Awesome Chicago dive bar. Feel like you step back in time for a drink or two at least. Vibe isn't forced, it is what it was whenever it opened. Service is spot on and prices are amazing for Chicago or anywhere. Cash only, FYI read more

Still serving customers inside, putting them and those they come into contact with at risk. Proudly displaying a sign saying they don't care about the health of Chicagoans. It's clear the owners put their pride above the well-being of their patrons. This poses the question: what other unhealthy practices do they have going on there? I'd think twice before going in - there are plenty of classic dives around the city. read more

Is it wrong that this place brings back childhood memories? I grew up in a house that I affectionately call *The Home of the Bottomless Martini* and it wasn't until my teens that I figured out most families don't have a travel liquor cabinet let alone bring it on road trips. When I was a kid Friday evenings were known as *cocktail hour.* My parents would hang out in our living room sipping Rob Roys, Manhattans and Martinis listening to classics like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Perry Como. I would entertain myself by doing things like spinning in a circle to the music until I fell down or fell ill, usually the former. But I digress... Walking into Richard's felt like I was traveling backward in time, and I mean that in a good way. The Godfather was on TV, old photos adorned the walls, hard boiled eggs could be procured for $.75, and Rat Pack-era music was playing. The place probably hasn't seen a remodel since the early 70's, but that's fine by me. This seemed to be a popular Valentine's Day destination, it fluctuated between being sort of crowded to ridiculously packed throughout the night. The crowd was VERY diverse, you had old and young; people in dresses/suits and others in sweatshirts and jeans; women, men and at least one who was somewhere in between. No one seemed to care, everyone was having a good time drinking, dancing, singing, talking and trying to avoid the creepy guy in the flannel shirt. The bartenders were awesome. Two older guys, the type I'd expect to see in my dad's poker club, who know how to make one kick-ass Greyhound; for $4 it can't be beat. I felt bad screaming my order at them, but that was only so I could be heard over the tunes and the crowd, which they managed like champs. Thank you Richard's for making this one of the best Valentine's Days I've had in a long time. Bottom line: If you want a no frills place to get sloshed on the cheap visit Richard's. Just be sure to bring cash since they don't take plastic. P.S. Did anyone ever find out what the deal was with the 6-pack prices? If so, please PM me! According to the board 6 beers were only a few dollars more than 1; there was some discussion about whether or not that was accurate, but I don't think anyone ever found out for sure. read more

Yes'um, I can see why Yelp hearts Richard's Bar. Butterfly Social Club was a bit packed for my cluster-averse self last night, and so a few people and I made the long trek (across the street) to Richard's. He welcomed me with open arms, mmmmmm. Thank you Richard. Now, I am not quite sure that Richard's could be classified as a TRUE dive bar, but for me...it's dive bar perfection, personified. No smoke, cool jukebox, requisite Italian men (are they there every night? THAT was an ego boost!), quaint, old school awesomeness. Anytime I am in this interesting triangle (hello, irish bar, upscale Italian, Funky Buddha Lounge in the same strip?) I will stop in to visit RIchard. I like him. He was what the doctor ordered, actually. read more

