Dives... the experiences are so varied! Templestowe appears to be a rare example of a surviving third-place, and they do it SO well. It seems I must revert to listicles! + They stay current with the times, as there are abundant outlets (incl USB) under the bar. + Templestowe is dog friendly! Great for not only spending time in a third place with others, but even brining four legged friends along. + Bar Service is welcoming and friendly. + Music is playing at the perfect volume to be heard, but not so loud that one has to raise their voice to speak to the person right next to them. + The interior is well lit, giving the space a bright, modern feel as opposed to a more dingy, "old man bar" type feel. + Selection is wider than dives typically have, with many beers to choose from, and many spirits also for more than generic one-shot drinks. While Templestowe is out of the way for me, I do look forward to coming back soon and experiencing more of what they have to offer. read more

Great place to drink and bartender is nice. I just wish they had something to eat . Other guests are easy to chat with and the bar is well stocked read more

First of all - Congrats to Templestowe Pub on its 10th Anniversary. Hey that's what the beer coasters say! My lovely wife and I have visited this "Aussie bar" on Montrose a few times and it's a good place to hang out for a drink or two. They will show sports, with a catchy musical soundtrack too. They are people-friendly as well as dog-friendly. They will feature beers from local breweries too - I enjoyed a refreshing Penrose Shandy here yesterday. read more

So many times, a local bar has patrons who are not into embracing non-regulars. That is never the case at Templestowe. We have had a few great visits and have enjoyed the vibe a lot. Bartenders are always friendly and efficient. They are celebrating 10 years this year, and I hope they remain in the neighborhood for many more years to come. read more

Templestowe Pub - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wonderful local neighborhood pub. Super friendly bartenders, cute interior, and a solid lineup of local drafts. Also, dog friendly! read more

See all

I really enjoyed this bar. The Bartender was so nice and helpful. Everyone was so friendly. I will be going back.

Nice neighborhood place. We stopped at random and found a real gem. Nice beer list. Steve makes a good cocktail. Plenty of tvs to watch if you want but the music and conversation are what makes it special read more

Great neighborhood pub that feels like home! Thursday tap takeovers from local breweries with swag giveaways are always fun. Ian, Joe, and Steve are your very friendly bartenders. Highly recommend for anyone in the Albany Park area. read more

Templestowe Pub - Malört is always on hand. - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really great place! I visited here with a friend and we stayed for hours. The pub has a fun, kind of earthy vibe. It is low key and the bartenders are super friendly. My friend was drinking beer (nice selection) and I had wine. The wine was $7/glass and my white wine was served in a large, red wine-type glass. The bartender topped off my glass for no extra charge. There was a patron with her pup there. I don't own a dog, but it's nice that the pub is dog friendly. I give the pub four stars instead of five only because there is no food. You can bring in food, but you have to walk across the street and order pizza (or have it brought to you - the restaurant 'delivers') if you want something other than chips or Combos. Overall, a great place to which I certainly would return. read more

Best neighborhood bar in the AP. Always have different good beers and friendly people. read more

Templestowe Pub - a glass of beer on a table - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I passed this bar twice while walking my tiny dog George. Being the curious lil monkey he is he would always peek in and investigate a bit before I took him on our merry way. In the area w little man on a super hot afternoon needing to kill a couple hrs and nowhere to go, I brought him in to cool off. It's described in reviews and by the patrons and bartender as "a neighborhood bar." That's kinda a vague term. I don't know if it's a dive because it's not a complete shthole. But it's kinda low rent, squicky, and depressing. People say in reviews it smells like Satan's a$$hole but it didn't reek. Maybe they dealt w the issue and having the doors and windows opened a lot may help. The patrons are real characters like ones you'd see apprehended on Reno 911 or a John Waters movie and I can't say the bartender was friendly. She was kinda complaining a bit to herself. Also, I asked her two questions: if they had wifi (no) and what was the movie on the tv she had on. She looked at me like I was speaking Klingon and was curt. Ugh. "Neighborhood bar" my butt! It slays me its a dog friendly bar and they don't have dog dishes o water and she refused to give me water for little man. It was 94 motherhugging degrees, he'a tiny, and has long black fur! Dafaq?! That's just cruel. I'll be generous and give it 2 "meh I've experienced better" since they let me and my guy in but it's really a "skip it!" read more

