Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago

Timothy O'Toole's is my go-to spot for game day. Came in for dinner and started with the award-winning wings—got the Garlic Parmesan and Honey Sriracha flavors, both were on point. Then had the Big Timmy Burger—juicy, cheesy, and massive. The atmosphere is always lively, with plenty of TVs and pool tables. Staff is friendly and quick.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This family tavern has a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The service is consistently warm and attentive, adding to the charm of the place. They also have a great selection of beers. A great spot to relax, enjoy good drinks, and soak in the friendly vibe.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

I asked Ali where the bathroom was and she told me to find it myself. I asked other employees if she normally talks to guests this way and they said that she does. Im not sure how she works at a spot as hot as this one by talking like that. Forget it.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Perfect pub for late night drinks and eats (kitchen is open to 3am on weekends).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ask about Sara at the bar, because you’ll get the best (and fastest) service around. TO’T has a fantastic beer selection and tasty food. You will not have a bad time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really cool spot with a great atmosphere right off the miracle mile stepping down into a classic Chicago basement pub. Good place to watch a game with a great selection of beer. Would have been 5 stars but the shepherds pie tasted like a thin layer of insta-mash on top of bland beef stew.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Awesome beer selection. Excellent service. Excellent attention to detail but this is one of our fave bars in River North

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was bland. Blackened chicken sandwich did not have bacon on it as described on menu. Decent beer selection. Waiter was friendly/helpful.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

“Erin’s the best server and she always gives the best recommendations her service is awesome!”

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Unacceptable Service and Urgent Need for Staff Training

I would like to echo and strongly support the feedback provided by Jacqueline Richardson’s prior review — every point she raised was accurate and reflective of our experience that night. As a native of Chicago currently residing in Atlanta, and as an award-winning educator and business owner, I understand the importance of professionalism and customer service.

During my recent visit to your establishment, I was deeply disappointed by the conduct and demeanor of your staff. From the greeter to the table waitress and support staff, the energy was stressed, disorganized, and inattentive. Most notably, when a server accidentally spilled water on our party, not a single staff member offered an apology. Even more concerning, rather than relocating us or taking any reasonable step to mitigate the situation, your team proceeded to mop under our feet — while we were still seated while others around were attempting to enjoy their meals.

This reflects a clear lack of customer service training, critical thinking, and empathy. Frankly, it was unacceptable.

Additionally, the demographics of your visible staff raise serious concerns. While your support staff (barbacks, janitors, etc.) were largely Hispanic and the table service staff was majority Black, there were no Black employees visible at the bar. The optics of this — combined with the dismissive treatment we received — unfortunately projected an unsettling racial dynamic. As uncomfortable as it is to say, the experience gave off racially biased undertones. This is something you must address immediately, not only for the integrity of your brand but to avoid potential legal or civil rights scrutiny. It only takes one call to the NCAAP. I strongly suggest your team pursue comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and consider partnering with a reputable organization before your business becomes the subject of formal complaints.

Regarding the ID situation: my husband presented his ID through his Apple Wallet. He is clearly an adult — a bald man with greying hair. The rigid, inflexible approach your staff took in this matter lacked both logic and humanity. Again, no one demonstrated any empathy or common sense.

All three members of our party are accomplished professionals who expect — and deserve — the same respectful treatment extended to your non-Black patrons. We were hotel guests at the Hilton. We can afford $16 beers. I’m not simply requesting a phone call. I expect real accountability, staff retraining, and visible changes the next time I return to Chicago. We came for good vibes and quality service. What we experienced instead was frustrating, disappointing, and avoidable.

I encourage you to take this feedback seriously. You have a great opportunity to fix what’s broken — before it becomes a bigger issue.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

I had such a great experience thanks to our server, Bryanna. From the moment we sat down, Bryanna made us feel welcomed and taken care of. She was incredibly friendly, attentive without being overbearing, and had a great knowledge of the menu—which really helped with recommendations.

I ended up ordering the blackberry margarita on Bryanna’s suggestion, and it was amazing—perfectly balanced and super refreshing. Honestly one of the best drinks I’ve had in a long time!

The service was smooth and timely, even though the pub was busy. Bryanna’s positive attitude and professionalism made our night even more enjoyable. It’s rare to come across someone who genuinely seems to enjoy what they do, and it showed in every interaction.

If you’re heading to Timothy O’Toole’s, ask for Bryanna—and definitely try the blackberry margarita! You won’t be disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came here to do the burger challenge. Totally worth the money even if you don't finish. Server was super nice. Everything was clean, and atmosphere was nice. There were sports everywhere, each table had their own TV. Would come back again to try other items

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very cool downstairs pub! Service by the bartender was very good. I only ate the happy hour endless chips and salsa and they were very good. I was disappointed that in 2025 they would want to hold my credit card for a tab especially considering they have Toast POS so definitely have the capability to swipe and give the card back. So I tabbed out after that. Probably would have stayed longer but wasn’t going to keep running my card or paying cash as I go.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Super Fun Irish Bar, good vibe, great every mans pub

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a terrible experience this past weekend. My best friend and her husband came in from out of town and we decided to grab pub food and beers. I have been to the Timothy O'Toole's in Libertyville and have had great experiences there. This location however was so unprofessional. It was confusion as soon as we walked in. I was carrying my water bottle and was asked to leave it at the front. I asked if I could empty it in the bathroom beforehand and dude looked at me like I was trying to get one over on him. I left it, not a problem. We requested to sit at the bar and the hostess told us to come back if there was not availability at the bar and she would seat us. No availability... got seated. Our server finally came to our table... it was busy. She went to take our drink orders and proceeded to put a tray of waters on HALF of the table resulting in 6 large cups of water spilling. We got splashed a little but it wasn't a bid deal until it WAS! Server left. Maintenance came over to clean up with soapy water. I asked if I needed to move because he was mopping all under me and around me. He said no. Another guy came to help. We asked if we could be moved while they clean up. My friend asked 3 DIFFERENT people over the course of 10 mins. They said they would get our server. Finally the server comes back and she is full of attitude asking me in my face if we wanted to move. I told her if we could just be moved until they were done mopping that would be great. They were still mopping. Also, we were still thirsty for water mind you. She said we had to go back to the hostess to have our seats changed. That wasn't the question miss server. Still don't know her name. I told her that wouldn't be necessary and asked if they could be done mopping. Swear it was like gallons of water being mopped up with soap all under our table, chairs, and surrounding areas. Now the server is ready to take our order and she asked if we still wanted water... why wouldn't we? Then asked to see our IDs because our hands weren't stamped when we entered. All still with attitude like we did something to her. So confusing and unprofessional. We showed her our IDs and one of my friends forgot his actual ID at the hotel but he had it electronically and not just a picture. They refused to accept it so we left. I serve and bartend at private parties for the masses and have never taken my problems out on the patrons. We were treated like we did something to them and not the other way around. We ended our night at O'Callaghans... great food, atmosphere, and all the staff was so nice and professional!

Service: 1