Nice place to grab a drink while waiting for reservations at the many restaurants around. Great beer and cocktail selection. Love the interior and it's never too busy. read more

Really like this place. Front area is a good bar, but they also have an awesome back area with dancing and a good DJ. Was able to have a good time in both areas - met people in the front and went to back to dance. My buddy did the opposite and met people on the dance floor and went to front to talk. Either way works I guess. Draws a pretty good crowd both times I've been here! Highly recommend checking this place out. read more

I went here this past Friday and had a great time. I was expecting Hip Hop because they use to have Hip Hop Friday's with Nick Castle. They recently changed Dj's. And really like the change. It was a fantastic mix of everything! I danced all night! Also, the bartender are great and drink are averagely priced. BEST of all it's a FREE dance party! read more

It took forever to get a bartender's attention away from conversation with someone at the bar. The bartender acted puzzled by the Manhattan I was ordering off their menu we found on our table of only 8 drinks. The bartender made the drink very slowly, and used straws to pull tasting sips to make sure he was making it correct after adding each ingredient. I felt like he was making this drink on their short menu of drinks for the first time. He continued to give the girl not ordering more attention than the drink he was making, or me for that matter. I will not go out of my way to come back here. read more

I must admit, I had a damn good time. I finally found a LP spot that's enjoyable for drinking and good music. I didn't spend much time in the front of the venue, but after they opened the dungeon style back room, I was amazed to find damn good music and solid drinks. I'll be back.. read more

Needless to say, I'll never be going back to his dump full of A--holes again! Literally one of the worst customer service experiences I've had in my life. The manager is a pathetic, arrogant fool on a power-trip. I'm surprised he can walk around the bar upright, being so overly inflated with ego. This past Friday night my husband and I went there for the first time for a friend's birthday party. Apparently he had already been kicked out earlier for some infraction, but we still had other mutual friends to hang out wtih so we stayed. We do not have a car and were out all day before this, plus planning to drink, so we had Walgreens bags with us filled with assorted snacks and sealed mini-bottles of wine as we had been planning to go to a house party, not a bar, but everyone was at this bar by the time we got to the neighborhood. The door guy was actually nice and never asked about our plastic bags of stuff, so we made our way to the back to find our friends right away. I ended up getting a drink from the back bar- at first I was unsure if I could because they had mostly beer and I have celiac disease, so I can't drink beer and I have to worry about cross-contamination. Beer splashing everywhere and quick rinsed draft glasses are a concern for me. The bartender was very nice and accomodating, since they did not have any bottles of cider, she poured my Woodchuck into a plastic cup instead, so it was safe for me. I retreated from the bar, and went to set down my heavy bags in the corner so I could finally enjoy a drink. I took only one sip then all of a sudden this aggressive douchebag was in my face, claiming to be the manager and interrogating me about what I'm drinking and what I have in my bags. I kindly explained the whole situation about where we came from, why, and that I had JUST bought a cider in a plastic cup because it's safer that way due to my celiac disease. The asshat responds by snapping, "We don't have plastic cups!" Wow. 1) Really f**ktard, you are the only bar in the entire city that doesn't have plastic cups? Every bar I have ever been to has plastic cups. 2) Clearly they do have plastic cups because I got one from the bartender, and what kind of ignorant manager does not know that they have something so common in stock at the bar? 3) Clearly he just wanted to hassle me, even though I TOLD HIM to check with the nice bartender that just sold me the drink, he did not. Instead he kept insisting to search my bags. I said NO, you are NOT the TSA, I have done NOTHING wrong, and you are not searching my bags. I told you everything you need to know, clearly I'm not doing anything wrong and am a paying customer. He continued to argue with me about how I should have checked my bags up front and that I'm lying and implying I was trying to sneak in and drink. Yeah, cuz I'd much rather swill cheap wine in a cramped, dark, way too loud bar than enjoy it relaxing at home with my husband. And obviously I couldn't afford a few bucks for a cider since I was dressed up nicely that night. Not. I told him, don't worry I'm leaving as soon as I finish my drink because I"ve been treated horribly for no reason and your crap business does not deserve a penny from me. At this point the hubby joined me wondering WTF was going on, and in the meantime some slack-jawked, ugly crony (manager's ASSistant I guess?) was stalking my husband and getting in his face. He asked why this troll was following him, and was told it was to make sure we weren't any trouble, because clearly a nicely dressed middle-aged couple, ordering drinks and bothering no one is up to no good, because they had previously purchased items from Walgreens. We made our way up front, my husband very annoyed by the goon who was harrassing him as well. I talked to the door guy who was actually nice and apologetic for now terribly his manager was acting. I hurried up to chug my cider and we got the hell out of there. So yeah, if you wanted to be treated like a lowly criminal for doing nothing wrong besides having celiac disease and carrying walgreens bags, then by all means visit this Temple of Douchebagdom. read more

