Bar: Burwood Tap
Address: 724 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Score: 8.3/10
Let me just start off by saying this is not a dive bar. It is a fantastic bar that has been around since 1933. I appreciate the historical significance of the bar, and the inside of it is incredible. Before I get some hate over this not being a dive, I just needed to put this out there. Also, 8.3 is a rock solid score. There is nothing wrong with this score, our scale is just hard to crack anything past a 9.
Alright, now for the review. Located in one of my favorite areas in Chicago, IL is the Burwood Tap. Lincoln Park absolutely rocks. Good bars and food for days and the Burwood Tap is in the center of this. I love everything about the decor of this bar. From the outside of the bar, the striped awning is very welcoming and gives a nostalgic vibe. Going into the bar, I was most impressed with the size, the bar just kept going and going, plenty of space for the patrons, but per usual we decided to take a seat at the bar. Right off the rip, the bartender gave us a pitcher of Old Style and popcorn to snack on, free of course. This goes a long way for our rating. This was the second bar of the day that we encountered that had complementary popcorn. Shoutout to bars that have this.
Inside of the bar you’ll notice more wood than the eyes can see. Wood on the walls, floors, tables, natural wood everywhere and I love it. During our visit the bar was decorated in Christmas lights making the bar even cozier than it already was. Behind the bar you can expect to see ample college flags and skeletons wearing helmets. Letting you know they are all about the sports. College ball was on every T.V. This was a place that we decided we could spend hours at. Before myself and the boys decide on staying at the Burwood Tap, we wanted to see the price of the pitcher. Keep in mind this was a standard pitcher, honestly on the small end, we were expecting these to be $15 on the high end because of the area. Boy, was I wrong. These measly pitchers were TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS. Yes, the big $25. I have gotten pitchers of Stella for cheaper than this. Nothing against Old Style, I love the stuff, but in no world should an Old Style pitcher be $25. After the boys and I heard the price, we quickly bounced from the bar, good lord this left a bad taste in our mouth.
We are price sensitive consumers at WeRateBars. We live in a world where cheap beers are getting premium prices. Out of all the bars we visited, this was the highest price and it was not particularly close. Look, still visit the place, it is a solid spot. It is so sweet inside and it is a historic spot, just maybe steer clear of the beer. Go for a good ole well drink.
Price: $25 for an Old Style pitcher should be illegal
Decor: Awesome decor, reminiscent of a Wisconsin lodge feeling.
Service: A+ service our bartender was very nice and conversing with us the whole time.
Atmosphere: Tons of young people during the middle of the day, could see it being awesome at night time.
High Life Bottle?: Yep!
Bonus Points: Free Popcorn!