Skylark is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Bob is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Marvelous burger. Must come back. 10/10.
Kim Vitek
Skylark is a funky, eclectic spot to hang out in. Always filled with people and lively! Everyone friendly and cool there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Christian
Unique bar in the post-modern digital era (they only accept cash!) close to downtown Chicago. I have been here twice due to friends recommendation and will visit again soon with my cash in hand :)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Cecilia Labariega
I have the Jalapeno poppers with fries and it came with two dipping sauces. To my surprise the kale salad with salmon was delicious. I am surprised because I would usually never get a salad at a dive bar but the ingredients listed on the salad intrigued me. The services was great. There's an ATM inside since it's Cash Only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dutch
Skylark is a time capsule and I appreciate it for that
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin Ong
What a wonderful bar and experience! The current theme is our solar system and I enjoyed both of my drinks! Great atmosphere!
Dylan
This bar is the epitome of a hot & cold toxic relationship. The door man was one of the friendliest people I've ever encountered, a welcoming presence who offered up his favorites on the food menu. The rest of the staff could learn a thing or two from him. I wasn't expecting the greatest hospitality of all time from a cash only beer bar known for its urinals, so it was no surprise when the bartenders couldn't be bothered to move 10 steps from the center of the bar to take a drink order, or when they acted like it was common knowledge that food orders can only be placed with a server while sitting at a table.
Things really took a turn when we followed instruction and sat at a table, trying at least 10-12 times to flag down the supposed server, who would make eye contact from a distance, then proceed to walk right past us to wait on every other table besides ours. This was when I discovered that the urinals not only had incredible physical stability, having endured for 100+years, but that they also possessed more emotional stability than our server. I've never experienced such horrible service in my entire life. We've all dealt with understaffed restaurants and first time servers, but never have I been intentionally ignored by a server on a power trip with behavioral issues, it almost felt like a bit. Read some other reviews about the difference in treatment for regulars vs non-regulars, which certainly factored in.
The art on the walls and the bouncer were cool enough to give this spot 2 stars, but don't expect your server to have more personality than a doorknob, that's asking far too much
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Michelle R.
photobooth still going strong as of 7/21/2025
Diana Kim
Total hole-in-the-wall dive bar energy, and in the best way! Cash only, but drinks are strong and cheap. Always a good crowd and a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. It’s got that “everyone’s welcome” kind of energy.
Ghsisbshd Shsjvs
Skylark is a cool, laid-back spot with a retro vibe that makes it stand out. The craft beer selection is solid, and the pub food is tasty and reasonably priced. They also have live music sometimes, which adds to the fun atmosphere. It’s a cash-only place, so make sure to bring cash or be ready for the ATM. The service is friendly and the overall vibe is welcoming. Great place to relax with friends over drinks and comfort food!
Amazing staff and great atmosphere in early afternoon. Great cash only prices!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Cantele
Cool neighborhood tavern. Nice place to hang out.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
scott mcintyre
We had the most excellent time here!! We had our son's 30th birthday party here and thanks to our server Jordan as well as the owner Sam and his generosity in making everything good to go!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Chris Gray
Best dive bar in the city! I always enjoy this place after a show at Thalia Hall.
Skylark is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Bob is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Marvelous burger. Must come back. 10/10.
Skylark is a funky, eclectic spot to hang out in. Always filled with people and lively! Everyone friendly and cool there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unique bar in the post-modern digital era (they only accept cash!) close to downtown Chicago. I have been here twice due to friends recommendation and will visit again soon with my cash in hand :)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I have the Jalapeno poppers with fries and it came with two dipping sauces. To my surprise the kale salad with salmon was delicious. I am surprised because I would usually never get a salad at a dive bar but the ingredients listed on the salad intrigued me. The services was great. There's an ATM inside since it's Cash Only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Skylark is a time capsule and I appreciate it for that
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a wonderful bar and experience! The current theme is our solar system and I enjoyed both of my drinks! Great atmosphere!
This bar is the epitome of a hot & cold toxic relationship. The door man was one of the friendliest people I've ever encountered, a welcoming presence who offered up his favorites on the food menu. The rest of the staff could learn a thing or two from him. I wasn't expecting the greatest hospitality of all time from a cash only beer bar known for its urinals, so it was no surprise when the bartenders couldn't be bothered to move 10 steps from the center of the bar to take a drink order, or when they acted like it was common knowledge that food orders can only be placed with a server while sitting at a table.
Things really took a turn when we followed instruction and sat at a table, trying at least 10-12 times to flag down the supposed server, who would make eye contact from a distance, then proceed to walk right past us to wait on every other table besides ours. This was when I discovered that the urinals not only had incredible physical stability, having endured for 100+years, but that they also possessed more emotional stability than our server. I've never experienced such horrible service in my entire life. We've all dealt with understaffed restaurants and first time servers, but never have I been intentionally ignored by a server on a power trip with behavioral issues, it almost felt like a bit. Read some other reviews about the difference in treatment for regulars vs non-regulars, which certainly factored in.
The art on the walls and the bouncer were cool enough to give this spot 2 stars, but don't expect your server to have more personality than a doorknob, that's asking far too much
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
photobooth still going strong as of 7/21/2025
Total hole-in-the-wall dive bar energy, and in the best way! Cash only, but drinks are strong and cheap. Always a good crowd and a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. It’s got that “everyone’s welcome” kind of energy.
Skylark is a cool, laid-back spot with a retro vibe that makes it stand out. The craft beer selection is solid, and the pub food is tasty and reasonably priced. They also have live music sometimes, which adds to the fun atmosphere. It’s a cash-only place, so make sure to bring cash or be ready for the ATM. The service is friendly and the overall vibe is welcoming. Great place to relax with friends over drinks and comfort food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing staff and great atmosphere in early afternoon. Great cash only prices!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cool neighborhood tavern. Nice place to hang out.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We had the most excellent time here!! We had our son's 30th birthday party here and thanks to our server Jordan as well as the owner Sam and his generosity in making everything good to go!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Best dive bar in the city! I always enjoy this place after a show at Thalia Hall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
cheap drinks. pinball. lets us be horny.
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