Wicker Park Tavern
1958 W North Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
Wicker Park Tavern Menu
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Address :
1958 W North Ave
Chicago, IL, 60622 - Phone (773) 278-5138
- Website https://www.wickerparktavernchicago.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : DJ
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : Yes
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Norvell M.
I used to frequent this place for about 2 years straight, but about 2 years ago the management changed and its been down hill ever since. If you are an African American who is not accompanied by a Caucasian, do not expect to get in without hassle. I've been turned around because my pants hem fell to low over my dress shoes (I guess to imply I was "sagging"). Turned around because someone in my group was "too drunk" and none of us had drank anything yet (THAT'S WHY WE CAME TO THE BAR". If you're African American and you make it inside then prepare yourself for the rude bartenders. I was once told after ordering my drink "Make sure you tip" as if I wasn't going to. Then to top it all off, the drinks are watered down and overpriced. Not sure who took over the last few years but w I get the message now, No coloreds allowed.....
(1)Heather C.
Came here after putting in a reservation at Piece on a Saturday night around 8:30 pm. Not many people here despite the place being located on the corner of Damen and North. We found a seat right away for our group of 5. The server wasn't that attentive so we only ordered one drink for the duration of our stay there. It was also hard to get their attention for a taster (don't try the Hibiscus Ale by Revolution, it tasted like a watered down sweet lager (Coors, Bud, etc.). There are plenty of TVs, seating and food menu. My friends ordered the Guac and Chips starter but it looked super tiny for how much it cost. My friends may have liked the place but I didn't care for it.
(3)Ryan C.
NO $1 burgers as advertised on their website as they discounted this a long time ago, said the nice server. A regular burger is $8. Wendy's does a much better job! And (4) out of their limited craft beer taps were kicked! No bueno..
(2)Roli C.
Mary, you are an incredible representation of this amazing bar! Your vision of inclusion and social justice is amazing. You make me feel welcomed and at home every time!
(5)Kevin C.
Finally convinced a few friends that reside in Lakeview to branch out and try a new hood & bar . Discovering this place was an MSU bar awhile back it was a natural fit to watch a basketball game. It met all the requirements I was looking for and turned made for a good start to the evening. Our waitress was there when we were thirsty and didn't pull a houdini at any point. You can't beat $2 PBRs and $1 burgers with a minimum drink purchase of $4. We weren't here to sip on perfectly concocted cocktails, dank brews, or have a foodgasm. Basketball and beer. The burger is filler, please don't be mistaken, but if you are hungry its well worth one hundred pennies. I may have finally convinced my buddies there is a world west of I-90. I would definitely recommend this place to catch a game and throw down a few beers. Although, they did change several of the TVs to a hockey pregame show (first world problem I know) when it was close and only a few minutes left. Tolerable crowd, plenty of beers to choose from, and its not in Lakeview. If any of the above appeals to you there's three reasons to stop in.
(3)John S.
This is one of the coolest bars I've been to in Wicker Park. The staff was great and they serve fantastic drinks. We were there for a birthday and the staff went out of their way to make the night good. It was pretty busy when we were there, but the staff was friendly and prompt. I had the Southwest eggrolls and they were fantastic, as were the mozzarella sticks. The music comes from a jukebox on the wall and that was kind of cool. The interior is nice, and well lit, though it feels cozy. The drinks weren't too expensive, and I don't know why people are bitching about it. This place is great, and I'll definitely be back.
(5)Lydia R.
Go here if you want to listen to loud, albeit good, fist-pumping music and watch sports, not talk to your friends! I could barely hear what any of my friends were saying. The bartender recommended some really awesome beers though, which almost made up for the negatives!
(3)b b.
I should first disclose that I have only gone here 3 times, however, I have enjoyed myself each time and the last visit had a great meal. Usually when you hit the specials at a bar they are not all that great, not the case here. I got the $1 cheeseburger...that came with fries. Here I was expecting a little white castle burger ....and wasn't even expecting fries so I was floored when it showed up "huge" and with all the fixins ....and it tasted like an actual burger. The beers I had that night were great too! I had draft beers that came nice N Cold. Not sure if was just our waitress but I think this will be our regular place for awhile!
(4)Mark K.
