50 Best Dive Bars near Elmwood Park

“great staff and outstanding event to raise funds for fighting Cancer.“

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“Great place to get some admin work done for work on your laptop and stuff they have wall outlets you can plug your charger into

Also shout out to the bartender for the screenplay idea and thanks to everyone that was there to help work on the first few pages of a thing I’m writing large credit to them for most of the ideas on paper so to say. Nice lighting for reading things next to the laptop in case you have to take notes for schoolwork or something. They don’t really offer any food but there’s like pizza up the street so whatever and the bartender seems to know his drinks and mixology from the way he handled the in and out busy but quiet service in a fast paced unmannered world of having to do work and your power going out so you have to find a place that can take a laptop charger and a laptop to get work done for work and also help you with side projects about things you’re working or writing about on a friday evening

Also if you leave your card they will hold it for you and let you pick it up later or ID so idk what that says about their security but that’s all I have to really say about this place from my first visit“

“Excellent venue with outstanding patio“

“Cool little place in the middle of a nieghborhood . Great food. My husband and I love to go there.“

“Liar’s Club has some of my favorite bands on the regular, so I find myself there a lot. My band has played there too, and it’s a great experience - the room sounds good, with a solid PA system. Gary and the rest of the staff are awesome - the polar opposite of the snooty, hipper-than-thou attitude you get at some rock & roll joints. Drink prices are cheap, and parking is always pretty easy. The clientele is consistently asshole-free. Can’t think of anything bad to say about Liar’s.“

“I came across Archies a few years back while out walking my dog.

Stopped out front to tie my shoe, my dog decided she'd walk in without me which is how I found out the bars dog friendly.

The staff is great, prices aren't bad. Its your typical small neighborhood bar which i why I love it.

Cheese balls too!“

“if there was ever a better Watering Hole In chicago. This Is It, hands down. Chris and his staff are superior at every aspect of being a classy drinking establishment. I recommend it highly, and Shop local all you lovely Neighbors.“

“Such a great place! Had so much fun. Highly recommend.“

“Total local joint. Love stopping in when I’m in town“

“I can't recommend this pub enough for any locals or tourists. It has a cozy vibe with a hint of dive and a great outdoor space that compliments what makes Chicago great. Not to mention the patio is dog friendly z you are sure to have a blast and make new friends!“

“Nice bar & open late! Had a bad day with a missed connecting flight. Hotel bars charge out the wazoo so went here instead. Felt welcome and cared for by the bar tender (Emily?) great deal and good ambiance. Would return if I’m ever back!“

“Found this gem by accident while waiting around, and I’m so glad I did. The hospitality was incredible. It’s the ultimate local spot with a welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to the kind bartender and all the guests who made me feel at home.
​P.S. Sorry again to Aneta, the bartender!“

“It's a relatively decent place to have a cold beer or a cocktail.
I'd say the best thing about this place is they're awesome patio. Some nights their DJs are great some are just okay. If you can get a booth, hold onto it during busy hours because this place gets packed fast. If you're in Logan, it's worth stopping in for a pint or two.“

“Music atmosphere people and drinks!“

“Was a couple houses down visiting Chicago from San Diego. While I waited for my other friends to arrive after visiting the Loop, I decided to come around and visit this spot, which was worth the look. Fun bartenders all around the clock, reasonable prices, and even got my friends to do the Chicago rite of passage and take a delicious shot of Malort“

“What a fun little bar! It's decorated with massive amounts of concert posters and artwork prints all over the walls, with the back rooms feeling like you've stumbled into someone's living room and you have a cocktail in your hand.

There are wines at various tiers, cocktails with tons of customization options, straight-up beer (Hamm's is $5 for a can at time of writing and is served with a fun twist to make it extra cold) and even specialty larger-format beer bottles.

You can sit at the bar or at the various seats and couches in the back. The music was at a super comfortable volume for conversation.“

“Great, friendly, neighborhood bar. Jimmy will make you feel like you've been friends forever. Not usually open on Sundays, but Jimmy will open specially for Bears games, and you might also get to sample his homemade chili, sloppy joes, or maybe even some Little Caesar's pizza! ?“

“At the last moment I decided to check out this live music event at Os Tap Tavern and it was the best decision I made all weekend!
It was a great spot to watch Michigan State defeat Illinois U and I discovered a great new band Going Down South
What a gem
Keep up the good work Chicago 🍻“

“Awesome people and cool bartenders“

“Stumbled in here by chance and had a great time on a somewhat busy night. Cheap drinks, cold beer, and Nilda is an absolute angel. Her pup Frijolito is a lil cutie too. I hope Nilda is able to keep this place in business for years to come as they don’t make ‘em like this anymore!“

“Literally just had the best experience with one of the best bartenders I’ve ever met. ❤️ Extremely helpful, cheerful, fun, kind and attentive. Thank you so much Renee! So much!“

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

“This is the safest place to have a great time any day of the week. I highly recommend attending their Karaoke night on Saturday's. It’s always a blast and you can sing songs in any language (Spanish & English)“

“perfect place, friendly, easy on the pocket and the friendliest bartenders and customers. Makes a new customer feel at ease and welcomed.“

“matt..the bartender was awesome per usual. fun regulars“

“fun time local hangout for everyone. Definitely fun and free pool after 10!“

“Great classic Chicago Tavern with a pool table, live music and a fun blues jam on Tuesday nights!“

“Love this hidden gem in Cicero. Typical sports bar with great drink specials, live music on Friday nights, and DJ on Saturday nights. Great for watching all sporting events! Also has a gaming room with all of the best machines. As the sign on the building says its “the best kept secret in Cicero”!!“

“My band just played there. Great place for music food and drinks. Super friendly staff. 💯 recommended, add it to your list of watering holes 🍻“

“Great place to spend a night out with friends. Small intimate joint with music jams Monday nights & Thursdays.

