Such a friendly place! Bartenders moved from Huttenbar in Lincoln Square after it closed, and it was so great to see them again! Beer was cold, vibes were great. The Bishop, a bulldog, greeted us and then laid right in the middle of the floor. We've been before and we'll be back! read more

Have never met a bartender so mean. The Temu Ed Harris made sure we knew we weren't welcome. Go for the stale Schlitz on draft, stay to be glared and sneered at. Oh, and don't be paranoid and think it's just you. He hates all of us. read more

Looking to catch some great live music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings in Andersonville, Chicago? This is the spot! One of the oldest bars in the area, this cozy dive bar offers a relaxed, friendly vibe--and whoever curates their live music is doing an incredible job. I've been twice, and both times the bands were amazing. There's no cover charge on those nights, but be sure to bring cash for drinks--that's all they accept. Definitely worth checking out whenever you're in the neighborhood! read more

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Was there tonight for the Real Pretenders. George the bartender was AMAZING! Brian our friend at the bar was nice & smoking HAWT! read more

Simon's Tavern - Dance party. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is always a great spot for a quick beer or a nice warm glögg. The environment is quiet yet welcoming, and the location is right in the middle of everything. Definitely a great place. read more

Famous old bar in Andersonville. It's the one with the Viking fish. Simon's is also known for glogg, a warm mulled wine. Good stuff for anyone liking warm cocktails. The prices are pretty cheap on most things. A lot of history is here. It's a bar that's been here a long time for sure. They do a lot of things the old way. It's expected. Have some money on you. Cash only. It's about $5 to get a beer on tap. Has the basics. Lots of cheap things like Hamm's and Old Style. Also they have glogg. This is warm and has a punch. Pretty much it's the signature drink. This is okay for what it is. Has no food. They let you bring in some. Good old classic. It's cash only. Try some of the glogg, which is served starting in fall to winter. read more

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If you love dive bars this is your spot. Quirky regulars, good selection of beer and liquor and just the kind of place I like to hang. Bring cash, it's one of those still cash only places. read more

Great neighborhood dive bar with sticky floors. FYI - it's not dog friendly anymore and still cash only.

Honestly the service and ambiance make this place. Definitely some serious dive vibes. Super old school from wall paper to tables. Lots of character and I'm into it. If you're in the market for a comfortable, affordable and quaint neighborhood pup, go here. I got a mic ultra which is my fav trash beer. The bar tender was funny about how he never has them. Stoked. There were a ton of options here for all. Clean bathrooms for those who care like me. Great location. Cheers read more

Simon's Tavern - Cheers - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cash only Great vibe. Cute little ambiance. Lively, but not packed. Enough space to speak without yelling. I definitely appreciate the vibe here read more

Perfect dive bar! They're cash only but have a great selection of liquors and a decent selection of beers on draft. For the holidays, they have Glogg and it hits the spot. read more

Great old Swedish dive bar with a Nautical theme. Cash only. On a tour. Saw where the speakeasy was and learned the history of the owner and possible deaths there during Prohibition. The old cracking mural has a ghost story behind it. Come and relax. No food. No frills at all. read more

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A great local spot that's been around forever. I had a chicago handshake for the first time here and it was great. Nice vibe and cool jukebox read more

Simon's Tavern - Bathroom - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the few places still keeping Andersonville unique! They're a classic spot any time of year, but if you haven't had their glogg before, it's a must on a cold Chicago winter night. Great people, great vibes. read more

Cash only dive bar. Some Chicago history. Not my usual kind of place but absolutely will stumble in here again for a more thorough review. read more

Simon's Tavern - Outside - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of Chicago's greatest taverns! Simon's has the best jukebox, which is continually being updated with everything from jazz, to the latest in indie rock and rap. If you haven't been to Simon's for Glogg season, you haven't lived! I love coming here during all seasons, but especially during Glogg season, as the place is so festive. Belly up to the longggggg bar, and be kind to the hard working servers. I was recently here where two young whipper snappers had no scratch on them, and proclaimed "I've never paid with cash at a bar before." Simon's is CASH ONLY, but there's an ATM right inside. They'll also card ya hard if you look a shade under 40, so don't take it personally, that's the Tavern way! Nightcap at Simon's?! Yeah, of course! read more

