Nisei Lounge
3439 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
Nisei Lounge Menu
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Address :
3439 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL, 60657 - Phone (773) 525-0557
- Website https://www.niseiloungechicago.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : Yes
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Angelica C.
Free pool and darts, cheap beer, and they allow you to bring in food-- doesn't get any better than that! My friends are regulars here and I sometimes tag along for a fun night. Walking distance from the Addison Red Line stop and always fun to people watch after the Cubs games. There is a jukebox and photo booth that you can plug money into. There are also a few board games, Jenga is always one of my favorites. Bathrooms here are relatively clean compared to most places! Oh and for the ladies, there are purse hooks on the counter walls, how awesome is that?! *** DON'T FORGET: TIP YOUR BARTENDERS WELL! ***
(5)Chris S.
The once great dive bar no has fallen. It used to be welcoming and friendly, now feels hipster and snobby. Staff were total pricks to our group who had been shooting pool for awhile no one was in there except us and we finally just left. If you are trying to have a nice relaxing time with your friends go elsewhere.
(1)Liz C.
Off the beaten path, very few tourists, easy access to the Red Line Addison stop. Fun crowd, laid-back atmosphere. Great alternative to the usual Clark St madhouses.
(3)Regina O.
Let's just say not everyone is welcome here. It's a dive with no air condition. We sat down and the bartender told us we had to leave if we weren't ordering before we had the chance to make a decision on what we wanted. So, we decided what we wanted was better service and we left.
(1)KC K.
A great alternative to the tourist trap Pre-Cubs game bars. Great beer selection (Floyd's!) and a shot of Malort is all you need here. Bartender was great to talk to and the place was a mix of locals and ballgame goers. This is my go to next time I'm in Wrigleyville.
(5)Lydia R.
Not a bad place. Small. They didn't have a whole lot of TVs and the bathrooms didn't have enough space to even breathe in! But they have cheap beer and a pool table, so really you're all set.
(4)Joe C.
A Cubs Game Dump but that's Cool This will be a short review. This a a genuine dive bar with super cheap beer deals and the game is on. Cooler then most of the overpriced bars on N. Clarke. Why spend 3 times as much to get drunk before a Cubs game? Hit up Nisei, get drunk, play darts, and play some tunes. Thanks
(3)Jason H.
I love this bar. I live on the corner. So it never feels like I've left home. Such a warm atmosphere. Being welcomed by the bartenders and the bar regulars alike. All of the bartenders remember my drink of choice. Even if it's been weeks since they've seen me. I base my bar schedule around the bartenders. TJ, Lou, and Doug are the best. Pamela, Dave and Andy are all wonderful too. It's just hard to make it in on their nights. I look forward to any night I get to spend at Nisei with my friends. This bar will be a long lasting part of my drinking and relaxing career.
(5)Finch M.
No complaints about the Nisei. Came here on a Sunday afternoon post cubs game. Very chill environment. We watched the US vs Portugal World Cup match while throwing down Old Style cans (they eventually ran out) and doing shots of Malort. It was a great change up to the regular bars in the area - more space - cheaper - and just as fun in my opinion. I shall return...more Malort? Not so sure about that though.
(5)Greg M.
Nisei Lounge is one of the few non-dbag bars on or near Clark and for that, I love them. Bonus points for big Jenga, free darts, and a serious dedication to Christmas decorations.
(4)Shanti N.
I braved the wilds of Wrigleyville last week to attend an event at Nisei Lounge. Going in I knew what to expect, as I had heard that this place is a no-holds-barred dive bar that hosts weekly charity bartending nights: niseiloungechicago.com/N… The place is definitely tucked away. With the red line being torn up indefinitely, and given that I was toting a large pillow for the charity raffle, I decided to cab it. I was glad that it was still light out, as there is no way I would have found the place, seeing as how it is tucked between two other storefronts. It is definitely not a sports bar, although the sets showed all of the major sports in play, including Game 4 of the Hawks. Whille this place is too out of the way to become a regular stop, I will say that the hosts/bartenders were accommodating to our event, allowing us to bring in pizzas (Nisei is BYO food) and call out raffle prizes. Word of warning/cautionary tale: do not rest your drink on the game table. I did, briefly, to take off my jacket and was reprimanded--oddly enough by one of the patrons, and not a bartender on staff. Go figure!
(3)Byron M.
I recently had the privilege of taking part in a guest-bartending event at Nisei Lounge. Not only did I have a blast, but the staff at Nisei couldn't have been more helpful. I look forward to working with them in the future and highly recommend any organization looking for a fun fundraiser event to team up with Nisei.
(5)Bill S.
Seemed like an alright place. I ordered one beer, afterwards when trying to pay for said beer, the lady behind the bar tried to shake me down and say I ordered 2. Pretty terrible service, I paid anyways and then saw her as she only put one drink into the computer and kept the rest of my cash. What a lousy person.
(1)Ham B.
A grade "A" dive and often a great escape from the rest of the scum and villainy in and around Wrigleyville. On nights where there's no Cubs game you can get a special with Hamm's and a shot of whiskey or Malort. They got darts, Pool, board games, & more often than not - a friendly bar staff. On Fri/Sat or Cubs (or other local sports) nights it can get packed but otherwise an oasis in the sea of Wrigley.
(4)Michelle J.
Absolutely disgraceful place. If I got the name of the bartender with glasses that was there Friday night the 27th, I would have reported her to the manager- and I will. So I sat down due to an injury and was just waiting around since I did notice that the people who were sitting down at the bar where I did were outside taking a smoke break (that lasted 10 min+) so in the mean time I decided to wait and sit--- the minute the bartender comes to me- she completely is a bitch and said it in such a nasty tone that was not only rude, but unprofessional- she could have simply told me that there was someone coming back- so this bitch decides to talk shit to the group of people on the other side of the bar. What pissed me off completely is that she is talking to them as if I cannot see/hear her. The minute I said something, it shut her up. I have NEVER experienced such unprofessional behavior from a bartender. I am a regular visitor to Wrigleyville and I will be sure to report this and let others know of this incident. There are WAY better bars out in the area than this dump. Also- very dim, smelly, sticky place with dirty bathrooms--- YUP, save yourselves the time.
(1)Lulu R.
Nestled in in Wrigleyville I had a a great chance to truely dislike this place. Gladly I didn't. We walked in to this low-key place with blacked out windows. Blacked out windows means not having to see wrigleyville sloppy messes walking by. Thank Goodness. Barkeep made sure I was well hydrated. The bar istelf is a big area with seating. They have tables strewn about. The have a 2 dart board with giant chalk board to keep score....or write "lulu waz here".... or something else witty. They have a pool table that runs because it isn't leveled right (for the pool snobs). The do not serve food but the do let you bring food in. Beer in bottles or beer drafts...whatever you fancy, they have both. This feels like a weekday hangout to meet your homies to kick back a few and not deal with the typical Wrigleyville crowd. I can see myself coming back in the future.
(4)Ross B.
Best Christmas decorations you've ever seen in a bar. They keep them up through most of the winter, but I vote for them all year. Christmas in July would be great!
(5)Misha T.
Cool bar, good vibe and the owners are probably japanese american based on the name? woo asian american bar owners!
(4)Damian C.
I like you, Nisei. You remind me of my favorite college bar. Minus an overwhelming 18-22 population. And your bathrooms are much cleaner. And there isn't as much writing on the wall. However, I did see one number in case I wanted to "get lucky at 3:15PM" (I wiped it off, though. I didn't want anyone else sharing in my new discovery). Your staff is friendly and actually socialized with the patrons. Not that I want to spill my life story to bartenders (even though I usually do after a few more than I need), but it's nice to know that you not only make strong drinks but also have a kind heart. And what a soundtrack! "Sweet Freedom" by Michael McDonald? It may not be everyone's party song but sign me up as a HUGE FAN. And your cheap. Not like my college roommate... but easy on the wallet. P.S. Thanks for letting us play beer pong. You're now my new friend. Yay! See you soon.
(4)Mandi G.
New owners, same vibe. Least douchiest of Wrigley. Got to love the pole.
(4)Michelle K.
I renewed my lease because Nisei is so close to home. This is a great dive to grab a beer, play some darts, shoot some pool, order some delivery, and play some board games. Always ask about the daily specials!
(5)Andre W.
The first I came here it was to wait on the Cubs game to start and it was cool because I just got a couple of Bud Lights and I was off to Wrigley. This past Saturday was my buddy Ronnie's party and it was a bloody good time. They had my new favorite belgium beer. Delirium Tremons. This place also has pool tables and dart boards for your competitive pleasure. As everyone else said this place is totally different from most bars in the area. I don't have anything against the other joints in the area, but I would say its a more mature crowd.
(4)Jim T.
Classic no frills dive bar. Score your own darts, bartenders with personality, cheap drinks. Great Wrigleyville spot to get away from the crowd.
(5)Deployed R.
This is the first place I have been that I truly wish I could give a 6. Everyone here was so nice! Super relaxed and a great crew of locals that chatted us up even though we were from STL. The bartender even hooked us up with our first ever Malort shot! They had very good music playing, and even though business was slow the night we were there you could tell this is the kind of place where people are nice even when its slammed. I really can't say enough about how welcoming they were to us on a very cold night. There is no way you would get to meet people like that working at a commercial bar that is just like the rest. We will definitely be going back next time we are in Chicago.
(5)Caroline A.
I'm going to be completely honest. If Ronnie didn't have a fantastic party here, I probably would have never come to Nisei. The drinks are super cheap, the bartenders are super nice and the bar is a friendly and happy place. Come with a group of friends for a casual and fun drinking night. The only problem with super cheap drinks is that they go down really fast. Holy Hangover.
(4)Taylor M.
I came here pretty plate on a Thursday night. Nearby street parking was easy to find. The bar was dead other than my friends and I that were sitting at the bar. The bar is really chill with reasonably priced drinks. Not exactly a place I am dying to go back to since it was pretty uneventful. But you can't beat cheap drinks.
(3)Mary T.
Douche-free bars in Wrigleyville? They really do exist! You know those girls* who like insanely priced frouffy drinks; preferably places with a long list of made-up martinis and other silly drinks? Well, I'm not one of them. You know those girls* who carry handbags the size of Texas and dogs the size of a cell phone? I'm not one of them. You know those girls* who get dressed to the nine's to hang out in bars like The Apartment, enclave or Barleycorn's? Yep, you guessed it, I'm not one of them either. Seriously, if I could get away with going out in my sweatpants I would in a heartbeat! Put me in any bar and I can be happy as long as they have these 5 things: 1) Reasonably priced drinks 2) Beer and/or hard cider, vodka, and real grapefruit juice (not the fake crap) 3) A reasonably low number of chads and trixies. Too many and I want to slit my wrists with a rusty butter knife! 4) Good tunes, but not too loud; I shouldn't have to scream in order to have a conversation. 5) No dress code, line to get in, or cover charge This is why Nisei and I were destined to meet. So, thank you Ronnie for introducing us! Nisei is nothing fancy, just a simple bar; an anomaly really for Wrigleyville. Pool, real darts, a few TV's, plenty of booze, and reasonably priced drinks. Nisei, is the perfect place to settle in and do some serious drinking on a cold winter's evening. And that's just what I did. Thanks Nisei for the good times with my fellow Yelpers! Hopefully, I'll be seeing you again soon. TIP: It's cash only, but there are plenty of ATM's nearby. * No offense intended ladies, I'm sure you're very nice. I have a few friends that fall into this category, but it's just not my style and never will be. You can keep bars like The Apartment, I'll take Nisei.
(4)Angie M.
I can't believe I lived in Lakeview for as long as I did and never made it to Nisei, so I'm glad that our favorite Irishman Ronnie R., decided to host an event at Nisei. It's a bar... nothing too crazy, nothing too fancy. The best selling point of Nisei is that it TOTALLY lacks the Trixie/Chad factor that other bars in the 'hood can possess. And as a gal in her late 20's, I didn't feel old here, which is also important. Lots of room around the pool tables. Pretty bitchin' juke box. Oh yes... drinks are VERY reasonably priced.
(4)Erika G.
Great neighborhood bar. This is probably the most real place in the area, and blissfully free of the usual suspects - drunk frat boys. It's a large, basic bar with cheap drinks - great for a gathering of a large group. The jukebox seriously rocks. A whole album of L7. YEAH!!!
(3)Jelena Z.
Meet my new friend, Nisei Lounge. Good selection of ice cold brews? Check. Attentive bartender? Check. Casual, mellow feel? Check. Easy conversation with unassuming patrons? Check. The very antithesis to a typical Wrigleyville bar yet somehow thrives in the belly of the beast? CHECK. Plus I can walk to and fro (okay, at least "to"). Check.
(4)David R.
