Glogg-tastic! I was a Glogg virgin until last night when my chariot (read #22 bus) dropped me off at Simon's. Since I like dark wines more than they like me I only had a sip, but it was warm and yummy. I really liked Simon's and look forward to coming back. It reminded me of sharing a Christmas drink with friends in my parent's basement; that is if my parent's had a full bar and never-ending supply of glogg in their basement. Wood paneling, a Christmas tree in the corner, and garland & festive lights trimming the walls; it was the perfect place to relax and chat with new and old Yelpers. One of the bartenders was a bit cranky; he barked at us no matter what we did to stay out of his way while he re-stocked the bar. The other bartenders were all quite friendly, so I didn't let Sir Snarks-a-lot get me down. I don't think they were expecting to be so packed the day before NYE and were a bit overwhelmed at first. Since I didn't partake in the glogg I got my favorite, a Stoli greyhound. It was too busy and crowded to ask if they use real juice so I took a chance and hoped for the best. Fortunately, I was not disappointed; it was made with real, 100% grapefruit juice and only $5. When I was ready to call it a night, I bid adieu to my fellow Yelpers and Simon's (for now) and hopped on my *chariot* back home. I can't wait to come back here and thank Kellie K for introducing me to this place. read more

This is my new favorite spot in Chicago. I am trying to think of excuses to come back here as soon as possible. They have real glögg in red and white (but the red is definitely the best). It has delicious little almond slivers and fruit bits at the bottom and packs a punch. At $5 a pop it is a bit expensive for the little cup it comes in, but this is a holiday special and they do it right. So what's so great about the place? Basically, it is primo people watching territory and doesn't seem to get that busy. Supposedly our Cookie Exchange event here on Sunday saw one of the more crowded nights, but we had more than enough room to move about freely and were able to secure a large area to mingle in before the rush. Some other advantages were that parking was not a total beyotch, the neighborhood itself is inviting, the drinks aren't overpriced (besides glögg), and their jukebox basically gives you a commercial free version of WXRT. How can you go wrong? And on top of that, the staff was quick and friendly. Seriously, Cookie Exchange 2011 territory. Just make sure to bring cash. It is a cash only bar and the ATM wasn't working while we were there. No problem! There is a Chase just down the block! read more

Welcome to Simons, and have a Glogg! People who know me know that I don't drink very much, so it didn't come as a surprise to most that I had NEVER had Glogg, that Swedish Christmas drink. (see photo) Therefore, since I'm a nerd at heart, I did a bit of research. From "DrunkenBlog": "Glogg is basically a type of swedish mulled wine, the ancient form of recreational pharmaceuticals designed to make one forget that no one bathed, it was cold as hell, you couldn't go anywhere because of the snow, and your home was made of stones and straw and poo. It is in Glogg's nature to knock you on your ass before you're aware of what's happening, so do plan accordingly for what this will do to people." (http://www.drunkenblog.com/drunkenblog-archives/000737.html) Well, all I know is that one little glass of it did just about knock me on my 'oshiri'. This is stuff for big Swedish people, not little Japanese people who don't even drink that often. (Strangely enough, I can drink quite a lot of sake without a problem.) I didn't get a cookie, but the Glogg was tasty, though. Glogg info aside, Simon's is a comfortable, busy place, without a lot of idiots running around who think they're "kewl". The bartenders are on their toes, polite if not very smiley, and don't miss a beat when someone lets them know they need another drink. Extra points for the Santa Pimp Hat decoration behind the bar. I would go there again in a heartbeat for a relaxed, unpretentious and boozy time. read more

Simon's Tavern - Glogg. Trouble in a glass. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Showed up this past Friday as part of Kellie K's entourage. Pretty cool joint, I must say. My wallet really enjoyed being here. The beer here is reasonably priced and I was actually able to find Bass (most places I go either run out or flat out don't carry it). The bartender really took care of me. We were seated in the back where the couches were located. The music was fine and not too loud. The more I drank, the more the place started to fill up. I can tell this is a really happening joint to be in. I enjoyed myself so much I became hungry (see my review for Renallis and thanks to Ralph for joining me over there) . After I returned, I consumed 2 more beers, which proved to be a knockout punch as I began to fade out (I was still recovering from the previous evening's Elite event). Had a great time with fellow yelpers and will check it out again whenever possible. Thanx Kellz! read more

You know what Simon's is? One of the best bars in Chicago, period. It's a dive in the purest most beautiful sense of the word. There's no pretense here. If you want to feel welcome, you're welcome. You want booze? They have it. Let's leave aside the fact that it's one of the best Christmas stops in Chicago. Day to day, pound for pound, you will not find a better place to just chill and be you, whoever YOU is in the city. You exist after 90 years for a reason. Feel free to leave a shit review. Locals will clown it by reading it out loud in the bar for everyone to laugh at! Never change Simons! NEVER! read more

