Old Town Ale House

4.2 (331 reviews)

InexpensivePubs, Dive Bars

Fri • 3:00 pm - 4:00 am (Next day)

Sat • 3:00 pm - 5:00 am (Next day)

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Old Town Ale House - Some famous visitors - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Old Town Ale House - two glasses of beer - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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Chun P.

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.

Shawn C.

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 .

Deanna S.

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!

Steve A.

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.

Kyle P.

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.

Cat N.

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.

Charley B.

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.

Tracy M.

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.

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Megh L.

Elite 26 All-Star

125

325

978

4 months ago

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

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

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Kris W.

5

34

0

6 months ago

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

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Joel J.

Elite 26

53

168

212

1 year ago

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

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Chun P.

Elite 26

4860

2483

20424

3 years ago

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

Old Town Ale House - a variety of portraits of men - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Old Town Ale House - the interior of the bar - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Old Town Ale House - a painting of a man and a woman - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Shawn C.

Elite 26

114

172

227

2 years ago

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

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Deanna S.

Elite 26

39

231

968

2 years ago

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

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Brent L.

Elite 26

451

1520

5907

2 years ago

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

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Jace R.

0

2

0

9 months ago

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

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Katie E.

Elite 26

906

403

651

2 years ago

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

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Steve A.

Elite 26

4751

5632

8560

4 years ago

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

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

Old Town Ale House - Stiegl And Whiskey - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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Kyle P.

Elite 26

56

391

544

3 years ago

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

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Clay G.

Elite 26

167

782

1011

2 years ago

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

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Valerie J.

0

31

5

1 year ago

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

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Cat N.

Elite 26

378

896

540

4 years ago

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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Joseph Anthony S.

Elite 26

910

371

220

1 year ago

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

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Charley B.

Elite 26 All-Star

156

1198

1656

4 years ago

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

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George H.

2

64

17

1 year ago

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

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Tracy M.

Elite 26

13

154

234

3 years ago

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

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Ryan C.

0

10

3 years ago

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

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Greg S.

Elite 26

29

824

39

3 years ago

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

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Sam C.

0

1

0

2 years ago

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

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James S.

0

8

5

3 years ago

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

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Mary M.

Elite 26

111

222

437

3 years ago

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

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M D.

2

47

13

2 years ago

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

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Lonesome D.

0

6

10

2 years ago

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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Kenny C.

Elite 23

1051

4499

19744

4 years ago

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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Grant A.

Elite 26

510

702

2940

4 years ago

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

Old Town Ale House - a bottle of modelo - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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G. B.

9

214

44

3 years ago

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

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Clayton C.

104

162

3

2 years ago

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

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John T.

0

6

0

2 years ago

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

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Orest S.

Elite 23

26

813

4326

4 years ago

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 - a bartender pouring a drink - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Connor B.

Elite 24

37

357

167

3 years ago

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

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Gabrielle H.

Elite 26

74

292

14

5 years ago

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

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Michael B.

Elite 24

529

106

540

7 years ago

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

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Stefani V.

0

6

9

2 years ago

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

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Mike G.

Elite 26

154

626

89

7 years ago

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

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Donna B.

Elite 24

13

76

61

4 years ago

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

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Jason K.

Elite 26

547

1931

1320

7 years ago

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

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Jack W.

109

9

6

4 years ago

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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Caroline H.

Elite 22

112

252

1394

8 years ago

I love this place! The dive feel, the art sketches on the wall and the classical music! It was the after work crowd, no happy hour specials, but prices were reasonable. We found this place due to Anthony Bourdain and we loved it! Keep in mind, they are cash only! read more

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More info about Old Town Ale House

219 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610
Old Town, Near North Side
Directions
(312) 944-7020
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.theoldtownalehouse.com/

Hours

What time does Old Town Ale House open?

Old Town Ale House opens at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Saturday.

What time does Old Town Ale House close?

Old Town Ale House closes at 4:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.Old Town Ale House closes at 5:00 AM (Next day) on Saturday.

Mon-Fri, Sun 3:00 PM - 4:00 AM (Next day)Sat 3:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Old Town Ale House take Bitcoin?

No, Old Town Ale House does not take Bitcoin.

Does Old Town Ale House take credit cards?

No, Old Town Ale House does not take credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Old Town Ale House have a happy hour?

No, Old Town Ale House does not have a happy hour.

