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Driftwood - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Bartender sucks. Drinks are watered down. Waste of money. Also they are also rude and the vibes are bad

Good old divey ass bar. If you're around Montrose and Sheridan this is one of the big hangouts. Driftwood is casual and fun. Prices are pretty okay and there's usually some specials going on. The only strange thing is the hours can be weird. A lot of reasons to come here. If coming to watch a game, this is a good place. There's lots of TVs. Also if you like to play games. Lots are here playing darts or pool. Gets crowded. May be a wait before you can play. As for the drinks, not bad. It's about $6 for a cocktail. These are basic, but hey it's good prices. Besides people, it's also good to bring dogs. If dogs need water they give out bowls free. The strangest thing about this place is that it's closed Sundays. read more

Driftwood - Jameson - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place! Love the environment will absolutely be back. Bartender was very attentive and nice

Yuck. Please avoid it. It is not the worth of going very expensive, lots of drugs, alcohol, and drunks.

Walked here after chilling at the beach and the short white lady said she wouldn't serve me. I asked why and she said I had too much to drink. I had not a single drink, I had actually just spent the previous 5 hours practicing my relay breaststroke. Won't be returning. read more

Owners Robin and George were aces. Their pool table is a Diamond and it's a 10! We'll be back for sure.

Go somewhere else with all of those expectations. I'm not saying it's bad to have them, but this is definitely a dive bar. You get what you get. It's very a niche and chill neighborhood dive bar. Had a few beers and was able to watch a basketball game of my liking upon my request. The drinks are priced fairly, and they have a good assortment. They have pool tables and dart boards. Which isn't always that common across all dive bars so that makes the place a bit more fun. Plenty of regulars who also keep the place alive. In addition, there is a good food spot right next door and the bartenders welcome outside food. Not mandatory for the experience, but it helps haha. If you're ever in the neighborhood, and again leave your expectations at the door, please stop by to enjoy a drink. Cheers! read more

Probably would give it a 2 stars if it weren't for the free games of pool there. Just does not have a very inviting feeling to it. Not sure if dives should have that touch to but, so if they shouldn't then you guys are doing great, Driftwood. But really, it's a bit too dark inside for my taste and unfortunately there are no taps attached to this bar. They got cans and bottles of domestic and craft beers and shelves of liquor though, as a bar should so no problems there. Prices are reasonable but that's about it. The people there were so kind, but I left that evening feeling underwhelmed at the experience. One cool thing, their next door neighbors are a taqueria so, I mean, that's a nice convenience right? I like tacos when I'm drunk. read more

Driftwood has been a place that my fiance and I have always wanted to visit for so long. I love dive bars because you learn a lot about the neighborhood through the conversations of the locals and the prices are always great. I wasn't disappointed when visiting Driftwood. The prices were just as low as I pictured and the bartender made a good drink. I love that Driftwood has a pool table. Since it wasn't busy inside we were able to score the pool table and play for a couple of games. The one thing I disliked the most about my visit is that they let customers bring their dogs and the dogs are able to run free which is a double edge sword. I loved interacting with the dogs during my visit but once we left one the dog almost ran out the door and I had to stop it. The owner wasn't paying attention to their dog so I had to be responsible for his dog not running out the door. Since I was busy stopping the dog I missed the step that's out front and tripped.I ended up hurting my ankle and having to limp home. Luckily it was just bruised but it definitely caused me to have an early night. I would probably visit Driftwood again but I would make sure to alert the dog owner that we're leaving. read more

I have been coming here pre covid and post covid. I love this little place. Amazing pool table. Sweetheart staff. The owns are always pesent and very accommodating. This is the perfect example of a down home bar. Want to try a new shot, they will talk you through it. They try to keep costs low and the bathrooms are awlways clean. read more

Nice local dive bar. Nice atmosphere with large TVs to watch a game. Free pool and darts which is awesome. Pool could be a wait at times but friendly people. Usually some good drink specials and have even seem to be dog friendly. read more

