This place is ok if you want to hang out with some friends and be in a "hipster" atmosphere. I don't mind going there every once in a while....however the staff (though all nice people) kind of sucks. They tend to forget things or worry more about their friends then they do running a business. Don't get me wrong....I do like this place but yes I've experienced much better. I've had to many strange experiences with staff here and seen to many strange things from them. They also tend to be rude and everyone thinks they are the shit. I wouldn't recommend going there often but every now and then it's alright. read more

While I have been to the Cobra several times and have always enjoyed the cheap drink prices and cool environment. Not to mention the awesome before and after parties for the Windy City Rollers, who rock my world! BUT i have one HUGE qualm. There is one bartender who makes EVERY visit to the Cobra horrible. He's a tall guy with a big beard who apparently thinks it's awesome to treat good tipping patrons like shit. No joke, EVERY time I've been to the Cobra this guy has treated me and the others like dog shit. I'm all about the "bad ass bartender" bit, but he's a jerk and really makes me want to tell others to run from the Cobra. Upon asking for a dirty vodka martini he asked me "Do you know where you are?"... apparently vodka and vermouth is a bit too much work... I'd hate to be the person who actually asks for a difficult drink. Last time we were there my boyfriend told him to have a good night as he was leaving his shift and he told him to fuck off...wTF? Unless this guy owns the bar, I would seriously consider getting rid of him... I hate being around people who hate their jobs... and I'd like to keep coming back and enjoying all that the lounge has to offer... but the bearded asshole makes it tough. read more

Having the word "Lounge" in the name should be your first red-flag. If you like to see a place full of suburbanites and yuppies trying to act cool, this is the place for you! I found the drinks overpriced, the staff unfriendly, the vibe stale, and the music terrible (how many times do I have to listen to David Lee Roth in a night?). I like metal and I like hipster hangouts, so I thought I would like this place and I gave it a few chances. But what I was looking for is not what I got. The fusion of yuppie and metal in this place goes together like water and oil. Have a metal bar, or have a yuppie bar, but don't try to mix them at the same place! This bar belongs on Division Street next to the other trendy/corporate type bars. read more

As an aging rocker myself, it sure is nice to see so many Rock Bars in this city growing-up, too! The atmosphere was "edgy" and cool without relying on stinky grunginess to add to the place's "character". It's like a local dive-bar that's cleaned up it's act a little. The music was cool, the staff super-friendly but still not afraid to color their banter with the occasional obscenity. They offer a small selection of good-quality bar food at decent prices that they serve relatively late into the night. Their libation selection is not extensive or overly-impressive. They do not offer "specialty" drinks or a lot of fancy beers . But the selection is solid, reasonably-priced and varied-enough: they actually offer a few decent wines-by-the-glass which, in my experience, is pretty unusual in a "rock bar". They also have a live room with its own small bar, several booth tables and...was that a pool table in the corner? read more

This bar was more or less what I expected, albeit less divey than I would have thought for a place that looks like a converted currency exchange. Didn't eat, but they seemed to have an OK tap selection. Considering its punk/metal rep i was kinda astounded to hear the ear-clawing mix of 80s poppy electronic crap excreting from the bar speakers like aural retching (Christ I hate that shit, and really don't get the appeal behind its return). There was a metal-ish band warming up, and it sounded like the sound mix was pretty good from what little I heard of it. I wouldn't be against going back, it is just way the hell out there from where I live. I'm closer to Delilah's anyway, so y'know there just ain't no contest. read more

So Cobra has expanded! Not their audience area, unfortunately, but their dining area and I actually had a chance to eat here. My turkey burger and sweet potato fries were pretty good, but they forgot one of the orders in our group and then dropped his bun on the way to bringing it to him, so we had to wait quite a while before he was served and that's just awkward for everyone. I didn't feel right eating in front of him while he just sat there. Service in general isn't the best here. I asked what stouts or ales they had on tap and the bartender listed a couple of stouts and porters. I wasn't a fan of the ones he mentioned so I asked about the ales. He snakily replied that he just told me about the stouts. Right, clearly I wasn't impressed with their selection which is why I asked about what else they offered. They brew now too, but I didn't try any of the house beers. The rest of the venue continues to be hot and packed and smelly, so I watched the band from the bar area this time around. And as it was one of my favorite bands, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls, how could I not have fun?! read more

Dude, who complains about the cobra lounge? IT'S THE COBRA LOUNGE. It's like a one night stand you tell your friends you wished never happened yet you can't stop thinking about it every night. read more

