Not sure why everyone seems to like this place. I went for the first and hopefully last time last night to see a friend's band play. The first thing that I did was take a seat at the bar, and got to listen to what I have to assume are either drunk college kids or young pirates screaming at each other from across the room. This, coupled with the fact that sound echoes off of the walls of the room, really put me on edge. Aside from the screaming pirate children, some crazy guy was hawking bracelets, and another crazy/drunk guy that smelled like a sewer started talking to me about how the bracelet guy is a "perv who wants blow jobs", then proceeded to ask me if I have any cigarettes. Another thing that seemed kind of strange was that 90% of the people were drinking PBR. WTF people, the place has good beer, what are you thinking!? I began to think that maybe I'd stumbled into some alternate, socialist reality where PBR was the national beer. I'm not too familiar w/Logan Square. Maybe crazy, smelly, loud, inconsiderate, drunk people with no taste are the norm. So, I can't judge the place purely by it's clientele, and will focus the rest of my review on the bar itself. I ordered a "Cain and Ebel" (one of my favorites), which they had on tap. I was thinking that this was a good sign, until I tasted it and realized that it was a bit off, and maybe stale. Boo. The area behind the bar was incredibly disorganized. Liquor bottles were scattered or lumped together here and there, without any discernible pattern. There is a beer bottle display on one end of the bar, and a few scattered bottles sitting elsewhere for reasons unknown. The lighting was too bright initially. Thankfully, someone eventually dimmed the overheads, but there remained a bright light with no shade behind the bar that blinded me whenever my eyes passed over it. The stage area where the band played was oriented so that a lot of people ended up having to crowd around the men's bathroom door, which made it so that if anyone needed to get in, they'd have to wade through people, and open the door so that everyone can see inside at whoever else might already be at the urinal. All of that being said, it seems like the proprietors are trying hard to have a decent bar. They have a decent beer selection, and maybe just don't get a chance to sell enough of it. If that's the case, maybe if they put more thought into the layout and environment of the place, and kicked obnoxious people out, they'd attract more of the people that would drink the good stuff. read more

so, it's been a few months, and Cole's has found itself established. the place is pretty crowded, they now have malort, and Cole's prices are very competitive. I like the low-key atmosphere, and they seem to have events (open mic, comedy, etc) fairly frequently. I've stopped going to the Whistler, mostly because i can't deal with not having a seat, whereas I can usually sneak a bar stool or find a table at cole's, even when it's crowded. I still think the layout of the place is awkward, which you can't do much about. read more

Cole's is a great example of a cool, low key bar. Friendly, comfortable, cheap, and really cool bands play free shows here on the weekends. I've come here many times for one of the best comedy open mics in the city in Wednesday nights and for the Americana happy hour on Thursdays. They recently did some renovations, adding booths in the main room and some walls near the bathrooms. Cleans the place up a bit without compromising the divey identity. read more

This place is close to perfect for what it is--hole-in-the wall on the outside, excellent beer selection on the inside, with the best chicken place in the city across the street (you should check out Chicken Run, really). I'm not sure "dive bar" is really the right term for a place filled with college-educated twenty- and thirtysomethings drinking obscure craft brews and imports, but whatever, it's great. It gets packed on weekends (it is, after all, a bar that serves alcohol), but not obnoxiously so, and during the week it's totally laid back, a place you can just walk in and have great random conversations about whether Djourou is really the answer at centre-back for Arsenal (he is) or whether 24-bit downloads will make us forget all about mp3s in five years (they will). Now that Revolution is a 30-minute wait on a Tuesday (!), this is the place to have a quick drink or two after work. Check it out. read more

I'll refrain from reviewing the neighborhood, or the people that populate it, as it seems that most yelp reviews now are like an open forum on "hipsters". You're not going to hear U2 play here live, nor will you hear them on the jukebox. You do have a chance though, of hearing something that is actually interesting. With that being said, you also risk hearing a real shitty band. But I do like the fact that you'll always get something there musically that will elicit a reaction. The "live music room" is separate from the main boozing area, which is great if you decide to chat instead of listen. I've never seen them charge a cover here either. Good selection of beers, GREAT prices, super friendly and welcoming staff. Sometimes if gets a bit crowded, sometimes it stinks, but I'll take that any day over high prices and frat boys. Cole, the owner, is often seen bar tending and is as genuine as they come. read more

Favorite bar in the city. Nice, attentive bartenders, cheap pool, great beer selection, no cover--ever, wide variety of live entertainment, cool people. What's not to like? read more

