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Mon-Fri. 3:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 3:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 3:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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BTP, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
(1) Time after Time - any day of the week, I am guaranteed to come home fulfilled - cocktails, entertainment, nourishment (yes popcorn is nourishing), company
(2) Entertainment Tonight - karaoke, movieoke, open mic, trivia...take your pick
(3) Pop the Corn - ah nourishment, savory, addicting, freshly popped corn...need I say more?
(4) Serve Me - cocktails, shots, beer...I am not particular, just serve it strong and serve me well
(5) Patiooooooo - it is like being in someone's backyard, if their backyard had cement instead of grass and lots of tables and every person in the neighborhood came and went as they pleased. The perfect bubble.
(6) The Price is Right - reasonable for the average grown-up, and I use this term loosely, working hard for the money, and I use that phrase loosely
(7) Shelter from the Storm - tucked away from the fuss of damen, north, division, refer to the aforementioned bubble
(8) Corn that is Popped - did I mention this warm delicious delectable snack?
(9) El Bano - a bathroom of this caliber in any bar is hard to come by - yes, it is actually clean and functioning
(10) Tenders of the Bar - keepers of the bubble, I thank you
First of all, I only go to this bar on the first and third Wednesdays for the comedy open mic, but I'm always saying how much I like it there and should hang out more often.
I love the atmosphere. It's dim and cozy. Very cozy. Definitely the kind of place you can just pop in on your own and belly up to the bar for a couple drinks. Speaking of drinks, prices are reasonable and there's always a great special on hand.
I love the staff--that being Tony and Mike on the Wednesdays I'm there. I actually base most of my bar opinions on the staff, and these guys are great. By maybe about the third visit, I could tell that Mike recognized me. That always makes a lady flying solo feel comfortable. They actively listen to the comedians performing and will unabashedly laugh when moved. As one of the performers, I can say that on nights I'm not sure of how great my material is, I still think, "But I'll probably get a chuckle or two outta Tony".
Free Popcorn! Just throw that in there.
And lastly, there's a giant chalkboard full of all the fun things that happen there throughout the week: Karaoke, Movieoke (whatever that is), Open Mics, Trivia.
Awesome.
So I popped into Bucktown Pub on a Tuesday, which happened to be karaoke night. I'm not sure if this is a regular occurrence on Tuesdays, but whatever. If it is a regular event, I have to say - there weren't a lot of people on hand to take part.
The place was nice - not crowded, and once the karaoke shut down, the music was pretty good. The bartenders were pretty laid back, but also seemed more interested in talking to each other than taking care of customers (to be fair, there weren't a lot of customers, and they probably were bored out of their mind).
Anyway, a decent neighborhood place to get a drink, and if I find myself back in that area, I'd probably pop back in.
The Bucktown Pub is a very cool hideout, indeed. They have the best open mic in Chicago, hosted by John Kimler every Sunday at 10:00 pm. I try to get over there most Sundays to play my songs. They have free popcorn (yummy!), great drink prices & selection, and some of the friendliest staff and clientele in the 'hood. You'll love it!
Can I just say I pretty much had the best time ever at BTP Friday night?! A hired DJ transformed my favorite chillax neighborhood tap into one damn fine impromptu dance party!! There were sexy peeps shaking their groove thang wall-to-wall up in that exposed brick sugar shack and it was on FIRE! Literally. I can't tell you the last time I've had sweat drippin' down my cheeks (not those cheeks!) like this... a little bit 'o MJ's Off the Wall, a handful of Prince's 1999 and a whole lotta Madonna Vogue had us all shamelessly swinging our hips like strippers.
The enchanting back beer garden patio is open in all it's twinkle lit glory and provided just the right amount of outdoor retreat for a little quiet conversation and fresh air with my whiskey. Mmmmm... just how I like it.
Keep your eyes peeled as I think the spitfire DJ will be making a comeback possibly as a monthly regular (if we're lucky).... catch him if you can, dance fever a la Bucktown is an affliction I've never been more fond of.
