I use to live right around corner from Jake's Pub on Oakdale and would never recommend this place to anyone, ever, especially females. One of my friends and I stopped by after newly moving into the area one Saturday evening at around 8pm to start off our night. Dressed a tad preppier than the normal patrons we didn't think anything of it, the others we're friendly and looked to be enjoying their time there. A few minutes after we ordered a drink the owner came over, intoxicated, and dropped his arms around our shoulders as we sat at the bar. I was a little uncomfortable with being touched and approached like this. Before I could saw anything he explained that he owned the place. This made me even more uneasy. I started to move his arm off my shoulder and as politely as possible as I just wanted to drink my beer in peace. He wasn't a huge fan of that. I'm not a very confrontational person and didn't want to make a scene. He soon began to ask my friend and I very personal questions about ourselves and inquired about the number of people we had been with. Also his question were of the sexual nature and then he tried to proposition us. This blew my mind, I'd never experienced something like this, especially from someone who had a wedding band and was over the age of 50. The bartender behind the bar, a woman, was very concerned for us. She kept coming back over to us and kept a close ear on what was going on. My friend and I kept looking at her for some sort of help or guidance. She continued to give us very concerned looks. I knew she didn't want to jeopardize her job because her boss was being inappropriate. Even with telling him we weren't interested and that we were uncomfortable with his questions he continued on, until he finally I mean finally walked away. The female bartender came over and apologized profusely for what went on and gave free drink tickets to make it up to us for next time. Not even worth it. I just felt the need to warn others of what happened. I hope the owner has reached a higher level of maturity and professionalism. Women shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable or treated this way at a neighborhood bar. read more

A bar that welcomes people AND dogs?! This is amazing. I have been trying to prove over and over to the s/o that you can have a dog and STILL have a nightlife experience. One of those poodle-labrador combos greeted me at the door and two guys walked in with their little terrier and I was completely obsessed with trying to get their attention and, just as importantly, their puppy love. There is absolutely no reason to hold off on getting my Norwich Terrier ASAP! And they sell some totally awesome beers, too. I nearly passed out from excitement when I saw that they had bottles of Tiger Beer and Chang in the mini-fridge. Seriously?!?! My Southeast Asian dreams were coming true and I quickly found myself daydreaming about my walks through the streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh with a Chang in one hand, and a Tiger in the other. Beautiful. But... unfortunately for me, Jake's and I can never have the long term commitment I plan to have with raising a family full of love and puppies (and children when I'm 35?!?!?!). For starters, this place is cash only. Ok, it's so not the 20th century, and the last thing I want to do is carry around a wad of cash with me or incur ATM service fees from the 19th century ATM in your establishment. Since you are charging $5.00 a pop for beers that retail for $0.50-$1.00 in their homeland (and are worth no more than $3.00 on a good day), the money you are making from that could offset the 2-3% credit card fee from the multiple transactions I would be making at your bar. Not sold, but not a hater, and because of puppy love, I will be back. With $20s. read more

NOT dog friendly! NOT customer friendly! I emphasize this because I decided to take my 11 pound frenchie pug to Jake's after viewing their numerous advertisements as one of the 10 best dog friendly bars. I tried calling ahead to verify, but they didn't answer their phone. I Facebook messaged, but they didn't reply. Apparently communication (answering their phone or messages) is too difficult. Except, their in-person verbal communication came across loud and clear how unwelcome I was when I decided to walk over with my pup and find out if it was okay to have him with me. I opened the door and before I could even open my mouth to ask or even step one foot in the bartenders yelled at me, "NO WAY! No dogs allowed!" I was shocked really. If they had just picked up their phone, replied to a message or even let me speak before shouting at me the moment I opened the door, then I would have no problem with the place and simply not bring my dog. Instead, they ignored their phone, dismissed their messages, then humiliated me by screaming at me so everyone at the bar turned and stared. read more

Love me some Jake's! Yep, it's my corner bar. I have to say I am proud of that fact. Of ALL the bars in this great city of ours, I can claim Jake's as my local. It's just a bar. A good bar with a great jukebox and a pretty low key crowd. I was bellied up one night next to a regular and there were some traders screaming behind us about work and the stresses of the job. The guy next to me looks over and says "This is why I come to Jake's. To forget about shit like that." And you know what, he was exactly right. read more