Great dive bar to hang out at on any day of the week. You can't beat the price of the beer and the free music or comedy that is often occuring. Cole seems to be a great guy and is often found behind the bar. I'm always impressed with the service as well. No matter how crowded it gets in this bar (sometimes very) the bartenders are always very responsive and quick. I've been coming here for a long time and still my go to spot in the square! read more

O.K. gotta do it. Yes, I was overly harsh on this establishment. Indeed I had it backwards. Cole's stands alone, a mist the sea of entitled White Male Hipsterdom and Bro Mania, thats turned Milwaukee Ave. into a hellish version of the Viagra Triangle. In fact, consider the bar keeps, life preservers of sanity, for there's simply no wheres else to drink (accept the Two Way Lounge) for a soul needy of a nourishing drink around those parts of the Bermuda Square. Further it can be posited that the barkeeps ( including the one who's made several trips to Haiti and the doorman who seems like a character trying to find his way home into a Carson McCullers short story, actually make this place, along with decent scotches, ales, and stouts, to be had at just price prices. And even more comforting is the death mask of The Ancient, The Tycoon,The Rail Splitter himself. read more

Cheap. Great atmosphere. Comedy Night. How can you go wrong? read more

When my friend told me he wanted to go here, I heard "Kohl's," and wondered if naming bars after retailers is the cool new thing in Logan. I was relieved to see it was "Cole's." Anyway, this bar is great. They have a fine beer list with good prices, and someone there seems interested in making cocktails, judging from the jiggers and recipe books I saw. And the effortless diveyness of the place is refreshing, considering how many bars these days try so hard to look like crap. And a Yelp cliche- If I lived closer, I think I'd be here all the time. One strange side note: I was by far the shortest male in here. They seem to be attracting the over 6'4 crowd? read more

I walked into the place and thought I might have walked into a new wave costume party in progress. The guy next to the juke box was a spitting image of the guy from MGMT. Anyhoo.....we went there to shoot some pool and drink cheap beers. The place was perfect for what we were looking for.....however, I can't see myself making this a regular spot. The crowd seemed on the younger side between The Whistler, Rocking Horse, and Burlington. The back area was empty, so people were crowding the aisle near the bar. Not much to the place. Service was good...might come back another day to check out the place when the back area is open. read more

Very cool laid back place. I have been going here quite a while and what I like about Cole's is the ever changing crowd. It can run from your run of the mill hipsters, to old Logan Square artists, teacher, and writer types who are here to have a beer, strike up a conversation with a stranger or shoot pool. You really never know. I like a bar where strangers can mingle and talk. In our Ipod ear-bud world these things are rare and wonderful. There is also that strange guy who just seems to drink water and dance with himself - also cool. I have seen some rather eclectic shows here as well as some rather silly ones. What I like about this place is that is has character, good prices, and now accepts credit cards for those of you who never seem to have cash ($10.00 min). read more

It was pretty quiet the night we stopped here, but we were buzzed to hell so it didnt matter. Spanish music was great for random drunk dancing. Got cheap Tecates here so its all good in the hood. Dirty and divey, just how hipsters like it. read more

A niceish divey bar with free music, good beer selection and--what's that, Quenchers, are you listening to this next one?--a friendly staff! My friend described it to me as a "working man's whistler," and I'd say that ain't too far off field. So yeah--pretty basic, but your needs are all covered. There's also a pool table, and plenty of seating. When I was here on a recent Friday night for a friend's show, there was a LINE outside at about 11:00, even while there was a ton of room inside this spacious bar. What gives? The doorman was nice about it, and explained to my friends smoking outside that they have a smaller population permit due to the bar being a part of an apartment complex above (um, really? I'm not quite sure, but that's what I heard...). If that's true, LAME on Chicago! There was a ton of room and there's no need to have another "clubby" line hanging our a few blocks from the whistler in Logan Square, but whatever. This is probably the kind of place that changes every night, depending on what event it has in the back room going on (comedy, open mic, bands, etc), but Cole's has definitely set a good foundation. Now it's up to the people to make it happen! (Did that sound like an Obama call to action? Yeah? Good, I'm okay with that actually...) read more

THank god for Cole's. Friendly, smart crowd, good live music, and a healthy bicycle culture. It's everything right about Logan Square. The draught beer selection is small, but it's all quality and rotated often. read more