This place works well as a stop to watch sports. It's a Michigan State bar, so if you're an alum or fan of MSU then this is a good stop. The location is tremendous, right in the heart of Wicker park across the best Walgreen's ever and near lots of other fun and tasty things. There's a special that goes on during the weekend, I think, that lets you get a cheeseburger and fries for $1 with any purchase over $4 of alcohol. That's pretty terrific. It wasn't an amazing sandwich, but it was better than $1, so it is worth getting if you're hungry. Overall, would definitely go back to watch sports, grab a drink, and eat something quick if hungry.
(3)Franky A.
Great neighborhood bar and I'm sure that if I lived in Chicago, I'd probably drink here every night. Chicago has weird drinking hours but this place I do know stays open late. That's always a plus!
(4)Lea J.
Huge bouncer and a friendly bar staff? Uh yes. The venue is as easy as the beer selection.
(3)Kerry M.
A great spot to get a beer. The bartender wasn't too friendly, but the location is pretty perfect for people-watching. I love that they open up the windows when the weather is warm. There are plenty of TVs to check out a game and I like the dark wood of the bar. Very manly and kind of sexy. Definitely a good neighborhood bar; although, I'm not sure if everyone knows your name.
(3)Mary P.
They always have $3 312 drafts. Now that I've lead with the good part-- the rest of this review is pointless. If you're still reading, during the day its a pretty good lunch atmosphere with cheap food. After lunch the crowd starts picking up, pretty typical Wicker Park crowd. Weirdly enough the bathrooms are really cool-- feels like you're in an industrial park but safer.
(4)Max T.
This will forever be the bar where I discovered picklebacks. To be honest, for years I believed this to be a club. Turns out when I got an invitation for drinks after dinner from across the street I learned the truth. It's just a really good looking bar with late hours and prime real estate. Back to this whole pickleback situation though. I'm a drinker and I have no clue how this shot of whiskey with a pickle juice chaser went for so long under my radar. I can say that they are dangerous. The cut is real... and smooth. I had about five too many and might've woke up sleeping on a dog bed, with a quilt though, I am civilized some. For a Friday night the place was comfortable. Had the Bulls game on and even played the encore. I don't mean comfortable as in it being empty cause it was far from it, but you could have yourself a good time with no struggle. That was the case for a Friday night while I was there. I did meet the beautiful server Bianca who is a friend of a friend that I was with this night. If you visit and happen to be waited on by her you're in good hands. I'm glad I finally got the lowdown on this place and though I slowly remove myself more from the Wicker scene I would return sometime. I wouldn't mind coming back during the day to see if they have eats. Bout it.
(3)Julie Y.
Love this place, perfect location if you're in wicker park and all the staff is friendly. Drinks are good and so is the food. Southwest egg rolls are good, served with buffalo sauce and didn't actually eat the burger but a friend said it was good! Mozzarella sticks are like any but gave this place 5 stars cause I saw some reviews that the drinks were too expensive so gave them less stars. Stop being a cheap ass and go somewhere else! Don't hate on a place cause you think the drinks cost too much. Welcome to Chicago drinks cost money sweetheart!
(5)Bri A.
I think I'm reviewing the right place! There are two listings for this address... I stopped in with some friends on a Monday because their 25c wing special called out to us! They had good drink specials, too. The wings were meh, but I've never had good ones for that cheap. We all ordered them hot and they were not spicy at all and dry. We had to order a side of sauce. I tried the burger which was decent, but reminded me of Burger King. I probably wouldn't eat here again but I'd stop in for a drink.
(3)Irene G.
The atmospere is pretty nice - I'm a fan of sports bars. I came here with some very hungry friends so lucky for us it was a Monday and it so happened to be 25 cent wing night and $1 burgers! That put a big smile on everyone's faces. $3 312...$2 PBRs... I ordered 10 wings (hot) and a 312. The wings were not spicy enough, but for 25 cents good enough for me. Decent bar to go with a group of friends and cheap beers.
(3)Angela N.
Went here for the first time yesterday (first time in Wicker Park too) with a close friend! The place was similar to a chicago tavern that I currently work at, but different as well. It was extremely hot and I don't think the place had an air conditioner that was running. However, the bartender who I believe is the server as well was extremely nice and helped us with the menu and told us the deals. We had the spicy nachos, the buffalo/hot wings, a cheeseburger and fries (yes this was all for 2 small girls--sidenote I was starving). The spicy nachos were delicious and the guacamole that came with it was amazing. The wings were also really good and they were extremely cheap (0.25cents on Mondays)! The cheeseburger was okay as well as the fries. We had a great time here and it was a good place to just hang out and talk. My favorite part was that the drinks weren't too expensive and that the food was reasonably priced. Will be back the next time I am in Wicker Park. :)
(4)Kris R.
