I came here for the 1st time this past Saturday. Whenever I come to a place like this for the first time, I always get pissed about the fact that I hadn't discovered it earlier. Hungry Brain is right up my alley - low-key, unassuming, great tunes, great atmosphere. A great place for drinking and socializing. I really like the fact that here you can enjoy the tunes while still being able to hold a conversation. That alone will always earn a place my business. That and reasonabaly priced booze. Staff was quick and courteous. Bar has all of the standard beers and then some. I started out with PBR bottles and I think they may have been $2.50. They've got a random assortment of taps, Harpoon IPA, some kind of Bells, and I forget what else. It doesn't really matter, they've pretty much got any beer that will make the standard drinker happy. Oh, and to keep in the theme of my past reviews, they do serve high life here. The bar itself is your standard dive, non-descript on the outside (you have to look kinda hard to find it), and an assortment of barstools, tables/chairs, and a couches/lounge section. I seem to remember a ms. pac man game being there as well. Oh, and check out all of the weird/cool brain artwork all over the place, especially the Jagermeister IV into a brain over the bar. This is also a stop for the Tamale guy, so be on the look out for him. I sampled the fare this particular evening, and it was delectable. Conclusion: Hungry Brain has made it into my bar rotation. Give it a try if you are so inclined. read more

Great, great place. No TVs on the wall, great, Chicago-centric indie jukebox. They even have a tiny beer garden outback. The thrift store furniture is top-notch. They even have pinball! Lots of actors/jazzhounds hang out here. Last place to have bottled Schlitz in a bottle *sigh*. You won't break a 20, and you'll go home drunk and happy. Highly recommended. Note: You must pick your nights carefully, however. I've come here occasionally looking for conversation, and instead got a crappy one act play or a jazz show where everyone was real quiet. read more

At the moment, this is my favorite bar. And I'm NOT a pothead... Maybe I like to keep things low-key. Maybe I like to feel like I've stepped back in time. And maybe, just maybe I dig dim-lighting but no matter what the reason is for my attraction, this place rules! You walk in and immediately your shoulders hunch just a bit, your hair becomes unraveled and your craving for fine wine is out the window. This is the type of bar you bring friends to and also the type of bar you MAKE friends at. The beer is cheap enough. The music is good enough. And those deep, vintage sofas make you feel cozy enough. It also doesn't hurt that John, the bartender is seriously cute... My sister and I both agree. WINK! read more

I was pleased with the place overall. They only accept cash, so it limited the drinking I did here. There was jazz on Tuesday! Tables were newish. I was pleased with my Founders Breakfast stout. I don't normally come to Roscoe Village, now I'm curious what else I've been missing. The place doesn't have a sign, don't let it scare you away. read more

I only recently found this place, which is unfortunate as I moving from Chicago soon and would have liked to spend more time here. It's cash only, which is somewhat inconvenient, but that's a small price to pay for such a cool bar. The jukebox is well stocked, the lighting is just sparse enough to make it cozy without being ridiculous and the couches are older than I am, in a good way. I went on a Saturday night and was pleased to find that it was not jam packed, but rather sparse. Those that were there were very friendly and seemed to be enjoying themselves. They also have a stage area that has seating so its a great place for people watching. Added bonus? Lady Pacman. read more

I love dive bars, and this one is no exception. Non-pretentious, cash only, and just a little out of the way. The mismatched tables/chairs remind you of your grandparent's basement. Sweet cider on tap and good music. And who should appear last night but the tamale guy himself. I wish DC had a tamale guy. read more

In my Top 5 greatest bars in Chicago. It typically doesn't get crowded on the weekends till later in the night; I came here for my birthday this year on a Saturday at 8:00 and there were probably 5 people in the bar. It's a great place to go with friends or a group of people because everyone just kind of keeps to the themselves. read more

LOVE Hungry Brain!!! The drinks are cheap and strong and the bartenders are usually friendly. I really like that they have shows going on, whether it be music or small theater, but it's awesome. I did, however, see a really really bad experimental jazz band once- but other than that it's been great. The atmosphere is laid back and comfy, but get there early as it's small and fills up fast. I also recommend double fisting if you can, because sometimes there's only one bartender and you can lose your buzz. Anyway, I always have a good time here! Oh! and take out cash- they don't take credit cards. read more