See all

Thank heavens for Templestowe. They're open again. Great staff, interesting locals. Bring in food from nearly Naranja Dulce or Pizza y Pan. (Or anywhere else, for that matter.) It's one of Albany Park's top gin mills. read more

(I wrote this review a few weeks ago and just logged on to Yelp to find a zipper repair place and see I have a message. It's from the bartender calling me names and using profanity. All of my impressions about the place have now been proved to be true.) Ok I've been going to this place since it was Mike's. When a new guy bought the place a few years ago he cleaned it up real nice. It looks a lot better but it's filled with the same kind of trashy regulars just a little younger. I've been to his other place over on Broadway a little south and that place I like. This place sucks. I'd haven't caught the name of the bartender any of the times I've been there lately but if "Tommy" is the big kid with the Ed O'bradovich crew cut then he must have had all his friends write those reviews mentioning him by name because I'm just a regular middle age guy and I think he's a bully. You know kind of young man who thinks being a bartender makes him some kind of big shot. He's served me a dozen times I I guess I don't rate a name. Now the older black guy named Emmit is solid but I haven't run into him in awhile. He gave me his name. I heard "Tommy" say things I know where wrong like it was the gospel truth, checked my phone to be sure and was right when I thought he was full of it. I've never liked someone serving me that was more messed up than me and this guy is messed up. Maybe not as drunk but more teeth grinding messed up. That seems to be a theme with some of the regulars. I don't like that kind of place at all. He also talks bad about every other bar in 30 blocks. I like plenty of bars. When I hear you telling people lies about places I've been to fifty times it rubs me the wrong way sometimes. I guess I really went after the one guy but that sums up the whole place to. One thing I'll say it doesn't really smell like it used to. Mike's used to really smell something awful. Now it just smells like a regular bar with a bunch of loud mouth regulars running back and forth to the bathroom and talking fast. Not for me. No sir. I'll walk a few blocks east or a few blocks south for better people and better places. Every place is just as cheap. Too bad. Mike's wasn't great but it was better than this place is now. At least the bartenders knew how to treat people. read more

--------------TEMPLESTOWE PUB--------This is a comfy, cozy neighborhood bar. New owners = new customers! Decent selection of beers, including local brews on tap. Prices are reasonable; comparable to other local joints. Whiskey selections are upscale, as well as the wine available by glass. Parking can be tough, try the side streets. No food for purchase but plenty of local establishments will deliver! Worth a visit for a friendly neighborhood pub experience! Pub trivia Monday nights & Karaoke Tuesday night! Daily specials look good, too. Looking forward to the Bloody Mary special today ( Sunday ) Titos!!! Going back for sure ;) Oh my on return visit I found ph/charging stations at each barstool! Very clever...USB ports & all, the bar even had a charging cord! WOW!!! read more

See all

Went here on a Tuesday night with a few longtime friends. The atmosphere was nice and perfect for catching up. There were a few sports games on, but they weren't too loud. They had a great craft beer selection and had a drink special every night. This is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood and a great place to hang out after dinner. Recommended for beer and casual conversation. read more

Templestowe Pub - The entrance. - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The outside of this sequel to Brendan's Pub over on Belmont and Broadway is going to continue looking like a suspicious dive until the liquor license changes hands, but if you were to step inside, you would see Boston-native Steve Hill's particular brand of homey bar elegance in every detail. From the restored wooden bar to the new floors and big-screen televisions, there has been no expense spared as Steven Hill is set on being the next go-to pub in his part of Albany Park. There is still some work to be done on the bathrooms, but you can see that when the place is finished, it is going to be an oasis in an otherwise dry stretch of Montrose. Great drink specials, accommodating bartenders, and Steven Hill's booming voice "Have another!" make his second venture well worth the stop. read more

See all

A good find if you're stuck on Kedzie near ! Local street parking makes parking on Montrose unnecessary. Just a block east and a really old man vibe at the bar. But just find another seat further down the bar and be greeted by Susie the bartender and some possible younger fellas. Jackson 5 on the jukebox! They get food from Angelos down the street if you need a good meal or just some food to soak up the many tasty choices on tap. Great fries! I will be back! It's just the best bar near my place I've ever found! And bearded Aussie owners seem to always be around. read more

I love Templestowe Pub. From the moment I walked in I knew this was the place for me. This is a Chicago bar through and through. Comfy atmosphere, great music, and even better bartenders. I can personally attest to excellent top shelf bourbon and local craft beer choices, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. This place is awesome! read more

