Hidden Gem of a Dive Bar. If you're looking for an alternative to Maria's in Bridgeport, just to mix it up, this place is perfect. Also a fantastic place to bar hop. Cash only. Mildly sticky floors (But in the good dive bar sort of way), overpopulated wall decorations, and friendly looking bar people who've been curating the classic rock playlist since before George Bush ran for president. read more

Upon initial arrival, I'm not gonna lie - I was a little hesitant. Dive bars are my thing, but this one reminded me of one of those hillbilly country bars with sparse options in liquor and potentially boring vibes. One other bar patron was in. No music was playing. However...within five minutes, I could already tell I was going to like it here. Steve, who I later found out was the owner, was very hospitable & friendly, turning on music, catering to my silly request to see the stop light colors change, etc. Eventually, more people started arriving at the bar, including live music. Everything fell into place. It became a really great experience, where people were all friendly and welcoming. Bathroom was clean. Bar was clean. ATM works perfectly (it's a cash only bar). I love good bars and "good vibes" (and hate the phrase good vibes but whatever it works here ) and if the shoe fits, hey, enjoy it while you can! Oh and disclaimer - nothing wrong with a hillbilly bar, I tend to meet the best people at these hole in the wall establishments who've, ya know, actually lived their lives and have rich stories to share If I'm back in Chicago, this'll be a place I'll try to visit again. If you're local, better check it out. I'm an expert, trust me read more

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It's a cozy, intimate spot for a couple of friends. The dimly lit red bar had plenty of seating at 8:30 on Saturday. CASH ONLY, so come prepared or use the ATM in the bar. Bartenders are friendly, quick, and professional. read more

Bernice's Tavern - Cash only - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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5/5. No notes. You need to come here. This is a great dive bar in Bridgeport. Tons of friendly people and the bar tenders are great. They sometimes have great live music, and when they don't there is a vintage juke box with nothing but classic rock bangers. The beer selection is great. Pretty much any domestic or any of the major imports you could want. They usually have at least one very uncommon beer at a time, too. read more

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Bernice's Tavern is the best bar in Bridgeport and a top dive bar in the whole city of Chicago! It's a shot and beer kind of place, with an old jukebox that still runs on cash and you pick songs out of a binder. Beer list rotates and always has a few European options paying homage to it's Lithuanian roots. Decor is authentic and classic as the bar has been family owned and operated since it's inception in 1965. Now run by Stingo Steve, the son of founders John and Bernice, there are fun events several nights a week. Not every week, but many weeks, Sunday's best Bloody Mary this side of the Mississippi, Wednesday's Stingo (Steve's Bingo) with great prizes, Thursdays open mic for musicians, and live music occasionally on other nights of the week. Between 9pm-1am the bar is usually pretty busy especially on Stingo and live music nights, but service is quick and friendly no matter how busy it gets. I can't recommend checking it out enough! https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/february-2022/chicagos-best-neighborhood-bars/bernices-tavern/ read more

Bernice's Tavern - a group of people in a bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a tiny little place that's good for a chill hangout without getting too crazy. It's cash only so make sure to come prepared. The bathrooms are tiny private. Definitely a cute bar. read more

if there's a better dive bar in chicago, i haven't found it. just exactly what i look for in a classic establishment. cash only, friendly bartenders, awesome decor, and weird movies on the TV. honestly reminds me a little of snake n jake's in new orleans, which is high praise. if you're around bridgeport - make sure you stop in. read more

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I found this place by accident. I am staying at an Air bnb nearby and I wanted to go somewhere for a beer. This place seemed inviting so I went in. Little did I know I walking into their Wednesday night free Stingo (Bingo) game. Everyone was very friendly, especially Steve, the owner of the bar. It's definitely a locals spot, and while everyone seemed to know each other, they were all very welcoming to new comers like myself. I had a a lot of fun and even won a round of Stingo and got a prize. I will see definitely come back to this bar the next time I'm in town. Stop in for a drink and a great time! read more

