Great LakesEntertainment

Pub entertainment in Great Lakes

  1. A

    Longman & Eagle

    It’s easy to walk right by this shabby-chic tavern, as the sign in the window is so subtle it’s almost invisible. Inside, 52 bourbons and 26 whiskeys prop up the bar, along with several craft beers and fancy comfort food like wild-boar sloppy joes and Kobe beef meatballs. At the time of research, the owners were planning to open a six-room inn on the upper floor.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Ten Cat Tavern

    Pool is serious business on the two vintage tables that Ten Cat co-owner Richard Vonachen refelts regularly with material from Belgium. The ever-changing, eye-catching art comes courtesy of neighborhood artists, and the furniture is a garage saler’s dream. Regulars (most in their 30s) down leisurely drinks at the bar or, in warm weather, head to the beer garden.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Globe Pub

    This warm, dark-oak pub is ground zero for English soccer and rugby fanatics, since it shows all the international league games on satellite TV. It even opens at 6am for big matches so patrons can watch the action live. The kitchen cooks up a traditional English breakfast daily, and the taps flow with ales from the homeland.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Puffer’s

    A cool pub in staid old Bridgeport, Puffer’s boasts a bright orange facade and the neighborhood’s most amiable clientele, with folks just hanging out and sampling from the excellent beer selection. A good choice after a Sox game, it’s a 15-minute walk west from Comiskey Park, er, US Cellular Field.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Old Town Ale House

    Located by Second City and the scene of late-night musings since the 1960s, this unpretentious neighborhood favorite lets you mingle with beautiful people and grizzled regulars, seated pint by pint under the nude-politician paintings. Classic jazz on the jukebox provides the soundtrack for the jovial goings-on.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Guthrie’s

    A local institution, and the perfect neighborhood hangout, Guthrie’s remains true to its mellow roots even as the neighborhood goes manic around it. The glassed-in back porch is fittingly furnished with patio chairs and filled with 30- and 40-somethings, and most tables sport a box of Trivial Pursuit cards.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Hawkeye’s

    This Little Italy institution runs a free shuttle from the United Center to its doorstep when the Bulls or Blackhawks are playing, making it a good place to come to celebrate a victory or agonize over a defeat. Its virtues include a good burger-based menu and fine seasonal tables outside.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Quenchers

    At the north end of Bucktown, Quenchers peddles a global selection of over 200 beers from more than 40 nations. Locals, artisans, laborers and visiting brew masters enjoy Earle Miller’s hospitality. Even when the live music gets loud, the bargain prices are worth the noise.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Duke of Perth

    The UK beers and more than 80 bottles of single-malt scotch are nearly overwhelming at this cozy, laid-back pub. After enough of them, try the fish and chips, which is all-you-can-eat for lunch and dinner for $9.50 on Wednesday and Friday.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Map Room

    At this map- and globe-filled ‘travelers’ tavern,’ artsy types sip coffee by day and suds from the 200-strong beer list by night. Board games and National Geographics are within reach. There’s free ethnic food Tuesdays at 7pm.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Red Lion Pub

    A British-style pub run by gen-u-ine Brits, this cozy spot features UK brews, the best onion rings in the city and regular literary events. The fish-and-chips were a favorite of film critic Gene Siskel.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Brehon Pub

    This Irish stalwart is a fine example of the corner saloons that once dotted the city. The ample selection of draft beer in frosted glasses is served to neighborhood crowds perched on the high stools.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Ginger’s Ale House

    Pub quiz contestants should hit Ginger’s Ale House on Sunday nights. Part of your $5 entry fee goes to cancer charities.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Lager House

    This Corktown punk- underground club is dingy in an atmospheric way, with scrappy bands or DJs playing most nights.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Mullen’s on Clark

    For darts, try Mullen’s on Clark, where foosball warriors give their little troops a whirl.

    reviewed