is the place with the good beers, the table for the balls to hit with the sticks, the music to be toe tapped and to sit and to talk to the peoples with the smiles and knowledge of much useless trivia, but to be entertaining and then afters to be the naked in your living rooms because they are the mostly clean and good to be nakeds in the morning too. in a place where many of the peoples only have 13 cents to purchase half a clue, the peoples in the aliveone bars has at least 28 cents, just enough to buy a clue and with change to spare for the tip. nice place this is and is to be. yay for clean toilets and to be close to the home depot to get your kinky sex toys.!!! woohoo! read more

I was told to go to the back room for hip hop. The dj did not disappoint. It was hip hop but in a cool not average way. His old school plus new school mixed were great and unique. Don't let the look when you walk into the bar turn you around. The front of the bar is absent diversity and has the feel of a big city college bar but the back room is where it's at. read more

I try to resist pigeonholing folks, but I would comfortably assume that if you're a fan of Pearl Jam or anything produced by Jeff Lynne, you're gonna like this place. It's a temple of music appreciation that could be run by Cameron Crowe or Lil' Steven, and if you don't appreciate these references, you might not like this place. However, I would say that even retards who somehow don't enjoy the Junior Parker solo in the Foreigner classic, "Urgent", might find it an ok spot to chill, but you'd probably have to be in Dire Straits. read more

Go for the DJ/dance floor in the back. Depending on the day you go, there's old school hip hop music. I wouldn't have expected that in Lincoln Park, but it exists! It's busier in the front and the drinks are pretty good up there, plus you can play pool and take a break from your dancing. read more

The male dark haired bartender is a total a##hole. Very unwelcoming. Was mean to me all night. All of the other bartenders were good except him. Will never go back to that place. I know Alive One can do better than that!!!! read more

If you want to go out and listen to Top 40 radio hip hop and pop, there's a line out the door at Paris Club waiting for you. But if you want to hear a DJ who scours the record bins for awesome tracks to create the perfect vibe for a Friday night, the back room of Aliveone is the place to be. It's got good drinks, reasonable prices, an unpretentious scene and just the right tunes for a perfect weekend dance party. So glad I finally checked this place out. That DJ is quickly becoming one of my favorites in the city. I'll be hitting up Friday nights here again...and again. read more

A day full of drinking will eventually move me to dance. And boy did I at aliveOne. I was a bit disappointed with the DJ's pick of tunes, but the drinks were flowing and the company was good, so it was ok. It reminded me of the bars I used to frequent in my single days....LOTS of singles packed into a small space! Ah, memories... read more

This is a great, chill bar. Sometimes chill bars are dumps; there's a chill atmosphere because people fear falling as a result of moving quickly due to a layer of grease/spilled alcohol on the floor. BUT that is not Alive One! Alive One is great. It's clean, nicely furnished and decorated inside, and has a great selection of music playing in the front. There's plenty of seating in the place for talks with friends, and there's also a small pool table in the back. I liked the Gumball wheat beer on tap. The bartender was also nice enough to help me pick out another beer, and offered me a taste of the beer. Very nice! I'll definitely be back. read more

Disclaimer: This review is based on the two times I came here Saturday/Friday night Pros: Everything Cons: WAY TOO CROWDED Comparable to: Beauty Bar This bar place great music, is reasonably priced, and has a good vibe BUT it is way to crowded. If there was 30% less people this place would get five stars, but you can't dance or move around when it is as crowded as it has been when I have been here. Similar thing to beauty bar, dance place in back, and chiller bar area in the front. read more