Cole's is a friendly atmosphere with a pool table out front. This is not just a bar, but a music venue, with some great local acts. The sound system is very loud and unrefined, depending on the band; I saw Tom Music there and could hear everything superbly, but bigger rock bands just sound like a bunch of static! Despite having a quasi-dive feel, they have some good beers on tap for reasonable prices. I didn't see the men's bathroom, but I'm bringing a sharpie next time to contribute to the community wall art in the ladies'! I'm pretty sure the bar-tenders all turn into gremlins at 2am exactly, because they are not kidding when it comes to kicking everyone out at 1:52am on a Saturday night. This is how they do things. They're nice the whole night--like nicer than average--and then they're anxious to see you leave. read more

My friend and I came for their open mic on a Wednesday night and had a blast! Their drinks are cheap; we got 2 cans of Old Style for just $5! And the open mic comedy was pretty funny; lots of self-deprecating jokes this night, which I love. Although one of the bathroom stalls didn't lock or flush, I had a lot of fun and would definitely come back! read more

I absolutely love Cole's!! The bartenders are sooo nice, even the door guy is nice! The drinks are great, affordable. They have pool tables, lots of chairs, a few booths, and in the back, they do open mic comedy on Wednesday nights which is soooo good! My only complaint is that they should put more tables in the back or more chairs. I go here at least every other week for comedy. The best part is that the comedy hosts are usually HILARIOUS women! read more

This place hits a lot of my favorite points on bars. Locally owned dive bar, GREAT beer selection, and live music. I was very pleasantly surprised to see one of my favorites, Cain & Ebel, on tap. I of course ordered one immediately then gawked at the rest of their surprisingly good beer list. The band was just about to start doing sound check in the back when we left so I can't comment on how good they were or the quality of the sound but the layout was nice in that the room for music was down a hallway in the back so you wouldn't be forced to deal with the music if you didn't want it. Its the best bar I've been to in this neighborhood, go here. read more

With much of the block being taken over by a new microbrewery, we are thoroughly happy to see a small, homey place to call bar. When you walk into Cole's you'll notice the huge space with few tables and artwork. Definitely not your typical bar right off the bat. Then you will notice the beautiful bar to your right, not too crowded. Above it a selection of relatively inexpensive local brews from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan even. A great treat, even for me a non-pro beer drinker. What I liked most was the clientele. It wasn't filled with loud, obnoxious people. Everyone was low key, having a drink, being courteous, not jockeying for position. Even as it got later (we went around 7p) it never got too overwhelming. The band start arriving for their 9p gig in a separate room in the back separated by a velveteen curtain. The best part? The namesake of the bar was tending us. You cannot get better. Hope they stick around! read more

I've been curious about Cole's for a while, but apparently not curious enough to check it out, especially as it stands in the shadow of the "other 2 bars on that few block stretch of Milwaukee Ave." Come on, Whistler and Revolution Brewing, I'm talking 'bout you! So, when I was invited to see my friends' band play the other night, and thrilled that I only had to walk a few blocks to see them, I jumped at the chance. When you step inside, it feels like it's been there for years, minus the stench of thousands of smoked cigarettes nestled in the walls. Nice. Next, I was treated to free admission (which I hadn't expected). So, after saving all that cash on cover charge, I sidled up to the bar for a decently priced pint. Beer selection looked small, but there's something for everyone. The band was set up in the back room, which had a small stage, a decent sound system, and enough room to shake my ass when the band really got going. The best part, was when my friend and her husband came in and said that because they'd been in line for THREE minutes, they were comped a drink. Hello! read more

Awesome dive bar. Oh, Chicago and your dive bars how I love you. I've been to Cole's a few times within the last couple of months, all to see some live shows in their back room. This band, Paper Thick Walls is playing there tomorrow, i'm super stoked! Its gonna be fabo, check 'em... http://www.myspace.com/paperthickwalls read more

Ok, this place is a divey hipster purgatory but I thought it was a pretty great bar. Of course the winner here is the beer. La Fin Du Monde drafts for $6 a pop? Sign me up for more. You may find yourself wanting a change of scenery given you'll be moving constantly so people can play pool or catching elbows because of the weird space but this spot is at least worth one drank. read more

