What a little gem hidden in Wrigley, and so uncharacteristic of Wrigley! A great place to go where NO ONE from John Barleycorn will ever patron. Yessss! The north side mecca. The tables are covered and glazed with kitschy things like old postcards or random maps of Paris. The beer selection is exciting, and the bookcase of games combines drinking with some old fashion fun! The music is moderately quiet, so conversations are easy and flowing. Wear your flip flops, a tee-shirt, order a huge import beer, and test your skills on Trivial Pursuit. read more

Any place that serves Newcastle and offers Battleship will fast become a favorite of mine. Guthrie's is one of the only reasons I'd ever move back to Wrigleyville. Great bartenders. Amazing music selection. A great selection of board games (my favorite thing ever). Mini pretzels (!). People watching galore. I'll warn that this spot is uber popular & fills up quickly on a given night (especially on winter weekends) so plan ahead. read more

Big fan of Guthries. Great place for small groups (if you can get a table!) to drink and play games. They have a very large selection of games on their bookshelves. I recommend this place for small groups not willing to have their own home to host a game night. I also recommend this place as a place for introducing new people to your circle of friends, such as a significant other, co-worker, or just a plain new friend. The board games provide excellent ice breakers and the alcohol of course is the social lubricant. Sounds like a good combination to me. This place gets very crowded during the weekends. You will probably not enjoy this place if you aren't very outgoing, uncomfortable with your body touching another stranger's, or just plain claustro. read more

It has tons of games, it has Beamish (instead of Guiness) AND they allow BYOP (Bring your own pizza - or get it delivered ?!?)... this place is pretty great in my book. The service can be a bit touch and go and its obviously based upon the size of the crowds. Ultimately, its cozy, dark and filled with board games and that is why this is a 5 star kinda joint. read more

Couldn't decide between 3 and 4 stars. Here's why: it's a great concept and there are a lot of game choices, but the staff is either absent or less than friendly. Also, if you boast having take out menus to order from you would think there would be more than one set of menus for the entire place. We waited over a half hour for them to track down the coffee can full of take out menus...that's right-they apparently only have one can. And there isn't a huge variety of menus available...a little disappointing! But, the beers are reasonably priced and they play decent music. I think it's the people I'm with that make it fantastic-so in the end I went with only 3 stars-which makes me sad because Guthries has the potential to be 5 stars all the time... read more

This is the perfect bar to go to if you're looking for a laid back drinking experience on a weeknight. It's not bad on a weekend either, but you need to get there early enough to get a table, since after 8 or 9 the bar gets too big of a crowd for its size (it's hard to move). As other reviewers stated (for whatever reason) the drunken college crowd doesn't show up as often here. I'm starting to notice places that serve (or emphasize) micro brews tend to attract a more desirable clientele (at least in my opinion). While I haven't totally figured out the formula, I have been able to conclude that Micro Brews are a component of building a douche free bar. Wouldn't that make a great science project? Anyway, the atmosphere is great. Be sure to look up and check out the artistic looking pics on the wall. Moreover, this bar has an impressive selection of board games and even more impressive is the fact that I've never played one with pieces missing. Guthrie's is a quaint little Irish bar that's perfect to bring a date or just relax with some friends. read more

Possibly my favorite bar on the North Side, at least for during the week. On Saturday it gets intensely crowded, so you can't find a table, which removes the best part - friggin' boardgames, man! Always crazy fun, whether you're in a group or (my personal recommendation) you're on a second date and schooling your potential honey in Battleship. The bar has an excellent selection of beer, as well as great nightly specials. The decor is pretty standard, apart from the bad-ass ceiling art (and yes, I've noticed the creepy doll heads... those, I could do without). Minor complaint - the lighting is very low, which can sometimes make it difficult to see if you've got a B or an E in Scrabble, particularly by your fourth round. That's just a little gripe, though, because Guthrie's? Super fantastico. read more

