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Abbey Pub & Restaurant
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Irish Music Venues, American (Traditional), Irish [Edit]
3420 W Grace(between Kimball Ave & Bernard St)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: Irving Park
(773) 478-4408
- Nearest Transit:
-
Addison-blue (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 3 pm - 2 am
Sat 9 am - 3 am
Sun 9 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Candice G. said: "Meh. $20 to park and I could've seen more flowers at the cemetery. Okay, psych. A v. obvi psych. The Chicago Botanic Gardens are a win on so many levels, though the $20 parking and the B at the gatehouse weren't my favorite. I know…" read more »
146 reviews for Abbey Pub & Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"It's one of my favorite places to see bands." In 33 reviews -
"Their fish & chips alone won over my love." In 9 reviews -
"This is a really cute little place to see live bands." In 3 reviews
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146 reviews in English
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Review from C Katelyn S.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Myself & a group of friends decided to go to the Abbey on a Sunday for dinner.
We were reluctant since they're know more for their concerts, but the food was AWESOME!!!!
Food: We each ordered something different & all left happy!
We ordered: Nachos (you'd think using potato chips rather than tortilla chips wouldn't taste as great, well you'd be wrong! They were delicious!)
The Green Room burgers, Shepherds pie, Bangers & Mashed were ALL really tasty!
Service: Our server Patrick was seriously fantastic, before I would even realize I was getting close to needing another drink (pop) refill he was there with another diet coke, removing the plates we no longer needed, he gave us fun facts about the band painted on our table & about the bar etc.... Now that's great service! I haven't been to a bar with service this great in a long time & we've probably visited most of the bars in the city!
The music: They had an Irish band playing & it created a really easy laid back atmosphere.
Conclusion: Cheers to The Abbey for providing us with a wonderful experience & Sunday night! We'll definitely be back soon!!!! :) -
Review from Fred D.
Schererville, IN
2/18/2012
Abbey pub is still the same old crap hole
Went to see the Wolftones last night at the abbey pub, I was there two years ago and had food at the pub before hand, which was awful. I had heard that they updated the place so I went to check it out online. First problem is their website caused alarms to go off on internet security like some kind of offshore betting place. So I put in the browser to find the menu and the BarRescue shows up. I watch the episode only to see why the food was so awful, unsanitary is not the word for it. On the show the two brothers that run it are blaming each other. In 5 days they are supposed to transform this place but without new staff it will go back to the way it was. Went to check it out before the show and it looked just like the place I was in two yaers ago. So after watching the show we decided to go to Chief O'Neills for dinner instead as the show host said it was a better place. Came back for the concert at 8pm which was supposed to have irish dancers before the concert at 9pm. Dancers did not come on til 9pm and band til ten, I nice ploy to get people to order more booze but for those of use over 25 a little dated practice. It still smelled of old beer and urine as I had remembered. If this place is close and you really want to see the band and are drunk enough to over look the place then go ahead, but to me this place is living on its old name and has gone back to the way it once was. -
Review from Brandon T.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2011
So, I really can't speak about what many people find negative about this place. My four star revue is for the remarkable planning and coordination done by the staff at the Abbey Pub. In particular that of Leslie G. I had a corporate event to plan for and wanted to make it fun. So how about a venue that has liquor, food, and live music?
From the get go my entire party was taken care of, and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I would like to personally thank Leslie G. and the Abbey Pub for making my first business party a success. I see a long lasting relationship in the mix, and hope to see the same service extended to the patrons that give you a chance with their next function as well. -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2012
The Abbey *used* to be a great place for live music. For over 10 years, they had a booking agent who could bring national acts to a small venue and easily sell it out. I saw Dinosaur Jr, Tapes & Tapes, Arab Strap, Sebadoh, Lou Barlow, Folk Implosion, The Waco Brothers and many others. I also got to see Dan the Doorman from Lounge Ax. Looking at their schedule now, the weekly lineup consists of a salsa DJ, open mic nights and nobodies who can't pull in more than 20 people. Geez. Way to screw up your venue, dudes. Looney, indeed.
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Review from John Z.
Avon, IN
When you're in the mood for a comfortable, unpretentious, neighborhood pub where you can watch some live music, this is the spot. We escaped a douchey downtown bar for this place and we were so glad that we did. First, live music, which was awesome. Second, no cover or ticket fee. Third, cheap beer and drinks. Fourth, a big menu with lots of options. We had the fries with curry sauce to help soak up the booze. We had friendly table service too. The decor in this joint was also pretty cool with guitars lining the walls and a nifty drum set chandelier over the main room. This place was just what we needed.
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Review from Joel R.
Lakeview, Chicago, IL
12/9/2011
I started going to the Abbey when I moved to the neighborhood; I was excited that it was within stumble distance to my place. I like the venue and bar area but I've got to say that I didn't experience the best of service. The first few times were late Friday nights so I can understand having to wait a bit-no big deal. My last experience was not so great. I was there on a Sunday afternoon and there may have been five total people in the bar. It was like pulling teeth to get a drink or some food ordered. I really want to like this place and go more often since it's so close, but I haven't been back since August.
