I met someone here before an event. Cash only establishment, which is no big deal, especially with an ATM on site. Bartender was surly and the folks (who I assume were regulars) were all surly too. It was like walking in to a grumpy-puss meeting. The energy was super negative. If not for the great company I had (and the fact that we were already there) I might have suggested that we move. It was fine. Beer was cold. read more

Love Old Town Ale House. Definitely a Chicago staple. Featured on Anthony Bourdain's show way back when....it's got the divey, Chicago-y, gritty vibe I love. Cash only. Owner is a hoot. He's an artist and his art is wonderful political commentary. Bartenders are cool, drinks not too expensive, and good location in Old Town. read more

A bar with a past! Comedy sketched pictures everywhere that will bring up a chuckle or two. Beers, shots and good bartender good night and good vibes. read more

Old Town Ale House was featured in a couple of Anthony Bourdain episodes, and also conveniently located right across from the Second City theaters, so we just had to check it out. It's not quite a dive bar, the owner's savvy and humorous paintings cover most of the walls, creating fun and relaxed atmosphere. At night, its warmly lit, almost as if it was a romantic restaurant. There seemed to be a lot of locals, maybe a few tourists. No cover charge. Beers ranged from $6-8, wells gin & tonics $8, making this a very affordable drinking hole. Doorman and bartenders were all friendly, as well as the regulars. Great place to chill before or after your Second City show, or just in general. read more

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Great, dark dive bar. Great place to escape the heat, or cold in Chicago. Cash only, cold beer, well mixed drinks

This was a Chicago dive bar bucket list for me and my husband. We took my brother here who was visiting from Austin TX for drinks after spending the entire day downtown at Christmas time. We plannned on hopping a few bars in Old town , but my brother and hubby said " Lets just chill here ! Diggin the vibe". This place was featured by Bourdain and we love old town so we made it happen today. It is now our new favorite "dive" in Chitown. From the art work , the simple drinks, the people we met .... And just so you know ... cash only but an atm is offered . Just do it . read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Always a great option after comedy show! Many of the comedians also come here at night and can be good opportunity to chat! Cash only but so affordable it's worth it! Such good vibes and good people. Easy to have drink in hand any night of the week! One of my favorite bars in the city for sure! read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you're into politically hilarious and filthy art, this place is a must-visit. ***It's cash only, so be prepared for that.*** Beers are $8 each, which is pretty standard for the area. The vibe is super laid back, perfect for some daytime drinking. The atmosphere is dark with cool, mellow jazz tunes playing in the background. Highly recommended for a chill and unique experience! read more

Beautiful paintings on the walls, great service, chill vibes. I just came for one drink at 3:30am on a Sunday. Great late night spot

Moved in the area recently and got to check out Old Town Ale House, and so glad I stopped in! I was actually given a tip to check it out by some other local bartenders in the area... which is always a good sign. Cash only, great beers and a cool dark wooden vibe. They even have a CD player with the album flipper from back in the 90's/00's. I kept saying the only thing this place is missing is a self service popcorn machine :) Overall if you're looking for a cool classic old school bar, stop in for a beer and don't be surprised if this becomes your new weekly spot read more

For sure this is what a dive bar should be. It may not have the cheapest drinks, but there's lots of other things about it that make it so. Old Town Ale House has been around for a long time. Gets so dark inside even during the day. The walls are covered with the most interesting artwork, and that alone is reason enough to check it out. Basically it's a classic. It's had a lot of visitors come through. There's evidence of this on the walls. Paintings of the celebrities who have been here fill one side of the bar. These include Anthony Bourdain, Jimmy Kimmel, and many others. Cool artwork above the bar. There's some funny nude paintings of politicians. Other than the art, the main thing is the drinks. There's cheap and expensive. Cheap beer comes in cans. It's about $8 for a Stiegl on tap. Good liquor choices. It's about $10 for most cocktails. This place isn't as cheap as it was but there's still a few specials. It's cash only. The only bad thing about this place it seems. Good place to check out artwork and get drinks. It's pretty crowded because space is limited. The bar is cash only so before coming out some money in the wallet. read more