Dear Driftwood I am not too sure about your bars motif. Heavy metal meets vulgar rap meets alternative rock meets country. I have no clue who actually works there considering there are like 5987287329873 people going behind the bar...non of which can make me a drink. I hate going there because parking is terrible and the service isn't the greatest. I just think we should just be a but more customer friendly....just a thought....simmer on it. read more

This is a good place to keep in the back of your skull, because there is little else in the immediate vicinity. After a wonderful dinner at Magnolia Cafe up on Wilson, my friend and I wandered down here. I remembered it fuzzily from a post-Christmas-party excursion back in December 2006. The bar was mostly full then, but last night it was nearly empty. It's low-impact and laid-back but not quite a dive. Let's call it a good neighborhood, "around the corner" bar. There were several TVs, pool, and darts. Beer on tap was Guinness, Harp, Peroni, Blue Moon, Hacker-Pshorr, and (I think) Miller Lite. My friend thought that her vodka and tonic tasted funny, but her next drink was okay. We stayed until closing, which was apparently shortly after one. A friendly employee came around to encourage us to finish up, and ended up chatting for several minutes to share his tale of romantic woe. Good folks in here. It's a fairly straightforward bar, but, lacking the obnoxious crowds of bars just a mile or two to the south, it's a perfect place to come and hang out for an evening. There's pool and TV, and no obscenely loud music to drown out your conversation. We'll be back. read more

Driftwoods a good bar with a solid atmosphere. Love that they admit dogs and provide a handful of water bowls for the dogs. Beers are cheap and there's a surprisingly good selection of beers. Didn't see anything in tap but plenty of bottles/cans with a variety of craft beers, imports, and generic American beers. The pool table is in pretty good shape as well. Bottom line, well priced beers and dogs! read more

This is an incredibly loser neighborhood bar. The bartenders are rude and mean. They could care less if they intermingle with their customers are not. Went in there one time and that was enough for me. They really need to learn how to talk to their customers. That's why when I walked out I didn't even leave a tip. I like to tip no problem, but when you're rude and ignorant there's no reason to tip you. read more

Came in here a handful of times and it's hit or miss. They do have some decent drink specials but it's still expensive for a dive bar. They offer free pool and darts, however, which can be fun. Doesn't seem to get all that crowded here either. With so many cool places to go to, I wouldn't put driftwood at the top of the list. Worth checking out if you just need a drink. read more

Q: I WANT A BEER, BUT MY DOG WANTS TO GO SNIFF SOME BUTTS...WHAT TO DO? A: Head over to Driftwood! This low-key, neighborhood watering hole is dog-friendly and on my last visit there were at least 7 dogs roaming around and having a grand old time. Driftwood is very easy to miss as you drive down Montrose so keep an eye out for Mr. Salsa and you'll be right there. If butt sniffing is not your cup of tea, fear not for they also have a pool table and regularly host euchre tournaments. To top it all off, drink prices are reasonable and the owner is great. read more

This place is pretty low-key and nothing to write home about. I don't really "write home" about anything though. As far as I remember, they don't have a huge beer selection, but I'm no where near a beer snob, so I am not complaining. They have daily specials and free pool on Thursdays and Fridays. They offer up their venue for parties, fundraisers, etc. which is a plus and they will sponsor any sports team. Oh, and they are dog friendly which, imo, is very cool! I just realized this is my 100th review. Sorry it kinda sucked. read more

Seems like such a great dive bar by the reviews I've seen, but could not have been more disappointed. The bartender and his minion bar flies were nothing but hostile to my friend and I when we met up to get a drink and try a local dive. They were also condescending at our questions as first timers, and heckled us on our way out of the door. read more