I hate to write a not so great review, but the staff needs to bone-up on their customer service. -
Review from Michelle F.
Chicago, IL
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
You suck, Julie Voss, whoever you are.
I was recently at the Abbey Pub with my husband and another couple for a Beatles cover band show. We arrived on time, and there were a few people already there, but it wasn't packed or anything. We wanted to find a table, so we went upstairs to the second floor, which looked down on the main floor area and stage.
When we first got up there, it looked like there were a bunch of open tables. However, when we got closer, we saw that each open table had a "reserved" sign on it. A bunch of tables were reserved for this infamous Julie Voss and her 25 GUESTS.
So we're just sort of standing up there, trying to figure out where to sit, and the waitress comes by and asks if we want anything to drink. I'm like, "Ah, so which tables aren't reserved?" She's like, "Oh, yeah, there's this big group coming over from the restaurant, so these tables are all reserved." Hmmmmmm. OK.
So we sit down at another table that already has people sitting at it, which means we can't see the stage very well 'cause we're further back. We order some drinks. We listen to a couple songs. Still no Julie Voss. Hmmmmmmm. WTF?
At this point, I'm pretty frustrated. I mean, how can you reserve 25 seats for people who aren't even there, while there are a bunch of people who actually showed up on time but can't see the show 'cause all the good seats are reserved? That's just bad business and a policy that the Abbey Pub should re-evaluate. I mean, it's not really Julie Voss' fault and instead the Abbey Pub's fault, but since they put her name on the reserved signs, I'm going to blame her too.
So, instead of being annoyed and angry, which isn't what the Beatles would have wanted, I just sat in Julie Voss' seats and got to watch the show from her great seats. I figured I would move when the group got there, but guess what?!?! JULIE VOSS' GROUP NEVER EVEN SHOWED UP!!! Can you believe that?!?! That's messed up.
Sigh. Whatever. I'm OK now. But that was still pretty frustrating.
Everything else about the Abbey pub was mediocre. The band sounded great, of course, since they're awesome. I guess it was cool to be at an older venue. The bathrooms were kind of messy and gross, but I guess that's to be expected. The drinks were pretty expensive at $8-$9 a piece and there was a $10 cover at the door, but whatever. I mean, if a band I like is playing at the Abbey Pub again, I'll still go there, but I'm not going to like it.
And to you, Julie Voss, whoever you are: You still suck. -
Review from Tommy M.
2/5/2012
The Abbey ranks up there in my favorite places to see a band. I love all the band posters on the walls, and the layout of the place is just damn cool. I finally ate there this past weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised. It isn't a big menu, but a perk of being an un-picky eater is being able to eat anything anywhere. I had a burger, I'd have it again!
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Review from Greg W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/24/2011
My Abbey was eaten by the Spike monster. And now it looks like a wannabe Hard Rock Cafe circa 1986, and it's priced like a Tokyo hotel circa 2014. $4.50 for a Miller Lite? The price of the privilege of sipping beneath the glare of a mounted guitar, I suppose.
Fish & Chips. It's the same as before, now served on a hip dark square plate like them folks down by the downtown serve it. It still has the tiny cubed lemon cuts that are impossible to squeeze upon the fish, though. Fries have improved, but due to the novelty of being wrapped in faux newsprint, the ones down in the middle of the cone are super soggy.
Can I just stumble down the street in my dingy neighborhood and listen to some Pogues and drink a cheap beer with a reasonably priced, oval shaped plate of food? Alas, the invasion of the garish and hammy hand of reality TV. I want my old shabby Abbey, not the new shabby Abbey.
Style before substance=makeover fail.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/7/2009
I used to hardly go to the Abbey since it was a pain to get out here, but now I live up the street… Read more »
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Review from Scott M.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2011
Not a bad place to see a show, but this is about dining. Let me start out by saying that I REALLY wanted to like this place! It is literally my corner pub, and would like nothing more than have an awesome place to relax and grab a bite and drinks. However, after several attempts, I have given up. The service is simply inexcusable.
Our latest attempt fell last week days after their "Grand Re-opening." They had a reality TV show come in and redecorate the place and simplify the menu. The good news: they were actually friendly this time! We were actually acknowledged upon arrival! (Seriously, in the past, they would stare at us as if we stepped off the mother-ship and asked to see their leader when we asked for food.) The new decor is interesting, I like the bare brick, and the artwork has a kitschy charm to it.
The bad, and these are huge, at first we thought we'd have an inexpensive meal there. There's a reason why I haven't yelped in awhile; I don't get out much these days. As of the date of this posting their web-site still has specials that no longer exist! So, that $5 burger, is now an $11 burger. Ah, the price of fame on a reality TV show.
Second, and let this be a lesson for all who follow my footsteps, when your waitress approaches your table twenty minutes after you've ordered and asks, "I'm sorry, what did you guys order again?" RUN! The evening is guaranteed not to end well, but we were rather famished at the time, so we decided to tough it out. Oh. Were we wrong.
