I might not be from Boston but this is by far my favorite bar in Chicago! I come in solely to see the bartenders, especially Scotty. Always great drinks and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Alex Clinkscales
Spot is cool, good TVs to watch the game. But went for what I read online was their $3 beer happy hour and when I got the check they were $8 a piece. If you’re looking for a bargain head elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
Sean Terrison
scott is probably the worst bartender in chicago
if you are a young woman in your 20s who wants to be hit on by a 60 year old bald man in cargo shorts this is definitely your place
john gama
Local bar, table seating , good food , good service & owners. Casual , good vibe , even with the Boston theme in Chicago ! Kidding , the place is very good .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olivia Nasis
If you’re looking for a Boston bar in Chicago, don’t come here.
I grew up in central Massachusetts and moved to Chicago, so finding Tripoli Tap felt like a little piece of home. I came here to watch games, brought my parents when they visited, and recommended it to friends for years. That all ended during my last visit.
I showed up early to get a table for the Super Bowl. The bar had just opened and was quiet. A bartender (younger guy, curly dark hair) started his shift and spent the first 15 minutes openly talking about my friends and me while standing maybe two feet away. We could hear everything.
Some of the comments included: “They wait outside in line like idiots and they don’t even come here and watch games.” “They’ll be here for 6 hours so I’ll be watching their tab, don’t worry.”
Again, this was not behind the bar, not in the back, not quietly. This was said loudly, directly next to us, while we were some of the only people there.
Now I’m from Massachusetts, so I finally asked him, “What do you want us to do, leave?” His response: “We love people.” Sure.
I’ve worked in restaurants. I’ve complained about customers. Everyone has. But you do not do it within earshot of the people you’re insulting. That’s basic hospitality and basic professionalism.
To the owners and managers: I recommend reading your other low reviews, because this behavior clearly isn’t an isolated incident. I loved coming here. I loved bringing my family when they visited Chicago. One bartender completely destroyed the appeal in a single visit
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Abby Egstad
Love this place! It’s not nearly as busy as some of the places down the street. Great patio in the summer. Only note - stick to the pizza… wouldn’t recommend the chicken tenders
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Gian Chan
This was my first time going here and loved it! It's an amazing spot to go with friends or family to have a great time. Amazing drinks and service! Will definitely be my go to spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mandy Transou
Great place! Enjoyed the vibe. Boston atmosphere in Chicago. Law enforcement, Fire and Military friendly too. We wanted to find a bar while waiting for a dinner reservation and stumbled on this place in Lincoln Park. Did not disappoint and Nic was full of hospitality.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Mayo
Bartenders were rude and made us feel unwelcome. Go anywhere else.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Michael Moser
Let them know their keg was spoiled and they proceeded to tell me to drink my drink and I was wrong. Then were cracking jokes to people at the bar. If you enjoy awful service at the worst bar on the street, look no further you found your new favorite bar. Been many times and will not be going back
Tripoli Tap wasn’t the kind of place we planned on visiting, but once we were in, we committed to at least one drink. The place gave off the vibe of a bar that had slowly surrendered to entropy. Behind the counter was an unintentional collage of confusion: a defunct margarita machine, a lonely lockbox, bartenders shuffling paper receipts like they were working the door at a VFW, and a carefully arranged shelf of Stoli bottles below an ancient POS.
The backbar was a chaotic mix of whatever was handy and whatever no one had the heart to throw away. One solitary tin of Zyn sat like a cautionary tale. A Keurig and a random kettle held court between the liquor and the ketchup. It didn’t feel lived-in—it felt left behind.
Only as we were leaving did we clock the glowing “Boston” Heineken sign and the proud “Bah Food” branding. That explained a few things.
We drank quickly. We left quietly. 2 stars — One for the drink, one for the reminder to never pick the only option out of convenience.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Ben R
Classic awesome chi town bar!
Ryan Sullivan
This is a great bar, whether you’re trying to day drink or catch a game. With plenty of seating and friendly bartenders, Tripoli Tap is inviting and cozy. The prices are fair, the selection is good, and the parking is easy!