One day after work some of my colleagues asked me if I wanted to go with them to the Hungry - Brain. Althought I did n't have the mood for drinks, I went anyway. The moment I stepped in it was 80s all over again. The decor, the junkbox and service, everything was there to make me feel at home. That place had so many memories from my childhood: the music my parents were listening to when I was young, the pictures and even the people"s attitudes. Really liked it, not to mention that the beer is just refreshing. I went there just to have a drink and I got out of at 2am. The bartender nearly kicked us out so to speak. I will defenitely go back some day. Thanks Hungry-Brain !!! read more

I love the Brain. It's so... divealicious. It has good beer. It only opens up later in the evening. It only takes cash. It's dark and dingy. And the crowd is not douchey. This is really all I ever wanted in a bar. (Actually, I lied. It's not that the crowd is merely "not douchey", it's actually "anti douchey." I popped back to town in the midst of various Roscoe Village meat festivals / street fests / whatever else and every little bar was a weird stroller parade. Yes, even Miller's Tap, which you'd think would be worlds colliding in a way that would produce anti-matter or something. But Hungry Brain? Nothing but chill regulars.) read more

Best kept secret in Roscoe Village??? PROBABLY! I've only been in a handful of times, but the service is great, the crowd is laid back, the decor is interesting... just a great low-key casual bar. It's quirky - don't get me wrong, but therein lies its charm! It's pretty easy to start conversation with the stranger beside you. And they won't assume you want to take them home - which is refreshing! read more

I'd say this is one of the best bars to hang out at when you want to really hang out with your friends and like talk. It's not one of those obnoxious places where the music is so loud that you can't hear the person right next to you. It's also never so crowded that you can't enjoy yourself. They have these awesome couches that are so comfy and they have lots of tables and bar space. Basically, you don't have to stand around at this place unless you want to. It's really a place to "hang out". Also, they have one of the best jukeboxes I've seen. I mean really, it's not filled with lame one hit wonders. There's actually music in it. Woo! Did I mention the arcade games. Oh man, I've stood in front of that machine for hours playing with one hand, balancing a beer in the other. That's talent. They also have really nice bartenders and a really nice crowd. You should really check it out even if it's a little out of the way. It's cute ,kitschy and very chill. Always a good time with friends. read more

Come for the booze. Stay to get your brain fed. I was first introduced to Hungry Brain a few years back when an old friend did readings there every so often. It was a great place that promoted community, culture, art, and booze. Unfortunately it closed. I was deeply heartbroken and I knew that the world would surely end. Luckily, every creative person's favorite dive bar has since reopened and the world hasn't ended. Huzzah! I've been back a few times since reopening and have had more than my share of amazing performances from local musicians. I've also drank my weight in Steigl beer. It's fantastic to see that this Chicago staple has had a new lease on life. Sadly, they don't have draft beer anymore but they have decent can and bottle choices. I suggest ordering a cocktail because they usually make them strong, but not overwhelming. They place is still BYOF so bring in whatever you want to eat as you drink. The new staff is just as friendly and engaging as the old staff. I do miss the old look of the place with all the random chairs and string lights. However, the new look is very neat. I highly recommend this place if you want to check out live music in a very intimate environment. I'm done gushing over this place now. So now go check it out. read more

Hungry Brain is one of those places that I can never describe correctly to people in other cities. "So the sofas are on a stage?" "Yes, and it's totally perfect". Something gets lost in the translation. Amazing, and totally Chicago. read more

Love-love-loved this place. Everyone who worked there was extremely cool, the jukebox made me giddy with excitement, there was plenty of seating for all and the beer selection was top notch. Brooklyn Brewery Lager on tap - $4! Stiegl on tap - $4! That's about 2.5 Euro, which I think is less than what I paid in Austria, haha. And since I love beer with widgets, I also went for a can of Boddingtons, which also happened to be...$4. I think the only bad thing about the experience was that Tamale Guy never came by...I think he might have been there early in the evening instead. read more

As the director of LETTERS/X, I cannot believe I have not yet reviewed the Brain. To begin, get yer lazy bum on the 77 and make it over. It's really not that hard to get to. Now, of course, the best part of the Brain is its friendly staff (thanks as always to Luz, Janice, and Dan) and the very affordable drinks. Bonus points if you can locate "Scary Jesus" in the bar. read more