Does Old Town Ale House serve alcohol?

Yes, Old Town Ale House serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Old Town Ale House allow dogs?

No, Old Town Ale House does not allow dogs.

Does Old Town Ale House have TVs?

Yes, Old Town Ale House has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Old Town Ale House have bike parking?

Yes, Old Town Ale House has bike parking.

Does Old Town Ale House have outdoor seating?

No, Old Town Ale House does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Old Town Ale House have parking?

Yes, Old Town Ale House has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Old Town Ale House wheelchair accessible?

No, Old Town Ale House is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Old Town Ale House allow outdoor smoking?

No, Old Town Ale House does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Old Town Ale House have free WiFi?

Yes, Old Town Ale House has free WiFi.

Review Highlights - Old Town Ale House

“My husband and I stopped in for a beer after a show at Second City - we love a good dive bar, and so we had to check it out.”

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Explore benefits

Delilah's

This place is awesome. Incredible beer and drink selection with some hard to beat deals. It has a…read morepunk-metal atmosphere that's super unique, bartenders are all very friendly and attentive, and the pool table upstairs is always a great time. Sometimes they play some pretty weird movies on the TV and I'm here for it. Also Bills games here go hard. I'm not even a Bills fan and I was having a great time.

Came here on a saturday with a large group of friends and had to leave after 30 minutes because the…read morespace was so small and packed you couldn't really move. Id recommend coming with one or two other people if you'd like to stay a while. My only complaint was standing at the bar for over 10 minutes waiting to get a drink and kept being overlooked or ignored. The drinks were okay, I got a high noon so can't really go wrong with that but I heard their mojitos are good.

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The magical wall of whiskey

Rossi's Liquors

Friendly and lively dive bar (4/5 Green Stars) Waiting for…read moretake-out from nearby Lou Malnati's, we wandered into Rossi's for a quick drink. It's a reasonably-priced busy dive bar in the heart of Chicago. I asked the bartender if she had a beer + shot deal and she said "no, but you can order a beer and shot." And so we did! Noise level is fairly high, thanks to a lively crowd plus a jukebox. They don't normally serve food but I think are fine with customers bringing in your own food, and you can also place an order from a nearby restaurant (I don't recall which one). And yes, it's cash only so bring some money if you don't want to pay ATM fees! 4 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. I like bars that allow customers to bring (or order) their own food - it allows for all diets! The one thing I'd like to see is more beer on tap - even just one good rotating local beer (e.g., Goose Island). Draft beer has smaller environmental footprints compared to bottled or canned.

Recently stopped by Rossi's Liquors and this place is the definition of a dive bar, in the most…read moreauthentic way possible. After a quick ID check at the door, the bouncer let us know it's cash only (thankfully we came prepared). From the moment we walked in, dim lighting, loud music, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds gave the vibe of a full-on frat party, but not in a bad way. It's chaotic, energetic, and unapologetically no-frills. There's even a self-serve cooler with drink prices clearly listed underneath. I grabbed a Sapporo Premium, brought it to the counter, and our friendly bartender broke our change and offered a chilled glass to pour it into. Simple and efficient. That said, it was loud, so loud that even whispering-distance conversations were a struggle. The space is small, seating is limited, and since we couldn't snag a spot, we ended up leaving shortly after finishing our drinks. This feels like a better weekday hang than a packed weekend night. Still, if you're looking for a classic, gritty, no-frills dive experience, Rossi's delivers exactly that.

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Nightcap

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Burwood Tap

Always a classic and the vibes are excellent. Free popcorn and cheap well drinks. The weekends are…read morecrazy packed and I don't enjoy it but a Thursday is 10/10 vibes!!!

Packed with 20-somethings but not a bad place to hangout. Even better if you can grab a table…read more Service was nice. Bartender was kind and not annoyed despite how busy it was. Drinks are good strong. Music (TouchTunes) was curated well by the crowd. Nice little joint

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Mom's Place

We came here for a celebration, visiting from out of state and realized how busy this place can…read moreget. It is a very diverse crowd, ranging from ages 21-60s. It was so interesting to people watch and also participate in karaoke. It felt like a judgement-free zone, which gave me the courage to go up and sing. I like that the place is crowded, but not crazy. We secured our spots by coming in early. The bartenders were nice and the drinks were reasonably priced. It is not a fancy bar, it is a "mom & pop's" hence the name Mom's Place. We didn't get a chance to check out the live music on the other side, but it seems people were having fun in every room.