A strange bird indeed. On a night when all the brah bars are packed, this place is deserted. Consequently, it's a haven for those of use who desire something more sedate but for some reason can't choose another neighborhood (usually this means some jagbag friend visiting from out of town). It's a strange juxtaposition to the riotous douchebaggery nearby, but thank goodness for it. I'm glad to hear that they didn't close as expected. I also like the place because of the X-Files Season 3 episode "Nisei" in which Mulder and Scully trace a thread of the alien conspiracy plotline from an alien autopsy tape to a secret train car and a group of female abduction survivors in Pennsylvania; this of course comes into play later in the series during the Scully cancer subplot.
(3)Colleen C.
Well, is anyone SURPRISED this place is closing? It's the unique, loner, individual in a sea of sports bars. It just doesn't "go" in Wrigleyville, and I'm sure it has a hard time hanging with the "cool kids." Alas, this review is far too late, as I really did enjoy this spot. Despite the odd lighting, it was actually somewhere I would go to Wrigleyville for, and that is saying quite a bit. So, ta-ta Nisei. It was nice to meet you, and so long. Better to go out in style than conform to fit in, tis what I think.
(4)David T.
One if the best kept secrets in Wrigleyville. Tucked behind clark, with not a lot of curb apeal, it opens up after you go in. Fantastic dive bar. Popcorn at the bar. Great selection of craft beers on tap, and a pool table. Friendly servers that make this a must-hit dive for me.
(5)Chan K.
A bar in Wrigley not synonymous with rowdy, drunken douche balls? Check. Nisei is a mellow, neighborhood bar in the midst of the calamity that is Wrigleyville on a weekend night. TVs, pool table and an awesome jukebox? Check. Drinks that are easy on the wallet? Check. Nice, friendly bartendars? Check. Nisei doesn't serve food but they offer menus of places that deliver there should you get hungry.
(4)Danielle C.
Why do all the decent, non gentrified, casual, friendly, laid back places have to close? SERIOUSLY?!!*!*!*!*! I WANT TO KNOW! I rarely go out anymore, I cannot take the noise, however, when I do, I do not want to venture into a "fake" Irish bar. You know what I am talking about- if not, let me describe it for you. 1. Fake- or real- wood facade on the outside. 2. Gold lettering- often in the old English style (nice oxymoron- I know) with a name typically referring to either A. a building type B. a type of liquor C. something that sounds like the "home land". 3. Often ONE true Irish person who works in the bar- and tries to lend some authenticity. If you are familiar at all with the current Chicago bar scene, quite a few places should be coming to mind. Don't get me wrong- I actually like some of them- but every bar does not need to be created by the same cookie cutter!! So- the Nisei lounge- I am coming here a few more times before it closes. Why? I can come as I am. I do not have to get dressed up, made up, hair done. I can be myself. I can sit in the large front windows and people watch. I can talk with regulars, sip with friends, or enjoy a COLD brew by myself. The bartenders rock. The place is cozy and friendly. The prices are good. Pretension is nonexistent. I hope the new owner keeps it real. Somehow, I doubt it.
(5)Dave S.
I love dive bars and this place is no exception! I especially like this place as it has always been one of my favorites and most likely always will remain as one of them! The crowd is always chill and the fools that typically frequent Wrigleyville bars don't usually make it here for some reason. You are not going to get a complaint out of me for that one. This place is chill and a good place just to hang out and have a cold one and not have your wallet emptied. A solid four stars in my book.
(4)Matthew S.
Kinda dirty. Kinda divey. Kinda cheap. I like it. We tend to go here after a Links Hall performance - its never too crowded, and lots of locals hang out here. The bathrooms are super gross, so after a few beers - you know you are going to have to use it. I think I have a perennial fear of public toilets anyway. Its a pot shot. Sometimes its clean, sometimes its not. It tends to be smokey as hell in this bar, but that will end soon enough. As a smoker, I still go outside to have a ciggie (yeah yeah, I know its a disgusting habit, I know that its bad for my health, etc.) If you can hear above the music and TV's, and other excited bar goers, super. If you can't - are you surprised? You're in a Wrigleyville bar. I'd suggest going here to start, and then moving on. Get your buzz for cheap, and when you quit caring about how much money you are spending on booze, go somewhere a bit more swank.
(3)Craig B.
News Item: Chicago, IL (July 11, 2009)- The Nisei Lounge's burial has now officially taken longer than that of James Brown. While never claiming to be the "Hardest Working Bar in Wrigleyville", Nisei is nevertheless proud of this achievement. Ever since the announcement of the Nisei's demise many yelpers have bemoaned its loss, not realizing that it is still open. "We have worked hard at appearing dead for a year now" stated bar regular Ronnie R. (who asked that only his last initial be used for this story), "By carefully keeping the lights low, refusing to update anything, and never having more than two patrons in the bar at a time, we have fooled hundreds of people into walking by." The recent addition of a color television concerned Mr. R that it may give the appearance of life until he realized most patrons were unable to lift their heads from the bar to notice its existence. In this reporter's opinion the Nisei's burial should continue indefinitely.
(4)Mark H.
Top notch pre-game Cubs bar, which despite only being 2 blocks from the park is completely devoid of the typical (read: shitty) pre-game Cubs bar experience. Very laid back atmosphere, nice long bar, pool and darts. Great! -1 star for kind-of expensive drinks, but then again, it is 2 blocks from the park.
(4)Mihir P.
The owners/managers at Nisei ROCK! My friend and I had an event there raising money for cancer research. Tim, the manager on duty, was extremely nice. Helped me get setup for the event. Supplied us with wristbands and scissors for our guests. It was a successful event. Thanks, Nisei!
(4)Carla P.
Fun bar. Everyone is quite friendly. Dave the bartender was great!
(5)Amy H.
Let me preface this review by saying that I'm a snob. I don't like dive bars. I don't hate dive bars, but if I had a choice I would go somewhere that doesn't reek of dirty ashtrays. Let me share with you all a little conversation that Ronnie R. and I had at the beginning of the Yelp party. Ronnie: I'm surprised you picked this place. Me: I didn't. Ronnie: Yeah, it's not really your type of place. Me: No, it really isn't. Ronnie: So, what do you think? Do you like it? Me: Not so much. Sorry. The reasons that I didn't like Nisei Lounge were my own, and not because of anything that the staff or the owners are doing wrong. Well, except the ladies bathroom. How come it smelled so bad?? There weren't that many girls in there that early in the evening and it was horrible! Light a match!! P.S. - I forgot to add that I thought the bartendress was AMAZING!!!! She handled a pretty big crowd and I never had to wait too long for a drink. Plus, she did it all with a smile on her face. Too often at bars the bartenders get overwhelmed and start throwing a crappy attitude around. This didn't happen once. GREAT JOB!!!! Edited 5/4/08 - I have been back to Nisei a few times since I wrote this review and I've really started to appreciate it. Ever since the smoking ban I have been enjoying dive bars a lot more than I could with all the smoke. Now that I can truly appreciate Nisei Lounge, it is closing. So sad. :(
(4)Kelly D.
Well let me tell you, was at Nisei a few weeks ago and had a blast. It totally reminds me of one of my favorite places in college. There are a few places in Wrigley where the staff is just super cool and Nisei's staff is better than all of them. Just an awesome place.
(5)Carol K.
This place is so far off my beaten path that it needs it's own road!! Hah! All kidding aside- Nisei was fun. I met up with the Yelp crowd last night and again had a great time. The beer was cheap and the bartender Jenn remembered all our names. How does she do that? There are dartboards, a couple of pool tables and a jukebox loaded with all the tunes I wanted to hear. Couple all that with a few regulars that, while they were a little surprised at the crowd we brought in, quickly got into the swing of things and embraced us warmly. Translated- that means they bought me drinks!! Woo-Hoo! They serve no food but you can order from a wide variety of restaurants- just ask Jenn to get the folder of selections for you. We had pizza delivered- it came within the hour and was quite good (at least the piece that I got- we Yelpers can scarf down food faster than anyone!!) Even the bathroom for a bar like this was not bad. And the beauty of a woman bartender? When I told her they were out of paper towels in the ladies room- she had it fixed in about two seconds!! Go for the cheap drinks but stay because it's a friendly neighborhood place where at least one person knows your name!!
(4)Andy M.
Not the greatest visual appealing bar, but much better than the usual bars located around Cubs fandomville on the North side. it is small and a bit of a dive. I just like the history of this place and how unique it is.
(4)Dennis L.
Nisei is easily my favorite bar in Wrigleyville, probably due to its amazing invisibility field. Somehow, no matter how busy the rest of the neighborhood is, all the ridiculous Chads and Trixies walk by this place like it doesn't exist. With the darkened front window, it's easy to assume that nothing is going on inside, but you'd be wrong. Nisei is the dive bar I've been looking for in Wrigleyville - the watering hole for drowning my sorrows after a Cubs loss, or celebrating a Cubs win. It's quiet enough (and usually slow enough) to have a conversation but there's always good music on the jukebox. Two dart boards and a pool table stand ready for drunken challenges, and they have a bottle of malört for further drunken challenges. The staff here is awesome. Nisei has theoretically been closing for a long time now, but I hope it stays open (and douchebag-free) for a long time to come.
(4)Adrian K.
My friend had a guest bar tending event here. Its a great bar - cheap drinks $4 spirits, local and overseas beers, a great beer list (left hand stout, green line, Sapporo on tap as well as other favorites like Lagunitas lil sumpin sumpin). There's a pool table dart boards. Overall a fun place in a midst of bad bars. And around the corner from Dimo's Pizza (formerly Ian's pizza).
(4)Joe B.
Pros: Great Location, not the typical Wrigley-ville Bar, Good Prices, Big Bar, fantastic Jukebox, New TV's, Darts and good service Cons: Don't have any backup bottles of Green TY-KU liquor.
(5)Arlene A.
I really like this place, the jukebox is awesome, there's loads of room to play darts as well as to shoot pool. We recently came here for birthday drinks for a friend, and had such a terrific time. The atmosphere is divey for sure, but does everything need to be a bougie affair? This bar reminds me of all the divey bars I've loved before in life before Chicago, and I'm glad it's here.
(4)Jo W.
A bar in Wrigleyville that I actually liked. Who knew such a monster existed? I'm a simple girl. And Nisei is a simple bar - huge bar, good drinks, fair prices, good bartenders, good jukebox, pool table... Really? That's about all it takes to make me happy. They don't take plastic though, so bring cash.
(4)P S.
YES! Nisei is the kinda joint that if someone knocked you over the head with a brick, dragged you inside and woke you up, you'd never guess you were down the street from Wrigley and some of the Worst Bars Known To Man. It's more kinda like your buddy's basement in high school. Good music, functional bathrooms, plenty o' beers and that one guy that's always there. Cheap, so very friendly, easy to get to, never packed.
(5)An P.
In the Wrigleyville strip on Clark there are only three bars for darts: Mullen's, Blarney Stone, and Nisei Lounge. I have been in Nisei countless of times and last night stopped by to shoot some darts. As is the usual custom over at Nisei, the bar was very empty and dim and the barman was talking to someone. There were some people playing pool and no one in the darts area. We went in and didn't bother getting drinks quite yet but then needed pencils for the dart scoreboard but were given paper and pen instead. The second pool table that rode all the way up to the dartboard has been removed and while we began playing as was usual custom a guy played darts with a girl. "This place smells like somebody's basement," my friend said. I agreed and we started to shoot. I noticed that the floor of the dart area was some busted up wood making the floor springy with word down wood. It was a pain to shoot but the boards are in OK condition. Beers were cheap, but the bar was empty as usual. Don't really know how they survive this way for so long.
(3)Sao-Mai N.
My friends and I really enjoyed this place. On a Saturday night (note the Cubs were not home) the bar wasn't extremely crowded, and for a group of 10+ we comfortably filled the back of the bar. A pool table and dart boards kept us entertained, as well as the wide range of people who entered the bar. The atmosphere was great. The crowd wasn't the rowdy, frat type, but a more chill and relaxed late 20s to mid 40s group. The music was provided by an awesome neon pink jukebox with a good selection. The drinks were fairly priced, and the selection pretty good. You could find everything that you would want. The popcorn was a plus! The only downside to the place is the condition of the bathrooms on the women's side. Really small!
(4)Jerry M.
Nisei appears to be among a dying breed of bars, or in Wrigleyville at the very least. Situated just south of the Cub's ivy confines, it seems to miss the drunken debauchery that's so prevalent amid the strip of bars on Clark and Sheffield on game days. I went there after a game, and on the way I was dodging drunk men who were leering at me rather comically (side note: why do men only hit on me when they're three sheets to the wind? Am I really that unattractive?). I was worried that Nisei would be overfilled with the same, but to my relief, it was the same mellow place to get a beer and conversation. The charm of this place lies in the fact that I've been to this bar less than a handful of times over a span of a year and the regulars and bartenders remember me and welcome me like an old friend and a regular. Seriously? I don't even get this at my regular coffeeshop where I've been a loyal customer for years. It's time to trade my daily coffee in for a daily Old Style. Too bad that coffee breath is more accepted in the working world than the smell of cheap beer. And as most yelpers probably know, Nisei was supposed to close back in April, but due to a few snafu's, it will stay open until the end of baseball season. So GO! You won't regret it.
