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    Third Rail Tavern

    3.8 (213 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Burgers, Sandwiches
    Open 10:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Third Rail Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    THIRD RAIL TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Third Rail Tavern

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    Andre W.

    Had a few good times in Third Rail over the past few months thanks to some folks that are regulars. I've lived a couple blocks away for about 5 years and was averaging a once a year appearance prior to this year. I've now been 3x over the past couple months. It always seemed crowded as hell when I walk by but I've figured the best times to go Great staff that takes great care of you. I can confirm the burger and chicken philly are good selections to eat. They have an amazing drink selection as their spirit shelf isnt like your average dive bar. They got some higher end stuff up there like Yamazaki 12 & 18 as well as all the higher end bourbons and whiskeys that you wont get most places. Of course they have some really good beer on tap here. There is also a back patio you can take advantage of these warmer months.

    Burger
    Kenna G.

    Very mid food, good service, and dive bar ambiance. Small outdoor patio. Ordered the chicken ceaser wrap, but it tasted like a southwest dressing. Friend did not like the cheese that came on the burger, it was like cheese whizz.

    Jayla D.

    Great local bar. Don't expect top tier service. You will get good food and good drinks

    Beer
    Jim R.

    Fun little tavern- stopped for a drink and beer. Had a wrap which was good but nothing special. Added the fire fries which are basic fries with a Cajun like seasoning- they were ok but just a basic fry. The service at the bar was quite friendly and be the reason I would go back.

    Entrance
    Bill U.

    Stopped in for a nightcap after dinner down the street, sat outside for vodka, twist of lemon. Goodnight!

    a glass of wine and playing cards
    Maria J.

    The best bartender in Chicago (aka Ben) works here! He is the best vibes and kindest guy to enjoy some drinks with! The bar has great vibes, music, and people. Highly recommend!

    Tavern style fries

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    6 months ago

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    16 days ago

    Great vibe in this place and the food was delicious. Bartender was quick with the drinks and took our order right away

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    2 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday, service was on point and everyone in our party enjoyed the food.

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    1 year ago

    I was disappointed to discover that they have no Schlitz on tap or not even close to 300 whiskeys!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great neighborhood bar without all the frills. Bartenders are friendly. Feels like an old Chicago staple.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Amazing service, food and drinks! Then we had the best server ever, Kate is amazing and will take great care of you!!

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food, service, and ambiance. Waitress was excellent. Quick service and fun to talk with.

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Visiting Chicago, and this place was wonderful! Great mood, great bourbon selection, and a great helping of hospitality.

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    3 years ago

    A good neighborhood pub. The staff was friendly. They had good beer and whiskey selections.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food was ok . Ordered chicken sandwich, there was no dressing for sandwich. Basic plain .

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Third Rail Tavern

    Review Highlights - Third Rail Tavern

    My favorite sliders were the pulled pork and regular burger with Merkt's cheese (a soft, sharp cheddar).

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    Rossi's Liquors

    Rossi's Liquors

    4.2
    (432 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $

    Friendly and lively dive bar (4/5 Green Stars) Waiting for…read moretake-out from nearby Lou Malnati's, we wandered into Rossi's for a quick drink. It's a reasonably-priced busy dive bar in the heart of Chicago. I asked the bartender if she had a beer + shot deal and she said "no, but you can order a beer and shot." And so we did! Noise level is fairly high, thanks to a lively crowd plus a jukebox. They don't normally serve food but I think are fine with customers bringing in your own food, and you can also place an order from a nearby restaurant (I don't recall which one). And yes, it's cash only so bring some money if you don't want to pay ATM fees! 4 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. I like bars that allow customers to bring (or order) their own food - it allows for all diets! The one thing I'd like to see is more beer on tap - even just one good rotating local beer (e.g., Goose Island). Draft beer has smaller environmental footprints compared to bottled or canned.

    Recently stopped by Rossi's Liquors and this place is the definition of a dive bar, in the most…read moreauthentic way possible. After a quick ID check at the door, the bouncer let us know it's cash only (thankfully we came prepared). From the moment we walked in, dim lighting, loud music, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds gave the vibe of a full-on frat party, but not in a bad way. It's chaotic, energetic, and unapologetically no-frills. There's even a self-serve cooler with drink prices clearly listed underneath. I grabbed a Sapporo Premium, brought it to the counter, and our friendly bartender broke our change and offered a chilled glass to pour it into. Simple and efficient. That said, it was loud, so loud that even whispering-distance conversations were a struggle. The space is small, seating is limited, and since we couldn't snag a spot, we ended up leaving shortly after finishing our drinks. This feels like a better weekday hang than a packed weekend night. Still, if you're looking for a classic, gritty, no-frills dive experience, Rossi's delivers exactly that.

    Photos
    Nightcap
    Nightcap
    Rossi's Liquors
    Rossi's Liquors

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    Gus' Sip & Dip

    Gus' Sip & Dip

    4.5
    (165 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Gus's Sip & Dip had me at the mid-century modern interior -- exactly my kind of place. We grabbed…read morespots at the bar around 2pm on a Friday and within 30 minutes it was packed, which tells you everything you need to know. We ordered the Pinky Gonzales, a cosmo, and a sazerac -- all excellent and all $12, which feels almost too good. The Wagyu beef dip was the real standout. I'm thinking about it again at 9am the next morning, so make of that what you will. Would absolutely return!!

