This is a stereotypical "Dive bawr." Chicago at it's best! Once in a blue moon, I walk a few hundred feet to "Loafers." I really don't think most know the name, but just that it's located at Lawrence & Rockwell. For a dive bar, the prices are a little high, but you come here for the character. Or, characters. Grab a seat at the bar, and you'll most likely hear conversations ( or arguments) regarding sports, the current point spread, and how 'Da Cubbies are gonna do it this year. Wishful thinking, but the patrons at Loafers never disappoint when it comes to interesting conversation. Loafers is clean, and unlike some reviews, I've never felt like I was in some sort of imminent danger. Actually, everyone has always been friendly-especially, "Rory" the bartender. He's kind of like a redheaded version of Vince Vaughn. Absolutely hilarious, and a damn good bartender...you know, the kind that shakes your hand, asks your name, and introduces himself when you sit down at the bar. Loafers never disappoints. read more

What a random little place. I was in town visiting some friends doing a bit of bar hopping. They said that this place was a blast and it was also Kareoke night so of course I had to check it out. We ended the night here and I am so glad we did. They have the friendliest bunch of staff, bartenders and regulars. We made good friends with everyone in that bar and will go back for sure next time im in town. I have never been to a bar that was so incredibly friendly to a stranger. Great times! And I apolgize to anyone that had to hear me sing "baby got back!" read more

Been dying to check it out, finally went with a few friends and it was a disappointment. The drinks were watered down and.... that's really the worst thing a bar can do. Very disappointed in this dive bar. The best part was when everybody started singing along to the music, who doesn't love group karaoke. However, there's a jukebox and some songs are ear-piercingly loud... yikes! read more

I was walking by and decided to stop in for a quick beer, I haven't visited Loafer's in about two years. It was like I never left. I quickly felt right at home again. Fran the bartender truly was stellar with her service. She took care of me 100% and some. "Dive Bar" Call it what you want, they have more class than you think.... P.S. LOVE THE OLD STLYE SIGN... read more

I feel like this week has been Angie's Dive Bar Tour 2012. What better way to cap it off than a trip to an ultimate dive? LOAFERS. Loafers. What kind of name for a bar is this? I wanted to go on general principle alone. I needed to see what kind of establishment is actually called Loafers. Located on kind of a gnarly strip of Lawrence, Loafers is a Beer Sign Bar, meaning there's not actually a sign that says "Loafers" outside... it's just an Old Style sign. It sits right on the corner of Lawrence and Rockwell in case you're looking for it. Walking in... Yup. Shitty dive for shizz. Popcorn tiled ceiling. Approximately eight gnarly dudes sitting at the bar. Pool table. General grungyness. The bartenders were super friendly, but the clientele is a little on the sketch side. One major problem, though, is the juke box. I hate those internet juke boxes. Another thing: Drinks aren't as cheap as you'd think. We're certainly not talking expensive, but for such a divey place you'd expect things to on the less expensive side of things. read more

I love this bar. The bartenders are great. Rory is king, Frannie right my socks off and JoJo is amazing too. Constantly our go to local spot. They run a great establishment here. Love them all. Cheers. BRING BACK FRIDAY KARAOKE read more

Loafers is my favorite bar in chicago. Yes, it's a dive bar and it's not classy. If you like your local cheers bar however, this is the place to go. The bartenders care about their regulars and it's very welcoming. Gangbangers are not allowed in the bar! It's much better than time out! read more

Ok, I have been working at loafers now for 2 months. I never heard anyone complain and talk out of their ass like Yvette R. Who ever you are. And Virginia H. I think your both fake and want to demolish a business. You hate the fact that your friend got caught on camera giving out free drinks and get the place closed down. Everyone is like family in that bar. And for the owner? It's a he! name is Jordan and he is an amazing person. You go with what you hear and that's your problem. Don't come on yelp and run your mouth. Everyone that comes to loafers is like family. Stop with your fake accounts and show your self!!!! read more

This bar is everything a bar should be: close, dark, cozy, cheap...and with a visit from the Chicago Police Department at around midnight after someone threatens to shoot up the place with an AK-47 after getting punched in the head by the hillarious doorman (actual scenario). I mean, how could you not love this place? The only negative was that someone kept playing a large amount of country on the jukebox. However, this problem was easily rectified by the beginning of Saturday night karaoke. The first song, you might ask....Poison by Bel Biv Devoe. I absolutely cannot wait to go back this weekend. Oh, and they advertise free WiFi. read more

This place gave me a huge picture of beer for like nothing. I felt like a regular as the bartender introduced themselves and the place is a classic dive bar. A dive bar in the good sense. A pool table and plaenty of televisions along with the cheap beer make this place not as bad as it looks on the outside read more

I'll tell you something... This is a classic Chicago dive bar, and I like everything about it. This is the best place to spend a Thursday night after work. read more

Honestly I have to say, it's ashame anybody can even write a bad review and give this bar less than 4 to 5 stars. I walked in Loafers for the first time last month for a Cubs game. I have been back at least 3 to 4 times a week now. I love that it's close to my apartment, I love that they have a great draft beer line up. Beer prices are very on point, and the whiskey prices are as well. They have a great selection of spirits and craft beers. The bartenders are very very friendly, I must say thank you to Loafers for being in the neighborhood, many memories to be had. Go Cubs! read more

