for a table. That area on a Saturday night, not too bad. And our waiter was an absolute delight. I'd go back.
(4)D.J. C.
Poor service, particularly at the bar! For a beer bar the list is weak, and WAAAY OVERPRICED! Much better off at Timothy O'Tooles or Green Door Pub! This is a tourist trap!
(1)Matt E.
Cool place. Friendly staff and great beer selection. I went because the had the #1 wings in Chicago.... Well that was disappointing... frozen, breaded wings. The sauce was good... but Buffalo wings are not breaded. Real let down
(3)Kevin A.
So went in just for a late afternoon snack because I missed lunch. Only wanted a few wings as I heard they were pretty good here. Ended up eating the whole order. The Firecracker wings are awesome! The only thing keeping this place from five stars is the fact they won't do 1/2 orders(although admittedly I did eat the whole thing!) and the order of 8 wings is pretty pricy. $12 for 8 wings. They are big wings, but still. Anything over $1 a wing is a bit much. Would stop again though! Enjoy.
(4)Ryan Z.
2 blocks away from the Park Hyatt so this was a very convenient football escape on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was on point --- always at our table when we needed him but never crowding us unnecessarily. The food wast just okay. The wings (that they claim to be famous for) were anything but jumbo (as the menu indicates), and the wing sampler only included 7 wings. I found that very strange and completely inadequate at $11+. The beer selection was solid. I'd go back here for drinks and football and temper my expectations for their food.
(3)Alex A.
I'd been here once years ago and was fairly impressed with the wings. Now, years later, I go back with people in the know, get the Poncho wings and I'm SOLD. They're hella good! And the "wing of the month" was the Ponchos in the firecracker sauce, a sriracha-based concoction. Holy hell! Ultra good! I previously thought Bird's Nest were the best wings in Chicago but these give BN a run for the money. They're tastier and there are more varieties than BN but BN has the edge on that deep-fried crispiness that I like so much in a wing. JMCT has a good beer program but nothing crazy. Nice rotating selections. Monday 3/17/14 featured Sixpoint Brewery. I liked their IPA. Tasty and smooth without being over-hopped.
(4)Vicki s.
We ordered Nachos, Fried Pickles and Sweet Potato Fries. The bartender first appeared intoxicated. Swore there was ketchup in the bag as as well as napkins salt pepper but there was none of it. The Nachos were completely cold as if they were made hours ago for someone else. The Pickles were soggy as if they were not left in the deep fryer long enough. And then no ketchup for the sweet potato fries. This was a waste of my money completely!!! Who has an intoxicated bartender working getting people's food out and assisting customers. I would NEVER EVER CHOOSE TO GO BACK HERE AGAIN!!! Find someplace else that has similar food. This is DISGUSTING!
(1)Alexis R.
The smoked wings are ridiculously good and they serve food late. They also do a great job of with the drinks menu with creative new seasonal specials.
(4)Cory S.
HORRIBLE service, good food and drink selection. Nachos were large and they actually take the minute to layer in the cheese and meat, not just toss it on top. This place is a good place for the area as its not super expensive, but not a dive either.
(4)Alicja K.
Some of my friends love coming here. I'm not wowed by their food. It's average. Prices are average. Decor is average. I think there are better choices but there are also worse choices. There are lots of TVs so it's a good place to watch games. But does get crowded.
(3)Sarah S.
I know I came to Jake's and I know I had a good time...so four stars! Honestly, I came to a UYE here last month and walked in already a bit tipsy. I was given a couple of good beers while there and by the time I left, I was on top of the moon! It wasn't overly crowded for a Friday night and we were able to keep a huge table for most of the night. They had some good craft beers on their menu including a bunch of good ones on tap. Chill atmosphere and fun to be had by all at Jake's!
(4)Arthur L.
Four of us, gal brought one beer we ordered and thus ordered wings. I asked her if they could add just one xxx wing. Asked if she ever tried the xxx hot and she said she does not do hot food. I simply said OH, your asian and I thought Asians liked spicy. She said not me and walked toward the kitchen. Before we knew it the manager told us to get out! They booted us out! He said my remark was a racial slur. Oh my god, rant we getting touchy. They may have good food but that incident was way out of line. I was kind to give one star.
(1)Karolina S.
Jake Melnick's is a great place to go eat if you're shopping downtown. Its around the corner from the magnificent mile and has lots of seating. Their wings are the BOMB. Our favorite are wings tossed in both poncho sauce and firecracker sauce. The combo is not on the menu but if you ask your server then they can have them customized for you. They have a nice beer selection and the service is quick. This is our go-to when were shopping the mag mile or Oak street.
(4)Carlos P.
Decided to test my manhood and ate their XXX wings. Was in a weird state between pain and pleasure. I think I passed the test, well the stupidity test at least.
(4)Yasmina C.
Had such a nice time here! Fun and lively environment great for all ages. Our server Jana (pronounced Yana) had a lot of knowledge about everything on the menu including all the beers on tap! We had the Mac Daddy Mac and cheese (HIGHLY suggest that) and the wood-grilled artichoke! SUPER delicious. If you are ever in downtown Chicago, you have to make a stop here at Jakes!
(5)John C.
Excellent wings! Our waiter was right on to recommend the combo. Eight wings total, we went with the mild buffalo and ponchos. Ponchos are rich with flavor, have a nice char flavor that you can only get from grilling. Buffalo went on the spot, rich and tangy. Oven cut fries brought me back to my days of living with mom and dad---can't beat crispy hand cut fries. The crispy pieces explode in your mouth. Finally, jalapeño Mac and Cheese was very good, especially with the panko topping nice and crispy! Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(5)Adam J.
Excellent food. Too many hipsters. Decent evironment. Says its a "official blackhawks bar" .... dont go here for a hawks game, might run into a few hawks fans but not many.
(3)Diva G.
I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed with my food. I tried the superhot, spicy and medium wings. The superhot is just that, SUPERHOT, but not so hot that you can't taste the flavors/spices of the chicken. I loooove spicy foods- the hotter, the better, but I must warn you because most people who THINK they can handle superhot will not be able to eat more than 1 or 2 wings. I think my unfavorable review of the wings is more of a personal preference versus bad food. I loooove FRIED wings, NOT baked or grilled. Even though the server stated they are fried, the appearance and texture is definitely more baked/grilled. If you are looking for crispy wings, this is not your place. I also had an order of the onion rings, which were inedible. YUCK! They were overcooked in what tasted like old grease then dumped into a basket and served to me in a pool of grease. That order should've NEVER left the kitchen! When the server inquired if everything was okay, I mentioned my disappointment that the onion rings were overcooked and served in a pool of grease and the wings were definitely not crispy. She apologized and offered to bring fresh onion rings and even offered to put in a new order of wings to make them crispy, which I politely declined. I did eat a few of the wings and was no longer hungry at that point. The manager came to our table to apologize, address the issues and offered to prepare something else from the menu. I still declined, but I did appreciate her sincerity and excellent customer service skills trying to resolve the issue!!! GREAT customer service goes a loooooong way...