I refer to the Brain as the Hipster Chuck-E-Cheese because it seems like everyone and their mom has to have a birthday party here. While that can make it crowded on the weekends, it also allows the bartenders and door guys to eat all your leftover cake and pizza, so keep it up. This is a fantastic bar where you can instantly feel like you belong, whether you know the people who work here (I'm biased) or not. I spent New Year's Eve here a couple of years of ago and did nothing more festive than make myself a stupid party hat out of a Trader Joe's bag (see photo) and it was one of the best NYEs I've ever had. The jukebox is great, just don't try to play "Tiny Dancer" because Dan will turn it off. read more

I think this might be the first bar I ever went to. I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on the old Arkanoid machine by the bathroom. The bar is a dim lounge/dive, all cushy couches and chairs. The jukebox has the Pixies and Stereolab. I don't think Hungry Brain has ever quite been the same place twice. Sometimes it's Thoughtful Hipster Jazz Night, and since everyone hushes respectfully, it's really tough for the disinterested to sneak out. Sometimes it's a quiet lounge, suitable for dealing out a deck of cards. One time it was really raucous and--I'd never seen this actually happen in real life before--a girl left a polaroid on another girl who'd passed out. I went to a really chill the2ndhand reading here once, alone, and I discovered that drinking alone doesn't have to be a total nightmare. All-in-all, when I get homesick for Chicago, I'm basically homesick for the Hungry Brain. read more

I stopped in here looking for some place to have a relaxing drink. I can't remember who reccomnded this spot to me, but Christ do I owe them! Everything about this bar is right. The beer is cold and cheap. The mixed drinks are the right strength. The bartender is friendly and smiles. Smiles! A BARTENDER SMILES! The bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen in a pub. None of this, however, is the best part. The bar was dimly lit, which just added to the allure of the old Ms. Pacman/Galaga machine. All the retro couches were amazingly comfortable. The quirky little ash trays gave the place a charm, and even the terrible art on the walls seemed to fit in. I felt more like I was hanging out drinking at a really chill friend's house than a bar. The only problem I had was with the juke box. It was set at a good conversational volume and stacked with good records (a little oldies, a little indie rock, a little punk). It did, however, take 4 dollar of mine, play only two of my songs, and then go back to playing the new White Stripes album (gag!). I was a little dissapointed, but given how perfect everything else was it wasn't worth complaining. This is the kind of place i have been looking for for a long time. Can't wait to go back. read more

Nowadays, the Hungry Brain is pretty well-known, and the other reviewers have done a fine job of detailing its charms. That gives me an excuse to ramble about my memories of the good old days when nobody knew about the Brain. I first went there in 1998, when I was new to Roscoe Village. It quickly became my main hangout, due in large part to the owners/staff (gotta love Jan, Luz, and Dan) but also the funky atmosphere, fantastic jukebox, and the opportunities to see a variety of live entertainment (sometimes good, sometimes bad but sometimes so bad it was good). I also had a chance to participate in the "open stage" improv night and get my feet wet in the world of performing. My troupe later took over this event for the better part of two years. The clientele is offbeat now, but back in the day, the cast of random weirdos and bizarro regulars at the Brain made any night an interesting (or slightly scary) night to drop by. My favorites were: - the sad-sack alky who sat at the same bar stool and stoically drank his hard liquor in silence (but was quite nice if you talked to him) - the outgoing elevator repair guy - the delusional semi-homeless man who claimed he was Chris Farley's psychiatrist (good job there) and charged his patients $800/hr (he once offered to "cure" my asthma by touching a spot on my spine - it didn't work) - the former mercenary for hire who was slowly losing his marbles (we played chess a few times - he was good but would lose focus and make dumb mistakes) - the bitter old men at Wednesday poetry nights (this died a merciful death quickly enough), especially... - the talented and gruff poet who later turned out to be an escaped convict/murderer read more

A Dive Bar with character. This is exactly what we're talking about. Beer selection: Strong. Enjoyed a Brekenridge Vanilla Porter on tap as well as a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale in bottle. Bartender on this early Saturday night was Luz. She's one of the proprietors and was very friendly and provided some excellent conversation. The backstory is that my date knows one of the owners very well. She says hello to Luz, who she hasn't seen in years and knows a bit also. Turns out, some of the couches were originally my date's and donated many years ago! Well, this only added to the fun of it all. Ah, and let's not forget they actually have an old Gallaga game in there. Gallaga. Go figure. You could spend hours in this place looking at all of the different memorabilia posted all over the walls, and the nick knacks on the shelves among the beer selections. As others have said, don't go there for the ball game. It's a place to go and chill, have a good quiet conversation among friends. It's a cash only bar, so keep that in mind. But don't worry, the drinks are inexpensive. read more