Some fine tuning, or major overhaul, and I'll be back. But for sure not on a weekend unless you impose a dress code or attitude check. Major douchyness on the weekend. Cobra, you WANT to to come here! Not just get bored and leave after one drink when styx starts playing and I run for the door. WHERES THE DARK OBSCURE METAL/ROCK/THRASH/ETC? 1)fix the music. care about the music. PLEASE. heavy. black. 2)update the tap list, the food menu (chili not even on there!), and the web site for pete's sake. 3)get the Monday bartender back. 4)I want free live music again. heavy. black. 5)no plastic cups. ever. 6)turn off the sports. not heavy or black. 3 stars mostly for previous live metal nights and Monday hangouts. read more

The food at Cobra Lounge is the truth. Pretty solid beer list as well. I had half of the turkey club, and half of a Cuban sandwich that was on special. Both were splendid. I should also mention that if you don't order the corn fritters, you've made a mistake. I've heard about this place from various people, and it turns out it wasn't quite what I expected. Except for the angry rock music and white people. That part was accurate. But the crowd was neither too young or too old. It wasn't all tatted up goth/metalheads that shun people who come in wearing a polo shirt and a baseball hat (me). The crowd was laid back and chill even though the music was not. I dig this place even though I could only tolerate it for as long as the food and a couple beers distracts me from the music. read more

Cobra club is a solid choice, avocado, mixed greens, bacon, fresh turkey slices, just great. Their draft selection is very tasty, my personal favorite is 'Reign in Blood', a nice light beer. The atmosphere is great, loud rock music, has indoor and outdoor seating, great for groups, dates, or chilling at the bar by your lonesome. People that work here are awesome, always a good choice. read more

$2.00 PBR? Check. Some of the TALLEST hot male servers I've seen in a while? Check. Plenty of parking. Check. Seeing one of your Yelp cohorts do the Globo Gym Purple Cobras dance from Dodgeball? Check. read more

If you don't like breathing, this is the place for you! I ventured out to see my friend's band, which means I was there to support him and down to stay under pretty much ANY circumstances. Cobra Lounge had no air conditioning and was so muggy that I felt as though I was suffocating. It was also pretty dead and the crowd left much to be desired, but again, I was there to show support for a friend. Unfortunately, I have to give this place at least one star as far as yelp is concerned even though it is COMPLETELY undeserving. I will NEVER venture back to this place NO MATTER WHAT and you shouldn't either! Not even if WW III strikes and they turn it into a bomb shelter. read more

By far the best buffalo chicken sandwich in Chicago, and it's not close. The smoked wings also fly under the radar but are up there with the best in town. read more

This review only concerns Dustry Grooves on Thursday night. If you enjoy listening to bubblegum pop from the 50's, 60's, and even 70's (They played some Bay City Rollers--shudder) then this is your place. But that music is terrible. It was terrible then, it's terrible now. There's a terrible musical that was made to point out how terrible that music was back then called Hairspray. Whitewashed music featuring women crooning in high-pitched voices to boring melodies. No funk. No soul. There's gonna be a bar like Cobra Lounge 30 years from now that will play the retro hits of the aughts including Britney Spears and N'Sync. It will be retro enough to be hip. Kids in their 20s will dance to it thinking how awesome it is. It won't be awesome. It will still be terrible music. That's Dusty Grooves night for you. Bunch of awkward, mostly white people, dancing to the white beats of terrible, terrible music from 40-50 years ago. Bay City Rollers? For real? If you want a better soul experience with great music that did exist in the heydays of soul but wasn't mainstream, like you want that dirty Stax sound, check out Danny's on Wednesday night. Bigger beats, louder bass, better dancing. Still a lot of tattooed hipsters, but people are genuinely getting down. No twist, no faux attempts at the twist, or the mashed potatoes or other awkward white dancing. Only drawback to people really moving their hips and stomping their feet is they get sweaty, and we all know hipsters don't use deodorant, or at least effective deodorant, so expect some stank. read more

Cobra has it all, great food, drinks, service and shows! Be sure to check out this bar/venue if you are around Chicago!