(5)Dustin W.
Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville has to be one of the best Dive-tastic finds I never knew existed before Chicago Craft beer week. There is no better way to sum Nisei up other than modernized super divey, sort of hip, yet not overpowering in your face you dont belong in our neighborhood bar kinda way. I felt extremely comfortable at Nisei and the extremely pleasant long-haired bartender/manger/owner? immediately welcomed me in and made me feel right at home. Considering I had my golf clothes on from the morning round I just finished up, I had to look like a complete patzer inside this warm dive, and he made no issue or jokes about my inappropriate attire (not-pretentious, I like that). The next thing I really appreciated was his ability to manage all of his patrons while still making time to explain his establishment, a little history, and his philosophy on why, what, when he taps his kegs (or stores for later). While listening I became captivated by the glowing blue Nissei neon sign that reminded me a lot of my old San Diego favorite Pacific Shores in Ocean Beach. Given the nostalgia and time of day, I selected the Lagunitas new dogtown pale, tight and crisp, not uber-hopped like most lagunitas, but no warm-fizzzy beer lovers bev-o-choice either. Of course to satisfy the true hipsters out their, Nisei stocks a healthy quantity of $4 Old Style and Schlitz Tall Boys. I was also impressed that of all beers I would expect, they also pour Sapporo, not exactly a beer you find on tap somewhere that doesnt have a kitchen or serve it "Bomb" style alongside a vision-bending sake that reminds you oh so much of Everclear. Nisei lounge is a great off the beaten path gem in Wrigleyville. Well worth the easy stroll of Clark street, head over to Nisei the next time someone wants you to meet up in Wrigleyville but you just cant handle all the douchey fratters and fighters. A few highlight I pulled from the website: niseiloungechicago.com/N… Monday & Tuesday $2 Can of the Month, $3 Well Drinks *** Plus free pool all night long on Tuesdays*** *Bingo Wednesday $15 Domestic Buckets *Thursday Nisei Lounge host guest bartenders for charity every Thursday night. A great way to raise money for a good cause while your friends tip you while they drink. $4 Fancy Beers, $4 Charity Cocktails *80's Friday Nisei Lounge has Wrigleyville's only dedicated night to music from the 80's. $3 Mickeys Big Mouth, $5 Vodka Cocktails
(4)Carol J.
This is where I lost my Yelp cherry back in April of '08 at Ronnie's premature farwell party. This is where I lost my mind at Ronnie's last party. Sorry folks, long day + boozy night=trainwreck. But I did love hearing every song I love off the kick ass juke box! I should have been sedated.
(4)Brian S.
The Nisei is one of only two taverns within stumbling distance of the Vine Covered Urinal that I am a fan of (the other is The Gingerman). Pool, darts, cold beer? Check to all three. Franziskaner on draft is a huge plus. Interweb jukebox? Sure. Lou is an attentive bartender who will do shots of Malort with you from the word "Ma-". She also tolerates my flooding of the jukebox with Michael McDonald and Judas Priest tunes. Thanks Lou. I haven't been here in about a month, but from what I've heard the Nisei has replaced the circa Mitch Williams/Andre Dawson faded big screen TV above the bar with a new flatscreen. Say it ain't so Joe. Minus one for the upgrade.
(4)MaryAnne M.
I now believe rumors of it "closing" was to generate more customers. It worked. Well played, Nisei. Well played indeed.
(5)Lindsey B.
Went here for my birthday on Saturday night. Had an awesome time. Lou is the best. Mini-guinnesses are where it's at. I swear she bought me half my drinks that night. Just please please buy some Jack Daniels for your shelves, then I'll give you 5 stars all day long!
(4)Brett G.
I love Wrigleyville solely because I love the Cubs. I do not care for most of the trixies and chads that frequent these establishments, but I usually do my best to ignore these types and pretend they're not there. That said, Nisei was a pretty good place where you didn't have to spend time imaging some people didn't exist. I think had the yelp event not occurred, the bar would have basically been empty. But 3 dart options, a pool table, nicely stocked jukebox, and cheap beer prices = good times. No frills, check your attitude at the door, and be prepared for the hangover the next day. Of course, that could have been due, in part, to the fact we didn't eat dinner and downed 4 beers each on an empty stomach. The morning after wasn't so fun.
(4)Nikki C.
i guess its my turn to eulogize yet another bar. its unfortunate we never know the true weight of a person or place until its no longer there for us to take for granted, but soon enough we will discover what we really lost. Like a good friend, the name nisei will bring back memories, good and bad and help hold yet another common thread among some special people as we can look at one another and know we shared some good and not so good times here. not as many as others for me, but still memories to be laughed about over a good beer at yet another bar that will hopefully be a place to create more special memories of friendship and laughter. LAST CALL! .... Amen. ==================== disclosure: mood; content and full...written under the influence of kumas;-)
(4)Jackie P.
Hmmm...what to say that hasn't already been discussed? This is the tricky part and besides the bar is closing at the end of May (Yes! Just like everyone else also mentions!). So I guess if you want some really great views of this place read everyone else's reviews. I would agree with pretty much all of the three and four star reviews. But I would say I like this bar. They make a great amaretto sour and don't even look at me funny when I order it. This place is after all a beer bar so making an amaretto sour is probably not ordered regularly. Oh and they serve their tequila cold, just like tequila is suppose to be served. But if you need the "training wheels" don't forget to ask because they may just forget to offer it to you.
(4)Mark O.
The hidden gem of Wrigleyville. Cheap beers, a pool table, actual cork dart boards, and a juke box. The BEST staff of any bar in the area. This would be a solid dive bar anywhere in the city. But given the awful places that surround it, it's even better. Drink a PBR, have some Malort, and maybe see if the bartender will dazzle you with her Rubik's Cube skills. It's impressive.
(5)Linda P.
This bar is way too cool for Wrigleyville. The non-pretentious vibe that permeates this place is a refreshing change from the annoying yupster joints that seem to pop up in the neighborhood like zits on a teenager's face. Large area with plenty of seating and a really cool pool table. The beers are cheap and the bartenders friendly. The only negative thing I could think of is that the music got SO loud I couldn't hear myself think. When I leave a bar and I feel like I got cotton in my ears, yep the music is too loud. It's a shame Nisei has to close :(. Probably going to be bought out by another douchey sports bar and grill...boo.
(4)Robert A.
Wrigleyville's best bar because it doesn't try to be wrigleyville's best bar.
(4)Josh E.
I had the good fortune to stumble upon Nisei while on an unscheduled bar crawl with my ladyfriend. Dave, the bartender/manager at the time was remarkably accommodating, serving us beverages promptly and even opening the pool table for free use (as it was a slow Wednesday night). I loved the authentic dive-feel of the place, but it was Dave's service and general pleasantness that made this bar worth a 5-star yelping.
(5)Zack R.
This is pretty much my go-to bar now. You have to love the dive bar atmosphere, free darts, pool table, and quality bartenders. You will always find someone friendly to meet at Nisei and if you are bored stop in with some friends and grab a board game and some beer and sit at a table. As a bonus they are one of the only bars with Sapporo on tap.
(5)Colleen S.
There are a lot of bars in the wrigleyville area that are exactly the same. This place is a diamond in the rough. It's a dive bar yes, but it's an especially good dive bar because there isn't another dive bar (worth a shit) for many many blocks. The juke is fantastic. God damn, it's like my music collection at home with some CD's I don't own but always wished I did. I'm always impressed when a dive bar has a large number of pool cues that are all straight. Not a single bent one on the wall. Impressive. I guess I do have to mention this place is exceptionally smoky but I don't mind, I expect no less and it'll be a moot point anyway after 1/1/08. But there, I said it...in case that sort of thing bothers you.
(5)Vanessa D.
This is one of the few tolerable bars in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area. I've been going there for the past 7 years or so and have always had a good time. The drinks are priced fairly, the music selection is good, and I make use of the dart board. It's definitely a laid-back, casual atmosphere, but I wouldn't exactly call it a "dive". Come here if John Barleycorn's is not your thing. :)
(5)Ellie B.
I fear that this place may have me cheating on the other local dive bars in my repertoire! I really like Nisei Lounge. I feel it's a rarity to find a place in Wrigleyville that isn't overwrought with drunken buffoons who believe this neck of the woods is just an extension of their frat houses... that they left 10 years prior. Good selection of brews on tap as well as bottles, friendly staff, spacious location, pool AND darts, excellent company - what more could a girl ask for? I do have to agree with Amy about the bathroom situation. It smelled like a Bulimic Convention rolled through town before we got there. Ick!
(4)John B.
It's a long time since there's been anything Nisei about Nisei Lounge. Ask Alice S -- her dad and uncles used to drink here when it truly was a Nisei hangout. On the other hand, I have a different definition of "dive" than my fellow Yelpers. I told a non-Yelp friend that we were meeting up here, and she seemed surprised. "It's kind of a pit." Pit? Dive? Nisei is nice, comfortable neighborhood bar. Nothing glamorous, but nothing divey. Of course, I don't think Simon's is a dive, and Simon's makes this place look like the Four Seasons. L&L is a dive. Friar Tuck is a dive. Different Strokes was a dive. Now that it's Sofo, it's a nice, comfortable neighborhood bar. But I digress. Nisei is just what you want in a corner bar (even though it's not on a corner). Good selection of beers on tap, PBR if that's your idea of cool, a couple of pool tables and a rockin' juke box. Smart, friendly, and attentive bar staff. (If I was Joe Biden, I'd call them "clean.") Couple of TVs, good selection of regulars. A good place to hang out if you don't care about "the scene." After we closed Nisei, I walked out onto Clark Street to catch a cab and was hit in the face with cold reality. Drunken 12 year olds walking down the middle of the street trying to hail cabs. Oh, that's right, we're in Wrigleyville! It is to Nisei's credit that it allowed me to forget that.
(4)Sarah W.
This is the kind of place where the bartenders are also regular patrons. You know, like Cheers, but with less Ted Danson. When I first started coming here six years ago, all draft beer was $2.50 Monday-Thursday, but those days are long gone. I regularly pass up pretty enticing specials at the neighboring Dark Horse to drink at the Nisei, just because I like the atmosphere, which is mercifully non-frat boy and non-hipster. Given the proximity to Wrigley Field, the crowd varies greatly by night, and by season. Sometimes I'll show up to find a chorus of drooling Bon Jovi fans singing "Living on a Prayer" and I promptly turn around and walk right back out. Other times the place will be dead and I'll end up watching The Simpsons on the ridiculously huge CRT above the bar. The bathrooms are frightful and sometimes their Christmas decorations stay up through July, but the bartenders are great--friendly and efficient--and you can almost always find someone to shoot pool or throw darts with. I almost want to give the Nisei 4 stars for switching to the digital jukebox, but this place is like family, and with family, you forgive and move on.
(5)W.I.N. A.
Every time I enter this delightful little hole of a bar, I get into trouble. I drink too much. I spend too much. And most of the time, I'm on the giving or receiving end of some vaguely inappropriate groping. Too much. So, yep, it's pretty much perfect. What? You want more detailed, relevant info? Fine. Pool tables, darts, jukebox and TV keep you busy. Several good beers (and a few dirt cheap so-so beers) are available by the bottle or on tap to quench your thirsts. The bartenders really do remember your name the next time you come in (Jen is awesome!). It's got almost none of the spill over clientele from neighboring Clark Street bars, so none of the usual Wrigleyville attitude filters in. Again, it's pretty much perfect.
(4)Jessica C.
One word: Comfortable. A fan of the dive bar, I'd have to say that this one's my favorite. Not exactly a regular (anymore), but let's just say I've had many late nights here, chock full of inexpensive booze, trips to the jukebox, rounds of pool and great conversation. On some visits, my pal MO & I (almost certainly hungover) would just sit and stare at the jumbo screen TV behind the bar, condensation-laden bottles lounging right along with us. Great place to hang w/the hubby on a Sunday afternoon after a late Irish breakfast at the Oak, or stop in for darts night to feel the (slight) charge of competition in the air. The atmosphere here is cool and unpretentious. Sure, it can be a little rough around the edges, but isn't that part of the dive bar appeal? Despite that, I've never had to worry about being hassled by creeps. Bartenders are just the right amount of friendly and seem to recognize when you do want a refill and when you don't want conversation. Go to the Nisei, kick back and relax your ass off.
(5)Bret L.
This place is awesome. A real diamond in the Wrigleyville rough. I was heading home from a Cubs game and this was the only bar playing good tunes. So I wandered in with some pals to grab a drink. This place is hilarious. Not your typical Wrigleyville bar. First of all the place looks like a Bucktown/Wicker Park pub. Great juke box, pool table and real deal dart boards. We ended up staying all day/night sipping high lifes and ripping shots of Malort. The crowd is a ton of fun and the staff was super laid back - even bought us a round of shots. I don't remember the walk home, but when I woke up I made a mental note to hit Nisei the next time I was in Lakeview. This is the only place I'll go in Wrigleyville now. Pros: Pool table, real dart boards, best juke box, gigantic long bar, great atmosphere, chill staff. Something called Malort. Popcorn & fortune cookies are actually a good combo after 17 high lifes. Cons: You will need a day off afterward.