Half an hour later, our order arrived minus my wife's salad and burger's cheese, but rejoice! They have added a fried egg to their burger! The food was $5 food, nowhere near $11. The portions were also ridiculously small for the price.
Life is too short, and this city is much too large to waste your money on a place like this. I have tried this place several times, and each time the results have been similar, but at least now they are friendly, but not restauranteurs. -
Review from Dre K.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2011
A harsher review than I would normally give to a place I used to like, but since the Spinach Inquisition I can't see myself going here anymore.
My boyfriend and I used to go here and have dinner on weeknights, enjoy some live music and generally always had a good experience here. But when we went here last week and couldn't find the best thing on the damn menu, the spinach dip, we asked the waitress. She told us that a reality show had come in and made changes to the menu and the spinach dip was no longer offered.
As if that wasn't enough of a reason to not go back, we both ordered burgers on a Tuesday night and somehow didn't get the specials price. Lame. There's still a specials page on their website, they should probably take it down if they've killed that part of the menu completely http://www.abbeypub.co... .
The new decor looks cool but I'm really disappointed with this place now. I liked it better before. -
Review from Tom H.
Evanston, IL
5/6/2011 3 photos
I attended a benefit for the great Irish fiddler, Maurice Lennon, at the Abbey last night (both Maurice and his wife are fighting cancer). It was a great event for the Irish music community in Chicago and the Abbey should be commended for hosting it. The show was heavily attended by musicians. You couldn't spit in any direction without hitting a fiddler and, as a bodhran player, believe me I tried to spit on as many fiddlers as I could.
It's been a zillion years since I've gone to the Abbey and I was curious to see how things had changed since it became more of a rock venue than Irish pub. Also, it's been only a few days since Spike TV's "Bar Rescue" show had gone through and reconfigured the menu and bar area decor so I was doubly interested.
I'm pleased to say that my fears of the Abbey being transformed into some sort of Happy Leprechaun Disneyland ride were unnecessary. I had been concerned when I found out the Spike TV expert in charge of the makeover was a restaurateur from Miami. I mean, what does a guy from Miami know about Chicago Irish dive bars? The bar area was done over with a kind of living room set up at the front of the room and lots of electric guitars on the walls. Looked nice, a huge departure from the dive I remember. The new menu they were touting was heavily loaded with Irish and Irish-American dishes, but it's been so long that I've been away I'm not sure if this is much of a change or simply a return to a menu from way back when.
I spent most of the evening in the performance music room which seemed pretty much unchanged to me. Very homemade giant tables on the balconies, picnic tables and folding chairs on the ground floor, which I expect get cleared away for rock shows. Disappointingly, a Guinness cost $6 for a 12 or 16 ounce plastic cup, the kind of cup you'd drink from at Wrigley Field, rather than a proper glass 20 ounce Imperial pint. Expensive for a beer and a cheesy presentation, but it might be part of the Abbey's transformation from an Irish pub to rock palace.
Startlingly, there was a guy in the men's bathroom with a sink full of colognes, burning incense, spritzing soap into your hands and handing you paper towels for tips. Now I definitely remember that this guy wasn't there in days long past, but he said he'd been there 8 years now, so again this is something that surprised me after being away a decade or two. I don't know any other Irish pub in the Chicago area with a bathroom attendant....
It may have been the event, but service was abysmal. The bartender had to go through a search to break a $20 bill--and I got 14 singles back. I sat at the same table in the balcony for four hours and never was given a menu or asked for a drink order. So I nursed the one stout I'd purchased on the main floor and went to White Castle afterward for dinner. -
Review from j a.
Brooklyn, NY
1/19/2011
Beware the Sunday open mic night - and not just because it's open mic! The promoter told my friend's friend that he would go on at 7pm, so we rushed over from The Loop to get there in time to see him play. Upon arrival, we were informed that due to ticket sales, he had been bumped and would be performing last. After six other bands. At 11pm.
Now, I've been going to shows for a long time and one thing I know is that the dude was not going on at 11pm. We later found out that the promoter had told every performer they would be going on at 7pm, to take advantage of their naivete and get their friends to come early and drink often. It's a shady situation and not good business practices, because that promoter cost Abbey Pub quite a few patrons that night who made a long ride down from Evanston only to be jerked around. Most folks went elsewhere in the neighborhood for dinner and drinks and returned only when the friend went on, specifically out of spite and refusal to play with the promoter's shell game for the evening. We just left, since we were tourists and only had one evening left in the city.
So anyway, if your friend books a show on a Sunday? Don't bust your hump getting there on time. Odds are you can enjoy a leisurely dinner somewhere else, or take the train instead of a cab. -
Review from Kurt I.
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hear this place is legendary. The word is that this is the place to see bands in Chicago. I was there on a Thursday night - around dinner - and you could almost hear crickets.
Now I know there were camera crews there to film for a reality show - but could these have scared everyone off?
I have decreed this reality show in an empty bar - the world's worst reality show ever (as if there ever were a good one?).