Bernice's Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On a Thursday night we visited Bernice's Tavern. It was my second time there. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Shawn was working the bar and another staff member Jimmy was seated at the bar and not working that day. We were served quickly and we spent a long time talking to both employees. The bathrooms are very clean. Jimmy told us to return on Sunday when he would be working the bar for bloody Mary's. We had a super fun evening there. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

My boyfriend took me here on a Thursday evening because they have a jazz band that plays. This band "Kevin and Hell" are a good group of talented young men. The bartenders and owner are super nice and humble individuals. If you like jazz and friendly people this is where it is at! read more

Solid South side dive bar. They had two guys playing music. They were great. Not too loud, could still carry on a conversation. The staff was nice and attentive. The crowd was as expected. Dig it! read more

This is a neighborhood hangout (I don't like the term 'dive bar' and reserve that term for bad places filled with bad people and bad attitudes). Locals and tourists will enjoy. It's actually hard to find despite being on a main street (low hanging tree cover), but so are diamonds. Just like any found diamond, this place is unpolished and unpretentious, check out the wall art. Space is limited, it's what we call a shotgun bar- it's safe- refers to the shape of the layout- bar on one side, customers on the other side in a two parallel lines. Steve likes to have an interesting movie on and doesn't mind sharing the remote if you have a worthwhile pick. Also the jukebox is old timey cash only with a paper catalog- electronic web 2.0 music machines would be an insult to place that's been here since prohibition. Of course that's when the live music isn't on. You may not want to leave after last call, but no worries, they sell package goods to go to keep your spirits up until the next time. My only complaint is that they are not open every day. read more

As I walked up the step to Bernice's, I wondered just what the magic word was that was going to get me buzzed in the front door. Buzzed in! Now that's something you don't see every day! But I guess I passed muster as the buzzer buzzed and suddenly I found myself in a neighborhood place filled with locals and tons of quirky charm. The bartender/owner Mike, was quick to welcome me and not recognizing me as a regular asked if I had just moved to the area or was visiting. At the same time, the guy next to me was offering me a taste of his Lithuanian beer as if to help me make up my mind as to what to order. How friendly is that? I settled on a drink and took a look around. Mike and his brother Steve are artists as well as bartenders so their artwork decorates the walls. They may ask you which one you like best so choose wisely. There is a bit of a competition going on! There is open mic night on Thursdays and live music on Saturday nights. The jukebox is a bit quirky as it requires you to pick from the song list book for the song numbers but is loaded with great tunes from the present and past (and for those of you who know what I always pick, YES, that song you all hate is on there!). And Mike is sure to crank up those tunes that he likes the best! The beer selection is fairly large and includes some Lithuanian and Czech beers to please the local clientele. There is also plenty of street parking and the locals tell me that you "really don't have to pay the meters unless there is a Sox game". But play it safe. There is a police station right next door! Bernice's is cash only and the bartender may just slip a free drink or two in during your visit (thanks Mike!) Drinks are cheap ($3 for a beer) and the service is spot on and friendly. Even the bathroom is clean! I think the sign that I had been accepted as "A-Ok" was when Mike pulled out a family photo of him, his brother Steve and his mom Bernice from back in the 70's to show me how long he's been at the bar. Nice. Love the "realness" of south side bars and the people in them. As I was putting on my coat to leave, I got a shout out of goodbye and a friendly wave. And on that note- I buzzed myself out the door and stepped into the wintery night. read more

It was the very first performance for my little sister outside the Baltimore-Washington area. The time: The night of Friday, December 29th, 2017 read more

I heart southside.....though I'm still wanting to find a bar with some great single women.......but I digress. Bernice......I SPECIFIcALLY heart you....... Why? You're the only bar I know that I have to get buzzed in. Folks are nice....and will talk to you and strike up conversation in a heartbeat..... There is some good free music a few days a week Beer is cheap.... Mike, son of Bernice, is a great bartender and quick with a few stories of the place over the years... Jukebox is great, albeit a bit in disrepair. Cash only....F**K the banks?!?!?! A police station just down the block, so no safety issues (for those Northsiders that question this part of town....pssssststts....wha evr...) A true flavor of folk and places that give you a real sense of the real deal in Chicago........visit this place if you so dare as you probably won't regret it....if you do, you'll probably too uptight anyway? read more

