Estelle's straight up is a vibe, especially during their happy hour. Music is always on point and the bartenders are so friendly. I like to visit during less busy nights to get some work done when I need a change of scenery. read more

Came here on a Saturday night around 8:30pm, was able to get a booth and watch a slew of very intoxicated people stumble over each other and call each other boss. The beer options were okay, and the vibe was more of a post club feel, not a fan. read more

Estelle's - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Conveniently located dive bar. Came here on St Pattys weekend so obviously busier than usual. Ordered a Guinness and it was fresh and quick. Will come back to try it out again! read more

Cool place! Estelle's has been on my Yet List for more than a decade. We went for happy hour last Sun (1/5) about 5p. There was one other patron; two more arrived a little later. It reminded me of "After Hours" (when Paul gets to the bar)- too early and a work night to be crowded. We'll go back on a Fri or Sat. It has that cool old feeling like Simon's. read more

Estelle's - Great cheese curds! Me thinks the sauce is a garlic ranch. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Fantastic happy hour M-F: HALF OFF ALL DRINKS! They also have food but I have yet to try it. Everything I've seen so far looks great, though. It's usually not too busy here except for show nights at Subterranean next door. Decent view of the Milwaukee intersection from the front windows for some people watching, too! read more

The short and sweet of it...we stopped in to get something to eat before heading to Subterranean for their 70s Disco night DJ set. We walked into the bar and were immediately hit with very loud music. There wasn't a lot of available space to sit so The Doctor, Queen and I went to a table top for four in the window. It was clear some people had been sitting there, but the table had not been cleared. The Doctor moved everything over to the table next to us and we sat down. A bartender eventually came over to remove the empty glasses from the table next to us and cleaned it. Looked over at us, said he would clean the table but it would leave the table wet, so he just walked off. We looked at each other and decided that we did not want to order anything. Fortunately we saw Cafe Robey, which was a lovely find and ate there. Just didn't feel the vibe there. Maybe the food is good, I don't know. But I am a big fan of talking and while I love music, I don't want it so loud that I to yell to have a conversation. read more

Estelle's - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We went on a Friday evening during their happy hour. Half priced drinks was a great deal. We had a few canned drinks and two house cocktails - they were good, but nothing out of this world. The ambiance is dark and moody. At around 5:30 all the tables were taken except the one we were at. It was a little difficult to find the restrooms. Overall would come back and recommend for an affordable happy hour. read more

Estelle's - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to this bar with a big group of coworkers during happy hour on a Friday since our work is very close. There was only one bartender working and our group had 20-30 people. The bartender was very slow, and it took a long time to get a drink order. He seemed rather nervous when making simple drinks. At one point, he dropped the shaker when making a mixed drink. Our group was patient with the bartender as we ordered more drinks. At one point, the bartender took a picture of our group and sent it to his manager. He eventually told us, that he couldn't serve "us people" because we had only tipped him $17. With the amount of people and drinks ordered, that was completely false. The impression was made that he no longer wanted to serve us because of the races that were present (white and black) and that we were too loud. We may have been energetic, but it was because we were having fun. Our behavior was completely normal for being at a bar (talking over loud music). The bartender told us we were no longer welcome. There was no warning, and the comment came as an absolute shock. Everyone was respectful, and I can't believe a bartender would treat a room full of teachers from the neighborhood school that way. It was a very uncomfortable encounter to witness as it seemed we got kicked out for the way our group looked. This was not a welcoming atmosphere, and I would not recommend this bar. They need to hire more help that are respectful of different cultures and peoples. read more

Don't come here if Nates behind the bar he is strung out and incredible rude and yells at guest. For some one that is supposed to be in hospitality he sure don't know how to act! If you can mange you job you should find a new job!! I am sorry your hung over it's not my fault! read more

