This one goes to eleven. What can one say..? The Montrose Saloon is THE spot for bands, beers, well crafted cocktails and good vibes. Indoors - great stage and real sound folks running the boards - it's run by a musician who wouldn't have it any other way - ambiance, sounds, and sightlines are great. Outdoors - fire pits, sometimes music outdoors (was great during the pandemic) - sublime. And sometimes they have food trucks. Coolest spot in town / one of the best music venues. read more

Possibly the worst service I've ever experienced at a bar, much less a dive bar. Was given the middle finger for asking about another round after close to an hour of waiting while sitting at the bar. No one else at bar but both bartenders needed to watch the baseball game. Kindly ignoring the ass crack of the woman bartender hanging out every turn. Yuck at every turn. read more

Cool staff, great prices. However - The bar can be 95% EMPTY on a Sunday evening in February, and they will boot you to the outdoor bar (in CHICAGO, in FEBRUARY) if you don't pay $15 to exist there at the same time as some band nobody has ever heard of or cares about. Does this bar want to sell drinks or not? We left, bye. read more

Cool music venue. Bartenders seem miserable! Not sure they even like live music! Maybe they should work at a different place cuz they are killing the vibe here! read more

Great music Cool place The people work there are dids and very unprofessional Sad read more

Decent enough bar with a large outdoor area. We were there for some friends going away shindig. Drinks are reasonable price and the staff was very nice. Proof of vaccination is required to enter the bar, which I have no problem with, but their website should be updated to let folks know. The only reason we knew was because the folks throwing the party stated that in the invite. Place was clean and the bartender was nice. They do have live entertainment as well. Nice enough place but can't say it is one I would go out of my way to visit. There was not much in the way of items I would order to drink. There was nothing sparkling on the menu, which left still wine and I don't drink that as much. That said, this is probably a great bar for folks that drink beer or like their cocktails large and low cost. They let you order out for food, so that would be nice in the outdoor area. Even better if I can bring in my own bubbles :-) read more

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What am I doing in a Saloon on a Monday night? I got invited by the bassist of the Dan Hollohan band and who am I to say no? Why five stars? Well the bassist is my friend damnit and this place has the cajones to call itself a Saloon in Chicago. True to its name we're listening to country tonight, they sound pretty good too. You can order anything you want as long as it's alcoholic, especially micro brews. Monday night has 2 advantages 1. Easy parking 2. You can still find seats coming in late. What more can you ask for? read more

Montrose Saloon - Montrose Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The place is a decent music venue. If you decide to go and watch a band, DO NOT stand next to the old player piano that other people set drinks on. Otherwise, a blond lady with glasses will make you feel like garbage. After asking why she was mad at me, she said she wasn't talking to me, even though there was nobody else in the vicinity. I gave her the opportunity to apologize, but alas, she didn't think it was important, so she gets a two star review. The music and sound quality in the place are good. My suggestion, if you don't want people to set drinks on the piano that you placed inside your bar as decoration, put a sign on it that says "No Drinks!" And learn hospitality. read more

Montrose Saloon - Piano - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Any bar, that has the unmitigated audacity; AND the talent, to pull off a Mark Sandman/Morphine tribute with multiple local bands; AND have it actually work?! beautifully...is...well...just that...beautiful. "You speak my language!" read more

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Great place for music and drinks! Has a really good beer garden as well. Highly recommended

We ended up here at the suggestion of someone we met at Fuller's down the street. Our mission had been to find some live music after a Cubs game and Fuller's dropped the ball on that one. Thankfully, we ended up here. They check so many boxes here. Old Chicago bar feel, great atmosphere and music to die for. Just top notch all the way around. The beer garden was fantastic. The drink selections were on point as well as great bartenders who made us all feel like we had been coming there for years. The only drawback was not having food. We did see that others had pizzas brought in which is pretty cool. Will most certainly be heading back to this hidden gem. read more

I was going to Twisted Hippo brewery and noticed this quaint little bar just across the street. I had some time to kill so I popped in. It's got a nice cozy vibe inside. Cool decor with several vintage pieces all over the bar. They have a pretty decent craft beer selection. They also had live music playing since it was a Friday night, though based on signs it seems they have live music quite a bit, which is cool for sure, only thing is if there is, there might not be any seats available since there isn't a ton of space inside. However once it's warm out again they have a big back patio so that will definitely open up more space. Bartenders were all nice. Parking is pretty easy in the area, or it's a few blocks walk from the Francisco brown line stop. Would definitely be open to coming back. read more