(5)Gina H.
I give Nisei three stars primarily for the dart boards and the juke box...I really love playing darts and hate plastic boards, and they have the real deal. The people there are pretty much doing their own thing and it's free from annoying patrons, which can often be a problem in that neighborhood...the drinks are not over-priced which helps as well!
(3)Chip D.
There's a lot to love about the Nisei Lounge-- cheap booze; pool and darts; friendly (more or less) regulars; shimmery, late afternoon light; the size, it's roomy in a cozy way--but the absolute best thing about this Wrigleyville institution is what it's not. It's not a sports bar, it's not a restaurant, it's not some faux-Irish "pub," it's not a music club, it's not a hipster joint, it's not swank or uptight or overladen with beer advertisements. In fact, it's one of the hardest things to find in Chicago these days: a bar. There are no specials, no credit cards, no menus, none of the usual bullshit that you get at virtually every other place in the neighborhood. It's a bar in almost pure form. Once upon a time, there were hundreds of these magical beasts in Chicago, but they are slowly being driven to extinction by the McIrish-bar mafia and Mayor Daley. So, while it lasts, do yourself a favor and make yourself known at the Nisei Lounge, because when it's gone, there will no longer be a place in Wrigleyville where you can have a drink and not hear "Can I get you a menu?" P.S. As wonderful as this place is, it really does need a new TV.
(5)Katie H.
To me the best dive bars make you feel like you aren't really in a bar, but hanging out in your friend's basement playing pool and listening to music. That's the vibe I got an Nisei. They beer was cheap and cold, they had a good selection with hefewiezen and Rogue on tap, the bartender (Jenn) was awesome and really quick depsite running the bar herself with a large crowd, and the jukebox had some good tunes. Oh and I met some awesome yelpers, so what more could I want? - - - Goodbye Nisei. I never went there as much as I should have, but you I will miss it. My last outing was just as much fun as my first - I drank cheap beer, I talked to awesome yelpers, and I got waaaayyy to drunk.
(4)John K.
My favorite bar in the city. I love this place so much. It's a refreshing isle of normalcy in an ever-expanding sea of generic, stale, uninspired wrigley bars. There used to be a barbershop with a back door that opened up into the bar--and one time it opened up and Moises Alou walked right out of it. If you don't like the smoke, the music, or the bathrooms (they were a LOT worse before the remodel) then you can leave. There are plenty of other bars within a block or two. But I, for one, will always love this place.
(5)Patrick W.
Had a great time here on 4th of July Eve, aka the 3rd of July. Two pool tables, two dart boards and a nice little selection of beers has me interested in coming back. It wasn't loud, crowded, or obnoxious as so many of the other Wrigleyville bars are. Big ups (nod to Ali G) to the bartender who managed a good-sized (and thirsty) crowd by herself. Ah- good tunes on the jukebox too.
(4)Katie B.
I dropped in to the Nisei on my birthday last week only to find out that it might not be closing/ changing ownership after all! This is the perfect place to play darts after Cubs games and avoid the over-crowded bars. Killer long island iced teas and pool may not go so well together for KB but the regulars are solid folks and seem to be forgiving of my indiscretions over the past few years. I miss the old jukebox. Looking forward to many more nights of ordering Cozy Noodles and playing darts at the Nisei.
(4)bj f.
strange to venture back to this bar. the last time i visited was in the 90's. but ronnie's yelp event drew me back. i felt strange about going initially, but my thanks to ronnie, who recognized me as a lost newbie, interrupted his pool game to welcome me, and introduced me to caroline a., who couldn't have been more friendly and welcoming. thanks to both. my window of time was really limited and i spent a light year looking for a legal space, so the window shrunk exponentially. parking in this area is beyond crazy, even when there's no cub within 100 miles in the dead of winter. it was even stranger to not see the funky decor i remembered, or the asian bartender i used to know, but the gin and tonics were fine, reasonable, and both servers were friendly enough. it seems to have lost its special warmth and uniqueness, (which i suppose now would be considered its slum quality) so it seems more sterile, but it isn't as trendy and off putting as a lot of the newer places, so i think i could feel comfortable hanging out. hard to give a fair review, because i spent so little time; i'll have to return soon with friends and hang for awhile. if we can park. so thanks to ronnie, for bringing me back to my childhood haunt. you can't go home again, but a new one can be enjoyable for what it is.
(4)Robert R.
The actual bar is not bad. Things to do and a good place in Wrigleyville. The manager is a prick though. I left my card there and live out of town and gave them my address and was told that they would mail it to me. I offered to give them money to do so and appreciated the convenience. After not receiving the card for a week, I called in to see what was happening. The manager told me he didn't understand why I couldn't just cancel it. As I had already talked to someone and they told me they could I was told that "Nobody mails anything any more. I have to get stamps and an envelope and why can't I just cancel the card." If anyone, who I'm assuming is normal, uses their credit card online and sets it up for any accounts then redoing all these is not that much of a convenience. So then he told me that he wont' mail it because nobody mails anything any more. I politely thanked him for receiving no help any more and would not tell anybody anything good about this place. Nothing against anybody that works there but the manager could obviously give a crap about anyone who goes in there.
(2)Michael H.
Really an excellent bar that bucks the trend of Wrigleyville. This is a nice, quiet, dark lounge that usually keeps out the riff-raff! The jukebox is superb and they have darts and a pool table for your entertainment. This is a great place to take a date for a drink.
(4)Diablo L.
Nice bar to chill out and have some drinks , pool table, plenty of room...
(4)Frank G.
I used to know a guy whom lived very close to here. That was a while ago. There would be some really good times up here. Not to mention many charcters such as "old man tar heel" swooping in to chat up yer bird while you're using the head. "the dart shark" sooper jew", and "cryin jamie". My favorite was the old jap guy that used to be in there all the time playin pool(and stealing drinks). I like the old bathroom the most. You used to be able to go in there and do some coke without everyone being in you business, plus you could pull one hitters and blow the smoke out of the window. Then it got remodeled and they put brighter paint in too. Drag. I don't really miss heading up there though as the neighborhood isn't exactly my cup of tea, but this place, a while back was alright.
(2)wendy p.
Please don't close Nisei Lounge! We barely got to know each other! I promise that if you stay open, I'll move to Chicago be a loyal patron.
(5)molly c.
weeee. i liked this place a lot. had i known about it when i lived in lakeview, chances are that instead of just meeting ronnie r. a year ago, i probably would have met him 4 years ago!! small (but with 2 pool tables), nice staff, a bit smokey...nice tap and bottle selection... i can't say what it's like during a cubs game...but i had a sweet time. thanks jen!
(4)Tom F.
I'm revising my review. While I still think the Nisei is the most authentic bar amidst the sea of dreck up and down Clark St. in Wrigleyville, I've become increasingly troubled by the drunken, loutish behavior of certain of the regular patrons, and as a result, I am less comfortable spending time there. If you are looking for a way to escape Barleycorns, Red Ivy, etc., I still recommend stopping by the Nisei for a beer. That said, you probably will not be seeing me there for a while.
(2)Rob L.
I had fun here. It's represents a dying breed of a bar. Simple, damn fine COLD beer, not a lot of frills, good service, pool tables and dart boards and the local game on. I've driven by here so many times with barely a nod in it's direction, now I will notice a little more and make my way in a bit more often.
(4)Erica K.
Last I checked this place was still open. I like to chill here and play darts (which is apparently not the game of choice in Chicago bars...annoying). Sometimes after games there are a few annoying fanboys, but most the time it's pretty empty and really relaxed. I like it that way.
(4)Lauren H.
good divey local bar that doesnt fit into wrigleyville, and I mean that in the most complimentary of ways. very good selection of beers and other tasty alcoholic beverages (e.g. Mike's) at good prices. friendly bartenders and regulars. totally the type of place I used to hang out in college, and should frequent more often now for the health of my wallet.
(4)Jason S.
4 stars for a dive bar. Dont ever go here. Because if you do, and I am there, that will be one more person in this bar. And if I am in this bar, I dont want to talk to you, your friends, or anyone else. That kind of dive bar.
(4)Beth S.
Had a great time at this bar at my first unofficial Yelp event last night! And I don't even drink beer! Their vodka-cranberries surpassed my expectations, and even came with a cute, little lime cube in them. For my hubby that DOES drink beer, they were incredibly cheap. If you're looking for ambiance I wouldn't recommend it, but definitely a great place for a group event.
(3)Adam M.
this i live right by it and i never go there. i have been there 2 or 3 times and its always have pretty drunk people in there. they have pool and darts. the first time, they had prison break on the tv and it was really loud. the good time is they have a jukebox but so do almost every bar in the area. so if you go here don't expect anything unique.
(2)John P.
Haven't been here in a while, but great bar, great bartenders and an excellent jukebox! I think it was rated 2nd in the city at one time. I used to live around the corner and sometimes I would get just a bit too shineboxed, but never any worries as the bartenders were always watching out for me. Most of the time, it was void of the frat boys that usually litter the Wrigleyville bars, which made it a nice place to frequent, actually finding great conversation with real people with actual personalities. I'll have to come back next time I'm in town as places like this are a dying breed.
(5)Lee W.
As a beer-and-wings kind of girl, this bar blows all of Wrigleyville's d-bag watering holes out of the water. Old-school dart boards, decent beer selection (i.e. Rogue on tap) and good music -- what more could a girl want? Wait, there's more -- Bags in video game-format and good old fashioned, classy photo hunt. I think I'm in love.
(5)Simone G.
This place is the sh*T- 2.00 PBR's on tap, real cork dart boards, and two newly felted pool tables in a neighborhood that screams: "hello John Barleycorn, I'm a tool"
(5)James M.
A geat little neighborhood hangout near Wrigley with a surprisingly great beer selection. My latest trip there they had Chimay bottles (really?) and stuff from Rogue and New Holland on tap. Rounded out with darts, pool, a friendly staff and a great jukebox. A bit of a dive, but the surprisingly comfortable kind.
(4)Ronnie R.
Ive been going to this bar, like many regulars, for years and have to say that it is the most real bar in the Wrigleyville area. I mean you have other pretenders that try to look after true locals but they dont come close.You come in here and you have a shit-load of great beers to choose from, then you can shoot some stick on one of two pool tables or throw darts on one of two dart boards. Have a shot(Ill have a rumple!) with the owner or bartenders and wash it down with some suds. Some say dive I just say home!
(5)mike f.
ill give it 3 it was decent although i thought the beer was a little expensive i thought the music was loud and obnoxious but eh thats what u get when u try out a new bar i suppose
(3)Phil K.
One of Chicago's Best Dive Bars only steps from Wrigley. Nice pool table ($1.00), great area for darts, not wallpapered with tv's, great internet jukebox, never crowded and cheap beer. The fact that they only take cash is even a benefit in my eyes. Running out of money is a sure fire sign that I need to go home. Some people I've taken there feel that it's a little dark inside, which I can understand. My only complaint is that there is no food. A menu of greasy food would make this place almost perfect. This definitely isn't a bar for everyone, but for people who appreciate a nice low key bar where you can play pool while watching the game will love the place.
(4)A N.
Absolute best bar in Wrigleyville. My friends and I wanted to watch the big Bears-Packers playoff game at a bar, but wanted to make sure we could get a table and some space without waking up at the crack of dawn. We emailed Nisei and they completely accomodated us, reserving a table big enough for our entire group. The staff was amazing- even came over and gave us all free t-shirts to thank us for choosing their bar. And they'd noticed one of the girls had a Cubs logo on her credit card, so they gave her an entry to a raffle for opening day tickets. They had darts and pool, along with a selection of board games. Also gave us a binder full of menus to every place that delivered to their bar when we got hungry. The bar got extremely busy for the game, but getting a drink was never a problem. And we alerted them the bathroom had run out of toilet paper and paper towels, and they immediately restocked it. They also put out free pizza and popcorn for everyone, and between quarters would have some Bears trivia with prizes. The music they played before the game started was great, and the crowd had a very cool vibe, not your usual Wrigleyville douchebags. GREAT drink specials- in fact I'm pretty sure they didn't even charge us for everything, because there's no way a tab could be that cheap. I liked the atmosphere, dimly lit and laid-back and divey. Overall they made our experience perfect and we will keep them in mind for ALL future events!
(5)Lee C.
A comfortable dive bar -- this is a great escape from the Wrigelyville jock crowd, except on game days. Good jukebox and nice selection of beers on tap. Two pool tables and a dart board, which gets used by a local dart league.
(5)Stephanie M.
We stopped in here while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. In an area with bars at every other door, this one was pretty quiet. $3.50 for a gin and tonic in a cool square-ish glass is a good thing. Interesting mix of traditional asian and thanksgiving decor. Pool tables in back.