I am a Boggle champion....and if it wasn't for Guthries, how would I know it? Friday night, around 11, we found a table...i know this unusual, but it happened...come to think of it, ive found a table here every time The music was lovely, and just loud enough to be able to hear it, but still hear yourself think and, miracle of miracles, even have a conversation! Best of all, 1 block to home and warm bedding! Makes me wish this place wasn't so popular, so I could become a regular and they would totally know me and I'd meet cute with some other gameboard playing regular, and we'd make gameboard champion babies. As it is, i can handle being another face in the crowd here. read more

I'm always looking for a good bar to go to and chill with some friends. This is definately the place for that. I didn't think I would care for it very much when I realized it was in Wrigleyville, but it's far enough away from the beaten path that most yuppies wouldn't venture here anyway. It's got a great looking bar with a nice beer selection. Lot's of micro-brews to choose from. Prices are reasonable on drinks and they have a bunch of menu's from places that will deliver. The board games is a genius idea. Nothing like getting drunk and playing battle of the sexes with some friends. The bartender was very nice and helpful. The only complaint I may have is that it's not very social if your not already going with a friend. Most of the people there were with some friends and completely engrossed in their own convesation. In my book that's not really a complaint though. read more

Are you game for Guthries? Do you enjoy drinking in a laid back atmosphere with an entire wall of board games at your disposal? For those of you out there in Yelp land who either excitedly nodded at the computer screen and are now getting odd looks from your co-workers or those who simply said yes then Guthries, my dear friends, is your cup of tea, joe, beer etc. A friend brought me to this Lakeview neighborhood bar last fall and upon entering I felt myself compelled to yell out Yatzi! Cool looking paintings on the ceiling (personal favorite is the Dr. Seus' Green Eggs & Ham) and row upon row of board games. Then last night after a rather lackluster evening of socializing two of my friends and I found ourselves needing a mood lifter. I recalled the bar and recommended we checked it out. Since my two friends enjoy a good game of Balderdash as anyone they were game (pun intended). It was like watching two small children on Christmas Day (or any other holiday where children are presented with the magic of mass commercialism). Moods were lifted, drinks were had and games were played. Only reason this place does not get a full 5 stars is due to the need to update some of the games. The Trivia Pursuit is extremely outdated and some of the games are missing pieces. Great beer selection at reasonable prices (As a Clevelander seeing Great Lakes Lake Erie Monster on tap made my heart swell with pride and my wallet deflate of money...so good!). If you're in the mood for a crowded, music blaring bar scene this is not the place to go to. But If you're in the mood for some 1950s wholesome fun of Connect 4 while hanging out with friends where you are able to actually hear them and the only yelling occurs when someone has screwed you over in Sorry definitely check Guthries read more

Mama like Guthrie's. This is one of my favorite places to hit up, especially in the winter when you want to feel all warm and fuzzy, and/or on a date when you want to have a little fun. It's so unassuming and relaxed, I feel like a lot of people don't even know it exists. You can spend hours here playing all your favorite games from childhood, trying out the new ones, and getting tipsy during the process...this has been known to actually help some people's gaming skills (moi for example). The only time I avoid this place is when there's a Cubs home game because the entire place goes from being a fun-filled game bar to just another Wrigleyville drunk-fest. read more

Tried this adorable dive bar out tonight. $7 glasses of Malbec treated us well. We observed that many dates were happening around us so it looks like this may be your next lucky date spot. The bar tender was not so friendly so would definitely sit at a table next time! read more

If you buy the specials and order all the drinks you want at once, Guthrie's can be fun. However, as Mike said, getting a drink can take for-freakin-ever. Props for the special beers. Like Victoria, I grabbed Dogfish Head for $3. The rest of my beer was purchased by Mike (God bless him), so I didn't feel the pocket pain. Anyway, here's the rule in an ideal world: In a bar with board games, people want to stay at their tables. Have a server present AT ALL TIMES. Seriously, he or she could make bank. read more

