Bar: Rossi’s
Location: 412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Score: 9.1/10
This bar is a unicorn, maybe even a white whale perhaps. If I was trying to build my perfect dive bar, the foundation for it would be based on Rossi’s. Other than the fact it is located in the greatest city on Earth, (this is a fact, look it up) Rossi’s embodies the definition of a dive bar. This bar is on my Mount Rushmore of dive bars. My Michael Jordan, my Walter Payton, my Wayne Gretzky, this one is truly a legendary establishment. Dive bars across the U.S. should be jealous of Rossi’s. From the bright bold red letters on the outside building with the green awning, Rossi’s captures the eye perfectly from the streetside of the windy city.
What makes this bar so good? First off the hours they have are exceptional. 7 am-2 am is hardly seen at any bars. Now you’d expect the bar to be fairly empty at 9 am, well not at Rossi’s. I’ve been there twice at different times of the day, both as equally as packed. The last time I visited Rossi’s I was with some of my best friends, and we just landed at 7 am. We dropped our bags off at the hotel and I showed them around the city as it was their first time visiting. After walking for about 30 minutes at 9 am they decided they wanted a beer, truth be told I’m shocked it took that long. Where could I possibly go at 9 am on a Saturday to get a beer? Luckily I knew just the place to go to.
When we got to Rossi’s we were greeted by the bartender and promptly got a round of old styles. After the first beer we switched to Hamm’s, and then High Life. Only the finest of beers for my friends. Rossi’s beer selection is one of the most impressive displays I’ve seen for a dive. They advertise having over 150 imported and craft beers and I believe it. The giant beer case in the back of the bar proudly has all these on display for patrons to buy to drink there or at their leisure at home. Rossi’s is a small bar. Not much seating. It just gives you a cozy environment that is very welcoming during the harsh Chicago winters.
Later during my visit at about 9:30 am our bartender came over to our table to get us another round and she overheard it was some of my friend’s first time to Chicago. As any good Chicagoan bartender does, she told them they must try Malört. I knew what a beast Malört was and wanted to spare my friends the taste of gasoline and grapefruit at 9:30. Jokingly, I said “We do not take shots before 10 am”. Sure as shit, it was 9:59 and my friend tapped my shoulder, to my surprise I saw the bartender pouring 6 Malört shots. To her credit, it was 10 am and she did not seem to pick up on my sarcasm or just did not care. We proceeded to take the shots, and she even gave them to us for free. Chicago-friendly is a real thing. Rossi’s was such a pleasurable experience and encapsulates what every dive should strive for. From the old wooden bar and chairs to the random signage, this is a memorable spot that needs to be cherished. If you visit the great city of Chicago, Illinois, and skip out on Rossi’s you may be a fool. Do not let this spot go unvisited.
Decor: The decor was very random and had tons of signage throughout. They had a nice dart board and made the most out of the confined space.
Price: Dirt cheap domestic beers.
Service: Stellar service, quick and friendly.
Atmosphere: As I said, the place was fairly busy when I went both times. This place had great music, they had a jukebox that was occupied during both of my stays, but the people had great music selection. Everyone was friendly and just enjoying themselves at the bar. I could not imagine this place at midnight or 1 am. One day.
Cleanliness: Grimy but clean. You know what I mean.
Bonus points: Cash-only bar!