Dennis Melzer runs a jam on Friday once a month. Great people. Wonderful times I have loved hanging out while I have been in Chicago while I was a guest in Dennis's apartment and he took me to this place.“

“This is one of my favorite neighborhood bars. We love the atmosphere here; there’s always good music, good company, and popcorn! My husband and I love this place so much that we actually booked the bar for our wedding after party. Our guests absolutely loved the space and the service was fantastic! Special shoutout to Sean - he’s always a ray of sunshine and makes sure you’re taken care of.“

“Friendly bartenders that has always welcomed me and treated me with friendly demeanor that made me feel amongst friends. Always love being there and the atmosphere“

“I hope this Polish dive bar stays around for many more years. Cash Only. Pool Table available - $1 a game (coins) the jukebox is holding on by a thread but it's only a $1 for 3 songs which is great. The day I was there we had the entire bar to ourselves the whole night.“

“Very nice people!“

“Edelweiss Tavern is a cozy, classic neighborhood bar with a welcoming vibe. The drinks menu has a solid selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits, and everything is served promptly by friendly, attentive staff. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, perfect for a casual night out with friends or catching up over a drink. The tavern has a charming, old-school feel that adds to its character. A great spot for anyone looking for a relaxed, no-frills neighborhood bar experience in Avondale.“

“We love it and we highly recommend it and the family there is the best. Enjoy ever min there😀😍🤩🥰“

“Only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is vaccination card was required for service and I don't exactly carry it around in my back pocket. She did make me a long island iced tea to go and it's delicious with the perfect amount of liquor!!!“

“Great, friendly local spot. It's clean with throwback decor. My fave is the Seagram's lamp. Cheap prices for drinks. They also serve pizza & Polish food. Nice place to watch the game or play pool on your choice of 2 pool tables. Come and get out of the cold.“

“If you’re at Ten cat and need great vibes, go straight to James and Jay. Their are truly the best around. They are quick, attentive, and always know how to make each guest feel welcome. Whether you want chill conversation or just someone who brings positive energy to your night, they got you covered.“

“Get the burger. Never had a bad one.“

“buena actitud no y bien cervicio“

“A enjoyable Saturday lunch, friendly staff, local bar atmosphere.“

“Love this place the people that work are so nice and happy. It’s stocked really well to I enjoy going there for shopping it’s not the traditional grocery store but it’s has a nice selection of food. The snacks and frozen food from around the world make it easier to be adventurous with my meals.

Vegetarian options: The vegetarian options are end less .

Dietary restrictions: It’s a smaller grocery store you pick up what you need .

Parking: Big open lot no problem with the parking“

“excellent ambiance super attendence 🍻🍻“

“This dive bar is a breath of fresh air in a world of overpriced, trendy spots. Here, the beer is cold, the conversation flows easily, and the atmosphere is pure, unadulterated dive bar. No fancy cocktails to be found, just a solid selection of beers, including the newly added Yuengling on tap, and a welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay all night. They also offer a few liquors for basic mixed drinks or for those who like to drink their liquor neat.“

“Keenan O'Reilly's is described as "a classic example of a Chicago dive bar." So what is a dive bar? According to one definition, it typically is a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style bar with inexpensive drinks and may feature dim lighting, shabby or dated decor, neon beer signs, packaged beer sales, cash only service and a local clientele. By that definition, I suppose Keenan O'Reilly's fits the description. Located at 3916 North Ashland Avenue, south of Irving Park Road, at Byron, in the Lakeview neighborhood, this pub opened in 2007 in a space formerly occupied by a Polish bar and is noted for its bright white and green Special Export sign above the door. It features a good-sized room with hardwood floors, a white drop ceiling and a worn wooden bar that arcs well out into the room. It also is noted for cheap beers, relaxed atmosphere and lack of crowds. Come for drinks and friendly conversation, not food. There is no kitchen. Open from 5:30 to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 1 a.m. on Sunday, O'Reilly's has a large beer list and manages to keep patrons entertained with pool, darts, ping-pong, electronic shuffleboard and other board games. There's also a couple of flatscreen TVs and a jukebox. There are beers on draft. Also craft brews, imports, ciders and domestics. And Trivia Night is a popular attraction every Monday. What's a dive bar? Now you know.“

“came in here tonight with a couple of friends and the atmosphere was great there was an awesome vibe. the bartender was super sweet and great at his job, I didn't catch his name but I'll be back. I don't get out much anymore but thank you for a great night out 🫶“