Quiet enough to talk but rowdy enough to have fun! The music and atmosphere hit that sweet spot…read morewhere it feels energetic without being overwhelming. Just make sure you know what you signed up for with the karaoke room :) It definitely gets crowded on weekends and usually charges a cover. Regardless, no other bar quite does it like Mom's Place! - AD

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Beautiful bar which had everything you could ask for

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Marquee Lounge

Stumbled in with a group of miscreants on new years day and to our delight and luck we came…read moreacross a bartender that has it all . Jack was polite, knowledgeable, and incredibly friendly.. have never been here before but now It looks like we will Be regulars .

Bad vibes and rude staff? They're proving you can do it all!…read moreCame in for one drink and went to close out. I wanted to pad the tab so tried to order a green tea shot. I realize it's not the simplest shot to make. The gray-haired bartender refused as it was too much work for one shot. Fair enough, I said I'd get two. He said making fewer than four was "a pain in the ass" and he wouldn't do it. Never mind then! Paid, tipped, and started to leave. Didn't want to interrupt the guys impersonation of a bartender for too long. I did mention it to the door staff as I was leaving and they had a problem too. Told me "yeah he's 100% right". Whatever! If the rude service isn't enough, maybe you'll like the copaganda around the bar. I recommend pretty much anywhere else.

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Great Draft selection. Very diverse mix!

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Halligan Bar

Charming. Fun. Fratty. ladies... Ull prob get hit on if you look cute. Lots of eccentric- cool art…read moreon the walls. Youll meet some nice girls in the bathroom if you are equally drunk. Sometimes youll get a weird bitchy bartender. It will take forever to get a drink. the ginger fat bouncer that looks like lucky charms mascot is awesome . Love that guy. Love getting plastered here. Really crowded on a weekend. This place has a spot in my heart that will remain til i die MUST VISIT

Quick drink in the open air windows while taking a break from packing my neice for a move…read more Nice, no-nonsense bartender, and the nice bouncer joked with us and asked us "old folks" for our licenses to prove we were over 35 (bless his heart). My niece in her twenties fit right, as this place was her call. My sister and I are older, and our hanging out in bars time is in our rear view--so needless to say we ordered our Sauvignon Blancs and they came in a can but it was good!!! What can I say--a little day-drinking out of a can never hurt anyone!!

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Gumballhead

Lots of glass and not much whiskey.

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Richard's Bar

Classic. And I probably shouldn't be reviewing this place…read morecuz they are happily stuck in the past and don't give any importance to anything new. The jukebox is heavy on crooners. This is a smoking forward space. It's amazing.

This is a small bar and it smells intense (they allow smoking indoors). But it's worth a visit -…read moreit's historic and the prices are really good for Chicago.

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Glascott’s Saloon

Stopped here with friends after landing in Chicago. It's a decent pub. The Christmas decorations…read morewere probably the only memorable part of the pub. Drinks were decent. Atmosphere was lively. Decent amount of places to sit at. There were some games in the back. It's a good pub to check out if you're staying in Lincoln Park area.

This bar smells like feet. Ask for Jake or Ralph. Best bar ever! Touch tunes is great tooread more

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Also I got build this Yo!

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Love Street

Superb cocktail spot in the heart of Wrightwood! Cozy interior with great decor make this a go to…read morespot for handcrafted cocktails. Pro Tip: not many seats but it turns over quickly so wait for your spot you will love it

Love Street was recommended to me as the perfect drink spot that offers creative and unique…read morecocktail flavors in a fun/casual atmosphere. I visited right as they opened on a Sunday to avoid crowds. Their menu is curated with 16 specialty drinks as well as some spirit free, wine, and beer options. The bartender told me that their most popular drink currently is the Cosmic Stardust but he enjoys the Caught in the Rain, Spanish Caravan, and Used Book. We ended up ordering the Nights Like These and Used Book. The Nights Like These had a sweeter note in taste, subtle smokey flavor, and smokey scent with the burned cinnamon stick. The Used Book was very spirit forward but extremely balanced. Drinks were $16 each which is fair for the city. Highly recommend this spot if you love a unique cocktail profile or want to try something you haven't before.