Awesome place in a place you would least expect it. Great beer and spirits selection, great specials and most of all, kind and generous owners. If this place served only water I would still come in because the owners were so nice! They don't serve food, but if you come in for trivia on Mondays, they order a couple pizzas to satisfy the masses. Plus, plenty of take out in the area. Come in, hang out with a great brew or drink, chat it up with the folks just hanging out and you'll be assured a good time. OH! And if you need to charge your life lines, they have power ports with USB connectivity built into the bar. You're welcome. read more

The new ownership is top notch. Drink Specials are good. The updates to the bar are great. THE SMELL IS GONE!!! It's a place I'm now frequenting. YAY I have a neighborhood bar!!!!! read more

Tuesday Night Legendary. Ever want to go to a bar walking distance from home on a random Tuesday night and have one too many? Want to escape without paying an arm and a leg for it!? Welcome To Templestowe Pub! Having never set foot in here despite living less than a mile away I was impressed by my inaugural visit. Despite rarely drinking in my neighborhood, this bar was not only impressive but gave you huge value for your buck! Tuesday Night Special: $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boys and $3 for any other tall boy including Half Acre Daisy Cutters. The drafts on tap were all craft beers and it looked remodeled and a good place to watch a soccer match. USB ports line the walls and bar so you can recharge your phone at any time and the wireless is free! Oh wait, there's more! Tuesday night = karaoke night! I got to sing four or five songs and there was no question Templestowe is my new favorite bar in the neighborhood! Do yourself a favor and visit Templestowe, guess what? Thursday = $2 Well Drinks, $2 Domestic Beer. Good golly!!! read more

What a great neighborhood bar! We went there to find a quieter place to catch a US World Cup game. I had called ahead and they not only said it was okay if we brought a little food -- but they were enthusiastic about it (noting they had plenty of delivery menus at the bar) -- which was an early positive sign that this was a relaxed, welcoming place. When we got there, it was a friendly, diverse crowd -- just like the neighborhood. We were quickly welcomed by the owners -- who seemed really cool and genuinely interested in establishing a bar with their signature on it but on that was a part of the neighborhood -- very cool. The 8-9 beers on draft were a really nice selection of local craft stuff (+Guinness). I had a Revolution Anti-Hero and a Half Acre Akari Shogun. About half the people at the bar went that way -- the only half enjoying their Coronas and Millers. My partner ordered a Moscow Mule -- and the owner asked if we'd like it mixed with spirits from the local (Evanston) distillery -- FEW. How cool. And the drink was excellent, copper mug and all.. We had a great time. Just what we wanted -- a lower-key place to watch the World Cup. The owner mentioned they have several upgrades in mind -- including USB ports and outlets for the bar seats. What's clear is that this is a pub in the English (via Australia) tradition -- opening early each day and serving coffee/tea for those who might want an office away from home. We need more of these in Chicago -- but glad we got one in our neighborhood. read more

This place is great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say it smells like ass or sewer or nasty farts. All I smell is good times and cheap drinks. Seriously, who dislikes that? If other reviewers smell ass maybe they should clean their upper lip. Get it together people. Also, tommy the bartender is awesome. End of discussion. read more

This is the great neighborhood bar the area has been sorely lacking. My partner and I have been here a couple of times and had a wonderful time each visit. They have a very nice selection of beers and booze at surprisingly reasonable prices. We tried some great new beers and drinks. The new owners definitely know what they're doing and care about creating a friendly relaxing environment - and succeed in doing so. They're also present and very involved which of course makes a positive difference. Give this establishment a try. It's the type of place that really adds to the neighborhood and we're happy they decided to invest in Albany Park. read more

This place Rocks... Friendly people very good drinks.. Nice old wooden bar very cozy atmosphere ..Collette was a Great Bartender. .. Making us feel very welcome in this fine little corner bar..... We will certainly stop by here again..... too nice of a place to pass by read more

This bar should have it's own listing, since it opened in 2014, and is not related to the bar that was located here in the past. Templestowe is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and the type of friendly, relaxed place the area needs. Laid back vibe, clean restrooms, good beverage selection. For craft beer, there's currently not much else worthwhile in the area besides Lizard's and Brisku's, and Templestowe has a variety of local craft beers on tap, like Half Acre, Begyle, Temperance, Revolution and more. Hopefully they'll expand the selection as time goes on. They also have local sprits from Few, and make a mean cocktail. Overall I was really impressed by this new bar, and consider it a great asset to the neighborhood. read more