As you open the door a bell rings to announce your entrance into Richards and people turn to look to make sure you're not Elliot Ness ready to storm the bar. And then you realize you have stepped into a time warp of history. This place use to be a speakeasy during the days of prohibition. In fact, the bar is original from 1926. The owner Bobby gave us a quick history lesson. What a nice guy!!! One of his buddies told us about the 54 room brothel that use to exist upstairs. Wow this place is a history lesson. I love it. Richards just has a vibe to it. We were also lucky enough to snag the last two available bar stools available. There was a crowd in here on a Thursday night at 6:30 and it was a nice mix of old timers and young urban hipsters. Bobby our bartender (not the owner Bobby) was great. I guess the name is a pre-requisite to work here!!! He was born right across the street and is a neighborhood guy. Je has seen it all. While we were drinking, he gave us a coupon for a drink on the house. What a nice touch on our first visit!!! Bobby just made us feel like regulars. We have a new bar!!! There is so much to look at here. Old mobster, singers and movie star photos line the walls and a great collection of neon beer signs too. As a looked at the bar, a handwritten sign advertised a 75 cent hard boiled egg. That is so old school...I wish I was hungry. I also noticed beef jerky, cashews and Jays Chips. I believe the 4 food groups are represented here. It was also like a mini CVS...there was Tylenol, tums and Alka-Seltzer too. How cool is that!!! Cigarettes were 9 bucks a pack. "Smokem if you have them!". Enough said...if you've been here you will understand that! The juke box was also pumping out some amazing Sinatra and old school tunes. I felt like snapping along and lighting up (even though I don't smoke)! My last favorite thing here. There are two ways in or out. The bar covers Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Ave...so if Elliot Ness was coming in from Grand you could be fleeing out onto Milwaukee. I wonder how many times that happen ,,,probably too many to count. And as a pulled open the door to depart the bell signaled my departure and I was back to the present. Until next time Richards...I can hardly wait!!! read more

Richard's Bar - Drinkin all day long!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There's much to be said about any bar which transports you back to a time when smoking was allowed, there were no DJs and when drinks were dirt cheap. What is there not to love about a jukebox with old classics, a laid back environment that is open as early as 7am seven days a week and a core group of down to earth regulars who can hold their own and cheap prices?!! Drinks are practically given away when purchased by the half dozen. Single beers are $3-4 each, but Six 12oz bottles or cans are only $6-8. Hard ciders are $4. $6 mixed drinks. If you like draft beers, there are none. In addition to extremely affordable drink prices, drink tickets are passed out at random which can be redeemed for a free drink. I would be lying to say the tickets are passed out to every single patron but the prices are so low that there should be no hard feelings even if you are not extended a drink on the house offer. Need protein? Hard boiled eggs $0.75 and Planters salted cashews are $1.00. If you forgot your smokes, you can buy them here too for 12 bucks. There is a no smoking sign in plain view but it's a real smokers paradise and the association for tobacco free living's worst nightmare. Upon entering, I apparently misjudged the amount of smoke inside and quickly realized it once I left. I seriously smelled like I had just finished fighting a few fires. I had to open the windows on the ride home to prevent a smoke inhalation injury. Smoke aside, I absolutely enjoyed every other aspect of this joint. It was a great time had by all. read more

Fell into this place waiting for a table up the block. Bellied up to the bar and dude next to me was smoking a square! Ordered a G & T and a Stoli Press. Had to tell barkeep how to make the latter. We found seats away from smoky Joe and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Our two drinks came to $10! Old timey jukebox. If you're in the area and thirsty, stop in! Oh, and our second round was on the house!! read more

Yes, I too, have a hard-on for Richard's. I can't help myself. Dive bar in its finest hour. The age group is from twenties to ninties and I mean late ninties, you know who you are, sitting at the bar looking handsome sipping on your cranberry juice! Where else can you find cigarettes, Tootsie Rolls, Hall's, lighters, cashews, beef jerky (cajun & regular), boiled eggs, Juicy Fruit and Advil with an extensive low end beer list? Richard's will be top on the list on any return visits to Chicago. Good clean, wholesome fun. read more

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If you are looking for a true dive bar that doesn't cater to the tourist crowd, head to Richard's Bar. I was looking for a way to kill few hours before heading back the airport and I figured this was the perfect opportunity to check out a local dive. Why not? I fired up the Yelp app on my iPhone and started reading about Richard's. The reviews were appealing so I decided to give this place a try. At least one review mentioned cheap drinks. Always a plus! I was disappointed and rather shocked when I ordered a vodka soda that ended up costing $6.50. Cheap? I don't think so. I stared a conversation with the folks on my left, and on my right. A few moments later, the bartender (owner maybe) handed me a little piece of paper proclaiming that I had a free drink coming! Well that certainly adds value to my $6.50 vodka soda! I could not resist sampling a piece of jerky and a hard boiled egg during my visit. The jerky was served on a piece a paper towel and the egg was presented in a shot glass. The bartender instructed me to turn the glass upside down on the bar and use it to crack the egg. Apparently this wondering traveler needed some schooling. I had a pleasurable and interesting experience at Richard's Bar. Yes, I am a fan. read more