WP tav is a good place to go if you want to watch the game - any game. what i really love it for is their $1 burger with purchase of any drink. and it comes with fries (the skinny kind, my favorite). whatwhat!!! the food is okay, but you really can't beat that deal!!! i've been here a bunch of times and they do have great weekday specials. there is nothing fancy about this place - it is your basic bar. it can get a little packed though, so come early on a game day or on a day when there's no game. the bartenders are nice - i think it's family owned/run. i will definitely be back, especially if i want to just take it easy with a drink and $1 burger.
(3)Erin L.
I'm with Heather P. - I love the open windows in the summer. It makes for some great people watching on this busy corner in Wicker Park. They have a decent selection of beer on tap, lots of flat screens around - including over the front door, which was kind of cool. Other than that - it's your typical bar. Nothin fancy.
(4)Alexander T.
If I could give this place no stars I would. The bartender turned the music down because the patrons at the bar wanted talk. Really?! This is a bar with a juke box. There's always a hassle upon entry to this bar. The owner clearly tells his security to give black ppl a hard time. All of the bar staff is rude and condescending. I will never go here again. Upon entry I'm Being scrutinized while others not people of color walk in around me with no issue... Shut this place down...
(1)Natalie P.
Went in on St. Paddy's, so this review is for the bar when it's packed the brim. I didn't expect much in the way of service but I was surprised that our server was pretty on the ball for such a crazy day. Drinks came out quite quickly and service was friendly. The food was basically what we expected from a pub. It's not a gastropub, so don't come here thinking you're going to have a culinary experience - you aren't! But it was fine. We had mozzarella sticks, fries, burgers, and guacamole. Everything was just a-ok, so depending on your expectations, you'll be satisfied or disappointed.
(3)Airen J.
Nice place but 16 bucks for two drinks? The drinks do not taste any different than anywhere else and I didn't get rich or famous or laid because I drank them... Most of the weekend warriors who stumble into this sports bar--situated in the heart of the Six Corners intersection--couldn't tell you what its name is. They're more focused on getting drinks in their hands and the girls name on the stool next to them The candle-topped tables and leather couches provide a loungey ambience that will give you the impression that you will be stepping into an actual lounge atmosphere but that was not my experience. The nine plasma screen televisions keep patrons informed of the latest developments in sports if they were able to read because you couldn't hear anything over the horrid music that was playing, of course, excessively loud - too loud for actual social contact. To even deter further social interaction there is WIFI - so maybe get the guy who is hitting on has a FB account and so long as he is not starting at a game you can friend each and Instant Message you like and dislikes - maybe he'll even ask you what your drinking...
(2)Fei W.
Been here twice for drinks only. The bloody mary was delicious and spicy, just how I like it. The other time it was drafts in the evening, so not exactly something hard to accomplish. Solid ambiance, drinks, and location if you live in bucktown/wicker park.
(3)Liz K.
Service was great....and they have great weekday specials...but the actual wings that were on special...well they were NOT GOOD. Not spicy...hardly any sauce I had to ask for sauce on the side...and the sauce was just okay. My friends ordered burgers that were also a weekday special...and since they were really hungry they liked it..but compared to other places that have dollar burgers...they were small and just okay. I was surprised how great our waitress was considering she was the only one there and after we got there more people showed up. I have also been here before during a weekend night and the crowd is usually fun and rowdy...but not my favorite place in the area...this is the place you go to when every other place is crowded or a long wait...
(2)Anna E.
If this place didn't look like a Young Republican's Convention when I walked in the door, I might have liked it. The space is nice, it's not too loud and it's open late. But, I've tried a few different times on different nights and it's pretty much the same whether during the week or the weekend. I suppose you can attribute that to the gentrication of our beloved Wicker Park, sigh. If you can stand to put up with rude, suit and tie type pretty boys who step on your shoes and don't apologize, then this is the place is for you. Apparently there is a hot bartender that my girl saw there once, so I might have to make just one more trip, but I'm keeping my gloves off.
(2)Kelsey K.