One of my favorite places on earth! Always top notch service and I love the rotating local brews on tap. So many fun weekly events and special events always keep things fun and upbeat. I can always count on the regulars and bartenders for some great conversation! read more

Templestowe Pub is a real oasis in a desert of comfortable places to pass the time. The new owners are dedicated to local and craft beers, ciders and spirits.There is something for everyone at this place. The atmosphere is great for watching games, playing games, quiet conversing or getting totally crazy. Staff is super cool and the owners sincerely and warmly meet most every person that crosses their threshold. The clientele. is as an eclectic mix as you'll find anywhere in the world. Many neighborhood regulars from the old (and not so hot) hole-in-the-wall this had been a year ago. Prices range from outrageously cheap PBR to fairly priced everything else. Killer custom cocktails and a beautifully restored space give this place a local but sophisticated feel. Cleanest 'Old Style' sign taproom I've ever frequented as well. They are also featuring all sorts of events and activities on regular basis. This is a perfect place to come in from the cold. read more

When the bar a few blocks down from me re-opened under new management as Templestowe Pub, I was thrilled. It took me way too long to check it out, but better late than never--I'm so glad I did. I'd passed this bar in its previous version and not felt compelled to try it, despite the fact it's an easy walking distance and despite the fact that there aren't a lot of "neighborhood pubs" in the immediate area. But, after going to the Templestowe Pub, I am very excited to have this new option. I went with my dad when he was visiting from out of town and look forward to going back again soon. I'm not sure what the interior looked like before the new owners, but it is very cozy and welcoming now. The patrons were friendly, as was the staff. One of the owners introduced himself to us while we were ordering and we felt wholeheartedly welcome. The selection of craft beers was excellent, and while the prices were probably closer to what you'd find in Lincoln Square than Albany Park/Iriving Park, it is worth it to have a place like this so nearby. All in all, I found it to be a nice, low-key, neighborhood bar that I wouldn't mind becoming a regular at. read more

Friendly Aussie owned pub. Had a few drinks and some free popcorn. Hoping they do some Aussie inspired food specials for functions or Australasian events. Bartender was very friendly and made us want to come back. read more

This is my local and I love it there. Great people, great prices and a wonderful atmosphere. Open about 20 hours a day so it's always there for you when you need it. They make up for the only downside (not having food) by letting you bring or order in. They have a great selection of beers, more tv's than they need and a great jukebox. Order a beer, throw 5 bucks in the machine and ask the bartender to play the light show for you behind the bar. You will never want to leave. read more

Dear Potential Templestowe Patron, If you are looking for the following bar characteristics, you should become a Templestowe regular: - Attentive, friendly staff. They know what they're serving, can make a recommendation, and know how to multi-task to service the bar quickly. I've been there a lot and can't say there is a dud among them. - Great beer selection. Draft and bottles, with a rotating list. - Eclectic clientele. There are the young, not-so-young, long-time Albany Park residents and recent neighbors that have started the gentrification expansion from Lincoln Square. All happily frequent this watering hole. - Gluten-free friendly with a solid cider list and wine. - Board games. Enough said. - 3 Ingress portals - Convivial place to watch a game - Relaxed local to catch up with friends on non-game nights. You say "yes" the the above? Well, get there already. read more

We came here for the Grand Opening and was truly disappointed. It seemed like most people here knew each other already and we were the new kids no one wanted to talk too. It was a mixed crowd which was great but we just didn't feel that welcoming spirit of the bar. I'm not saying that you are not going to be and act more familiar with people who are regulars, but what I am saying is if you want new regulars they should feel just as comfortable. One of the Bartenders who was there was nice she is actually the one that stopped giving us beer in a tiny plastic shot glass as we watched others get theirs in a glass, but it wasn't enough for us to stay. We were there for about 45 minutes and decided that we just needed to leave. What made us want to go to this event I will admit was all the freebies they said they were offering for the event. Join us at 3135 W. Montrose for a jam-packed Grand Opening weekend filled with freebies, prizes, wine & whiskey tasting, and plenty of music and delicious free food all weekend long. We'll be unveiling the new name of our bar this weekend too! Please help us spread the word ... We appreciate your support! - John, Jennifer, and Terry. (New Owners of 'Brendan's Too') We also came a long distance to be apart of the Grand Opening where it was suppose to be free food(cold hot dogs, chips and pickles), Beer tasting(given in a shot glass at first), Music(nothing that made me want to tap my feet) and prizes/freebies(none). I found out via Facebook that the tasting were going to broken down as follows Craft Beer Tasting - Friday 4pm Whiskey Tasting - Saturday 4pm Wine Tasting - Sunday 4pm Which was good to know because it first read like you would be able to choose which one you wanted to taste and that helped. We must have come to early for the live music because there was not a band there when we got there. I was truly looking forward to a fun and lively evening but that just didn't happen. I wish the new owners good luck on their Pub but I do hope they will make everyone feel like a regular. Enjoy! read more