Richard's Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

BADDA BING BADDA BOOM!!! HEEEEY.... HOW YOU DOINNNNN UGHHHH???? After checking out Emmit's next door my friend said that we absolutely had to check out Richard's before closing, since I'm Sicilian and all... and WOW I am sure glad we stopped in because I am not really sure I have seen anything quite like it... EVER in either the East or West Coast!! It was almost like waking up Christmas morning and all you see in snow falling from the sky, except in Richard's it's smoke.... here when you open the door and walk in you see is SMOKE and it's like you are walking in the clouds HAhahah.... in today's day and age it is VERRRRY RARE TO SEE A BAR that allows people to smoke like chimneys inside. This place is a straight up OLD SCHOOL ITALIANO MAFIAOSO STYLE DIVE BAR ... except it mostly appeared to be inhabited by wanna be cool hipsters, which is why I could only rate it 3 stars. I was hoping to see some swanky old school goodfella goombas hangin' out in suits, especially with all the cool mob movie/rat pack type memorabilia up all the walls all over the place.... I LOVED THE LOOK AND DECOR, but I am rather sensitive when it comes to massive amounts of smoke, and I hate it when my clothes and body smell like smoke ...rather gross to be perfectly honest. For me this place was like a mix of love and disgust.... love the old school vibe and the bartenders were absolutely CLASSIC ... cool old school tunes... but the cocktails were kinda whatever not the best tasting... the prices of drinks were cheap due to it being a total dive... but a bit on the TOO SMOKEY SIDE and too many amateur mellenial/hipster-likes running around the bar for my liking .... Would I come back? Ehhhhhh - I mean it's a chill unique spot, so probably if I was in the neighborhood or next door at Emmit's... but I wouldn't go outta my way to come back here unless I wanted to show a "smoker" friend a great italian dive dec'd out in mobster-like fashion, but mostly just a place where they could smoke indoors if it was cold out side in winter time.... but I must commend this place - it is super cool and lots of classic gangsta-type character to back it up! read more

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First timer and we loved it! Wish we lived closer to visit this hidden gem more often. The jukebox is a great touch. The bartenders are there to serve drinks so be ready with your order and ready to pay with cash only! (There is an ATM in house, I would suggest getting cash out BEFORE ordering) read more

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An absolute GEM. The last of the American greats. The penultimate bar in the States where a full pack of cigarettes smoked indoors is welcomed with open embrace. Warning: Be ready to throw away your clothing the next morning, as there is no amount of washing that will remove the newly embedded Marlboro Light aroma. Bonus for the ladies: Long hair will be rewarded with the lovely smell of Camel 100's for a minimum of 24 hours. Double Bonus: Richard's carries Malört read more

Dive bar. Neighborhood bar. Corner bar. Richard's fits all of these descriptions. This is the local joint. This is where people sit and drink. This is where people come up to you and ask questions, because that is what people do at bars, they converse, they drink. Richard's is a great place. Five dollar whiskies, or at least what I was drinking. There are no pretensions here. They are perfect the way they are, dated, left behind in a different age, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Bring cash. read more

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Great bar to come to if you miss the good ole days when you could sit at the bar and smoke a cigarette with your beer. You can do that at Richards. read more

Gotta agree with Jeff F. here -- as we were there together. We had just had a work dinner next door at La Scarola and strolled in here for a night cap afterward. A solid selection at the Jukebox and interesting characters hanging around. I'd go back. read more