There was a psychologist in the 1950s named Harry Harlow. He conducted a series of experiments on baby rhesus monkeys which he named the Monkey Love Experiments. These experiments consisted of Harlow and his staff removing the newborn rhesus monkeys from their mothers and placing them in one of two environments. In one of the environments, the baby rhesus monkey was given a surrogate mother in the form of a cloth covered monkey doll. Something soft and warm for the baby to cling to. In the other environment, the baby rhesus monkey was given a surrogate mother in the form of a bare wire-formed monkey. Cold and hard. Harlow found that monkeys raised by the cloth mothers were much more apt to be playful and happy while the monkeys raised by the wire monkey mothers were likely to display violence, psychotic behavior and deep depression. Jake's is like the terry cloth monkey mother. I cling to its soft teat and nurse myself full of nourishing monkey milk - then I set about the world with smiles and love for all. Also - the sketches/paintings on the walls are by the guy that came up with the original idea for Cheetos' Chester Cheetah! Also also - it hasn't really been as happy a place since the inimitable and lovely Hank passed on. Also also also - Harry Harlow was an asshole. read more

I'm forced to give this place a star. I had no idea it was cash only until I was told by the bartender. He was not very polite about letting me know that it was a cash only bar. I was with a friend, so while she went to go get cash I waited and watched her beer. While I was watching her beer, the asshole bartender asked me why wasn't I going to get some cash, I told him that I was watching my friend's things and that I will go when she gets back. He huffed and puffed, then walked away. I heard him say something negative about me to one of the other "regular" patrons and when I looked at him he rolled his eyes. That's when I got my things and headed for the door. I met my friend on the way out and she agreed that she didn't want to drink there. As we were leaving that's when the asshole decided to play nice, but it was already to late. I don't think I will ever come back to this establishment again. That skinny little ugly fuck totally ruined everything. read more

I've been to Jake's twice and here's what I've noticed both times: - It's dark. Like, the only night comes from neon and the lights above the pool table, which brings me to my next point: - There's a pool table. I've never been here when it was dead enough to get to actually shoot pool, but I love having the option. - There are a shitton of beers. In bottles. On draft. In cans. LOTS and lots of beers. All very reasonably priced. - There are a lot of dudes in this bar. Not like there are a lot of dudes in Roscoe's, but there are just a lot of...men. In this bar. All the time. What I'm trying to say is that if you are a chick, you will NOT have to wait for the bathroom. If I lived closer, I'd go all the time. read more

You either love or hate this place. I'm sorry (no, not really) to have to say that I'm with the latter. Living in Lakeview for the past year, I've given this place a few chances, and each time am disappointed... The good: dog friendly, nice owner The bad: overpriced drinks, jerk regulars who think they're royalty, not-so friendly bartenders, extremely dark and loud, bad popcorn--how can you screw up popcorn?! I recommend Galway Bay on Diversey for a much better time. And they have much better popcorn... read more

It has been a while since I have been here... several years. Despite that time difference things have remained the same and that is a good thing. Friends and I stopped by here last night for a quick drink last night, I having my PBR, one having a bourbon and the other having a Japanese beer. We like to cover all the bases. Our bartender was a lovely woman who served our drinks with speed, a smile and a wink. Also when we got on the topic of restaurants and places to try, (there was a feature on Tallulah's on the tv above us), she had a few quick places to throw out and was easily happy to point out her favorites. Yes, it can be dark, it is a neighborhood bar and it only takes cash. However, it is a friendly staff that made me feel like a regular, interesting beer selection and if you can come here on off hours, it is fine place to chat with friends. Anyone want to join me for a drink? read more

First time I went to this place, there was a guy in the men's room who clogged up the drain with paper towels and put the faucet on full blast. "Harrrr, I'm going to sink this ship!" he howled. You had to be there to know as sure as I did- the man wasn't kidding. That in itself is enough for five stars, but the bartenders happen to be amazingly friendly, remember who you are even if you only come back a few times a year, and serve up an excellent beer selection, handpicked by the owner and staff from trips to Europe. I like the St. Peter's Porter, which comes in a victorian era green glass medicine bottle, just for the bottle. And, there are regulars here- not just neighbors, but people who used to live here and can't let go. read more

Jake's is a classic dive bar in every sense of the word! It dark, dim, with an eclectic music collection playing. Its a cash only bar with a crap load of beers to choose from. Pool table in the back, of course. You will meet just about any type of person in the city here: from college to jock to biker (motor) to biker (cycle) to indie to hipster to gay to straight, and so on and so on. You will welcome pretty quick. I know I certainly did. I probably should go more often and maybe that is a good 2014 New Year's resolution. Between the great prices, good service, and overall friendly atmosphere, you certainly can't go wrong with Jake's! Cheers! read more

