Sometimes you get a bartender that has seen their fair share of schieße and knows how to work with folks that have had too much -- but deals with them with grace and aplomb -- that was my experience here. The bartender Yanelle was great. My partner and I got to sit and drink some beers before our train and do some people watching -- and some soap opera watching -- and the selection of both was great. I'd stop by again. read more

The Service is great- a good, friendly, bartender like Lisa is important! The ambiance is fun and it's a great place to break up the monotony of long- distance travel. read more

Lisa is alsome!! very personable and very good bartender!! Lisa always make sure you have drink.

Cool spot to pass time until train departs. The bartender was so much fun and her personality along with sense of humor made this place cool. I'll always remember this place when I have time before my train. read more

The Junction - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you need a way station before hopping on an hours-delayed Amtrak, needing a work excuse to go "catch the train" or you're looking to avoid the many characters coming through Union Station this is your place. Trendy? No. Cheap drinks? Also no. Great 90s R&B carved out of a crawl space in Union Station that will make you forgot where you are? 100%. Highly recommend for the great bartenders and escape that it is. read more

Such a cute little gem! Lived here for 18 years & didn't know this existed until 7 years after I moved away and came back to visit- my boyfriend & I just stopped for a drink before the train, but honestly we stayed for 3. The bartender, Alex was super sweet, caring & took great care of us. Definitely stop here if you're looking to pass some time before your train, the bartenders will become friends & the drinks are affordable. Thank you! read more

titos and absolute taste soooo totally different. the bar tender that served me was lovely but the gentleman tgat came directly behind my order...he was loud. and yes your titos was definitely not! how or what idk it wasn't titos read more

The Junction - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I don't know why everyone is shitting on the female bartender here. She was a sweetheart and was quick to serve us beer and whiskey. I think the negative reviews are from drunk assholes who are upset they won't be served again before hoping on the train home. As for the bars ambiance, I love the Chicago sports teams. read more

Nope. Hours are not correct. Went here at 7:50 pm and the bar tender rudely told us she was closed. A friendly bar patron told me to "try the bar upstairs" and the bar tender snapped "she closed before I did". Well, ok then. What ever happened to a "sorry, I just closed". read more

Great place to grab a beer/cocktail while waiting for your next train. Bartender Jackie is fantastic. Be sure to sample her "$4.00 Mystery Shot". read more

The Junction - Conjunction Junction...What's your function? - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Trash service. As a first timer I was looking forward to coming here and having a beer just by the pics online but the bartender (she) has no personality didn't greet anyone and the vibes just wasn't the best. Also very pricey for a beer. read more

I am so happy to have found this place. Given the chaos of traveling, it is nice to be able to sit down and have a beer or a cocktail while waiting to board your train. The upstairs portion of the seating area was closed when we visited, but that wasn't surprising given that places were still slowing returning to normal after COVID. We were able to get a hightop table. There was only one bartender and there were quite a few customers. To her credit, she kept track of who came up to the bar when and took orders accordingly. She was also very friendly. You will pay more for your drinks than at a bar a few blocks away, but that is on par for any train station or airport. I am just so glad The Junction is there and I plan to visit again when I travel to Chicago. read more

This place sucks. Bartenders closed early and we're extremely rude! Line of people waiting and they screwed them all.

The main/biggest (if not only) bar in Union Station, but it's definitely a quality one. Honestly I'd go even if I didn't have a train or was waiting for someone. There's lots of seating, on the main floor and at the bar, plus a lower level and an upper level that has some TVs. Usual selection of beer and mixed drinks, but all reasonably priced for downtown at least. Bartender was very friendly when I went, and got through orders fast despite being the only guy working. Keep in mind, it does close early, at 7pm (at least on the Saturday that I was there, may be different on weekdays) Regardless, it's good to know I have a go to stop whenever I find myself at Union station, or even just in the area. read more

This place was here for me when I needed it. Two delicious iced cold Heineken draft bears right before I ran to catch my train across country. Cant speak to anything beyond my experience but this was just right! read more

Decent place - I had a good vibe for a sport bar. Not super annoying or loud. 9.25 for a mixed drink - so I'd say $$ out of $$$$ price wise. read more

More of a fast-food place that serves alcohol. Staff and management is more concerned with speed rather than quality. But there is nothing else in the train station. read more

This bar is a life saver when you're a suburbanite who pops into the city often via train. I can't tell you the number of times I've had time to kill before hopping on a train -- typically on the weekends since they aren't as frequent. It's a great spot to post up, grab a drink, or even a simple and quick bite to eat. It's typical to meet some friendly travelers when hanging out there as well! While The Junction is nothing fancy, it sure does a lot of things right. Friendly and fast service, fairly priced drinks, plenty of TVs, and to go cups for the train. I also appreciate that they have Guinness Blonde on tap, which isn't always easy to find! I definitely suggest keeping The Junction in mind next time you're hanging out at Union Station! read more