**LOCAL ARTISTS BEWARE**. This slimy bar may not pay you for your work!! My friends' band was one of four bands playing one weekend. Living in the city, I had never heard of Montrose Saloon, so I was excited to maybe find a cool bar to support! I showed up right before my friends' band was meant to start, but was turned away by a staff member at the door ("bouncer"). The "bouncer" said they could not sell any more tickets because they were "at capacity" and suggested I "try back in an hour" (exactly when my friends' band would be DONE playing). Meanwhile, from the sidewalk, you could see 4-6 tables in their garden completely empty and a handful of people scatter about - TONS of space. My friends (who showed up to the venue at the beginning of the night) said it was not even CLOSE to packed inside (and it hadn't been all night). Trying to help, one of those friends asked around to the staff inside about letting more people in and most staff shrugged it off (or repeated the same script) but one person told her the bouncer could let people in if/when people left. Meanwhile, I saw at least a dozen people leave and still the "bouncer" said he "couldn't sell more tickets until the people inside told him he could." At least 6 people besides me were also turned away over the span of 25 minutes. One of them was even told by a staff member they couldn't sell more tickets because they had "a deal with the band". Once another staff member came to relieve the "bouncer", I was FINALLY allowed to pay $15 to come in. Seeing the inside of the bar for myself, I *also* felt like there was plenty of capacity; the bartenders were NOT swamped, the audio guy was able to freely walk around checking sound levels... totally open! The band after my friends had a similar crowd. After the show, we told the band members what happened and they were concerned because the deal they made with the bar was that they'd get paid a portion of the ticket sales if they got at least 25 people to show up for them. Sure enough, the bar didn't pay the band... citing a total ticket sale number that was not even close to the correct amount of people that we know showed up for them (not to mention the other people that were turned away). So they lied about the bands ticket sales and claimed the bar was "at capacity" when it clearly wasn't. Either this is gross negligence/incompetence on the bar/owner (not giving your staff the ability to radio each other or even, oh I dunno, use their CELL PHONES to communicate with each other), or this bar is MALICIOUSLY trying to take advantage of local artists by inviting them play then fixing the system so they have an excuse NOT to pay them. Looking into it more, this bar has a recent history of slimy business practice in not paying their artists...These musicians are not some 15-year-olds who just started playing together a month ago.. these are people whose LIVELIHOOD is performing live music. I'm warning everybody we know in the local music scene to NOT play this bar. read more

Good drinks, local bar, love that they have fund raising for the puppies! Come support local businesses read more

been here BC ( before covid) and was fun. Live band outside during DC (i think you will get this.) well I hope) Great outdoor area. and staff! read more

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So far so good! when I wandered into this place for the first time during Craft Beer Week with my passport I was greeted by Steve the bartender. Since it was early n sunny outside this dark wooed bar was empty when I arrived. Slowly it filled up and Steve filled me in on the deal with this place. I really don't want to say too too much about the patio. You'll know why when you see it yourself. Just go. Bring a beer snack of your own since they have no pretzels or bar snacks that looked appealing. Hot cheetoes meh. read more

Montrose Saloon - Awesome bartender Steve! - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Live music, cold beer, friendly people, with an owner who is committed to maintaining the balance of all three. Great place to visit.

Due to Covid-19, I don't get out much, BUT I still want to give my review of the Montrose Saloon. Some of my favorite life memories have happened here because of the live music, bar staff, and customers. I love everything about this place, especially its vintage look. Thanks to their physical-distancing rules, I will make it a point to venture out to one of my favorite places in the Midwest. As soon as I can find my photos and videos of the myriad concerts that I have seen, I will share them. I have a few "homes away from home" and the Montrose Saloon is one of them. read more

Front door guy was a huge asshole. He was offended that I didn't know there was a show that night. "How did you not know we had a show today? we have shows every day" he said. He is the young white guy with the mustache. Bartenders here don't know how to make cocktails, which is fine, but don't advertise cocktails on the menu if you can't make them properly. Ambiance/outdoor seating area was nice. read more

Montrose Saloon is an excellent place for friends gathering and musical nights. would love to come again. old school style. a gem in chicagoland. read more