(2)Jeana C.
Great chilled spot! Our server was great and food was delicious! We got the XXX wings, Ponchos wings and the BBQ platter. All were great! $5 Bloody Mary's on Saturdays!
(5)Joe I.
After wondering aimlessly from place to place with nothing sounding "good" to me at the moment, I decided to give this place a try. (And yes, I Yelped it before walking in!). It looked "gritty" from the outside but not in a bad way. "Neighborhood-y", casual, comforting. LOL. Upon entering, the same. It was like bar meets restaurant meets diner. Service was great, food (NOT HEALTHY) was just what I needed at the time. Burgers 'n beer. Splurged and broke from Paleo and had the Jalapeno mac 'n cheese in addition to my burger (without a bun). A-MAZE-ING. This place was fun. The food was comforting and tasty. A definite thumbs up.
(4)Lauren P.
We went here on a Sunday night, during the Packers - Seahawks game... Absolutely slammed. We got to the bar and grabbed two seats. My boyfriend had amazing beer, the service was super friendly (even to the tourists), and the food was so good! The bartenders didn't have a moment of spare time, but you certainly didn't wait for a drink or service. Impressive.
(5)Margaret A.
Had the PB and J wings for an appatizer they were amazing! And for my entree I had the portobello reuben sandwich. It was okay and definitely different. I would probably would try something else next time. But overall the atmosphere is nice and they have a lot to choose from. Would recommend!
(4)Stephen K.
Huge portions on the chicken tenders and bbq chicken was excellent. Service was fast & great.
(4)Cynthia R.
I wish I could do a 1/2 star, because I'd give them 2.5....but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give 3 instead of 2 based on service. This was our first time here and our server (her name escapes me), but she was pretty fantastic. It was a beautiful autumn Friday evening. We didn't have to wait very long for a perfect table outside. Our server was very vocal and enthusiastic about the menu and specials. We had quite a few questions and she had an answer for all of them. The food, on the other hand, was, well...meh. I mean, it was ok...it definitely wasn't bad at all, but we've had burgers and wings from several places in Chicago that put Jake Melnick's to shame. If you're downtown and happen to be in the neighborhood, I guess it's an ok place to go, but I'll stick to my neighborhood spots and get GREAT food without the downtown price tag or hype.
(3)Stein M.
Came to jake's after we were told to have to wait 45 minutes for a pizza at giordanos. Reasonably priced and huge quantities. The beer selection is very good...loved the milk stout. Our server was really nice....he made recommendations for beers since everything on the menu there was local. All the recommendations were good.
(4)C P.
On the recommendation of the bartender, I ordered the wing sampler and added a side salad as well. The wings were ok, but not my style. They are huge and are more like baked drumsticks. Within 1 hour of leaving this place, I had horrific food poisoning, to the point where I had to go to the ER and get 2 prescriptions. Not sure if it was the salad or the wings, but either way, I won't be back.
(1)Bill T.
Do you remember the end of "Sixteen Candles"? Sam and Jake Ryan are sitting on the table with the birthday cake in between them and Jake says "Make a wish" and Sam says "It already came true"* Well, Jake Melnick's is my Jake Ryan. I made a wish....and it came true. I came here for one beer. One, I swear. But then I saw the beer menu and it was like that old potato chip commercial "you can't eat just one" or maybe the other one that says "once you pop you can't stop". And I made a wish that I could have more than one. Potato chip references aside, this is an awesome place. Once I saw Allagash Black on the menu, I was hooked. And then the New Belgium Trippel...and the Ommegang Witte. And so my wish came true. Plus the bartenders were both really nice and knowledgeable. They acknowledged everyone who came up to the bar and had great recommendations. I liked the rustic decor of the place. I only wish I'd been able to stay long enough to have some wings. I love you Jake Ryan, I mean Jake Melnick's. And thanks for getting my panties back. __________________________________________________Â_______ * the good part is at 2:16 metacafe.com/watch/11051…
(4)Jennifer M.
The food here is good. I went with a couple of my friends. We ordered the Fireside Wings, Artichoke Dip, and BBq Ribs. Everthing was very good. I would come back again to this place The service is good here.
(4)Kyle H.
Didn't even try the famous wings everyone talks about but the food was still delicious and I'd absolutely recommend. Cornbread muffins were great, the brisket was flavorful, and the salads were better than average. They also have a really good beer list. It was a little louder than I like it (just made conversation tough) but the outdoor side patio was great on a summer evening and the whole group I was with thoroughly enjoyed the night. Prices were good and service was cheerful - nothing like some of the negative reviews I read on yelp. We left full and happy.
(4)Mike D.
They always have great food and drink selection. But tonight they topped their service. We lost our home to a fire tonight, and the insurance put us in a hotel near there. We went there for some comfort food. Emily and Erin knew we were distressed and took really good care of us. They have great food, but really care about people. Eat here! Thanks Emily and Erin.
(5)G I.
The wings and beers are great. While the prices are a little high for the style of restaurant, the food and atmosphere make it worth the extra cost. Definitely try the bbq choices they have, especially the nachos with pulled pork.
(4)Jason P.
Pretty cool vibe. Great hot wings and good selection of craft beer. Would recommend going, seems like more of a local hangout with their regulars. Bar girl was attentive and friendly.
(4)H L.
Food is below average at best, the wings are not good. The drinks were great though. But worst part is, all 3 of us had stomach issues afterwards.
(1)Kristen W.
I was feeling really ballsy when I dragged my boyfriend in here to try the super hot wings (made with the 3rd hottest pepper in the world), knowing I can't tolerate that much heat we compromised and got half and half wings, 4 super hot and 4 buffalo (spicy). After I ate one super hot wing I thought I was seeing the light, I told everyone I thought I was having an allergic reaction. Haha, I wasnt. But I had never experienced that much spice before, so proceed with caution. I managed to eat two and pat myself on the back for a job well done. The spicy buffalo were great, one of the best buffalo wings I have ever had. They were packing heat, so I didnt even need to try the super hot. Just wish my mouth was burning and melting off so I could nejoy the rest of the spicy buffalo wings. I will be bak for more buffalo wings, but will be steering clear of the super hot! YOu should try them though!
(4)Shirley H.
I'm alright with handling spicy food, but those Super Hot wings were no joke. I'm not even going to bother attempting the XXX wings. Our server warned us about the Super Hot and we thought we could handle it.. we're sorry that we didn't listen! By the way, those buffalo fries and fried pickles were fantastic.
(4)Glen H.
