If you blink, you'll quite literally miss this tiny bar on Albany Ave. So don't! Because Small Bar is neighborhood bar perfection. Though it's small, it's not a dive. And though it's not a dive, it's not trendy. It just IS. A friend cognizant of my big love for craft beer brought me here. Well, the beer selection is tops! 15 or so on tap and at least another 100 in bottles. They even offer specials (e.g. $4 Harpoon Tuesdays and $1 off Brit Beer Wednesdays)-- don't see those too often anymore. If you're looking for a scene, well this bar is devoid of just that. Love it for what it is-- a bonafide bar, a great place to sit for a couple of hours. Talking to the bartenders here is always good fun... they're knowledgeable, helpful and just interesting people. I have yet to try their food, but all this mac 'n' cheese talk is making me hungry! read more

I hate to write this, because this use to be a staple when I lived in Avondale, but after the display tonight I have to. It was disrespectful and I cannot recommend this place to anyone I have an ounce of respect for. After spending 4 hours here a friend closed his tab out, after the other members have been paying cash and paying more than 20% tips each round. After he closed out, the bartender called this individual out to question his 12% tip and was insisting he leave more. When he didn't leave more, he vocally told him, in front of the rest of the patrons, to never come back and threw out his drink. We proceeded to leave after just paying for our drinks. I am disgraced I recommended this bar it is a far cry from the Small Bar of 2 years ago. It pains me to say it but I will not be back. The bar tender in the Chicago hat ruined it for us and it is a far cry from the level of service I came to expect from small bar. read more

Yeah Its hipster infested so Im gonna cut to the chase and place the Hipster infestation level: 7 Ok with that being said I stopped in here to meet up some bros for some Cervezas!!! Nice selection of beers and the place was not a dive but actually a nice little place. Tater tots were good :) shake & bake seal of approval! read more

Always give a place a second chance - sometimes you just have to give a place a second chance if you find the first trip was underwhelming. In all fairness, I usually write about the places that I like the most and would be happy to go to again, so my first trip confused me since so many other friends liked Small Bar. Consider its Logan Square and Wicker Park cousins had never let me down, I decided to land in Lincoln Park to catch World Cup group play to watch France get beaten by South Africa. Of course the result and number of people in the bar were far below my expectations, but we decided to all go to watch the World Cup finals in Small Bar Fullerton. While the end result was Spanish victory, I had a great time at the crowded bar with Raul B, Maria F, Michael G, Reuben H, and Aurore L. There were so many people in the bar that late stragglers could not even get past the doors to catch a drink. The fan experience was also a good time with knowledgeable fans expressing the appropriate oohs, ahhs, and cheers. The service at the bar was a bit on the slow side, but very acceptable due to the enormity of the match. We had our own booth, our own TV with remote control and free wireless internet and a seat with a view of the patio. The burger that I ordered hit the spot and I was surprised I cleared my plate along with all of the beers that I downed and the bill was unsurprising. If you ever decide that you'll never go back to a place, always think twice particularly if your friends like it. You never know, you might be surprised. read more

Despite her inked and pierced exterior, that was one patient bar waitress, let me tell you. It's not every day that someone walks into Small Bar's Avondale (though they like to claim Logan Square and I'm not going to argue with them) location and asks, "so what on this menu isn't very greasy?" I mean, there are not a lot of people under 40, I would think, who ask that question. And this younger, hipp(st)er, location of Small Bar probably sees six people over 40 in any given year. I mean, how many 40 years olds can fit into tight enough jeans to fit in there? Cougars aside, I mean. As it turns out, I got some mehcaroni and cheese this time around. But I won't hold my current stomach condition against this bar. When I have a full set of health bars (because I am a video game character in my spare time), I've dined here and for bar food, it's hard to beat (though you do pay for the quality, with most entrees around $9). That is, unless you're talking about Small Bar's Ukrainian Village location which might as well be a restaurant. Yeah, it's pretty hard to mention Small Bar's northern outpost without mentioning the other location (or that they're building a third location in western Lincoln Park on Fullerton). But the two are vastly different in a lot of ways. Most importantly, instead of being a soccer bar, Avondale is a local, tiny, neighborhood joint. So much so that it's built right into the neighborhood. If you don't know where to look, Small Bar is probably the most obscured bar in the city. Logic dictates there shouldn't even be a bar on this entirely residential stretch of Albany Street between Diversey and Wrightwood. Logic dictates, in fact, that Albany Street shouldn't exist where it does at this point on Chicago's grid. Thankfully, however, Small Bar ignores all of this logic. Though maybe that's why it's (refreshingly) never packed. Seriously, I have been there on multiple Saturday nights where there are about 15 people in the bar, including the staff. Though that's fine by me. More chance to bully the jukebox (which spans from old school hip hop to classic rock to Brit pop) for $2 for five plays. And, of course, to sample the vast beer selection (thankfully this is similar to the Ukie Village location). Though there is one thing that I need to mention in closing that solidifies this bar's four star rating - funnel cake! Yes, the carnival and street fair desert in a bar! I didn't partake last time I was there but that alone is reason enough for me to want to go back again and again. read more