(3)Amy H.
Let me preface this review by saying that I'm a snob. I don't like dive bars. I don't hate dive bars, but if I had a choice I would go somewhere that doesn't reek of dirty ashtrays. Let me share with you all a little conversation that Ronnie R. and I had at the beginning of the Yelp party. Ronnie: I'm surprised you picked this place. Me: I didn't. Ronnie: Yeah, it's not really your type of place. Me: No, it really isn't. Ronnie: So, what do you think? Do you like it? Me: Not so much. Sorry. The reasons that I didn't like Nisei Lounge were my own, and not because of anything that the staff or the owners are doing wrong. Well, except the ladies bathroom. How come it smelled so bad?? There weren't that many girls in there that early in the evening and it was horrible! Light a match!! P.S. - I forgot to add that I thought the bartendress was AMAZING!!!! She handled a pretty big crowd and I never had to wait too long for a drink. Plus, she did it all with a smile on her face. Too often at bars the bartenders get overwhelmed and start throwing a crappy attitude around. This didn't happen once. GREAT JOB!!!! Edited 5/4/08 - I have been back to Nisei a few times since I wrote this review and I've really started to appreciate it. Ever since the smoking ban I have been enjoying dive bars a lot more than I could with all the smoke. Now that I can truly appreciate Nisei Lounge, it is closing. So sad. :(
(4)Kelly D.
Well let me tell you, was at Nisei a few weeks ago and had a blast. It totally reminds me of one of my favorite places in college. There are a few places in Wrigley where the staff is just super cool and Nisei's staff is better than all of them. Just an awesome place.
(5)Carol K.
This place is so far off my beaten path that it needs it's own road!! Hah! All kidding aside- Nisei was fun. I met up with the Yelp crowd last night and again had a great time. The beer was cheap and the bartender Jenn remembered all our names. How does she do that? There are dartboards, a couple of pool tables and a jukebox loaded with all the tunes I wanted to hear. Couple all that with a few regulars that, while they were a little surprised at the crowd we brought in, quickly got into the swing of things and embraced us warmly. Translated- that means they bought me drinks!! Woo-Hoo! They serve no food but you can order from a wide variety of restaurants- just ask Jenn to get the folder of selections for you. We had pizza delivered- it came within the hour and was quite good (at least the piece that I got- we Yelpers can scarf down food faster than anyone!!) Even the bathroom for a bar like this was not bad. And the beauty of a woman bartender? When I told her they were out of paper towels in the ladies room- she had it fixed in about two seconds!! Go for the cheap drinks but stay because it's a friendly neighborhood place where at least one person knows your name!!
(4)Andy M.
Not the greatest visual appealing bar, but much better than the usual bars located around Cubs fandomville on the North side. it is small and a bit of a dive. I just like the history of this place and how unique it is.
(4)Dennis L.
Nisei is easily my favorite bar in Wrigleyville, probably due to its amazing invisibility field. Somehow, no matter how busy the rest of the neighborhood is, all the ridiculous Chads and Trixies walk by this place like it doesn't exist. With the darkened front window, it's easy to assume that nothing is going on inside, but you'd be wrong. Nisei is the dive bar I've been looking for in Wrigleyville - the watering hole for drowning my sorrows after a Cubs loss, or celebrating a Cubs win. It's quiet enough (and usually slow enough) to have a conversation but there's always good music on the jukebox. Two dart boards and a pool table stand ready for drunken challenges, and they have a bottle of malört for further drunken challenges. The staff here is awesome. Nisei has theoretically been closing for a long time now, but I hope it stays open (and douchebag-free) for a long time to come.
(4)Adrian K.
My friend had a guest bar tending event here. Its a great bar - cheap drinks $4 spirits, local and overseas beers, a great beer list (left hand stout, green line, Sapporo on tap as well as other favorites like Lagunitas lil sumpin sumpin). There's a pool table dart boards. Overall a fun place in a midst of bad bars. And around the corner from Dimo's Pizza (formerly Ian's pizza).
(4)Joe B.
Pros: Great Location, not the typical Wrigley-ville Bar, Good Prices, Big Bar, fantastic Jukebox, New TV's, Darts and good service Cons: Don't have any backup bottles of Green TY-KU liquor.
(5)Arlene A.
I really like this place, the jukebox is awesome, there's loads of room to play darts as well as to shoot pool. We recently came here for birthday drinks for a friend, and had such a terrific time. The atmosphere is divey for sure, but does everything need to be a bougie affair? This bar reminds me of all the divey bars I've loved before in life before Chicago, and I'm glad it's here.
(4)Jo W.
A bar in Wrigleyville that I actually liked. Who knew such a monster existed? I'm a simple girl. And Nisei is a simple bar - huge bar, good drinks, fair prices, good bartenders, good jukebox, pool table... Really? That's about all it takes to make me happy. They don't take plastic though, so bring cash.
(4)P S.
YES! Nisei is the kinda joint that if someone knocked you over the head with a brick, dragged you inside and woke you up, you'd never guess you were down the street from Wrigley and some of the Worst Bars Known To Man. It's more kinda like your buddy's basement in high school. Good music, functional bathrooms, plenty o' beers and that one guy that's always there. Cheap, so very friendly, easy to get to, never packed.
(5)An P.
In the Wrigleyville strip on Clark there are only three bars for darts: Mullen's, Blarney Stone, and Nisei Lounge. I have been in Nisei countless of times and last night stopped by to shoot some darts. As is the usual custom over at Nisei, the bar was very empty and dim and the barman was talking to someone. There were some people playing pool and no one in the darts area. We went in and didn't bother getting drinks quite yet but then needed pencils for the dart scoreboard but were given paper and pen instead. The second pool table that rode all the way up to the dartboard has been removed and while we began playing as was usual custom a guy played darts with a girl. "This place smells like somebody's basement," my friend said. I agreed and we started to shoot. I noticed that the floor of the dart area was some busted up wood making the floor springy with word down wood. It was a pain to shoot but the boards are in OK condition. Beers were cheap, but the bar was empty as usual. Don't really know how they survive this way for so long.
(3)Sao-Mai N.
My friends and I really enjoyed this place. On a Saturday night (note the Cubs were not home) the bar wasn't extremely crowded, and for a group of 10+ we comfortably filled the back of the bar. A pool table and dart boards kept us entertained, as well as the wide range of people who entered the bar. The atmosphere was great. The crowd wasn't the rowdy, frat type, but a more chill and relaxed late 20s to mid 40s group. The music was provided by an awesome neon pink jukebox with a good selection. The drinks were fairly priced, and the selection pretty good. You could find everything that you would want. The popcorn was a plus! The only downside to the place is the condition of the bathrooms on the women's side. Really small!
(4)Jerry M.
Nisei appears to be among a dying breed of bars, or in Wrigleyville at the very least. Situated just south of the Cub's ivy confines, it seems to miss the drunken debauchery that's so prevalent amid the strip of bars on Clark and Sheffield on game days. I went there after a game, and on the way I was dodging drunk men who were leering at me rather comically (side note: why do men only hit on me when they're three sheets to the wind? Am I really that unattractive?). I was worried that Nisei would be overfilled with the same, but to my relief, it was the same mellow place to get a beer and conversation. The charm of this place lies in the fact that I've been to this bar less than a handful of times over a span of a year and the regulars and bartenders remember me and welcome me like an old friend and a regular. Seriously? I don't even get this at my regular coffeeshop where I've been a loyal customer for years. It's time to trade my daily coffee in for a daily Old Style. Too bad that coffee breath is more accepted in the working world than the smell of cheap beer. And as most yelpers probably know, Nisei was supposed to close back in April, but due to a few snafu's, it will stay open until the end of baseball season. So GO! You won't regret it.
(5)Dustin W.
Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville has to be one of the best Dive-tastic finds I never knew existed before Chicago Craft beer week. There is no better way to sum Nisei up other than modernized super divey, sort of hip, yet not overpowering in your face you dont belong in our neighborhood bar kinda way. I felt extremely comfortable at Nisei and the extremely pleasant long-haired bartender/manger/owner? immediately welcomed me in and made me feel right at home. Considering I had my golf clothes on from the morning round I just finished up, I had to look like a complete patzer inside this warm dive, and he made no issue or jokes about my inappropriate attire (not-pretentious, I like that). The next thing I really appreciated was his ability to manage all of his patrons while still making time to explain his establishment, a little history, and his philosophy on why, what, when he taps his kegs (or stores for later). While listening I became captivated by the glowing blue Nissei neon sign that reminded me a lot of my old San Diego favorite Pacific Shores in Ocean Beach. Given the nostalgia and time of day, I selected the Lagunitas new dogtown pale, tight and crisp, not uber-hopped like most lagunitas, but no warm-fizzzy beer lovers bev-o-choice either. Of course to satisfy the true hipsters out their, Nisei stocks a healthy quantity of $4 Old Style and Schlitz Tall Boys. I was also impressed that of all beers I would expect, they also pour Sapporo, not exactly a beer you find on tap somewhere that doesnt have a kitchen or serve it "Bomb" style alongside a vision-bending sake that reminds you oh so much of Everclear. Nisei lounge is a great off the beaten path gem in Wrigleyville. Well worth the easy stroll of Clark street, head over to Nisei the next time someone wants you to meet up in Wrigleyville but you just cant handle all the douchey fratters and fighters. A few highlight I pulled from the website: niseiloungechicago.com/N… Monday & Tuesday $2 Can of the Month, $3 Well Drinks *** Plus free pool all night long on Tuesdays*** *Bingo Wednesday $15 Domestic Buckets *Thursday Nisei Lounge host guest bartenders for charity every Thursday night. A great way to raise money for a good cause while your friends tip you while they drink. $4 Fancy Beers, $4 Charity Cocktails *80's Friday Nisei Lounge has Wrigleyville's only dedicated night to music from the 80's. $3 Mickeys Big Mouth, $5 Vodka Cocktails
(4)Carol J.
This is where I lost my Yelp cherry back in April of '08 at Ronnie's premature farwell party. This is where I lost my mind at Ronnie's last party. Sorry folks, long day + boozy night=trainwreck. But I did love hearing every song I love off the kick ass juke box! I should have been sedated.
(4)Brian S.
The Nisei is one of only two taverns within stumbling distance of the Vine Covered Urinal that I am a fan of (the other is The Gingerman). Pool, darts, cold beer? Check to all three. Franziskaner on draft is a huge plus. Interweb jukebox? Sure. Lou is an attentive bartender who will do shots of Malort with you from the word "Ma-". She also tolerates my flooding of the jukebox with Michael McDonald and Judas Priest tunes. Thanks Lou. I haven't been here in about a month, but from what I've heard the Nisei has replaced the circa Mitch Williams/Andre Dawson faded big screen TV above the bar with a new flatscreen. Say it ain't so Joe. Minus one for the upgrade.
(4)MaryAnne M.
I now believe rumors of it "closing" was to generate more customers. It worked. Well played, Nisei. Well played indeed.
(5)Lindsey B.
Went here for my birthday on Saturday night. Had an awesome time. Lou is the best. Mini-guinnesses are where it's at. I swear she bought me half my drinks that night. Just please please buy some Jack Daniels for your shelves, then I'll give you 5 stars all day long!
(4)Brett G.
I love Wrigleyville solely because I love the Cubs. I do not care for most of the trixies and chads that frequent these establishments, but I usually do my best to ignore these types and pretend they're not there. That said, Nisei was a pretty good place where you didn't have to spend time imaging some people didn't exist. I think had the yelp event not occurred, the bar would have basically been empty. But 3 dart options, a pool table, nicely stocked jukebox, and cheap beer prices = good times. No frills, check your attitude at the door, and be prepared for the hangover the next day. Of course, that could have been due, in part, to the fact we didn't eat dinner and downed 4 beers each on an empty stomach. The morning after wasn't so fun.
(4)Nikki C.
i guess its my turn to eulogize yet another bar. its unfortunate we never know the true weight of a person or place until its no longer there for us to take for granted, but soon enough we will discover what we really lost. Like a good friend, the name nisei will bring back memories, good and bad and help hold yet another common thread among some special people as we can look at one another and know we shared some good and not so good times here. not as many as others for me, but still memories to be laughed about over a good beer at yet another bar that will hopefully be a place to create more special memories of friendship and laughter. LAST CALL! .... Amen. ==================== disclosure: mood; content and full...written under the influence of kumas;-)
(4)Jackie P.
Hmmm...what to say that hasn't already been discussed? This is the tricky part and besides the bar is closing at the end of May (Yes! Just like everyone else also mentions!). So I guess if you want some really great views of this place read everyone else's reviews. I would agree with pretty much all of the three and four star reviews. But I would say I like this bar. They make a great amaretto sour and don't even look at me funny when I order it. This place is after all a beer bar so making an amaretto sour is probably not ordered regularly. Oh and they serve their tequila cold, just like tequila is suppose to be served. But if you need the "training wheels" don't forget to ask because they may just forget to offer it to you.