I've been coming to this bar for years. There is something going on every night of the week in the back room from comedy to trivia to karaoke and live bands and the only thing that beats their happy hour special is the staff. read more

The disco man was nowhere to be found. I feel misled. There are two dramatically different vibes in this bar, front and back. There is a giant yellow object hanging from the ceiling. It is shaped like a banana but it is decorated as if it is corn. read more

perhaps it's because i spent so much time in lincoln park during high school. perhaps it's because i actually saw several people i went to high school with here. perhaps it's because after a certain hour, it goes from bearable to sketchy figures suddenly hovering over you, with the only available people to potentially help out are drunkenly swaying on the open floorspace. perhaps it's a combination of all of those things that turn me off to this place. the beer selection is actually pretty solid, and on tuesdays, it's $2 draft night. i just don't know if i would consider that a strong enough selling point considering the crowd i'd have to deal with. i'll likely give it another chance, but i'm not scrambling to go back anytime soon. read more

5 stars all the way!!! Aliveone is my husband and my favorite bar (one of our top 3). Blends great music, chill and good vibes, a little bit college-y but nothing too bro-ey. Just an all around good time. read more

I see you, Aliveone. You hidden gem, you! When I first walked into this place, it just seemed like a cool dive bar. Complete with a jukebox, an excellent selection of craft beers, a pool table and a friendly staff, I was liking the vibe. But then my friends and I headed to the back room...let me tell you, it's a whole other world back there! The front room is divey and the back room is like a mini club! There is another bar in the back, with a dj and dance floor. What?! This room is cozy -- not too big, not too small. And they have couches, lamps and small end tables to give it a homey, "next door" feel. Now the first night I went there, the music was questionable... I heard a lot of 70's and it was just a bit weird for me. But I like to give decent places another chance. I went on a Friday night and the music was AWESOME. They played all old school hip hop and dance music. We're talking some 80's/90's and early 2000's. Think Run DMC, R Kelly, Blackstreet, Dr Dre, etc. It's like any twentysomething's guilty pleasure music. And after a few drinks, we were all over that dance floor! The DJ was cool too. He took requests and played them right away. My go-to drink is usually the Three Floyds Robert the Bruce, but they ran out the last time I was there. So I took the bartender's suggestion and got an Oskar Blues Old Chub. FANTASTIC. If you like a rich, chocolatey, malty taste, GET THAT DRINK. I had a great time at Aliveone. I will be back again on a Friday night! read more

Again, I came in here on a Tuesday night. The place was packed, but the beers were still 2 bucks. And any type of draft beer, except for Guinness, which was 2.50. The place is just really chill, which I am a huge fan of. I brought 5 aliveOne virgins in, and ALL of them dug the place. Bartender was great. read more

I went here with a couple friends last weekend. Needless to say, we are going back. I opened a tab and never had a problem getting a beer. Played a ton of pool and listened to great music. They have some good deals as well. read more

I wouldn't consider myself a regular at Alive One...hehe...but everytime I go, the staff makes me feel at home. That's just how it is...you come in a few times to chill; they may not remember your name, but they remember your face and will show it by either giving you a free shot or giving you half off on a drink...what a bunch o' sweethearts! The back and front room have very different feels. The front rooms draws a bit of an older crowd and by older, I mean late 20ishes. There's a pool table and the music is decent. But I wrote this review to rave about the back room. The art is definitely worth noting. Ive sat there arguing forever, probably due to an increased level of intoxication, about what the three paintings behind the bar actually mean. IN the back room, you'll experience a loungy feel and at about 12:30 or 1 on the weekends, all the buzzed young thangs start breaking out their dance skills....whether or not you like to dance is one thing, but if you love good hip hop and when I say good hip hop, I mean good hip hop and not mainstream rap...basically hip hop you don't hear at any other Lincoln Park bar. The adorable weekend DJ has excellent taste in music plus he always comes through and will never stiff you on your requests. note: if he's not going to play something you requested, he'll usually let you know. The crowd here is dope...and Im not saying that just because I'm part of it ;) CHeck this place out on the weekdays for some live music. I will forever be faithful to Alive One!! read more

Back room used to be the best thing in Lincoln Park. Then they got rid of the hip-hop. No reason for my friends and me to come back anymore. :( Even the bar staff seemed to be upset with this. read more

Lame & cheesy. I've been here for many different occasions and have yet to see what the big deal is.