I love the Small Bar. I wish it was my own neighborhood bar because I'd definitely be in here enough to make sure the bartender knew my staple drink. It's really the atmosphere here that makes this place so unique - and that can't really be put into words. They have a nice selection of craft beers, fantastic bar food and, for a bar that specializes in beer, a really good selection of liquor and a bartender that isn't stiff on the pour. Great little outdoor patio, too. Oh, and a dart board for your entertainment pleasure. I don't recommend walking BY the Small Bar later on in the evening because it's my experience that drunk people tend to stand out there and try to have long conversations with you as you pass and don't stop even when you continue walking. In fact they walk with you. But anyway. read more

Be careful not to pass up Small Bar in your search for parking and the actual bar. It's situated in the middle of a residential neighborhood, so it's hard to find! This place really fits the name... it's small. When we arrived at about 6:00 p.m. on a weeknight, it was packed! We only found two seats at the bar, so the rest of our party had to stand. All other tables were packed, so arrive even earlier if you need a larger space. The food was really yummy and the beer list was vast. Don't be afraid to ask for samples! The bartenders know their stuff and they can answer any question you have about the beers available. They also make a mean cocktail, according to one of my friends, so also ask for one if you're not necessarily a beer fan. I never really find myself in this part of the neighborhood, but I'll make it a point to come back more often in 2011. read more

My first experience here was great, however I I was wasted, spend happy and glad to see something but light beer. The second time, I could have bit the waitress, Four beers later and my tab ahhhh...Everyone one knows the higher prices of beer at bars $4 to 5 especially for Wicker Park that is up there. So if you recommend to a customer a $9 beer you better damn well tell them and not let them get four beers and $36 deep. read more

Small bar is the best place to grab a beer and a giant, delicious salad(or poutine!) with your best friends and your dog if you have one. One of my favorite summertime hangs! read more

My neighborhood bar--I'm slightly biased. I come for the Thursday night wing special. Quality wings for .75. I remember when they were .50. But still good wings I like the hint of garlic. Great beer selection. Although I'm sticking to Lagunitas tonight. Stop by, its a quality dive bar. Cleanest Dive bar you'll find. JJ and the other bartenders are awesome. read more

This was my first dining experience of Chicago and did not disappoint. Although finding it is a little tricky. At first I thought we were going to be eating in someone's house as this is the neighborhood - but alas, there is a tiny little bar in the middle of all of this. The staff is incredible. I've been many times since and they always remember me. It is generally pretty crowded but the patio is now open so more room, a bonus. On Thursday is 50 cent wings which are huge! I think I made it through 7 and couldn't handle anymore, which will tell you what a cheap date I am! The quinoa salad is also very good along with any burger that I've ordered. I can't say much on the beer selection as this is not my realm - although they are very accommodating with any cocktail I am craving at the time. I will also mention that this is the most diverse crowd I've ever seen in my life. At one point they were playing Modest Mouse with a crowd of hipsters, a family of 5 and then a few scattered individuals watching a soccer game with sports gear on. Awesome! read more