I've only been to Jakes a handful of time, but I f'n LOVE that place. The bartenders are great, seriously. A pool table and a dart board? Fine by me. The TouchTunes is only on sometimes, but if it's not the bartender are playing some of their own sweet jams. Free popcorn. I love free popcorn! There's always dogs running around...awe. The only downside I can see about this place is that they have a one person bathroom, but that won't stop me from coming here. read more

Home away from home... I started coming to Jake's Pub in 1992 (GASP!) and I have been loving it ever since! They must be doing something right if I have been going there this long, right? Jake's is a consistently good neigborhood bar, great selection, prices and fabulous service. I always bring my out-of-town friends here and they leave wishing there was an establishment in their hometowns that made them feel this welcome! Try Jake's if you want a break from the "yuppie bars" in the neighborhood. read more

Jake's. My go-to neighborhood bar. I could tell you about their great selection of suds (and they do have quite a good list), but quite frankly, I'm just not that type of girl. I like my Amstel light. And a shot of Crown. Plain and simple. And that's why I love Jake's. It's plain and simple. The bartenders are always great and the crowd is always fairly low-key (although I'm usually there on weeknights). My dog loves it too. Yep, that's right, my little pug can hang with the best of 'em at the bar cause Jake's is completely dog friendly. Then there's all these other fabulously random things about Jake's that add to its charm. I'm always a little intrigued by the paraphernalia they display for sale at the bar, particularly the "Jake's" logo thong panties, but hey, whatever trips your trigger. And believe it or not, they have free WiFi. At this dark, dirty bar. And I've actually taken my laptop there to use it. Cause it's Jake's. And I love it. (Cash only though, come prepared!) read more

Wow,worth the walk from Wrigley! Crazy fun after the game. Cutest dog's behind the bar.Nice,professional bartender.Like it!

I'm in this area a lot due to the movie theatre down the street, but have never stopped in until last night. Imagine my surprise when I found it to be an amazingly cool bar with good beer and friendly people! I had long ago written it off as a boring Lakeview spot, but this actually stood out as a place that I will make it a point to go back to. They've got an excellent beer list, including many microbrews and Belgian imports. Be warned, no credit cards accepted! read more

I used to not sleep right across the street from Jake's. Oh yeah I lived there, but I didn't sleep. Jake's is a simple dark place full of regulars, but there was a nightly brawl there bursting out onto Clark. While looking down from my window, I've seen chotches turning their visors around, shouting "step off, bro!" I've seen bikers circling and calling for back-up. And how can I forget the reoccurring scream-fests between a wasted couple too trashy to get on the Springer show. I don't know if all this is a reason to go to Jake's, or a reason to stay away- I guess it depends on your idea of entertainment. read more

The best bar in the city, bar none (no puns intended)! Smokier than all hell BUT you cannot ask for a better atmosphere. The bartenders are not only friendly but will remember your favorite drink if you are in there more than once, hey that same night even! My best friend and I, fellow Yelper Pandora P. have frequented this place for a plethora of years. There's something to be said about consistency!! However I cannot even believe I am sharing this place with you. I tend to be selfish and do not like to share good things. So consider yourself privileged!! Bring your dog too!!! The drinks are cheap and it's truly the Boston version of Cheers because "you wanna be where everybody knows your name"! read more

Every time I come here (which is not that often), I'm always like, man I should come here more often. It's not that far of a walk from the brown line, especially when it's nice out. But it's a nice medium sized bar that can get packed. Came here with some improv people and had a good time. I wasn't really looking to spend a lot of money so I think I was drinking cheap beer. But I only had maybe 3 beers in the 3 hours we were here so that worked for me. All the times I've been in here I've never had a problem with the staff, they have always been great. Even one time I was here with some people and I wasn't drinking and they were still good to me. They have a good selection of beers, there cocktails are fairly priced. I want to go back but I always forget about this place... read more