Decent food, decent prices, sure it was ok. -
Review from Anthony S.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2011
I've only experienced the Music venue portion of the Abbey Pub so I can't speak for the pub/restaurant, that being said, I've seen some good shows here in the past couple years. The stage area is not very big, but it makes for a more intimate show, just be aware that if they overbook because the act playing was bigger than the booking agent realized it will be pretty crowded on the main floor.
There is a secondary level, more like a mezzanine, that overlooks the main stage area, in fact the last time I went the DJ was playing from the mezzanine, which I found a bit unusual.
All the way towards the back, near where you enter, there is a bar, their selection is pretty good, Newcastle is on Tap as is Bluemoon and a few others, drink specials are displayed on the board just behind the bar.
My only complaint is the location of Abbey Pub, it takes forever to get to if you're coming from the Loop and taking public transportation. I made the mistake of taking the Blue Line from Jackson to come here. All I have to say is be prepared to spend an hour getting there and another hour back (not really worth it if you plan on spending a couple hours there) So if you really want to come here spend the $20.00 (each way) and take a cab or better yet drive.Listed in: All Reviews, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Katherine R.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2011
Eating in the bar is a real treat. There is a back room for dinning as well. The televisions are on in the front easy to watch and eat a creative dinner here. BBQ sandwiches, quesadillas, french fries, and nachos were very fast and finger licking good here.
But I come here mostly to here the up close and personal bands in the bar. Haven't seen the other side yet where the conserts play though. Neighborhood parking and meter parking is available all around. -
Review from Yan X.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2012
Went to the Green Room to see The Great Whiskey Project who were great as usual. I have mixed feelings on the food at Abbey Pub. Burger and chicken wings were good. Guinness had a good foam head but it tasted so thin/liquidy. The Apple Strudel was a real disappoint (and shock). It came swimming in a quarter cup of melt butter. I immediately scooped out the strudel and ice cream into a separate dish before eat. I've never seen strudel served this way. Additionally, it had raisins and big chucks of walnuts which wasn't listed in the menu description (both of which I didn't like). Other than the extra butter raisins, and walnut, it was tasty enough. Atmosphere and decor was very fitting to the different musicians the pub features.
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Review from Greg F.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2011
The Abbey blew my expectations out of the water as far as small, local music venues are concerned. The stage was large enough that it could fit an entire band and the sound guy the night did a really nice job keeping the sound levels clean and clear.
The drinks were decently priced (The long islands are killer) and the service was very nice and attentive. We ordered the wings and felt they were done really nicely.
As a wrap up, the Abbey definitely raised my expectations on the kind of venue I would like to see smaller shows at. I will be coming back for more soon. -
Review from Angie M.
8/4/2010
Don't let the fact that this joint is literally in the Bermuda Triangle of Chicago deter you. Honestly... I've never been able to figure out how I got to the Abbey Pub. I just bob and weave until I stumble upon it. The weird thing is that I'm not directionally challenged. It's just this place, dammit! So hard to find. So hard. I blame it on Elston. Darn diagonal streets throwing off my grid system!
For me, the Abbey is more of a destination kind of place... Small enough for local bands, but not big enough for major acts. Unless your best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend's band is playing, there's not a whole lot of reason to make the trek out to the Bermuda Triangle, er, Abbey Pub. In the middle of nowhere and non-cheap drinks are not big selling points.
However, if you do make the decision to try to find the Abbey, it's not bad. I like to refer to it as a bar with a split personality: One half is bar and one half is music venue. It certainly makes for an interesting dynamic. I always find is the bar section of the Abbey is empty... why don't they just convert it into performance space? I may never know.
Why is this such a boring review? Maybe because the Abbey isn't too exciting? That must be it...Listed in: I'm With the Band
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Review from Ian V.
2/18/2011
I went here to catch a show on a weeknight. I got there before doors opened because I knew I wanted to try the Irish food there. After finding street parking easily, I went to the bar part first to grab a bite to eat.
The place is a dive, but in a good sense. Exposed brick wall, Golden Tee, a good amount of TVs and a small stage. I don't know if it's a dog bar per se, but a dog was walking around. And the part that makes it a good dive bar is that some seemingly regulars were there and they got along swimmingly with the bartenders. Though I thought it odd the ambient noise was politcal debate, but they changed it to rock music at the behest of the regulars.
They have some good specials, but I wanted the Irish breakfast. It's been a while since I've been to Galway but it did the trick. I liked the black pudding better than the white, it was saltier. My over easy eggs were done right and the rashers and bangers were tasty too. However I will say the beans seemed warmed out of the can, the hash browns seemed burned on the outside yet mushy on the inside, and the soda bread was meh, but I'm not a fan of soda bread to begin with. It was a big plate of food and went perfect with beer. The service was good too, but it's not like they were that busy on a weeknight.
I then caught the show. The venue was a good sized space with a few tables on the floor and many more up in the balcony area. I thought the sound was excellent compared to other places I've been and the servers were good about approaching you only when you needed a new drink as opposed to harassing. The one gripe I had is that Guinness should be in a pint glass, not plastic cup, even if they probably do so to avoid broken glass from show goers.