I love Belgian beers and neighborhood bars. I'm so lucky to have Small Bar in my hood! (This location beats out the Wicker Park one on ambiance and clientele.) The large selection of tap beers are wonderful, that goes without saying. As for the food it's above average (and priced that way). The Fried Cheese Curds are great and even though I don't love honey mustard, their spicier version makes em go down even easier. The other day I tried the Grilled Salmon with greens and the greens were cooked perfectly. They were just underdone so that the hot fish sitting on top would continue to cook them. It was wonderful and unexpected. read more

Well, I hate to be the one who writes a ranting review about a place, but here it goes. I have been here three times. Each time the service was deplorable, the food was wretched and the bill was high. I hate this place. In fact, the last and final time I went, it was so cold in there that I could see my own breath while sitting inside. A friend of mine asked about the temperature and they said they couldn't do anything about it. I think all they had to do was close the open windows. I ordered a cheeseburger cooked medium and it arrived burned to a crisp and without condiments. It took 20 minutes to get my server's attention after that. What's more, everyone I went there with (three other folks) was served food that seemed to have been cooked by a six year old. I just hate it when you go out to eat and spend a lot of money and the food isn't good and the service isn't good and the whole experience is remembered negatively. In fact every time I see this place now, my boyfriend says, "Remember the worst dining experience of all time?" And I reply "Yes." read more

Thank GOD the patrons of the Division street Small Bar don't really know about, nor give a f*ck about, the original. A delight indeed. This place has everything I like packed into one small bar. (harhar) -- SIZE, not enough room for jerks -- BEER, selection is tops -- FOOD, a smidge more than I want to pay, but I will b/c its good -- PEOPLE, aren't jerk-offs. I like to stare at the cute boys (er, I guess they are technically men *rawr*) -- SERVICE, love the bartenders! I wish I lived closer so I could come here ALL the time. okay... enough with the CAPS. read more

Recommended by Shana C (our new yelp friend and now new neighbor!) this place RULES! They have a selection of like 125 bottled beers, several on tap and the food is delicious. Yes, great bar food. Apparently they raise their OWN COWS to make the HAMBURGERS. For reals, now that's commitment. It's dimly lit, but still has the standard tv screens on display in most Chicago bars (albeit they were SMALLer TVs, they're there none the less) Bonus: its just a stumble away from my house. I'll be here. often. read more

Great beer selection, great staff, great food. All at a good price. Small Bar has been my local since I moved to Avondale and I know I can always go around the corner and find a great place to relax, have a few (of the 100+ served) beers and maybe even have a kickass burger or fried cheese curds. The bar staff have great taste in music, and they have a good jukebox when its on. The outside patio is phenomenal, and I can't wait for the spring to sit out and chill with friends. read more

Great neighborhood bar. I've been going back and forth on writing a review for SmallBar. Not because they don't deserve it but it's pretty apparent they have their fair share of great reviews and it's always an internal struggle of wanting to keep a place secret and wanting to share it with others. SmallBar is a great local neighborhood bar with a great beer selection, reasonable prices, upscale bar food(not your traditional greasy drab bar fare) and always a great ambiance. They somehow always have great music at the perfect level. Shitty music can turn me into a Cranky McCrankerson and I've always enjoyed whatever tunes are playing in the background. Great decor inside and a great patio for the summer.(which allows dogs!) The patio can get pretty packed at peak times but because it's off the beaten path, it's great knowing that I can walk my dog over, have some food/drinks and not have to wait for a table or be in a crowded space. Being a veteran of Wicker Park and Logan Square past, I have been avoiding many of the bars and restaurants in those areas in recent years. The neighborhoods are quickly devolving into Lincoln Park fraternity life and if you can relate, you can understand why SmallBar was such a great find for me. If you're like me and are tired of the young hipster crowd(side eye to Wicker Park), or the older snobby hipsters that look down on you(looking at you Owl), or the overrated/overpriced food and drinks with shitty music playing bars, try heading over to SmallBar for a more down to earth experience. It may not be a fancy sit down for you to take out your boss or in-laws, but for a quick bite or beer, to catch up with longtime friends and just a local bar to relax for the evening, SmallBar won't let you down. read more