Came out with a couple friends to check out a band that was playing here. The weather was going to stop us. It's a sleepy little bar in the best way. A little bit of a dive vibe, but with secrets you'll want to check out. They've got a stage up front. Some tables along the wall and then a long bar. There are two pinball machines in the back, as well as two jukeboxes (one for sure has free play). How cool is that! Not just one jukebox, but two...with real records in them. They also have TouchTunes. The group we came to see was Diana & the Dishes. It was fun. They are a great group and fun to listen to, super awesome people. Came down and talked to people between breaks.They played a originals and some covers. The bartender was nice, though he didn't know who was on the stage. It's a small menu, but they've got whiskey options, which was pretty cool. They've got a decent selection of cider as well. TLDR: great bar to come chill in, in the area. Quieter, but nice if you're just looking to chill and for some decently priced drinks. read more

The Montrose is my home away from home. The regulars there always have a smile and a warm hug for me (and my husband.) The staff is friendly and delightful. They have live music regularly and treat their talent well. The monthly bluegrass jam is a real treat! Plus their jukebox offers everything from Abba to Zappa! The Montrose has a big heart. They have been hosting benefits for quite awhile. They support causes from fundraisers for WLUW to Ovarian Cancer to raising monies for public school children's dance competitions! In the summer their beer garden can't be beat! read more

Montrose Saloon - the afternoon is a fine time to indulge in a beer at The Montrose! - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Is't possible? Have I yet to write a review here for this bedrock establishment? Well that shall change herein. I've been here a few times, and ok, perhaps sometimes the sound might be a bit forward, but without exception, there have been amazing bands in the lineup. It definitely has a genuine quality to the decor. What does that mean, you ask? I am not sure. What I do know, is that the crowd here is sweet. I mean, I haven't met all of them, but they seem really chill and there's a nice age range. Bands I've seen here, have largely been seriously good. Occasionally there's maybe a friend of a friend warming up for the main band, but don't be deterred by this. Spoiler alert, the bar staff are so friendly, you'll want to order more beer. Beer choices are good too. Great place to get lost in the city, if that is your desire. read more

Checked out the newly renovated Montrose Saloon last night and it was better than ever. More local craft beers, an expanded patio area with new bocce courts, an outdoor beer garden with an outdoor bar and patio, and a tiny facelift indoors. Really it felt much the same as before, still cozy and intimate with a laid back crowd. Good beer selection from local breweries like Spiteful, Dovetail, and Off Color. Really a great neighborhood place, and located in a great spot near many takeout options, and Ravinia Brewing once they open. Will be back to play bocce as much as possible...They have a number of upcoming free live music shows booked on their Facebook page, which is very cool. The 1-star review here is funny and completely unfounded. Lysa H., try to BYOB at any bar and see what happens... seriously, wtf? read more

Great local music all the time. There may be a small cover but it's worth it. I just saw 6kitty, Money Baby, and always popular Dyes last week and it was packed. Microbrews etc. The open mic on Tuesday is very mellow and easy to play. Their sound system is ***** five star for their room. read more

The craft beer choices are legit and always changing. They don't have a food menu but they sell flaming hot cheetos! Phoebe, Jordan and Jeff are super cool bartenders. There is a beer garden in the summer time. Cool place to grab a drink! If you want a $3 PBR they have it. It's a bar. Cheers! read more

Montrose Saloon - Chillin' with Phoebes #Friends - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good people, good owners, good place. Bummer about some of the bad reviews...one individual has a weird personal vendetta but hoping the others were just a bad day for the folks working there. Check them out! read more

They have great drink specials nice environment open to every one. I am always treated well when I stop in ... read more

Montrose Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Montrose is defintely not going to WOW anyone that comes in with medium/high expectations. it is the epitome of a 'dive bar' with it's rustic decor and dark lighting. The owner, Jerry, is an AWESOME GUY and always is open to sponsor our softball teams and tournament teams. In the summer months, the outdoor beer garden comes is very handy. there is a nice sized patio for chillin out...a yard with tables and horseshoes....and even a GAS GRILL that anyone can use. It is BYOM(meat) of course though. Defintely an awesome owner that wants to make sure everyone present is enjoying themselves. We will be around this place for many more years to come! read more

Going here was quite an adventure for me. A friend had expressed interest in checking out their bluegrass night, so we made tentative plans to stop in. I got there a little before she did, so I ordered my first jack and coke. Mmmm, strong drinks, cheap prices. Friend shows up, we drink some more, we do some venting, then the music starts. It was okay. I definitely wouldn't object to going back. read more

Great old Saloon! Real good selection of Chi-Town brews on draft that are served COLD and fresh/ you can tell the lines are CLEAN! Cool old windows made out of bottles and tons of board games to be had at this establishment. The bartender was great and the clientele seemed to be locals?! Prices fair and it's right next to Breakroom Brewing.. get dat did read more