Too many good things to note about this place. Make sure to go, it's a friendly place whether you live nearby or just love dive bars. ATM in the back and a cool old school jukebox. The AC is strong in the summer. read more

I typically love dive bars but this place is overrated. Cheap beer but usually overcrowded and cash only. I would recommend going elsewhere in Bridgeport. read more

This place is the bee's knees. cheap beers, friendly people, awesome juke box, perfect place to hang with friends and fam. The walls have seen a lot (that's why they are so covered with things) :) But seriously, come on in and check it out! read more

Bernice's Tavern - what'll you be having? - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Bernice's tavern is my favorite stop after a white sox game. No they don't do fancy cocktails or even draught beer, but they make up for it with charm and personality. The prices cant be beat and the service is outstanding. I recommend trying some of the imports they carry, you won't find them elsewhere. Cheers and say hi to Steve for me when you stop in. PS cash only read more

Good beer, good vibes, and they play movies on Monday nights! I don't know how much more you could ask for in a bar. Every bartender that works there is cool and I've never had a bad time here. read more

Bernice's is the ultimate dive bar, with a real neighborly vibe. They have open mic nights, free music, Bloody Marys on Sundays, and best of all: STINGO! Steve, the owner, is a hilarious and extremely kind hearted guy. He hosts Stingo (Steve's Bingo!) every Wednesday around 9:30, and it's consistently a blast. I know bingo is a ridiculous game and not most folks' idea of a fun night out - I honestly can't quite explain why it's so much fun every week. Its some combination of Steve's personality & sense of humor, cheap drinks, and especially the Stingo prizes. Most of the time the prizes are silly - say, a giant tub of cheese balls from walgreens, or a novelty mug that changes images when you add hot water - but sometimes they have really cool prizes too, like tickets to riotfest! One time they had a pie. If you hate having a good time then Bernice's is not the place for you, nor is it a good place to go for a $9 craft beer (that's called Maria's). But if you're looking for the perfect dive bar experience, Bernice's really can't be beat. read more

My new favorite bar... and luckily, it's close to work for those days where you just need easy access to lots of alcohol (weekdays) (okay, weekends, too). We buzzed in here last Friday night (and I DO mean buzzed) in search of a good ole fashioned good time and that's exactly what we found. I got a delicious Lithuanian beer, listened to some great tunes on their old fashioned juke box, had some great convos with bartender Mike and some of the regulars (all very friendly and super cool- word up to Guillermo!), and then I rocked out on the dart board. Yes, I rocked it... rocked it till the lights came on and the bar closed up. I left happy and woke up in my bed, still in my clothes and make up and moving a little slow in the brand new day. Twas a great night and I will sooo be back next week. :) read more

It's an exceptional establishment. Fine cocktails and a wonderful engaging bar staff. One could pine on for hours about the delights within. I'll sum it up in short. Drink here. It good. read more

There's nothing like a good south side bar crawl, whether in the dead of winter or in the dead heat of summer. After stumbling through the snow with my buddy, stopping at bar after shitty bar on Halsted, we found what could possibly be THE best bar in the city of Chicago. You must be buzzed in, but there's nothing intimidating about this place (see my review of Joe Sheehan's 35th Street Tap for that subject). The bar was peppered with regulars: old, young, in between, black, white, Hispanic, etc. So we ordered up some cheap beer. But unlike most other places down here, they had more options than Miller Lite in a bottle, cup, or can. So I tried this Lithuanian beer called "Baltas". If you ever get the chance to snatch up some of this stuff, do yourself the favor. The Baltas Wheat could easily go into a ring with some of my favorite German Wheat beers and it'd be a close fight. The bartender was awesome too. A Bridgeport native, but not in the "typical" way. He said that his family's owned the bar since the 1960s, and he grew up in that place. The crowd's pretty much the same: people are talkative and cheerful here, as opposed to the usual stares we got at other places. The bartender gave us a free beer (each) and two free shots (each). Probably the best thing about this place was that this old dude came up to play a song on the jukebox. It was broken, but he had MEMORIZED the number to punch for the Tom Waits song he wanted to play. Bottom line is this. If you like escaping your comfort zone and like bars like the Chipp Inn (real people will talk to you!), this place is right up your alley. Or, down your alley, in this case. read more