Came here on a snowy Saturday night to play some Euchre. The bar is a neighborhood joint, that is warm and inviting. Loved that there was street parking directly in front of the place. The owner was very friendly, as was the bartender. Beer was cheap. The place was very, very, very clean - which is such a plus. The bathroom was nice and updated, but they had the tiniest bathroom stalls that I ever experienced. Dog friendly bar - as there were a few pooches there that night - one even bellied up to the bar on a stool. You can order food from the Mexican joint next door - and that was fabulous. Good neighborhood bar! read more

Went there 2 nights ago, and I didn't feel welcomed. The bartender who is gay himself keep telling me and my friends that this is not boystown few times during the nite. Awful staff I will not come back. Do not pet the dogs, u might get yelled by the owner. First and last time visit, it is a real driftwood!! read more

Cool chill sports bar in Uptown. This place is totally like the old bar you use to hang out in your college town. Its got a good vibe jukebox, FREE pool table, darts, and good daily drink specials. There is nothing fancy about this place, its low key, chill and very easy going. No food served here, but if your hungry the taco joint next door (Taqueria Mr. Salsa) will bring some kick ass cheap food over to you. I've also had pizza delivered here, highly encouraged by the kick ass husband / wife owners. Bar staff is great, you'll feel like a regular instantly. DOG LOVERS REJOICE: Best part about this bar... it's dog friendly. I bring my dog in all the time to hang out while my friends and I put back a few brews. read more

I had a great time at this bar last night, first time in but won't be the last. We were on our way to Mr. Salsa next door (also very friendly place with tasty food) and discovered Driftwood. After placing our order next door ("we'll bring over to you next door."), our party of 3 plus 1 cute dog paid a visit to Driftwood. The bartender was great, the beer was cold, and not expensive! People were friendly and stopped to pet the dog. It's all good! Mr. Salsa brought our food over and we decided to eat our nachos at the bar and take our burritos home. It's a great 1-2 combo, will definitely repeat. read more

The Driftwood is definitely a utilitarian bar. No frills, no fancy decor, just drinks. The crowd here can be a bit weird (read: local) so they often give you weird looks when you walk in with your friends. The bartender has always been gruff (in my experience, anyway) but he's always ready to get you a drink. Bottled beers are $2.50. YUM. There's a pool table and some darts, plus TVs for sports. Closed on Sundays. What more do you need? read more

I've been here several times but sort of gave up because of the problems others have mentioned. It's kind of a standard smallish sports bar. Not a ton of TVs, no kitchen, bar, some "private-ish" booths, darts, jukebox and a pool table. Every time I've been there it has indeed been REALLY smokey. More than I would expect at a bar. Might be an airflow issue. Windows being open does help. When we've played pool there, the people have been pretty varied - sometimes way cool and fun, other times real a** holes. We've talked with the owner(s?) several times. The first time they were really pretty cool and friendly, but that was right when they'd opened. The last couple times we were there, they were actually a bit short with us, so we left to go elsewhere. In the end, I would recommend another bar in the area over this one, but for what it is, it's fine. A bar with tables, booze, ok prices, and some TVs and pool. read more

This place is a solid 3-stars. I like the lay-out. It has a pool table and is an all-around nice play to spend a low-key evening. I should have asked if the dog that was there was part of the scene or was just visiting for the night. If he's always there, then this place gets bumped up a star, cus he was awesome (although I think the bar is dog friendly). I think the beer selection could use a boost. The prices are good. If you're with some friends that are looking to chill and are in the area, then this isn't a bad place to visit for a beer or four. read more

This place has potential, but it's got some big downsides. First, it's extremely smoky. Like, hurts your eyes smoky. It's manageable in the summer, with their windows open, but in the winter, it's terrible. Second, they keep the music cranked incredibly loud! I don't mind loud music, but it's got a time and a place - and at a bar, it shouldn't overpower conversation. That being said, I've found the bartender (owner?) to be a really friendly guy and the crowd to be pretty chill. I just don't think I'll be going back until they open their windows again. read more