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Nights Like These & Used Book

Interior

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River Shannon

Such a fun dive bar. They're pet friendly! Love coming here for the darts. They have board games &…read moreduring the summer the patio is open.

Reilly pup, & I Also like this dog friendly bar.. I hadn't been here since 1993 ish, and started…read morecoming back in 2025 with Reilly.. We both Love , Heather, who works there. Great service, friendly & good beer & cider..

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The classic Chicago dog served at river Shannon's

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Quartino Ristorante

Awesome! We were in town from Kansas City and this restaurant was recommended to us. It was just…read morearound the corner from our hotel so we fortunately we were able to get a reservation and have an incredible dinner.

Great service. Amazing food. It does come out at different…read moretimes. You can also order half plates to share! The gnocchi was amazing. The lasagna was a showstopper.

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Bathroom

PROSCIUTTO SAN DANIELE and Duck Prosciutto

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Coppa alla banana

Green Street Smoked Meats

This place was so good that I came back the very next evening for dinner again…read more On my first visit, I ordered the pulled pork with mac and cheese, cornbread, and sweet tea. Every single part of the meal was outstanding. The pulled pork was delicious on its own, but I also loved the sweet barbecue sauce. The cornbread was, without exaggeration, the best I've ever had!! It was moist, flavorful, and served with absolutely incredible butter. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and one of the best I've ever had as well. Even the sweet tea was perfect: actually sweet without being overpowering or having that bitter, earthy aftertaste that some sweet teas have. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I came back the next night and tried the brisket. It was sooooo good too. It was tender, smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. At that point I knew the first meal wasn't a fluke. It's not inexpensive, but the portions are generous, and I felt the quality more than justified the price. I was there by myself because I'm traveling for work and actually enjoyed the communal tables. They made the atmosphere feel welcoming and a little less lonely than sitting by myself. The staff was excellent, too. The gentleman with the glasses at the meat counter was friendly, funny, and made the experience even more enjoyable. He even threw in a complimentary rib, which was such a nice surprise and a great example of the hospitality here. One thing to know before you go: the line can get long, but don't let that scare you away, it moves efficiently, and the food is absolutely worth the wait. Green Street Smoked Meats lived up to every bit of the hype. Between two visits, I tried the pulled pork, brisket, mac and cheese, cornbread, sweet tea, and a rib, and every single thing was excellent. This will be one of my first stops the next time I'm in Chicago.

3.5/5 stars. It's definitely a little pricey and didn't quite live up to the Texas BBQ I've had. It…read morecomes with two slices of bread and pickled onions on the side. Got 1/2 lb brisket, 1/2 lb pork ribs, 1/2 lb pulled pork, broccoli salad, elote style corn, and baked beans for $87 + tip. The Prime Sliced Brisket (7/10) was super tender and practically fell apart, but I wished the bark had a harder crust and a bit more flavor. The Pork Ribs (6.5/10) were somewhere between tender and chewy, so I'd probably skip them. The Pulled Pork (6.5/10) was slightly sweet but tasted pretty standard. All of the meats could've used a little more seasoning, and I wish they came out hotter. The spicy BBQ sauce and golden sauce were both delicious though. The Elote Style Corn (8/10) was my favorite side. Super creamy with plenty of parmesan. The Broccoli Salad (7/10) had great crunch from the pumpkin seeds and sweetness from the raisins, though I wish the seeds were toasted. The Baked Beans (6.5/10) had pork belly and onions mixed in, but otherwise tasted like a solid, classic baked bean. The vibes felt like a true Texas BBQ joint. You line up, order at the counter, watch them slice the meat in front of you, then grab a table cafeteria-style. The industrial space and dim lighting fit the atmosphere well. 7/10. Service was great. The guy slicing the meat asked how my day was, and staff were constantly walking around clearing tables. 8/10.