First, a caveat: everyone is talking about how quiet this place is and how great it is to be able to enjoy a night out with friends there, but sometimes it's just as crowded and loud as other Wrigleyville bars. I've been there 4 times, and twice they had Bruce Springsteen blaring (though I'd rather hear that than Britney Spears), so it was tough to carry a conversation. One way to ensure that you'll actually be able to hear your friend's snarky comments on your Scrabble words is to beat the rush. If you get there by 8-8:30, you should have no problem getting a table and making some new pals. All that said, Guthrie's is a bar for people who don't really like bars. The waiters and bartenders are always chatty and nice, though when they're busy it can be difficult to flag them down. Guthrie's is known, of course, for its board games, and it doesn't disappoint; basically any game you played as a kid is there in some shape or form. Beer selection is pretty good for a bar of its size. They have a lot of your typical stuff, but a decent amount of imported beers. They have an extremely limited menu of bar food (though the wings are decent), and most of the time they're out of half of the stuff. But they do offer a big 'ole tin of takeout menus, and a lot of places in the area will deliver directly to the bar without a problem. When all else fails, there's McDonalds and Taco Bell down the street.. because nothing is better than a cold Stella, The Boss, a taco, and Scrabble. read more

My old college roommate introduced me to Guthrie's and it was an absolute blast. So, when I reminded her how fun it is and that we should go there for her birthday, she agreed and once again we were not disappointed. They had drink specials on a Saturday night--not that many places do that. The first time I went the service wasn't that great, but this last time the waitress was nice, attentive and cheerful. Get there early to grab a table and a good game--I think I saw one Taboo in the whole joint and maybe three scrabbles. I also saw one group bring their own game--cool--but when it was snowing and 20 degrees out I would have stayed home and played! read more

Guthries might be my idea of a perfect bar. I am no party animal and I gave up the club scene about 3 years before I stopped going. I'm not much for dancing, or getting rowdy, or drinking myself into oblivion. I'll be the first to admit that I can be a homebody who loves conversation, intimate dinner parties, beer, playing apples to apples, and stuff like that. As such, Guthries is my ideal night out. This fabulous little tavern is a social introverts dream. It can get busy on weekends, but not in the way of your typical Wriglyville/Lakeview joint. Its not overly loud, they have a great beer selection, and shelves full of board games. They don't serve food, but have a collection of delivery menus so you can get what you like and have it delivered to the bar. Parking is a total hassle, but worth it to have a quiet night out and play some battleship over a good Belgian ale. read more

I really like Guthrie's. As far as the decor goes, there ain't nothin' special. It's a bar with tables and tons of board games! One thing I didn't like was how smokey the place was every time i went. Now that there's no smoking in bars, I'm sure that smell is lingering- not so pleasant.. Besides the smell, this is a great place for taking a date- myself and many friends have had the "early" dates at Guthrie's.. It's also cool to go with friends for a chill out night. Also, the bartender has a ton of food menu's (just ask) , so you can have it delivered to the bar. The food served at the bar is not so good. read more

This is Chicago at it's tiniest. The atmosphere has an antique charm to all, among other things. This is the little town bar you've been looking for. Five stars for Connect Four. I used to sleep above this tavern every now and then. This is forever engraved in my memory as a location that is a real original. read more

You know what I love about Guthrie's? EVERYTHING. Games? Check. Atmosphere? Check. Great drinks? Check. Take out food? Check. Me, there as often as possible? Check. What more do you need? NOTHING. On a side note, for fans (the few of us that there are) of the TBS series My Boys, I've always heard that they bar they always go to is supposed to be Guthrie's. Fun fact. read more

Games galore. I went here to meet my friend for a greeting and was very happy to see this place packed with people having conversation and playing board games. How cool is that?! They have a wonderful beer selection and the staff is great! Very friendly and inviting. The number one thing I love about this place is that you can bring your own food or order food from nearby restaurants...sweet! Great prices on drinks, not to loud, and a relax atmosphere. Enjoy! read more

I mean, I really wish the bartender wasn't so grumpy the night I was there. UGH! Other than that, great place. Probably perfect for a date, although I wasn't on one when I went, I feel like it would be perfect. They don't serve food, but you can order delivery. The group behind us was throwing down on some seriously awesome looking guacamole and they didn't share......... Interesting drink menu, tons of beers, and lots of board games to play! We opted for Candyland! Got there around 6:30p on a Friday night when it was 100 degrees out and there were plenty of seats. But by the time I left at 9p, almost all of the tables were full. Some guy came in selling tamales around 8:30p but we didn't get any, he was yelling. A little too aggressive. read more

