I wanted it to be 5 stars but Neo's still got the royal flush to Late Bar's full house, in my opinion. Late Bar's trip aces are that it's ultra chic, clean, and sleek and its pair is that it's made up of beautiful staff that serve nominally priced drinks on the fly... two things that go very well together. When I first walked in (the flop) I was pleasantly surprised to see the hand I was dealt and the many regulars of Thursday night Neo waiting to go all in on the dance floor. At the turn, I saw a quaint little table marked 'reserved' for my friends and I (as it was m'lady KT's B-Day) and it had a bottle of champagne on ice with glasses waiting. At this point, the odds were on Late Bar to take the win. ... then came the river. I'm a sucker for 80's new wave music and though I appreciate the lesser known gems, I like to hear at least a few crowd favorites before the clock strikes midnight. I'll give credit where credit is due. DJ Dave Roberts is the reason I fell in love with Neo... but this visit to late bar also reminded me of the almost elitist vibe we'd get from the DJ booth. With Late Bar's DJ booth set up so high that no requests can come in, I was reminded of back in the day when we'd make requests for New Order's "Temptation" or Soft Cell's "Sex Dwarf" prior to the witching hour and be scolded by the DJ for wanting bigger hits and songs with words prior to Midnight. I mean, how dare we want a few power songs played to make the dance floor to people staring at the dance floor ratio greater than 4 to 70. I appreciate great 80's music just as much as the next guy (probably more) but I don't like feeling like my request for a song is like putting salt on a great chef's dish without even tasting it. I tasted it, so did everyone else, that's why only 5% of this place is dancing. Play us some hits, and don't wait till 2 am to do it. And that's why Neo makes the royal on the river. read more

Those who know me, know that I have major identity crises. So naturally when I found Late Bar, I was glad that there's finally a place for me and 100s of other people just like me to hang out in huge yet isolated groups. This bar is SO different! What other bar serves PBR on special? What other bar offers specials on drinks? What other bar has B-class DJs spinning all night long? Thank you Late Bar for being so unique in the entire Chicago and maybe in the entire world! *Footnotes* * Bar is cash only. * Music sucks. * Drinks are weak. * Bathrooms are tiny but fairly clean. * Enough street parking. * This place sucks. read more

Wife and I enjoy coming here on Saturday nights. New wave nights are her favorite, so I take her out dancing. Good beer selection, and I like the set up of the place. Sometimes it gets really packed, and have to wait outside for a while; which is a knock against them, but it's pretty packed for a reason, and I know their business is booming at the time. Time of waiting on a drink isnt too bad actually. Even on a busy nights. So that's a big plus! read more

Meh, not that impressive. I went a few weeks ago, so maybe things are different, but they don't have a drink menu. Their website boasts a "seasonal menu" of drinks that changes often, so check with them to see what these are. Well, what are they?! You don't have a menu that will tell me. Also, their website claims to have a menu that includes sugar/gluten free drink options as well as local and organic drink options. Where is this menu? The website seriously got me all excited about a huge menu of awesome drinks that didn't exist. The bartender was even surprised when I asked for a menu, as if my question was bizarre. Clearly, the homage to the 80s is also not my scene, so I didn't find this place particularly entertaining. Watching all of the 40 and 50somethings relive the 80s was pretty fun and watching all of the people who wouldn't have even remembered this decade try to pretend like this place meant something to them was also funny, but that's about it. The drinks were made really weak by one bartender and strong by another, so it was totally hit or miss. The bar was super crowded and it wasn't really worth the wait after awhile. Meh, I'm not sure if I'll be back. Get a drink menu that details those seasonal options, please. read more

I've been itching to get back here, after one brief visit. Music: Excellent. (REALLY want to go in on a Saturday for Planet Earth...one of these weeks...) Staff: Friendly as all get out! One night out elsewhere, I met a doorguy who gave me two complimentary drink coupons! Met the owners, who were quite sweet as well. Drinks: My visit was brief, but the HORCHATA MARTINI still has me talking. If I had more, I'd be slurring...but I digress. It's nice to go somewhere and be welcomed with a specialty drink menu, it's even nicer when it's a "rock'n'roll"-type bar. My regular haunts do not typically offer such concoctions. The night I went, a friend drove, but it's a short walk from the Belmont blue line, which is another bonus. Very much looking forward to a return visit! read more