(4)Mark O.
The hidden gem of Wrigleyville. Cheap beers, a pool table, actual cork dart boards, and a juke box. The BEST staff of any bar in the area. This would be a solid dive bar anywhere in the city. But given the awful places that surround it, it's even better. Drink a PBR, have some Malort, and maybe see if the bartender will dazzle you with her Rubik's Cube skills. It's impressive.
(5)Linda P.
This bar is way too cool for Wrigleyville. The non-pretentious vibe that permeates this place is a refreshing change from the annoying yupster joints that seem to pop up in the neighborhood like zits on a teenager's face. Large area with plenty of seating and a really cool pool table. The beers are cheap and the bartenders friendly. The only negative thing I could think of is that the music got SO loud I couldn't hear myself think. When I leave a bar and I feel like I got cotton in my ears, yep the music is too loud. It's a shame Nisei has to close :(. Probably going to be bought out by another douchey sports bar and grill...boo.
(4)Robert A.
Wrigleyville's best bar because it doesn't try to be wrigleyville's best bar.
(4)Josh E.
I had the good fortune to stumble upon Nisei while on an unscheduled bar crawl with my ladyfriend. Dave, the bartender/manager at the time was remarkably accommodating, serving us beverages promptly and even opening the pool table for free use (as it was a slow Wednesday night). I loved the authentic dive-feel of the place, but it was Dave's service and general pleasantness that made this bar worth a 5-star yelping.
(5)Zack R.
This is pretty much my go-to bar now. You have to love the dive bar atmosphere, free darts, pool table, and quality bartenders. You will always find someone friendly to meet at Nisei and if you are bored stop in with some friends and grab a board game and some beer and sit at a table. As a bonus they are one of the only bars with Sapporo on tap.
(5)Colleen S.
There are a lot of bars in the wrigleyville area that are exactly the same. This place is a diamond in the rough. It's a dive bar yes, but it's an especially good dive bar because there isn't another dive bar (worth a shit) for many many blocks. The juke is fantastic. God damn, it's like my music collection at home with some CD's I don't own but always wished I did. I'm always impressed when a dive bar has a large number of pool cues that are all straight. Not a single bent one on the wall. Impressive. I guess I do have to mention this place is exceptionally smoky but I don't mind, I expect no less and it'll be a moot point anyway after 1/1/08. But there, I said it...in case that sort of thing bothers you.
(5)Vanessa D.
This is one of the few tolerable bars in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area. I've been going there for the past 7 years or so and have always had a good time. The drinks are priced fairly, the music selection is good, and I make use of the dart board. It's definitely a laid-back, casual atmosphere, but I wouldn't exactly call it a "dive". Come here if John Barleycorn's is not your thing. :)
(5)Ellie B.
I fear that this place may have me cheating on the other local dive bars in my repertoire! I really like Nisei Lounge. I feel it's a rarity to find a place in Wrigleyville that isn't overwrought with drunken buffoons who believe this neck of the woods is just an extension of their frat houses... that they left 10 years prior. Good selection of brews on tap as well as bottles, friendly staff, spacious location, pool AND darts, excellent company - what more could a girl ask for? I do have to agree with Amy about the bathroom situation. It smelled like a Bulimic Convention rolled through town before we got there. Ick!
(4)John B.
It's a long time since there's been anything Nisei about Nisei Lounge. Ask Alice S -- her dad and uncles used to drink here when it truly was a Nisei hangout. On the other hand, I have a different definition of "dive" than my fellow Yelpers. I told a non-Yelp friend that we were meeting up here, and she seemed surprised. "It's kind of a pit." Pit? Dive? Nisei is nice, comfortable neighborhood bar. Nothing glamorous, but nothing divey. Of course, I don't think Simon's is a dive, and Simon's makes this place look like the Four Seasons. L&L is a dive. Friar Tuck is a dive. Different Strokes was a dive. Now that it's Sofo, it's a nice, comfortable neighborhood bar. But I digress. Nisei is just what you want in a corner bar (even though it's not on a corner). Good selection of beers on tap, PBR if that's your idea of cool, a couple of pool tables and a rockin' juke box. Smart, friendly, and attentive bar staff. (If I was Joe Biden, I'd call them "clean.") Couple of TVs, good selection of regulars. A good place to hang out if you don't care about "the scene." After we closed Nisei, I walked out onto Clark Street to catch a cab and was hit in the face with cold reality. Drunken 12 year olds walking down the middle of the street trying to hail cabs. Oh, that's right, we're in Wrigleyville! It is to Nisei's credit that it allowed me to forget that.
(4)Sarah W.
This is the kind of place where the bartenders are also regular patrons. You know, like Cheers, but with less Ted Danson. When I first started coming here six years ago, all draft beer was $2.50 Monday-Thursday, but those days are long gone. I regularly pass up pretty enticing specials at the neighboring Dark Horse to drink at the Nisei, just because I like the atmosphere, which is mercifully non-frat boy and non-hipster. Given the proximity to Wrigley Field, the crowd varies greatly by night, and by season. Sometimes I'll show up to find a chorus of drooling Bon Jovi fans singing "Living on a Prayer" and I promptly turn around and walk right back out. Other times the place will be dead and I'll end up watching The Simpsons on the ridiculously huge CRT above the bar. The bathrooms are frightful and sometimes their Christmas decorations stay up through July, but the bartenders are great--friendly and efficient--and you can almost always find someone to shoot pool or throw darts with. I almost want to give the Nisei 4 stars for switching to the digital jukebox, but this place is like family, and with family, you forgive and move on.
(5)W.I.N. A.
Every time I enter this delightful little hole of a bar, I get into trouble. I drink too much. I spend too much. And most of the time, I'm on the giving or receiving end of some vaguely inappropriate groping. Too much. So, yep, it's pretty much perfect. What? You want more detailed, relevant info? Fine. Pool tables, darts, jukebox and TV keep you busy. Several good beers (and a few dirt cheap so-so beers) are available by the bottle or on tap to quench your thirsts. The bartenders really do remember your name the next time you come in (Jen is awesome!). It's got almost none of the spill over clientele from neighboring Clark Street bars, so none of the usual Wrigleyville attitude filters in. Again, it's pretty much perfect.
(4)Jessica C.
One word: Comfortable. A fan of the dive bar, I'd have to say that this one's my favorite. Not exactly a regular (anymore), but let's just say I've had many late nights here, chock full of inexpensive booze, trips to the jukebox, rounds of pool and great conversation. On some visits, my pal MO & I (almost certainly hungover) would just sit and stare at the jumbo screen TV behind the bar, condensation-laden bottles lounging right along with us. Great place to hang w/the hubby on a Sunday afternoon after a late Irish breakfast at the Oak, or stop in for darts night to feel the (slight) charge of competition in the air. The atmosphere here is cool and unpretentious. Sure, it can be a little rough around the edges, but isn't that part of the dive bar appeal? Despite that, I've never had to worry about being hassled by creeps. Bartenders are just the right amount of friendly and seem to recognize when you do want a refill and when you don't want conversation. Go to the Nisei, kick back and relax your ass off.
(5)Bret L.
This place is awesome. A real diamond in the Wrigleyville rough. I was heading home from a Cubs game and this was the only bar playing good tunes. So I wandered in with some pals to grab a drink. This place is hilarious. Not your typical Wrigleyville bar. First of all the place looks like a Bucktown/Wicker Park pub. Great juke box, pool table and real deal dart boards. We ended up staying all day/night sipping high lifes and ripping shots of Malort. The crowd is a ton of fun and the staff was super laid back - even bought us a round of shots. I don't remember the walk home, but when I woke up I made a mental note to hit Nisei the next time I was in Lakeview. This is the only place I'll go in Wrigleyville now. Pros: Pool table, real dart boards, best juke box, gigantic long bar, great atmosphere, chill staff. Something called Malort. Popcorn & fortune cookies are actually a good combo after 17 high lifes. Cons: You will need a day off afterward.
(5)Gina H.
I give Nisei three stars primarily for the dart boards and the juke box...I really love playing darts and hate plastic boards, and they have the real deal. The people there are pretty much doing their own thing and it's free from annoying patrons, which can often be a problem in that neighborhood...the drinks are not over-priced which helps as well!
(3)Chip D.
There's a lot to love about the Nisei Lounge-- cheap booze; pool and darts; friendly (more or less) regulars; shimmery, late afternoon light; the size, it's roomy in a cozy way--but the absolute best thing about this Wrigleyville institution is what it's not. It's not a sports bar, it's not a restaurant, it's not some faux-Irish "pub," it's not a music club, it's not a hipster joint, it's not swank or uptight or overladen with beer advertisements. In fact, it's one of the hardest things to find in Chicago these days: a bar. There are no specials, no credit cards, no menus, none of the usual bullshit that you get at virtually every other place in the neighborhood. It's a bar in almost pure form. Once upon a time, there were hundreds of these magical beasts in Chicago, but they are slowly being driven to extinction by the McIrish-bar mafia and Mayor Daley. So, while it lasts, do yourself a favor and make yourself known at the Nisei Lounge, because when it's gone, there will no longer be a place in Wrigleyville where you can have a drink and not hear "Can I get you a menu?" P.S. As wonderful as this place is, it really does need a new TV.
(5)Katie H.
To me the best dive bars make you feel like you aren't really in a bar, but hanging out in your friend's basement playing pool and listening to music. That's the vibe I got an Nisei. They beer was cheap and cold, they had a good selection with hefewiezen and Rogue on tap, the bartender (Jenn) was awesome and really quick depsite running the bar herself with a large crowd, and the jukebox had some good tunes. Oh and I met some awesome yelpers, so what more could I want? - - - Goodbye Nisei. I never went there as much as I should have, but you I will miss it. My last outing was just as much fun as my first - I drank cheap beer, I talked to awesome yelpers, and I got waaaayyy to drunk.
(4)John K.
My favorite bar in the city. I love this place so much. It's a refreshing isle of normalcy in an ever-expanding sea of generic, stale, uninspired wrigley bars. There used to be a barbershop with a back door that opened up into the bar--and one time it opened up and Moises Alou walked right out of it. If you don't like the smoke, the music, or the bathrooms (they were a LOT worse before the remodel) then you can leave. There are plenty of other bars within a block or two. But I, for one, will always love this place.
(5)Patrick W.
Had a great time here on 4th of July Eve, aka the 3rd of July. Two pool tables, two dart boards and a nice little selection of beers has me interested in coming back. It wasn't loud, crowded, or obnoxious as so many of the other Wrigleyville bars are. Big ups (nod to Ali G) to the bartender who managed a good-sized (and thirsty) crowd by herself. Ah- good tunes on the jukebox too.
(4)Katie B.
I dropped in to the Nisei on my birthday last week only to find out that it might not be closing/ changing ownership after all! This is the perfect place to play darts after Cubs games and avoid the over-crowded bars. Killer long island iced teas and pool may not go so well together for KB but the regulars are solid folks and seem to be forgiving of my indiscretions over the past few years. I miss the old jukebox. Looking forward to many more nights of ordering Cozy Noodles and playing darts at the Nisei.
(4)bj f.
strange to venture back to this bar. the last time i visited was in the 90's. but ronnie's yelp event drew me back. i felt strange about going initially, but my thanks to ronnie, who recognized me as a lost newbie, interrupted his pool game to welcome me, and introduced me to caroline a., who couldn't have been more friendly and welcoming. thanks to both. my window of time was really limited and i spent a light year looking for a legal space, so the window shrunk exponentially. parking in this area is beyond crazy, even when there's no cub within 100 miles in the dead of winter. it was even stranger to not see the funky decor i remembered, or the asian bartender i used to know, but the gin and tonics were fine, reasonable, and both servers were friendly enough. it seems to have lost its special warmth and uniqueness, (which i suppose now would be considered its slum quality) so it seems more sterile, but it isn't as trendy and off putting as a lot of the newer places, so i think i could feel comfortable hanging out. hard to give a fair review, because i spent so little time; i'll have to return soon with friends and hang for awhile. if we can park. so thanks to ronnie, for bringing me back to my childhood haunt. you can't go home again, but a new one can be enjoyable for what it is.
(4)Robert R.
The actual bar is not bad. Things to do and a good place in Wrigleyville. The manager is a prick though. I left my card there and live out of town and gave them my address and was told that they would mail it to me. I offered to give them money to do so and appreciated the convenience. After not receiving the card for a week, I called in to see what was happening. The manager told me he didn't understand why I couldn't just cancel it. As I had already talked to someone and they told me they could I was told that "Nobody mails anything any more. I have to get stamps and an envelope and why can't I just cancel the card." If anyone, who I'm assuming is normal, uses their credit card online and sets it up for any accounts then redoing all these is not that much of a convenience. So then he told me that he wont' mail it because nobody mails anything any more. I politely thanked him for receiving no help any more and would not tell anybody anything good about this place. Nothing against anybody that works there but the manager could obviously give a crap about anyone who goes in there.
