Bar: Richard’s Bar
Address: 491 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Score: 9.9/10
This bar has been on my white whale list for about two years. Every time I was in Chicago, it just did not work out with my schedule. Richard’s has eluded me many times and I told myself the next time I visited the city it would be my first stop. Richard’s bar has been the most recommended bar to me since I created this page. “Have you been to Richard’s” or “You got to go to Richard’s”. Until this past weekend I have had to answer those questions with no or one day. From the second I pulled up to Richard’s I knew I made a mistake not visiting it sooner. The building facade being painted the colors of an Italian flag screamed Goodfellas. The bar itself has been a Chicago staple since 1926 and has reported mob ties in its past. To add on to the uniqueness of the bar it is one of the bars in Chicago that has awesome early hours. They open most days at 8am.
From the second I walked into Richard’s I was smiling ear to ear as it easily lived up to the hype. The inside of the bar features copper ceilings and walls that are completely covered with vintage photos of patrons that have visited Richard’s and unique neon lights that are as old as can be. I still have been thinking about this High Life neon that I saw, hands down one of the best ones I have encountered.
After I sat at the bar I noticed a few more things, the first was a few casino games in the bar, I believe they had three, you do not see these much in Chicago, the second thing I noticed was a massive jukebox. It was early, so no music was being played, but god this thing was beautiful. Next, I noticed the attention to detail on all bar stools. First off, they were great stools, wide and comfortable as can be. But they had Richard’s spelled on the back in a great font, attention to detail goes a long way. As I sat at the bar, I marveled at the bartender’s vintage uniform that he was wearing, very classy. Of course I got an ice cold Miller Lite, which ran me $3 bucks. Richard’s had a massive selection of beers though, which were clearly displayed on their old price menu. The price menu was stained yellow from all the heaters ripped in the establishment, adding even more character to the bar. Finally, smoking. Yes along with being cash only you can smoke in the bar. They even sell cigs as well if you forgot yours. Another thing, you will notice I will have minimal pics of this bar. All in which I have gotten from online. The reason why is they specifically ask for no photos on the inside of Richard’s and have signs over the bar asking for this one thing. If you cannot abide by this simple ask you are a loser. When a bar this great asks one thing, just listen.
Because of the thorough research I have to do when I visit cities, rarely am I surprised by a bar. I typically know what to expect or what I am getting myself into. With Richard’s, I thought this was the case until I was even more pleased after my experience. A true gem that brings a sense of nostalgia and curiosity to the mind as to wonder who all has stepped through those doors, just as I did.
This bar will crack the top 10. It will actually be tied for first with Deep Eddy Cabaret in Austin, TX. I still give the slight edge to Eddy’s but Richard’s is a very tough competitor. I cannot wait until I get to visit Richard’s again. Truly an iconic bar in an iconic city.
Decor: Very rat pack style. All older photos and neons. A decor junkie’s dream.
Price: If you are paying more than $4 a beer you are doing something wrong.
Service: Prompt service, good conversations.
Atmosphere: I went rather early and caught a unique crowd. I bet all hours of the day vary on the type of crowd you will get.
Cleanliness: I thought it was very clean and well maintained.
Bonus Points: Cigs inside and cash only