As a Lakeview resident, this is my go to bar! My sister and I love coming here for the great pricing and ambiance. We're so lucky to be close to a bar with so many beer options and all the games we could imagine! read more

Awesome! I feel like I'm back in Northern Wisconsin hanging at a local pub. This place is excellent for small groups. But get here early because it gets crowded. read more

If you like the smell of raw sewage, then Guthrie's is for you! On Saturday 12Feb2011, we went to Guthrie's to play some games. As soon as we walked in we were overwhelmed by the smell of raw sewage and/or dookie. We immediately left in horror. The amazing part is that the place was packed and everyone was having a good old time, seemingly unaware that they were stewing in the stench of a million poops. STAY AWAY FROM GUTHRIE'S (unless you're a fecalphile or something) read more

After hearing about this place for years, I finally made it and I'm disappointed in myself for not coming sooner. I love the cozy tavern vibe and I'm an even bigger fan of board games! And oh man, there are so many games to choose from. I came here with a big group and we somehow were able to find several tables where we can set up shop for an evening of drinks and games. Only downside (and why I knocked off a star) is that there it seemed like they were understaffed that afternoon/evening and it took a really long time to get a drink order in. Nonetheless, I will be back and soon! read more

I've never enjoyed the board game selection here, but did have a pleasant evening sitting at the bar and chatting with a friend and admiring the bizarre ceiling decor. There's a healthy crowd here most evenings, so you don't feel like a lame-o in an empty bar on a Monday. HOWEVER. The first time I was here (admittedly after a Cubs game), my friend ordered a coke, and there were ants all up in it. Like in the coke, on the straw. Obviously this is not a normal occurrence here, but the servers/bartenders could not have been less bothered. They were just like "um, okay. So?" Uhhhh, replace it with a normal drink that is not tainted by insect, and apologize ASAP! The issue isn't that it happened but that they were like, totally unconcerned with her experience. Not very friendly. Not going to stop me from hanging out here, but I guess the moral is to avoid it after Cubs games unless you want to be ignored! Try going on a more chill weeknight and just having a drink and playing a game. read more

This is such a great hole-in-the-wall bar! I live near Guthries and have never stopped in until a few nights ago. And I'm so glad I did. I was meeting with an old friend and she suggested Guthrie's. What I love is the ambience. The lights are dimmed and candles are lit which set the mood. I will say as someone who doesn't drink beer I was a little bummed by their cider menu. I'm not a fan of Virtue or Vandermill but the Virtue Brut was pretty good. They have an expansive beer menu with a lot of different options. I also liked that they have a water station so you can easily get your own. The one unique thing is they don't have food but are totally cool with you ordering in. The bartender pulled out an old coffee tin with a bunch of take out menus. We ended up getting pizza. I love that they let you bring in outside food. I will definitely be back. read more

Really dig this place. It feels very out of character for Wrigleyville and I'm completely okay with that. There are some great beers both in bottles and on tap, and everything is reasonably priced as well. The board game selection here is really impressive too. I will suggest that you bring your own note pad and some sort of writing device to keep score, as most games are missing those pieces (as would be expected for games that get handled as much as these go). Surprisingly, for as much beer, sweat, blood, semen, and concentrated obnoxiousness that these games get exposed to nightly, they're all in pretty good condition. I highly recommend this place for a fun night out. read more

I think this bar has a great idea but hasn't been able to pull it off. Drinking and board games? Fantastic! However, if you plan to arrive after 8 or 9, plan on searching through old games that are missing lots of pieces. I have heard that the back area is great in the summer though. read more

Love this place. Even more impressive considering most of the frat boy drivel surrounding in this area. Great beer selection, very relaxed vibe. The only place I feel comfortable bringing our own boardgames and nerding it up with some great beers in hand. Oh and you can bring your own food. Definitely my bar of choice in the area. read more