I don't really like bars. I'm not usually comfortable in them. They're often ugly or loud or crowded or pretentious or creepy or boring or I feel like I might get raped. This is a bar that I actually really, really like. A very rare thing for me. This is a genuinely pleasant place to be, even before a drink. The tables seem set up to encourage conversation and interaction and comfort and staying awhile. It feels cozy like a living room or a coffeeshop, but darker and drunk. There is a good, good jukebox. There are video games. No one seems very interested in what I'm doing, or wearing, or drinking. And, bonus, on my first visit, when I asked the bartender if they had food or knew where to get some, he was friendly and helpful and apologized for not "even having a stale bag of bar chips." The next time I went, I packed a snack (can you tell I don't go to bars very often?) and everything was perfect. read more

This is my new favorite bar. For some reason, it reminds me of a place on the UES in New York., with it's hodgepodge furniture, dimmish lighting and unpretentious atomosphere. Sitting on Belmont in a sort of obscure spot just east of Western, my boyfriend kept saying much he enjoyed it there, but just managed to check it out this past weekend. Nice, lowkey crowd, friendly bartenders, excellent jukebox, affordable drinks and plenty of seating options (though not always available due to the crowd). I hear there's a back patio, so I think I'll be spending a lot of time here once the weather warms up. read more

This is one of my favorite bars. Ever. Yet, it's so hard to describe. I guess it's a dive but not exactly. Drinkwise - they have a pretty good selection of cheap beers and not so cheap beers (i.e. Blue Moon, Goose Island). The drinks are pretty cheap - not SUPER cheap - but most of the beers are in the 3 to 4 dollar range. The music is a lot of indie stuff I'm not really familar with but it sets a good tone for the place. The crowd tends to be on the hipsterish side but there's a good variety none the less. I'm not a hipster by any means but I always feel comfortable. The bar tenders are always nice and attentive. The lights are dim and the decor kind of reminds me of an indie coffee shop. The kind of decor one might plan a revolution of some sort. Near the bar is a cute little display of, you guessed it, brains. Did I mention no TVs? NO TVS!!! Yay! read more

This is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of place. The lights are real low (Which makes me even more attractive to the opposite sex, hooray!), the music isn't obnoxious, and everyone here is here to chill out and have a beer or two. There are a couple of couches. And some lamps sparsed out. Reminds me of getting drunk in basements during high school, but even better. read more

Hungry Brain has a very special place in my heart. It was the place for my boyfriend and I's first semi-date. Its dark, most of the time pretty empty, but just has the most comfortable feel in an area where there aren't a lot of bars like this. HB introduced me to my favorite beer- the Bell's Amber Ale. I wish it were on tap all day every day there, but alas, its seasonal. The place feels like you're getting drinks in the middle of a thrift store- mismatched furniture, vintage decorations, couches on a small stage, and heck, even GALAGA?! The jukebox rules. Bjork, FRIGHTENED RABBIT!, Fleetwood Mac, MGMT, Smoking Popes, etc. My one complaint (and one reason this place is not getting the full 5 stars from me) is one night I was there with friends and my dude, and he put on Tiny Dancer on the jukebox (our song, puuuke, I know) and the bartender announced that it was his 'house rule' that Tiny Dancer could never be played in there and turned it off, after he PAID to play the song. Like it or not, buddy, its on your jukebox. Otherwise, I love this place. Love love love. Just stay away from the booth closest to the stage. I've claimed that one. read more

Let me set the scene: A Friday night. Snow lightly falling. A going away/bowling party had just wrapped up. Then the inevitable, dreaded question arose: do we try to relocate the party...and if so, where? It was cold and getting a little late and we don't drive and are too poor to all take cabs...it had to be somewhere awesome and close. Luckily I have the coolest friends ever and they instantly decreed the Hungry Brain to be a king among bars and the promised land of good beer and people. Oh how right they were. It's affordable. It's low-key. It wasn't crowded. It has a couch in the window. We had so much fun talking and laughing we closed the bar and they politely had to remind us of the time. We were still riding the social high as we left and decided it would be fun to walk three miles home. Go forth and get ye to the Brain! (Maybe if you're lucky you'll end up drunk and at Dunkin Donuts at 3 AM too.) read more