Simon's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is fun! Our friends came for Schlitz on draft, which is apparently quite rare in Chicago! I had some glogg (mulled wine) and a beer. Fun atmosphere, nice people, great place to hang out. read more

Simon's Tavern - Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale (split between two glasses) - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Simon's Tavern is an Andersonville staple. Please note: This place is CASH ONLY. ATM inside. Located right in the middle of the Andersonville neighborhood on Clark street, Simon's Tavern is a divey bar that you can't miss. With the big neon fish sign hovering overhead, you'll know you've arrived. Drink selection has all that one may want and then some. For those who happen to stumble in after Thanksgiving, I must recommend their AMAZING mulled wine which I find myself waiting all year for. Prices are reasonable for the area. Servers are excellent and down-to-earth. It's a bit of a long bar so service may take some time when it's busy. There are two TVs at both ends of the bar which make this more of a place to have conversations rather than watching sports with the entire bar. There's also a jukebox here with a solid selection of music. Take time to explore some of the hidden gems on the playlist or play some tried-and-true classics. Don't ever change, Simon's. 5/5. A neighborhood favorite. Always a fun time when I bring a friend down here. read more

Simon's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Bring cash! Try the glogg. This place is a gem. The beautiful murals on the walls are amazing and need some conservation. A classic Chicago bar. read more

A true neighborhood bar. Relaxing and no drama. The bartender was very friendly as well.

Cute neighborhood bar. Nice atmosphere. If you are looking for wine you have few choices but honestly that's not why you stop in. For the record I did have the unoaked chardonnay and it was respectable. Will definitely stop in again. read more

My buddy says this tavern has a haunted history so I'm like let's go, no I didn't expect to see any ghosts or anything like that but it is 80 years old and I wanted to have a drink in this historic place. The place is definitely a step back in time and one would consider it a dive bar but there is definitely some appeal to the place because when we walked in there was like 5 people in the place and empty but two beers later the place had every seat filled and people were still coming in. There was a nice mix of people from old to young hanging out from all walks of life. The place is a typical city bar, long and narrow with a bar on one side and high tables on the other. The place is very old looking which is the charm of the place, its just stuck in a time long ago. Yah we could have went to any number of cool Chicago drinking establishments but I wanted to sit in a part of history because places like this are getting rare with the tear everything old down and put up something new and shiny attitude, yah I'm a fan. read more

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Great neighborhood hole in the wall joint complete with a jukebox and cold beverages - what more could you ask for?

I love Simon's! This is a frequent stop of mine. Best bartenders! S/o to Pete! Best bar ever! read more

Simon's Tavern - Winter glögg-winter 2022, old pic. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Let's slow the pace down at Simon's Tavern. Cash only. Meets all my dive bar requirements: 1) Cheaper drinks 2) Grungy but clean atmosphere 3) Jukebox 4) Bar patrons keep to themselves 5) Music isn't too loud for conversation 6)Bartender doesn't lurk around but is magically there when needed 7) No bright lights read more

Simon's, an old Swedish pub located in the heart of Andersonville, is a Chicago institution and is one of my favorite places in the country to grab a drink. Although I have spent some raucous evenings here enjoying people watching and the jukebox featuring surprisingly modern tunes, we stopped in on a recent Friday afternoon, and sat in their low key back patio to enjoy a couple of their famous frozen glogg. This spot is all about the glogg, or spiked Swedish mulled wine, and in the summers they feature a frozen option that absolutely hits the spot every time, and I have to have one every time I am in the city. I recommend Simons every time anyone even mentions Chicago, and I can't wait to go back. read more

I would LOVE to give this place more stars, because the atmosphere and layout of this bar is really cool. The couches in the back are very comfortable, and the music selection was also quite pleasant. ...but it's a cash only bar in the year 2021 with a pandemic still looming, and that's just embarrassing. I will seriously re-rate this place if they figure out how to take digital transactions (with the MYRIAD options available to them as a business). read more

The staff was not super attentive and it is cash only. The pricing is not bad. Nice selection of liquors, beers, and seltzers.