Service was good. Server gave us a lot of personal time. I did their hot wing challenge and that's a joke. Didn't even sweet. We were told 80% of the people beat the challenge. Basically it's not a challenge. it's just something to get people in the door. We order a few other things and lets just say fried food isn't there specialty.
(3)Tony R.
Place is awesome. The food is great for a burger and wing place. The service is fantastic. We live next door and the place is always busy. I chose Jakes for my bachelor party pre party and meal. They were awesome. Treated everyone for well. Until we got too rowdy then we were politely asked to leave, which we deserved. Place rocks!
(5)Gabrielle A.
Best wings I've ever had in Chicago. Nice laid back place to bring friends. Great atmosphere. Love the huge tables for large parties. I used to go here all the time in college! They have a good amount of craft beers on tap. My fav is the beef brisket, chicken sandwich, spicy wings, and fried pickles! Yum !!
(5)J M.
Had lobster macaroni and cheese and it was outstanding. The wings were fine, but not as good as I had heard. Beer list was good and the atmosphere was great.
(4)Kate K.
Standard bar food but they do it pretty well. This place is in kind of a deserted area of river north, so I end up eating here probably more than I would because it's the best bar/casual option for a couple blocks. Good nachos, chicken tenders and barbecue sandwiches. I'm not a huge wing fan but I've heard good things. Also great for delivery.
(3)Michelle F.
Raise your hand if you were here twice in less than two weeks ::Raises hand proudly:: I'm not even ashamed. Maybe I should be considering I live about an hour away, but I'm not. I'm not even ashamed that I was a hot BBQ-y mess when I left, either. So take THAT! My friend was visiting the city, and I was on my way home from Indiana. It only made sense for us to meet in the city, and he happened to know exactly where this was, so it was a win all around. I got to overindulge in BBQ, and he got to not get lost in the city. WIN WIN. This time, I skipped the alcohol (it was 11 am, after all, and this classy beyotch waits until noon!) but I got a LOT of food. I did the "pick three" meats for $18 and added on a skillet corn bread. I chose the ribs, the pulled pork, and the BBQ chicken. The fries that come with the meal are AMAZING, btw! They're supposed to be a side, but I can see how people can add on some ingredients and make them their meal! My corn bread skilled ($5) was pretty good, but it had a HUGE thing of butter on it. Now don't get me wrong, I like a nice pat of butter as much as the next guy, but this was literally a hockey puck of butter. The meats were really good, though. very tender and fall-of-the-bone. The taste of the BBQ sauce was delicious, too. I was dipping my corn bread into it, too :) So it was a little pricey for just lunch, but it was definitely worth it!!
(4)Christopher K.
On a business trip from South Florida, I stumbled upon this place using Yelp and on the lookout for wings. These, by far, are the best wings I've ever had. And, they have a buffalo fry appetizer with their wing sauce covering the fries. Great service, great price, food is hot and quick out of the kitchen. If I'm ever in Chicago again, I will eat here everyday.
(5)Brian L.
This place is pretty decent. Don't care for the location, but the food I thought was pretty good. On par with Red Hot & Blue back home in DC. I thought I would be a tough guy and try the XXX wings (by the way there is no "contest" for it anymore, you just eat the wings or not at your leisure)... so upon first tasting them I actually thought, "wow, these have a nice crispy outside and the sauce is actually really nice." yes, it did feel a bit spicy at this point, but the plot thickens. I also ordered a platter with ribs and pulled pork. Both I thought were excellent. My friend also got ribs and we both agreed the sauce was really really good and itself had a tiny bit of kick to it. We also like it when it's a nice medium of off the bone and stick to the ribs... it was just enough to be able to gnaw at, but not slipping off the bone as if it were some boneless concoction. I'd eat from my platter after a wing or two. As the spiciness started to increase, that is it started to build on me, my tongue and lips lost sensation. I didn't reach for water uncontrollably, but it was definitely starting to bring me a bit of the teary eyes and sweat. Of eight wings, I finished four of them. My buddy's fiancee tried a dab of it on her finger and that was over the top for her, so I guess my tolerance is ridiculous. It wasn't until we paid and walked back outside that the pain actually kicked in. We got about three blocks when I realized things occurring within my stomach were not natural and probably not unlike drinking acid. This is the same pain I experienced when I took a bite out of a Bhut Jolokia two years ago. Didn't think that pain would ever return. I can only describe it as a not quite you have to use the bathroom to poop or puke, but just an eroding of all your vital innards. I had to stop and lean against a planter for about 5-10 minutes as my friend got me a milk chug... which seemed to help a little. I sweat pretty profusely for this time and really felt as though I may have actually visited another planet. In sum: food is great, but the XXX wings will send you to the gates of Dis.
(4)Grace C.
I tried their hamburger. it was very hearty. it had two layers of cheese bread, egg and the main meat. they offer sweet potato fries with extra dollar. I couldn't finish the dish, so had to bring the half home.
(3)Jason F.
If you live in River North, Jake's is the perfect place to take your out of town friends to watch the game and eat some really good wings. The wing of the month is always your best option. Great beer selection and if you need advice on what to choose they're very knowledgeable and will help you out. DO NOT let your friends order chicken fingers! I can't believe every time I go there I see someone ordering them, it makes me cringe. It screams clueless out of towner. Special game that your out of town friends need to watch? They're more than happy to put it on...even if they want to watch the Red Wings.
(4)Amelia B.
It's always hot and stuffy in here. The service is always hit or miss. And for whatever reason, it's always packed. Lots of TVs? Close to Michigan Ave and overrun by tourists? Large tables to accommodate huge groups that linger forever? Probably a combination of all three. But there is the March Madness burger. And the ghost pepper wings, which are highly entertaining in and of themselves (hell no, I would never do such a thing...but my friends will!) So Jake Melnick's, serving up schadenfreude, does just fine.
(3)Molly C.
Went last night to catch the Bulls & Blackhawks game. It's was pretty busy for a Wednesday night. We got a table right away and our server greeted us promptly. We put in an order for 2 sides of wings and the garlic Parmesan fries. The wings were awesome! Jumbo buffalo wings with lots of meat on the bone and super crispy. The sauce was delicious too. The fries were addicting. Our service could have been better. When we received our food we had to wait about 5 minutes for them to bring us plates. Our server could have been more friendly and smiled more. Overall, I'm a fan.
(3)Christopher M.
So here's the deal with Jake's ... you can either have a 1 star experience or a 5 star experience, hence me giving them 3 stars. What does a 1 star experience look like? Not getting a beer or wings or BBQ. These are a must. After this they don't have much. What does a 5 star experience look like? Getting beers and wings and BBQ. Their beer list is fantastic ... some hard to find gems as well as many great standbys. In the River North area they really do have the best beer list. Their BBQ is excellent - love the ribs. Their wings, as most have said, are very good. After that? Nothing great. Stick to the plan. Beer. Wings. BBQ.