Late Bar = Echo & the Bunnymen + The Cure + a guy who looks like Eraserhead. It seriously is trying to have the look of an 80s drama film with the neon purple lighting, and would also have something like Echo and the Bunnymen playing. I'm not at all against being in bars with those who are in their late thirties or early forties, but this place is a group of people that age going back to their life when they were younger listening to bands like the Cure. They've seriously switched back to that sort of look, not necessarily goth, but still dark. To add, while I was waiting for a beer, a guy who really looked like Eraserhead started talking to me. Asked where my friends and I where coming from. When I said a diner (D&L Snack Shop) he replied, "Yeah. You smell like a diner." "Yeah. I was just at one," I said repeating myself like he didn't catch it. He then asked if I liked food. I ran away, didn't even finish my beer and my friends and I went down the street to Alice's. read more

The big 5 for a place that does a bunch of my favorite things: 1) is dark, yet clean. 2) plays all my favorite new wave, ska, punk and '80's Brit music 3) is run by nightlife veterans whom I adore and respect. 4) has serious drinks at really fair prices 5) ample street parking 6) will gladly confirm my concise knowledge of The Cure, Depeche Mode, English Beat, New Order, Tones on Tail, Ministry, Psychedelic Furs et al. 7) DJ's will actually take requests, and play them! 8) Did I mention how clean it is? 9) All inclusive, very much like the old school Medusa vibe! 10) has a psychic that tells me what I want to hear. My only downsides: 1) too far from my place to party like a rock star 2) can't find my Schott Perfecto 3) I can't find Avec hairspray anymore to get the mighty spikage 4) all my gloves now have fingers in them 5) all my studded pieces have been replaced by (gasp) Tiffany.... read more

I attended the Late Bar last night after a long trek from the northside to follow one of our favorite DJs in Chicago. After over an hour of time on the CTA, we arrived and much to my dismay, the dance floor was completely empty. In fact when I walked in I says to myself, I says "Self, this sucks!" But I was not about to let this keep me down. I quickly took the dance floor, and participated in an aforementioned dance-off. We won, the other team left. Maybe because of embarassment or maybe because the music was sub-par. (I would assume the latter). I took their exit as an opportunity to use their bathroom, or as I called in my mind "the panic room." As a serious claustrophobic, that was the longest bathroom experience I've ever had. They don't take credit cards (IN 2010). SO I was raped a $3 surcharge to use their ATM and then purchased some beers. Back to the dancing. After 20 minutes or so of the music consistently sucking I made it my duty to "Get this party started." I tried to get the DJ to play some peppier hits than the atmospheric electronic pulse he was playing. Not only would he not take any requests (Though his dj booth has a window designated for it) he wouldn't even make eye contact with me. If you don't take requests, say so, but treat me like a human being! So after some friends went out for a cigarette I approached two people who looked like they work there, and asked if the dj took requests by any chance. And their response was "Not when you're dancing like a crazy person," to which I replied "Well we were having fun, but I guess we're not allowed to do that anymore." I began rallying the troupes to get the hell out of dodge, as I do not appreciate unsolicited criticism of my years of dance training from the finest dives of Baltimore. After informing my smoking friends of the insults I endured, we decided to try one last go on the floor; we're not that easily defeated! We were quickly "removed" from the bar. I assure you I will not be attending this bar again. It's sad, because we love DJ Dave. So Dave, if you read this, go back to the northside! We miss you and have always been loyal to your spinning! read more

I feel weird giving this 4 stars, but it has some things going for it that were surprising. I got here at 1am on a Saturday night (but I'm really too old for this stuff) and was pleased to find a pretty chill location. I did, by the way, have to pay $5 cover. Fine. Again, not fancy, not quiet, and definitely bad for a date. BUT the DJ was spinning pretty awesome 80s music - including deep cuts I hadn't heard in years, (or ever) and the videos that went with them were pretty entertaining. Plus, the bartenders weren't rude!?!!!? REALLY?! Seriously, they could get 5 stars just for that. Plus, I could actually make my way to the bar to order. Unheard of. It is full of folks way past their prime, married with VERY young 20s somethings who haven't even hit their prime yet. And there's a lot of pretty, skinny, goth-y women. But I still didn't feel intimated and had a good few hours and drinks. **Also see Ladybird X.'s review - it's spot on** read more