Simon's Tavern is the place to head to in Andersonville for a glass of glogg, the seasonal Scandinavian concoction that can warm you up around the holidays. I must admit it's a bit weird to wind up with the equivalent of granola at the bottom of the glass (raisins, nuts) but what the heck it's a holiday treat. I did not get a cookie with my glogg though, so I'm jealous of Hannah D's photos. read more

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

If this is a dive bar, I love dive bars !!!!! I seem to have a great time here and still go home with some money left over. Drinks are cheap, staff is sweet, bathrooms are clean, there was free food and I saw Ode here. I am going back, see you there !!! ps This place also has the most dashing owner :-) read more

Simon's Tavern - The owner of Simon's, he is so handsome :-) - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While a little off my "beaten path", Simon's Tavern shined the other night when I met up with a few other Yelpers. I went to get my "Glogg" on but then found out that this very popular seasonal drink (wine, brandy, spices, you name it its in there!) also has oranges in it which are a big no-no for me. So I had to settle for watching other's get their Glogg on! No worries- their mixed drinks were just fine in lending some holiday cheer to my night! The bartenders were great- and no matter how busy this place got, were able to quickly acknowledge me and my wish for a drink. Since the bar does not serve food- you can order from any number of restaurants in the area and have food delivered to the bar. I was surprised at how fast the pizza came that I ordered given that it was a Friday night! I also love the history of the place. The original 1930's bar and "back bar" are still in use in this place. There is also still some kind of a hunting mural on the side wall which has a picture of one of the past owners out with friends on a hunt (or so the bartender told me!) The cute little mosaic topped cafe tables are plentiful as are the barstools and chairs. So my overall rating? This is one "dive bar" that is at the top of that category. And the friendly patrons will have you being a regular in no time at all. But bring cash- cuz they don't take any plastic! read more

Great vibes, great frozen glögg, great patio, and lots of adorable dogs. If I lived closer to this bar I'd come here all the time :)

We visited Simon's after a show at the nearby Neo-Futurarium. I love dive bars and I enjoyed this one as much as any that I have been to. Not a huge selection of beers on tap but the ones on offer were apparently carefully selected- I was very happy with what I tried. The bartender was efficient and friendly in spite of the place being packed. I appreciated this a lot. The Sunday night that we were there, there was a cool 7-piece band playing, no cover and very listenable. I certainly would suggest that if you haven't been to Simon's, that you give them a try sometime soon. read more

Standard dive bar, but with a Swedish flair to it, cash only so be prepared, standard beer choices, and they also had this alcoholic slushie that was really good. Went on a Saturday night prime time and it was pretty dead, if you're looking for a quiet time then this is your place. Located on clark st. right in the heart of andersonville so there's plenty to do in the area read more

I feel a little silly leaving a review for Simon's because....c'mon, it's Simon's. It's one of the best bars in the cities. The space is storied, the drinks are good, the staff is cool, the live music is fun and, of course, the glogg. Definitely go for glogg, both hot in the winter and frozen in the summer. If you can go for the glogg release party (when it's not a pandemic). It can be tricky since it's typically the night before Thanksgiving Day, but if you can sneak away from the family try and grab a seat at around 5ish and ride it out until they do the official "ceremony" and start pouring the glogg. Also, I know a lot of reviews give props to Simon's for simply HAVING a jukebox, when it should be noted this is THE jukebox. On a packed night it'll never cycle to your selections so don't bother, but it tends not to matter since the albums are so plainly cool and varied. The selection is always changing and clearly somebody on the staff's made this jukebox their passion project, so it's always a treat to see what new and cycled in. read more

This is a neighborhood bar.....dive bar. Was listed on a website for visitors to Chicago as the top 10 things to see/do during the holidays for their "Glogg". Mulled warm wine with raisins and almonds (in Germany referred to as gluhwein). It's quite a distance from downtown. If it wasn't for the Glogg and the very nice bartender (Jennifer) I would say don't bother. We also were given each a circular ginger snap that you hold in the palm of your hand and apply pressure to the center with your other index finger. If it breaks into three parts you get your wish. Nice tradition, really good Glogg (4.5 stars) but that's it. read more

