Tuesdays = $2 all beers = great. I've never actually been to Estelle's on a non-Tuesday night, but I think it's a good time. Not one of the greatest bars ever, but definitely not the worst. It's fun but gets way too packed near midnight, which is irritating. Good mix of people at the beginning of the night, fun crowd. Great place to go with friends. read more

Hey man $2 draft beers on Tuesdays? You will catch me there. Seems like a lot of the chicks are in heat on Tuesday night in August also, must be the end of the summer. Nice little spot, light on the wallet, heavy on the beer. I will never be in good shape while places like this are near. My unruly mustache and comically loud tanks Seem to mix nicely with all the cheap dudes and skanks. read more

Y'know, I don't actually mind hipsters and I won't avoid a place because of all the hipsters. I just happen to notice when there's a lot versus, not a lot. This place is one that always has a lot. Whatever, they have $2 Tuesdays, save for a couple beers, but that's fine since they've got pretty solid ones on tap. There's one bartender that obviously isn't thrilled to be working $2 Tuesdays, but if you're lucky he'll give you back more money than he should. My friend is honest and gives him the money back, but I'm pretty sure one day someone won't. Maybe it'll be you? The other guys? Yeah, they're pretty cool. Had a server one night and for the most part, she was actually very attentive. However, the bar isn't all that big which makes getting to the bathroom a pain in the ass because hipsters don't like to move. Good thing they generally weigh 100 lbs, they're easy to move out of the way. Seriously though, it really sucks trying to get through this crowd. This is probably why so many people pee in the alley. Oh, yeah, past all the smokers you'll find someone squatting. If this is a problem, don't look. Let's get real, this is a 4am bar and we all know nothing good comes from 4am bars, especially when they serve good beer. Overall, it's actually an alright bar, I just really hate trying to get to and from the bathroom...oh, then there's also the fun game of trying to figure out who's waiting for the bathroom. read more

Wicker Park is quietly turning into obnoxious Lincoln Park, as I recently discovered I am the last to know. Why didn't anyone tell me?! After a frantic evening of trying to find an available restaurant and settling for a below average meal, I wanted to find a cool bar where we could talk, not shout, at each other. As soon as we entered Estelle's I knew this was the best decision. It truly is a lovely bar with great booths, dim lighting and cool tunes. Until the Trixies arrived. A loud, drunk group of 20 arrived on their "Party Bussss!" with handheld signs announcing the 30th birthday of one of their clan. Leading the group was a young girl with a loud whistle in her mouth, which she used with every exhale. I gently tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me?" "WE'RE LEAVING!" she bitched. "Oh, well that isn't what I wanted to speak to you about and I'm sorry for the interruption." She used her whistle again to call out to her "homie" friends. "I don't mean to spoil your good time, I was just hoping you could chill on the whistle. I'm sure you understand it isn't the most pleasant sound in the world." She disMISSed me and I thought it was over. The clan headed back to the "Partay BUSSS" to stop at their next drunken adventure. One girl headed to the door and SLAMMED her beer bottle on our table before exiting. We were pretty shocked... it was loud and rude, but so were they. The next girl to leave did the same thing. Loud thud on our table and surprised looks on our faces. Before the entire group left, one impish girl screamed at the bar, "Whistles! I LOVE WHISTLES!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!" If you can tolerate drunken idiot frat guys and girls, you can handle the uncool people that will frequent this place, as its location is on the firing line of frat and phat. I'd go back. But I'd have to bring a whistle in case we have another showdown. read more

Awesome experience! Estelle's has $2-3 drafts on Tuesdays and it's so great. Beef was a personable, smart and fun bartender and created such a bumpin' playlist. Right off the Damen stop on the blue line, convenient, cheap, wonderful read more