Used to be 4 stars, now it's 3. Yes, I know, it's small, but the last three times I was here it was just too small! I had zero personal space--the other patrons were boozin' it up and pretty much sitting on my lap in a not-so-friendly way. I guess it's better to go during warmer months and then you can sit outside. Small Bar is a great neighborhood bar with a huge selection of beer (60 beers!) and a surprisingly good bar menu. Go on a Tuesday for $1 mini burgers or try the not-so-small bar salad which is chock-full of delicious vegetables. The jukebox is pretty decent as well. Downsides are tables are hard to find later in the evening and it can get pretty smoky in the small room. I wish they'd pass the smoking ban everywhere already. They also stopped having Guinness on tap, which is a complete letdown. Street parking is pretty easy or it's a 5-10 minute walk from the Logan Square blue line stop. read more

Come on, this is the ultimate neighborhood bar. Logan Square is lucky to have this tucked away in a totally residential area. 1 Million great beers, excellent bar food including tatertots, and friendly local clientele, patio when it's nice, darts, jukebox, small tvs. What more could you want? read more

Our neighborhood bar. Friendly staff.The game on tv. Good music. Great fresh grilled burgers, amazing tater tots. Food specials. Drink specials on the wall chalkboard, variety of over 200 beers, beers & ciders on tap & bottles. Can't wait for patio weather. Also, dog friendly patio for the well behaved. It's called Small Bar for a reason, it's small & we like it. So shhhh...don't tell everyone. : ) read more

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This was my favorite bar that I visited in Chicago. The interior was warm and cozy. They served Three Floyds Zombie Dust on draft.

Great beer selection and not usually overcrowded. The food is not all that good, so eat before you get there. It's located in a highly residential area on the corner of two side streets, but it's worth the trip even if you don't live in the neighborhood. Much better than the weak imitation by the same name on Division. read more

I LOVE SMALLBAR!! Was looking for a great spot to relax on a patio, and then I remembered that little bar that is so quaint and lovely has a patio. What I didn't know is how awesome their little patio is! My sister, boyfriend, and I all cozied up outside with some delicious beer and a few appetizers. The lights, the atmosphere, everything was wonderful. Can't wait to go back. read more

SmallBar, thank you. You have achieved a dive bar vibe while being clean, providing friendly service, and having a stellar selection of rotating drafts. Vibe, aside, it's not that divey because the beer selection is enlightened and the food is top notch. I walk in here and, I have to admit, I don't usually know the beers on tap. Many times I'm familiar with the brewery but SmallBar has uncovered some unknown from their collection for me to try. For this reason, I accept that this "dive" doesn't have "divey" prices. You'll still pay about $5-7 for a beer. BUT, every time I've been in, they have had a special beer for about $3. And $3 ain't bad at all. The food is great. I've had the burger here. I'm not a tot fan but I also know I'm alone on that. Feel free to tater tot is up here. The burger was good, but I think it's all about the specials on the chalkboard here. What I haven't tried and I can't believe I haven't is the mac & cheese, which is different every night. read more

Warm, comfortable bar with very good food and good beer selection. Just moved to the neighborhood and while I'd been here ages ago for a Bears game the place has changed for the better since then. The beer selection is big, with a nice selection of both bottles and drafts. The menu is quite good, and the execution on everything we had was top-notch--some of the best spicy chicken quesadillas I've had, and piping hot mini-burgers. Add to these perfect lighting and a warm ambience and I think I'll be walking the block and a half here a couple times a week. Edit: Ate and drank at the Beer Garden the other day. A lovely time! read more

I wish I was a regular at this bar. My roommate was talking to one of the bartenderesses there and she gave him a CD to borrow the first day we were there. Very welcoming, but I wish it had less stools and more seats. The jukebox has a pretty good selection too. I can actually put in $5 or $10 and want to hear all the songs that I picked (PS, they have Yaz). In terms of people that go there, it's 25-35-year-olds. Since it's in Logan Square, you get that sort of crowd (indie), but it's not a Latino bar. Wrigley folk seem like a sight rarely seen. I haven't had the food there yet, but I was given a free bag of chips towards the end of the night that was much appreciated. This place is definitely worth going to at least thrice. read more

If you pay via credit card and leave a cash tip (as I often do), make sure your credit card doesn't wind up getting charged more than what you wrote down. IE... $12 on card, $5 in cash for tip and my card has been charged $17. It's obnoxious and it's happened twice, both times I couldn't find my receipt. I don't go here anymore. but the miniburgers are divine. absolutely divine. read more