(2)Michael H.
Really an excellent bar that bucks the trend of Wrigleyville. This is a nice, quiet, dark lounge that usually keeps out the riff-raff! The jukebox is superb and they have darts and a pool table for your entertainment. This is a great place to take a date for a drink.
(4)Diablo L.
Nice bar to chill out and have some drinks , pool table, plenty of room...
(4)Frank G.
I used to know a guy whom lived very close to here. That was a while ago. There would be some really good times up here. Not to mention many charcters such as "old man tar heel" swooping in to chat up yer bird while you're using the head. "the dart shark" sooper jew", and "cryin jamie". My favorite was the old jap guy that used to be in there all the time playin pool(and stealing drinks). I like the old bathroom the most. You used to be able to go in there and do some coke without everyone being in you business, plus you could pull one hitters and blow the smoke out of the window. Then it got remodeled and they put brighter paint in too. Drag. I don't really miss heading up there though as the neighborhood isn't exactly my cup of tea, but this place, a while back was alright.
(2)wendy p.
Please don't close Nisei Lounge! We barely got to know each other! I promise that if you stay open, I'll move to Chicago be a loyal patron.
(5)molly c.
weeee. i liked this place a lot. had i known about it when i lived in lakeview, chances are that instead of just meeting ronnie r. a year ago, i probably would have met him 4 years ago!! small (but with 2 pool tables), nice staff, a bit smokey...nice tap and bottle selection... i can't say what it's like during a cubs game...but i had a sweet time. thanks jen!
(4)Tom F.
I'm revising my review. While I still think the Nisei is the most authentic bar amidst the sea of dreck up and down Clark St. in Wrigleyville, I've become increasingly troubled by the drunken, loutish behavior of certain of the regular patrons, and as a result, I am less comfortable spending time there. If you are looking for a way to escape Barleycorns, Red Ivy, etc., I still recommend stopping by the Nisei for a beer. That said, you probably will not be seeing me there for a while.
(2)Rob L.
I had fun here. It's represents a dying breed of a bar. Simple, damn fine COLD beer, not a lot of frills, good service, pool tables and dart boards and the local game on. I've driven by here so many times with barely a nod in it's direction, now I will notice a little more and make my way in a bit more often.
(4)Erica K.
Last I checked this place was still open. I like to chill here and play darts (which is apparently not the game of choice in Chicago bars...annoying). Sometimes after games there are a few annoying fanboys, but most the time it's pretty empty and really relaxed. I like it that way.
(4)Lauren H.
good divey local bar that doesnt fit into wrigleyville, and I mean that in the most complimentary of ways. very good selection of beers and other tasty alcoholic beverages (e.g. Mike's) at good prices. friendly bartenders and regulars. totally the type of place I used to hang out in college, and should frequent more often now for the health of my wallet.
(4)Jason S.
4 stars for a dive bar. Dont ever go here. Because if you do, and I am there, that will be one more person in this bar. And if I am in this bar, I dont want to talk to you, your friends, or anyone else. That kind of dive bar.
(4)Beth S.
Had a great time at this bar at my first unofficial Yelp event last night! And I don't even drink beer! Their vodka-cranberries surpassed my expectations, and even came with a cute, little lime cube in them. For my hubby that DOES drink beer, they were incredibly cheap. If you're looking for ambiance I wouldn't recommend it, but definitely a great place for a group event.
(3)Adam M.
this i live right by it and i never go there. i have been there 2 or 3 times and its always have pretty drunk people in there. they have pool and darts. the first time, they had prison break on the tv and it was really loud. the good time is they have a jukebox but so do almost every bar in the area. so if you go here don't expect anything unique.
(2)John P.
Haven't been here in a while, but great bar, great bartenders and an excellent jukebox! I think it was rated 2nd in the city at one time. I used to live around the corner and sometimes I would get just a bit too shineboxed, but never any worries as the bartenders were always watching out for me. Most of the time, it was void of the frat boys that usually litter the Wrigleyville bars, which made it a nice place to frequent, actually finding great conversation with real people with actual personalities. I'll have to come back next time I'm in town as places like this are a dying breed.
(5)Lee W.
As a beer-and-wings kind of girl, this bar blows all of Wrigleyville's d-bag watering holes out of the water. Old-school dart boards, decent beer selection (i.e. Rogue on tap) and good music -- what more could a girl want? Wait, there's more -- Bags in video game-format and good old fashioned, classy photo hunt. I think I'm in love.
(5)Simone G.
This place is the sh*T- 2.00 PBR's on tap, real cork dart boards, and two newly felted pool tables in a neighborhood that screams: "hello John Barleycorn, I'm a tool"
(5)James M.
A geat little neighborhood hangout near Wrigley with a surprisingly great beer selection. My latest trip there they had Chimay bottles (really?) and stuff from Rogue and New Holland on tap. Rounded out with darts, pool, a friendly staff and a great jukebox. A bit of a dive, but the surprisingly comfortable kind.
(4)Ronnie R.
Ive been going to this bar, like many regulars, for years and have to say that it is the most real bar in the Wrigleyville area. I mean you have other pretenders that try to look after true locals but they dont come close.You come in here and you have a shit-load of great beers to choose from, then you can shoot some stick on one of two pool tables or throw darts on one of two dart boards. Have a shot(Ill have a rumple!) with the owner or bartenders and wash it down with some suds. Some say dive I just say home!
(5)mike f.
ill give it 3 it was decent although i thought the beer was a little expensive i thought the music was loud and obnoxious but eh thats what u get when u try out a new bar i suppose
(3)Phil K.
One of Chicago's Best Dive Bars only steps from Wrigley. Nice pool table ($1.00), great area for darts, not wallpapered with tv's, great internet jukebox, never crowded and cheap beer. The fact that they only take cash is even a benefit in my eyes. Running out of money is a sure fire sign that I need to go home. Some people I've taken there feel that it's a little dark inside, which I can understand. My only complaint is that there is no food. A menu of greasy food would make this place almost perfect. This definitely isn't a bar for everyone, but for people who appreciate a nice low key bar where you can play pool while watching the game will love the place.
(4)A N.
Absolute best bar in Wrigleyville. My friends and I wanted to watch the big Bears-Packers playoff game at a bar, but wanted to make sure we could get a table and some space without waking up at the crack of dawn. We emailed Nisei and they completely accomodated us, reserving a table big enough for our entire group. The staff was amazing- even came over and gave us all free t-shirts to thank us for choosing their bar. And they'd noticed one of the girls had a Cubs logo on her credit card, so they gave her an entry to a raffle for opening day tickets. They had darts and pool, along with a selection of board games. Also gave us a binder full of menus to every place that delivered to their bar when we got hungry. The bar got extremely busy for the game, but getting a drink was never a problem. And we alerted them the bathroom had run out of toilet paper and paper towels, and they immediately restocked it. They also put out free pizza and popcorn for everyone, and between quarters would have some Bears trivia with prizes. The music they played before the game started was great, and the crowd had a very cool vibe, not your usual Wrigleyville douchebags. GREAT drink specials- in fact I'm pretty sure they didn't even charge us for everything, because there's no way a tab could be that cheap. I liked the atmosphere, dimly lit and laid-back and divey. Overall they made our experience perfect and we will keep them in mind for ALL future events!
(5)Lee C.
A comfortable dive bar -- this is a great escape from the Wrigelyville jock crowd, except on game days. Good jukebox and nice selection of beers on tap. Two pool tables and a dart board, which gets used by a local dart league.
(5)Stephanie M.
We stopped in here while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. In an area with bars at every other door, this one was pretty quiet. $3.50 for a gin and tonic in a cool square-ish glass is a good thing. Interesting mix of traditional asian and thanksgiving decor. Pool tables in back.
(3)Danielle C.
Why do all the decent, non gentrified, casual, friendly, laid back places have to close? SERIOUSLY?!!*!*!*!*! I WANT TO KNOW! I rarely go out anymore, I cannot take the noise, however, when I do, I do not want to venture into a "fake" Irish bar. You know what I am talking about- if not, let me describe it for you. 1. Fake- or real- wood facade on the outside. 2. Gold lettering- often in the old English style (nice oxymoron- I know) with a name typically referring to either A. a building type B. a type of liquor C. something that sounds like the "home land". 3. Often ONE true Irish person who works in the bar- and tries to lend some authenticity. If you are familiar at all with the current Chicago bar scene, quite a few places should be coming to mind. Don't get me wrong- I actually like some of them- but every bar does not need to be created by the same cookie cutter!! So- the Nisei lounge- I am coming here a few more times before it closes. Why? I can come as I am. I do not have to get dressed up, made up, hair done. I can be myself. I can sit in the large front windows and people watch. I can talk with regulars, sip with friends, or enjoy a COLD brew by myself. The bartenders rock. The place is cozy and friendly. The prices are good. Pretension is nonexistent. I hope the new owner keeps it real. Somehow, I doubt it.
(5)Dave S.
I love dive bars and this place is no exception! I especially like this place as it has always been one of my favorites and most likely always will remain as one of them! The crowd is always chill and the fools that typically frequent Wrigleyville bars don't usually make it here for some reason. You are not going to get a complaint out of me for that one. This place is chill and a good place just to hang out and have a cold one and not have your wallet emptied. A solid four stars in my book.
(4)Matthew S.
Kinda dirty. Kinda divey. Kinda cheap. I like it. We tend to go here after a Links Hall performance - its never too crowded, and lots of locals hang out here. The bathrooms are super gross, so after a few beers - you know you are going to have to use it. I think I have a perennial fear of public toilets anyway. Its a pot shot. Sometimes its clean, sometimes its not. It tends to be smokey as hell in this bar, but that will end soon enough. As a smoker, I still go outside to have a ciggie (yeah yeah, I know its a disgusting habit, I know that its bad for my health, etc.) If you can hear above the music and TV's, and other excited bar goers, super. If you can't - are you surprised? You're in a Wrigleyville bar. I'd suggest going here to start, and then moving on. Get your buzz for cheap, and when you quit caring about how much money you are spending on booze, go somewhere a bit more swank.
(3)Craig B.
News Item: Chicago, IL (July 11, 2009)- The Nisei Lounge's burial has now officially taken longer than that of James Brown. While never claiming to be the "Hardest Working Bar in Wrigleyville", Nisei is nevertheless proud of this achievement. Ever since the announcement of the Nisei's demise many yelpers have bemoaned its loss, not realizing that it is still open. "We have worked hard at appearing dead for a year now" stated bar regular Ronnie R. (who asked that only his last initial be used for this story), "By carefully keeping the lights low, refusing to update anything, and never having more than two patrons in the bar at a time, we have fooled hundreds of people into walking by." The recent addition of a color television concerned Mr. R that it may give the appearance of life until he realized most patrons were unable to lift their heads from the bar to notice its existence. In this reporter's opinion the Nisei's burial should continue indefinitely.
(4)Mark H.
Top notch pre-game Cubs bar, which despite only being 2 blocks from the park is completely devoid of the typical (read: shitty) pre-game Cubs bar experience. Very laid back atmosphere, nice long bar, pool and darts. Great! -1 star for kind-of expensive drinks, but then again, it is 2 blocks from the park.
(4)Mihir P.
The owners/managers at Nisei ROCK! My friend and I had an event there raising money for cancer research. Tim, the manager on duty, was extremely nice. Helped me get setup for the event. Supplied us with wristbands and scissors for our guests. It was a successful event. Thanks, Nisei!
(4)Carla P.
Fun bar. Everyone is quite friendly. Dave the bartender was great!
(5)Joe C.
A Cubs Game Dump but that's Cool This will be a short review. This a a genuine dive bar with super cheap beer deals and the game is on. Cooler then most of the overpriced bars on N. Clarke. Why spend 3 times as much to get drunk before a Cubs game? Hit up Nisei, get drunk, play darts, and play some tunes. Thanks
(3)KC K.
A great alternative to the tourist trap Pre-Cubs game bars. Great beer selection (Floyd's!) and a shot of Malort is all you need here. Bartender was great to talk to and the place was a mix of locals and ballgame goers. This is my go to next time I'm in Wrigleyville.
(5)Lydia R.
Not a bad place. Small. They didn't have a whole lot of TVs and the bathrooms didn't have enough space to even breathe in! But they have cheap beer and a pool table, so really you're all set.
(4)Angelica C.
Free pool and darts, cheap beer, and they allow you to bring in food-- doesn't get any better than that! My friends are regulars here and I sometimes tag along for a fun night. Walking distance from the Addison Red Line stop and always fun to people watch after the Cubs games. There is a jukebox and photo booth that you can plug money into. There are also a few board games, Jenga is always one of my favorites. Bathrooms here are relatively clean compared to most places! Oh and for the ladies, there are purse hooks on the counter walls, how awesome is that?! *** DON'T FORGET: TIP YOUR BARTENDERS WELL! ***
(5)Chris S.
