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

Was in the area and looking to kill some time on Sunday. This old school tavern caught my eye. Man am I happy I stopped in! The sox were in the 8th and the place had about 12 regulars at the bar. Very "old school" friendly vibe. Nice selection of imports and at $4 what a great deal!!! Had a few Sierra Nevada's... Bartender / owner "Steve" was totally cool! I felt right at home! Can't wait to be back in the area to visit again!!!! Great neighborhood tavern. Friendly locals. read more

The first time I went to Bernice's Tavern I didn't know what to expect. My wife and I decided to have a night out just like we did in college, when we didn't care about features like the décor. With this in mind, we saw this bar and decided to give it a shot. I must say we haven't had so much fun since that night! Once we entered, the bartender started asking if we were from Chicago, while a guy who was standing next to him helped us decide what to drink. We found that very nice yet unusual, as we always thought this type of bar exists only in movies. I must say the Lithuanian beer was delicious and cheaper than in other places, so this place is perfect in case you want to get drunk without spending too much money. The décor is very laid back and friendly, encouraging pleasant conversations with people you haven't even met before. Besides, Bernice's Tavern is located in the vicinity of a police station, so you'll never have to worry about your safety. And that's not all! On every Thursday night the staff organizes an open-mic night, while on Saturdays you get the chance to listen to live music played by local bands. In my opinion, Bernice's Tavern is one of the most amazing bars in Chicago. You will certainly plan your next night out once you discover all these wonderful features. read more

Family owned in the growing area of Bridgeport, Bernice's is a bad ass dive that gives you the feeling there have been a lot of wild nights in there. Couple friends and I killed some time at the bar with Mike before a dinner in Chinatown during the Bears first preseason game ('12). Mike tends his bar with all the characteristics I have come to love in a good bar keep. He has stories, jokes, listens (as much as needed...), and he's not afraid to keep his bar stool warmers in line. Solid pours of Guinness, extra tall jame-o shots, and the occasional drink on the house makes this a fine spot for a guy like me. Plus he's got a dartboard, occasional live music, cool bathroom, and all sorts of wacky stuff around the bar that will make you chuckle or laugh out loud because of the crazy night you spent there. read more

Bernice's Tavern was lovely. i was greeted very fast and felt at home. I got a red stripe, popped it open then sat in the back to enjoy, I noticed a monkey brain on the wall, perhaps its a walnut, i don't know. Bernice's remind me of the Tom Waits album Alice for some reason. !!Great place you got there Bernice, i will be seeing ya soon,!! read more

PBR and a shot of Ev Williams for $5? I'm in. For a neighborhood bar, this place was most welcoming to me when I was a newbie to the area and the city. It has an old-school divey vibe that Bridgeport exudes as a whole and Steve the bartender is good at tending to his patrons, a lot of whom he knows very well. Don't forget to ring the buzzer to be let in! It's a great little watering hole post-Sox game, too, when you don't want to get caught up in the horde of people walking the other direction towards the Red Line. read more

They don't know my name yet, and I'm not sure they ever will. . . but I'm from the neighborhood. I go to hear Dan Whitaker and The Shinebenders. It's just a nice, cool, little bitty bar. read more

What can I say but this is your grandfathers bar from back when, nothing changed! Family run, wonderful people, typical neighborhood Bridgeporters mixed with hipsters. They have Stingo Wed and actually give the cutest prizes. Love this place. read more

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

Super fun bar on the south side...Awesome music and great bartenders. On Thursdays they have open mic with some really talented acts. read more

Bernice's Tavern - a man sitting at a bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was initially apprehensive about going into Bernice's. The whole buzzer thing made me think that I would feel unwelcome there. Wow, I could not have been more wrong! I've spent a reasonable amount of time in Bernice's now and cannot say enough good things about the owners, the crowd or bands that I have seen there. My only issues are that they don't have draft beer, and they are not open on Tuesday. Otherwise, great place, great people. Stingo on Wednesdays is a blast. It just starts a little late for us early risers to go on a regular basis. And the jukebox is great! My favorite times at Bernice's are Saturday afternoons. Stop in there around 2 or 3, you might be alone or the place might be packed, but it is the right kinda place to have a few beers and waste an afternoon. read more

When it comes to Chicago bars, Bernice's deserves more than 5 stars. Maybe eleven. The setting is something that film makers would want to use in a movie that captures the essence of a timeless scene. Depending on the day (or night) the overall atmosphere is welcoming. A true hub of community. Wether you are looking to get away from the domicile and dissolve in your own peace of mind during the afternoon and watch a baseball game unbothered by craziness of most loud bars, or enjoy the company of new found friends among the crowd of Wednesday Stingo participants or live music on the weekends or even share your musical dreams of performing during open mic night on Thursdays... There is something for everyone. Even an old school juke box. It's nice to have a neighborhood place that appreciates their customers. They treat you like family. It's an added bonus to walk in to find complimentary culinary creations prepared by Dori. read more