Overall it's a great place to catch a live show and an ok place to grab a small bite to eat.. It'd probably be a good bar to be a regular at since the drinks were reasonable and the bartenders were amiable. It wouldn't be a place to pick if I were just looking to eat. -
Review from Brett D.
2/17/2009
Abbey Pub... a hip, little spot that literally exists in a black hole. No one ever knows exactly where it is, nor can they ever give you accurate directions to get here, my navi actually laughs in its phony baloney British accent when I type in the A.Pub address... Bitch. Honestly though, that sorta adds a bit to the Abbey's mystique if you think about it, like you're going somewhere really cool to experience nifty stuff with a very 'in the know' group of music junkies. Well, it is usually like that with the exception of the evening I showed up intending to see Flosstradamus and Kid Sister only to find throngs of hip-hop kids flooding Abbey's doors... How'd you thugs get the secret directions? Black Hole my ass! Bitch.
Either way, it's a charming little spot in several capacities... smaller, intimate rock shows and pop and lock alike. Sound quality at The Abbey is surprisingly on point... crystal clear, the acoustics aren't lost a bit in the open space, I hear ya loud and proud bass! The side bar (separate from the main stage room) gives you a nice reprieve from the noise and crowds if you need it, although I've never found the back bar in the live room overly crowded or difficult to access. My High Life was two different prices though depending on which bar I went up to... Main Stage bar was pricier. For the same beer. Strange... or the female bartender was just hatefuc*ing me via beverage tab. Bitch.
Peruse the Abbey website for upcoming shows - smaller, local gigs like 'The It's' or our very own 'Certain Stars' are the best types of acts to catch here. Try getting an 'in' to get yourself on the list to avoid covers - be sure to spend those saved buckeroos on band merch though and show some support to those sexy, starving artists! (Somehow 'Bitch' doesn't seem appropriate at the end of this one). Bitch.Listed in: Mic Check. Check 1, 2, Check…
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Review from Michael G.
Rockville, MD
1/29/2009
The most useful piece of information I can possibly mention about the Abbey Pub is that the closest major intersection is Addison and Kimball. That may seem obvious with its address; but due to there being a lot of one way streets around it, the Abbey is in a geographical vortex. This Irish pub is ironically more hidden than the Hidden Shamrock (which is sort of easy to find at times merely by following the scent of Axe Body Spray).
Seriously, even though a friend of mine used to barmaid there, I had never been to the Abbey Pub before Kyle H.'s show there recently. Mostly because I couldn't find it.
And I'm not alone. A friend of mine and her husband (both usually good with maps) also got lost on the way to the show. They stopped into, of all places, Christina's Place (home of $2 Guinness) and the bartender there said, "after the Abbey Pub rips you off and makes you pay five dollars for a Guinness, come back here and we'll treat you right."
And nothing against my usual karaoke place, but really it's apples v. oranges (or shamrocks). Sure the drink prices are expensive at Abbey Pub as a bar (especially for Irving Park - though it must be said the Abbey is one of the most upscale bars in this neighborhood), but as a concert venue it's top rate (Christina's can call me when they book J. Mascis to sing karaoke). The acoustics and sightlines are great in the spacious back concert hall and the live entertainment in the front bar is an added touch. And at least at a smaller weekday show, they let us all roam between the two bars. Though I'm not sure about how they handle this on weekends.
This is an extremely large bar on the inside as well and I found the staff extremely friendly - one of them was even *gasp* Irish (try finding that at many pubs in Chicago). I actually want to come back and try the full bar menu. And now that I know where it is and its great mystery is revealed this shouldn't be as much of a problem. -
Review from Helena B.
6/30/2009
A night out with the entire B. Family. It's on.
Abbey Pub earns points before we even walk through the door. Parking could not possibly be more ample - meters (they stop charging after 9!), neighborhood street parking, and a private lot. Nice.
While not immediately obvious as you enter, this place is enormous. It consists primarily of two parts - the restaurant and the "club". First stop, the restaurant. Thank you, Abbey Pub, for having veggie burgers. I'm sometimes not down with my carnivorous side, so it's nice to have options. Sister B. had the fish & chips and Mama B. had the crabcakes. All B.'s entered the Clean Plate Club this evening.
Our waitress was lovely and averted a potential crisis when Mama B. mistakenly ordered "CURLY" fries after seeing "CURRY" fries on the menu. I'm sure Mama B. wasn't the first to make this mistake, and to introduce her to the world of curry fries our waitress brought a side of curry sauce out with the plate of plain fries. Mama B. didn't like it (she hates all things spicy, Dear Abbey, so don't fret, it's not you). I, however, loved it. If it had come out earlier, I would have dumped it all over my veggie burger. Spice-tastic.
Time for the "club". In the interest of full disclosure, we were there to see Sister B.'s boyfriend's band - thus I clearly thought the music was top notch and danced in a manner typically reserved for more drunken moments. Music aside, Abbey Pub is an awesome venue. The "front" of the club is dominated by an old, classic-theatre-style stage. Music-lovers can either dance on the large, wooden dancefloor facing the stage or head up a level to the balcony. The balcony is full of tables and chairs (for those who prefer to enjoy their concerts while seated) and was a primo place to people-watch. I see you, you unsuspecting drunkies! Hahaha.