Yet another place I see I'm going to have to ban myself from because of the following: So Carol J, her lawyer, an Irishman (Ronnie) and a rockstar walk into a bar......... After a day of closing up shop down the street, seeing a great show at the Double Door I ended up at Estelle's and then somehow in the back of a limo going to a Lolla after party after having a passionate discussion about New Mexican green chilis, getting my neck licked by a random cute boy, a quick "accidental" fondle of the breasts by two frat guys betting on whether they are real or not (yes they are real) and several other sordid details not fit for Yelping. Yes, thats is how sordid they were. I remember a billion shots flying around me but having the brains to avoid fire. What was I thinking? read more

Was here on a thursday night at around 2am. Loved the darkness and red colored walls. These walls either reminded me of being in the womb or being in the sacrificial room in the basement of the house in Amiityville Horror. Either way, I felt pretty comfortable. I wasnt necessarily impressed with the music selection as others have mentioned, but maybe I'll pay attention more the next time I'm there or be less drunk on arrival. Big booths were all full on arrival at a little after 2am so we stood by the bar. Wasnt too busy, but then again there were slight snow flurries. Had a fair time. read more

Went here as an after dinner chill spot with a date and freaking LOVED this place. I'm a dive bar fan and I'd put this one on a step up from dive bars. You have to like 90s rock to enjoy this place, was actually my date's suggestion and I can't find fault in it. As long as you know what you're getting into, that is. We had 2 waitresses, the second one was drunk as hell herself but they were both very friendly and I even fanagled a couple freebies out of the drunk one. Needless to say, any bar where I can get free drinks at I'm a huge fan at. The music is fairly loud but not enough where I couldn't make conversation. Will definitely go back to this place. read more

Estelle's is probably my favorite of the many bars I checked out during my recent visit to Chicago. Beers are cheap, servers are friendly, and the jukebox is top-notch. Punk, indie, metal, soul, oldies, good jams all around. Hipstery dive bar in Wicker Park that isn't pretentious or snooty. I'll definitely be hitting it up on my next trip. read more

I can't pinpoint exactly why I love Estelle's, but maybe that's part of it! Intangibly excellent... Least pretentious non-dive in the area. Friendly staff, great specials, usually a decent crowd. read more

We went in 4/5 and had a few gumball head three floyds...When we got the tab...it was $14 we definitely thought out tab was going to be about $25 when we asked if we received our right tab he said yes and we were happy of course he charged the card and we gave him a great tip. The following day we received a charge on the card for $40.....which was was crazy...it was not that busy if you made a mistake after we asked that is not my problem. The fact that we were charged $40 was even crazier I couldn't believe it. read more

For a long time, Estelle and I didn't get along. It was loud, it was smoky and it was a total sausagefest every time I stepped through the door. These days, Estelle's has a more chill vibe (and diverse populace) with one of the better beer selections in the neighborhood. These days, you'll find me at Estelle's every Tuesday for their $2 drafts. Try the Whittekerke, it's a Belgian white beer in a can. Crazy, I know, but for $2 you'll be happy you gave it a shot. read more

Come for some late night drinking. Stay for a random movie on Netflix. Estelle's has been one of my new go to spots as of late. It's pretty much the opposite of other bars in the area. There's more of a laid back vibe and not douchey. They've got pretty decent beers on draught and the food is pretty solid. The kitchen (aka the grill behind the bar) is open pretty late. That's great when's there's not many food options after 2 am. Estelle's usually has a few Half Acre options when it comes to beer which is a big plus for me. They don't have a giant selection of beer, but what they do have is pretty decent. Along with Half Acre expect Lagunitas, Three Floyd's, Bell's, etc. One of my favorite things about this place is the entertainment. By that I mean employees use their Netflix accounts to watch movies. I think it's great that I can watch Pulp Fiction at 2 am in a bar with a delicious beer and a burger. The movies range from Training Day to Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! A real classy establishment. read more

Estelles had the best bartender/waitress ever, and also the worst bartender ever. That's it really. read more

Never step foot in this bar again. It smells bad and the bartenders and door man are rude!!! Horrible experience. Least favorite bar in Wicker Park! read more