The once great dive bar no has fallen. It used to be welcoming and friendly, now feels hipster and snobby. Staff were total pricks to our group who had been shooting pool for awhile no one was in there except us and we finally just left. If you are trying to have a nice relaxing time with your friends go elsewhere.
(1)Liz C.
Off the beaten path, very few tourists, easy access to the Red Line Addison stop. Fun crowd, laid-back atmosphere. Great alternative to the usual Clark St madhouses.
(3)Regina O.
Let's just say not everyone is welcome here. It's a dive with no air condition. We sat down and the bartender told us we had to leave if we weren't ordering before we had the chance to make a decision on what we wanted. So, we decided what we wanted was better service and we left.
(1)Jason H.
I love this bar. I live on the corner. So it never feels like I've left home. Such a warm atmosphere. Being welcomed by the bartenders and the bar regulars alike. All of the bartenders remember my drink of choice. Even if it's been weeks since they've seen me. I base my bar schedule around the bartenders. TJ, Lou, and Doug are the best. Pamela, Dave and Andy are all wonderful too. It's just hard to make it in on their nights. I look forward to any night I get to spend at Nisei with my friends. This bar will be a long lasting part of my drinking and relaxing career.
(5)Finch M.
No complaints about the Nisei. Came here on a Sunday afternoon post cubs game. Very chill environment. We watched the US vs Portugal World Cup match while throwing down Old Style cans (they eventually ran out) and doing shots of Malort. It was a great change up to the regular bars in the area - more space - cheaper - and just as fun in my opinion. I shall return...more Malort? Not so sure about that though.
(5)Greg M.
Nisei Lounge is one of the few non-dbag bars on or near Clark and for that, I love them. Bonus points for big Jenga, free darts, and a serious dedication to Christmas decorations.
(4)Shanti N.
I braved the wilds of Wrigleyville last week to attend an event at Nisei Lounge. Going in I knew what to expect, as I had heard that this place is a no-holds-barred dive bar that hosts weekly charity bartending nights: niseiloungechicago.com/N… The place is definitely tucked away. With the red line being torn up indefinitely, and given that I was toting a large pillow for the charity raffle, I decided to cab it. I was glad that it was still light out, as there is no way I would have found the place, seeing as how it is tucked between two other storefronts. It is definitely not a sports bar, although the sets showed all of the major sports in play, including Game 4 of the Hawks. Whille this place is too out of the way to become a regular stop, I will say that the hosts/bartenders were accommodating to our event, allowing us to bring in pizzas (Nisei is BYO food) and call out raffle prizes. Word of warning/cautionary tale: do not rest your drink on the game table. I did, briefly, to take off my jacket and was reprimanded--oddly enough by one of the patrons, and not a bartender on staff. Go figure!
(3)Byron M.
I recently had the privilege of taking part in a guest-bartending event at Nisei Lounge. Not only did I have a blast, but the staff at Nisei couldn't have been more helpful. I look forward to working with them in the future and highly recommend any organization looking for a fun fundraiser event to team up with Nisei.
(5)Bill S.
Seemed like an alright place. I ordered one beer, afterwards when trying to pay for said beer, the lady behind the bar tried to shake me down and say I ordered 2. Pretty terrible service, I paid anyways and then saw her as she only put one drink into the computer and kept the rest of my cash. What a lousy person.
(1)Ham B.
A grade "A" dive and often a great escape from the rest of the scum and villainy in and around Wrigleyville. On nights where there's no Cubs game you can get a special with Hamm's and a shot of whiskey or Malort. They got darts, Pool, board games, & more often than not - a friendly bar staff. On Fri/Sat or Cubs (or other local sports) nights it can get packed but otherwise an oasis in the sea of Wrigley.
(4)Michelle J.
Absolutely disgraceful place. If I got the name of the bartender with glasses that was there Friday night the 27th, I would have reported her to the manager- and I will. So I sat down due to an injury and was just waiting around since I did notice that the people who were sitting down at the bar where I did were outside taking a smoke break (that lasted 10 min+) so in the mean time I decided to wait and sit--- the minute the bartender comes to me- she completely is a bitch and said it in such a nasty tone that was not only rude, but unprofessional- she could have simply told me that there was someone coming back- so this bitch decides to talk shit to the group of people on the other side of the bar. What pissed me off completely is that she is talking to them as if I cannot see/hear her. The minute I said something, it shut her up. I have NEVER experienced such unprofessional behavior from a bartender. I am a regular visitor to Wrigleyville and I will be sure to report this and let others know of this incident. There are WAY better bars out in the area than this dump. Also- very dim, smelly, sticky place with dirty bathrooms--- YUP, save yourselves the time.
(1)Lulu R.
Nestled in in Wrigleyville I had a a great chance to truely dislike this place. Gladly I didn't. We walked in to this low-key place with blacked out windows. Blacked out windows means not having to see wrigleyville sloppy messes walking by. Thank Goodness. Barkeep made sure I was well hydrated. The bar istelf is a big area with seating. They have tables strewn about. The have a 2 dart board with giant chalk board to keep score....or write "lulu waz here".... or something else witty. They have a pool table that runs because it isn't leveled right (for the pool snobs). The do not serve food but the do let you bring food in. Beer in bottles or beer drafts...whatever you fancy, they have both. This feels like a weekday hangout to meet your homies to kick back a few and not deal with the typical Wrigleyville crowd. I can see myself coming back in the future.
(4)Ross B.
Best Christmas decorations you've ever seen in a bar. They keep them up through most of the winter, but I vote for them all year. Christmas in July would be great!
(5)Misha T.
Cool bar, good vibe and the owners are probably japanese american based on the name? woo asian american bar owners!
(4)Damian C.
I like you, Nisei. You remind me of my favorite college bar. Minus an overwhelming 18-22 population. And your bathrooms are much cleaner. And there isn't as much writing on the wall. However, I did see one number in case I wanted to "get lucky at 3:15PM" (I wiped it off, though. I didn't want anyone else sharing in my new discovery). Your staff is friendly and actually socialized with the patrons. Not that I want to spill my life story to bartenders (even though I usually do after a few more than I need), but it's nice to know that you not only make strong drinks but also have a kind heart. And what a soundtrack! "Sweet Freedom" by Michael McDonald? It may not be everyone's party song but sign me up as a HUGE FAN. And your cheap. Not like my college roommate... but easy on the wallet. P.S. Thanks for letting us play beer pong. You're now my new friend. Yay! See you soon.
(4)Mandi G.
New owners, same vibe. Least douchiest of Wrigley. Got to love the pole.
(4)Michelle K.
I renewed my lease because Nisei is so close to home. This is a great dive to grab a beer, play some darts, shoot some pool, order some delivery, and play some board games. Always ask about the daily specials!
(5)Andre W.
The first I came here it was to wait on the Cubs game to start and it was cool because I just got a couple of Bud Lights and I was off to Wrigley. This past Saturday was my buddy Ronnie's party and it was a bloody good time. They had my new favorite belgium beer. Delirium Tremons. This place also has pool tables and dart boards for your competitive pleasure. As everyone else said this place is totally different from most bars in the area. I don't have anything against the other joints in the area, but I would say its a more mature crowd.
(4)Jim T.
Classic no frills dive bar. Score your own darts, bartenders with personality, cheap drinks. Great Wrigleyville spot to get away from the crowd.
(5)Deployed R.
This is the first place I have been that I truly wish I could give a 6. Everyone here was so nice! Super relaxed and a great crew of locals that chatted us up even though we were from STL. The bartender even hooked us up with our first ever Malort shot! They had very good music playing, and even though business was slow the night we were there you could tell this is the kind of place where people are nice even when its slammed. I really can't say enough about how welcoming they were to us on a very cold night. There is no way you would get to meet people like that working at a commercial bar that is just like the rest. We will definitely be going back next time we are in Chicago.
(5)Caroline A.
I'm going to be completely honest. If Ronnie didn't have a fantastic party here, I probably would have never come to Nisei. The drinks are super cheap, the bartenders are super nice and the bar is a friendly and happy place. Come with a group of friends for a casual and fun drinking night. The only problem with super cheap drinks is that they go down really fast. Holy Hangover.
(4)Taylor M.
I came here pretty plate on a Thursday night. Nearby street parking was easy to find. The bar was dead other than my friends and I that were sitting at the bar. The bar is really chill with reasonably priced drinks. Not exactly a place I am dying to go back to since it was pretty uneventful. But you can't beat cheap drinks.
(3)Mary T.
Douche-free bars in Wrigleyville? They really do exist! You know those girls* who like insanely priced frouffy drinks; preferably places with a long list of made-up martinis and other silly drinks? Well, I'm not one of them. You know those girls* who carry handbags the size of Texas and dogs the size of a cell phone? I'm not one of them. You know those girls* who get dressed to the nine's to hang out in bars like The Apartment, enclave or Barleycorn's? Yep, you guessed it, I'm not one of them either. Seriously, if I could get away with going out in my sweatpants I would in a heartbeat! Put me in any bar and I can be happy as long as they have these 5 things: 1) Reasonably priced drinks 2) Beer and/or hard cider, vodka, and real grapefruit juice (not the fake crap) 3) A reasonably low number of chads and trixies. Too many and I want to slit my wrists with a rusty butter knife! 4) Good tunes, but not too loud; I shouldn't have to scream in order to have a conversation. 5) No dress code, line to get in, or cover charge This is why Nisei and I were destined to meet. So, thank you Ronnie for introducing us! Nisei is nothing fancy, just a simple bar; an anomaly really for Wrigleyville. Pool, real darts, a few TV's, plenty of booze, and reasonably priced drinks. Nisei, is the perfect place to settle in and do some serious drinking on a cold winter's evening. And that's just what I did. Thanks Nisei for the good times with my fellow Yelpers! Hopefully, I'll be seeing you again soon. TIP: It's cash only, but there are plenty of ATM's nearby. * No offense intended ladies, I'm sure you're very nice. I have a few friends that fall into this category, but it's just not my style and never will be. You can keep bars like The Apartment, I'll take Nisei.
(4)Angie M.
I can't believe I lived in Lakeview for as long as I did and never made it to Nisei, so I'm glad that our favorite Irishman Ronnie R., decided to host an event at Nisei. It's a bar... nothing too crazy, nothing too fancy. The best selling point of Nisei is that it TOTALLY lacks the Trixie/Chad factor that other bars in the 'hood can possess. And as a gal in her late 20's, I didn't feel old here, which is also important. Lots of room around the pool tables. Pretty bitchin' juke box. Oh yes... drinks are VERY reasonably priced.
(4)Erika G.
Great neighborhood bar. This is probably the most real place in the area, and blissfully free of the usual suspects - drunk frat boys. It's a large, basic bar with cheap drinks - great for a gathering of a large group. The jukebox seriously rocks. A whole album of L7. YEAH!!!
(3)Jelena Z.
Meet my new friend, Nisei Lounge. Good selection of ice cold brews? Check. Attentive bartender? Check. Casual, mellow feel? Check. Easy conversation with unassuming patrons? Check. The very antithesis to a typical Wrigleyville bar yet somehow thrives in the belly of the beast? CHECK. Plus I can walk to and fro (okay, at least "to"). Check.
(4)David R.
A strange bird indeed. On a night when all the brah bars are packed, this place is deserted. Consequently, it's a haven for those of use who desire something more sedate but for some reason can't choose another neighborhood (usually this means some jagbag friend visiting from out of town). It's a strange juxtaposition to the riotous douchebaggery nearby, but thank goodness for it. I'm glad to hear that they didn't close as expected. I also like the place because of the X-Files Season 3 episode "Nisei" in which Mulder and Scully trace a thread of the alien conspiracy plotline from an alien autopsy tape to a secret train car and a group of female abduction survivors in Pennsylvania; this of course comes into play later in the series during the Scully cancer subplot.
(3)Colleen C.
Well, is anyone SURPRISED this place is closing? It's the unique, loner, individual in a sea of sports bars. It just doesn't "go" in Wrigleyville, and I'm sure it has a hard time hanging with the "cool kids." Alas, this review is far too late, as I really did enjoy this spot. Despite the odd lighting, it was actually somewhere I would go to Wrigleyville for, and that is saying quite a bit. So, ta-ta Nisei. It was nice to meet you, and so long. Better to go out in style than conform to fit in, tis what I think.
(4)David T.
One if the best kept secrets in Wrigleyville. Tucked behind clark, with not a lot of curb apeal, it opens up after you go in. Fantastic dive bar. Popcorn at the bar. Great selection of craft beers on tap, and a pool table. Friendly servers that make this a must-hit dive for me.
(5)Chan K.
A bar in Wrigley not synonymous with rowdy, drunken douche balls? Check. Nisei is a mellow, neighborhood bar in the midst of the calamity that is Wrigleyville on a weekend night. TVs, pool table and an awesome jukebox? Check. Drinks that are easy on the wallet? Check. Nice, friendly bartendars? Check. Nisei doesn't serve food but they offer menus of places that deliver there should you get hungry.
(4)