Time to go. But wait! Where's Papa B.? Oh there he is... on the dancefloor Cutting. A. Rug. Seriously. Dancing his pants off (not so seriously). Holy, holy, holy moly. We had to drag him out the door (to the tune of "Single Ladies"). Put ya hands up indeed, Pops.
Officially the best night ever. -
Review from Kyle H.
2/10/2009
I'm convinced that the Abbey Pub actually resides in Diagon Alley in some Harry Potter existence. It vanishes and reappears only about the fourth time you've passed it in one night! I seriously can never find this place, and I don't live very far away. The other week the rest of my band, who comes from Milwaukee found the place before I could, coming from 8 blocks away.
We played a show at the Abbey Pub and there were some miscommunications with the club, one of the four bands cancelled, our set time got pushed forward, all creating a Perfect Storm to freak me out and make me bristly...But once the sound guy got our sound check done, all was forgiven! The sound guy works magic and the Staff is quite nice and accomodating to bands and club goers. The Abbey space is large and has two levels to watch bands. I've seen some bigger named "has beens" here like Camper Van Beethoven and Bettie Serveert and the vibe and sound is great!
The smaller main bar shows football (soccer) matches at the butt crack of dawn. You won't find me there for kick off, or whatever they call it when matches start, but I just may roll in for breakfast and a little hair of the dog from the night before. And next time I'll bring my magician's wand and wave it around a few times so I can find you Abbey Pub! -
Review from Carol J.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2009
I've been to the Abbey Pub a bunch-o-times. National touring acts, locals, wannabes. You name it, I've done it. Recently to see Certain Stars featuring a certain very talented Yelper....and it reminded me how much I dig the Abbey.
Unobstructed sight lines, breathing room, tired beat up furnishings you aren't afraid to put your foot on, fair cover charges (though Kyle H is worth kabillions) and cheap drinks. I was shocked they actually had a variety of white wines, usually its crap chard or nothing. Fast, friendly bartenders, great sound (seriously, their strong point) and tons of parking, including a really cool neighbor business that lets their patrons park when they aren't open. Yeah, there is a little Irish charm here, but nothing you can't find elsewhere. Its really a great place to see a band on the way up (or down in some cases) where you can actually connect with the artist. The Halloween gig headed by Nick Tremulis was surely a risk, but they took it and blew the roof off the place. Keep up the good work! -
Review from MaryAnne M.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2007 1 Check-in Here
The first time I was at the Abbey I was in high school.
Not senior year high, more like sophomore. With my mother.
That's right, my moms. This was back when it was more of an Irish pub and less of a venue for shows.
I do think it's pretty cool that it's been reincarnated as a great place for
bands.
Nice space, decent Irish breakfast.
Owners are very nice, and actually from Ireland.
4 stars for the above mentioned high school drinking....
which I'm sure they no longer allow.Listed in: I think I sprained my liver, No "Mc" pubs here
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Review from Jonathan C.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2008
This is a pretty cool music venue. It is split between a sit down bar area and a music hall (also with a bar). The music area is surpising large, and sports two floors. Beer prices are not low, but not crazy. Sometimes I think that cover is a bit high. Theu serve food, which is decent, with decest sized portions at a reasonable price. The sound can be bad at Abbey because of all the wood, although it does sound much better when the venue is full of people (remiscent of the sound at Schubas). You can sometimes catch some good acts at the abbey, because of its larger-than small venue it can be a good time. Parking sucks in this area though at night, and its not close to much public trans, unless you take the blue line to Kimball/Belmont and walk about a mile.
EDIT: I have been informed that the Addison blue line stop is a lot closer. So there you go.Listed in: Go Out and Do Something!
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Review from Michael E.
Asheville, NC
7/13/2009
Irving Park.....an edgy little part of town and Abbey Pub fits right in. Not as hip as some would make it out to be, it does the job both in the drinking and music department.
Located off of North Elston....and regardless of other reviews, it is easy to find and there is plenty of street parking on Elston.
First the bar...... This dark pub has all the trappings of your neighborhood pub....softball team members drinking a few after playing by the lake all day. Local old men eyeing the young girls gathered together at a near by table. The mass of smokers outside which almost make a bar crowd in and of themselves and bartenders that give off the vibe they wish they were somewhere else. But it still isn't a bad place to take a date if you both like a little drinking and a little music.
And though all of the above reads familiar of many bars in this windy city, the Abbey Pub has something many others don't have which is an impressive music venue. This occupies the other half of the ground floor of this building (god help the renters that live over this music hall?!?!) With two levels and multiple bars as well as a nice stage and rocking sound system, one would be surprised that this little bar would pack such a punch in the performing music department.