See all

The Junction is perfectly functional for the one thing that anybody uses it for, which is killing time waiting for your next Amtrak. Given how many other cool places to drink there are in the neighborhood, I'd probably look at you kinda funny if you told me that you went there for any other reason. So, it's a sports bar. A sports bar in the food court of a train station. This tells you all that you probably need about the aesthetics, but it's also small and, predictably, cluttered with people's luggage. There are many TV's playing sportsball things. There is a decent beer selection at reasonable-ish prices ($6 a pint for most crafts with a $4 special, which, regrettably, was Guinness' woeful attempt at a nitro-IPA my last time in: blech). Service has ranged from slightly above to slightly below average on my three visits. I have never tried the food, which is likely something that I will continue not to do. But the news isn't all bad: there is free wi-fi, which you'll probably want after 28 internet-less hours on a train from Texas to Illinois. Crossing paths with other travelers sparks fun conversations, and they will sell you cans or cocktails to go so that you can surreptitiously booze on the train without paying Amtrak's ridiculous alcohol prices. So, I mean, I'm glad that the Junction is there, because god knows sitting around a food court sober for several hours is nobody's idea of a good time. But unless you have to be there, I wouldn't make a point of finding it. read more

I discovered The Junction a few years ago.it is located near the food court in Union Station. It is a large bar and they do not serve food. I've noticed it is ALWAYS busy but the service has improved. I had the best service this past saturday. The two bartenders were moving quickly and making drinks as fast as they could. The Junction has tons if TVs and they always have your favorite Chicago team on. You can stop and enjoy a drink before you jump on the train or grab a drink to go. Overall-- great spot to grab a drink if you're at Union Station! read more

See all

This bar is a life-saver if you miss a train or just have some time to kill before one. The prices are good and it's fun to talk to people traveling from out-of-state. They will also give you a to-go drink if you need to catch a train. Last time I came here I got a Jack and Coke to go and they put it in a cup with a lid. read more

This is a good place to meet fellow travelers. Maybe you'll never see them again, or maybe they're going your way and have some hot tips for you. The bartender was well aware that every one at the bar was on a clock, so she was on-the-spot with re-ups, close-outs, and "can I have a sippey-cup to take on the train." read more

A great place to meet the gang after work, plus you can get your drinks to go for the train ride, dont forget to stop at nuts on clark for some goodies for the ride read more

Never go here. Unless you're in Union Station. Then, well, I guess there's no choice. Like a crappy version of an airport bar, the 'junction' is where boredom and alcohol are mated. I actually went here with some folks from work who claimed this place is good. Yeah maybe, like walgreens is good when it's raining cause they sell umbrellas. read more

If you are a college student and from Wisconsin, avoid this place. I had a drink and the service was phenomenal to start. No initial problems with my Wisconsin ID. The next time I tried to get a drink, it was a different bartender who said that they could not accept my ID because it was vertical (even though I'm of legal age). Just a bunch of poorly trained waitress staff and way overpriced. But then again, it's a train station bar. read more

T he Junction is housed where "The Snuggery" used to be. H oooooray, I finally got to check it out (albeit, about 6 months late) E rrrryone in the club get tippppsy with the wonderful beer and liquor specials. J ust kidding. Always drink responsibly, even if tallboys are 4$. U nderstandably, beer lovers will enjoy the approximately 30 tap beers. N otice the various levels with different themes; they're mighty cool. C ripes - 8-bit on tap, 8-bit in tall boys, Dale's Pale in tallboys. T ruth...this is one of the best sports bars I've been to.... I ncidentally, Union Station (as well as this general area) needed such a place. O nwards with the attentive customer service! N ightly commuters will think this place to be a wonderful amenity. Location: 5 out of 5 Union Station houses a lot of train lines, with many near and far commuters. Those who are going home, coming in late, and even wanting to hang out should find the somewhat Loop'esque location to be ideal. Customer Service: 4 out of 5 I hung out in the Ticket Bar area (quick service) but admittedly, I sat there for about an hour doing some work. Not once did the barstaff say a mean word to me; instead, they were attentive to my every need, i.e., did I need another beer(s), did I need a refill on my diet soda, did I need more water? All waitstaff in Union Station have that wonderful ability of paying attention to their clients, even if they have no idea whatsoever about what he or she actually does. I-banker? Hooray. Government worker? Yay. To cut down on unnecessary chit chat (I don't like talking about work, and not many people care about what I do), I made tiny small talk and just enjoyed hanging out with other people. Attention seekers will enjoy the barstaff's somewhat perfunctory responses. Bahahah. Decor: 5 out of 5 Excellente. This place is much nice all around than what the Snuggery used to be. There are themes on the 3 levels, the place is clean and well lit, and holy cow - it FEELS like a sports bar even though it's inside a train station. Best of all, because it's in Union Station, there aren't a whole lot of rowdy chirruns running about and acting a fool. Value: 4 out of 5 Remarkably good value, when they would have an incentive and almost a right to charge more. I had a draft 8-bit, a tallboy of Dales, and a Diet Coke for 16$ out the door including tax and tip. Overall: For what this place is, and more importantly, WHERE it is - 5 out of 5. Quick and attentive service, remarkably high quality HDTVs, and a fun atmosphere. read more