Awesome local dive bar to wander into. Lots of great ones nearby, but make sure to check this one out!

Very disappointed in my experience at Simon's . My two friends and were so excited to check out Simon's because we always pass by. When we got there we put our coats down and went straight to the bathroom because we really had to pee. Since it was our first time being at Simon's, we did not know that it is a singular person bathroom. Since we are all super close friends and comfortable with each other, we all went in together to make it quicker because we really had to go. As I was washing my hands were startled with aggressive banging on the door. We thought it was weird but assumed someone must really need to pee, so we hurried up and got out. When we came back to our table, where we left our coats, two men were sitting there and we asked if they'd mind giving us our seats back since our stuff was there because we just went to the bathroom. They were super cool and said no problem and gave us our table back. The bouncer stormed over and said, "actually they can stay, you guys are fucking weird and you need to get the fuck out" then he called us weird again since we went together to the bathroom. We had no idea going to the bathroom together would be an issue since many gals we know go to the bathroom together. There was no sign saying not to go in together and since we didn't mind, we didn't think twice about it. I have never been treated so impolitely at a bar by staff before . Even if we weren't welcomed, I think the bouncer could have asked us nicely to leave. Very unprofessional and just straight up rude. I'm glad there's other bars in the area so I don't need to go back. Definitely won't be recommending Simon's to my friends or family and I am going to spread the word about my experience. Very bizarre. There are way nicer bars in the area. The bouncer should work on his interpersonal skills because that was super embarrassing for him. read more

Cool dive bar in the heart of Andersonville! I went in here with some friends before dinner one night and we all ordered cocktails which which standard drinks but still very good! No frills type bar but still has its character and quirks. Bartender was friendly and quick. Will be back next time I'm in the area! read more

Simons is a fantastic venue to see intimate live music. truly world class bands and musicians play this tiny venue. The beverage choices are great and the prices are good. read more

What a great neighborhood bar! It's warm. It's kitschy. Bartenders are friendly. There's a jukebox. It's not a scene. It's a fun bar. They serve warm Swedish glogg: a potent mulled wine mixture of muscatel, port, and brandy. They have a fully stocked bar, but there are just some drinks they don't make: Mai Tais and Rum Punches, but maybe that was just the other night. It feels like the Fifties inside, but there's a diverse crowd of all ages. Prices are GREAT! This bar fits my personal definition of bargain basement dive, but it's so cool, it's also hip. When I'm in Andersonville, and I don't want to go to a gay bar, I go here. More and more, it's my go-to. read more

Great old bar, if you consider yourself a "Bar Connoisseur" then you have to check this joint out! Huge old bar with probably 40 stools sets the scene, great mural on back wall along with some tables in front & back round it out. It literally looks like nothing has been updated since like the 60's! Old lamps, knick-knacks, etc. you get the idea. Nice draft list with around a dozen beers as well as large bottle list. During the holidays they have Glogg and it's outstanding! Lots of locals during the day and a much younger crowd at night. The owner is usually in there and is very nice, chat him up about the history of the neighborhood and just take it all in!! Prices low. Talk later read more

Hole in the wall bar that is a must if you are in the area. It's been around for 80+ years, I remember going there when I lived in the area and had just turned 21. It's a fantastic dive bar, dark, old fashioned and there's a great story behind the mural. The bartenders were friendly and welcoming, the juke box had music I've never heard of and it's cash only. If you are in Andersonville you must stop at this little divey gem, it's a classic. read more