(3)Angie C.
Came to drink and watch the football game. Lots of people and lots of energy. Multiple games playing . Drinks were very good. Our server Jana (pronounced with a "y". Yana ) was on the ball! Appetizers were tasty . We tried the "Mac Daddy" Mac and cheese and wood grilled artichoke. Both delicious!
(4)Abby C.
Went for the wings after hearing several people rave about them. Easy to see why! The wings are good sized with plenty of chicken on them, with 8 per order. I did the combo of buffalo and poncho. Poncho is a very subtle, backyard BBQ kind of seasoning, but their buffalo was very good. If you get anything here, get the Parmesan garlic fries and set yourself free. They're a little on the soggy side (in a good way) and have the perfect amount of garlic, not overbearing, with lots of Parmesan sprinkled on them. Paired with the ranch dressing for dipping, they are a unstoppable force. Very friendly, knowledgable bartenders as well!
(4)Jack P.
Walked the streets of streeterville and came across this place. Specials of the day were rum punch and madness burger which was a juicy burger in between two grilled cheese sandwiches. We got both specials. They were awesome. Burger deserves the most accolades. A bit large to pickup and eat but the grilled cheese was an awesome idea. Come here for games or just for good happy hour specials!
(5)Anne Marie C.
I can't say enough good things about this place. It was delicious, the service was great, and the prices were fair. Huge portions! Definitely couldn't finish my entire sandwich in one sitting. Also, had the elixir drink with cucumber water, pickle juice and chili pepper vodka - give it a try, much better than you'd expect!
(5)Jenny S.
The wings were good, especially the Poncho (which were spicy garlic), but otherwise, I wasn't too impressed by their wings. As a wing conosseuir on football Sundays, as far as wing places go, this one was slightly overpriced given the number of wings you received per order (8) and the overall taste. They had a pretty extensive beer menu and are a great place to go if you like Left Hand brewery. Also, I'd recommend the Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts. It was delicious!
(3)Elaine M.
My husband, over 21 year old son and I went here for the first time on Saturday during football playoffs. The moment we walked in I was in love. I think this might be the most inviting sports bar I have ever been in. Of course, tons of tvs everywhere and lots of warm and cozy wood. The whole atmosphere welcomes you in and invites you to sit down, stay a while and indulge in some "not good for you" indulgent football food. The highlight in the food department here are the choice of wings. Upon our servers recommendation I went for the firecracker wings - Sweet Thai Chili & Sriracha. They were very good, sweet with just an underscore of spiciness. Right up my husbands alley! In the end though I am more of a traditionalist. Our son had the medium spicy traditional buffalo wings and they were absolutely perfect for my taste! The husband had the BBQ Triple Play Combo - 1/3 slab ribs, pulled pork, slow-smoked & beef brisket. I though the sauce was very good, a Texas style one - really smoky. I didn't much care for the rib though. It was way over cooked, hard and chewy. Then for our son with the hollow leg he had a trio of sliders. They were fantastic but could have used a pickle on each to balance out the palate. Both the BBQ trio and the sliders were served with fries which were also really good. If they aren't hand cut then they make a good show if it. We loved that they left the skins on for that extra potato flavor punch. Service here was friendly and we have no complaints what so ever.
(4)Eric C.
5 stars would be having the last super with Jesus, that said this place brags that they have "the best wings" and they truly do! "pancho" wings..smokey,and flavorful..just the right amount of heat. the staff is very cool , friendly , professional, and attentive. especially Cythia,Ivon,and lisha. I was Visiting from New York and so glad i found this place.
(4)Brandon M.
Wings are great and the beer selection is out of this world. I was here off peak, but the bar staff was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)Jheri B.
I give it more a 3.5. The food overall is mad produced like something from a Chilis. Not outstanding but more than just edible. The BF had a BBQ sandwich. Why when we are from KC? Idk. The artichoke dip was possibly the worst I ever had which made me start to worry. Then I got my wings. Firecracker wings. A Thai style bone in crispy delight. Seriously, so good. Our waiter was very good for how clearly overworked he was. I merely had to mention the dip was no good at all and he took it off the bill. He checked in a bunch, not pushy, and friendly. The real highlight here though is the multitude of beers. Particularly for being out of towners, I like to try local and they had local and more. So if you make it this way I recommend sticking to the booze, ordering the wings and enjoy your friendly server, Alonzo!
(4)Katelyn S.
YUM!! I had never had fried pickles before but I crave them on a regular basis now! Everything we have tried so far has been great! They usually have a Mac n' cheese dish that changes monthly. My gosh it's always amazing! The environment is fun too.
(5)Suzanne H.
Know what to expect & you won't be disappointed. We were looking for a "sports bar" to stop in and watch the NCAA Elite 8 games, have a drink & eat some food. It had all of those...game, beer, food. There is an extensive, obscure beer selection. PROBLEM, the $9 (8 oz) beer was served in a hot glass fresh from the dishwasher. The food was average, at best (we had BBQ pizza, burger, brisket sandwich). Do NOT opt for the sweet potato fries...Ore-Ida, ick. The regular fries were GREAT. Deep fried pickles were greasy and very salty. I can ignore average food if the service is good...it wasn't. Our server was friendly, but we only saw her twice...order & pay.
(2)Sally C.
Comfortable. Casual. Atmosphere and Food. I'd go back. Great service. Exactly as you'd expect.
(3)Robert U.
This is a fun little spot. It's warm and woody inside. They've got some great local brews on tap. I had a vanilla stout that was excellent. They've got the usual bar/pub food, and it's all pretty good. Their wings are not quite as hot as I'd prefer, but are pretty good. The fries are excellent.
(4)Laura H.
Fun stop on a day of COLD shopping over New Years in Downtown Chicago. The red wine was tasty and my boyfriend loved his beer. :) We stopped on NYE mid day around 2ish and it was jammed. Snagged a seat at the bar and the bathroom was clean too. Good place to stop.
(3)Chrissy F.
The wings live up to their reputation. I had the firecracker wings and they were a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy, my brother made it on their 'wall of flame' by finishing their xxx wings that he enjoyed thoroughly. My husband had the smoked brisket and he liked it too. The kids had the mac and cheese and it was better than the usual. Pretty good beer list too!