For an area that has such cool places, this place was so mundane. Okay, so I guess it's our fault for going for a Sunday linner, but I've had some awesome Sundays hanging out at local spots with the drunkies. I actually recommend some bars for this activity (see Jefferson Tap and Logan Bar and Grill) but not this one. SNOOZE! Big time. I don't know that I'll be going back unless I'm supposed to meet someone there or something. I don't HATE it. Don't get me wrong at all. There are just so many good options out there and I feel like this isn't one of them. The server/tender was really nice but the food was boring and run-of-the-mill. So whatever. I mean, go if you want. It won't necessarily be BAD but it's far from the best of Chicago.
(2)Tara C.
My fave late night spot in this neighborhood! Haven't been during the days cuz I usually do my thing and then end up here. The place is always packed with a different crowd, unless on weekdays when it's more chill, but I love the variety of patrons you see there and the bartenders and waitstaff have always been more than hospitable. Even the doorguys are memorable - in a good way! Emily is an awesome bartender and always works with such enthusiasm and a smile, it makes it easy to make it my go to late night spot. My friends hate me for being so consistent about that, but then I tell them that there's a jukebox there and then they forget that I've taken them there about half a dozen times already.
(5)Beckee W.
I'm the girl who saw the hot bartender that Anna E. speaks of, and I agree, it's the only reason I'm ever going back. Plus, sometimes I like to be around people who seem really uptight, which is weird, but makes me appreciate my friends more.
(2)Heather K.
Every time I wind up at this place, it makes me wonder what's wrong with my life...
(2)Trish C.
Why does all the craft beer in Chicago have a grassy slightly cow-ish after taste. Maybe it was just me and on my 3rd day of drinking like a mad woman, and not being able to find anything in this neighborhood, my friend and I just walked into WPT. It was pretty slow for a Friday night and located on the corner of an intersection was am interesting view. Had the hummus and artichoke dip, meh marginal, probably brought in. Friend had the pizza pocket things, haha were better than hot pockets but still had that same taste only with puff pastry. Prices were decent and the service was good. Nice place to throw back a few beers and watch the game, I liked the feeling of the crowd. Really my favorite thing about this place was the bathrooms. They have these huge steel doors, it's was hilarious, i felt like I was going pee in a wild west clock tower. If you are looking for come place casual to enjoy a few beer then I would recommend it, but if your looking for food I might skip it.
(3)Riz A.
Hey, i think this place definitely deserves 3-3.5 stars.....I mean, where else can you go in the middle of the day and get a free burger and fries with every beer? i mean, thats an adult happy meal if i ever saw one. definitely worth a try for a lunch time drinking stop, i've heard it gets kind of lame after hours.
(3)Ed D.
I've had too much fun here, too many times! Open until 4am during the week and 5am on the Saturdays. $2 PBR bottles all week long. Staff is super friendly.
(5)Ryan M.
By Garage, I mean just a block east (on north ave, same side of street), there is a public parking lot for you to pay to park. You can Park in the street as well, if you take bus or train the Damen blue line, 50 Damen and 72 North bus lets you off right on the the corner where the Bar is. Great food, Great Service. I went there to watch my team lose on TV, had a big tab and the bar tender bought me a shot. Classy place, it is my new spot.
(5)YerMah L.
Ugh is all I have to say. I went there for a birthday party the first time. Thank goodness I love my friend, otherwise I would've thrown some of the people into oncoming traffic. Anne-agreed, Republican Convention... some people though, not so young. The second time I went with some friends from out of town... hell, out of the country and it was unfortunate... there was some sort of fight I guess... people screaming absurdities and some girl complaining that a drink was spilled on her expensive shoes. Um.... yeah, then don't wear them into a bar. Anyways... my friends and I decided to drag some people into having some fun so grabbed some strangers and started dancing.... with that said, Tavern was fun for about 20 minutes, until people complained that people were dancing. Haha... i love it. FYI-The best way to get from one side to another is to bend your knees and lift your legs off the ground... you are packed in their like a line to the keg at a frat house. So the sway of the crowd will eventually get you where you need to go.
(2)Kent S.