I love this bar. Yes, it's kind of out of the way unless you live around the corner, but you've got two great 4 a.m. bars on one block (this and Alice's. Both fantastic for totally different reasons). So I like to head over here when I want to stay out late; one option is sure to please. On weekends, as most reviews indicate, this is all new wave and britpop and other '80s stuff I don't necessarily have the monikers for. It's not, like, completely my scene (I don't really have a scene), but it is so much fun. Great music to dance to, fantastic people watching. I know the bar or the owners or someone is affiliated with Neo in some way and, on Saturday, the dance floor kind of reminded me of Neo on a Thursday night. So much fun. On weekdays, I think you might want to check the calendar (available on their website) because I've been there on rockabilly nights. And it would be kind of weird if you were aching to dance to new wave and you showed up to pompadours and Chuck Berry, right? In any case, I do like weeknights here because it's less busy, the bar is attractive and fun to hang out in, they play interesting movies, and you can hear your friends talk. I've never had any of their specialty drinks, but they look interesting. I'm usually doing whiskey and beer by the time I get here. They do have some interesting beers available. And the bartenders and door people always seem cool. Good times all around. As many mention, the bathroom is kind of an issue. One stall, and really there's room for two small ones. It's kind of annoying. read more

Place looks great, the music was great old Goth/New wave/retro 80's/punkinsh stuff. The bartenders were actually great, though I stuck to the simple stuff for the most part because it was so busy in there. Tiny 2 girl restroom is a bit of a problem (besides the smallness, the door opens weird and no way around a collision), and the dance floor-minuscule. Waited outside in the freezing cold for an hour long wait which is something I will never do again. I went because I really like Kristine and Dave and the music is rare to find on a Sat night-it's an alternative to Neo, (a place steadily going downhill and not caring.) Inconvenient by public transportation, and I like a get mah drank on, so this is a bit prohibitive. Drink prices on the high side, but not unreasonable. So far, I have only been on opening night, I have high hopes for this being a cool place that has good music, a chill alt crowd and decent drinks. I'll review again when it settles a bit into what it becomes. read more

The bar itself isn't bad, but the DJ was absolutely terrible. His set consisted of boring and obscure music that was downright awful. To make matters worse, when I left a review of his awful set on Facebook, he began to accuse me of being a rude patron, something that's laughable seeing as I never even met him that night. The fact that Late Bar would employee someone that sinks into a childish tantrum and straight up lies about patrons when criticized is abhorrent. Also, someone was doing coke in the bathroom, which has no privacy at all; makes me think it's a common occurrence there. Sorry Late Bar, will not be coming back. read more

It's hard to walk the line between general appeal and pleasing the purists. The crowd was okay: it was mostly mainstream, varied in age and happy. Late bar is clean and sanitary for your protection. Those who are scared in here make me laugh. What I didn't get was the music...80's wave. Great. I am for it, I am what some would call a Dark Waver, and I am ready to dance. So...play some dance music....*sigh*. This is always an issue. Does the dj play the chart hits or something really kickin'? Suggestion: Do not play "Pictures of You" by the Cure for a dance song. I like the Cure, but the kind of dancing one does to this is poser and stupid and not really dancing but a type of pacing. I can't stand it. The other thing is I'm so sick of hearing the same songs over and over, songs I used to love have lost their meaning. Songs I hated before, I now loathe. You're a dj, for gawds sake, so show us your chops and play some offbeat, really dance-y stuff. The dancing is the only thing I've been disappointed with in Chicago. I guess I'll hit Latin clubs next time... read more