(4)Magen R.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would, but I can't so it gets 3. I met two friends here on Easter for a little bit of day drinking. I chose Jake Melnick's because it was close to where they were at and because they have $5 Bloody Mary's on Sundays! I was really surprised a spot in such a busy area would have $5 Bloody Mary's but they did so we went. I started off with the XXX Bloody Mary (their spicy version) was not impressed at all. The tomato juice was way too thick and it was not "XXX" spicy by any stretch of the imagination. For my second drink I chose their standard Bloody Mary and was very impressed. It was not too thick and had a delicious salt and pepper rim. The second one definitely redeemed Jake Melnick's for me and was worth the $5. It's also worth noting that they'll give you a 7 ounce mini Miller Lite for just a $1 extra with your Bloody Mary, definitely worth it! My friends ordered beers and vodka sodas so not much to comment on there, they were definitely affordably priced though. Everyone had already eaten lunch prior to arriving but I was a bit hungry so I decided to go for a light appetizer. I ordered the BBQ Chips that came with blue cheese and scallions. They were really yummy and the portion was HUGE. Definitely worth what I paid for and had a unique, delicious flavor. I was disappointed not to order a meal at Jake Melnick's because the places smells heavenly and all of the food I saw being delivered to near by tables looked outstanding. The service is also very, very good at Jake Melnick's. Despite it being fairly crowded our waitress was a constant fixture at our table and we never had to wait long for a drink. The ambiance is fun and rowdy, definitely the type of place you can chill out to watch a game with a few beers and some good grub. I will say it is a little too touristy for my tastes which is why I generally avoid that area all together, but If I'm back in the area I'll definitely stop by Jake Melnick's and maybe even bump this up to 4 stars!
(3)Patrick J.
Soggy wings with ok flavor and they are regular size not jumbo as they say and the service is ok but only when it's slow needless to say I will never be coming back
(1)Jenn M.
We passed by here on a cold evening and it looked very welcoming. So glad we did! - brisket was awesome, tender, flavorful - coleslaw was yum - got a Caesar salad for a side and it was good, and enormous - they had a great list of ciders but I think that was to support CiderCon, however, they support local ciders and have some good ones one the list every other week Good stop!!
(4)Daniel L.
Living in River North, I've been to Jake's many times and it's one of my favorites. You can't go wrong with any of their BBQ or burgers, and their wings and ribs are delicious. I'd also definitely recommend their sweet potato fries. The portions here are pretty big and they've got a great beer menu too. Great place to take friends or family from out of town.
(5)Rachel W.
YUM! Love the food here. Such a cozy environment and great for big groups as well. One of my favorite spots. The bbq brisket sandwich is amazing and the portions are generous. Definitely try it out! Very low-key and affordable restaurant considering the location!
(5)Sharyn M.
Mother's Day included a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and a promising supper choice. I felt such a craving for good crisp saucy Wings and so of course dug into my Yelp! and discovered Jake Melnick's Corner Tap.. A two block walk from home and a mouth watering anticipation. I was not led astray by the high starred reviews. My son, who was treating of course, and I, opted for an outdoor covered seating area, which housed picnic tables in a cozy setting. We thought it would be fun to indulge in beverages and morsels while the storms rolled in. Brooke our server was sincerely wonderful. A great greeting and attentive manner throughout the experience. She arrived not even 5 minutes into our seating and was quick to answer inquiries on Jakes "on tap" cocktails and was a good sell on several selections. My Mothers Day treat of a Top Shelf Long Island (not on tap) was created with expertise. Nicely balanced, not too sour or sweet and just the right acid. Our wing choices for the evening were the Poncho/Buffalo combo, the Poncho being a wood fired grilled, rubbed with a garlic cayenne spice , and the Buffalo, nicely crisp spicy saucy decadence. and the Firecracker, Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha. These were amazing. They were ALL magnificent. Other menu choices ( crab mac and cheese, brisket, ribs) looked enticing but we did not want to over fill. The storms came in as we dined , drank , laughed and had a great Sunday. I do rate Jakes as being a place to kick back and just enjoy. A very positive experience.
(4)Lola B.
Great place for some classic American flare. Went in for lunch on a Wednesday so it wasn't very crowded. I was dining alone so I sat at the bar. The bartender greeted me right away, introduced herself, and handed me a beer menu as well as food. She was super helpful in helping me select a beer I loved. This place is known for wings, but I opted for the Smoked Turkey and Blueberry Jam sandwich. It was awesome. The fries were crisp and tasty as well. Overall, great food with great service all wrapped up in a great location. Check it out!
(5)Jason B.
This place has great food. I don't know why it is never packed. Every time I've been, I've gotten good service and been happy with my food. I tend to get the BBQ or a burger. Portion sizes are good and the prices are reasonable. They have a solid beer selection as well. We like to take family here when they are in town.
(4)Derek H.
Food is so, so. Great atmosphere clean and nice. A lot of draft beers on tap. Service was good, but they need to improve on the food.
(3)Robert C.
This place is a blast! My girlfriend and I come to Chicago only once a year- and this is always are go-to place. Nice beer selection, delicious food, and genuinely nice people working there!! So refreshing. We love the grilled artichoke and their chicken wings (they're saucy yet still crispy?! Perfection.) In an area over- saturated in crappy chain restaurants , this place and it's staff, is a real gem.
(5)Sarita B.
I was not excited to "waste" a meal here in my attempt to eat my way through Chicago one weekend, but I was happily proven wrong. The menu is a lot of bar food, so I asked the server for help, she said they're known for their in house smoked meats. I ordered the pulled pork slider trio and upgraded the fries to Parmesan garlic fries. The sliders were tender and amazing, my favorite had a great spicy-sweet sauce with slaw, really nice kick to the sauce, with an almost Asian flair. The second was good, but just plain BBQ sauce. The third had a great curried honey mustard sauce, very unexpected. But those fries, though! Oh.my .god. Always get the garlic Parmesan fries. Freshly cut fries, nice and crisp, good fresh garlic flavor, and a Parmesan ranch type dip. It was me versus my table for those fries. My only regret is letting the server sway me from the pan fried cornbread to the mac and cheese, it was just okay, but my portions were too large to need a side anyway, so I shared.
(5)Jennifer F.
Excellent go to place for games or "just because." Plenty of TVs everywhere, not just the bar area. Good beer selection. Good food. Good service.
(5)Celina B.
Yay! I'm a fan. Just not of the wing prices.... We tried going to Cobra Lounge as we heard they have killer wings- but they were sold out. of wings. on a friday night. BOGUS! Straight to google and Yelp! to find Chicago's #1 wings which were at Jake Melnick's. There was no wait at all which was incredible. This place is BIG and has outdoor seating where you can bring your leashed pup. There's a big bar area and a bunch of tables eeeeeverywhere! Our waiter was really awesome! Down to earth, funny, and very helpful with our decision making. My boyfriend said he'd party with him. I think it's because they talked about tattoos... Anyways- Their wings come in portions of 8 and you can mix and match 4 and 4. I got the mild and panchos. Panchos are garlic and cayenne! They're grilled and so delicious!! The mild burned my lips. Not so bad going down, but hot damn were my lips on fire. My boyfriend had gotten the spicy ones and a little more spicier set as well. At one point there was an actual tear in his eye. His lips were on fire for quite some time as well. But he liked them. Now what I'm going to tell you is VERY important... GET THE GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES AND BRING GUM, TOOTHPASTE, AND MOUTHWASH. The garlic lingered til the next day! But they were so damn good. My only "complaint" is we got the shit end of the fry batch and they were barely longer than my finger nail. Still delicious. At one point our server apologized for the drink delay, but someone was complaining about the prices and it involved the bartender and a manager, so he couldn't get the drinks. I really didn't think it took that long to get the drinks so it didn't bother me. We all made jokes about how they should have looked at the menu prices before ordering. Then we got our bill. $12 for 8 wings. DAFUQ?! Maybe WE should have looked at the prices before ordering!! All in all, we had fun, and we enjoyed the food! My 4 stars is because of the price and because I've had better wings that are my #1 fave still. Sorry Jake.