Richards is still my all time favorite dive bar in the city. I mean, where else can you sing along to an amazing juke box loaded with the best tunes in the city (no Internet jukebox here- this place is old school all the way!) and often times just get up to spontaneously dance to the next song? And the people who go there? Worth the trip alone. On weekend nights- you can bet you'll meet a ton of new people. And on slower nights like Sunday, the crowd is also interesting. On my last Sunday visit, I met a 97 year old "regular" who wasn't too old to put the moves on me, a guy and his girl on a tour of "dive bars of Chicago" and three finely dressed men debating religion. Just another night at Richards! Want something to eat? You've got two choices. Hard boiled eggs for 75 cents each, or bags of chips. Ask nicely and they'll even give you a salt shaker and a paper towel to go with that egg. Beer is cheap and the sign that lists them all looks like a throw back to another time but that's just part of the charm. The smoking ban took care of my watering eyes a couple of years ago (it's now possible to actually see the people in the bar) and even though Frank, bartender extraordinaire is no longer there, Rocky and Charles will take equally good care of you. A perfect evening for me? It's when someone I'm with says, "Richards?" with a glint in his eye. And then I know we are off for our next adventure of the night. read more

The quintessential of dive bars. This is the most dive-y dive bar I've been too and they make sure to pay attention to every detail to fulfill their numero uno spot in the dive bar hall of fame--right down to the hard-boiled eggs for $0.75 (yes, I got one!). Cigarrettes are sold behind the bar while a cloud of smoke hovers above your head, jukebox with the classics (not to mention a huge Rat Pack poster near it), old school menu with cheap drinks, and strong strong drinks--thanks to my bartender Jerry! If you want a TRUE dive bar, go to Richard's. You get 5 stars b/c you are everything a dive bar should be. PS: Cleanest bar ladies' room I've ever been in, thank you for missing that part not dive-y. read more

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Richard's! Richard's! Richard's! I went there two nights in a row this week. Pretty sure my lungs are completely coded in tar and dirt but what a time we had. Anthony is an attentive and very congenial bartender. We warned him on a Monday night that we were bringing mass quantities of people in after a work summer party the following day. By the look on his face once the masses started piling in led me to believe he thought we were being ambeertious (ambitious + beer) the night before but alas, he and another kind chap kept our glasses full all night long. And as a thank you, I had not only a hard boiled egg on the house, but several vodka sodas as well. Thanks Anthony!! Note: If your friends are like "ew smoke gross" (as they should be probably) this is not the place for them. But if you can stand it for an evening, put a ten spot in that juke, play some Seger and eat yourself a hard boiled egg with a side of beef jerky. You won't be sorry. Until morning. read more

Outstanding juke box and overall some really fun times here. Mixed crowd and that makes it fun. Singles looking for singles and couples waiting for their table at La Scarola. Everyone is just having fun. Cash Only & very liberal on what is or what isn't smoke. read more

Richard's Bar - Richard's at dusk - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped in for a drink and was really satisfied with the service and with their stance on covid. Hold strong. We the people support you.

Richards is a classic Chicago dive bar that allows you to buy cigarettes and smoke in the establishment. This luxury comes with a double edged sword. The advantage is getting to smoke in the bar while you enjoy a cocktail. The negative is having to dry clean your clothes and shower multiple times to get rid of the stale cigarette smoke smell afterwards. Richard's is a great spot to go if you're in the mood for a cigarette and a really low-key atmosphere. If you absolutely hate the smell of cigarette smoke, skip this place and go to Emmit's next door. read more

What a great bar I was drinking at another dive bar in town and the bartender told me to check this place out. Had a blast. It's a locals bar but everyone is friendly. I will be back the next time I visit Chicago. Skip the tourist spots and drink with the locals! read more