Spent New Years Eve here. Drinks are $10 (but not sure if that's a regular thing or pricing for New Years). Place is really cool and just a few minute walk from the Belmont stop on the Blue Line. Cash only at this place. the place is really cool..and not too big or too small. Looking forward to spending many a Saturday nights here for Planet Earth (80's new wave music). Dave Roberts/Kristine and the bar staff & the door staff are cool and genuine people. Fantastic place and wish them nothing but the best - glad to see something fun in this neighborhood. There were some tables along the edges, but a spacious dancefloor in the back. Good music and can't wait to try out some of the other nights at this place read more

How I love this place! Great New Year Parties! Champagne for all, dancing all night, great crowd! I will be back again and again and again. Though it's cash only - cocktail drinks are cheap, strong and tasty!!! Saturday night is 80's night - is my fav. See you all there through this year!!! read more

This bar is exactly what is needed on the west side! The owners and staff are the nicest people in the biz and you feel good about giving them your money. But maybe I'm silly I like to support business with awesome owners! Anyway, the bar is cute. The drinks are good. There is a dance floor if you want to dance. The crowd varies in age and style. It kinda strikes me as a place for everybody. I've heard a few comparisons to neo and I am not sure why. The music and scene at neo vs latebar are totally different! Maybe a couple of the same patrons but that's about it! If anything is reminds me more of the old club, 950! Except it's new and clean! Anyway, it's a lot of fun and you should go! read more

I have been to this bar twice, and I'm planning to go tonight (Saturday night) for Planet Earth. I can't wait. The only reason I haven't been more often is that I live two and a half hours away. I was a regular at Dave and Kristine's Planet Earth at a certain bar on Clark Street for years, and I rejoiced for them when they realized their dreams, and were able to open their own bar...Late Bar. I love this place. Everything about it. The purple walls with the stylish vintage black and white photos. Old movies, live perfomances and music videos projected on the wall. Sophisticated, friendly staff members. Drinks in every price range. Great music. And of course, Dave and Kristine. The only down side are the small bathrooms. But Dave and Kristine didn't build this bar, so they have to work with what they were given. The bathrooms may be small but they are the cleanest bathrooms I've ever been in, and yeah, they smell good. If you have not been to Late Bar, I encourage you to go and DO NOT let some of these suspicious negative reviews deter you. As someone who has been there, I can tell you that some of the stuff these idiots are talking about is just flat out untrue. Makes me wonder if some of these reviews are written by employees/friends of other bars who resent the fact that Late Bar is the newest, best bar on the scene, and is taking their customers and their $. That's competition, folks. The future is in Avondale. But hey, don't take my word for it. Visit Late Bar for yourself, and see what happens when two top-notch, classy people are able to realize their dreams. read more

Oh Late Bar.....if you're ever broke, just hang around a 4am cash only bar. Guarantee you'll find money on the ground. - Friendly enough bartenders. - Clean enough bathroom (with a stall inside...so you don't have to wait for the chick in front of you to pee AND do her makeup!) - Menu cocktails are worth the price (at least the ones I've tried, but then again, I haven't paid for them so maybe this isn't how I truly feel...) - Easy street parking if you get there before 2:30 I'm actually kind of surprised I don't like this bar as much as my friends, but I'm just not crazy about it. Not going to complain if this is the bar everyone wants to go to, but if everyone is up in the air, I'll probably try and sway people elsewhere. read more

This place is ok, and open late so I end up there sometimes. The music can be fun, 80's revival!!!!! And it's a nice break from Alice's when you're not interested in terrible karaoke and getting him on by weird townies. The drinks are too expensive for the neighborhood. I know, Late Bar, you're super trendy, but this ain't no Logan Square, and you ain't no Whistler... The is super nice half the time, but then can be rude and ignore people sometimes. Unless this is your hood, you really love New Wave or you just got kick out of Alice's I wouldn't put effort into hanging out here. read more

Well, there I was, in the middle of an 80's explosion. A Depeche Mode explosion, to be exact. I was invited here by an old friend that loves Depeche Mode. Boy, was he right on for a great evening. I'm a Depeche Mode fan and with everything that Late Bar had to offer, I was, and still am sold on this place. Besides the great bartender, LauraLee, the place was hoppin' and the music, which is all 80's all the time, was very comforting. $3 Schlitz Tall boys can't be beat. Overall, thanks to the great music, the confy atmosphere, and the very sweet bartender, I was able to transport myself back to the 80's and enjoy the night which was almost picture perfect. read more

