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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to LWS, Chicago

Food and bars

A place where the food is as much of a priority as the bar, rather than just a side note to the drinks.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Oso & The Bull image 1
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Sports bar

Sports bar offers a relaxed vibe with a friendly atmosphere and great music. It draws people who enjoy watching games with fewer TVs than typical sports bars. Known for top-quality casual eats, especially standout nachos and burgers, it balances chill energy with solid food and drink options.

Food here is consistently delicious and of high quality. The menu pairs well with a chill vibe and warm service, making it a solid spot for both quick bites and relaxed meals.

Feels like a neighborhood dive bar with friendly staff and solid casual eats. Works well as a sports bar but has only a few TVs for games.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazingly cooked and delicious."

"The steak was cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"The drinks here are good, and the food is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Outdoor dining is available for guests looking to enjoy the fresh air.

3

The venue is a popular spot for watching sports events, especially football games.

02
Martin's Corner image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with old-school charm and over 70 years of history offers a quiet, neighborhood vibe where conversations flow easily and laughter fills the room. The spot features cash-only transactions and serves classic Chicago grill eats with affordable prices. It feels like a local townie bar tucked away, welcoming a familiar crowd.

Meatloaf and pot roast stand out with rich flavor and perfect cooking. Food offers great taste and reasonable prices for quality.

Over 70 years old, the bar has a neighborhood feel that welcomes like home. It stays very clean and offers good food alongside solid service even when busy.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was full of flavor and cooked perfectly."

"It's a great local bar that feels like home."

"It's a great local neighborhood bar with old-school charm."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments, so plan accordingly.

2

No food is available on Sundays.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.

03
Alulu Brewery and Pub image 1

Small brewery offers a creative, relaxed vibe with a perfect bar atmosphere and excellent beers like Czech pilsner and dark lager. Outdoor patio provides abundant seating and a charming, comfy space ideal for conversation. Neighborhood feel blends with on-point music and a casual, inviting energy.

Food comes with great beer and delicious flavors. The menu offers legit good dishes that pair well with the drinks.

A laid-back atmosphere sets the tone with a solid tap list featuring some great beers. The bar offers exceptionally good food that goes beyond typical bar fare, paired with some of the best service around.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection to be great and excellent."

"The food here is amazing and really good."

"The bartender Johnathan made great conversation and took great care of us."

Good to know

1

The brewery is open until 11:00 p.m. during the week.

2

Parking can be challenging on a Saturday; be prepared to walk a block or two.

3

Their menu has many specials, including 50% off wings every Tuesday.

04
Simone's image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with steampunk decor featuring recycled pinball machines and bowling alley parts creates a unique vibe. Atmosphere is energetic and fun, with salsa and bachata dancing and a DJ playing well-mixed tunes at night. Backroom offers an awesome party space, attracting a younger crowd looking to enjoy good music and drinks.

Food offers amazing flavor with a unique character and simple fare that feels fantastic. Prices lean a bit high but the quality stays excellent and affordable.

Unique atmosphere stands out with a man etched into the bar and a mysterious back-room contraption adding to the vibe. Bar staff are attentive and welcoming, creating a sense of being part of the environment. Food offers solid pub options with a fresh menu reflecting Pilsen soul.

People are saying

"The bar's atmosphere felt alive, eclectic, and deeply rooted in culture."

"I thought the burgers here were awesome and tasty."

"I found the food here to be good and unique."

Good to know

1

Drag brunch happens every Sunday with a reservation recommended due to popularity.

2

Karaoke night is every Thursday starting at 10 PM with a two-drink minimum.

3

Live DJ performances occur every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM.

05
CERDITO MUERTO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dark, narrow speakeasy with a long bar and intimate, cozy atmosphere filled with cultural art and decor. Vibe blends laid-back warmth with moments of loud energy, making it suitable for romantic dinners or fun nights out. Frequented by those seeking unique cocktails and authentic Mexican flavors in a hidden gem setting.

Food here is full of flavor and beautifully presented. Dishes like pozole and branzino stand out for their taste and quality.