Thanks to Yelp Chicago for this recommendation, I never would have known about this place otherwise. After catching a game at Wrigley, I wanted some beer, but the scene at the big Wrigleyville bars was just not doable. We slithered into a couple and they were just too pointlessly crowded to be enjoyable. So I pulled up the thread on Yelp where I asked for beer bar recommendations, and saw that a couple Yelpers had suggested this place Jake's. Score. I walked quite a few blocks down Clark St. and found it easily. Very standard dark-bar setup, it looks like your perfect little neighborhood bar. Two Brothers Cane and Ebel on draft? Don't mind if I do, thank you! This was a hoppy rye beer that I'd heard about in beer geek circles, but never had, as 2B doesn't distribute far and wide. Strong-ish at 7%, it was excellent stuff, and really hit the spot. I followed it up with a bottle of Metropolitan's Krankshaft Kolsch, which was also excellent - light, refreshing and flavorful, true to the Kolsch style, one that American brewers don't take a stab at too often. That one, the bartender suggested to me, as I had mentioned that I was from out of town and wanted to drink local beers that I can't get at home. Once again, thanks to the Chicago Yelpers who suggested this place, and also to all those whose suggestions I unfortunately wasn't able to take. I'd love to have a beer with you all when I make it up there again. read more

I would throw another half-star on if I could. I wonder when yelp will make that possible! I really enjoyed this bar, most specifically because they serve Kwak, aka the best beer you can get. They have oodles of beers. Most are no more expensive than at most other bars. My friend had framboise, a raspberry beer. It was a little more raspberry and a little less beer, but it was pretty tasty nonetheless. Given how crowded the place is, they could stand to have a bathroom or two more. Come to think of it, they could also have another bartender during peak hours and it wouldn't be overkill. I really liked how there were various doggies playing fetch in the bar - so cute! read more

Fantastic place, and they have a bell, I mean, who else can say that? Always a chill environment, friendly, welcoming, and never a bad time. The bartenders are always on top of keeping your glass filled, you don't even have to ask. They have a jukebox so you can play whatever song you want. 10/10! read more

Classic unpretentious Chicago bar with a good beer selection, a pool table, and great staff.

Went here while on vacation. Horrible customer service. When we did get our drinks they were watery.

Best bar that I still go to... The wife and I, along with our friends hit the place a few weeks ago...on an entirely too drunken Sunday afternoon. When we walked in the door, and took a seat at a table, our friend Shaun looked at me, and just made this...face. He said, "...this place has...a certain...scent...to it" He's so right...and I think it's the reason why I like it. Weird as it sounds, it reminds me of my grandparents' house...I guess they really WERE alcoholics. Anyway, tons of great beers, mostly in cans or bottles...all at freakin' great prices. Go there...now. read more

I give this place five stars for the sole reason that it is dog-friendly! We walked in with my pup and the staff was probably more excited to meet Noodles than have new patrons. If Noodles wants to go back, then I will definitely go back. read more

Very disappointing experience here. Their website claims the bar is dog friendly. However, when we walked in we were told, "No dogs allowed!" My friend pulled up their website and their response was that it was out of date. They were not apologetic at all. We won't be coming back. read more

Excellent bar. My home away from home when I first moved here to the city. I haven't been back for a few months, as I am broke, but that is the only reason why. Ambiance: 2nd to none. When people think about great Chicago bars, I think they probably picture something that looks exactly like Jake's. Barflies, pool table, kick ass juke box, reserved seats for long-timers, etc. Bartenders: I love Char. Always have, always will. The other bartenders there are great as well. Very friendly, always have good beer suggestions, and they like to shoot the breeze when the bar isn't too busy. A+. Plus, they make really good drinks. Their double Jack/Coke will make you loopy in no time at all. Selection: Everything that you could want in a booze selection is here, along with a great assortment on tap. Again, the bartenders will steer you towards a really good beer if you ask them too, and won't look down on you if you order PBR (in a can!). I have noticed a few more Trixies/Chads in there over the course of the last year, but they are the minority, by far. And, it is a cash only bar, which I appreciate, but often keeps me from going there since I live on my credit cards a lot of the time. If you are in the area, check it out, mos def! read more

Jake's has always been a nice neighborhood bar that I love to go to. I used to love going in and talking with the regulars. It's the kind of bar where I know the prices are reasonable and they bartender is always accommodating. I will always take a friend for out of town there. Recommend to locals also. read more

This place has an excellent beer selection. But what really turned me on was the staff knowledge of and enthusiasm for beer! I'm no beer sommelier, but I'm definately not a novice- so when I ask questions they are specific! Not one went unanswered and all of their recommendations were right on target for what I was looking for. The inside is a mix between pub and American dive bar, but it is charming and clean (even in the bathrooms). They are cash only, which is accounted for in a charming old till. Can't wait to go back. read more