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Line to order + Menu

Chopped Brisket Hot Link Pork Ribs smoked turkey Elote Style Corn Baked Beans

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Photo from the bar

SUSHI-SAN

My husband went to Sushi-San on a work trip. He enjoyed the experience so much that he recommended…read moreI give the place a try on my trip to Chicago. Candidly it wasn't on my to-do, but the restaurant happened to be on my route back to my hotel and I hadn't had dinner yet. I walked into the restaurant, and there was a spot open right at the bar waiting for me. I think it was meant to be. Loved the vibe of the restaurant, which was casual but trendy. Best part of all was the music. My ears perked up when I heard Hieroglyphics - The Who... A Plus Remix. Instantly felt "at home" with the underground, old school hip hop. Compliments to their curated Pandora playlist. I ordered the the spicy scallop roll, super san roll, and sawara (Spanish mackerel) nigiri. The spicy scallop roll was my favorite. The super san roll was a mix of their toro with varying fattiness. I appreciated that you could order half rolls at Sushi-San, which came out to 5 pieces instead of 10. This was more than enough food for me. The sawara was buttery and fresh. If you don't like the "fishiness" of saba, you'll enjoy sawara. Lastly, overall customer service was great. The food came out incredibly fast. The bartender who assisted me was awesome. He was attentive and personable.

Solid sushi spot in River North that does the job and has good ambiance, but doesn't blow me out of…read morethe water as the best sushi ever. I came with a friend for lunch during the week and they have a somewhat decent lunch special (for today's standards when factoring the cost of living and inflation). We took advantage of that and ordered the 3 combo platter per person so we got 6 total items since there was two of us. The highlights for us were three yellowtail yuzu sushi as well as the salmon rice bowl. The miso soup that came out first wasn't that great. It was overly salty. My friend who is from Japan that I ate with said this place was ok for American standards but not at all great compared to anything in Japan lol.

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Seating

Togarashi Chicken Nuggets

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Happy Hour! Spicy Tuna and Avocado Crunch - very simple and perfectly refreshing. 5/5

Miller's Pub

Needed a last chill spot after dinner, and I'm glad we found Miller's down the street. The…read morebartender, Sinead, was quick with our drinks and made us feel like regulars. They had a good set up on dart boards and touchtunes to keep the night going.

Cool vibe. Great menu selection…read more Classic Chicago pub restaurant. Came here on a Saturday evening and was seated within 5 minutes. Great service too.

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I love the holiday decor

Extra crispy flavorful fish and chips!

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Virtue mitten fennville, mil, burbon barrel aged apple cider

Iron Age Korean Steakhouse

Great place to go for a date or family outting. Pricing is reasonable per person. Dinner price $35…read moreper person all day on the weekends. You do have to pay for the meat you don't eat. This was my boyfriend's time going and I haven't been here in 4 years. LOTS has changed. First We ordered the Hawaiian bulgogi and the brisket. The brisket was amazing. The bulgogi was a bit too sweet. The grill gets burnt up very fast. I don't remember the grills going bad that quickly years ago. Our server was nice but slow, the grill needed to be changed out frequently due to the bulgogi. They don't give you any oil either. Only thing I didn't like was the lettuce it tasted funny and old. Overall nice place but it's a bit dated, they need to upgrade the design and functionality of it asap.

Food: 4/5 stars. I thought the entrees were all good. The bonchon was a little sad looking, but…read moretasty. We were issued one pair of (dull) scissors and one set of tongs for a party of 4, which isn't nearly enough for as much flipping and serving as we were doing. I did appreciate that we cooked our own meat. Value: 5/5 stars. You really can't beat AYCE for $32pp, especially in Wicker. Service: 5/5 stars- very attentive and quick service. Had a friendly and smart server. Environment: 0/5 stars. If ambience matters to you at all, this is not your spot. There was 0 attention to ambience in there- the black and red paint was atrocious and I felt like I was in some dystopian slop hall. I wish they had the hosed exhaust fans that sit closer to the cooking table like in Korea, as the place would've felt way less smoky and gross. I get that the smells and oils make it harder to "feel" clean but... I've been in some well ventilated and pristine K BBQ spots, so there's really no excuse. I guess ultimately this is a case of you get what you pay for. Now I know. Just be informed before you go in- set your expectations. If you want to close your eyes, ignore the bbq glaze your feet are slipping on, and chow the F down on some good but not great meat, hit up Iron Age!

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Tanta

Best meal ever. Service was amazing, we had a group dinner with a custom menu. Every single dish…read morewas absolutely amazing. My favorites were the stracciatella, chaufa aeropuerto, and cebiche clasico.