Yes, late bar.... late as in they open up at 10pm and close at 4am, 5am on Saturday/Sunday morning. If you don't like dancing to the new wave then I suggest you don't show up on Saturday nights. They other theme nights but I'm not sure of what they are as I don't tend to hang out past 11 or 12am on weeknights. What else.... If you like hard liquor I would go with the well drinks which are a couple of bucks cheaper then the beer. Well everything but the Schlitz tall boys. Love the dance floor and the projector screen that shows all those cool videos. Word to the wise, skip out on Beauty Bar in Noble Square and head here. Bonus no cover charge for the good music and good dancing. Bad news still cash only. read more

I stumbled in late one night and found myself on the dancefloor to the tunes of my youth. Just like a weird dream I looked up and noticed caricatures of my generation dancing around me. Suddenly I felt irrelevant and embarrassed. My friends poo-pooed me like I was trippin but I'm glad somebody else noticed that fucking TDolby mutherfucker. I mean, I understand I'm coming here to pathetically relive my youth but to have kids dressing up in Walgreens-grade plastic-mask costumes to help celebrate really cheapens my experience. Granted that's more my issue so I can't blame LateBar for that. The cocktails they serve are creative and worth the expense. They make vegan version of stuff, rock! They cater to medusa-era club-goers, new-wavers, and vampires...fuck yeah. So I know and love the community and appreciate their efforts. It's gotta be tough to pull that off, I gotta give props for that especially in Avondale. They are true pioneers to start a club so far west but since this is my hood I can dig it. I wish their bathroom was larger. I wish they could put a time machine around their door so those kids in costumes would be rendered zygotes and not inhibit my dancefloor assault. I wish they would not encourage parasitic "psychics" access to clientele on Thursdays like they just announced. read more

I really wanted to love this place. I loved the lighting and how clean everything was. Even the bathrooms were among the most spotless bar bathrooms I've ever encountered... however... The drinks were weak. And expensive. The music wasn't good. The crowd was super sparse for a Thursday (which I understand based on some of the reviews here...) I don't go to a bar for lighting and a clean bathroom, so I'm afraid two stars it is. Neo is still superior. read more

Long time ago, back in my college heyday, I hung out at this little ole place called Holiday Club. And I preferred to go there on Saturdays because DJ Dave spun New Wave 80s until 2am. It's like he spoke my language, the same language that no one else my age understood. Sure I was a grunge alternative music loving kind of gal, but my heart fluttered at the sounds of Depeche Mode, The Cure, OMD, New Order, etc. Then he was no longer there and I was sad....until i found out he opened up Late Bar. Hell.....fricken...YES!!!!! Open up at ten, plays New Wave on Saturdays, music videos, rockabilly nights. I'm in heaven!!! Downside: Cash only. :( read more

I got a pretty good idea of the general age demographic when the man checking our IDs on NYE said, "Hi, kiddies!" There are definitely many patrons in their mid-30s to 40s, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I am grateful for the ways in which they can accommodate the differing beverage needs of people - vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-alcoholic... I didn't feel like drinking alcohol that night, so I asked about their "mocktails" as mentioned on the website. The bartender didn't have a list for me, but she suggested a cherry lemonade. While it didn't blow me away, it was better than a regular soda that I might get elsewhere. I came back to try a soy White Russian with the Vegan Chicago Meetup group last week. I never found the group unfortunately, but man, the drink was delicious! My partner and I sat at the bar chatting for quite a long time, and the bartender kindly gave me my Sprite on the house. Overall the employees are friendly - greeting us (even wishing me a happy birthday), smiling and having a good attitude. The dance floor does remind me of Neo. There are some people dancing really crazy, and no one minds. The random old films on the tv/projector screen add a little visual interest to the place. I wish they had played more dark new wave on NYE, but overall I'm satisfied with the music. I'd like to check out some of the other nights as well. read more

