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“

“We went on a Saturday night around 930pm. Not many people in there yet but the crowd that was there was diverse. Different ages and walks of life. Bar tender was friendly enough and took care of business. Poured a stiff drink for a fair price. It is a legit authentic "dive bar" for starters. The real deal. No frills. Not some wanna be staged pretend dive bar with over priced drinks and pretention. It is old, dark and dirty. We wanted to love this place. We loved everything about it except for one thing...And it is a deal breaker for us. Um. The smell. It smells horrible!!! Like an old stale ashtray with a half put out cigarette still going in it and up in your face. It was really really bad. I don't know if someone was actually smoking in there while we were there, but there is definitely still smoking happening inside that place. It burned my eyes and my nostrils. Gave me a headache. Unfortunately, we were one and done (and had a pretty good buzz from our one drink I must say). But sorry, we can't do the cigarette smoke.“

“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.“

“One of my favorite Chicago Venues to play. I live in the burbs so it’s a little hard to go out for other shows as much as I would like. But when I do, it’s always home. ❤️“

“Indoors only - dog friendly tavern that encourages patrons to try the infamous Malort.
Jeopardy was on at 4 pm and everyone participated! Bordering Ukrainian village this gemstone is to be sought after! It is a neighborhood tavern not a fancy place and the bartender is versatile !“

“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.“

“always a great time nice beer garden“

“I've been knows the number of times and I've always liked it. They've done a lot building out the rear space and that's nice to have expanded area because it was a little bit tight before. They have a stage in the main area which allows them to have entertainment.“

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

“As a tourist the night shift was good. Went during the day got a huge hold in my card for 1 drink. Ordered a second, stepped outside to smoke someone picked up my drink and snaked right after I went outside and the bartender acted like this was a normal thing. Embarrassing! (Edit) The bartender did make an effort to go out of her way to make sure I felt accommodated after the incident and took what I had to say to heart. Preemptive review, exactly that. Not too shabby. Check it out.“

“Was there at the beginning of June with my bro & 2 buddies. Great little spot with friendly staff and good prices. Mckenna the bartender was the highlight (sorry I didn’t make it back with gummies, never made it to the store. And thanks for recommending Pequod’s!!)“

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

“Alex is a great karaoke host! Olga is the best inviting and the sweetest bartender! ? this is a great place with great atmosphere. My boyfriend recommended this place when we started dating and now we are regulars and friends with the staff. They have a little back porch area for smoking or just getting some fresh air if it's too packed inside! I love this place!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“2nd time in. I love everything about this place and I really don't like many things. If I got specific, it would be philosophic and embarrassing. Just come get energized, refreshed, and regain your trust in humanity. Love you guys down 💖“

“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 🫶“

“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.“

“This is my neighborhood dive bar with the big Old Style sign. It might not be your neighborhood dive bar with the big Old Style sign, but it's a damn good one and we're plenty okay with that. There's a payphone, artificial grass patio, cold beer only in cans, but you know taps are always suspicious at dive bars it's nice to just cut that step out. Diverse clientele and regulars, but not the point where it's an old man's club or anything.“

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

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

“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.“

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

“WATCH OUT N KOREA MOB. tuff gucci, stuff hotdog cheddar“

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

“Cash bar. Local dive bar with occasional live music. No food is served here but they allow you to have it delivered there. Laid back place with very friendly bartenders. There's usually always someone playing instruments or live performances. You'll probably fine me here at least once a week.“

“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”!!“

“Music atmosphere people and drinks!“

“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! ?“

“Awesome people and cool bartenders“

“Cold beer and great service.“

“I love all the people here! ?????? I came here to celebrate ? Cinco De Mayo. And they all were so sweet. If you do decide to go just make sure you take cash....they don't accept credit/ debit cards. They're drinks are reasonable and cozy vibes. (Updated 2024: AND STILL GOOD VIBES)“

“Great new spot in Bucktown!! We are so excited to have this around the corner. Customer service is excellent. Cocktails are 10/10. Atmosphere feels unique and artistic while also feeling warm and welcoming. Looking forward to more stops here!“

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

“excellent ambiance super attendence 🍻🍻“

“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!!!“

“awesome service awesome atmosphere. felt at home. love it“

“What an experience, they treat out of town guests like there right at home, friendly staff and truly an amazing experience ( highly recommend this joint 👍“

“I really love this place. Mike, the owner, is such a great guy and honestly feels like he is less than an owner of a bar but more of a host of a party. The energy in here is always great. Ayda, zita(sp?), Katie, victor, Andy, grace, Al, Katelyn, and anyone else who works here are all fantastic bartenders. This place is so welcoming and I always have a great time when I’m here. And it’s great if you want to buy some booze to take home too before the legal hours of course! They have snacks, movie nights, and sometimes Mike barbecues outside and it is really such a treat. It’s hard to stay away from this place!!!!“

“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.“

“buena actitud no y bien cervicio“

“Very nice people!“

“It's the perfect dive bar with great food (big portions), best French fries and chicken wings around!, friendly customers, and staff. Family owned place who really cater to their customers and know most of the customers by name. There's a pool table, 6 TVs, and a jukebox which is perfect for hanging out and having a few shots and/or beers on the cheap. Party packages are inexpensive too and they have a nice big dining room for birthdays and group gatherings. (On Wednesday's they have drink specials.) *Cheers*“

“Great Chicago Tavern. Old Style on tap. Malort behind the counter(ant your own risk, lol). Owner is awesome. Went here because growing up as a kid in Chicago I’ve been to taverns with the old man but never been to one as an adult. Would definitely go back here again.“

“A great place if you're sick of smarmy bartenders who take half an hour to mix up $15 drinks. Old school Chicago taverns like this are a dying breed and C&J's deserves credit for staying true to their beer-and-shot roots even while modernizing.“

“Uber eats messed up our order and Adam made good on it. Even gave us coupons!“