It gets 2 stars because of the good beer selection. However, that's pretty much where the quality ends. Some of the bartenders are okay. But catch one of them in a bad mood, and they just don't pay attention to you. Even if you do catch their attention, they are less than prompt with drink service. Additionally, I don't like walking into a bar, and feeling like I'm wasting someone's time. I mean, I know there are lots of other things to do, but a condescending attitude is not one to have when you work in the service industry. The food is okay tasting, but the kitchen is not the cleanest. Also, there have been times where there were 3-4 other patrons there, and it took almost an hour to get a burger. That's a long time for a hamburger. A very long time for a hamburger. Lastly, the bar is too small. Or there's too many chairs, and not enough tables, so they potential aisles are always full of people sitting, making it difficult to get around them and navigate the small room. It was okay when it was 3 blocks away, but the more I think about it, the less i want to go back. read more

This was the first bar that my beer snob boyfriend took me to in Chicago and I still think it's one of the best bars in the city. It's tiny and loud with a great beer selection. I also can't hate on the staff because I once spilled my beer and was given another on the house. I'm knocking off a star though because it's almost impossible to find a place to sit on the weekends. read more

An all white bar in a mostly Mexican neighborhood. They somehow make 100+ beers seem like surprisingly few. They only list the brewery on the little menus on the table and not the beer. Also, the beer was pretty overpriced. I know that nice beers are expensive, but $9 for Piraat is really excessive. My main concern is their lack of good beers bar. It's just not fair to call this place a beer bar. No Samuel Smith's Pale Ale, no Two Brother's Dumaine DuPage, no Lagunitas Pilsner, no Ayinger Celebrator. They carry beers from these breweries, but they don't carry (in my opinion) the best beers by these breweries. read more

Move over, infants, puppies, and kittens - Small Bar is the cutest combination of teeny and adorable out there! It's everything I want in a bar: Chill - not super crowded without being dead & the staff was totally aweosme about letting us sit outside even though they'd technically closed it for the season. Nice staff - aforementioned allowance was made, and they were even cool enough to come outside and bring us our food and drinks despite there being absolutely nothing forcing them to do so (as we were not even supposed to be out there and they'd already conceded in allowing us to). Solid jukebox selection - I didn't hear a single song that is or has been overplayed on the radio in the last decade. Clutch! Incredible beer seelction - Their beer list is impressive! They have 5 different kinds of Unibroue. We're buddies for life now. Tasty food - $1 mini cheeseburgers on Tuesday nights. It's an additional .25 cents for cheese. And they weren't afraid to leave a little "moo" in those burgers, if you know what I mean - mini burgers and/or sliders are always a sad shade of greyish brown. It just happens to be my opinion that medium well and well done are lame sauce. The ones they gave us were pink & juicy - perfect! What a cutie patootie little place. I'd pick it up and move it into my hood if I could! read more

Ok place. I went here years before when it was an obscure corner bar with a lone Old Style sign. There was not one sound uttered in the entire bar--even the bartender was laconic (and Tvs were on mute) It was a beautiful secret oasis, way nicer than it looked on the outside. I remember particularly the blond wood and the emptiness. Now, it is dark, crowded, and plays crappy music. Whenever I see a condo go up around here, I wonder where all the yuppies go to drink. Well, apparently it is this overpriced place. Not bad if there's nothing else. But I kinda miss that long ago beautiful empty silence, the quiet winter corner, and the blond bar. read more

Really small kitchen, as in, a tiny grill, tiny frier. I think I'd rather not watch the cook make the food and just not know instead. Bare hands, ew. Bit overpriced to my taste. Of course, I found this out after my neighbor recommended it to me, and then laughed when I mentioned it (he forgot to tell me that apparently). Beer selection is huge... but unfamiliar, I have no idea what to get! Not a problem really. It's awesome to have this in the middle of LOGAN SQUARE, in the middle of a not-so-great neighborhood. read more

So I had one bad experience here that reduced my rating. It was kind of a perfect storm, and I think the bartenders were just in a bad mood. I'd been dozens of times (ok maybe ONE dozen) and had had a blast. I'll go back if for no other reason than to eat the hummus. read more