I LOVE this place! It combines two of my favorite things: board games and drinking. Drinks are cheap and they have a great selection of beers. You can order delivery, anything your heart desires, and have it delivered to enjoy while you indulge in a game of Cards Against Humanity, or whatever... Great environment, fun local bar. Only downsides, it gets crowded (not a great place if you can't sit down) and they don't have Bananagrams (come on people!). read more

Board Games, Craft Beer, BYOF (bring your own food), and a lively environment?!?!? What more could anyone ask for? Took the parents, gf, and friend to visit this tavern over the weekend. We had a wonderful time and will be back in the future. read more

I love this place. Live right across the street from it, and have for 2 years and counting. So maybe I'm a little biased. I go here pretty frequently with some friends, we grab some board games and play the night away. Summertime is awesome, because of their kick ass beer garden. Granted, since it is right by the epicenter of douchebaggery that is Clark and Addison you get a bit of overflow from that, but nothing on the scale of John Barlecorn. I'd recommend this as a date location. No loud music, no surly crowds, the only chatter is the arguments over who got killed in the Library with the Candlestick. read more

Wish I lived in the area to be a regular, or to have more friends to play a good board game here. The drink selection was good enough for 2 people who don't drink often, or have a wide knowledge of alcohol, to find something we both enjoyed. I don't know the neighborhood, but when we walked there from the L, past Wrigley Field, it seemed like a really cool neighborhood. Chill atmosphere at the Tavern. The ceiling will keep you entertained for a while. I think we went on date night or something... because it seemed like everyone there was on a date. If I wanted to be super picky- the board game selection could be better... but I don't know of many (if any) bars that have this amenity... so props for even having some! read more

Games Diverse Clientele For easy nights With a group of old friends or meet new ones. read more

This is a great spot for a group of 4-8 friends that are looking for a somewhat low key evening. We went and played a lot of board games and had some good beer. The bar isn't big, but it has a nice welcoming feel to it even though there are creepy things on the ceiling. They had some decent beer selections with a few taps and a bottle selection. The one thing I would say is you don't want to go with a huge group because it makes playing board games a pain. read more

Why haven't I been here before?! Awesome ambiance! Great service! Great beer selection and the board games-so much fun! Good spot for a date. The bartender was on spot even though there was only one on a semi crowded Tuesday evening, also very knowledgeable about the selection. Not too loud, great selection of board games. Diverse crowd, everything was perfect! Will be coming again! read more

What a great idea to have a wall of board games in a bar! Seriously genius. Nothing like kicking back a few and playing candyland or battle ship. It tends to get pretty busy Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. 4 stars for having the great idea to add games. read more

My experience at Guthries was very much tainted due to the following: 1. The table my group and I sat at was right next to a high top table, making us feel like we were in the depths of a dungeon. We had no light at our table, and we were in the middle of the bar, in darkness. 2. A woman sitting at the table next to ours had extremely bad body odor, and it overpowered everything (obviously not Gurthries's fault). 3. Our waitress was extremely forgetful. We brought a birthday cake and asked her to bring us plates, forks, knives and napkins, and she continuously brought us one thing but not the other. It took us 30 minutes just to be able to cut the cake, let alone eat it. 4. My husband ordered coffee with cream (he isn't a drinker), and the cream was five months out of date. When we told the waitress, she brought him a "new" creamer that was two months out of date. 5. My sister's beer was flat, and she didn't drink any of it. It took so long for our waitress to come back to us, that by the time she did (she never asked my sister or my husband why they didn't finish their drinks) we were (more than) ready to leave. Needless to say, we did not play the game that we had brought with us, and we were all itching to get out of there. That said, the atmosphere was adorable, and I can see why people like hanging out there. I think my group and I just felt overall claustrophobic based on where we were sitting and the smells being emitted from the next door table, and we also felt agitated by our particular server. if you decide to go, make sure you get a table on the periphery of the bar so that you have a nice light and your not encircled by too many people. read more

This was the first bar I discovered when moving to Chicago 2 years ago. I still return when I'm in the neighborhood. I love this bar. Friendly staff, cozy, fun boardgames, great drinks, and not pretentious! I heart you Guthries. read more