Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cary's Lounge

    4.2 (55 reviews)
    InexpensiveLounges
    Open 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Cary's Lounge Photos

    CARY'S LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Live music

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Cary's Lounge

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    a bar with a lot of signs on the wall
    Alyssa M.

    Awesome bar that gave me a true welcome visiting Chicago for the first time. The atmosphere, KL the bartender, Pete the owner, Mel the cat and all of the locals made it a great experience. Couldn't have asked for a more friendly vibe. Whether you're a local or visiting, make sure to stop in and have a beverage or two. This is an absolute must when visiting Chicago.

    Mel out on the back patio with us.
    Ann Marie K.

    We live in Edgewater and love that Cary's is a neighborhood spot. We usually just call it Mel's because the bar cat named Mel is a friendly little guy who is definitely a draw to the bar. Great beer on tap and good drinks. No food but there are many good food places nearby to bring take out in from.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Fun down to earth bar, live music, friendly folks, good variety and prices for drinks

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Reasonable drinks great bar, pool table, and a very nice back patio a northside neighborhood gem

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greg D.
    2046
    1009
    446

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pete V.

    Pete V.

    Many thanks for the kind words, Greg!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pete V.

    Pete V.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pete V.

    Pete V.

    Thanks for the stars!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Great beer selection, fire pit out back, occasional live music and art shows. A pretty cool neighborhood bar.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pete V.

    Pete V.

    Thanks for the kind words and the stars!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B G.
    3
    31
    10

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hannah W.
    452
    74
    37

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Went here last Saturday and the bartender added whatever tip they wanted for themselves onto my tab. Never coming here again!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom S.
    56
    35
    10

    10 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pete V.

    Pete V.

    Wow.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of a w.
    20
    1215
    1278

    21 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Taylor A.
    177
    111
    5

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Blaine H.
    149
    13
    5

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve S.
    249
    81
    2

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Best pool table in the city, and atmosphere and owner are awesome. The back patio and service are spectacular. Fun group of regulars too.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    This joint is pretty fantastic. Good tunes, good draft selection, great staff. Lovely place for a low-key night out.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Cary's Lounge

    Review Highlights - Cary's Lounge

    Also outside food friendly, we love grabbing some local flavor along Devon and bringing it to Cary's for a drink with dinner.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Lounges 10,771 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Elixir Lounge Andersonville

    Elixir Lounge Andersonville

    4.1
    (50 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    This is a nice, dimly lit lounge tucked in Andersonville with great drinks and food! We tried their…read moreseasonal Peachy Green and RHU-mance drinks, and they were really good. The Peachy Green reminded me of a green tea shot in drink form, perfect for spring and summer. I got my favorite mac and cheese with crispy chicken, and my friend got Brussels for her appetizer, which were delicious. For our entrees, we had the teriyaki burger and shrimp tacos. They were pretty good, just get a side of teriyaki if you love sauce like I do. We ended the night with a cookie skillet and brownie, perfect! Chris was an amazing server, can't wait to return.

    Another fantastic cocktail bar! The drinks here are unique, interesting, and nuanced…read more I'd ordered the Sage Society, and it took slowing down, but I did detect the light whisper of Ancho Reyes. It was also approachable, lightly herbaceous, with a little sweetness and acid. Between us, was this among my favorites? No. However, this is more a matter of personal taste than something technically or otherwise wrong. I prefer cocktails that are bolder and more spirit forward. My advice is to talk to your bartender and find something you will enjoy most. To help not drink on an empty stomach, I ordered the Crispy Shrimp Tacos. As far as bar (gastropub?) food, these were extremely respectable. The shrimp was cooked very well, and the use of greens and onions helped offer a balance and freshness. As a note, the space inside is small and intimate, and I've no complaints about the service. Final verdict: If you're looking for a unique cocktail, in a small and intimate space, the Elixir Lounge fits the bill. The menu has a couple food options too, so you won't be drinking on an empty stomach.

    Photos
    Elixir Lounge Andersonville
    Elixir Lounge Andersonville
    Elixir Lounge Andersonville

    See all

    Rogers Park Social

    Rogers Park Social

    4.6
    (242 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Aside from RPS being a 5 minute walk from us it's the cutest little neighborhood bar around. The…read moredrinks rotate with the season and the bartenders are knowledgable and really friendly. They offer outdoor covered patio seating and indoors is a little dark but it fits with the general vibe. Drinks are 10/10! Definitely stop by if you're in the neighborhood!