(4)Christine S.
Jake Melnick's is a large sports bar... I love sports bars...like I, really love them. Tons of TV's. Lot's of different games on. Lots of action everywhere. Big crowds getting into the game of their choice. Great beer specials. ETC. What's not to love? But ehhhhhh, this might not be a sports bar for me. I ended up having a Cobb Salad for dinner (Romaine & iceberg lettuce, avocado, egg, red onions, blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon & chicken tossed in a tomato vinaigrette). The tomato vinaigrette is delicious. It's tangy, sour [in a good way]. Pretty good salad overall. They have a pretty decent beer list. beermenus.com/places/122… and some good specials throughout the week. The staff is super nice... I'm just not feeling Jakes yet... but I'll be back, I've gotta try the wings cause I hear they are fantastic!
(3)Bryson H.
Good selection of beers and drinks -- they have cider! I love cider! I ordered some wings. As a connoisseur of wings, their menu taunted me with tales of year-after-year wins in best wings competitions. I decided to order their Firecracker wings, and their XXX wings. A word to the wise on the XXX wings: they are made with ghost peppers! Ghost peppers are hot. Extremely hot. In fact, they're the hottest peppers on the planet. I've had ghost pepper wings before and they destroyed me. (But I did finish the whole order.) The waiter informed me that instead of the half/half order of Firecracker and XXX, he could bring me just a single XXX wing instead. I'm not here to prove anything to anybody, just to see what all the fuss is about; I took him up on that offer. The Firecracker wings are not good. They're breaded, the outside is kind of mushy, and the flavor is best described as identical to Panda Express Orange Chicken if you added a hint of cayenne pepper. They're not hot at all, they've got a lot of sweet to them, and just taste like Orange Chicken. Which is to say crappy, sweet, and artificial. I can't believe these have ever won an award for anything, let alone best wings in Chicago. The XXX wings, however, are delicious. Did a single wing destroy me? It certainly did. But under all that heat they've done it right and there's a lot of really good flavor. A nice smokey depth and the chicken itself was pretty good. If I was in the mood for some it-hurts-so-good masochistic chicken wings, I'd come here for sure. The cider I ordered was also delicious. I can't recall which one it was, but they offered two when I was there, and I picked the less-dry of the two. Would definitely drink this again as well.
(3)Laura D.
The firecracker wings are amazing!!! its literally wing heaven. only comparable to Quaker steak n lube from Pittsburgh. The prices are a little steep for wings tho. The deserts are awesome too, had the chocolate chip cookie skillet sundae it was delightful.
(5)Leonard F.
Great selection of beer to go with a lively atmosphere. Menu includes many favorites such as huge burgers and wings along with good barbecue choices. The fries are excellent. Friendly wait staff and reasonable prices make this an excellent choice only a few blocks from the Michigan Ave shping district,
(4)Daniel N.
Fantastic! I am loving this place although I've only been here twice. There is a reason why the wings have been voted Best Of for three years running. The first time I ate here I had the "super hot" wings, which is one step below their "XXX" wings which I hear you have to sign a waiver to eat and are made of ghost peppers. I'll admit, I am one of those "macho" types who feel that I feel no burn so I ordered the super hot thinking, "bring it". Half way thru the 8 wings, I had to stop, go to the bathroom and wash my face as it was on fire. The second time, I just ordered the spicy wings. The sauce is very tasty, not just a flame in your mouth. There is actually a lot of flavor to them. They are also very meaty which makes them filling as well. My fiance got the buffalo chicken sandwich which also looked tasty and to her, were at the the right spice. We also split a baket of garlic fries - we could tell the fires had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while and just "tossed" to order. The bad things about this place is that they are kind of pricey. Not the wings or the sandwich but everything else was pricey. For example, the "spicy" were not actually that hot so I ordered a side of "super spicy" and was charged $1.95! For a little side of dipping sauce! At $7.50, the pilsner, albeit delicious, was pricey. On Mondays you can "flip" a coin for either a free appetizer or 15% off your total bill so that helps a little bit! I'll be back for the wings! I may even "man" up and try for the Wall of Flame!
(4)Odranre B.
good portion...good food...reasonable prices...cornbread, mac and cheese, briskets are darn great!
(4)Francis C.
I tried this place the other night... Wow... I really liked it... I wanted to try their. Xxx hot wings. So I ordered some "pumpkin beer" at the bar. Some off-duty waitor from another restaurant laughed and looked at me funny. So I told him to give Frankenstein his face back, and I went about my buisiness... Fugly... The 3 orders of xxx wings were really good. So I had 3 more orders. I really enjoyed them and even broke a sweat. But they were not as spicy I thought, at least going in. ...........At some point in the night I lost control of my bowels and woke up to the horse head scene from the Godfather. Yes I was screaming... But it was worth it, maybe not to my dry cleaner, but it was a special night for me... Note to restaurant: maybe you should change the name to FIRE DOWN BELOW!!!!
(5)Ben L.
When I walked in I was greeted immediately I sat down at the bar has a drink and a menu with 2 minutes if not less the bartender asked me my name and remembered it. Wings where great different then I usually get and they came out about 4-10 minutes after ordering them sizzling hot and good to go. Great service is a rare review I give these days and they have that in spades
(5)Jay N.
Friendly bar staff. Good bar food. Large number of beers to choose from some of which are off the beaten path. Recommend the wings and BBQ. Both are served quickly and taste great. Plenty of TVs to watch a game. I stop here many times when I'm in Chicago for work, don't have plans, and just want to relax and watch a game. Has several communal tables which is a good way to meet new people.
(4)Bonna M.
