Divey bar that serves food. It's cash only, lowly lit with an interesting decor and an old bathroom. Service was good for me. I recommend the skylark burger, it was well seasoned and the contrast between the other ingredients was nice. Definitely worth a try. read more

I got the Grilled Salmon sandwich with Lemon Horseradish Aioli, cucumber, tomato, mixed greens on Italian bread. Decent sandwich that tastes like it was made in a home kitchen. Salmon was average, not terribly dry or incredible. Veggies were fresh. I appreciate the toasted bread which could be improved with butter. Tots were very crispy. For the sandwich quality and included tots or fries, price is very reasonable! No issues with service. read more

See all

Total hole-in-the-wall dive bar energy, and in the best way! Cash only, but drinks are strong and cheap. Always a good crowd and a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. It's got that "everyone's welcome" kind of energy. read more

When you find out that there's a dive bar with the oldest urinal in Chicago, you have to visit! The urinal first brought me in (yes, I peed in it) but I've now revisited for the amazing dive bar that the Skylark is. Nondescript exterior, cash only, cheap beer, mismatched dining furniture. It is perfect! Definitely one of my new fav stops when out for the night in ChicagoZ read more

See all

Fun dive with good food! Cash only. They have a variety of beers on draft and a surprisingly big food menu. I wanted to try so many of the dishes, but we ended up getting the fish fry special and cheeseburger. The fish fry was so so good! Lightly battered and not greasy. I liked the accompanying tartar sauce as well. I'd definitely get it again. The cheeseburger was solid. Not particularly remarkable, just a good burger! Tater tots were fun and crispy. We had the frozen chocolate mousse for dessert. It was fine, but I wouldn't get it again. It might've been better if we let it thaw a little. I definitely want to try the cod po boy and black bean burger sometime. Service was nice, but a little slow. It was fine, we weren't expecting much. We're definitely planning to come back! read more

Skylark - Fish fry in front. Cheeseburger with tater tots in back - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

dived into this bar on a friday night & came craving their fish fry. the spot looks closed on the outside but was lively & filled with locals on the inside. It's very dim & green with dim lighting. I sat at the bar with my friend & the music wasn't too loud where we could still talk casually. the service was fast & the bartenders were friendly. i havent had fried cod enough to know how i like it but the fish was crisp & the flavor was not too strong but it tasted good with the tartar sauce & coleslaw. It was $15 for this plate & it was very filling. the place is cash only so i felt like it was cheaper for drinks. def recommend the orange cream ale if thats your vibe! it smelled like dreamsicles & tasted light. read more

Skylark is a great dive bar with amazing live music! The Sifuentes Band was incredible, service was friendly, great drinks, and the pierogies hit the spot. Can't wait to come back. read more

What a cool bar! I know that's a very basic statement but if you enjoy a low key, divey bar, nice beer selection on tap and are cool with cash only, then come here. I honestly forget about this place and would fit on the north side especially Logan square but I'm glad it's where it's at. I also forgot they serve food here as well. Someone next to me got a burger which looked good but I went with one of their specials last night which was a Chicken Club. It was fine but those tots were tasty! I'd def come back here maybe to pregame before a Sox game, or someone from out of town or just to simply come back!! Parking is easier to find south of Cermak. read more

Skylark - Chicken Club a special - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Skylark is by far the best bar Iv ever been to. I moved away a little while back and Iv never found any place that even comes close. There's such a profound authenticity to the place. it has such a warm feeling inside. Every night I spent there with friends was a good one and id always run into someone id been hopping to see. Im pretty sure the place is blessed. Big shout out to Sam and Jordan greatest bartenders in the Midwest if not the world. read more

Five star dive bar - I love it when there's a twinge of anxiety when you open the door because there are no windows and you have no idea what to expect. The place is super spacious, but you'll want to sit at the bar or grab a booth. At $5 wells and $8 for don julio shots can't recommend this place enough for a pregame before going to radius. Barely any wait to get a drink even on a Saturday night. read more

