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Old Town Ale House

Dive Bar$$$$

Old Town, Chicago

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Old Town Ale House

8.4^/10

246

ratings

Ranked #8 for dive bars in Chicago
"Great dive bar opposite Second City."(5 Tips)
"Best juke box in Chicago & open until 4AM!"(6 Tips)
"The library and pinball machines aren't there anymore."(4 Tips)
"Cool for cheap drinks and talking with random strangers at the bar"(2 Tips)

50 Tips and reviews

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second city
jukebox
cheap drinks
jazz music
casual
pinball
authentic
Pabst Blue Ribbon
people watching
bar
arts
paintings
cash only
Anthony Bourdain
crowded
town
tunes
(12 more)

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Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 20, 2018
In the spirit of Chef Bourdain (who filmed here), this is a local dive. Art paintings by the owner are awesome as you sip whatever you desire at the bar. This is a story telling/story sharing venue.
Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 21, 2018
In the spirit of Chef Bourdain (who filmed here), this is a local dive. Art paintings by the owner are awesome as you sip whatever you desire at the bar. This is a story telling/story sharing venue.
Erik RowleyNovember 6, 2016
One of the best dives in America, grab a few beers, say hi to Street Jimmy and enjoy some old tunes on the jukebox. The owner Bruce painted all the art adorning the walls, Roger Ebert was a regular.
Alan HedrickMay 7, 2023
An amazing place. Lots of character and heritage for the community. Service was outstanding. Cash only but a handy ATM in the bar. Full bar. Paintings are incredible!!!!
Zach SmithNovember 3, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Casual 4 am bar, cash only, old fashioned jukebox with jazz and bebop. Check out the raunchy paintings on the walls. Gets a pretty diverse crowd.
Allison KaminskiNovember 28, 2018
Cash only bar where you can rub elbows with second city cast members and future snl members. Don’t forget to look at the art on the wall 😉
BillSeptember 16, 2016
Low-key and friendly place with a cool feel where they don't judge you by your shoes. The art always gets people talking.
Scott RossMarch 1, 2019
If for no other reason, notable for the replica of the Maltese Falcon tucked away among its artistic flotsam and jetsam.
MikeAugust 18, 2015
One of the best dive bars in the city. Catch a few Old Town locals and plenty of Second City folks.
Bobby KennedyApril 8, 2018
Classic dive near A Red Orchid Theatre and Second City with the owner's artwork all over the walls.
TV Food MapsJune 16, 2015
Check out Old Town Ale House as it was featured on Best Bars in America for Legendary comedic hangout across the street from second city Read more
Tana BabcockJuly 1, 2016
Eclectic - loved the drawings/paintings all along the wall. Cash only!
Paul VatoFebruary 24, 2010
Come for the stiff drinks, stay for the insane characters that populate this Chicago institution which caters to the comedians/alcoholics of Old Town. Best juke box in Chicago & open until 4AM! Read more
Jake SmithMarch 11, 2013
You can actually buy some of the art on the walls of the bar. Order something on tap.
Brittany NicoleAugust 30, 2014
Love the atmosphere in this place. Cool for cheap drinks and talking with random strangers at the bar
Jamie IacobucciFebruary 8, 2023
Great Chicago bar vibe! Even Anthony Bourdain loved this place!!
Julia ColosimoOctober 21, 2012
So politically incorrect. Hilarious! Cash only.
GFour ProductionsApril 19, 2012
Motherhood the Musical is playing down the street at the Royal George Theatre. Use the code OTB5 for $5 off your ticket at the box office or online
nova naomiAugust 6, 2018
Local dive bar with fringe art
Mark OwensApril 14, 2012
Been here 100+ times
Great staff and good drinks. Excellent atmosphere for meeting friends...
Christina YFebruary 21, 2014
Jazz, art, and wheel of fortune, what else do you need?
Timothy BurdonMay 15, 2016
Good atmosphere. Lot's of conversation and good 🍺
RubenJuly 10, 2014
Cash only... Good place to end the night. Vingastic place
Alex FlisApril 8, 2016
It's a little dirty. Yea it's a dive bar but there are plenty of other options on Wells Street
Makena HeffernanMay 1, 2016
Super cheap. Decent drafts.
ryan mortonJune 10, 2012
The best jukebox in the city! Hardbop Jazz!
Bennington RecompenseJune 23, 2010
Great dive bar opposite Second City. Great atmosphere, even better jukebox.
angela whitbyOctober 17, 2010
Seriously awesome dive bar. Crazy good people watching. Cash only.
Peggysue RealOctober 24, 2012
This place is the home of the best art in the city.
Fergül NanikosJuly 26, 2023
What a lovely place to be!
Time Out ChicagoApril 8, 2010
Look here: The portraits hanging in this bar are mostly of regulars (with a few politicians thrown in). Read more
Justine SmithDecember 6, 2013
Amaxing dive... check out the naked portraits!
Melanie VDecember 19, 2010
Cash only!!! PBR on draft and they serve High Life!
Mark ParkerFebruary 28, 2015
Great artwork
Ben HensonAugust 8, 2014
Awesome little dive
Jeremy RApril 7, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Try the beer.
Neil OCallaghanFebruary 10, 2012
This is a good place to get fricken blasted, guy!
Rebekah FinkMay 6, 2019
Anthony Bourdain praised.
Kent CarmichaelJanuary 27, 2013
Been here 5+ times
There's not a better bar in Chicago.
KerstinNovember 19, 2013
Door guy is very good at crosswords
Ryan SponsellerJanuary 18, 2014
Don't go during the daylight
Hester Tinti-KaneJuly 26, 2010
Play the old pinball machine and check out the "take 1 leave 1" library!
Veronique LeeOctober 14, 2011
Ten dollar pbr pitchers!
justin dulaApril 20, 2013
Admire the artwork
Shannon LehotskySeptember 8, 2010
The library and pinball machines aren't there anymore.
Casey BrazealDecember 16, 2009
Best Juke box in the city.
Yuki NagaNovember 29, 2010
pinball pinball yeahhhhh
Alexandra GibsonMay 18, 2010
They don't take credit cards so bring cash.
Jason BennettMay 26, 2013
The bathroom smells like my bathroom in college.
Jorge JustJuly 28, 2009
be very old and get very drunk.

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