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After nearly ten years of stopping in every few months, this remains one of my favorite bars in the city. Not necessarily for the beers or mixed drinks, you can get the same or better just about anywhere else. It's the vibe. It's the incredible jukebox with records ranging from Count Basie and Tony Bennett to Howlin' Wolf and Tom Waits. It's the crazy paintings on the wall, showcasing the heroes from across the street, and the criminals who permeate our government. It's the kind of place that's too few and far between, your classic watering hole filled with regulars, folks who know, and visitors from all over the country. The bartenders will happily strike up a conversation with you, and just as happily leave you alone. You'll see people who might as well have their name on the barstool, folks who have probably been kicked out more than once, and people just having a really good time over a couple of beers. It's always a pleasure to come in and feel like you've transported forty or fifty years back. This place isn't trying to be trendy, and it certainly isn't desperately trying to be cool or coax people in. But it doesn't need to, like the owner himself, it wears who it is proudly on its sleeve and demands a little bit of honesty, humility, and for you to leave your bs at the door. Come in, have a beer, and enjoy the best jukebox and wildest decor in the city. read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One of my favorite neighborhood bars I've ever been to while traveling, and I can imagine would be a too-frequent haunt if I did live in town. I could tell why there were so many regulars popping in for a quick drink and hello and others staying to watch the game. I hate saying "the vibe," but the vibe indeed was warm and comforting, in a quirky but well-decorated space. The staff (Steve and Chris) were so friendly and helpful. I fully expected them to roll their eyes when I asked for a hazy IPA, but they patiently let me try what local drafts they had (I ended up really liking Half Acre). They knew I was a tourist, roasted me just the right amount, but fielded all of my questions about the best pizza and hot dog anyways. Most incredibly: Chris took the time to write down a TON of recommendations for me for not only pizza and hot dogs, but breweries, whiskey bars, and Italian beef joints he thought I would like. I immediately wanted to go back the next day, and would have if I didn't have such a short time to explore the city - and more cash, as they are cash only. read more

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I came here for some after work drinks with a few friends. It's a very unique bar with some risqué political themed art. The bartender was very nice and handled the bar well. Overall, I had a great time but probably would avoid bringing my grandmother here. Also, it is cash only. read more

This is the neighborhoodiest of neighborhood bars and a dive among dives. Word says this is a popular hangout for Second City performers, and I can see why. Its walls are filled with wild art and the portraits of famous customers. It has a good taplist, too, a mix of macro and locally brewed beers. The locals are friendly and happy to discuss all things Chicago. read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The vibe is fantastic! The jute box, the paintings, the wood - I was so happy to be there!

a bar that hasn't lost it's charm, the old town ale house doesn't disappoint. Fantastic political satire infused portraits adorned on the walls - you won't get bored. Drinks are cheap and strong. Cash only like the Lord intended read more

Cash only but there is an ATM available. If you're a Trump fan, you probably wouldn't appreciate the paintings hung of him in a straight jacket. There was some interesting artwork through the whole place. Our group didn't have any cocktails so you can't really mess up drafts, bottles, and cans. I wish the windows opened bc it was a little stuffy. Typical old dive bar that met that expectation. read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If I could give no stars I would the bartender non inviting he looked miserable to be there not welcoming at all not a greeting or "hey here's our menu drink specials" I mean anything! me & the wife had to guess what drinks they had available. Had one drink & bolted out of that place! It explains why there was only one other couple there! Will def NEVER patronize that business again! read more

I'm going to describe this like the text I sent my brother...it's all positive, but take it as you will. Please read in an Anthony Bourdain voice (btw) Cool place. 10 bar stools. Half a dozen tables. Dark, like a place where you expect someone drinking at 10 in the morning would be, but wouldn't want to be seen. Or wouldn't want the sun hurting their head more than last night already is read more

Old Town Ale House - portraits of men and women - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Solid old school dive bar with comfortable ambience. Good draft beer served very cold. Views of the street life while you kick back with a drink are quite nice. read more

Steve "Cash Only" Hat Great ambiance, paintings were amazing. Went on a first date here and had a blast. Met the regular, Bob, jukebox selection was electric. All in all great bar but the cash only accommodation had us left wanting. 2/5 read more

Best bar in the world! Here's a poem for how great they are. Old town ale house is great So fantastic, it's first rate! Grab a beer or a cocktail You'll be there a while! Enjoy the company A laugh or smile! Come on down! read more

I love this place. I want to gate keep it but it's so good it deserves all the love. The art in here is so interesting. Fav bar at the moment read more