Simon's Tavern - The bar area - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Having moved to Chicago from North Carolina two years ago I have made a point of venturing around the city and trying various establishments. This place in Andersonville is one of the better places I have found. The beers and other drinks there are reasonably priced and one isn't overwhelmed by an entire wall with beers on tap. The place is evidently known for its glogg and I haven't tried it yet-waiting for cooler weather-but many have told me that it is excellent. The jukebox is old school, you have to get off of your rear and put in the tunes as you choose. There isn't any of this gimmicky, techie, I can usurp the tune you just played because I am willing to pay more stuff going on. The conversations I have had there haven't just been typical bar banter, the customers seem down to earth, and yet, well read. That's a major plus in my estimation. My favorite aspects of this place are the customers and the staff, I have met a few regulars there and they have been kind and receptive. Patrick-a bartender-and Scott-the owner-have both been cool to me as well. Kudos. read more

Great place for a drink! It's kind of a dive, but with a very warm atmosphere. The bartender was great--very attentive, amiable, & knowledgable about the neighborhood (we were trying to decide on a restaurant & he pointed out some new places we'd not yet tried). I especially liked how Christmasy it was in there. They even had a tree set up! They have glogg, which was really our whole reason for stopping in tonight. My hubby had the traditional red and declared it delicious. I tried the white, which is something new. It was lighter and had almost a cider aroma from the pear brandy. It was excellent. I'm not much for the traditional glogg, but really liked the white & hope they continue to carry it. Stop by for a glass! read more

One of the many good things about a mild winter is that it's easy to get around. I finally got to visit Simon's and try their famous glogg. People call this an "old man tavern" or a "traditional pub." That means it hasn't been updated since maybe the Year One. Considering what the rest of Andersonville has become, I think that keeping Simon's in poor repair has become a marketing ploy. The wallpaper is peeling Ceiling tiles are stained, and a few have holes. Tile is missing from the floor, and probably will be, until someone trips and sues the bar for his injuries. Simon's sure hasn't kept up with the outside world. Whether or not you think that is a good thing is up to you. Simon's is famous for their wintertime glogg, an alcoholic Scandinavian beverage served hot, with spices. It comes in a small mug and costs $6.00. When I saw it, I thought, well, Simon's has kept up with rising costs. What the hell. It was pretty good. I drank it. I was feeling comfortable, so I ordered a second. Still good. I hung out at the bar for maybe 45 minutes, alternately distracted by the golf game televised at one end (with no sound), the SF channel closest to me (with sound), and Frank Sinatra drowning it out on the jukebox. Yes, there is a jukebox, and it works. I didn't think the glogg was very alcoholic. Then I started to walk home, and oh boy, it hit me. I realized that I was under the influence. I took the bus home, since I felt unsteady on my feet. When I got home, I took a nap. That drink packs a bigger punch than you think at first. Drinkers, beware. I guess it's a good value after all. read more

Kind of a dive, but it would be more accurate to call this Oldskool Chicago. Get the charming owner/bartender to tell the story of the mural on the wall, and the general history of the bar as you crack open your $2 can o' beer, baby! read more

I'm actually sitting here right now in this cool dive bar for the 1st time where usually people are actually friendly. But the staff is rude af starting with the door guy to the bartenders. Like get a personality cause the whole dive bar thing is played out especially when the staff are rude af. I guess they don't work for tips and just being "cool" cause ya being an Asshole is super cool! Thanks for the amazing experience! Never coming back. Heading back to Farraguts where they are actually kind of friendly. read more

Like all great bars, Simons focuses on long, slurred conversations rather than communal TV watching or other geegaws. It's not pretty. But the crowd of folks - a glorious jumble - was lovely to see. The drinks aren't artisanal. But the house glog, or grog, or whatever it was - warm mulled wine as best I can tell - was chill melting and adds to the aforementioned babble. You get a small ginger snap and poke it your finger. If it breaks into three pieces your wish comes true. I guess a vaccine for Republicanism will have to wait.. read more

If you come to Simons you are here for one reason. You are here for the atmosphere. The memory of having Glogg At Christmas is you're number one reason. Nothing changes and the bartender was extremely kind. We had an amazing time reminiscing over Christmas past and enjoying the amazing Glogg! God Jul! read more

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

I've been to this bar more than a few times but definitely not anymore. Must have stumbled into this place on the wrong night with mostly regulars and the jerk bartender some others here have referenced (bald guy who's been there forever). It was probably around Tuesday 8:30pm when I got there and the bouncer (why a bouncer at a tiny dive bar when they aren't even checking vax cards?), who was unmasked (no employees there are masked), informed me a band was about to play when I went up to the jukebox. I had no idea so I stopped and went back to the bar to drink. I'm honestly not sure what the reason was, I was talking to a few of the regulars, then said hi to some people and sat down in the corner again. When I had finished my drink and went back to the bar, the bartender yelled to the bouncer to throw me out. I've seen at least one other review here from people who had a similar experience. I've never been kicked out of a bar before so I was really puzzled and asked why but the bouncer didn't know, either. I'm visibly transgender and was there alone that night so I worry the bartender has some bias but I hate to believe something would happen like that in Andersonville of all places. All I know is I'm definitely never going back there, not that it's a big loss, there are so many great places to eat and drink nearby. read more