I have been going to AliveOne for over 2 years now. It used to be my go to spot, unfortunately the old DJ is no longer there. What used to be a packed room full of young people dancing has now turned into 10 people texting listening to mediocre music with 1 or 2 people dancing. I requested some hip hop in an attempt to liven up the night, the DJ told me she does not have a any hip hop vinyl with her. OK yes vinyl is cool or whatever but a DJs job is to play music that matches the crowd not to impress hipsters with their vinyl collection. read more

I used to live around the corner for over two years and never stopped in. Last night a friend and I were looking for a chill bar to duck into for a drink or two to catch up. There weren't any tables or stools available but it wasn't too crowded. We got a drink in about 10 minutes and the prices were decent, only $4.50 for a cider. The bartenders here were sassy and knowledgable. It looked like a lot of locals call this place home and that's an awesome thing to see. The decor is a little different, they apparently like The Who and The Doors and some pretty crazy art. For all of the craziness, it's very warm and inviting. I would definitely come back here for a chill night with some close friends. read more

I had a party in the back room and it was phenomenal! Thomas and Gianna were great bartenders and it was so easy to book and organize everything with Ryan. Highly recommend a party here!! read more

I was at AliveOne last night waiting for my dinner to start at Mayan Palace and I was the only one in the bar. I'd been to the bar a few times during college when it was always hopping. I really like it there! Last night, because I was there so early, I was the only one. But I had a really nice Great Leaks Edmund Fitzgerald and chatted with the bartender. It was a nice place to kill an hour and get in from the cold. read more

I loved this place! Specifically for the Brooklyn Brown Ale on tap, Mick Jagger on the wall, and records embedded in the table tops. The music was great, the service not bad, and that huge couch in the back is great for diving on your friends. read more

Pretty good, as LP bars go. This is definitely the best one in that area. They spin decent tunes, even some good deep house in the back on occasion. Very nice selection of beers. Mixed crowd that spans a pretty wide variety of people. I can see peoples' experience here varying widely but the times I have been there it's been pretty good. read more

Friendly staff. Great weekly drink specials. Live music in the back. What more could you ask for?

I tend to rate bars according to their juke box. This one is a definite plus, all live rock music in the front bar. Very friendly bartenders with a strong pour and a overall nice atmosphere. I will definitley hit up aliveone when i am visiting chicago next. read more

god, i adore this place. this was the first bar i've gone to as a regular for many reasons. $2 tuesdays, amazing craft beers on tap, and free funk thursdays. i miss when the heard used to have residency here, but low spark has been a great replacement. the music here is always great, the decor also makes the atmosphere amazing. EDIT: i forgot to mention how amazing the DJ that plays on tuesdays is...motown, funk, old r&b and a disco balls calls for THE most fun dance party you'll have all week read more

I FREAKING LOVE this place. I started going there when Spare Parts played free shows on Thursday nights. Many a good time has been had here, lots of dancing, party favors, goooood tiiiimes. Now I go on 2 for Tuesdays where you get a pint of CRAFT beer, that's right, not sh*t beer but fancy CRAFT beer for just $2. What a deal!! It's almost always hopping and for good reason, this place is super chill and a great crowd. This is one of those places where you might actually start up a conversation with people you've never met before (a surprisingly difficult thing to do at most bars) and you might actually make some new friends that weren't already friends of friends. Maybe get some numbers. Who knows, the night is young. Alive One. Yes. read more

I always enjoy the music here. The funk band on Thursdays is great and the DJs play lots of revamped, fun throwbacks, mixed in with current music. The bartenders at the back bar tend to make better, stronger drinks. But both bars are efficient and make good drinks. read more