This is the place to chill out for a few hours with your dog and good friends. You don't have pushy waitstaffing asking if you want another drink or people crowding the bar. Just a real chill place. Love it. Will be returning very soon. read more

Super fun bar with a nice dive-y feel. I like a dive bar that's not excessively dirty or run down, and driftwood does that. They have lots of places to put your drink while playing games which is a huge plus in my book. They have pool and two dart boards for free 24/7. There is also for some weird reason a giant teddy bear always sitting in the corner booth. If you're looking for some well priced beers and a fun night of bar sports, this is the spot for you. read more

Say what you will about this hole, but there's 2 dollar beers and I've never shot darts with a nicer dart set. They were wood and feather darts. You ever seen that before? And the whole time we were there nobody stabbed us. Not even a nick. read more

I give it three stars for three good D's: Dogs, Darts and Dive. I read some of the other reviews, and they are pretty spot on - the owners are a little rude, but it's a dive, so you really can't expect all that much. The pool table is usually run by the regulars, so don't expect to play. Expect to have a free juke box a majority of the time, because virtually no one plays it (aside from the fact that it's never really packed enough to have anyone play it). Cheap beer, dart board, low key crowd. Not too bad if you're with a good group of your own. Major downside - it's hot. Like very hot. They haven't put the AC on once since I have been there this summer - about fifteen times since May. read more

I been there 1 time and never went back I was disappointed dogs was walking around,and roaches was crawling on the counter/bar top

Absolutely the worst bar I've been to on the north side. I've worked at all sorts of bars, including dive bars. This bar has zero personality, and every single bartender is incredibly rude and just doesn't seem to give a damn. I know dive bars are inherently dirty, but this one takes the cake. It's probably more dark than normal to hide everything unsightly. The bathrooms smell incredibly bad, and to top this evening off, a Rottweiler was BEHIND the bar barking at every guest in the place. I will never enter this fleabag dirt hole again. read more

Small, low-key, chill, friendly, and dog friendly. Great place to stop in for a drink and bring the pooch. There's only one pool table so don't expect it to be free on a regular basis, but a great place to relax and unwind. read more

This bar is a fine place to spend an evening. Their alcohol selection is not amazing, but the prices are decent. They do not serve food, which would be a downside if it were not for the fact that they allowed dogs. I watched two dogs chase around a tennis ball for most of a night until they had destroyed it. It was then my privilege to watch a black lab try to get the cue ball off of the pool table (they have a pay pool table). I and a group of people went here for a friend's birthday because we figured that we had a lot of people coming and it would not be all that packed. We were correct. It made for an excellent birthday party. read more

FRAUD! I had a couple beers here with my girlfriend and the next day my bank called me telling me someone made a copy of my credit card and had used it to spend $300 out of my account. This was the only location I had used that card at in many days. This place stole from me. Do not go here. read more

This is really as good as it gets....If you are one for low key watering holes then this is your place...no matter what your age is or who you are your always welcome at the Driftwood (crackheads excluded and associated friends there of). Beer prices are always on the low side and a conversation isn't too far away. In need for some food? then hit up La Taqueria Mr. Salsa next door or anyone of the assorted delivery menus they have at the bar. Here is another MAJOR plus, the bar is dog friendly. There is always at least 1 or 2 dogs hanging out. In my opinion, I find this a great place just because I know that every time I walk in there are going to be good people around. read more

I really liked this place. It's dog friendly, and while I don't have my own dog, I love petting pretty doggies. The beer was cheap, especially for a Friday night. There's pool and darts. The pool table line moves quickly and we got to play, whoo! The darts were also open a significant part of the night. There is a lot of good seating, high tables, a super big booth in the corner and room at the bar. The only thing stopping me from being here on the regular is how far north it is. read more

I came here on a Saturday night for a couple beers. After sitting down for a bit, two roaches came crawling up the bar. It was disgusting!!! Came right up to my beer glass- but they allow dogs so that was the main reason we stopped in, which I appreciated. The roaches, not so much read more