Dark and narrow space features a long bar with one unisex bathroom. Staff treat guests well when seated, but standing at the bar with friends is not allowed.

People are saying

"The potato tacos were very tasty with a homemade flavor."

"The food here is thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor."

"The bartender treated us like royalty at the bar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Dinner for two typically costs around $220, including drinks.

06
Thalia Hall image 1
Live music venue

Historic opera house converted into a modern music venue offers intimate concerts with great acoustics and vintage architecture. Spacious layout includes a balcony and multiple bars, creating a cool atmosphere with excellent views from all angles.

Food comes at reasonable prices, with items like popcorn for $4 and hot dogs for $5. Drinks and food cost less than at many other venues, and the menu offers basic but good options that taste great.

Three bars spread across an old opera house offer vintage architecture and quick service. A bar on the main level provides easy access for drinks before shows.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with awesome sound and good acoustics."

"The bar here was great and the bartenders were attentive."

"The food here is great, especially the wings and oysters."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be rough; add time for street parking.

2

The coat check costs $5.

3

Food is reasonably priced, with popcorn at $4 and hot dogs at $5.

07
Punch House image 1

Basement bar with a speakeasy vibe and nautical theme features dim lighting and an aquarium behind the bar. DJs spin vinyl records playing classic yacht rock, jazz, and local hip hop, creating an intimate, low-key atmosphere. Seating is cushy and expansive, attracting a diverse crowd mingling, chatting, or dancing.

Food pairs well with mocktails and cocktails here. Late night options exist but are not the stand-out feature.

A basement bar with an immaculate vibe and dim lighting sets a chill yet fun mood. An aquarium behind the bar, vinyl DJ, and skilled bartenders craft delicious cocktails in a spacious, cushy setting.

People are saying

"It's a chill speakeasy with dim lighting and awesome hip hop music."

"This bar's dim lighting and intimate vibe make it a chill spot."

"The food and mocktails here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Drag shows occur every Wednesday night, starting at 8pm.

2

A DJ performs every Thursday night, creating a vibrant nightlife experience.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted punch options.

08
Seรฑoritas Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old-time speakeasy style blends with colorful decor and a nice patio for a vibrant setting. Music stays lively with a live DJ that energizes the space. Crowds pack the place, creating a loud, chill vibe especially at night.

Food comes out quickly even when busy and is made perfectly. The delicious chef special and other dishes keep people coming back.

Excellent service comes from the bar, led by Christian the bar manager. Seating includes tables, bar seats, and a great patio, making it ideal for watching sports and starting the night near other bars.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos and enchiladas, is really tasty."

"I thought the food here was great and perfectly made."

"The palomas with mezcal are very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Mondays features $8 margaritas.

2

The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu.

3

Free chips and salsa are provided with meals.

09
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style interior with thoughtful decor creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Loud Mexican and Latin music fills the space, making conversation challenging amid the busy service environment. Tables often sit close to kitchen activity, adding to the lively, energetic vibe.

Food bursts with incredible flavor and shows atypical inventiveness. Every dish tastes uniformly delicious and leaves a strong impression.

Excellent and attentive service stands out at the bar. Bartenders offer personalized dish recommendations that enhance the experience.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and made with love."

"The food here is excellent, especially the crab empanada with its amazing hot sauce."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

10
La Mejikana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban Latino spot with a hidden patio and chic dive bar vibe offers live DJ sets mixing old jams and Spanish music. Indoor space feels dark and loud, especially when music peaks, while patio seating provides a quieter atmosphere for conversation. The place fills up with people enjoying singing and dancing, creating a lively energy.

Food features amazing queso birria tacos and consistently delicious dishes. Drinks and service match the incredible quality of the meals.

Bar seating can be limited, with waits for a spot at the bar common. It shifts from a lunch spot to a bar atmosphere midweek, offering different vibes depending on the time.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's grilled octopus is tender with a flavorful sauce."

"The food here is really tasty and flavorful."

"The grilled octopus at this Bar is tender with a flavorful sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is available on the street next to Ashland, and paid parking is in front.

3

It can get busy after 5 PM, so be prepared for a wait.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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