Small bar located in Wicker Park, this place had great beers at pretty good prices, their appetizers are pretty cheap too! The only thing not so great about this place is how small it is, but it has great decor. The staff is very friendly and it doesn't get super loud. They have specials on PBR every day $2 and other drink specials Monday-Friday I think. I'm a fan, but I still have more exploring to do in Wicker Park. read more

Honestly, I never remember entering or exiting Estelle's. In fact, I'm not even sure I know how to get there without the asistance of a cab driver. It tends to serve as an awkward 3am bathroom pit stop...then I smoke a cig in the alley...lend my lighter to a drunk girl who never returns it...talk to some "hipsters"... stumble to a cab..and...scene. I'm not sure what my rating is based on but I've never been in a fight here and there is always someone else as drunk or drunker than I am who is willing to chat about things that don't make sense.... Bonus. read more

Quite possibly the most overrated bar in Chicago. Its only redeeming qualities are the location and its hours. These qualities make up the thin veneer of an otherwise forgettable sack of bore. I would rather drink alone in my bathroom than drink at Estelle's. I've heard all about how great this place is. I've been here more than once, and every single time I was bored to the point of absurdity. Half the people here were too cool to talk to anyone. The other half were frat-boy jocks trying to hook up with the "unique" girl they never got to nail, along with lincoln park whores fresh over from john barleycorn's trying out the "artsy" bars. What you're left with is a dark, depressing and ugly wooden bar with rude service and lame clientele. There is no reason to go here, unless you like to torture yourself. read more

It's a typical dive bar with good beer on most days, but on $2 Tuesday, you can get drunk on tasty microbrews. If you haven't reached the point in your life where you say "man, I need to stop being a functioning alcoholic" - check this out on Tuesday. read more

I'm not sure if I remember all that much about this bar. Other than it's dark, smokey and slightly over-crowded. As a late-night bar it tends to be one of those places where you stumble over to when you're just not ready to go home...it's also one of those places where you make those bad decisions. Luckily, I figured out that I was way past drunk and I didn't need to stay till the lights (and sun) came on/up. Also, from what I remember, I believe they had really great drink specials during the week. For some reason I remember getting a blue moon for 2 dollars, but don't quote me on that. To be reviewed more at another drunken night. read more

UPDATE: Went on a Tuesday night after IAMX concert. $2 Blue Moon pints and fried shrimp at midnight? Yes, please! And it wasn't crowded at all, but the peopl there were mighty cute. Any bar that is packed with people and still serving drinks at 3 a.m. is aces with me. Also, if you live on the Blue Line, the proximity is a godsend. I don't know if I would wait in line on a freezing January morning to get inside, but I forsee many Estelle's nights in my summer. read more

Estelle's should be viewed as 2 separate bars. First you have the nice and quiet early evening bar. It is perfect for an after dinner drink, or just a quiet drink with a friend. At about midnight it starts to pick up a bit and 2am it turns into a whole different beast. If you are sober enough to realize what is going on get ready to be entertained with all of the shenanigans and magic happening around you. I used to live 2 blocks from here so Estelle and I had our share of good times and bad times. Coming back 6 years later and still seeing some of the regulars is a great thing. I am still not sure how it works, but some nights you cannot move and there is a line out the door, and other nights it is dead. I think this is the most tolerable late night bar in the area, but it can be obnoxious. I have wound up in numerous WTF moments here and after which I think have made me a better person ;) read more

Estelle's may always smell like a toilet, but on Tuesdays they have $2 beers. I know, right? And their selection is pretty stellar. I would advise on Tuesdays to go as early as possible and leave around 11pm, when I noticed a decidedly younger and more annoying crowd taking over the bar. Other than Tuesdays, I would not hang out at Estelle's. read more