The bands are a mixture of local and far away land bands....heck, a band from my hometown in Asheville, North Carolina is playing there in the next week....and that is saying something! Forget trying to determine who is playing if you are at the bar as you'll get a mixed bag of responses from the staff. Instead, check out the bar's website for the best information on whom is going to play when.
All in all, this is a bar for those that aren't high maintenance types that expect velvet ropes, loungey, and top notch service...it's for folks that want a drink and a song in a place that makes them feel comfortable and the Abbey Pub gets this done in spades. -
Review from Sarah B.
Chicago, IL
8/7/2008
I like that the place is small enough that one can really see the show from any spot in the place but big enough that you can move quickly if the guy standing in front of you keeps dropping nasty smelling bombs, which happened to me last night. Ugh. Gross.
I cannot speak for the customer service because I was just there for the show. The sound was pretty crappy and the opening bands were so horrible I wished I had come later. Parking was so easy though, and that made up for the shitty openers.Listed in: Music is my hot, hot....
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Review from becki s.
Chicago, IL
11/7/2007
Walked in...smell of smoke was STRONG. Now usually this would make me turn around and decide going out on a Tuesday was the bad idea- but I stuck around.
Tuesdays are open mic night here, and a friend of mine was doing his thing. I guess this bar has the longest running open mic night in Chicago (some 14yrs or something)
Tuesdays are also $3 burger and Fries day. The burger was yummy, covered in onions, lettuce ,tomatoes and on a toasted bun...the way I like it. Totally worth the $3. And Miller lite drafts are $2. Nice! They look to have pretty good deals everyday of the week, something cool to check out ...maybe.
Not too many people there for the open mic, but I suppose it WAS Tues...and a lot of them were older dudes that probably have done these since they were 20. But the music was, over all ,nice to listen to.
The negative stars come from the smokey atmosphere that seemed to just be STUCK in the wall even when no one was smoking around you...and the fact that taxi's do NOT come around this area. I stood outside for 5min and realized, crap... I'm going to have to wait and call for one. That sucked!
It seems like an OK place, and I can say I've been there, but i hope the next time he does one of these "gigs" - he does it somewhere else! -
Review from Scott W.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2007
I really wanted to like this place, but it just wouldn't let me. I've been here a couple times and have not been impressed on any of these trips.
First of all, the Abbey doesn't really have the feel of a pub. It was more like just another bar with some shamrocks tacked on the wall. The back room is a concert hall, but is bottom-of-the-barrel in the way of music venues.
Secondly, the staff was horrible. I don't think a single person in there knows what hospitality means. The bartender was a quack, very unattending. Just thinking he had the audacity to demand a tip made me laugh. In the concert area, the Cro-Magnon waitresses just stand around like wallflowers, never approaching anyone to ask them if they want a drink. The bouncers looked like they were stoned.
Another strike against this place are the prices. $3.50 for a domestic? What a joke.
The stage is very small [and I'm not talking about the jam band one in the bar area]. If your band is more than three members, you are going to be cramped. The floor is decent sized. There is a balcony area with tables, but it is not very practical because the ceiling is so low you have to be a hunchback to not hit your head maneuvering up there.
I will give the Abbey Pub two stars because they occasionally get a decent band to play there, and it is easy to get to being right on Elston. North Elston Avenue is about as clear as a drag strip. Free parking can be found within a few blocks. However, I say don't go here unless one of your favorite bands is doing a show. -
Review from Shane H.
Chicago, IL
12/18/2006
A long time coming. I went to the Abbey Pub for the first time last Friday and Saturday night. I was there for a holiday party for some friends of mine. The front part was not a place that I stayed in but I know I would quite enjoy it. It was small and cozy. The Irish beer handlers were friendly and joyous.
I spent the majority of my time in the back area where the bands perform. What it lacked in prettiness it made up for in brute strength. I think this place would be great to see a rock show. It's open and even has balconies to retreat to if necessary. Eddie the bathroom attendant was a smoooooooth operator as well.
I will definitely be looking to see what is playing there now so I can go back and enjoy a show. -
Review from Tyler B.
Charlottesville, VA
10/1/2008
Oh Abbey! PBR at $3.50, again with the change. Round up or round down, let me keep that dollar(s). Your fucking up the rest of my night. What am I to do with 50 cents?
Cheers for wood burning stove- although i never did see it. The smell brought up memories of past autumns- of bangers and mash and smithicks. I came for Langhorne Slim who put on quite a show. But headlining Heartless Bastards, just weren't my ticket.
It's been ages since i graced your pub and nothing has really wanted to bring me back- sure i dig the atmosphere, those vaulted ceilings...
Just another Irish pub and I've graced plenty- but usually ya know it attracts a certain few. sparts doodes. and backwards wearing ball cap bros. well sorry abbey but that just ain't my scene. -
Review from An P.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2009
I have been going to Abbey Pub for years and never stepped foot into their music venue! Can you believe it? I can't either! It just so happened that my friend;s band was headlining and we rallied up about 100 friends and randoms to listen to their music. The audio that night was causing some feedback, which disappointed me as I saw the GZA there a week before and the sound was great.