One good thing about staying in Chicago with an old friend who's lived in a particular neighborhood for over 20 years, is he knows all the great spots! Simon's is just one of those places. Located in the historically Swedish neighborhood of Andersonville, Simon's is a great neighborhood spot! A dive bar, yes, but with a clean, airy, feel to it. Our bartender, Ryan, was extremely cordial and a wealth of information. (Like, DYK Simon's was the first liquor license issued after the repeal of Prohibition?) They had a nice selection of craft beers, but what I really liked was the Swedish mulled wine concoction known as Glugg. Usually served in the winter as a hot beverage, Simon's has gone and made it a frozen slushy for the summer. On a hot July afternoon, I found it to be refreshing, delicious, and STRONG! This drink is made from port wine, cinnamon, cardamom, other spices (secret) and (rumored to include) Everclear 190 proof grain alcohol. Be careful, cuz you really can't taste the alcohol! The other great thing about Simon's is the crazily eclectic jukebox (2 plays for $1). It spans so many musical genres, from Allman Bros. to Flaming Lips, Screeching Weasels to Clark Terry and John Coltrane! The volume is such as you can hear the music, but still carry on conversation. The overall vibe of Simon's is great, and I had several enjoyable visits here during my 4 day stay in the 'hood. Just one star off of 5 star for cash only policy. read more

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I've heard this is a great dive bar, but I didn't realize how adorable it is. The jukebox was pretty stellar except that it never got to my selected songs while I was still there....things that make you go hmmm....but other than that and the fact that it was cash only, I was thoroughly impressed with service, drinks and atmosphere. I loved the Glogg slush drink. It tasted exactly like the winter favorite, but frozen. Yes, please! Great neighborhood joint. I will for sure work this place into my rotation. read more

We've been here multiple times with our dog, Freya. I guess today Freya became it and too big for the bartender's taste. She literally said: "It's just a little too big." First and foremost my dog is not an it. You can't really choose when your bar is dog friendly and not based on your mood. Unfortunately, I guess Simon's is just not the place to go anymore. read more

Simon's is proof that you don't have to be a lesbian bar in a "lesbian neighborhood" to keep a lesbian happy. All you need is a nice, clean place to sit, a great selection, and a wonderful and attentive bartender (thank you Jackie for keeping my glass full!). Simon's perfectly fits the bill, no matter who you are. So, stop searching for that ultimate place to relax and have a few drinks. Come on up to Andersonville and meet me at Simon's. I might even save you a bar stool. read more

"Hey Adriane, wanna do some Glögg?" "Come on, try it. You might like it, I know just the place where we can get some." Simon's Tavern is a tradition for Chicagoans to drink hot, spiced seasoned wine starting Thanksgiving Eve through early January. When we showed up there was a bit of a crowd (mixed ages, regulars, a few legitimate hipsters, and friends we knew and ran into). It was SO festive we couldn't hear the music. Full of those with brimming holiday spirit, drinking spirits. The Glögg is marvelous; sweet red wine, spicy, spiked with brandy, with raisins, and almond savings. But is no joke. After 3 and 2 beers later I got a migraine after. My companion, being a regular for several years spoke about the establishment with much wisdom. Like a person who watched a solar eclipse without a tiny box with a pinhole in it. And now informs others about the benefits and dangers of watching solar eclipses. I asked him if the fluorescent fish sign outside was Simon. He said he didn't know. But the sign was tongue in cheek since its a herring with a Viking helmet drinking a Martini. And Swedish people like pickled herring and the logo is a self pickling one. He also mentioned ages ago the original owner and regulars would go fishing and sell their catches in front of the Tavern. When you get the Glögg you get a ginger bread flower shaped cookie. I was told how and why. Put it in your palm. Make a wish. Then poke the center. If it breaks in 3 pieces your wish comes true. The sweet and spicy cookie flavor also compliments the drink, which is delicious. Try the Glögg and Simon's all the cool kids are doing it. read more

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