Estelle is a local neighborhood dive bar. I ordered a BYO-Burger- this just means I created my own burger. It was amazing my only critique would be that it was a little bit over seasoned, but who cares anyway it's a dive bar lol The drinks were amazing and kind of crafty if you ask me. The service was surprisingly good if you ask me. I do think that the music was a little too loud for me but I still did enjoy the place. read more

Estelle's - a man working in a restaurant kitchen - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Had a great experience Sunday at Estelle's. Grace, Ashlee and Nate were all amazing. Music was on point. Highly recommend the nuggets if you're hungry. read more

Estelle's - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A person that takes the time to give a 1 star review to this place is the type that has to be asked to leave the bar because of their behavior. This is a neighborhood bar where the bartenders take care of you. Full stop. Sounds like some people can't handle rejection. ‍ read more

Brought some friends from out of town to try a shot of Malort in this bar in Oct 2024. The bartender told us how she moved here from New York to live in Chicago bc other cities rent was unaffordable. When I asked what neighborhood she picked to live in, she immediately asked, "why, are you landlord?" I replied and said yes, I have had a tenant in my home for 9 years now. She told me how she will not serve us bc I'm a landlord, walked away and wouldn't allow me to buy another drink. A bar filled with hate and politics is a place I'll never visit again unfortunately. Ironically, I saved my money as a bartender to buy my home and rent it to a friend who is also a server at a restaurant. I used to come to this 4am bar to grab a burger after my bartending shifts when I worked across the street but that will never happen again. My experience in the industry is that a negative staff always trickles from the top (either bad management or ownership). read more

Nicholas was the gem of this establishment. Welcoming, quick on his toes and just all around a 10/10 human being. Looking for a genuine vibe? Stop in; you won't regret it. read more

Estelle's is a "neighborhood bar" that happens to be located just off the major Wicker Park intersection of Damen / North / Milwaukee. I've been there a couple of times to enjoy their Happy Hour, and amazingly all drinks are half-price between 4 - 6 PM every day. The selection of beers on draft is not too shabby. Their limited food menu also spotlights some daily specials. I've not had any of the food, but my bud enjoyed the Wednesday special - party pockets (basically pizza puffs) with fries. read more

This is the second time I've gotten bad service here. I will say this time the bartenders were really nice, cause the last time the bartender was very rude. It might be because we look a little younger but she just refused to serve us and it was pretty empty. But this time the guy who made our food was very overwhelmed, it took us an hour and a half to get one cheeseburger. I wasn't really mad cause i can see that he was overwhelmed but when I waved at him about an hour after I ordered he just waved at me back and rolled his eyes. Again I get that he was overstimulated but I thought that was rude and maybe they need an extra cook if he was getting this upset. read more

Great happy hour prices (every day 4-6pm), and the drinks are unique. It's a bit dark inside, but the service is good and very convenient location next to the blue line. read more

Estelle's is a great local neighborhood bar. Great location, happy hour specials and a lot of food options. Ambiance is very chill and peaceful. Overall, great spot! read more

Small bar, decent drinks, and finger bar bites. There wasn't a true kitchen, so don't come expecting a full on meal- it was more of a frying station behind the bar. Nothing bad to say- It was casual and easygoing, no frills. Garlic Parm Fries were addicting. Half off drinks during Happy Hour was a good deal. read more

They've got a great happy hour deal here, half off all drinks 4-6pm! Came here on a Monday night around 5:30 and plenty of seats were open. The gimlet with death's door gin was actually very interesting and strong, since the gin is flavored with juniper, coriander and fennel. It had a very "spicy" flavor reminiscent of chai. There are quite a few options for draft beer, and they also have daily specials which you can view on their website. This is right next to the Damen blue line stop, and very conveniently located to other restaurants and thrift stores on Milwaukee. I would definitely come back for their happy hour again! read more

I don't want to gatekeep but this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE LATE NIGHT bar to frequent. Like it closes at like 4am and food is still served pretty late. It's not like a super masculine dive bar, it's for the girlies & movie buffs since they always have really interesting movies playing (like Perfect Blue or LOTR). Plus the bartenders are always so sweet and respectful and check in with you. The jalapeño poppers are my fave and the havarti burger always hits the spot after clubbing. read more