Never have been in this bar at all or even heard about it......until. They donated to a project on donors choose.org for some equipment for the Amundsen HS baseball team. The gentlemen on the team really appreciate the donation. Just imagine how they treat their customers! Thanks once again, Coach Caballero read more

Love this place. Finally a nice neighborhood bar! The new owners are really nice and have definitely made changes to this place for the better. There is a good beer selection and the bartenders are really knowledgable. I tried a few (quite a few) new drinks that I had never had before. All delicious. Try a Few Malort and ginger beer! Gross you say? Trust me on this. :) My partner and I have hung out here quite a few times and intend on doing so a lot more often! Come and check it out! Good people and comfortable/fun atmosphere. Just what Albany Park needed! read more

I have been to Templestowe Pub 3x's already and it just keeps getting better! The new owners are so cool!! The whole staff is so friendly and a great variety of beers, wines, and whiskey!!! I love how they're is no type of clientele. Crowd is so diverse ! That's awesome! You meet the coolest people like that! If you haven't been, you definitely should ! The prices for beer and well drinks are awesome!!! They're signature shots are soooooooooo good! You must try The Irish Breakfast shot, or the Pick Me Up, and so many more! Shots! Shots! Shots! They don't serve food as of yet, but you can have something delivered and how cool is this. The pizzeria down the street shows up about 11 and sells pizzas for $10. Please support your local small business. read more

Templestowe Pub - The Irish Breakfast or maybe it's pancake... we'll it's Jameson & butterscotch with a chaser of oj!!! YUMMM! - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a great neighborhood bar great prices real cozy place I go on the weekend bar tender is awesome an I love the golden tee game I'm going to be seeing a lot of Brendan's in my future read more

See all

Previously known as 'The Poop Bar' due to what appeared to be an unfortunate sewer gas issue, my husband and I were happy to have a new bar to checkout when Brandon's Too (I believe that is it's former name) reopened as Templestowe. We've been there a couple times since it's re-opened and were BEYOND happy to find that not only does it no longer smell like sewer gas, it also has upped its beer/spirit game and gave us a new hangout close to our house. As an added bonus, they supported our favorite 33rd Ward Alderman and show that they're an active member of the community, not just a business that resides in it. A belated welcome, Templestowe! read more

My girlfriend and I live around the block from Brendan's, so one night when coming home from dinner, we thought we would try it out. Allow me to also preface this review with the fact i have been waiting to try this place since it opened. the old place, mike's liquors was a definte hole in the wall with some shady clientle... it was about 9pm on a weekday and there were maybe 5 people in the entire place. we took a seat @ the bar and proceeded to have a nice conversation with the bartender. He seemed like a cool dude and poured us some nice drinks. He even gave us a few "on the house" which was a good idea for someone's 1st time in there. the only real gripe i have with the place is that it is so small. the place shows very well, but the seating is severely limited, so big groups would be in trouble here. defintely nice to see a decent establishment like this in the neighborhood though...hopefully others will follow suit.... read more

(This review was for Brendan's Too) We really like this place, yes we do. In our quest to find places to eat/drink/be merry in our temporary neighborhood, we stumbled across here and keep going back. It is small which we like, the decor is nice (likin' the little fireplace and arm chairs), there's a juke box, and Tommy, the cool bartender, pours 'em stiff and often. He's my new BFF actually. Whatever horrific stink may have been there before is no longer present and they do take credit cards. If you're not into chatting with the bartender or a revolving cast of locals, don't go. If you are into that sort of thing, you'll have a great time. We always do and even after we move away, I'm sure we'll come back. read more