A must go during the holidays. They decorate for Christmas in the most delightfully tacky way. The glogg is out of this world and served with a little gingersnap cookie for that added touch. When we visited there was live music which made for a fun night. Cash only so come prepared. read more

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

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Simons has the greatest recycled decor I've ever seen! Karaoke nights are huge at this bar! It gets so packed. Missed a comedy show here as well but will be back to try and catch one! Very cool local spot to hang at. Very cool people too. read more

A must go local dive. Beware the door is basically a time machine and you are transported to a different time. Cash only bar famous for their GLOGG which is basically an adult slushie. It's beyond tasty but beware too many will mean for a hangover but more than likely good time. Check this place out! read more

Don't come here. It's great. Just kidding!! It is a great old school Chicago news bar. Great pt read more

An Andersonville survivor from the Swedish era - and only on its second owner, a very amiable soul. My dad and an uncle used to frequent the place 83 years ago - I think the floor maybe been redone once since then but not recently, which adds to the ambiance. Place had a good crowd: it's long bar was filled as well as the leaning bar against the opposite walk. Glögg is available at Christmastime! And though not for the Glögg, we will return. read more

Just wanted to post about an awesome employee Gene (not sure of spelling). My car got stuck in the lot behind Polygon Cafe near Simons. He saw me struggling with my car and came to the rescue! Gene helped shovel/push and salt the ground just to help me get my car out. For 20 mins, he was just one person helping another out of the kindness of his heart! Thank you beyond words for helping me. You have an amazing asset to your business and I will continue to spread the wor read more

Such a main stay in the hood. This is an unusual kind of bar that has such a small town feel in a big city. One thing I love about Simon's is that it is NORMAL and not pretentious. They are pretty good with booking local acts to play live music which brings some more feeling and vibe to the bar. Drinks are reasonably priced and the bartenders do a pretty good job to make you feel comfortable and welcome. I will also say that the bartenders are pretty colorful nature - which adds some more flavor for the experience overall. If you want to go to a local joint where you will feel comfortable, have a drink and interact a bit with some local musicians and/or people, give Simon's a try. read more

Divey-est of dives in the heart of Andersonville. Pretty empty on a Saturday but there was a Cubs game at Wrigley so to be expected. Good service, chill time, very creepy fun decor (animal heads and a lot of Swedish Viking fish). Moral of this review - worth a pop in for a drink. read more

Yea it is a great place but just gotta deter the yahoos. Went in on Friday and no one wearing masks, no one checking and someone made a homophobic comment to a friend of ours... obviously that person is not from the neighborhood. I hope people like this don't ruin the fun place it is. read more

The person I went with told me it was a dive bar before I arrived, which I didn't believe because they have homemade glogg. Yeah, no, it's definitely a dive, but a great one. Good stiff drunks, including the glogg which was served in a charming special little cup, an enormously friendly bartender, and enough liquor you can have pretty much anything you'd like. Seating isn't very comfy - tall stools at tall boys or bar seating - I prefer something squishy if I'm going to spend time somewhere, but hey, tradition. By the way, the person I was with was commenting how happy and friendly the bartender was. I said "he's in love" - she said "nah, he's just a happy person" - I said, "no, that's a love happiness." We asked...yup...love happiness as he said "even after a long time together." Awww.... read more

Do you ever wonder what compels people to tell you what you should think? I walked into Simon's on a hot afternoon and ordered a Fat Tire. The faux hipster barkeep said to me: "that's passe." "Pardon?" And he went on: "Fat Tire was just a fad. We don't carry it any more. It's not really very good." "Really. Well, I ordered it because it's not very good. Are you serious? You critique your customers' taste? That's incredible." "Hey, man. I'm just tellin' ya." Trying to get past the gatekeeper of fine beer, I relented: "Ok, then, do you have a Bass Ale?" "Maybe one left back here somewhere." He obliged me with my second banal choice, and he opened it. I gave him my credit card and he said: "cash only." Well, rghghrrg! "Nearest ATM?" "End of the bar." I put my card in to discover the pay-to-visit-your-own-money insult: a $3.00 fee. "$3.00? Why so cheap?" I asked, loudly. "That's standard, dude." "No, it's not. I'll go to Chase for free down the street." And I just kept walking........ heheh. read more