I have never seen such a poorly educated staff. My first visit was atrocious. I had been told by a friend that they had some of the best burgers in the neighborhood, so I decided to put that to a challenge. My girlfriend and I each began with ordering beverages. First, I asked if they have iced tea, to which I was told they do. So, I requested iced tea and my lady ordered a bloody mary. What we received were a long island iced and a cosmopolitan. We then explained to our server that this is not what we wanted. She went and spoke with the bartender, who seemed a bit puzzled by this. Then we received the correct drinks, but they were served in short tumblers. At this point, we walked out. But I suppose that if you cater to a crowd that likely leaves a $10 tip on a $70 bill, you might figure this is the norm.
(1)Joe M.
Go here on Thursday.... NOT SATURDAY... unless you can not not find any other 4am places then I guess I'll let you slide. It is really REALLY crowded on Saturday nights. I'm talking shoulder to shoulder... Personal space? Forget about it... I've never had the food, But the drinks are around 4-5-6 dollars depending on quality/night of the week. Have fun... Thursdays = just right! -JOE
(3)Candice C.
I gave it two stars because, while searching for food and drink at 8 PM on a busy Saturday night we were quickly becoming Wicker Park casualties.... every place required a reservation or there was a 45 minute wait. We were happy to settle for drinks and appetizers and were told by our waitress that WPT shares its kitchen with Cafe Absinthe, and the restaurant was so packed that all they could offer the Tavern were nachos and chicken wings. Um, ok... so we got the dreaded chos. Which were absolutely awful. Slightly warm cheese sauce poured over room temperature chips, with cold black beans and guac. I am no gourmet, but my chos are a helluva lot nicer than this $12 plate of terrible food that, apparently, is created from a reputable restaurant.
(2)Jeff S.
This is one of those places you go to when no one can really decide where they want to go. If you are there with a fun group of people you will have a fun time. The space is nice, it's too bad they don't have any outside seating though. I thought the crowd was a mix of yuppies and hipsters. You can wear your designer clothes or a t shirt and jeans and you wouldn't be out of place either way. Also, the times that I have been there, I have noticed a preponderance of good looking girls and a bunch of toolish guys... but then again, that probably describes almost every nightspot in Chicago.
(3)Paul H.
I don't get this place. It's like the kids that hang out at the bars on Lincoln grew up and decided to open their very own Bar Louie in Wicker Park.
(2)Christina R.
It gets three, because it is average. I have been to worse, but I have been to better. Honestly, it is what it is. (1) Don't make it a point to travel across the city to get here. Seriously, the reason I have gone here the last two times is because it is a 5 minute cab ride back to my house in slightly less gentrified waters, and I can pluck guys out of here at 1 am which I can't accomplish at other bars -- it is special like that for me. (2) The crowd - seriously, do all the institutional trading houses just feed their traders into this place, because I have met more damn commodities guys in here than any other bar in Chicago. There are also some other "groups" that make their way into WPT, but mostly this is white collar territory, a little more grown up and less frat infested than your lincoln park bars (where the LP boys come when they grow up a little), and a little less bling-bling than your Rush street crowd. There are some nice people in here but... (3) This place gets PACKED. And I don't say that at all lightly. Probability of getting a drink spilled on you - 98.6%. Your pilgrimage to the bathroom will be of epic, biblical proportions, and you will truly wish Moses was there to part the sea of people. (4) Prices -- your average WP/Bucktown drink prices. Unfair, but you won't feel like a character on Law & Order: SVU. I have paid worse. (5) Location - prime. WPT is right there in its happy spot there on the 6 corners. Cabs waiting to run you over from all directions.
(3)J R.
Sad to see that this bar represents my alma mater Michigan State. I went last night with a friend and the place screams Douche Bag city. Full of 40 year old guidos trying to pick up 20 somethings. Probably won't return.
(2)Laura A.
If you want to see a bunch of mid-20's to mid-30's dudes and the chicks they are trying to get with go completely ape-shit when "Mr. Brightside" comes on the jukebox, you should go to Tavern. It's totally strange, I know, but it's happened every single time I've been there.
(2)Law S.
Fun to go during the day, get drunk, and play music (which I think pisses the bartender off if it isn't metal). Leave at five exactly or you will get the wrath of all the "cool dudes" who come in and take over.
(2)Alexis H.