I heard great things about Bernice's Tavern & finally had a chance to stop in for a visit. Looks like I found my local watering hole! I stopped in to have a drink & catch some of the Sox game on the tube. I was alone & just grabbed a seat at the bar. Within moments I was served a nice, cold drink. The atmosphere is very casual & laid back. I adore the holiday lights flashing about above the bar & the fun, vintage decor collection. I was very honored to meet the owner of Bernice's Tavern. He even took the time to show me a framed photo of himself as a child with his family including the tavern's namesake, Bernice, his mother. I really liked how friendly the owner was to me as a new customer. I will be back again & again! I am a huge fan of supporting local, family-owned businesses. read more

Solid neighborhood bar. Friendly and affordable. Well decorated. Here's what up though- This is the only bar South of Cermak that serves decent bourbon. Really, try it. Go any where else (Confessions? The Cove? The Apartment? Just One More? The Alibi? Sexty-sex?) and order a Maker's, Knob, Bullet..whatever keep it simple and ask for Maker's and you'll get the same answer "Um, You want crown on the rocks?" I'm just saying that Bernice's is up on that and they're cheap about it with a strong pour. read more

Yet another adorable, divey, cash only, neighborhood haunt that won't kick out the art kids (30 year olds who pretend they are still kids) who are clearly already at least two sheets to the wind. Good prices. Good atmosphere. Why have I not been hanging out here the 3+ years that I've lived in the area? Clearly I am a moron. read more

This is the most charming bar I've ever visited. Immediately upon entering, you notice all the kooky artwork & decor adorning the walls and the friendly neighborhood bar feel that makes this place so cool. I've visited a few times for "Stingo" on Wednesdays which is Steve's (the owner) version of Bingo. It's so much fun. First, he's hilarious and reads each number while adding his own goofy information along with it & second, the prizes are white elephant style items that are one person's trash, another persons treasure. Steve has so much passion for his bar and making sure everyone in it is having a great time. Everyone should come here at least once and you'll have an amazing time. FYI-the bar is cash only. read more

My first visit here: a commercial featuring Kent Rose played on the TV while Kent Rose was standing in front of it singing Hank Williams. My most recent visit here: a woman had a seizure during bingo. Every visit here: best. favorite bar. Also, the only recent album in the jukebox is a 2003 Grammy nominees compilation (you know, in case you want to listen to Eminem's "without me" in between Johnny Cash tracks.) read more

Amazing dive bar! The owner bartends and knows most of the people who walk in by name. Also, it's a SOX bar! They have open mic on Thursday and bands play on Friday (I believe I could be wrong on the live music night). I was even told that they had just redone the usic area for better sound quality. Everyone is welcoming in here, and when I was here I didn't buy a single drink. People I didn't even know bellied up and bought 6 beers for me and the same for my friend. Best part about this bar, other than the Sox part, is that their drink markers are mini rubber chickens. I saved one for my return. They don't serve food, but you're allowed to order in. Also, the dcor is the regular dive bar nick nacks. read more

When I was younger, this is what I imagined a bar to be. You're at a home away from home. Cash Only. There is a Citibank down the street if you need some dough. I'm a sucker for kitschy decorations. Who else is with me? Christmas lights always set the mood for fun. Although I must ask, what is up with doll collections in Bridgeport? Nevertheless, I couldn't ask for more! The beers usually come in cans with a glass. Think what you may, I have no objections to this because that guarantees a good selection without the marked-up price. Jukebox ALWAYS seems to be playing good tunes. That is a rare find these days and that alone warrants 5 stars. The owners are so warm and friendly. Steve will always introduce himself and make conversation. Bernice is absolutely adorable. Even if you're from out of town, they make you feel like a local. All of these combined make for one incredibly excellent neighborhood tavern. If you been wondering what your life's been missing, it's a visit to Bernice's. read more