This is the best bar in Chicago. I refuse to call it a dive bar because a dive bar is essentially a bar "trying" to act like they don't care. Cash only...the drinks are really strong! i get a Tito's Soda every time and its always $5. $5!!! Try and beat that anywhere in Chicago. Definitely a mafia feel bar with old school photos and posters. Juke box music only. Everyone there is incredibly awesome just don't be an asshole. Yes - they allow you to smoke. So don't even try and complain about it...just don't go because we probably don't want you there. read more

The best in the loop! Best spot to ditch out of a downtown party and go relax and just enjoy a good old school Chicago bar. Never change!

love this bar. i always hit this place up when im around the area. and they let you smoke cigs inside perfect place to hit up when the weather gets bad read more

Awesome bar, bartenders. Keep doing what you do. This is America, we have freedom. Covid is just a flu , and masks are for fools!

Truly phenomenal bar. The booze is plentiful and cheap, the jukebox is great, and you can get a delicious hard-boiled egg for under a dollar. This a truly unique spot with superb atmosphere. read more

Oh Richard's - I love you with all my heart! I'm always guaranteed a good time here - I love my bartender, Frank. he is a handsome feller too! Thanks for getting me and my friends drunk, leading into a dance off outside while having a smoke... Thanks for the awesome jukebox..and the cool people you bring in! read more

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Walked in, walked out. So smoky. Everyone looked at us and laughed that we were entering a bar that was clearly a LOCAL JOINT. Not friendly. Not good for anyone with allergies or asthma. read more

While the exterior is no frills, this is after all a dive bar and and the gruff bartender and numerous locals make this place a great way to escape the summer heat. The A/C is blasting inside and while there are no beers on tap there's a decent selection of standard beers that you'd expect in this type of place. I went in the late afternoon on a weekday and everyone seemed to know each other. I noticed one guy smoking and thought I had seen a no smoking sign, when the bartender came over to me and told me I had a drink on the house. I looked down the bar hopeful to see the hot girl with the tattoos smiling back at me but alas nobody was looking my way so I had no idea where the drink came from. Turns out it was Bob the owner who bought me a drink (as well as everyone in the bar. Now that's the kind of bar I can definitely support and it was the 2nd time I had been here since it's close to my friend Sarah's place and not all trendy and hip like a lot of the places closer to her pad. Never been at night, but definitely my favorite dive in Chicago... read more

Richard's Bar - free drink coupon from the owner! :) - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of our favorite places in the city. Friendly bartenders mixing really good drinks. An yes, yes, yes, you can smoke in there.

Now this place definitely has character. Going to Richard's is like being thrown in a time machine, everybody inside is (some how) smoking and Johnny Cash is blaring from the juke box. The bartender gave me my last call beer in a to-go coffee cup which was pretty awesome. A true gem! read more

Great bar, Not sure how this place is still operational. Everyone smokes cigs and the friendly bartender gave us some free shots of malort. I intend to come back often. read more

This is a hidden gem. I loved it so much I considered having my ashes spread here. Incidentally that day could be rapidly approaching due to the second hand smoke in this place, but at least I had fun. It has a wide selection of spirits, smokes and potato chips so there is really something for everyone. I loved the jukebox and the buzz of nicotine- which I completely forgot how wonderful that is. The bartenders are nice but also not there to kiss your ass. I also recommend this for corporate events if you have no interest in advancing your career. Don't miss out. read more