Before I even start, I have to admit that Tavern is my number one bar spot, so my review is bound to be a bit biased. My best friend and I know most of the employees as well as the owners and are there several nights a week. Feeling at home there definitely helps me to overlook some of the negative aspects, so instead of simply raving about this bar (which I whole-heartedly would love to do), I will simply list the pros and cons that I've discovered in the year+ I've been going there. PROS: -Excellent staff: Yes, sometimes the waitresses are a little slow, but overall the bartenders are well trained and they are able to handle the crowd when the bar is packed. Considering how busy the bar is, I've never waited an inappropriate amount of time for a drink. On top of that, the bartenders are very friendly and will remember you if you are a return customer. While I wouldn't call them my friends, I've made some great acquaintances with the staff at Tavern and look forward to seeing a friendly face behind the bar. - Decent bar menu: As a previous reviewer correctly states, the food served at Tavern is made in the kitchen of the restaurant next door (Cafe Absinthe, same owners). The tavern menu is limited to less than 10 options, but they are diverse and they are better than the standard bar food. The chicken sandwich is great, and you can't ever beat the dollar burger, which comes with fries and is 100% filling unlike many other bars' version of the bargain burger. You can also get the dollar burger every single day, not just one day of the week like most other places. - The jukebox: Their jukebox is connected to the internet and, other than rap, you can download and play almost any song ever produced. Granted, this means you might have to listen to the most random selection when you're at the bar, but if you're into choosing music, this is a major plus. - Late-night hours: Tavern is open until 4am every single day, except for Saturday night when they are open until 5am. Amazingly, Wicker Park seems to lack late-night bar spots. I used to go to Estelle's across the street, but that bar is even smaller than Tavern and is frequently not very clean. I have not been to Estelle's a single time since I started going to Tavern. As far as 4am bars go, Tavern's the best option in W.P. CONS: - The crowd: Because it's a 4am bar, Tavern gets VERY crowded. Sometimes it is uncomfortably crowded and nearly impossible to move. Getting a drink at the bar is hardest at 2am, when all the other bars in Wicker Park close and the crowd inevitably moves to the late-night bars. This is the most frequent complaint I hear about this bar. However, Estelle's is just as packed at this point in the evening and frequently you can't even get in the door there. A large crowd is the price you pay for choosing to stay out past the standard closing time. It's like going to a blockbuster movie on opening night. Be realistic about the number of people that will be there. A serious lack of diversity: Tavern definitely caters to the richer, whiter, straight from Lincoln Park crowd. If you're looking for a bar with a diverse and interesting crowd, you're not going to find it here. That said, I've met plenty of great people at this bar and have made a lot of new friends over the last year. If you get over your own stereotype of the Lincoln Park set, you'll be fine. Also, this crowd is definitely a little bit older (late 20's-late 30's) than the L.P. crowd, so they're a little less frat boyish than they initially seem. Overall: The drink prices are at par with other bars in the area, but they're made well with decent portions. The staff is great, but busy, so if you're there during a busy time, you won't get much face time with them other than them taking your order and immediately moving on to the next customer. It gets VERY crowded, but so do all the other 4am bars. If you set your expectations appropriately, you won't be disappointed. I.E. If you're expecting a late-night joint where you can continue drinking and dance drunkenly with your friends and a giant crowd, you're going to do just fine. If you expect to get a chair and relax, you're way off and might as well go home.
(4)Brent B.
We enjoyed going to this place when it first appeared about a year and a half ago. It was nice having another late license option for when we were out on the Division strip about a half mile south, or one of the other place in the M/N/D intersection area. However, within about 8 months the place was absolutely swarmed with people to the point where you couldn't move after about 1:30 am, sometimes earlier, and the music mix was kind of goofy (we had a running joke of Mr Brightside being the official song of Tavern, as one night we heard it 3 times in an hour after 2am, and it wasn't the only time it was played multiple time). Apparently, large swaths of the LP crowd of the type that had already been frequenting Cans for a while discovered Tavern, because you really feel like you could be a just about any bar in LP, with all the standard people you'd find in one of those bars, the same atmosphere, the same music, everything. While that sounds wonderful to some people, we tend to avoid going out to the standard LP 'trixie bars' to use the common term. It has since fallen out of favor with the people with whom I frequent bars since we actually like to be able to raise our beer glass to our mouths without either bumping someone or being bumped and having beer dumped all over us. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted, back to our old 4am bars with us I guess.
(2)Blake H.
i dont live near here so i dont get too come too awesome but THEY HAVE AMAZING SPECIALS. 25¢ wings on a friday? holler. plus it is right across the street from the double door so everytime i have a concert there i will def stop in for some wings and pre-game drinks!!!