If Club 950 and Club Foot had a love child, it would be Late Bar. As longtime friends of Dave and Kristine, I must say my first (two) visits to their new place (hey, I live in Austin Texas now, I can't help it) were a highlight of my recent trip. The normal stuff first: Drinks are reasonable, although if you get fancy (coconut martini? hey, i didn't order it, i just tried it) they definitely get pricey, and the music is pure Dave Roberts. Lots of new wave (I'll leave it at that and let you sort out the sub-genres all included in that blanket statement) and yes, like some people have said, the crowd is older. They are the ones who frequented 950, neo, and Club Foot. In other words, everyone I hung out with before I moved to Tejas. Parking is fairly accessible due to the location, and like Ellie said in her review, the place is CLEAN. Clean without feeling slick like a velvet rope doucheclub. The layout reminds me of Club Foot, and alot of other corner bars... bar, bathroom, dj booth and dancefloor (with video screen--required for that aforementioned new wave feel). I think the neighborhood bar-esque feel puts a subliminal damper on the dancefloor (or maybe we ARE just getting old), but that doesn't stop one from enjoying some of the greatest music out of a sketchy musical generation and the friendliest bar staff I know. read more

My best description of Late Bar on Saturday night would be a really very clean Thursday night at NEO. I went to Late Bar last night for a friend's birthday and I actually liked the place. It's an average size bar with a modest drink menu with moderate prices and a clean and spotless men's bathroom. Nice! Last night was their Planet Earth night and the DJ played both nü-wave, new-wave and no-wave while projecting strange avant-garde short films on the wall. The drink menu consisted of $3 PBRs all the way to $9 Horchata Martinis The martinis were real good, but not really worth the whole $9. C'mon, I could get three $3 PBRs for that. The ambiance there was inviting and the crowd was quite mixed. There is a little dance floor in the back, which means there are few places to sit, but if you like dancing or standing then you'll be just fine. My overall experience at Late Bar was quite enjoyable. I would definitely return. Late Bar is cash only, but they have an ATM right inside by the door. Late Bar is an overall great place for a fun Saturday night out. read more

Just got back from a live show which I heard they recently started doing. I think this is a great addition to the already cool and fun events they put on. The first thing I noticed upon entering the dimly lit bar was how friendly and engaging the staff were (even the doorman)! It's sad that a smile and a "how do you do" is such a rare surprise to receive these days, but maybe that is why I appreciated it more. The music is great, the beers are cold and reasonably priced, and last but not least, the dance floor participants are extremely forgiving and encouraging. You will find yourself hopping and bopping in circles with the friendliest of strangers, and you will love it. read more

Jazmyne is the best bartender ever!!!!!!!!! I live for this cutie patootie! All t no shade!!!!!!

Five stars simply for being the only cool bar way out by me. Yay, Late Bar! I love this li'l place - dark, narrow, pinuppy, expensive but tasty martinis. I will definitely be returning! read more

Great friendly crowd and they're open extra late! Bonus when you're leaving the bars that close at 2:00, you can stop in here!!

I love the crowd, I love the music, and the dance floor is always full of awesome people. Two downsides: there is only one stall in the bathroom, but it's not like a private bathroom, people cram in and wait for the one stall. There is always a line outside as well. Also, the drinks are very, very weak. I am not the first person to make note of that. Overall, good ambience and music, and the bartenders are friendly, he remembered what I was drinking, and that was very cool. Drinks are cheap, a rum and coke for $4. read more

I went through the 80's once already, do I want to do it again? Why not, because at Late Bar, I can be drunk enough to appreciate it. This place manages to bring you back to that era where guys looked and dressed like girls and the girls danced without moving their feet. There's a small dance floor in the back where you can sway to all the classic synth generated tunes and see all those great memorable and puke-able MTV videos. My only negative about the place was that the DJ didn't play any classic 80's hip hop like Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, Slick Rick, Afrika Bambaataa and so on. I'm sure if he had maybe more people would have used the dance floor. I think this bar has the potential to become one of my late night options because of the interesting crowd and the obscure 80's music, must have used Shazam the whole night to find out who sang what. They also have $3 cans of classic Schlitz. Just a note, the bar is interestingly located past the highway nestled between ethnic grocery stores and auto body shops within Avondale. It's a cash only bar but it does have an ATM if case you forget. read more