I had so high hopes for this place and maybe that's why I was a bit disappointed, because I was…read moremaybe expecting too much and it was just ok. The host to being with was the worse. She sat us down, brought 1 menu ( we were 2) and said she'd be back with the other ( and we are still waiting ) her phone was more important so she never gave us a second menu. The waitress talked like she didn't have a voice ( SO hard to even understand what she was saying) Food overall was good ( nothing to die for) Ceviches were delicious at least. Ambience good although when we got there there was only 1 more table, but I guess it gets better when it gets busier. Overall a good place, but there are other great Peruvian places in the city to try before coming back here

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33 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

John W.

7

204

99

10 years ago

Bruce Elliott's art at Old Town Ale House is legendary, and for good reason. It is a major attraction of the place. However, there is a particular painting that goes too far. I was taken aback to see a painting that can only be described as pure bigotry. Bruce Elliott is entitled to his political opinions, many of which we probably share. However, when political satire crosses the line into bigotry, as in the case of a painting of what is supposed to be Mitt Romney, I feel compelled to speak out. The painting depicts Mitt Romney dressed in a bizarre and inaccurate representation of sacred Latter-day Saint Temple Garments. Elliott would never depict tzitzit or the ritual garments of another minority faith in such a disparaging fashion. Poke fun at Mitt Romney all you want to, but do not disparage the sacred garments and rituals of a minority faith that has been persecuted for more than one hundred and fifty years. I cannot support this establishment as long as that sort of artwork is allowed to be displayed. read more

Lillian V.

0

1

0

13 years ago

This is quite possibly the worst bar in all of Chicago. I love dive bars, but this place is just a plain 'ole crap hole. If I could give it negative stars, I would. It's cash only, but there's no ATM in the place and the nearest one is, according to the bartender who was drunker than I was, "probably across the street." As for the paintings, they're dumb. I still don't understand what's "creative" or "funny" about drawing famous people naked. Good for you, you can draw boobs and a bush on Sarah Palin. I see some people consider them conversation starters, but our conversations were primarily trying to figure out who was supposed to be depicted since they're all so poorly drawn. I remember when I was 13 and drawing boobs on stick figures was funny too. The drunk, old manager is old and drunk. To say the staff worked like sloths would be offensive to sloths. In sum, STAY AWAY. read more

Hannah W.

0

1

0

10 years ago

L O L. A female bartender ousted our group because our male friend has a license that was 3 months expired (he's well over legal age). She also insinuated that a female with us was too attractive to be intelligent enough to have such a good "fake ID" --- she's in her mid twenties and I won't even address all the other issues going on with that comment. I completely understand and respect right to refuse service, but I have had wonderful experiences here in the past and was disappointed to find such predictably bitter service from a hipster wannabe. I hope other people do not have similar experiences to us, but I wanted to put it out there so that if there are others with similar experiences they know it's not just them, it's their particular bartender with the issues. read more

Prk

0

1

0

1 year ago

Juneteenth 06/19/25. The bartender white guy with spects and a hat on is an absolute prick and borderline racist. I tipped this mfer more than he deserves at every drink, he has this snobby attitude and a hostile demeanor. When I asked him for water (after ordering 4 drinks in span of 1 hour + 20% top), he brushed me off saying go take it yourself at the back and pointing me towards a water filter at the end. He literally got water to the counter for all folks around (mostly white) and showed his hostility towards me because I'm brown and Indian. F you. I hope I never see you in person again because you'll get some attitude adjustment... on God!!! You don't deserve a penny of tip and people like you bring bad name to wonderful city like Chicago. read more

Patrick C.

0

1

0

5 years ago

Stopped in recently as they had been closed because of Covid. Sat at the bar but was distracted by the pornographic paintings of Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Sara Palin and Ivanka Trump. I'm a liberal democrat so I don't like those people and I despise Trump, but anyways, WTF! I don't need to see that shit when I'm trying to just relax and enjoy a beer. And I know if a bar were owned by a republican who did the same kind of thing with democrats, there would be hell to pay! It isn't funny and it's just gross. At the very least, now that Trump isn't President, just take that shit down. Otherwise, the place is kinda cool and I know it's historic, so why ruin it with pornographic paintings? read more

Kelly B.

0

44

2

2 years ago

So wanted to give this place a five star review as my parents brought me here back in the late 70's (when it was socially acceptable and legal for minors to be inside a bar). I had so many great memories of this establishment, thus the 2 star rating instead of 1. Noted I was incredibly turned off by the clearly biased hatred of Trump hanging on the walls. I. as many customers, go out to get away from politics and relax. Not have the owners political leaning shoved down our throats while handing over our hard earned cash. Sad this childhood memory, has turned into yet another example of our woke, progressive society. read more

Abby S.