    I Had A Very Disappointing Experience At Rogers Park Social. I Am Currently Dealing With Back…read moreIssues And Was Unable To Sit Comfortably In The High-Top Chair At Our Table. I Politely Asked The Waitress Whether I Could Switch One Chair So I Could Sit Comfortably. Rather Than Offering A Simple Solution, She Abruptly Told Me That She Could Not Accommodate The Request. We Then Respectfully Asked The Guests At The Nearby Table Whether They Were Using The Chair, And They Kindly Confirmed That They Were Not. We Moved It To Our Table Without Disrupting Anyone, And The Waitress Did Not Raise Any Concern Afterward. That Made The Initial Refusal Especially Frustrating. This Was A Small, Reasonable Request That Would Have Had No Impact On Other Guests Or The Staff. Instead, I Was Made To Feel Like An Inconvenience. It Was Also A Sunday Evening When The Venue Was Not Crowded At All. After The Initial Interaction, Our Server Never Came Back To Check On Our Table Or Ask Whether We Wanted To Order Additional Drinks. The Bartender Eventually Had To Come Out From Behind The Bar To See If We Needed Anything. For A Group Of Five, That Level Of Attentiveness Was Disappointing. A Venue That Promotes Itself As Welcoming And Accommodating Should Be Prepared To Make Basic Seating Adjustments For Guests With Mobility, Injury, Or Back-Related Concerns And Should Provide Consistent Service Throughout The Visit. Based On Our Experience, We Will Not Be Returning.

    Photos
    Rogers Park Social
    Rogers Park Social
    Rogers Park Social

    See all

    Green Mill

    Green Mill

    3.6
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Come for Thursday night jazz! We arrived early for a solo guitarist who took requests and played…read morethem on the spot--it was incredibly impressive. We stayed through the final act, a full band that had the place packed, with everyone dancing and enjoying the lively atmosphere. We also loved that servers came around to take drink orders, so you didn't have to keep getting up to go to the bar. I'd definitely recommend coming early to grab a seat and staying for the whole night. But get food before, they do not sell food. We had an early dinner out before coming. Regardless, we've never experienced a place quite like this and had such a fabulous evening!

    How anyone could rank this amazing preserved piece of Chicago history below 4 or 5 stars is beyond…read moreme. Seriously ... this was the best thing I did while visiting Chicago. It took 20 minutes and $25 each way to Uber there from my hotel in downtown Chicago, as it is 6 miles away. However, totally worth it. Yes ... it's cash only. That's a bit of a bummer. I'd rather pay a surcharge than trust the sketchy little ATM in the bar. Yes ... It's 'lived in'. I wouldn't call it dirty as much as it is worn. To me, this was part of the charm. It's been around since the 1920's and probably looks very similar to how it did in the 1940's. Dark, dingy and fun. Most of the mafia in Chicago didn't hang out downtown. This area is where their HQ was and where most of them congregated in the same way NY's mafia hung out in Bensonhurst instead of Manhattan. The area has a lot of vintage architecture and history, despite being a little more run down and 'authentic' than the more touristy downtown. I went on a Friday around 3:30 p.m. Already, the back seating area was full of people, however there were a few bar seats left in the front. An hour later, it was packed. They start charging a $20 (cash only) cover at 7 p.m. for the live band. Before that was a jazz organist, who was pretty good and a master at working the crowd. They have draft beer ($6 - $10) ... bottled beer ... and booze. My Old Fashioned was made with muddled orange and cherries and only cost $12. A gin and tonic was $9. It can be tough to get a drink because the one bartender works the entire bar. Nice guy though. Don't come here expecting anything other than a dive bar ... there is nothing modern about this place. However, it has one of the best vintage vibes I've honestly ever encountered in a jazz bar. Don't miss out on seeing this bar and hearing some music, even if it means having to Uber or drive. It will be worth the trip. There aren't many places around like this anymore.