Early on a cold winter weeknight.... They apparently have beer, and the food is really unexpectedly good. Had a smoked turkey sandwich as recommended by the bartender, and come to find out they smoke their own turkey breast, and you can substitiute a salad for fries without charge (rare). Tons of avacado and good mesclun salad. Strange crowd, kinda empty, really loud, and I've always suspected this of being a poser goth club but I guess I was wrong. I'll go back on a real night and update... For now - great for a quiet (loud music, quiet people) beer and sandwich. Good specials too. read more

I really don't go out as much as I used to when I was a RAGING drunk in my early twenties, but I do go out on occasion. I don't really like bars so I am quite picky. I have been to Cobra Lounge 3-4 times and every time I have had fun. I have been to Cobra for Riot Fest, a Methadones show, and a Windy City Rollers after party. Since I have only been there for shows or specific dj nights, I have no idea what it's like on a normal night. These are the things I like: 1. The bartenders are always fast and easy, no JK, they are fast and nice. 2. The drinks are affordable. 3. The bathroom is clean. 4. When it gets crowded, you can always move into another room. 5. There is ample seating. 6. You can get a water with a slice of lemon (Now that's classy! Thanks Cookie!) read more

I agree with Jessica that this is space is really cool - looking. BUT, the management is rude, totally unprofessional and disorganized. My boyfriend and I stumbled across Cobra Lounge in our search to find a unique place for his 30th birthday party. At first, we were very impressed by the place. The bartender was so friendly and tried to get the owner and manager, standing 5 feet away from us, to say hello since we wanted to have a party there. They said they were busy and proceeded to chat away with other friends. So, I got the number and called AT LEAST 8 times with no return phone call. Every time I would ask for a manager, they would be "busy" or "in a meeting". Too bad they weren't more responsive...they could have made a LOT of money off our friends :) Way too much hassle for zero payoff. read more

Great bartenders and servers. Too bad with the turn over rate they won't be there long. Management and security suck. Don't eat, drink or play there. PLENTY BETTER PLACES. read more

Food was fine. Waiter was nice. Drinks were literally so weak that we had to order extra shots to taste them LOL. Will not be returning.

I tried to eat here during Motoblot. - I waited 10 minutes just to get water. - I had to get up and ask for a menu - It was 20 minutes before the waitress even walked by and I had to ask her to stop after she looked at me and just kept waking. After I gave her my order I was informed it would be roughly 40 minutes before I got food. She stated she was sorry, but they were busy. No kidding?!? You're part of Motoblot. Staff the restaurant accordingly. The water was average. read more

This is totally not my type of place, but it saved me from the lameness of the Stoli Hotel this past weekend (meaning they had a bathroom without a line!!). Big, nice & clean?? Not sure I would call this biker, "I'd rather get another tattoo, then work a job" bar a place to travel waaay south just to experience. My initial impressions were dark, crowded and ROUGH. Oh yea more rough than a Nine Inch Nails concert where they're giving away free piercings!! The bouncers were awesomely cool though and my friend and I took shots with one of them. Th bouncer actually had the bar's driver take my friend and myself in their town car downtown to another bar-which was also one of the nicest things a bouncer has ever done !! But unfortunately the bouncer let another 2 people in the car with us and then the driver (after driving us downtown) wanted 20 dollars from all of us. I yelled, "this is NOT a taxi, this is a town car!" Anyway, the other 2 randoms flew out of the car real fast not paying anything leaving us to pay the greedy driver the 20 dollars. So would you hang out at a bar that has a big red Cobra on the sign in front of it?? Transportation: #9 Ashland Southbound, Ashland stop on Green/Orange lines read more

Finally made my way out to this place last night after hearing about it for maybe the past 3 weeks straight. It wasn't a planned thing - was out with a couple of very cool lady-friends - some other friends were heading there and we all decided to make one larger party. You know how it goes - drunkenness loves company :). For the space itself - I'll give 4 stars. It's quite nice inside - not what I would have expected for the neighborhood. The crowd itself seemed fairly diverse and fun and easy going. I could even be talked into giving it 5 stars but we'll stay with 4 for now. Number one drawback for me - its a "rock" bar. They ONLY play rock music every night they are open. Me, not being such a big fan of rock music, I just don't have the kind of appreciation that others might. Therefore, minus one star. However, plus one star for the hottie bartender expressing her fashion sense with fishnet & electrical tape from the waist up! Very nice! :) 4-stars! read more

I've come back a couple times including for a birthday party where another birthday was taking place. The birthday party of some sort of porn star gal with the biggest, craziest hair I've seen in some time. Seriously now. This hair was out of hand. This review is mostly b/c I am smitten with the Monday night burger special. Monday night is a wasteland of discount specials, and this one would be amazing any night. It's $4ish for a cheeseburger with some actual toppings and a side. Any side. Sweet potato fries, tots, regular fries, pesto pasta salad. And the burgers are juicy and cooked perfectly to order. Best washed down with $2 Jim Beam drinks. The service was friendly though I think the bartenders looked at me like I was nuts b/c of my business lady get-up. I had to come here straight from work. Normally I look like a dirtbag and smell like a thrift store. I swear. There's also a snake on the sign. Ssssssssssssssssssssssssss. read more