Elite 21

3634

2530

7144

16 years ago

Came back after over a year and this place is still a good time! I was a lot less intoxicated this time around, so my perspective of what this place is all about has changed slightly, but the overall aesthetic is still very much the same. Instead of the juke box last night they had a live jazz trio, which was cool. It was also very loud and hard to hear the people at my table. So loud that we ended up leaving and going to a different loud bar :) Still, it's a great Chicago spot and I will be back again the next time I'm in town! read more

Teresa N.

8

1

0

9 years ago

*TERRIBLE BAR- PLEASE READ* this bar doesn't even deserve a rating!! A friend of mine (female) was verbally abused and physically hit in the face by a local customer of this bar in front of both the owner and the bouncers! They would not even acknowledge the incidence nor would they take any action. I am shocked that this type of chauvinistic behavior is acceptable in today's society! I will never be returning and would never recommend anyone going to this bar!!! read more

Tom S.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Walking into this place feels like stepping into a bad political meme page--complete with cringey decor that screams 'help, I'm desperate for attention!' Owner must have skipped Business 101 and gone straight to Political Theater 101. If I wanted to see amateur art and unsolicited opinions, I'd scroll through my crazy uncle's Facebook page. Skip it unless you're looking for a bar with a side of political meltdown. Yikes! read more

Noah T.

22

6

4 years ago

Back "in the day" I get it that this place was the place to go. But it's now a dirty, expensive place to get a drink in a dive-bar setting. It's right across the street from Second City, which is why we went, but it's as if the bartender was expecting us. Now I'm off to find the real, local watering hole... this place is old and dirty read more

Joe B.

Elite 21

227

1008

298

9 years ago

For years, they've prominently displayed several paintings of naked female politicians. If you think women should be sexually objectified and ridiculed for their political beliefs, OTAH is the place for you. You can drink and laugh at a naked (painted) Sarah Palin if you want, but in the age of #metoo, do you really want to? read more

William C.

0

3

0

15 years ago

After a long, boring conference in Vegas we hit Chicago for yet another long, boring conference. This place is great if you're ready to blow off steam and enjoy a pint after a long day. The bartender was great and it's close to Second City. I highly recommend the Old Town Ale House for all your drinking needs. read more

Jeff S.

0

2

0

16 years ago

If you are looking for a fun 4am bar, then Old Town Ale House is great. I would not be caught dead in this bar during daylight hours. Definitely has its own personality and charm. Word of the wise...I would only order bottle beer. Stay away from the keg beer. read more

Marvin A.

1

8

0

2 years ago

Cold beer, good prices, and a good atmosphere. It's a very unique bar with some risque political-themed art. The bartender was very nice and handled the bar well. Great little place with a lot of history and worth checking out. Well worth the visit. read more

Casey H.

410

25

33

7 years ago

These people are so racist. I've never met bouncers like this ever. I'll never go there again. These people called my friend a chink and kicked him out for no reason. Don't go to this place if you support that. I wish I could give them zero stars. read more

Heather D.

4

11

0

2 years ago

Old Town Ale House has a very dive bar feel but that's not a bad thing. Good price on pitchers, we came in the early afternoon and felt like we could have just hung out for hours. Great little place with a lot of history and worth checking out. read more

Vanessa E.

0

71

3

6 years ago

Great local pub. Bar had a fun atmosphere. Local people sat around drinking at the bar. Drink prices are fair and staff is friendly. If you want to hit a nice bar for drinks this is it. I'll definitely be back here again with my friends read more

Bea V.

0

12

0

2 years ago

Bar suffers from TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). Vulgar paintings of trump front and center above the bar shows how obsessed liberals are with trump. Owner needs help, and needs it bad. Bozos. read more

Kevin Y.

0

3

8

10 years ago

Historic watering hole! Not for the easily offended. A real neighborhood bar with character to spare. No frills, no problem!

Rusty B.

102

4

0

10 years ago

The owner, Bruce Elliot is a tactless asshole who thought it was cool to celebrate Prince's death online. What a tool.

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33 Old Town Ale House reviews that are not currently recommended

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33 reviews that are not currently recommended

Old Town Ale House - pubs - Updated August 2026

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