A sweet dive bar to default to when Hopleaf gets all frogged up with people... as it always do. I met some friends up at Simon's on Saturday night and had a 4 star time. I got some Bell's Oberon from a fresh keg... yum may and enjoyed some good music... while seated. The seated part is key because I was wearing heels and needed a little rest. The place was crowded but nothing compared to Hopleaf. I had to use the WC stat when I got in and found it to be a very no frills experience BUT they have a full length mirror and I was lookin' 5 star so it was atill enjoyable... though I would like to note that I used the ladies room and when I went in the seat was up... uhm, questionable. I deducted one star because it was HOT in here. Hot for me and I tend to dress on the skimpy side for the freakin' weekend. Also, the 1 star deduction because they have an outdoor back "patio" but you can't drink out there. How can we work to rectify that situation? Once resolved, I'd be more than happy to bump to 5 sexy stars. PS- the place is MUCH cheaper than Hopleaf. read more

After last night I'm not sure I'll be back. Everyone is entitled to their opinion whether or not I agree with it. That's the beauty and negative of living in a free country. The bartender last night shared his views of the recent entrapment setup on the south side of Chicago, and felt that "those people" got what they deserved. He said he frequently leaves his car keys in his car in Andersonville and doesn't have to worry about anyone stealing it. The caliber of people are vastly different. We, along with a couple of other patrons, were turned off by his comments, so after I shared my opinion we left. I'd heard from other people that Simons isn't super inclusive, despite the location, and I never believed it. I do now. read more

Solid local spot. Low key. Glogg and ginger cookies. Cash is king. Gets packed quick, so best to send some scouts early to grab a table or the back couch area. Juke box takes singles. Live band takes singles. Some married act like singles. cheers! read more

I love Simon's, it's a great neighborhood spot... but am I the only one that's has run into attitudy service from the female bartender each and every time I come? I'd rather have the gentleman and he makes great drinks. read more

Can I have a show of hands please? Raise them proud & high for all the world to see. This way we can all know who has NOT been introduced to Simons by our one & only Kellie K? She is the Simon's ambassador extraordinaire. This being my 1st Simon's experience, I was a wee bit skeptical about the hype--surely this place could not live up to all the hub bub. I was pleasantly surprised as I entered the door on this cold blustery night. I entered in not only to find it was bigger on the inside than I expected (a plus on a crowded night), but I was greeted by the warm friendly smiles of fellow Yelpers. Ah, that does the heart some good. Even if the place is kind of divey, the company makes the experience. Once my glasses defogged from coming in from the cold, I had a chance to take in the place--the decor is not flashy and the place has a bit of that down home feeling. It was not the cleanest place you could ever go to, but it is a fun place to meet friends & hang out. It has that been around for ages feel to it, which I am sure the locals love. The couch area by the fireplace is a nice touch--plus a great place to leave your coat. I did try the glogg (this really is an unfortunate name) and while I am not a drinker (do I have to give my Yelp card for that?!?!?!?), it was pretty good. I could taste the spices right away--pretty strong this drink is. The one thing I could do without was the massively drunk older woman shouting profanities to one of the bartenders. She went on & on for about 20 minutes--yikes! Seriously honey--just go away! read more

The best part about Simon's is the two IKEA sofas nestled into the back corner of the bar. I planned at UYE here and grabbed the sofas as soon as I saw them. The other tables aren't made for groups of more than 4 or 5. I wasn't thinking straight and ordered a lemon drop. Simon's is a dive bar, so I wasn't surprised when the scruffy bartender, wearing track pants, wandered back to our table and asked, "exactly what is it you want?" He was super cool and accommodating. The results weren't bad, a lemon-y vodka drink for about $6. My second drink was HORRIBLE. Again I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I ordered a Long Island. It tasted like SKOL Vodka and...that's all. It's a dive bar. Stick to beer, or cocktails with no more than 2 ingredients, and you'll be fine. Simon's was a cool place to hang out. As we lounged on the sofas, the soundtrack was all over the place with some EDM-tinged tunes, but mostly it was 80s goth, new wave sounding stuff, which I'm OK with. This isn't the best bar for large groups, as some people in our group were on the "outskirts," which made it difficult to have a conversation. The second bartender wasn't as friendly toward us. I was expecting more from Simon's, and I'm not referring to top shelf cocktails. Cash only. Paid street parking on Clark. read more

Elevation! FROZEN glögg. Need I say more? As long as they've got the machine for it, they'll keep making it (so they say). Fast track to happy buzzland :) read more