I might not be from Boston but this is by far my favorite bar in Chicago! I come in solely to see the bartenders, especially Scotty. Always great drinks and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Spot is cool, good TVs to watch the game. But went for what I read online was their $3 beer happy hour and when I got the check they were $8 a piece. If you’re looking for a bargain head elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
scott is probably the worst bartender in chicago
if you are a young woman in your 20s who wants to be hit on by a 60 year old bald man in cargo shorts this is definitely your place
Local bar, table seating , good food , good service & owners. Casual , good vibe , even with the Boston theme in Chicago ! Kidding , the place is very good .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you’re looking for a Boston bar in Chicago, don’t come here.
I grew up in central Massachusetts and moved to Chicago, so finding Tripoli Tap felt like a little piece of home. I came here to watch games, brought my parents when they visited, and recommended it to friends for years. That all ended during my last visit.
I showed up early to get a table for the Super Bowl. The bar had just opened and was quiet. A bartender (younger guy, curly dark hair) started his shift and spent the first 15 minutes openly talking about my friends and me while standing maybe two feet away. We could hear everything.
Some of the comments included:
“They wait outside in line like idiots and they don’t even come here and watch games.”
“They’ll be here for 6 hours so I’ll be watching their tab, don’t worry.”
Again, this was not behind the bar, not in the back, not quietly. This was said loudly, directly next to us, while we were some of the only people there.
Now I’m from Massachusetts, so I finally asked him, “What do you want us to do, leave?” His response: “We love people.” Sure.
I’ve worked in restaurants. I’ve complained about customers. Everyone has. But you do not do it within earshot of the people you’re insulting. That’s basic hospitality and basic professionalism.
To the owners and managers: I recommend reading your other low reviews, because this behavior clearly isn’t an isolated incident. I loved coming here. I loved bringing my family when they visited Chicago. One bartender completely destroyed the appeal in a single visit
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Love this place! It’s not nearly as busy as some of the places down the street. Great patio in the summer. Only note - stick to the pizza… wouldn’t recommend the chicken tenders
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
This was my first time going here and loved it! It's an amazing spot to go with friends or family to have a great time. Amazing drinks and service! Will definitely be my go to spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place! Enjoyed the vibe. Boston atmosphere in Chicago. Law enforcement, Fire and Military friendly too. We wanted to find a bar while waiting for a dinner reservation and stumbled on this place in Lincoln Park. Did not disappoint and Nic was full of hospitality.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Bartenders were rude and made us feel unwelcome. Go anywhere else.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Let them know their keg was spoiled and they proceeded to tell me to drink my drink and I was wrong. Then were cracking jokes to people at the bar. If you enjoy awful service at the worst bar on the street, look no further you found your new favorite bar. Been many times and will not be going back
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Cool Patriots bar. Dark wood, small pub vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great place to host a party
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tripoli Tap wasn’t the kind of place we planned on visiting, but once we were in, we committed to at least one drink. The place gave off the vibe of a bar that had slowly surrendered to entropy. Behind the counter was an unintentional collage of confusion: a defunct margarita machine, a lonely lockbox, bartenders shuffling paper receipts like they were working the door at a VFW, and a carefully arranged shelf of Stoli bottles below an ancient POS.
The backbar was a chaotic mix of whatever was handy and whatever no one had the heart to throw away. One solitary tin of Zyn sat like a cautionary tale. A Keurig and a random kettle held court between the liquor and the ketchup. It didn’t feel lived-in—it felt left behind.
Only as we were leaving did we clock the glowing “Boston” Heineken sign and the proud “Bah Food” branding. That explained a few things.
We drank quickly. We left quietly. 2 stars — One for the drink, one for the reminder to never pick the only option out of convenience.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Classic awesome chi town bar!
This is a great bar, whether you’re trying to day drink or catch a game. With plenty of seating and friendly bartenders, Tripoli Tap is inviting and cozy. The prices are fair, the selection is good, and the parking is easy!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
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