The place is pretty big and I don't think I have ever seen so much space behind a bar before. Those bartenders must put on some miles walking around. I came here on a Tuesday and there was not much going on. Our usual spot had some sore of reading or meeting, so that's what brought us here. I was not too impressed. Maybe if I came when there was a band, my opinion would be different. (There's a large area for shows) I ordered a bourbon and coke. The coke was flat and super syrupy. 4 or 5 bucks I think. I switched to a bottled cider, drank and left. Will I go back? Maybe if the other place is packed and it's slow here. I'll just remember to order beer. **Thanks for the info Cole. I should have said something about the soda and given you a chance to fix it. Next time I'm in town, I'll stop by and say Hey and try another bourbon and coke. Cheers. read more

I just checked this place out last night, and was very impressed! The space (a former pool hall) cleaned up really nicely, and the ambiance is just perfect. I'm really looking forward to coming over here when I can't deal with making sure my pocket isn't picked and I'm not vomited on at the Two Way, and am not dressed up enough/can't handle the body-to-body contact or dull roar of music/conversation at the Whistler. Cole's is spacious, but still feels intimate, with tables and a roomy bar, not to mention the great prices and classy selection of beers and liquors. A perfect and necessary addition to the neighborhood, with a feel sort of like Small Bar but not as small, and centrally located. This place is the pet project of Coleman Brice, who you'll most likely find behind the bar. He financed the place himself, working at a corporate job by day and rehabbing the bar by night. The craftsmanship and love he put into the place is obvious in all the details (my favorite is the mirrored door hung above the bar!). Now that it's open, the entertainment and drink programming is to be determined, meaning get in there now to influence the direction Cole's takes! Rumors include a running Wednesday comedy night. read more

On the recommendation of my roommate, we went here Friday night for a couple beers. I loved it! It's a dive bar, but it's not trashy--quite clean, in fact. It's much larger than you would expect, too--with a stage for bands in the back. The owner, Cole himself, remembered my roommate and thanked her for coming back in. Now that's customer service! PS They have Matilda on tap. Mmmm. read more

If you like loud, crowded dive bars, but have pretty great priced beers? This is the place for you... I'd place three stars but gave an extra for decent selection of beers at an awesome price. And the bar tenders were great. And the band that was playing there sucked that night but met up with a bunch of friends and drank so was all good. read more

Ok, it's official - I love Cole's. Warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly service, free music and great beer on tap. Only thing I'd change is to add more taps to the locally focused tap list. read more

I really like this place. It's one of those dive bars that you can really get used to and make it your own. The beers are cheap and there's a stage in the back for bands. Although the night we went, the band was way too loud and wasn't conducive for conversation, even at the front of the bar. We ended up going to Revolution across the street. I had a surprising encounter here when I met a coworker who was bartending there that night. No idea he worked there, hmm. Nothing really to say here really because this is just a solid bar all around (except for the noise if you want to talk). No cover (at least when I went). read more

I'll revise what I was saying before. This is probably my new favorite bar. One that I'll be spending my time at since I'm moving back to Logan. There definitely is a good selection of beers there--the Lagunitas are included. I finally saw a performance there last night and it was an awesome Hip-Hop show. Both my roommate and I were surprised to see something like that going on in Logan Square. Seriously kept the two of us there for the night. And it was nice that they take any credit card for tabs, just $10 minimum. Lastly, it's always good to have a variety of people at the place and not just hipsters. I'll be skipping out on Whistler and be spending my time at this place for sure. read more

I sense that if I lived in Chicago - I would be here often. Unfortunately, my one visit wasn't even late enough into the night to check this place out as a music venue - but, bar wise - I'm into it. Bartender is amicable and very attentive. Patrons are a healthy mix of solo drinkers & small groups - all in the mid 20s - mid 30s range. No shot/beer "specials" but you can order a can of pbr and a well shot for $5. It's just oddly well-lit in there, ya know, for a dive bar. read more

Awww, I love Cole's. Super chill vibe, great beer selection, no hassles, and Cole himself, usually behind the bar, is a doll who knows how to take care of his customers and make them feel good. I like to come in early, while it's still quiet & empty, & catch up with folks before the crowd starts to grow. Even so, I've never had to wait on a line or been given a hard time at the door, and have always been able to find a seat. I'm looking foward to seeing what kind of entertainment programming develops at Cole's - that back space is just crying out for some good curation. read more

