Bar: Side Street Saloon

Address: 1456 W George St, Chicago 60657

Score: 8.6/10

I am not sure how I have gone so long without writing about this bar. Of course I’m talking about the Side Street Saloon. This bar has been in its Lakeview neighborhood since 1980. I can’t believe the first time I visited was only a mere 2 years ago. Shame on myself for that. What originally started as a routine stop on a bar crawl quickly escalated to one of my “go-to” spots every time I am in town. 

One of the main reasons I am drawn to this bar is the fact it looks completely original. The materials of the bar feature tons of different colors and patterns that you just do not see anymore. This bar steers far away from being cookie cutter. When I first walked into this bar, the wall paper that stuck out to me, reminded me of something i’d see in my grandma’s house, but it just worked. Furthermore, this place had more seating. seriously a bar that just goes on forever.  

The bar top was far the most unique aspect of this bar, it was a floral patterned, chrome like material. I have still not seen anything rival this bar top, something that is etched into my head and has set the standard for cool bar tops. This bar almost felt like a blend of 2-3 different bar types. Around the bar itself you definitely had your fair share of Chicago sports signs and a couple of TVs. The booths and tables at this place gave it a family friendly atmosphere, but then the pool table in the back screamed “play a game or two and smash some beers”. This bar truly had it all. Beyond the bar itself the pizza was unreal. If you are a fan of tavern style pizza, this is the spot for you. The pizza was so thin, cheese was cooked so perfectly and I loved the sausage. This would be a bar that I’d visit for sure for a game. I’d have a pitcher or two, a pizza, and be incredibly content. 

Price: $4.50 for a Miller Lite, not great, but average for Chicago 

Decor: Mediocre decor, but the bones of the place was super solid.

Service: Great service, I think I knew the bartenders life story after a couple Miller Lites

Atmosphere: Mixed bag on this one. But that is what to expect with a bar and grill.

High Life Bottle?: Yes

Bonus Points: Cash only