I've been in Estelle's more than a few times now and it's becoming one of my favorites in the Chicago area. It truly is one the last spots at the Wicker 6-point that has kept it "real." The tunes are great, the decor is dark and loungy, and the people are genuine and interesting. I always enjoy bringing first-timers here that are usually stepping out of their comfort zones. I've never had anyone tell me they wish we hadn't gone. it's nice to have places like Estelle's to take me out of the humdrum Chicago bar scene for a while, even if it's only 2 hours a week... Awesome people, good drink prices, killer tunes. read more

I like Estelle's. They were one of the few bars that wasn't packed to the brim on NYE and didn't jack up the prices on their drinks. On regular nights, it's a pretty chill crowd. The bartenders have always been nice to me and help me choose a beer or drink when I'm being indecisive. This place is great for late nights when you just don't want to go home or if you need a place to start off with a few cheap drinks. read more

I have had many great late nights here. The staff is caring and accommodating. Once inside its a fun environment and the crowd is generally nice. The PBR here is legit, i know cause i have tested it thoroughly. Cheers for holding down the points! read more

I stopped going here when Daley decided to take away my privilege as an American to enjoy nicotine with my alcohol in a bar. So for nostalgia... I'd give this place (on a Tuesday around 8 or 9 pm (about 3 years ago)) 100 stars. $2 beer dogs, $2.50 Guinness... Drunk by 11pm. Never had to worry about the dick bags that might show up later to scoop up some "I hate my dad" tail still stumbling around at 3am. Never had a bad time here... even got free chicken wings when I called a waitress out on being racist. Well that's all fine and dandy, but it's 2009. We Americans voted for Change. I don't go here anymore. But I salute the few, the proud, the estelle's patrons. Five stars! Note: I'll be back sooner or later and smoke outside in the dismal shit stank alley. read more

Terrific deals most nights of the week. Detailed liquor selection. About 16 drafts, in addition to things in bottles and cans. I'll probably eat here in a little. It's close to the Blue line so you hear the trains going by. read more

I stopped here with friends after a Yelp Event. We ordered beers and burgers....it was a Monday...burgers ended up being half price. The burgers rocked, the bartenders were friendly and prompt with the beer service. I had the jalapeno burger and it actually had a spicy flavor...nice. I need to remember not to forget this place...they are open late. I will be back. Bike parking out front. read more

This is where I go when I am allowed to pick the bar. Or when I am going to the bar alone after Double Door, or after my friends have crapped out, or whatever. I love this place, but it's probably a matter of taste so this review will mean nothing to most people. I do have to say that the bartenders are always super friendly, except for that time my friends tried to steal drinks and, honestly, they deserved what they got. Plus they weren't banned, which was classy of Estelle's. read more

If you're here shortly after work or before... say, 10pm on a weekend night, this place is 3-4 stars. The booths are nice, food specials are good - a nice place to hang out with a few friends when it's not crowded. But boy, the closer it gets to 2am, this place fills up, and from 2-4 it's a huge meat-market: wall-to-wall with hipsters (both young and aging) and other assorted douchebags looking one last time for someone to get laid that night. No thanks. read more

By far, still my favorite bar in the area. Great staff, reasonable pricing, and a comfortable atmosphere. It does tend to get quite crowded on any given night (usually after 2am bars close), so come early(er) if you plan on having any personal space. read more

Didn't realize that Estelle's was a Cafe. It's a bar. It's open late. There seems to be a line after 2am. It's obnoxious. The place is small (or there were alot of people). I'm basing my review on the few times I went. I went with good people and was there at 3am.... drunk. A dive bar at one of the the hippest intersections of Chicago. Parking around there sucks. read more

The crew here is great, and weeknights are a blast. The only thing I would warn against is trying to get in after 2am on a Thursday through friday, since you'll probably find yourself standing in line. During the week, the place is frequented by the usual musician / artist / service industry crowd and you couldn't ask for a much cooler vibe. On the weekends, though, those folks tend to steer clear and let the suburban interlopers attempt to fumble into drunken hook-ups before getting booted at 4am or 5am. read more