    Photos
    The calm before the storm of great music.
    The calm before the storm of great music.
    Awesome wooden frame from the Capone days
    Awesome wooden frame from the Capone days
    Interior

    See all

    Interior
    Uptown Lounge

    Uptown Lounge

    3.5
    (167 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $

    It's been a while since I have stopped in here and it is high time I did a review. I met The Queen…read morefor a drink at the Uptown Lounge one sunny Saturday afternoon this summer. I am happy to report that the place has not changed: still a chill vibe and an impressive beer/cider list if that is your jam, plus bubbles for me. Uptown opens from 4 pm to 4 am, so this was the place I use to hang out before shows at the Aragon and the Rivera before and after shows. The lounge still has the booths and tables as options if you don't want to sit at the bar, but me and The Queen sat at the bar. Uptown sort of reminds me of a TARDIS, it is bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside when you are just strolling by. spread out around its surprisingly spacious interior. The Queen ordered the Raspberry Beret and said it was great, followed by a Blakes's El Chavo cider (Habanero and Mango). She is big lover of ciders and according to her they have a decent list to select from. They also serve coffee in the morning, which is new for me. Not sure how that work in terms of the place being open and I don't know if they allow you to bring food into the place or not, I didn't think to ask. I do remember back in the day you could order from Papa Ray's (which closed some time ago), I will have to inquire about this as it would be nice to spend a leisurely nosh over drinks while sitting at the bar. Service was good. There were two ladies behind the bar. I think one was in training. Both were talkative but in a good way, and they took care of us. Because we were there at 4ish, it was pretty quiet and I did not mind that. The Doctor ended up joining us after completing his errands and we had a great time. We definitely will be adding this to our rotation of places to chill and have a drink.

    This is a nice bar just off the Lawrence Red Line stop and close to Aragon and Riveria, so perfect…read morefor a drink before or after a show. I stopped in here once before meeting friends and enjoyed the vibes. Prices were reasonable and staff is very friendly. It can get packed with a cover but still a good time

    Photos
    Uptown Lounge
    Happy hour. 4:00-7:00!!
    Happy hour. 4:00-7:00!!
    Behind the bar

    See all

    Behind the bar
    Elixir

    Elixir

    4.1
    (119 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    We have been to Elixir a few times and it is always a great choice for unique and delicious…read morecocktails! It is a cozy little bar with dim lighting perfect for a date night drink. The bartenders are always very friendly and check in often which is always appreciated. You're always immediately given little pretzels to snack on which I love as a unique touch. This time we both chose a more standard cocktail, but they also always have very unique and delicious seasonal cocktails which are always amazing! I would definitely recommend Elixir to anyone looking for a spot to grab a quick and delicious cocktail!

    On our first night in Boystown, Jamie W and I were pretty overwhelmed by the crowds at Sidetrack…read moreand Roscoe's, so we ended up coming here to make Jamie's virginal gay bar debut. It was the right move because it had the kind of chill vibe we were seeking after a long flight from SFO. Fortunately there were two seats at the bar with our names on them. Figuratively speaking. They had quite a signature cocktail list on hand, and we felt it was our obligation to try as many as we could. At least that was what we said to ourselves as the evening wore on. Each cocktail was $14. We started with a couple of familiar libations. Jamie ordered the Mint Julep, a delightfully Deep South mix of bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint (photo: https://yelp.to/u-td8LdPLj). I went further south with the Pineapple Margarita which was emboldened by a tropically potent mix of pineapple infused tequila, lime juice, and agave (photo: https://yelp.to/V-Sf6Q_2qK). We got a bit bolder with our second round and found mixed results. Jamie had the Not Your Mom's Daiquiri which amped up the margarita by blending pineapple-infused tequila with Bacardi 8-year rum. Along with fresh lime and simple syrup, this one definitely had more of a kick (photo: https://yelp.to/1ZijDf6wMV). However, my order, the Pontiac Pony, was a spicy miss for me. It was a rather oddball mix of apple-cinnamon infused vodka, pear liqueur, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and ginger beer (photo: https://yelp.to/5dQoFdzG98). There was just a harshness that didn't sit well on my tongue. Oh well, the mellow vibe was cool. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...three out of four cocktails were aces, just one clinker AMBIANCE - 4 stars...very chill, fairly quiet for Boystown SERVICE - 4 stars...cool bartenders TOTAL - 4 stars...check it out when you take a break from your Boystown cruising RELATED - Exploring Chicago? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/44c4CZO

    Photos
    Bar view
    Bar view
    Not Your Mom's Daiquiri
    Not Your Mom's Daiquiri
    Behind the bar

    See all

    Behind the bar

    Cary's Lounge - lounges - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...