It's always standing room only when I get off of work and go here but it's amazing how quick that 2 bartenders can handle it. The prices for being in the Loop are more than reasonable. Its nice how they will make your drink "to-go" if you are commuting. I confess that I do miss the Metro Cafe downstairs but this place is a relief. 10 stars on the service. read more

Eh, I'm not impressed with this spot. First off, it's super small. It can probably seat 10-15 people around the bar comfortably. I came here for a few drinks with some coworkers after work. Since the place is so small, you can't really have a conversation without everyone hearing every word you say. That's just a tad bit annoying, to say the least. The food wasn't good, just your very basic bar food options (frozen pizza, chicken tenders, wings, etc). The prices were reasonable at least. But that's not enough to make me come back. The rum and coke I had was pretty weak. I'd say this place is mainly for those traveling from Union Station that need a quick drink. If you work in the area and are wanting to find a happy hour spot, there are many other places in the same area that are much bigger and better. read more

Wow! Sat down at one of the tables for ten minutes while the staff just looked at me and said nothing. Not even a hello or how can I help you. I will not recommend this place at all. read more

Bartender was very slow, she seemed more interested in telling bizarrely inappropriate jokes. She stayed at one end of the bar and seemed to have no interest in the customers. Watched as she struggled to make a Bloody Mary. Very disappointing read more

Awesome place near Union Station's food court if you are looking for flatbreads (pizzas), wraps, paninis or simply beer. They have a good selection of beers, including a few local beers (IPA Lagunitas, 312, ...). I tried the spinach and bacon flatbread with an appetizer of curly fries and it got to me in a few minutes. Very tasty. Plenty of TVs to watch sports to relax while waiting for your train. The music wasn't too loud either. read more

Gabrielle is Spot On, Laura is Awesome!! After an almost 20 hour train trip across country her Positive Attitude and Laughter made me happy I stopped by!! read more

This is a truly relaxed place where commuters of every demographic gathers. I happened upon it whilst awaiting my train to Rochester after flights were canceled out of O'Hare. I am so grateful for finding this haven! You can get your food at the food court and bring it to the bar. I have enjoyed my wait here. Erica, in the lower bar, has been a wonderful, intelligent conversationalist, who has rescued me from the forced socialization of the train boarding area! read more

I'm giving this two stars out of pity. Overpriced, short beers in plastic cups with tops. Yep, Yelp...tops. I may never trust Yelp reviews again. Skip the beer and take the El somewhere else. Anywhere else. read more

They are playing horrible music full volume and not even open yet! Loud, crappy music should be considered a health code violation, especially if imposing on another space. The filthy, boring food court is bad enough, but having to listen to loud, idiotic music coming from a bar that's not even open is unbearable. read more

Love this place! It has 3 separate areas to drink depending on your tastes. The lower level features a slew of fantastic craft beer and it's location makes you feel less like you're in the train station. The upper level is called the sky box and they have done an amazing job with the decor! Sports themed and HUGE lit up images of various Chicago teams venues. The main level, the "ticket bar" might be my favorite. The hustle and bustle and friendly faces is something to experience. You'll always walk out of there with a story! Don't miss the opportunity to check this place out! read more

I have been here twice in the last week while traveling to and from Naperville to Union Station and I must say that Laura, the bartender, is amazing. Not only does she work two jobs but comes into the Junction with smiles and treating each patron as a personal friend. Great drinks, great sandwiches. read more

Great service, even when it's slammed. Bartenders are experienced enough to handle it. Clean place. Only thing is the pricing. I'm from the Chicago suburbs and the prices are slightly higher than I'm used to. But other than that, decent place with a nice vibe read more

I work in Chicago and commute through union station DAILY. I frequently stop at this bar in between trains leaving for my house. I have been to most major cities in the US since turning 21 and never had a problem with my ID. Did I mention I come here multiple times a week? They refused service to me although I'm over 23 because I had a vertical ID. I'm a bartender part time and I've never even heard of this law!!! Avoid this place at all costs if you have a vertical ID. read more

Came here to watch a hockey game while waiting for a train. Made a big deal about one of us not drinking and asked him to leave. Very snippity bar tender that didn't want to hear any excuses.Definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth when all you are trying to do is watch the game. Tiny tiny tip for her read more