    Sometimes you just have to show up and say yes…read more A college friend was in town, and whenever he visits Chicago, he's always looking for great bars, unique drinks, and interesting places to explore. He's deeply involved in the beverage scene, and with a partner who is starting a mezcal company, they're always on the hunt for standout cocktail programs. This time, we ended up at Gus' Sip & Dip, located at 51 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654. While we were there, a friend mentioned that Gus' Sip & Dip has been recognized among the top food and drink destinations in the country, and after my visit, I can absolutely see why. The atmosphere is fantastic, think modern speakeasy with a touch of 1940s charm. The space features rich green tones, cozy booths, and an intimate layout that works especially well for small groups. Larger parties can take advantage of some of the bigger tables throughout the space. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Just be aware that this place is popular, so depending on when you visit, there may be a wait. As for the food and drinks, everything we tried was excellent. I didn't manage to get photos of everything, but a few highlights included the burger, the Italian beef dip, and the chicken pot pie. Every dish was flavorful and well executed. The cocktails were equally impressive, every drink I sampled was thoughtfully crafted and delicious. I would absolutely come back. The only thing worth noting is that it's a bit on the pricey side, but if you're looking for great food, exceptional drinks, and a memorable atmosphere, it's money well spent. If you have the budget and good company, Gus' Sip & Dip is a true gem in downtown Chicago. 5 out of 5 stars.

    Photos
    Pinky Gonzales
    Pinky Gonzales
    Gus' The Original Wagyu Beef Dip
    Gus' The Original Wagyu Beef Dip
    Gus' Proper Burger

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    Gus' Proper Burger
    Ila's

    Ila's

    4.9
    (64 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Ila's is officially one of my favorite date night spots in Chicago!…read more From the moment we walked in, the vibe was everything--moody, intimate, cozy, and perfect for a night out. Whether you're celebrating something special or just looking for a great dinner, the atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit. The service was phenomenal. Our server checked in frequently without ever feeling intrusive, and we always felt taken care of. That level of attentiveness really elevated the entire experience. The drinks were outstanding. I ordered an Old Fashioned, and it was one of the most unique versions I've ever had. Smoky, strong, flavorful, and incredibly well-balanced. If you're a cocktail lover, don't skip the drinks. We started with the Little Gem salad, which was fresh, tangy, and the perfect way to kick off the meal. Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. For mains, we tried both the steak sandwich and the chicken sandwich. Both were fantastic--crispy, flavorful, served on great bread, and paired with delicious sides. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. But the real star of the evening? The Sweet Corn Agnolotti. My. God. This dish completely stole the show. It was one of the most unique pasta dishes I've ever tasted, and I still think about it to this day. The flavor profile was complex, creative, and unlike anything I've had before. Every bite brought something new, and it absolutely blew our minds. Amazing food, incredible cocktails, attentive service, and a beautiful atmosphere. Ila's delivered on every level, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable meal in Chicago.

    Loved this place. Came in for dinner and the staff was very friendly. Music wasn't too loud and…read moreeverything we tried was great. I had very strict dietary restrictions and the waiter helped me navigate the menu and provided options within my diet. AMAZING EXPERIENCE. We will 10000000% be back to try the full menu as soon as I am able to! Definitely recommend for a date night or any time. 10/10

    Photos
    Nico collin's & hugo spritz
    Nico collin's & hugo spritz
    Assorted Savory Kabobs: Paneer, Chicken & Leek, Pork Belly
    Assorted Savory Kabobs: Paneer, Chicken & Leek, Pork Belly
    Happy hour $10 sparking rose. fantastic!

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    Happy hour $10 sparking rose. fantastic!
    O'Callaghan's

    O'Callaghan's

    3.5
    (314 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Sat at the bar because it was Friday night and the tables were all taken. I liked the variety of…read moremusic, the ambience, the atmosphere....and the burger and fries! That burger----was SOOOO GOOD (Char Burger) and the waffle fries were kind of crispy- good! They had an NBA game playing on the tvs. Service from both bartenders was great- Our main server had great attention to detail. (realized they forgot the mustard without me saying anything) All in all- great! (Skip the fish and chips- get the char burger!)

    I came in with three friends and we grabbed a high-top table. We ordered a few rounds and…read moreeverything was going fine. Toward the end of the night, two of my friends left, and the remaining two of us paid our bill and were finishing our drinks while waiting for our Uber. At that point, the bartender came over and told us she needed our table for a large group. The table wasn't reserved, and we were clearly just finishing up. We told her we were about to leave anyway, but the way it was handled felt really abrupt and rude. What made it worse was that she immediately brought a group over to take our table, and even they were apologizing to us because they seemed uncomfortable with how it was handled. I've worked in bars and restaurants myself, so I completely understand needing to manage space, but there's a way to do it respectfully, and this wasn't it. Unfortunately, this experience left a bad impression, and despite having been here multiple times before, I won't be returning.

    Photos
    O'Callaghan's
    Corned Beef
    Corned Beef
    O'Callaghan's

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    Third Rail Tavern - bars - Updated June 2026

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