Update from reviews below 1) no smoke duh! 2) no key required 3) 5 beer specials a sham , you will be informed that they are "out" , happened to me all 3 times 4) The pool table is VERY nice for this divey type bar and easy to pick up a game . Warning if the President of th ePol League is present don't even think of playing, he will let you know who is boss. This bar is the best tavern east of California to Lincoln between montrose and Lawrence, and the "change" of the neighborhood has brought out a lot of younger more chic types and a definite mix, as far a the wolf lady (see review below) , I'm pretty sure she would flash you for a draft beer (provided they aren't out) Beware. read more

Make every night a Loafers night. Cheap beer, good friends, chill atmosphere, Trivia Fridays, Karaoke Saturdays, Wii Sports occasionally, nice waitstaff, what more can you ask? If you're a Wrigleyville transplant looking for your local douchery, look elsewhere cuz you won't find it here. read more

If I could give this bar lower than 1 star, I would. I've seen roaches crawl across the floor the last time I visited. The floors are cracked, the bathrooms smell like piss and the hard liquor tastes watered down. Plus on top of that, there's always homeless people walking around the premises and making customers feel uncomfortable. I even saw a homeless man relieve himself on the side of the building (wtf?!). They used to have a 'security guard', that used to handcuff patrons when they got out of hand, but I haven't seen him around. Save yourself from this pisshole, unless you're interested in getting a contact high from all of the druggies that surround this place. read more

Loafer's is precisely what I look for in a bar. Cheap. Awesome. Nice people. I heard it used to be shady, but this is not a vibe I've picked up here...the staff and clientele are all funny and kind, the juke box is awesome. It's a little bit dirty, but...I'm from Cleveland! What did you expect? Oh, the women's bathroom has what a girlfriend has deemed a "lowrider," so just be aware of that. read more

Just moved to the neighborhood, very disappointed. We love our dive bars and if it wasn't for the bartender and his spraying of windex all over the tables, which made it difficult for us all to breathe, it would've been fine. This guy bartender works Tues, Wed & Thurs (I had my boyfriend ask, as I sat outside to get some fresh air) so I would suggest going to this bar any other night. Not to mention he was unfriendly and spent most of his time smoking outside on the corner. This place stinks. Literally. read more

Good local. Basic beer on tap but also one microbrew for $5.

Great spot!!!! Trivia night on Fridays. Karaoke and Rock Band on Saturdays. Has cleaned up over the past few years. I have never seen cops here or smelled pot or dogs. *LOL* Bartenders are cool and funny. Trivia is a blast!!!! Not the biggest bar in the world. But drinks are decently priced and if you live in the neighborhood it is close. Pretty good specials also. Nice neighborhood dive bar to hang out and get a buzz. read more

It's a dive bar. Cheap drinks, friendly bar tenders, plenty of regulars and cheap drinks. If you like dive bars you'll like Loafers.

Update: after far too long, I went to Loafers after work. Yay! Rory is THE consummate bartender, remembering names and details. As a former bartender and mentored by someone like him years ago, I find this bar absolutely a neighborhood gem. Had a rough day? You'll find a pat on the back and someone will likely buy you a beer. Welcome home! read more

Wow. Right up there with the Springwater (in Nashville) as the diviest dive bar I have ever been to. And the first to review! Wow, pressure. First, super small, narrow, long space that is typical of old-fashioned neighborhood drinking establishments in Chicago. The atmosphere is both really festive and dangerous feeling. You need a key to use the bathroom. I'm not going to mince words to describe the regulars: they are rough. One woman with few teeth was very excited to show us her t-shirt with a big, realistic portrait of a wolf staring out the front of it. If you are brave enough to push your way to the way back you will find awful, painful kareoke. A great bonding experience if you and your buds are in the area and looking to get wasted. Extra star for the name. read more

Ok. Was going there for a bit. Fun to hang out with friends in the neighborhood. There was often a bit if sketchy stuff going on, but hey it's the closest dive bar and just a few blocks. One night after having talked to Jordan the owners son the day before I introduce myself, say hi to a lady he was with. She said "didnt I know she owned the place" and she and her sisters threatened to jump me. I was saying hi????? Who wants to go to a bar where the owners want to beat you up. A male friend intervened and held them back. This is frightening! I have never gotten into a bar fight and find that behavior very low class. Also unfair that they wanted to jump me as a group. Then since I didn't want to fight, Im a grown woman and a business owner she gets into a fight with another gal. Im a very light drinker so I never get into disagreements, no point! A bartender tried to talk me back into coming and gave me a couple drinks to smooth this over but let me be clear, I can afford to buy my own drinks very easily. Avoid this drama bar. Oh, and the owner calls me crazy? read more

I just moved into the neighborhood a few months ago and Loafers quickly became my local go-to! Friendly people, very reasonable prices, and the staff is awesome! Rory, Frannie, and JoJo are the best! See you soon, guys! read more

My husband and I stopped by Loafers the other day hoping to see this wonderful, warm and friendly bartender Yolanda that had served us before , however the bartender on duty was some unattentive older woman who took about 10 minutes to greet us, when our drinks finally arrived she tried to make good by telling us all about this contact paper she had applied to the bar all by herself. As we were enjoying our drinks we noticed she had her dentures out and placed them on the bar to show to some other guests. We we quite horrified and disgusted by this scene which also ruined our appetite for dinner which we were planning to go to after the bar. My husband ordered his favorite whisky Jameson which tasted completely watered down or not Jameson at all. We were so disappointed with this experience that we will never return. read more

I came in the night of their Xmas party! Everyone was super sweet, the Bartender was happy to open a tab and I made some new friends. Don't let the small divey atmosphere put you off! read more