(4)Megan L.
One of my friends loves this place, and for the life of me, I cannot understand why. It is insanely crowded all the time, the door staff is incredibly rude, and the crowd is ruder. Because it's so crowded, getting a drink is a feat. I have agreed to go here on several occassions (I believe in giving places a second chance), and I always have the same bad experience. I feel like I'm in some cheesy Lincoln Park bar every time I've been there.
(1)Ashley A.
If I could give them no stars I would. Myself and a group of friends tried to get in there and were promptly turned away because one of the guys were wearing camouflage pants...The black security guard told us group of black people we couldn't get in because they weren't allowing camouflage in tonight. I wonder how much his white boss paid him to not let black people in tonight. Because you know white people love getting creative racism...
(1)Charles R.
why five stars you ask? Because when I'm friggin in the mood for beer, and a good conversation, and the chance to look at buncha hotmesses from 3am to 5am on a Sat/Sun morning, then this is where I go. The girls are a mess, but if you're goodlooking and have basic motor functions after hours of drinking, you are both bound to make illegitimate b@stard babies. I feel like anybody can come here, and if you're into drunk crowds, lots of bromancing your friends, and dropping your drinks everywhere while engaging with the seemingly drunk and friendly bartending staff, then getchur ass there. I love it. I love love love it. You'll make friends and have a great time at not feeling like the only jackass that ever existed on this planet because you have church in 5 hours. I like my Guinness in a clean 16oz glass and they deliver. 5bucks. hell yes. fill'er back up d'ere ey ol' dude.
(5)Sarah M.
This is the place that is never anyones first choice, but is always the place I end up meeting meeting up with friends because everyone knows where it is and nobody can agree on anything else. Its a decent enough bar, nothing really great or horrible about it. The service is as good as you would expect for a handful of 22year olds running around trying their best to serve a room backed with drunk people. I should point out, as is probably already obvious, Ive only been here at night on a weekend...It might be a five star restaurant on a weekday afternoon, I wouldn't know. The only real complaint, and its not really a fair one, is that I am always heavily carded. Its the law, I totally respect it, but Im well into my 30s and there is point when being asked for ID to prove Im over 21 changes from a nice compliment into a pain. I wouldn't say this about a place that just asks for ID, most places do this, but Ive had the doorman give my Illinois drivers license a good 30 second investigation several times and Ive received a couple skeptical looks, as thought the photo isn't me, or something else is wrong, I don't really know. Again I don't really know if thats a fair complaint, its the guys job, but its enough so there that I feel uncomfortable walking up to the door when we go there.
(3)Kristine N.
Big place and wasn't very crowded for a Saturday. They had $5 vodka drinks and $1 burgers and fries (not the greatest, but what a deal!) Hummus and spinach dip weren't anything special.
(3)Judy L.
This is definitely my favorite bar in the city of Chicago! I have yet to find a place with a friendier staff, later hours (open til 4am or 5am) or a more complete bar. If you ever want to try the latest liquor flavor...WP Tavern will have it. Anytime I definitely want to have a fun night, this is my spot. I have been here at least 20 times and it's always a good time! Great crowd and love the juke box! Also a good spot to watch games. Love that this is not a college bar packed with 21 yr olds. Crowd seems to be late 20's to early 40's and there is always a diverse mix of people. From the bartenders to the customer's the whole vibe is friendly. It's a local bar with more of an upscale decor. Lots of bar seats and high top tables, but the later it gets, you may not find a seat....you'll just have to dance instead. ;)
(5)Cecil S.
Went here earlier this week on a Thursday, and it pretty much defines why I'm not the biggest fan of Wicker Park area. It was just unfortunate that my group wanted to keep drinking past 2am, and this seemed to be the only decent place to go to. Bar/bathrooms look clean, their drink prices are fair, didn't notice if they were doing any specials when I went. They also have a jukebox, which is always a nice thing to have. When I went outside for a quick cig, I noticed a big group of people crowded around two black men, so I went over expecting to see a fight....instead I witnessed my first rap battle in Chicago! Only thing I didn't like is the crowd. I truly hate some of the people in Wicker Park, specifically the guys that think that they're hot shit. One cholo was being annoying as hell at the bar, and even after a girl I was with said she wasn't interested, he decided to focus on me and tried to get me to go outside and pussy-fight with him. Exactly the reason why I can't stand this area sometimes; infested with over-testosteroned cholos (and hipsters, which I don't really mind).