Before I make the inevitable comparison to Neo, I will give this review of Late Bar on its own merit: There is a good booze selection. They are open late. You can usually find somewhere to park. Service can be a little slow on busy nights, but always very friendly. I would prefer more places to sit in such a small bar rather than the dance floor. The neighborhood can be a little sketchy sometimes, and you have to keep both drunken eyes open leaving the bar at 4am. Normally, there is too much 80's + goth-clubbiness going on at either to make them my ideal bar choices for an evening. I used to live in Lincoln Park, so I would occasionally end up at Neo, and now the new boyfriend lives just down the street from Late Bar. Bonus points go to Late Bar for being clean, well-priced, and a little off the beaten path. I enjoy at Neo the little hidden corners you can find a seat in, and have a kind of private night while still enjoying the dance floor show. I always did hate the fact that Neo was cash-only (not sure if it still is), and I had problems with some of the Neo bouncers (they took a friend's REAL out of state id thinking it was fake. We had to call the police to get it back). Between the two, I'd go as far to say Late Bar probably won't be the underdog for long. read more

Ignore the morons who needed a soapbox to cry about something, this bar is cool. Tuesdays have weird rock, rhythm and blues, country, and novelty songs from the 40s through the 60s, and good movies too! read more

Late Bar - Tuesdays! - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was here for the Underground Library fundraiser last week. I was surprised at the location, but happy to see a good bar go up in that area. (No idea what that neighborhood is called.) The bar is clean and the drinks are awesome. They have Robert the Bruce (yum) and the best grape martinis ever. I'm not even a fan of grape flavored things generally , but this is smooth, and will knock you on your ass. There was only one bartender working and the place was packed, but despite the understaffed issue, she was super nice and quick. The downside? Tiny bathrooms with one stall. Expect a line and/or to make a few new friends with those who are in super close proximity. I'm not sure when I'll be back in the area, but I'd definitely return here! read more

I didn't expect to like this place. Thought it would be a place I'd grudgingly resent going to. Turns out I love it! DJs play obscure music, there's always weird stuff on the video screens if you're there alone or just want to be socially antisocial, they have GRAPE SODA in the soda gun, the bartenders are uniformly excellent and attentive, there's seasonal drink specials if you're feeling fauncy, and cheap beers if you're not. My only complaint - and this is a tiny one - is lack of space/privacy in the men's toilet. No, not like that. Luckily a friend of mine lives around the corner so I can use hers when I need to (the alley in back is generally far too well lit and residential in character besides). Now if they only had an Addams Family pinball machine... read more

Anyone who grew up in Chicago in the '80s must recall bussing it East bound on Belmont to chill to this music of our youth: Siouxsie, RomeoVoid, DM, Vicious Pink, RevCo. They spoke to us; resonated with us and UNDERSTOOD us. At 40, I'm traveling West bound on Belmont to relive my inner 13 year old joy? WHAT is this world coming to?Enter, Late Bar, my savior from the from the adult world. Ahhhhhhh. I can only speak of the Saturday night "New Wave" and Brit-pop nirvana where EVERY TUNE struck a youthful chord: melancholy drama at its climactic, delicious peak! I could have easily talked myself out of heading out that evening-- because really, we all have our own crib with our own booze and our own iTunes mixes. Why, then, did I swing out at 11pm West bound on Belmont that night? I don't remember, but thank goodness I did! read more

Late Bar is one o the few places that can turn any bad night around, or make a good night even better; and it's also one of the few places I really feel like dancing regardless of my current level of intoxication. I really don't mind the cash only aspect of the bar as I tend to do more dancing than drinking. read more

Great little place, it has a very 80's punk retro feel to it. Loved the old horror/sci fi films playing on the wall. Nice touch. Staff was great. Excellent Bartenders, I had one of their seasonal drinks since I was feeling fancy and it was very good. Small negative is the 1 stall bathroom but other then that its a nice bar to hang out with friends at. read more