Dude, look, the couch my roommate threw in the trash last summer is over there......and there's a table just like my Aunt Zelda's.....and someone put some dirty toilet paper on the wall, oh, sorry man.....that's art.... I am so secretly smiling (because I don not want anyone else in here to think I am happy)- I love chillin here, totally. The tamale man stops here and the drinks are good and reasonable and service is just fine too. The cd jukebox is jammed packed full of acceptably cool music. The Hungry Brain- a funky local bar where you can be proud to slack with the best of 'em. read more

This has been my bar-of-choice since I started going to bars. A place with no tvs, a good jukebox, cheap drinks, and friendly atmosphere. I feel really at home here. Just recently they started doing free live shows every Monday night, presented by "You Me Them Everybody". Sometimes stand up comedy, sometimes bands, sometimes zine readings, or other random things. Definitely check them out. There is a lot of talent going through there. read more

Chilling on overstuffed couches in dimly lit funky rooms drinking affordable beer and playing the occasional round of Galaga - with the occasional hang-out in a relaxed back yard - is the ideal life and it's what Hungry Brain brings to the table. They always have a couple of good local beers on tap and friendly bar tenders to help you out. The jukebox is outstanding. The collection of brain-themed putty toys behind the bar blows the competition out of the water. Did I mention the Kate Bush clock? But seriously, they got a good thing going here. Jazz bands play here regularly on Sundays but I haven't been yet. I did however have the pleasure to see Two Cookie Minimum, a presentation of zine work in Chicago that is hosted here. My favorite bar in Chicago. read more

The best bar in Chicago that's all you'll ever need to know the rest is magic to be witnessed and time to declare as history. Blessed to have had that community when I was local, forever has my heart. read more

Great beers on tap, great atmosphere. Bar is a dark, dive-y kind of place with lots of seating and fun art on the walls. There's even Christmas lights, which are always a plus in my book. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. ATM across the street in a convenient store. Fun times. read more

I love this bar. They have great beer selections with even better prices- they top out at $3.50 for Dogfish Head, Half Acre, imports, etc. I always feel guilty for praising a place that "never gets crowded" because it's usually not such a great thing for the owners, but... Bonus points for friendly staff and located right on 24/7 bus routes. read more

I'm not sure why it took me so long to write a review at the hangout a block from my house. I hadn't been here for what seems like most of the winter. I popped in last Thursday w/ my roommate and quickly settled in. All the bartenders are great here. The drinks are cheap. The atmosphere is chill and fun. They have a solid jukebox. You can chill on the vintage couches set-up all over the place. I like to go to town on Ms. Pacman / Galaga from time to time. Really just a solid neighborhood hangout close to home. read more

Yeah, this is a good one! I have been here a few times and it is always pleasant. I can't say anything bad about it. There is something missing about it though, I don't know what that is and will always be up for the Hungry Brain. The decor is great, the staff is always nice and attentive, the music is good, the clientele are fine, yeah not too shabby! read more

One of my new favorite bars in chicago. I came here to watch shitty VHS movies last monday. It has a home-y feel to it... and the patio in the back is superb. I will be back here, at least to people watch. read more

If you want a dive bar, this is the place to go. Cheap drinks, crazy stuff on the walls, and furniture that looks like it was scavenged from the most comfortable dumpsters in Roscoe Village. That's really all I've got to say about this place. I do recommend it. :-) read more

A favorite of Ainslie and mine. Feels like hanging out in your friend's living room. read more

I barely want to even write this rave review on Hungry Brain, because I don't want it to become overly trendy or packed, etc. etc. But- it is hands down, my favorite bar in Chicago. I love everything about it. The staff, the regulars, the affordable drink prices, the kitschy ambiance, the furniture, the jukebox... The perfect place to go after a Beat Kitchen show, or before Underbar. Be sure to bring your cash with you- no credit cards accepted. Ah, Hungry Brain xoooox (Translation=I love it here.) read more

Hard to find something to dislike about this place and just so many positives. The atmosphere is laid back and about as unpretentious as it gets for a fun, hip place in Roscoe Village. The beer selection ranges from PBRs to microbrews and the specials are always solid. The jukebox is incredible, period. Without a doubt, the Salvation Army furniture look is this bar's greatest asset... It keeps away at least some of the yuppies and makes this place the most comfortable place to sit down and have a beer in the city. It's like the basement from heaven. Hard to go here and not have a great conversation with someone. A fun, comfy neighborhood bar that gets it all right. Wow. read more