Confession #1: I am "particular" about things. Oh what the fuck!?! Just call me a snob. Confession #2: I do NOT do dive bars. I do not even respect the word "dive". See confession #1 for a correlation. Any place that is billed as a dive does not even register on my radar. I vehemently despise dives and diners. I may have been raised by mountain gorillas in the jungles of Congo, but they served my cocktail on a white table cloth with an embroidered cocktail napkin. Those gorillas know how to do it right. Confession #3: I care about my friends. When a friend calls me and says she got laid off work and asks me to come to a dive bar for a drink, I don't think twice. I don't care if it is fucking Afghanistan, I will go. So, confession #3 is how I ended up at Richard's. You wouldn't catch me dead in there on a normal day. That's correct, even my dead self will be a snob about where my body lands. Not in a fucking dive bar! Bobby the bartender is like your old uncle... if your uncle happens to be friendly, caring, and enables you to get drunk. Gave us a few drinks on the house. Drinks are inexpensive. I then played the hell out of Tina Turner on the juke box. Sing it, Tina... what the fuck does love have to do with it? They let us order pizza and bring it in. Three of us scarfed that thing down in 5 minutes. Charlie, the other bartender, kindly brought us a roll of paper towels so we wouldn't make a mess on the bar counter. Half of the patrons were at least twice my age. Will I go again? Most likely not without yelper company. I would never go here just for a drink after work or after dinner. Remember, I am still a snob. I will however gladly join friends at Richard's if they ask me. The only dive bar I ever liked. read more

WARNING: THIS IS A RACIST BAR. I was at this bar with my friends last night from around 9-10pm. It was a group of 6 of us that included one black guy. After about an hour, a patron in the bar came up to our black friend and told him he was standing in his place, or something to that effect. I have no idea what this patron was talking about, as we had been standing in the same spot for the past hour. The bartender got involved and told our black friend that he "was not welcome here" and that all the rest of the group who was with him should leave, too. As the group left, the other patrons in the bar were cheering the whole thing on. It's frightening that something like this can happen in this day and age. By the way, just to clarify -- there was no fight that broke out, no physical contact. We were a group of tame, boring, dressed up young professionals. There was no other excuse for throwing our group out except for the fact that our friend was black. read more

I love that even after not venturing in here for over four months, Bobby (pretty much the best bartender ever) not only remembered my name, asked about my friend (who lives nearby and usually goes there with me) but had my "usual" ready even before I got close enough to the bar to order it. I hate that I heard "All Night Long" three times, but would expect nothing less. Richard's will always remain near and dear to my heart. Fiesta Forever. read more

I encourage the youth to check out this old man bar. If you are under 26 years old, you should know that this is what drinking used to be like in Chicago, before a certain thing was made verboten. That miasma haze in here, obscuring your vision? Every bar in town used to be like that. Those old guys hanging out in the corner, with the thick glasses and wrinkly faces? When they were your age, they were hoods, and would've kicked your ass for even thinking about setting foot in this place, back when this neighborhood was full of guys just like them. Hang out here and watch what they do, and maybe, just maybe, some of that will rub off on you and, as if by osmosis, you'll know what to do someday when you find yourself in a place that's the real thing, not just a fading photograph of it. But whatever you do, don't act like a pack of jagoff slumming copywriters from Leo Burnett, thinking this place is just Carol's South. It's not. Show it some respect, don't blab about the secret, and just enjoy it while you still can. read more

What a place this is! This is as throwback as you will get in Chicago. You literally walk into another era upon walking through the red, green, and white entrance. There are always a wide array of people. You have your local drunks, possible Mafioso, young-ins searching for a sweet dive, and just your normal run of the mill bar folk. I decided to take my friend here as part of his bachelor party "dive bar" crawl. Everyone absolutely loved it and we ended up spending the majority of our evening here. I also learned that I was probably the only person at the bachelor party that doesn't smoke, but the everyone seemed to appreciate Richards (hint hint). If you haven't been here you are missing out! Cheap drinks, great services, old school, pickled eggs = a great night! read more

Every time I hear "My Kind of Town" I picture myself sitting at the bar at Richard's. I feel like Frank could walk in the door at any minute, order some whiskey and punch me out for no discernible reason*. That's right... My Kind of Bar. So everyone, join with me.... This is my kind of town, Chicago is My kind of town, Chicago is My kind of people too People who smile at you *If the Chairman of the Board found out that my infamous nipple dance originated at Richard's that is probably reason enough. read more