Quintessential old school dive bar. When I say old school, I mean it - even the TVs above the bar were showing 40 year old game shows. In keeping with that vibe, the drinks are cheap, and it's cash only. There is an ATM inside, though. It's a neighborhood joint worth a visit. The old school feel does leave one negative side effect: the whole joint smells slightly of pee. read more

Not a hole in the wall - more like a bar behind a door in a building. What does that mean exactly? It means that this place is pretty much a typical bar. There's some interesting stuff hanging on the walls, some interesting blue-collar locals hanging out on the stools, and a big ole' juke box hanging out on the floor. So basically, a hanging out place. Which, ironically, there's not exactly a lot of space to hang out in here. I some how managed to get into a bizare spot between the two bathroom doors, and if I watched a video of myself over my time there, the video would probably look like I was flapping my door arms. Not a bad place to bring your door arms. read more

What I liked about Bernice's *Being buzzed in (like Seinfeld...or any other apartment) *Pretty Christmas lights *Bartenders that talk to you like friends and not in a weird condescending way *Drinking PBR with a straw (I do it everywhere but felt extra comfortable here) *Speaking of PBR...$2 PBR!!! What I didn't like about Bernice's Paying for my friend's drink because she didn't have cash. Eh, whatever. Can't wait to see you again, Bernice! read more

Talk about a Bridgeport dive bar fantasy. I stumbled into this place the other night by my lonesome self when I was feeling a little saucy. I don't usually make it out to the Southside and I question my morals as to why when I visit spots like Bernice and John's. Pro's: It's a buzzer bar, cost of beer seems fair, there's tons of shit scattered all over the place for you to stare at, the bartenders rule, and it didn't have that newly found "ass" smell that so many bars have now that the smoking ban has been put into place. Con: I have to sleep on a friends scummy futon in Bridgeport because I got wasted and was unable to drive back north. read more

When you want great lie blues and good drinks in Chicago.. This will forever be the place i remember... Best staff, best music, best crowd... You cannot leave chicago without going here at least once. read more

If you live in the neighborhood, this is the best bar. Cheap drinks and friendly people.

Nice, relaxed, friendly, local. Note: Cash-only. Credit card indication is wrong. read more

This bar is GREAT. Friendly locals and the buzzer on the door is hilarious. It's constant entertainment to see who's at the door. I drank a Baltas (ukrainian beer) that came in a half-liter bottle for $5. Be careful -the alcohol volume is over 5% so it's like drinking 3 beers in one go. Wednesday night is bingo night sponsored by Pabst. It's free to play and I won some PBR tube socks. Thursday night is open mic night and I hear it's pretty roaring. read more

This is a great place to have some fun especially if you like the blues and other music on open mike night on Thursday! packed with fun, You may ask me how do well because I am Ferman the Bass player for the Justin Howell Band come down and here us some time, and sit in with us or bring your band and jam. read more

This is a great neighborhood bar. I don't live around there, but have made many trips to hang out at Bernice's. I usually drink Lithuanian beer there, Svyturys. They have a great selection of other beers, too. And they have Kokomo on the jukebox. I love Bernice's. read more

Cool low key vibe, cash only, reasonable beer prices. You can tell the owner has made it his own in showcasing his personality as well as decorative touches from his family's home country, creating a bar with more personality than most of the others we've been to in Chicago. read more

This is my favorite local little drinkers to wet the whistle after a long weekend. Thank you Bernice

This is as good as it gets in 'ol hardscrabble. I have been going to this joint for almost a decade now and keep going even though I have moved out of the neighborhood. I am fond of the strong pours of brothers steve, and mike. Their mother is bernice. Try thier tasty lithuanian beers such as Svtyruys, or Baltas, there even some golden pheasent, and a some Czech beers too. One of the few places to still "comp" you a drink for spending some cash there. read more

Cheap prices, good beer and every once in a while the jukebox is free! Best bet in Bridgeport!