(3)Matt B.
Worst bar I've been to in a long time. Carded me like I was 18 on my way in - at 7:30 - and then our server was impatient and pushy. Terrible service.
(1)Heather P.
The Tavern is so nondescript, but I think that's the beauty of its charm. It stays opened late and it's on an extremely busy corner so there's always a ton of action happening on the street outside. One of the best features of this bar is the floor to ceiling windows that they open up in the summer. So the people watching outside is FANTASTIC! The prices are fair and I have never had an issue waiting for a bartender to serve me; which is nice considering it always has a crowd. The one minor downfall is the fact that you can't ever seem to get a table since the crowds come in and scoop them right up. All in all, I've never had a bad time here and would definitely recommend it to others for a late-night spot that isn't trashy but certainly has its share of action and people watching.
(4)Scott H.
I used to live in this area and can hardly believe how scuzzy and dirty this intersection has become. The people that work here are really cool and all and they have good drinks and food but the upstairs dance floor is kinda like being at Saturday night dance in a prison. The people act ignorant and the bouncers just look the other way. Not a fun place.
(2)Chris P.
Came here for drinks. Good spot for simple drinks and people watching. Not really any music or anything, but if youre in the mood for a chill spot during the week this seems like you place.
(3)Jaime S.
Great in the summer, with the big open windows. Gets sort of crowded, but good drinks, good music and always an eclectic crowd.
(4)Danielle S.
Great beer/drink/food specials. Decent food for the money- the fries are awesome and only $2! Love going here for Michigan State games. Don't bother with the dollar burger, they taste like a dollar burger. Oh and the bathrooms aren't unisex.
(4)Melissa D.
Just an ok place. I can't say too much bad about it, but I also am not jumping on the bus to go there right now either... Great selection of beers. They ran out of the beer on special, so offered us whatever else we wanted in lieu of it. Good gesture and definitely appreciated... Service wasn't awesome, but we were the only table in the place. We had to go up to the bar to get drinks ourselves sometimes. hmmm... I wasn't a fan of the unisex bathroom either. Not so nice for a lady. Boys can be messy. They had the cubs game on all their tvs. bonus. Don't bring outside food in. They frown upon that.
(3)Mike K.
Great place to people watch! Right on the corner of a six corner intersectiion. Tons of open windows. Great deal, a cheeseburger and fries for a dollar with a beer. Staff is friendly and knowledgable of area. Nice and chill in the afternoon and a party at night. Lots of tvs for all types of sports. Two thumbs up!
(5)Molly A.
we went to wicker park tavern during our TWO HOUR wait for big star tacos, and while there was nothing inordinately great about this place, it served it's purpose. cubs game on tv, very sweet bartenders and slightly overpriced drinks. the crowd was already a little tipsy on an early saturday afternoon, so i have a feeling that later at night, this definitely wouldn't be a pretty scene, but it's good people watching on the weirdest intersection of all time, and funny interactions with semi-intoxicated people inside. i like the big open windows during the summer also.
(3)Conly D.
Nice little bar, great lighting. Typically the lighting is what makes or breaks it for me. That and whether or not my wife enjoyed herself. I would definitely go back again. Parking was the only issue. We did end up having an issue with the male bartender there. He seemed to over-pour the cocktails. Typically, that isn't a bad thing, but it just made the drinks undrinkable.
(3)Alejandro D.
This bar has a really good staff, and stays open late. It is located right at the corner of North and Damen; probably one of the best locations in the city to have a bar. The crowd is pretty decent, although the bar itself seems a little out of place for Wicker Park. It seems to be a little 'high-end', and although the bar itself is not 'sports-themed', they always have sports channels playing on the tv's. The owner if this bar also owns the nightclub upstairs (used to be called Red Dog, then was called Ohm, and is now called Red Dog again). Also, this bar does serve one type of Absinthe (can be medicinal if you have a bad cough). This bar can get quite crowded as the night goes on. The bar has a pleasantly 'dark' (as in, dark-wood themed) ambiance, with a yellow-lighting theme behind the bar. Overall, a pretty good place chill and have a drink or two, especially if you are wanting to watch a specific game on TV.
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