I had first heard about Cole's from a groovy article in Timeout magazine. I ripped out that article and taped it to my fridge with the intention of immediately checking Cole's out by the following month. Two months later........... I finally made it! The doorman was so nice, and he even held the door open for us........ YOWZAAH. My friend and I grabbed a table, and I took the ambiance in. The space is ample for mingling and for table-partaking, and the bar is long enough to find a good spot to oggle....I mean.....hail your bartender for a little drink or two. I was initially afraid to be the girl in the dive bar that asks for wine, but when the bartender told me that they had Spanish white wine and Spanish red wine...... Well, I just blinked and stammered, "REALLY??!!! WOW. Ummmm................ Ok.......white, please." The credit card minimum was a groovy ten clams, and I even got my itty bitty tab closed out by Cole himself who gave me the thumbs up sign to let me know that I had cleared the ten buck limit. The cover band in the back kicked ass, and my friend and I didn't even get all the way back there to oggle them, too. I would love to play in a venue like this! As it was, I just demurely sipped my white Spanish wine and kept pointing Cole out behind the bar to my friend like we were out spotting for Daniel Craig or Hugh Jackman. No cover charge....polite and cool staff. I only wish I could have worked at a joint like this when I was slinging back the drinks back in the day. Hail to Cole's! I will be back...and with more peeps. read more

I always like to joke with my friends, and new people I meet, that I am the real owner of this bar. ;) Super cheap drinks, friendly staff and a stage with a decent comedy open mic are all reasons I like to come by to visit Cole's. Sometimes they have some good music to hear there as well. I'm a big fan on dive bar bathroom graffiti and this place pretty much takes the cake in that department. My only constructive criticism is that I wish they would decorate the inside of the bar a little more. I know its supposed to be a dive but I think this place has potential. Still, that won't keep me from returning. Definitely one of my go-to spots in The Logan Square area. read more

The good old Cole's. You can't go wrong stopping at this joint. This bar has a homie atmosphere. 50 cents for pool and good beer, why go somewhere else? That is unless, of course, if you are looking for an elegant experience. Lose your tie and suspenders and come here to sip some a decent stout or weisse. They have a juke box, but you wont need to because the music on the background is at the right decibel level and at the right mood. I've been here before and I can't complain. I can't get over the the 50 cents pool table. Check out their website as Cole's has comedy and music shows. read more

Excellent vegan food, great service! My server was so nice and attentive, I will definitely be back!

Perhaps my review is a bit biased because I love having another decent bar opened up walking distance from home, but I really, really like Cole's. Why? 1. The beer selection is really good and the price is RIGHT. 2. The ambiance is laid back: a place to catch up with friends rather than a place to see and be seen. 3. No covers, even though you can pop in the back room to see the bands if you like. 4. Again, location: I always welcome more places in Logan Square. We've been here more weekends than not since it's opened. read more

Blink and you'll miss it, I did the first time I went here. Cole's is everything you could want, and more, in a bar. Great beer/drink selection, great people. What more can you need in life? read more

Follow me on this analogy. You could call this place heaven. You'd be wrong, heaven is too mainstream now, everybody goes there. Cole's is more like purgatory, certain people go there and others try to skip it and go to the viagra triangle bars (holier than thou) and others are forced to drink PBRs behind a dumpster at the Damen stop (hell). On the other hand, Cole's is a place where you enter and may not be feeling so hot, but by the time you leave, you are on top of the world with a collection of awesome people surrounding you. The bouncer is literally a jolly gatekeeper, pretty much what I would imagine a jollier Charon. Upon grabbing a spot in the bar, there are times when you hear music that's legit and sometime music that is less so -but somehow the separation of the bar and music area maintains a perfect balance where if you aren't feeling the music, it doesn't force itself upon you, but you aren't sitting in a room during time out. The beer selection is great and cheap - it cannot be beaten as far as the combination of quality / selection / price goes.. sure there are places where you can get cheaper or places you can get better - Cole's strikes a perfect balance. Not a big mixed drinker, but the bartenders seem capable with all that is thrown at them and they are definitely warm to the patrons. Cole's is seriously awesome. read more

Cole, the eponymous owner of the bar, gives a shit. He's extended the list of beer, spirits, wine even all at honest prices of which he is quick to serve with a smile. The same goes for anybody else behind the bar. See, there is always something interesting going on at Cole's. bands, music, DJ night, Comedy, yes comedy, how awesome? It's not just sitting and drinking, something is always fun to be had. This is the draw, everybody in the area is quick to flock here: the hip, the student, those on varying degrees of the grid. Never a dull damn moment. Though it looks like an old dive with checkered tiles, rickety seats and linoleum bar-tops, Cole's brings the neighborhood together. Bottoms up. read more