At the Abbey, there is plenty of room to maneuver and the bathrooms are clean with an attendant. Beer line is never long because the bargirls are working at lightning speed on the musical venue side. You can only get 4 beers at a time and they will hook you up with a bracelet when you get in (if it is an 18+ show).
Seating selection is diverse, so if you feel like standing and getting to the front of the crowd, it's quite easy to bob and weave through. Tables are lined stage right, while benches are available stage left. If those seats don't tickle your pickle, you can roll on upstairs and grab a table for a whole crew of your peoples and waitress service is available. Great view from the top, but watch out for loud speakers!Listed in: Chicago Venues with Music
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Review from Bradley M.
North Pole, AK
3/20/2008
Great place for live music. Really great atmosphere, beer selection, and sight lines. Good sound system.
I saw Melt Banana here, and I have to say it was enhanced by this wonderful venue.
Going to see Autechre in a few weeks, can't wait! -
Review from JAMES M.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2009
We were here this weekend watching cover bands of old 90's bands like Nirvana, alice in chains, Pearl Jam. That alone made my night!
Great company, booze!!! what more can I ask for!!??
Yeah that big bronze man who was up there in the balcony, yeah that was me! Oh yeah Big brown on tour...thats how I roll!
Booze was priced right..............we would order 2 miller lite (bottles) and a Jack & Coke and the total was alway $12.00.
Hell!!! A cheap ass Old style at the Cubs game is $8.00 ALONE!
Speaking of the Cubs.....there was overflow of Cub fans that were coming from the game. Creeps! go back to Barrington!
We totally spotted a couple who was dancing to an Alice in chains song!!!! Seriously!?????!! yeah you guessed it, they were wearing blue shirts, Lee dancing with ramirez.
Anyway, the sound here was good.
booze was prized right
good crowd.
Shake & bake seal of aproval.! -
Review from Jess S.
Chicago, IL
12/23/2006
A two-part review: restaurant and venue.
Restaurant: 3 stars. Outdoor seating available in-season. Great food but spotty service. One example: Friday night around 9 - one waitress, lots of tables, no refills, food took forever, etc - horrible experience. So 3-stars.
Venue: 5 stars. I love this place. There are tables upstairs - and they fill up fast for a weekend show or popular act. Pretty intimate for its large capacity . Crowded shows can be hard to navigate - getting around the floor is really hard. Oh and drinks are on the expensive side but I won't hold it against the place. Drinking at venues is never cheap. 5 stars because I do love seeing shows here. -
Review from Adrian W.
Chicago, IL
10/30/2007
I remember seeing Gorky's Zygotic Mynci some five and a half years ago. Fats forward to just a few days ago and I can not believe all of GZM fit on the tiny stage (they had eight band members).
Beers were expensive, if an Amstel Light is the cheapest at 4.50 and a Goose Island draught is five bucks.
The actual setting wasn't bad, seemingly tucked away upstairs are tables and chairs for the 'oldies' who'd rather sit and watch a band rather than stand and risk getting bumped into by drunkards.
A bathroom attendant in the men's room? yep. It freaked me out since I really didn't expect to tip the poor man who listens to pissers and the unfortuantely loud shitters. -
Review from patrice c.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2008
I had fun today.
Driving on Elston today my sweetie and I decided to stop and check it out. I figured it was an old Irish bar and we could catch the tail end of the Bears game.
Well, we didn't catch the end of the game - we did have some lovely conversation with the local Irish transplants. Here 20 plus years with great stories colored with a unique Irish brogue that brings a smile to your face. Stories told in between the sets of musicians, young and old playing with joy . . and a black and tan.
The food was OK and served with a smile. I had the Sheppard's pie and it was standard fare. I helped myself to my friends Irish soda bread - very nice. My friend enjoyed his salad and fish and chips, though to be fair the fish could have been crispier.
We would go back again, perhaps to try the Corned beef . The Abbey regulars make the place and we found our selves tapping to the tunes this fine October Sunday. -
Review from jennifer b.
Chicago, IL
6/21/2006
Every show I've seen at the Abbey Pub has been amazing. Props to whomever does their booking. From MF Doom to Guitar Wolf... great shows.
My biggest complaint would be the smoke. Every time I'm there, by the end of the show, my eyes are watering and my nose is undoubtedly full of black gunk (it happens to you, too - don't lie). Hopefully that'll be solved in 2 years when the smoking ban goes into effect across the board.
My second biggest complaint would be the scary damn door guy the one time I showed up after having gotten a speeding ticket (Illinois taking your drivers license away as bond for paying a ticket is the dumbest thing I've ever heard EVER, but that's a rant for another time)... point being, dude gave me shit about being over-21 or whatever, though I did arrive with the stupid ticket which had my DOB on it, so I was just like "dude, mark me under, I don't care" and he still gave me the 9th degree. as if I'm 16. creep.
I keep telling myself I'm going to come up here to eat one of these days, but I never have. It's not exactly in a convenient location for public transportation, but it's not terrible, either. The Kimball bus is decent, and if you're stuck after a show, the walk to Belmont is not that far south.