Most of the time when you go into Bernice's, you are walking into a tight-knit friendly and damn eclectic crowd in age, lifestyle, and choice of poison. You can drink high-gravity black-out-juice imported Lithuanian beer or just settle for a Pabst or a whiskey. Bernice is usually milling around looking like the Queen Elizabeth of Bridgeport. The open mics are fun and draw musicians of all talent range and has a really welcoming tone. Donny struggles to resist playing all the time. It's a local institution and it is not going anywhere, so drink up this Bridgeport scene, all adorned with all the random crap you can occupy your eyes with while you drown your sorrows... or keep moving, no one at Bernice's will shed a tear for ya. read more

You get buzzed in...what's better than that? No beers on tap, small, dimly lit, PBR Bingo! What's not to love? A great neighborhood bar in the quirky Bridgeport. I don't go here often, but love it when I do. Get the $6 fat Tire 22oz...best deal in the house. Well almost as good as the $2 PBR cans.... If ever in Bridgeport and looking for a nice bar go here - they might not buzz you in though if you look scruffy :) read more

Best little Bridgeport dive secret. You can actually enjoy a drink with someone and be able to hear your conversation. Some places are too crowded, loud, expensive and annoying. Thank goodness Bernice's is the total opposite of all that. See you all there. Cheers! read more

Great Beers, nice people, good music. Really nice neighborhood folks and family run for a least two generations now. Thursday nights are when it really steps off. Don't even think about asking for credit, straight cash baby. read more

I had heard about this bar from my friend in Columbus and my other friend who lives in Bridgeport - they love Bernice's. I was very excited to actually finally see this place, because when I lived in Chicago, I unfortunately didn't spend much, enough, time on the South Side... and now I'm kicking myself in the ass. Bernice's is just my kind of bar, and I wish I had all day to hang out here. I'm glad we were Saturday day-drinking, but I am disappointed that I missed Saturday metal night.. I will definitely be back here to check this out next time I'm in town. The bartender was nice, and this is my friend's "place," so it was definitely good experience, me drinking a PBR with some of the most lovely people I know. I LOVE dives, and this is a great one. read more

Finally made it up to Bernice's tonight and had a decent time. They have a nice beer selection and a lot of character - two things that I appreciate when I'm looking for a place to have a couple drinks with friends. Head here if you want to get into some interesting conversations with the regulars, or rub elbows with the growing Bridgeport/McPark hispter/artist/student crowd; interestingly enough, it was kind of an even mix of both tonight, but not in a bad way at all. I really want to come back here some night when there is live entertainment, so I'm sure this post will be updated again soon. read more

While my roommate and boyfriend like this bar more then I do, I have to say it is a pretty good place to go. The drinks are cheap, and the staff is great. Very friendly and fast, they comp every third or fourth drink... you know, like bars should. When there are Sox games the girlfriend of one of Bernice's sons cooks up some killer food.... and it's free. Thursday is open mic night and Saturdays is Metal night. I am soooo not "metal" but I still enjoy this place on Saturdays. Everyone is genuine and nice, even when sporting scary jewelry and all black. read more

I moved to Chicago a few months ago, the minute I walked into Bernice's I knew I loved it. The staff at Bernice's is awesome, and a lot of the owners and owner's family and some great friendly faces as well. They're the kind of people who know your name once they've met you and treat you like their own. A++ For drinks in Chicago, the prices cannot be beat - that's for sure. That's a rare find around these parts. My favorite part of Bernice's, other than the great people, is Wednesday nights... STINGO! It's like Bingo, you play and have a chance to win prizes, it's super fun and there's always new faces to meet. All in all, if you're around the neighborhood or looking for somewhere new to check out - this is the spot! read more

I had a great time as this place! The owner and cliental are very friendly as I was there waiting for friends for a good 45 minute stretch and had nice little interactions with the folks around me. The prices were fair and the decor was great. They had a live band belting out some down home music which only added to the charm. It also had an uncanny way of weeding out the bar folk that one typically stops going to bars because of. Both groups of people who seemed to disrupt the laid back feeling in the bar were in and out within a 20 minute period. Once my friends got there, we enjoyed good beer, great convo, and an episode of Cheaters playing on mute on the TVs behind the bar. Good times. read more