Skylark - My favorite corner of the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Skylark ended up being such a surprise hit for all of us. A few buddies had recommended this spot as being a cash-only dive bar with good drinks and a solid menu of bites. We figured it was time to check it out together with our small group and we were happy we did. Drinks were cheap and well worth a second or third round. Most draft beers went for $5 while some spirits on the rocks wounded up being just a dollar more. Most bars would up-charge the heck for these drinks but not Skylark- it was well worth the bit of money for some good pours. Their table service starts at 18:00 so anything prior would need to be ordered from the bar. We shared tater tots (fantastic btw!) and their homemade pierogis which were to die for. My main grilled salmon sandwich was an incredibly solid option that rivals some of the best bar food I've ever had. I couldn't have asked for a better time spent with some friends here before leaving Chicago. It was the perfect sendoff so thanks Skylark for all the wonderful times. read more

See all

I'm trying to stop myself from writing this review, because I really don't want this place to be crowded with all you people. It's just that this unassuming brick corner bar is a dimly lit quiet refuge from the ridiculousness of the rest of the city, and for some reason, it's still (usually) relatively low-key. Great place to just talk. No TV (thank god). Skylark is amazing in all the ways a dive should be amazing and a couple that aren't. Random photos of old people on the wall? Check. Broken cement floor that tilts? Yep. Jackalope? Right. But then there's the beer selection--not extensive but always at least 10 good craft beer options on tap. And they're cheap-ish. What. Then you find out that they have a food menu... and it has entree-level meals on real dishes and it's like really cooked for you... you would go *just for the food*. Really. The panko chicken is huge, fried, and crispy and on a bed of homemade mashed potatoes. The pirogies are greasy and perfect. The burger is for real, pretty dang good. Not on a top ten Chicago list maybe, but definitely better than most regular bars. And pay attention the chalkboard specials--often they're the best. Staff here like Emma, Sheila, etc have been working here forever and they're seem to be part of the permanent family. I have a standing rule that I take a star off for a place being Cash Only. And while I don't like it.... I'm gonna make an exception for Skylark. It's that good. Please don't go. I want to drink my beer in peace. read more

Skylark - Specials on Fri night. They change regularly and they're all good. - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is absolutely a dive bar; cash only. There are absolutely no frills, just beer (and other drinks I'm sure). Their offerings are limited, but what else would you expect? The space is clean enough, but not necessarily fancy or modern. It definitely does the job as a dive bar. read more

Such a great bar! Always a go to when I come to Chicago. Great food, drink selection and prices, and the staff is wonderful!

Famous dive bar in Pilsen. Staff is friendly and there is plenty of room to move around. They have a large beer list and decent amount of taps. They serve food but didn't order anything so we'll return to check out their meals. read more

Yes you can give a dive bar 5 stars! This old-timey place is a perfect spot to stop in and have a few drinks and grab a bite if hungry. The staff is always so pleasant and good to us. The drinks are very reasonable for Chicago. The food is always good And any review of these place must include the tater tots! We get them every time we go! Very fresh tasting and a large enough portion for two of us to split! If you're ever near the Pilsen area (21st & Halstead) be sure to check this place out! Remember to bring cash as it is 'Cash Only' bar. read more

If you're going to drink, stick with the beer, the list is extensive has a good range of good local beers and the prices are really good. I made the mistake of ordering an old fashioned and after I took a sip, I thought maybe it was one of those weird ones they serve in Wisconsin they put brandy in; I was wrong, it was not. I stuck with beer after that. What I like though is that despite the sloped floor and the dive-y, hipster atmosphere the food is solid. Well, the catfish was good but the greens were kind of meh. However, there is something about those tater tots that stand out, I can't put my finger on it, but they're crispy, salted just right which goes well with the beers. read more

So , gosh. Sorry if the word gosh is a bit Gomer Pyle. Whatever, I say, for the love of George. I might be out meandering about, and I might have landed here. I must disagree with the malcontent that did not care for it here. It's maybe the most comfy bar for miles. If you're looking for a place to wear a giant hat, this is your place. Not because anyone was sporting one, but if you were so inclined, I think it would not be frowned upon. Beer options are solid, as are the foodstuffs. I had maybe the best burger ever on this occasion. There's a lot of space in here, too. You need to come on over. read more

This is my favorite go-to for a simple drink, a yummy bite and a chill. The tots were amazing, loved the cauliflower wings and kale salad. The vegan sloppy joes weren't my favorite, could definitely use something saucey or marinated more. Bring your singles and get ready to chill for a while. read more

Skylark - Vibes - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Good dive bar close to Pilsen, Bridgeport and Hyde Park, spacious and not loud with good bartenders. I met a friend here and we sat at the bar. The bartenders we attentive and prompt. Drinks good and cheep. Definitely will be returning for another round. easy street parking is a must. read more