Estelle's - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have frequented Estelle's in trips to Wicker park but was completely out of the loop they served food late. For a late night bar the food had no business being this good but honestly no complaints from my end. They have a variety of sandwiches and other options depending on your mood. Everything is reasonably priced and they have daily specials. I love the variety of beers on tap and still think about the house cranberry holiday seltzer they would make. Wicker staple for sure, can never go wrong stopping in read more

Estelle's - a cheeseburger and french fries - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have become an ardent fan of Estelle's for happy hour. With half-off drinks, the value is real. Add to it fun, kind staff and a chill environment, Estelle's has all one needs for a nice time with friends. Their beer selection is expansive, with several local choices for us craft beer aficionados. Their grill is fired up at 4:00 pm and runs until 3:30 am. I previously misstated a 7pm grill start time, and thankfully, the owner corrected me. I noted the time because on one night I went to Estelle's from an early dinner to meet hungry friends, they were told the grill opened at 7pm. So they waited to order something. Hopefully this is a one-off kind of thing since the owner was clear in noting the grill opens at 4:00pm. Anyway, fun place, and even if the grill opens late, there are a lot ot options around. read more

Estelle's - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On Wednesday March 26th the bartender told my friends and I to "F*ck off" and not to "go out and not tip". They didn't get tipped bc of their terrible attitude. The bartender seriously needs to lose their job and do some self reflection. read more

They open doors to everyone but there are definitely undertones of exclusivity. I've been told by several employees that ownership is biased. I've seen some pass out and fall over drunk with ambulance called and those very people be welcomed back with open arms. I've seen law abiding paying customers who don't fit the mold be turned away for being minority. Please avoid this place. They are one of the few late night places left on that strip, but they don't want everyone and they've made that clear. read more

Fun dive bar tonight off the blue line. Always a good mix of people and fun people watching . read more

Estelle's - Shots! - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A classic... and a nostalgic visit for me. There ain't much left of this neighborhood - pre Starbucks. So, it's nice to see the bar maintaining a little edge. I suggest you call boarded-up, The Tavern space across the street, Borderline, and re-open with better music. Seriously, who makes a bar The Tavern? .... enough snide for today... hopefully Estelles will linger much longer. read more

Estelle's - Candies - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

TOTALLY forgot that this place has food! While roaming around to find food in the wee hours of a Chicago morning, I hopped on Yelp and saw that Estelles kitchen was open until 3am! WORD?!?!?! WORD!!!! The menu is super simple and reasonable, besides the great drinks they have. We opted for the Chicken nachos and sexy fries (fresh cut!!!!), which are a mix of the Cajun and Parmesan garlic - delish. You can tell the tortilla chips are made in house and that the cheese isn't the cheap, pasty one that Taco Bell uses. Quick service and the waitresses are lovely. I'll definitely be back on Mondays to try the half off burgers; they looked amazing. Either that...... or I just had the munchies REALLY bad. #JudgeYourself ‍ read more

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this place was so cute but the bartender told my friend "fuck you" for not tipping good enough but she was working there tonight and she had the nastiest attitude i've ever experienced. they were being really rude to my friends and had no idea how to make any of the drinks. or anything about the beer we were asking them about read more

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times at Estelle's. The experiences I've had here are completely dependent upon the staff of that given day. One day they're extremely personable and create a hospitable, welcoming environment. On other days certain staff make you feel that they're doing you a favor by getting you a beer. Playing Russian Roulette with my bar experiences can be frustrating. The food is consistently good and it's great to see the nostalgic movies/shows on the TVs. read more

Dive bar with some tunes from a jukebox and some cheap bar snacks. Came here on a whim just before heading out for the night. Ordered some sandwiches and fried pickles. Not really much to say as we didn't stay here long but the food was above average for a bar joint. Place was packed with limited seating but no one was on the dance floor. Worth a visit if you're looking for late night bites either before or after a night out. read more

Always great spot. Cajun fries and food overall awesome, fair prices on beer, attentive staff, chill environment. Cool late night bar on Friday's & Saturday's. Just miss the jukebox. read more

If you're looking to spend $17 and over an hour waiting for you to watch the cook flip your burger around for 25 minutes, this is place.