A bar that plays lots of punk and metal? yes please!! The only problem is its west loop-ish and there isnt much else around there (aside from the bottom lounge I guess). I do love the ride over on the green line though when you are crossing the river.... great view of the merch mart/river/skyline.. I went here during the week for an unofficial yelp elite after party...The special was $3 drafts of whatever you want, good deal! Hung out with some other yelpers and had a great time. The barkeeps where also super cool and chatted with us quite a bit. read more

Here's the thing, I dig the look of the place but am annoyed at how hard it's trying to fit into being a "rock bar." Playing aggressively hard rock at ear blistering levels -- and nothing but -- does not make one a rock bar. Not to mention, it seems as if their definition of what constitutes "rock" is stuck somewhere in the eighth grade locker room. However, I do like the decor, and the food is far better than one would expect, and the staff is friendly enough, so I can't say the place is all bad. So if you're looking for a place to grab a quick bite, or you actually believe that a bunch of "rockers" hang out here, by all means, try the place out. read more

Staff conducts themselves in a childish manner. Their manager goes as far as to post facebook posts regarding their customers. I will never be a patron of this establishment again. It's unfortunate I truly enjoyed this place until their current management handled themselves in the manner that they have. read more

So I went there on Saturday Night for a friends birthday celebration. We got there early so we were able to get seats and food (Kitchen closes at midnight on Fri & Sat) The music was not loud between 9-11pm. We were able to talk, drink and eat. Our waitress was attentive during this time. We ordered Mac & Cheese and buffalo wings (spicy!) which were all very good. Then the crowd started coming in. The music got louder (a little too loud because we all had to start screaming to chat) and it was hard to move around. The only problem was that all the sudden the place got smelly and we had to wait awhile for our drinks which is understandable because it was so busy. However, it was a fun night but next time I will bring air freshener! read more

Review for musicians who gig: This place treats bands and DJs alike pretty damn well. If the layout and design was only a little bit better it would probably be 4 stars. They have a parking lot which is great for bands, especially those on tour. Park south of the venue on Ashland Ave. You can load in through the side door on Ashland near the lot, that puts you just next to the stage. Stage is small, and not very deep (can be hard to backline here), but OK. They have a curtain if you're into a dramatic entrance. Gear gets stored along the west wall in a blocked off area. Merch gets set up just next to this. The place looks big but it can get crowded quick. There's a front room and a second room for live shows. They're separated by a curtain, with bars in both. The live room is loud. Tile floors throughout the whole place. I can never hear myself play on stage, so just have a few drinks and go for it. Trust me, you'll do a lot better with the crowd if you go that route. And Cobra will do their best to get you there. Green Room is upstairs, enter from the back (cut through the kitchen and head outside) or there's a door opposite the main entrance. There's a complete apartment upstairs, with bedrooms, kitchen, showers... touring bands should like this. The fridge is well stocked with tallboys, or there are decent craft drafts at the bar. Kitchen turns out good food and they've always fed me before gigs. The DJ booth is deadly. In a crows nest above the front room's floor, you have to climb up two ladders to get there. Not the easiest thing with big boxes of records. Once you're up there, your head is in the rafters, and if you're anything over 5'6" you'll be ducking the entire time. The turntables frequently appear busted, so bring your tech skills. And your own needles (you should be doing that anyway). And 45 adapters if you play 45s (you should be doing that anyway). The split at the door is favorable, we've always done well here. And with the hospitality, you should have a great time. Hang out on the back stairs for a great view of downtown Chicago. read more

I typically end up at Cobra with my riding crew; there is plenty of parking space for motorcycles out on the street and a Harley on the inside wall. Cobra is a place for rock n' roll and metal. The music tends to be very loud, whether coming from the juke box, a DJ or a live band, so remember to bring your earplugs! The veggie burger is made in-house from beans and mushrooms and other goodies. It falls apart really quickly, but it's tasty and way better than the average Boca-type-patty. Tuesday nights they're half-price. You can get them with fries, tater tots, salad or I think one other side I can't recall at the moment. Cobra has a lot of free live shows, and they just started showing movies on a projector screen in the back room. Last night I saw The Runaways. There were only 4 people there, so it was like I was in my private theatre. I'm pretty sure it will get crowded as more people catch on. Sometimes it will get packed, especially if a team shows up all at once. In general it's not too bad. In my opinion Cobra is best as a weeknight stop. read more