First of all The drinks have like no alcohol. They were being stingy. Then our waiter started flirting with some guy and never came back! I wanted to have a good time but could not. I will not come back it smelled like nickel in the bathroom read more

In an unfamiliar neighborhood, after dark, and at the end of a very long work day. The only thing to really do is check the Yelp app for the nearest bar. And I wound up here. It doesn't look like much of anything from the outside. But on the inside it's a pleasant and non-sketch dive bar. They even serve food. And their beer list is pretty great - it goes above and beyond the usual staples. And the bartender was super friendly and attentive. So I will definitely be back again when I find myself back out this way. read more

Quirky, Old, Dark, Dingy, Non-descript, Sketchy, Cool, all are the wonderful attributes that allows this place to be as special as it has been for several decades. Skylark is a local establishment with a loyal group of patrons that value the simpler pleasures in life; food with drinks within a chilled nonjudgmental atmosphere. Curb your preconceptions of a bar, adjust to the flexibilities of the crowd, and award yourself with the ability to want something different and unique. Crappy shirt, house shoes, hair unwashed, are all welcomed but don't document it with the photobooth. In the end, Skylark will surprise you as long as your mindset are focused on accepting a moment in time to share an interesting experience. read more

The good-they have a pretty solid craft beer list, featuring Pipeworks and 3 Floyds among others, and for pretty cheap prices, most are only like $5-6. They also serve pretty cheap food and the kitchen is open pretty late. We got the famed tater tots and they were very good, especially dipped in their cajun sauce. Also the staff was all nice. The not as good-cash only, which I'm never a fan of, so just make sure you prepare beforehand. It can also get kinda packed weekend nights (as do most bars obvs) so finding a table will be difficult and you'll be standing. Thankfully my friends got there early at 8 and grabbed a table. Overall though, good outweighed the bad, easy to get to location, good vibes and I definitely had a good time. Just remember to bring ca$h read more

This is our favorite dive bar in Chicago. The drinks are inexpensive, the food is always great and the staff is awesome. I love you, Skylark! read more

It's a typical dive bar with the typical hipster crowd, which I think I am basing on the individual who brought me here and his general description of it. Being that I am a Fado girl, which omg is a chain and how could anyone who is anyone be into a chain, the patrons here would think my review means nothing because I know nothing. And that is fine by me. You do you and I'll do me. This place was quiet and dark and good for a conversation and they had Guinness in cans for only $5, which I drink at home, so I felt at home and that is good. Apparently, their food is good too, especially the tots. I did not try any, but good tots make a place even better, so I am sure if I had a tot or two, I would give this place 4 stars. Will I return? It's not my hood and the individual who brought me here is not someone I will likely see often, so probably not. But it's a good spot to know about in case you are in the middle of nowhere, which is where this bar is located, and have a need for a $5 drink and some tots. read more

The place is fairly bad ass with an equally bad ass menu of bevy's and.....TOTS. Oh, and bad ass bartenders, so s side thru in thru. Anyways, you gotta love the tots and they will forever remind me Napoleon Dynomite whenever I encounter them. The expert Tater Tot fanatic in our group confirmed they were some of the best in Chicago! [X] Don't miss it ! read more

See all

I've been to skylark at least 10 times. It is one of the best neighborhood/ dive bars in Pilsen. The ambiance is dim and it looks like a truck stop bar from the 70s or 80s with emo- tatted and artsy- granola crowd. Everything is cash only with tax already included (rare) and everything costs between 4-12 bucks. Also, for it to be a local bar the food pretty decent. You can get something as simple as tater tots with a aioli dipping sauce or specials such as the sweet potato and pea stuffed manicotti shells. My favorite dishes are the fried pierogies with applesauce and sour cream (think Latkas) and the plank crusted chicken breast with mushroom gravy. My only issue with Skylark is there service. Some of the servers (not all) seem to inattentive. Also they're always missing something - even silverware for carry out. Sometimes the food is slightly bland But I still keep coming back because I do feel I'm Getting a lot of bang for my buck read more

bartender refused to serve us water because he was "busy." i was told i would have to wait until later. the same thing happened to others in our party. seems illegal. read more