Tuesday-pre 2am. Any beer $2. A pint of Dead Guy Ale for $2? Count me in. Also, the jukebox is great. Any day besides Tuesday or after 2am, not so much. The shit from next door at sub-t piles in and it gets ridiculously crowded. Avoid, unless you're into every person walking by you touching you all night. read more

I once loved this place and frequented it very often. I loved the wine prices, especially for in that area. A friend and I found out that they have $3 burgers on Tuesdays and figured it was a given to eat there. We were the first people in there and wrongly assumed we would get decent service, nope. We ordered 3 burgers from the bartender who was nice to us a few times previous. We ordered 2 medium and 1 well burger. The 2 mediums were burnt black on the outside and RAW on the inside. I had to ask to have him nuke it for fear of burning the outside even more. It tasted terrible and completely disappointing. Our drinks were never refilled and we were never checked on after that. They were too busy watching television in the corner. Once we realized that this experience really sucked, there was a creepy crawly on the booth...it was a freaking roach. NEVER AGAIN. EVER. read more

It's open late! So many places in Chicago close at 2 am, but not Estelle's (or a bunch of taquerias). For this, I want to give Estelle's 5 stars. I'm only giving it 3 stars, though, because I had a weird experience. They have a huge tap selection and great prices, but were out of the beer they were advertising for a special price, so I ordered a cider. It was delicious! However, I drank about 2/3 of the cider when I noticed there was a bunch of small, hard, black chucks and flakes floating around near the bottom of the glass. My friends and I didn't eat anything there and I hadn't eaten anything hard, black, and chunky earlier in the day, so it wasn't by own backwash. When I brought the beer and glass back to the bar, I didn't ask for anything, but I told the bartender what I saw. She examined the glass, examined the cider, make a "yucky" face, threw out the beer in the sink, and said, "sorry," and then turned away. That was it? I used to work in a restaurant so I know when people are trying to get a free drink or meal out of someone: drink all of the beer or eat all of the food and then say you didn't like it. I don't try to pull these stunts because bartenders can see right through you, when you do these things! But, I was kind of surprised the bartender didn't offer to replace the drink. I just said thanks and walked away. I didn't order anything else. It was really busy and it was at the end of the night so maybe the bartender was tired, but it was a little bit weird customer service experience. Maybe the black stuff was from the keg or the tap, but still. I will probably go back, but I will be examining my beer glass very carefully next time. I like that they're open late. read more

I've been here several times now and this review is way overdue! Stopped in most recently for cocktails and was pleasantly surprised to find it was 1/2 off signature cocktails (all night long on Wednesdays) and half off the bomb grilled cheese menu. Loved my bartender both times I've been in - Beef! Beef is amazing, she slings out cocktails in record speed with awesome accuracy. Her personality keeps me coming back! Last note, love the old classic cocktails...not so much the new funky cocktail menu...seems a bit complex for the clientele...perhaps some of the new cocktails belong at Violet Hour? I feel that many people who regular Estelle's would have to ask multiple questions about the cocktail ingredients before further pondering their order. Estelle's gives out the vibe of a beer and a shot kinda place. Regardless, I love this spot and it's punk rock vibe - I'll be back in no time! read more

It's a cool place.....if you're into tight jeans and tattoos. I went there late on a Tuesday nigh with a friend and it was packed pretty tight. It's nice to know I'm not the only one that needs a drink on a Tuesday. My friend also knew the bartender so we got a couple shots for free. I agree with other people here, in that it would be nice if it were a little bigger. But that's just the story of my life and I guess I'll have to deal..... sigh But overall a cool place with a chill vibe. Hooray for hipsters. read more

Recently fell in like with Estelle's. Tuesday's are a-mazingly cheap. Cheap drinks, apps, generally a good place to get full and drunk without dropping a lot of dough. Generally has a nice ambiance and cozy atmosphere. After 2am, the place blows up! Tons of drunks, usually a line to get in. A great place to be stupid and spill your drink on someone. Side note: always smells like a toilet in there...weird. read more