This is definitely a dive bar but lots of history. Cash only but believe they have ATM on site. Came on Memorial day with a buddy slightly after we left the beach. The air-conditioning felt great. The owner has a unique art taste and the paintings although some are lewd, skilled gives me Americana/ parody vibe. Got a Modelo. Cool knowing that comedy legends and Ebert+ Anthony Bourdain been thru before. read more

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Fun dive bar. Can get super full, but we were lucky to snag a table at the window (great for people watching). Lots of cool signed caricatures on the wall. read more

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Awesome little neighborhood dive bar filled with locals & art. Drinks were strong & done right! Bar is cash only but they do have an atm on premises. Directly across from second city so it's the perfect pre or post show spot for drinks. read more

Great place with a lot of history. If you're looking for a fancy bar, this is not it. But for the political types it's a must visit. read more

Old Town Ale House - Bar area with political art - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is welcoming and historic. Saw that Anthony Bourdain recommended and did not disappoint. Got a seat at the bar and received quick service, well pourd drinks, and met the owner/artist . read more

Old Town Ale House - back side of the bar . Great original Art! - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great dive. Old Styles and crafts go down easy here. Chill places to hang all about. Gets packed good for them. I don't like the cash only policy but goddamnit I respect it read more

This place is indeed a great bar! I had a super time here on Thursday into Friday. Very cool people and art. Also the bar that is open latest in Chicago it seems. Definitely recommendable. With beers on draft at $9, the prices are not too divey... It reminds me a little of Rudy's in New York (other than the prices at Rudy's, which are amazing...) read more

Cute bar! Great atmosphere! The bar tenders were really nice. My friends had limited experience with beer in the US. They wanted to try a bunch of stuff that was pretty common, as they had never had it before. The bartenders were kind enough to pour multiple tastes without blinking an eye. They were very kind. We had a great time and my friends tried a bunch of new beers! Great spot! read more

I just couldn't pass by.... This is a very atmospheric place form 60s or 70s. A very dark lites, jukebox, old fashioned bar and it fells like and old Chicago style place. $8 for Lagunitas IPA seems to be a regular price for a place in this area. If you want to dive into Chicago classic bar - this is a place. Definitely recommended! read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Old Town Ale House hits for that certain crowd. Anthony Bourdain didn't select this place as his favorite Chicago dive bar for no reason. (RIP). FYI, this bar is cash only. ATM is inside. Old Town Ale House is a quiet, dark neighborhood bar that's close to the Sedgwick train station and right off the busy street. Beers are cheap as hell and there's plenty to choose from. No food for those looking for a bite. The crowd is on the quiet-side and there's a small TV you can watch if you want to avoid conversation. Art is a bit...NSFW, but that contributes to the atmosphere that makes Old Town Ale House so special. Come here, have some fun, chat it up with friends. This place retains that old world charm especially well. 5/5. There's a reason why this remains the locals' favorite. read more

Old Town Ale House - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Still love this place. No frills, no BS. I love it. I see reviews complaining about lack of cocktails, modern vibes, etc, etc. This is Chicago, not LA. Act accordingly. read more

Proper dive bar on North Avenue. Open until 4 AM. It is cash only so make sure that you have some coming in or you can also use the ATM. Interesting vibe with a lot of political pictures posted around the place. Beers are pretty cheap and gets a pretty interesting crowd read more

This is a cool old bar across the street from Second City in Chicago. The owner was checking IDs and they had some good IPAs on tap. It was pretty busy and had a cool dive bar feel. Very nice bartender and a fun 30 minutes before the Second City show. Worth a try for a quick libation before a show. read more

Did a search for dive bars in Chicago and this was number one. We went in the afternoon and when we walked in it was so dark. There were a few small tables and several stools at the bar. There was a tiny tv up over the far corner of the bar. You could look around at the things on the walls for hours. Lots of regulars at the bar whose drinks were ready before they took their coats off. Pretty sure they do not serve food. Loved it here. read more

Tony Bordain was here! Awesome spot for casual beers and smooth jazz. Cash only and friendly bartenders. Must go if your visiting Chicago read more

Old Town Ale House - Tony Bordain - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Incredible art inside, Anthony bourdain approved and an overall fun vibe, good beer selection, no food.