I checked out this spot after going a few more breweries in the area. I'm not a metal fan, so I can't speak to the live shows, but I enjoyed my beer (the Three Orange Wit was quite tasty), and the mac and cheese was also excellent. Service was a bit slow at first, but it picked up after we ordered. I would return! read more

i swear I already talked about this place, but once again my yelp page mocks me and dares to write a review. For a place coming from a soulful heart of leather and spikes you would think this place is a little too "rehearsed" and corporate. The decor, the music, the staff kind of predictable in the course of what a scene with metal and whiskey should be and actually in a city of sheep, this place is still a welcome change and still can kick your face into a curb pretty good..Thank you M'am may I have another! Haven't touched the food yet, though it smelt nice and people kept putting it in their mouths and sucking it down, but the daily specials on the board, the music, the staff...especially for this hood and so far away from places like delilahs and liars club...cool dude. read more

Cobra lounge is a great place to go out for a show but it's also great to just sit at the bar on a random night for a couple drinks. The staff is great and they have a huge selection of drinks. read more

I can't believe I missed writing something about the Cobra. Me so sowwy. Joey the bartender is my fav. She is so cool and down to earth. You may think this bar is going to be uppity hipsters or too-cool-4-u punk rockers but its not. real people. rock-n-roll. really. The half price burger on Monday is what you should be eating every Monday. Cooked to order. Juicy. Flavors. So are the sweet potato fries. The chili is awesome... with the 4-bean being better than the one with meat. (weird, i know!) But both being yum. Someone mentioned how the bar room, altho connected to the music room, does not get drowned out with the live music. So true! So you don't have to avoid the bar if there is a band playing and you are looking to hang out. I may up this to 5 stars once i have eaten everything on the menu. Beer specials reign here. usually a vodka special playing in the background. look at the chalkboard silly! read more

I've driven by Cobra like a million times and always wondered what the heck was up with its crazy sign. It seemed like the craziest place, filled with lava lamps and weirdos. Since it's around the corner from the practice space where I play music with my bandmate, we decided to check it out for a drink. OMG. It's totally normal. With an abnormally nice bartender. And some abnormally annoying dudes that tried to hit on my poor bandmate. Loved the big lit up picture of a neon green skelly smoking a cigar. But no lava lamps! We were stunned. Beer list could have been better but otherwise, it's a pretty regular bar and I wouldn't mind returning. Maybe to check out the food everyone's been raving about. read more

As a first timer, I must say, the service was great, the food was even better, and their in house brewed beer wasn't a disappointment, it was great! Everyone is friendly, my buddy and I even got a free beer ! I highly recommend this place. read more

Cobra Lounge - Wings! - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Regular Alert: Best burger in town I've had, and on Mondays are a steal at $5 with a pile of tots. The rest of the specials are top notch too. Smoked wings on Thursday, Turkey Burgers on Tuesday... Best bar food in the city, and no wait. From the Jalapeno Chedar Corn Fritters, to their Cobb salad, you can't go wrong. Drink specials are excellent with Jameson or Makers Mark being $3 depending on the night you go. With different beer offers at great pricing depending on what day you go. The taps are top shelf beers, most of which I don't partake in, but I can tell you the PBR's are cold and ever flowing. Plenty of different liquors to choose from of varying levels of quality. All the servers have been personable and attentive since the first day I went there. Music selection is more varied now than it was back in the day. Keep it up Cobra! read more

The service is great, the music kicks ass, the darkness inside the restaurant gives Cobra lounge a wonderful ambience. Ahh yes. The food. My pick: corn fritters. Hands down. Plus the vanilla ccream soda is Delish. Go here, for some good food and rock n roll. read more

Love this place. Great drink specials...good bar food. The staff is also very nice. I have never had a bad experience there and I have gone several different nights of the week. Really great location right off the el stop too! read more

Over three years later and I still love Cobra Lounge! They always offer: -great drink specials -awesome music -fun and attentive staff -EXCELLENT food See, I don't like chili...at all. I'm just not a fan. Cobra's chili, on the other hand, is awesome! Even for a chili hater like me. This is not just bar food, my friends. The food is good! If you're headed to Bottom Lounge (or perhaps Union Park in warmer months) make sure to stop at Cobra Lounge for pre/post food & drink. P.S. You can get a huge bowl of that delicious chili on Wednesdays for only $3! You're welcome. read more