It was a busy Saturday afternoon on Michigan avenue, lots of shopping and lots of people. We all had to stop to rest our feet, grab a bite to eat and a beer (or two, or three) to drink. I'd heard that Jake Melnicks has great wings and wasn't far so we hoofed it down to the restaurant. When we walked in there were quite a few people waiting. Their waiting area definitely leaves something to be desired because it isn't very big and is right in the middle of the action. However, the hostesses were super friendly and promised to get our group of 9 seated within 20 to 30 minutes. We were happy to grab a beer and wait. Their beer list is absolutely phenomenal. We ordered an Off Color Brewing beer of some sort and weren't disappointed at all (although it was $9). After about 20 minutes they sat us at a corner high top table out of the fray. Our server showed up at our table about 2 minutes later and took our drink orders. He also gave us some information about the wings and their menu. My daughter, husband and I shared their Poncho, Firecracker and Buffalo wings. We all really liked the Firecracker but thought the medium buffalo were good but not great. However, we LOVED their buffalo fries!! Everything was good, I would definitely return.
(4)Mandy F.
I live close by, and Melnicks is a solid option in the neighborhood. The wings are great! Same with chicken tenders. Burger of the month is also a welcome addition. Occasionally the service is slow and they frequently forget an item for takeout. If the service were more reliable and the prices a bit lower, Melnick's would be hard to beat.
(3)Dan E.
We came here for drinks the other night and ended up staying for dinner, because the sky absolutely opened up and it didn't make any sense to leave. I was also hooked in by the "Best Wings" in Chicago three years straight advertisement. We started at the bar to have some beers. Beer selection here is very good - easily 25+ but they had a ton of stuff I'd never heard of. I was recommended a beer that I did not like, but then I just switched over to good ol' Sam Adams. Be warned, beer prices are steep here. About $7+ for a beer - ouch. Instead of eating at the bar, we opted for a table in the dining room. They offer a pretty nice BBQ menu which I was a little surprised to see, because the name Jake Melnick's Corner Tap does not make me think of BBQ. The place was also very nice inside. Our waiter throughout the meal was very friendly and provided some good service. I am a 'uge Buffalo Wing fan. I absolutely love Buffalo Wings. We started out with an order of the Spicy Buffalo Wings. When the wings came out, I was pumped. They were breaded - just the way I like them. In my opinion, breaded wings are much better than non-breaded. The blue cheese was incredibly average, though. This place could make the entire wing experience so much better by just upgrading their blue cheese. It was the typical runny dressing kind. Celery was nice and crisp. Overall, the wings were very good and I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for some solid wings. Here's what I didn't like about the wings - the price. I am fundamentally opposed to places that charge more than $1/wing. At Jake's, you pay $11 for only 8 wings. The wings are great, but I feel like that's steep. As for our meals, my wife had the "garbage" salad and I had the Cobb salad. The cobb salad was pretty good - it was chopped which was a nice touch but it wasn't anything over the top spectacular. It was a decent sized salad and I did enjoy the dressing that it came with. The menu said that it was a tomato vinaigrette. I liked it. I didn't try any of my wife's salad, but it actually looked pretty similar to the Cobb salad. She enjoyed it. So...I liked Jake Melnick's. By no means was it the best meal I've ever had but it did the trick. I liked the wings and the beer selection and the salads were decent. If I come back another time, I'm definitely going to try one of their more traditional BBQ dishes.
(3)Dan L.
This place is great for wings, craft beer, sports, or just to eat. It's a fantastic find! I hope I'm not alone in praising this place. It did catch me by surprise how good everything was here, since the reason I went here in the first place was because we were hungry and it was just around the corner...pretty much the first restaurant we saw. When I first went to Jake's a few years ago, we were eating our food while one of the waiters starts changing the channel on one of the TV's and says, "I think we're on the travel channel right now." Sure enough, they aired a spot on a show about Jake's wings...which actually are phenomenal. Wings: For a first timer, get the firecracker. They're not too spicy and have the best flavor in my opinion. Also be on the lookout for their wings of the month which can sometimes be interesting. Beer: They have all different sorts of beer, from Surly to Stone. They'll usually have a pick of the month if you can't decide. Ask for a beer book to peruse the selection. Food: Beware, you are going to get A LOT of food, no matter what you order. Even if you "just want a salad," prepare for the mount kilimanjaro of salads - no joke. The selection consists mostly of your typical pub fare with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and plenty of bbq. I love that the dishes are so large, and I haven't really had anything bad here yet Sports: I've gone here once on game day, and it was packed. However, I asked to put me on the waitlist for a seat in front of the packer game, and within 15 minutes I had one of the greatest views in the house. They seem to be very accomodating for sports fans.
(5)Steve A.
Think I was spot on before about his place. Attempted it again with more than most the tables outside free and apparently it was still a 30 minute wait. Think the staff working at the guest reception are looking to seat as few people as possible, comes across lazy, didn't eat here in the end after the obvious zero effort to accommodate all 2 of us
(1)Emily B.
If you love wings and haven't been to Jakes then you have been missing out! Fun restaurant/game bar. I highly recommend their special firecracker sauces. Yummy! Oh and don't forget the Mac and cheese!
(5)Laura H.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant. GET THE WINGS-- best in the world. (Hint: get the firecracker wings--the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy!). My entire family is obsessed!!
(5)Michael J.
Ordered Jake's famous 17-hour smoked brisket sandwich. Sure glad I didn't get the platter because it was dry as a bone. And had to ask for a glass of water.
(2)Nga Yi N.
First time came here disappointed got the buffalo wings, not very tasty at all. Gave it a chance again,disappointed again with their most popular fire crackers wings,I have no idea how this place got voted for best wings in town lol??!!
(1)Ashly G.
Good fish sandwich! Good service. Reasonable prices.
(4)GL H.
Great place. Wings are terrific, beer is ice cold on a hot and humid day and Yvonna at the bar was a delight. Superb.
(5)Daniel G.
Looks like a fun place. I sat at bar me had fish and chips. No drink though. I didn't care for the batter on the fish, but that was me not them. Nice people. Lots of tv's to watch favorite sporting event.
(5)Alex J.
The food is average.. Great place to watch people act crazy. The food isn't inexpensive.. When you leave..you'll smell like me bbq sauce
(3)Jonathan S.
This evening Jake Melnick's put some of the best chicken wings in front of me. My meal began with a simple house salad that was gigantic and anything but simple. The salad was just great. Followed by 1 Pancho and 1 Satay wing. Both wings were grilled and fabulous. Next up, Firecracker Wings..... Wow!!! They were so good. Incredible onion rings on the side. I have finally found my spot after 2 years being back in Chicago. The staff from Emily to Aurora to my server Yanna were so hospitable and welcoming. This was actually my first dinner out on my own since my most recent surgery and I was happy that I chose Jake's for this meal. I am so glad to have found this great spot in my neighborhood. The food, the staff, and fun environment made my Friday night out so much fun. ENJOY THOSE WINGS LIKE I DID! ~Jonathan
(5)Sam N.