Perfect dive bar. Delicious crisp fresh fries. Drinks made perfect! Good date night place

Estelle's is a great gem in the Wicker park neighborhood. Just off the main strip, and slightly hidden next to Subterranean. When you walk in it seems like just a quiet relaxed bar, but then the beautiful sounds of punk music blesses your ears and takes you into the real feel of the place. Great selection of beers and cocktails at a fair price. The food was solid as well, we got the cheese curds. I'm so happy that this spot is right in Wicker as some of the other bars tend to be "uppity" and usually jam packed without being able to get a spot. This is the perfect spot for after work drinks, or just enjoying a drink on the weekend. read more

chicken nuggets were great chees fries were pretty good drink was solid overall damn good spot for what it is corner bar / sort of grill i'll go again sometime read more

The first time I had a beer with a useless friend named Jaik S. was here. The one thing we had shared thoughts about was that this place smells like fresh urinal cakes. I too have been here a lot and every damn time I go there the fresh smell of urinal cakes strikes me in the nose holes. Most people never pick up on the scent, maybe because of the smokes they've had out front. It seems most don't mind the smell. I kinda like it. Strangely. Another bar not too far off also on Milwaukee ave shares the same scent, I won't share the name with you, we'll leave the detail as an "egg hunt". For a "dark" bar, it's clean or at least I like to think it is. I like the layout, the cool feel and the lack of any pretentiousness. Usually you can be in the presence of cool folk but every once in awhile a few twats and weirdos creep their way in. When I'm here, one or more of these things is usually happening: 1. I'm all ready drunk. 2. I'm meeting friends. 3. I'm really bored, and don't want to go further. (Good eye candy usually. Go early.) 4. I'm drinking a lot and want to make a new friend. 5. I'm hoping to share fries with someone, but not a burger, me no like them here. (If you know Jaik S., you know I've copied his review format. I altered it for my own purpose.) Cheers. read more

Great dive. No frills. It's a late night place with a welcoming crowd from my experience.

Got here at 12:30 am.Its 1:13 a d I'm still waiting for a drink. Oh it's 1:30. Now asked about a drink. Menu thrown at me and told drinks and specials found there... Wow... read more

My first and last time going to Estelle's. I tried coming here on a Friday night around 11pm. I also bartend and they really didn't look too slammed. I came in with a couple friends and saw some free seats at the bar so we went to sit. The bartender (a fat white bald man with a terrible personality- shocker) saw me pull out my phone and scan the QR code for the menu and immediately came and asked me what I wanted. He had an attitude from the start asking "are you actually sitting here?" but I ignored it and smiled at him. I was super hungry and ordered fries quickly and then decided on two modelos. That all happened probably within 3-4 minutes. I pulled out my card to pay but I only had a prepaid visa I hadn't used before bc my only other card had just gotten flagged for fraud and canceled right before going in. I apologized to him and explained. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO MAKE FUN OF ME WITH A PATRON RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE :( it had only taken me a minute to activate the card and he was acting like I was going to steal the two modelos. He was making ugly remarks "apparently I have all day" "wow everyone she just has to activate her card" "not like I have anything else to do." He eventually just took the two beers and walked away. He seemed so angry and confrontational. Don't be a bartender if you hate people. The people you hire reflects on the business. I did notice that most of the people in that place were white, the bartender was white, the patrons around us were white but me and my friends are not white. Could be a coincidence but why risk it? There are way better places in the city. read more