This bar has a greatttt selection of beers, of course! Their staff is reallly knowledgeable about beer so that is always a plus! The only problem about this location, even if there ARE other bars around here, is that it is close to impossible to get a freakin cab!! You honestly have to walk really far to get one, I know, it doesn't make sense at all, but it's true. If I'm even in the neighborhood again, I'll stop by for sure. They have excellent pale ale choices. yum. read more

I started coming here because a classmate of mine bartends on Wednesdays and Fridays. I always prefer to have a more personal relationship with my bartender as I feel I get better service and I enjoy the bar more. The drinks are good and I don't think they're that expensive, but I also don't think this is a dive bar. It is a nice neighborhood bar that is clean, has a great selection of beer, and plays good music. I've only had the burgers and the tots, but both are consistently good. I've never sat next to the kitchen so I don't know anything about smelling like the food. I also think that its great that Anna, the bartender/classmate, has a lot of knowledge of beer and will give you a taste of anything on tap before you order it so you know if you like it or not. And after a couple times she gets to know you and your tastes and will recommend different beers to you. She also seems to remember everyone's name who comes into the bar. read more

Alright, which of these things is not like the others?!? Ummm...mE!? Yeah this little bar is hipster infested but what the hell...there are some interesting characters in there and my yuppie/hipster wannabe self hearts the skinny jeans. That said, we had a great time and lemme just say...they don't skimp on the alcohol. You want a vodka diet? Get ready to get tanked. Oh, yeah.. This place is awesome for a low key get together and the beer garden is super cute. I will be back. Word. read more

Although I was born a Chicagoan, I've lived in Texas and Georgia for the past 10 years. The Small Bar is exactly the kind of corner neighborhood joint that makes me homesick for this cold, gray, Windy City. Great people, laid-back atmosphere, delicious eats and an unbelievable selection of beers. Make The Small Bar your next stop. A series of one-way streets and the Kennedy make this place a little tricky to find, but 3-5 left turns should get you there. A high school friend who lives in the neighborhood guided us here on a very inclement Sunday afternoon. I was delighted by the friendly reception and the warm charm inside the place. You know a bar is great when locals bring their baby there! Although the menu made a lot of promises, our order surely delivered. My personal highlight was the fried mushrooms. A bar food fave that was completely home made at The Small Bar. Peppery, fresh, with nice herbs that contributed to make these steamy hot mushrooms delectable, not greasy. A perfect bar order on a cold day. I'll miss places like The Small Bar long after I've forgotten the February chill of a Chicago afternoon. p.s. - We outlasted the baby, which is a real badge of honor. read more

Small Bar is the closest bar to my apartment. And I love it. I wish fewer people loved it. I love it when the crowd is thin and we can chat a little bit with the bartenders. The outdoor patio is great, but I wish dogs were not allowed back there - dogs are annoying and they smell bad! The have a cork dart board, but shitty bar darts. My wife and I like to come here to play, but bring your own darts. They generally have a good beer special ($4 pint) and a wide array of non-special beers ($5-6 a pint). The food is good bar food. If you order tater tots expect the equivalent of an entire bag of tater tots - even as a side sometimes. My favorite is the pulled pork nachos! She like the veggie burger and - when she doesnt care about all the various diets and what not she is attempting - the daily mac and cheese special. So, this place is great. Please stop going there when I want to go because I dont really like packed places. This is the quintessential "neighborhood bar" so, my personal feeling is that it should be only for the folks in the neighborhood. read more

So many beers, so little time. But my recent favorite thing (and the main reason I'm writing this review) is the bloody fucking mary! I got one after a couple beers while watching Germany suck it up in the World Cup finals and it was fantastic. Thick and strong and spicy with asparagus. Luckily it was too spicy for my friend so I got to drink his, too. It's moments like that that you think to yourself that there may just be a higher being looking out for us. Well, not for my friend so much... I am, however, torn about going back here to watch any sort of sporting event. The TV's are so tiny! (enough so that I bugged my friends with the joke "this place should be called 'Small TV Bar'" all afternoon). But damn, bloody mary keeps calling my name... read more