As John Oliver might say "Swanky Texas" ( We are talking about Mexico today otherwise known as 'spicy canada') Good chance if you are here that you are a fan of twangy bbq sauce. Believe it or not this is a local haunt of people who like to go out and they live on the streeterville/river north/gold coast area borders. My favorite is the Asian Chicken salad with wontons. It is humongous. It is enough food for you to as k for it to go and eat it for the next meal. live athmosphere on Weekends
(5)Ryan R.
We decided to pitstop on here from our walk to Rush street. We saw the display for 'worlds hottest wings' and decided to get a Scooby snack. The beer selection is really nice. I had the hops 'flight' which consisted of 4 samplers of a hoppy beer fermented differently, I like the Bavarian the best for its clovey notes. We also ordered the XXX wings, on the premise they would be hot. We didn't expect much and have seen countless times the claim of 'hottest wings, and thought nothing of it. Well, we were wrong... First, the cool thing is they had a version of the XXX that were boneless. That certainly helped as we struggled for mercy. These wings are HOT.. They are crusted with ghost chili stuff and after finishing only one we were on fire, stealing chip fulls of sour cream to cool the flames. An hour later we were still hurting. Awesome! Staff is cool, but was a little slow because the place was packed and our server was training someone but definitely no biggy.
(4)Renaud S.
Just went randomly to this place after I realized that the Giordano's nearby way too crowded... and it was a great idea!!! Had their half chicken with BBQ sauce, that was absolutely delicious! Will definitely go back there to have it again; or try some other good food. Their sandwiches looked good as well, my friends had a couple of these. Good tap beer as well. And very friendly staff.
(4)Suzanne O.
Jake's is my go to place for wings and sports games in Chicago. It will get super crowded for football games, but they're great at accommodating everyone. One time I came to watch the Packer game, and there were like 3 other games going on at the same time, so when we checked in they asked us what game we wanted to watch. When we were seated, we were right by a TV with the Packers game. Great service! And this place obviously gets crowded for Blackhawks games. I was here for a few play off games, and the bar seats quickly filled up 45 minutes before game time. So just be ready to wait if you come in the middle of a busy game day. Every time I come here I get the same thing - the firecracker wings. They're so good that I can't get myself to get anything else. They're deep-fried first, so they're nice and crispy, and then they're smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce. These are not little chicken wings either - these are some nice, meaty wings. And from what I've seen, all the portions here are very generous. The beer menu here is pretty extensive, and they usually have a featured seasonal special. Prices are pretty comparable to other places in the city, with a pint at around $6-9.
(4)Lisa S.
I didn't think this place was anything special. We came here for drinks and a snack after a Northwestern game. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon. Our service was fast, but there were mistakes made. The buffalo fries were tasty. We ordered chicken wings. We asked for all drums, but only received two. We were also given ranch dressing instead of blue cheese, so our wings order was definitely screwed up, but they were still tasty. This place didn't exactly wow me.
(3)Kari H.
The Firecracker wings and Traditional Buffalo (medium spicy) are super delicious! The Sangria was yummy. The fries were delicious. The chocolate chip cookie on a skillet with ice cream and whipped cream was SO GOOD. Service is amazing. We had 2 different servers. They were attentive and seemed mindful of letting us take our time. It took a while for us to get our check - they only gave it to us when we asked for it. I wonder if it took a while to get our check because my Sangria was still half full and maybe they were waiting for me to finish it? I'm not sure, but the server recommended the chocolate chip cookie dessert and it was amazing. She wasn't pushy about it, either. I also like how the other server had a whole line of pens in his apron because it means he's prepared. When they refilled our water, they also placed a new lemon in it! We were quoted to have a 20-minute wait for outdoor seating but then got a text 5 minutes later that a seat was available. We were about 2 blocks away and walked all the way back only to find that we were offered an indoor table. However, someone else checked outdoor seating and it just so happened that an outdoor table was available, so we ended up sitting outside. I like that it was well-lit outside and the hanging string lights create a comfortable atmosphere. Outdoor tables are wooden. Hand wipes are on the table. Ketchup and mustard are on the table. I'd love to come back here again to get the wings, fries, and chocolate chip cookie dessert. Servers are super nice and patient so I'd come back for that as well. Hostess is accommodating and flexible.
(4)Kat G.
I truly enjoy coming to Jake Melnick's. It's a no frills bar slightly off of the touristy Michigan Avenue. They have many different wings here - I am not adventurous to try some of the wild ones such as the Thai PB&J. It always sounds interesting but I typically go for more traditional food. If you are "all about wings" this is your place and you would love their extensive options. I enjoy their wings - always have a nice texture to them, their cobb salad, and their Fish Sandwich or Fish and Chips are done well. Service is pretty good - though it can drag a little if you are there for a lunch break or are pressed for time. Since it's a bar and a little off the beaten path, many locals go to hangout there so I advise if you are pressed for time to let your waiter know upfront and they are accommodating to the best of their ability. Tips: -Ask for recommendations on the drink menu. They stock beers you wouldnt normally find elsewhere (and whatever has been recommended to me has been awesome) in addition to your drinks you'll find at most bars. So you get the best of both. -It will be busy, but worth it. -You'll be paying slightly more for food here but for Chicago and off of Michigan avenue, it's very respectable. -Ask about their 8 pound burger and I dare you to order it ;)
(4)Kaity K.
Jake Melnick's looks like a normal corner bar from the outside, but we were looking for somewhere to watch the Blackhawks game on a recent trip to Chicago and this was just the place! We liked it so much, we ended up coming back for drinks and appetizers the next day! It is absolutely huge inside compared to what it looks like from the street, which is good since everyone seemed to want to come watch the game here. We were pleasantly surprised with the food selection and quality from this corner bar as well. We tried a variety of their appetizers and loved the garlic fries... nicely seasoned but not over the top. The corn bread in skillets was divine as well! My personal favorite this was the macaroni and cheese... you could see the cheesey strands pulling from the fork when you went in for a bite. YUM! My sister ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and for some reason it came out much later than the rest of our food. The waiter was incredibly nice about it, giving her the meal for free and bringing out a DELICIOUS cookie in a skillet covered in ice cream for dessert. The beer selection is great, and I really liked the atmosphere. Great place to watch a game!
(4)Carmen P.
We were served by Alonzo he knew his menu and town! The wing assortment was perfect (a little bit of everything). Also had their local beer! We loved it!
(5)Lauren G.
Some good food some not so great food overall not a good atmosphere. The bar was cute though. It was wayyyy overcrowded when we went the wait was over an hour and a half. Okay maybe an hour 15 to be more precise. I could stand the wait to try out these famous wings I've been hearing about. Their fried pickles and corn bread are good, both really tasty. The wings itself are just way too big and really not even that great tasting. It was overall just okay. I would say better for a few drinks and some appetizers but you really have to go at an off night to avoid the crowd; If those even exist there that is.
(3)