What a hidden gem! Stopped in for a quick bite after a day of bopping around Bridgeport/Pilsen. Split the Mac n cheese, and Skylark burger with tots between 3 people. It was the perfect amount of food. The Mac n Cheese is unbelievable - extremely gooey, amazing amount of cracked black pepper and crispy on top. The burger was also so phenomenal - no need for any condiments, onion rings were super crispy, burger cooked to perfection and delicious bun. Tots were a hit as well! Big beer selection & lots of seating. Can't wait to go back to try more! read more

Food is 5 stars Good beer list Service is crap Waitress with glasses is rude Disappointed with overall staff friendliness since they have a great reputation Staff is unapproachable We will not return read more

This place is incredible. It's like Cheers, in that it's a television show. People often describe things in terms of their proximity to this place but it feels worth noting that there is literally nowhere closer than it. read more

Food is surprisingly good for a dive bar. Service is slow. Did I want that second drink, no I'm good. Is their business model, less is more? Don't go expecting to have a conversation, because they play LOUD irritating music. All in all, an atypical Chicago dive bar. OK to quiet a late-night craving for tater tots, but not welcoming enough to make it my regular. read more

Ahh, Skylark. I've pushed past your rusty entrance gate many a night looking down at the mosiac tile entrance-wondering what this building was in its past life. I've sat in your rounded booths, at your bar and in the center of the room at your wobbly, metal tables. Your large room with it's high ceilings, and uneven floor make me think of the old rec centers that I used to hang at during a simpler time. I've met people who make me laugh, observed people who make me wonder and listened to some interesting bands play their music and then pass a hat for payment. I've eaten your tasty tater tots (forego the sauces- the plain ones with ketchup are about as good as they come). And I've eaten your daily specials which always amaze me with their attempted grandeur (items like top sirloin steak and avocado salad seem to be incongruous with the rest of the "bar food like" menu). On Fridays- you serve up a pretty good fish fry but you often run out before I ever show up. Your charm lies in the great music, the photobooth that spits out pics reminding me of why I shouldn't be out so late, and the bartenders and servers serving up cheap beers ($2.50 Miller Lites or $2.00 PBR's) on a regular basis. Your streets offer up easy, free parking, even during the busiest of times. And your cash only policy keeps things easy. You are simple, but that is part of your appeal. You don't beckon to people with flashing neon, yet they find you anyway. And once they do, you, oh Skylark, enfold them in your welcoming arms and make them feel as though they have come home. And they have. read more

Let's start with the fact that I'm 24....so I've only been coming here for about 3.5 years. However, I miss the days when I first started coming here. I never know when it'll be packed and when I'll be able to find a seat. With that said, I still love this place. Food: I used to hate pierogis as a child. I also realize I probably spelled that wrong. Regardless, I love getting an order when here. I've had burgers. They're good. Not OMFG amazing, but they hit the spot. The Skylark burger, at least I think that's the name, is actually quite good considering there's a sauce on it and I normally don't do anything I suspect has mayo on it. The tots.....they're good. Yes, they're tots. Personally, I think the sauces are kind of gross, but my friends seem to devour them, so chances are someone will eat them. The macaroni. Haven't had it in a long time, but I remember it was one of the few places I actually ate macaroni from. The drinks: Cheap beer...even the good stuff. The mixed drinks can go either way. Sometimes they're strong, sometimes they're not. Sometimes they're pricey, sometimes they're not. I haven't seen the waiters/waitresses/food bringing people that I used to, but maybe someone fired them for their horrible attitudes. Maybe they quit. Hell, they might even be there and I just never go enough to see them. That's fine. I prefer going to the bar unless the server's on it, and on busy nights, they're typically not. The best thing about this place is the photobooth, of course! However, beware photoboothers............if you're going to sit in the photobooth with your significant other making out and talking and not getting out when it's obvious others want to take pictures, chances are your photos will disappear. They might end up in my large pile of pictures where my friends and I will reminisce about that night....and they might end up on the ground, but they will certainly not end up in your hands. Don't be a dick, especially when it's busy and people are waiting. Yes it takes awhile for them to come, but you can wait outside of it just like everyone else. I think my favorite memory of this bar is this one time they decided to close early (which they seem to do often) and my friend had ordered a beer about 5 minutes prior. Instead of downing it he decided to just walk outside with it. Gotta love the fact that they're not that attentive. Seriously. He would have been really upset, and I would have had to hear about it. I wish I lived closer, or still talked to my friend who lived a hop, skip and a jump away. read more