I think I liked this place, but it's hard to tell because I was blackout drunk. I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and say I liked it. I think there was a puppy in the bar, can't tell for sure. I might have played darts... If I hit you with an errant dart, I'm sorry. Also, if I bumped you while dancing by myself, I hope I didn't spill your drink. read more

I live this neighborhood pub. I always try to pop in for a beer when I am in the area and staff and patrons always friendly & kind. Can always find the Cubs game on TV too so that's a plus as well. read more

Terrible service. I waited for 30 minutes - finallly someone took my order and Charged me for a drink. They did not give me the drink, then told me to leave after charging me $13 for a drink and I left them a $5 tip. When I asked to at least give me my money back for the drink I paid for and never received, the lady boy "bouncer" approached and escorted me out. Didn't help that the bartenders and employees were laughing and chanting racial slurs as the white bouncer peacefully walked me outside: after a 3rd request for my money back for the drinks I never received , I was threatened with police involvement. At this point I took the loss and walked down the street to another bar which happily welcomed me in and accepted me as a customer. This bar is not only racist, but unprofessional and filled with pretentious employyees. Would never return and would never refer to any of my friends or family after the treatment I received there read more

A great bar where dogs are allowed and everyone knows everyone's name. Friendly bartenders (all family) and fun dive barish atmosphere. There is a sweet new juke box and a pool table. Great neighborhood location on Clark and Oakdale but make sure you bring cash because it is an all cash bar and most of the time the ATM is broken. I have a buddy who hates "glossy table bars" and Jakes is a perfect non "glossy table" bar where you can wear sweat pants or be fully dressed in your Club gear and still fit in. Just beware of the occasional dog running past you. The draft beer selection is slim but they do have some good drafts and the drinks are pretty strong. I wish they had food and I wish they took credit cards. Believe it or not my company had someone's promotion party here. Sometimes we have yacht parties, rent bars downtown etc. Jakes was one of the best parties we ever had and probably the cheapest as well. All-star Dive. read more

Jake's pub is debatable the best bar in Chicago. Period. Scott and Ashley are the best. If you like good beer, great bartenders, jukeboxes, and pool/darts, I'll see you there. read more

I literally live in the building next to Jake's so distance and convenience gets it an automatic 1 star. Now in terms of bar scene I will admit it is not my scene. I like laid back bars, but I like to dance. I dont like being crowded and by Jake's is very tiny. For its size it loses 1 star. Im not a huge beer drinker either but I did test a few here. I was actually delighted by the different types and was surprised I enjoyed so many different varieties. So for making me enjoy something new it gets another star. The last star comes from overall atmosphere. It may not be chic but I think the great thing about Jake's is you know it isnt trying to be. Its a hole in the wall that is very accepting of that reputation. It isnt skanky girls in halter tops behind the bar, but your friendly everyday people. If you're in the area or want to try a hard to find beer, try Jake's. You might be surprised and it definitely proves the point to never judge a bar by its outside. read more

I love Jakes. It's a perfect example of a Chicago corner tavern. Plus Katie is the best bartender around. read more

Jake's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jake's is a welcoming place that you can go with your favorite animal and relax. The crowd is varied & fun. Creative people of many walks of life enjoy themselves without pretense in a "down to earth" environment. I've met many supportive people there & the staff is both warm & friendly. In the midst of the Newtown / Clark st. corridor it is like putting on your favorite old jacket or shoes. It feels good & makes you happy & comfortable. My dog, "Coral Reef" & I have had many a "Mexican" beer there and he is free to mingle with the patrons who enjoy his company. They also keep dog biscuits on hand. Char, Kris, Sarah, Kelly, Cheryl, & Kate are always both pleasant & attentive. There's nothing not to like there... When in doubt... Go to Jake's Coral Reef & Ken Henry The only downside is that the owner, "Scott", is an alcohol addict who get sloppy drunk there regularly and gets "touchy / feely with his staff who obviously don't like it, says mean & suggestive comments to other men's dates and acts generally insulting while he cowardly hides behind his police friends as he buys them drinks & gets drunker. He is the only problem in an otherwise great place. read more

Really fun neighborhood spot when you're thirsty for a cold brew.

Awesome place. Chill atmosphere, great beer selection, popcorn, pool. Friendly staff. A great big fluffy dog hanging out sometimes. Great place to stop for some drinks in Lakeview. read more