I had my birthday party with 35-40 guests in aliveOne's back room and it was fantastic! We were able to decorate early and the bartenders, especially Steve, were friendly and helpful with set-up and I heard zero complaints from my guests. The $40 wristband package offered amazing value with top-shelf booze. I was able to play my own music and the sound system was great. One of the best parts was not having to do clean up at the end. I highly recommend having a party here if you like a fun, funky, music-driven space that won't break the bank like many venues in Chicago! read more

Go here if you want to be treated like a dog. I will not ever go back to spend money at an establishment that hands out paychecks to their ass-wipe staff particularly the one's who stand around in the front checking people's IDs. I have been in the service industry for over 7 years, and I know what good service is and how to treat people. I also love a good deal! So $2 Tuesdays sounds like a nice one, especially when it was my younger brother's 21st birthday. But I was absolutely unimpressed by the staff and the establishment as a whole. I walked out with my brother to have a smoke. We walked to the residential side of the street right in front of the bar. When I shall name him by name, Andre, the inconsiderate bouncer began barking at me. Given way to some intoxication, I could not actually make out what he was saying to me, but that he was yelling at me. I kept thinking to myself, " I'm not a freaking dog for this guy to be speaking to me this way!"I then sat down on the curb brushing off this strange encounter, when he yelled at me even more forcefully this time telling me to Get up! off the ground and to move to the other side on Halsted. Astonished at his lack of professionalism, i apologized and we shifted over where many of the other smokers were. Now let me just say the correct thing to do would have been to walk up and say something like, "Excuse me, we are not permitted to have people smoke on this residential side of the street, but you are welcome to join the other smokers over here and enjoy yourselves." Now you see, Andre, wouldn't that have been so easy? So I finished up my cigarette and forgot that I had left my ID with my brother as I was about to walk in. I stated that I had better grab that before some a**hole inside asked me for it again. Hearing this, the bouncer then stood up and said not with that attitude you ain't. So he kicked me out and didn't allow me to reenter the bar. This is the best part- he was smoking with a group on the side that he had previously said where we couldn't smoke! My sister then spoke with the manager at length and he proved to be apathetic toward the situation. And, naturally, didn't do anything to correct the issue. Apparently this employee has kicked out other people for pathetic reasons before as well. Mostly because he's on a stupid ass power trip. He reigns terror on Halsted. Little did he know that this other female he upset was my younger sister. Just in August, my younger sister decided to go for a friend's birthday as well. She was waiting in line when 2 girls walked up and excitedly tried to enter the bar. Again, The Terminator Andre yelled at these girls and told then quite forcefully to get their asses to the back of the line. My sister having witnessed this lack of propriety, graciously offered the spot in front of her in line. She waited and witnessed him let the girls in, and her friend who was in front of her. When it came to her, he looked her up and down and then stated that she wasn't allowed to enter the establishment. She then asked why, to which he replied that she was disrespectful to him. Was that the only reason? Or was it that it was a blow to his already miniscule ego? Now I understand that you meet a lot of awful people in the nightlife industry; it is really a tough line of work. But you could at least do you work with dignity and take it like of man instead of acting like a petty bitch who only lets his cronies in the bar. Now as for the inside of the bar, it pretty yuppy in the front section and pretty seedy in the back with a less than impressive disco ball. Also, let me just say that employees are a direct reflection of an establishment. So it looks pretty bleak, considering the help. read more

I'm not into the bars of LP but aliveone is definitely not like other bars in LP. It brings in a pretty chill crowd and nice back room always with live music and always filled with people dancing and just enjoying the music. Thursday night is the best time to go and check out a local favorite, Lubriphonic! This band is rockin' they really will get you dancing all night long. I love this place because of the music selections they play in the front bar and everyone really just gets along, it's a place where yuppies go to pick up one another. I don't feel like a piece of meat at this bar, and they have great specials! read more

I love me some rock and roll, and this place definitely plays it! They played a lot of my favorite classics, and I was only in there for an hour and a half or so. They have blue moon on tap (which ROCKS). After 10, it gets a little crowded with bleach blond trixies and jocks, so not really my scene. But the music was good! read more