This is THE dive bar. I wish this place were a secret but the hipsters discovered it some time ago. Still it's a nice eclectic mix of people and personalities. Let's get down to it...Dive Bars aren't supposed to have great food. Seriously, what are they thinking. Yet here I am writing a yelp review of a dive bar because I loved the food. I got the jerk grilled chicken sandwich. I hesitated because what does random pilsen spot know about Jerk Chicken...They figured it out. It was delicious. Spicy, and tender and a great amount of food. My partner got the Panko Fried Chicken Sandwich with mashed potatoes. Equally good if not better. Those mashed potatoes must have crack in them, they were soooo good. I'd probably be there twice a week if I lived in Pilsen. Fortunately for my waist I don't. Finally, the staff was prompt and courteous. Good drinks, amazing food, and all of it reasonably priced. Don't let the exterior fool you. Walk on in. read more

It's kind of what you'd expect and kind of what you wouldn't. From the outside it looks like a dive and walking through the door doesn't change that with an art deco style wooden bar, kitsch, vintage photobooth, half-round booths, old arm chairs and old metal chairs. What you wouldn't expect is a bar menu that includes things like eggplant sandwiches and scallops. According to my friend we picked a perfect night to visit, it was empty when we rolled in around 9:30 and only mildly crowded when we left (close to 1). There was no line for the photobooth* and we had our pick of a few empty tables and seats at the bar. Booze is dirt cheap here. They have a decent selection of beers including Three Floyds, Left Hand, Lagunitas and Spaten. The most expensive beers are $4.50, but if you're really looking to stretch your buck PBR is the biggest bargain at $2 a pop. My friend's Makers didn't run him more than $4 either, quite the deal if I do say. The bartenders were super friendly; always quick with a drink and a smile. Cash only, but there's an ATM inside. * I do not recommend 4 people in the photobooth; not only is it a tight squeeze, but we also we managed to take the worst pictures ever - twice! At least we had a blast doing it. read more

Skylark. Not just the name of the Buick Mark Geezy was conceived in, but a good place to grab a beer and bite in Pilsen. I'm not gonna front. There's better options in the area for food. However, like a grown-ass man has the tendency to do, I crave some fu*king tater tots sometimes. Skylark gives you those, and 3 side sauces to dip them in. They also have really good mac and cheese. Yes, mac and cheese. I don't wanna grow up because I'm a Toys R Us kid. You feel me? The burgers, though, are pretty average. If you're craving a real good burger, I'd recommend hitting up Simone's nearby. Buuut, if you're craving good craft beer on the cheap, Skylark definitely wins that battle. They always have a number of good beers on tap, and them bi*tches never go for above $5.50. This ultimately is why they get 4 stars from me. The service isn't anything to write home about. They aren't overly fast or friendly. They're efficient when it's not busy. When it is busy, good luck. If dive bars with good beer and food are your thing, check this one out. read more

Skylark - Cheap, good beer. 12/21/13 - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I love Skylark unreasonably. Where some might see a place that is a little dingy or odd, I see every quirk as a lovely accent. From the Freemason's aprons that adorn the bar to the very mixed crowd to the pinball machine to the food - it's all lovely. Dive paradise on earth. A strong, hand poured drink is cheap - $4. Don't bother ordering a double unless you're a booze hound like me. It's just gilding the lily. Biggest bonus this time around? The amazing bartender, NICK. I lovelovelove him. Down to earth, friendly, gothcha covered. He's the kind of character I love to meet when I go to a bar. We felt so welcome and appreciated. Someone give that man a raise!! (but maybe not a day off, what if I miss him? Just kidding, Nick!) Really, leaving Chicago and Skylark is so hard to do. Chi-town, you're the shznit! *and I just wanna respond to someone's earlier concern that Skylark doesn't seem to treat people of color well. I disagree. Every night we went this time around, I didn't see that. I take that kind of comment seriously. Didn't dismiss it out of hand. I'm Asian, my husband's Afro-American, and we were treated well. We saw many people of color and didn't see any bad treatment. Happy people all around. I hope what the other reviewer saw was an anomaly. Cheers! read more

Skylark - James walking into our bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm in-between wanting everyone and no one to know about Skylark. Divey with secret society tapestries, great drink prices, a killer beer list and way better food than would be expected. Some favorites are the buffalo cauliflower and the grilled salmon sandwich. read more