Bring your cash and your designated driver, because you'll need both for your visit to the south side gem. If you're looking for a low-frills but high impact drinking experience this be it. Bernice's was very accommodating when Rachel H's brat pack birthday troupe stormed this place. I'm sure the regulars that have been glued to their stools hadn't seen such sparkle sequin madness flashing through the doors since 1989. Cheap jukebox, stocked with Tom Waits, sweet bartender and el cheapo drinks. The owner/manager of the bar didn't seem to pleased with my companion and I blowing whistle sounds on the mouths of beers but all in all we had an excellent time. read more

Place is great. Great staff and friendly owners. Has gone through a bunch of changes over the years but always a friendly neighborhood place. read more

Back in rougher days in Bridgeport, this place reputedly used to be about the only place you could expect to never see someone get a bottle smashed over their head. These days, it's host to a weekly open mic (Thursdays) and the same kinds of cowboy bands you'd get at the Clipper (Saturdays) in a more intimate setting. The juke box will play some of the same. There's a good choice of beers, including a couple of unpronounceable Lithuanian options and a tasty Czech lager called Samson. This is a neighborhood bar, not a dive bar. read more

Maybe not as good as it gets, but definitely a nice dive bar. First of all, the service was EXCELLENT. I didn't order much, just a $2 PBR (good deal), but the bartender went out of her way to find us stools in the limited space. The beer selection was pretty decent too, with lots of labels I didn't recognize. Everyone seemed really friendly and happy, and it wasn't creepy. Not the largest or most beautiful bar, but products and service are its selling points. Wish they offered food, but you can bring your own. I will be returning to try more cheap beer! read more

Growing up in Bridgeport, this bar was renowned for the sexy & half naked girls they would put on their matchbooks with the advertisement for the bar. Unfortunately, those matches are gone but it's still one of the last of the old school Bridgeport taverns left in the neighborhood. Traditionally Bridgeport was known for having a bar or church on every corner. In fact, on the back of David's restaurant, that was located on 31st & Halsted before it burnt down to the ground, boasted the fact that Bridgeport had more churches per square mile than anywhere in the world. Unfortunately that is no longer true. To get a taste of yesteryear's flavor head over to Bernice's tavern. After getting buzzed in and walking through the magical green door, you'll travel back in time to a Lithuanian immigrant style blue collar bar with nick knacks, mirror behind the bar, tin ceiling tiles and hand written sign clutter. They have everything you could want from Bud beer to a Lithuanian beer like Baltas or even a Strong Bow English Cider and they have everything from open mike night to scheduled bands. They have something to appeal to everyone. read more

Bernice's Tavern - Enter through the green door to be buzzed in to enter a magical wayback machine - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a beautiful place. Small, dark, cozy. glowing, cheap, and the bartender/owner was really welcoming and kind. Since it was early afternoon and I was the only person there (stopping in to check it out during a junk-store excursion on Halsted), I didn't get to meet the regulars. I'll be back, even though it's three buses away from where I live. I just hope they never change the way it looks. Whoever put the decor together over the past 45 years is an artist. It's a jewel in every sense. read more

I met a man here who traded an ipad for a car.

Dude. Stop in and have a shot and beer and check out a hipster or two and have a laugh on them.

Go for the Stingo, stay for the great import beer selection of eastern European brews. Steve is a great guy and the bar is a winner. Would visit every day if I could. read more

It's a cute bar to hang and chill with friends and play some fun bingo on weds nights Bernice's style!

Played both the Cubs & Sox games--although being on the South Side, the Cubs crowd was a bit sparse. Great ambience--and a TON of stuff to gaze at while sipping your brew. And the people were very friendly--kind of like the Cheers of Chicago. read more

The bartender was rude . I just came here on my birthday to have a couple drinks because it's a Monday, and she basically didn't want to serve us she was rule ass hell she throw the money at my sister, it smell like piss and I would never go there if you have any color to your skin beware you willn't be treated the same I watch her 30 mins treat all the other customers very well all we ask for was a shot of patron which they didn't have... read more

A happenin' place in the heart of Bridgeport. Mike the owner and bartender seems like a great guy. His and his brother's artwork hang on the wall. There's a small performance area at the back with extra guitars for anyone who gets the urge on open mic night. The atmosphere is just perfect with an antique cash register, beautiful mirror behind the bar, and tin ceiling tiles. The beer selection is also fantastic with a lot of interesting beers from Lithuania and Slovakia. read more

I think most of the positive reviews are from insiders trying to prop up their own agenda. There is no beer on tap, only bottles and cans. There is no kitchen, only salty snacks. They charge by the ounce for liquor and are stingy about it too. That means if you want a Long Island Iced tea it costs 12 bucks..yikes. If you must use the restroom make sure to lock the door because if the door opens everyone will easily see you. To see Boringnice's so high on the list for light life entertainment makes me question Yelp all together. Again it must be friends and family who give most of these high reviews. read more

Bernice still rocks as previously mentioned. Since it is Valentine's Day, I thought I should point out that I also met my man there 5.5 years ago (a couple years after I wrote my original review). Now I'm not saying everyone meets their soul mate at a bar but I did at Bernice's. read more