The Montrose is one of the first bars I came to in Chicago when I moved here from New Orleans and it continues to be my favorite. It has the perfect dive feeling, but is perfectly clean with the friendliest faces you can hope to find. I've made many a friend while sitting on the stools at the bar. Great jukebox .... great ambiance .... affordable drinks. And, you can pitch horseshoes. Or play Scrabble. Or pool. Or toss a beanbag or two. read more

Live music was cool, Bill was 26 plus 5 tip which was left on the bill! Friend bill also 26 he put 5 on the bar! Leaving one of the bartenders chased us down the street like her life depended on it and asked for a tip. White girl blondish hair followed by the blonde long haired bouncer.. Terrible and never again! read more

Great neighborhood bar with excellent entertainment, reasonable drinks, and fantastic outdoor space.

Great joint. Big glasses of booze for cheap. Internet jukebox, which = everything you want to listen to. Late close, typical dive bar.

I was in the neighborhood and looking for a beer garden. I pulled up my trusty yelp iphone app and was led to the montrose saloon based on its great reviews and decided to try..... Well, I am assuming that all the yelp reviews for this "bar" were either paid or done by brainwashed patrons. This could not haven been a worse experience. First, we found the "beer garden" which was basically a deserted and overgrown weed lot with rotting wood furniture. Nice but no biggie as we had expected a dive. Second, there was no service. Yes, there was a bartender who greeted us but she never came out to the patio to serve or suggest we needed to go out and get drinks. She just stayed inside chatting with a patron. We understood that this might be a consistent problem as one chair on the patio had a piece bitten out of it. We suspect an earlier patron had done this out of desperation waiting for service. Third, when we left the bartender said nothing and did not think it was odd that we had never been served. Overall, you can skip this place unless you have such a severe jonesing for alcohol or warped lawn furniture that you cannot make it another block. read more

This is, by far, my favorite neighborhood dive bar! Super cheap drinks, really friendly staff, super cheap drinks, cool beer garden, super cheap drinks, good jukebox, super cheap drinks, low-key (which I love) atmosphere, and super cheap drinks. Wait? Did I mention super cheap drinks? I stumbled out of there one night only spending $20 and I'm a healthy tipper! read more

This bar is great and has a really chill beer garden. Nice people, reasonably priced, feels like a place for regulars.

It's been about 7 years since I last reviewed the Montrose. Time for an update! Since my initial review, I've moved into the neighborhood. Therefore, I've patronized this place often. The Montrose Saloon continues to be one of my favorite bars ever. Here are the myriad reasons why: - It's about as unpretentious as it gets. Everyone is welcome here. - The bar staff. Joanie, Jeff, Kristen, etc. are all great. Jeff has an unparalleled wit and my co-workers and I like to "visit Jeff" after work on Fridays. - The beer. The taps clearly reflect the "craft beer trend." Begyle's Tough Guy Ale, Revolution's Anti-Hero, Half Acre's Daisy Cutter, Lagunitas' Pils, Oskar Blue's Dale's Pale Ale, etc. - The whisky/whiskey. Check out the list. - Outdoor space. It's huge! It's simple-- picnic benches, tables, umbrellas. Bring on the nice weather! read more

This place is fantastic. Nuff said. Ok, ok, for those of you who may need a little more then that, here goes. *Pros* - Spacious beer garden - Really friendly bartenders & patrons - Cheap beer & drinks And not that you really need anymore pros then that, here's some more: - Bags & horshoes you can play on a nice sunny day out in the beer garden. - And if you get bored with those, they also have a bunch of board games and a pool table. - A grill that is available for all to use. Yes, you can bring your own meat, fish, veggies, whatever you like and BBQ it up! Just make sure and bring a little extra, you wouldn't want to leave the bartenders hungry would you?!! - If grillin's not your thing, they also have like 50 menus from places in the area that will deliver there. *Cons* - Uhm, give me a minute. Ok, I need just one more minute. Hmm. Sorry, I can't think of any cons except that I live a mile away and not around the corner! After spending a glorious Sunday afternoon here recently with friends, games, beer, and pizza, all I can say is I can't wait till the fickleness of Chicago weather fades away in to full blown summer so I can spend many more a weekend afternoon in the beer garden here. So Montrose Saloon, save a picnic table for me cuz I'll be back soon! read more