Bucktown Pub is an interesting little place............. I hang here often, it's in the area and I… Read more »
Reasons I like Bucktown Pub:
1. Free popcorn.
2. Juke box that's not overrun with bogus music. Although I could have bitch slapped the fool that was playing depressing Pearl Jam songs on Saturday night.
3. It's a slightly more mature crowd, which is awesome because I'm pushing 30 and don't like feeling old in bars.
4. An absolutely drool-worthy bartender mixing up drinks. One of my friends was like, "Ang, he's SO hot." I responded with, "Yes, he's hot, but remember that he's a person, too. With feelings."
5. Ambiance. The setup is fairly no-frills, but I don't need glow in the dark bar stools and strobe lights to have a good time. And the outdoor beer garden in the back is pretty sweet.
If I have one itsy bitsy complaint it's that I think the mixed drinks are slightly overpriced. $7 for a short Effen Black Cherry and 7? Should be more like 5 or 6 bucks.
Aside from that, I'm a big, big fan of Bucktown Pub!
Simple formula that works
- good music that isn't too loud
- bonus points for popcorn machine
- lack of incoherent drunks and meat heads
- great atmosphere
I love Bucktown Pub for the following reasons: a.) it's close to my place. b.) the bartenders are nice, drinks reasonable. c.) nice bar atmosphere...not divey, but not fussy and loungey. d.) there are usually 2-6 cute guys there on average. Trust me, I've done the math. e.) great jukebox...I can get behind anything that has The Smiths, Prince and the Smashing Pumpkins all rolled into one. f.) awesome back patio...lots of room, lots of tables. g-z.) popcorn machine. Bucktown Pub, you had me at "free popcorn."
5
11
I was unimpressed by the staff's contrived attempt at ironic glasses, jean shorts, odd hats, and tight vests. I found the staff's pretentious conversation (directed only at each other while they all stood in one corner of the bar) fit well with the overpriced mini Jameson I was given. 8$ for a half shot on ice! WTF!
They seemed annoyed by the fact that there were customers in the bar, and they quickly dismissed anyone that came in asking about the regular Wednesday comedy show. The only thing that saved the Bucktown Fail (this place does not deserve the honor of "Pub" in its name) from a one star rating was their patio, which does not come with service. I have been to the Bucktown Fail at least three or four times and each experience has been the same.
In short: Ironically overpriced, ironically rude staff, and ironically sucks. Go somewhere else.
First time in Bucktown Pub last night, and I must say it's a cool spot! It's front door open, music playing, breeze coming in off the street on a comfortable summer evening laid the perfect gound work for a relaxing Thursday evening. This is the kind of neighborhood Chicago joint that makes me happy.
I ordered an IPA, and the tap did that thing where it sputters foam everywhere. It even got me on the forehead 3 feet away. The bartender was super nice about it (not like it pissed me off at all), and apologized. Then served me up a delicious, cold Bell's Oberon. It was nice.
I'll definitely be back. To check out that back patio... (twas closed last night)
Yes! Finally, a good bar. My definition of good means I don't feel like I am going to be bothered by idiots, decent selection of beers on tap, cute outdoor patio, and nice enough bartenders. Also, they were on a Ryan Adams kick that I greatly appreciated.
I do wish they served food, or that they had a pool table, but then it would probably be crowded and I would hate it:)
So, the.owner PM'd me in response to my review.
She:
Apologized.
Clarified that she had misunderstood me.
Invited me back.
Fair enough.
You know how sometimes in an extremely bland, terribly ordinary, not very interesting, no… Read more »
Yes, Bucktown Pub. I don't remember much of what happened, but you were a good time. And so were you, and you, and you.
This is a good bar to keep in mind if you ever want to avoid big crowded places on the weekend. The look of the bar is pretty standard 'old neighborhood tavern.' The have a good beer selection and free popcorn. The crowd seems pretty laid back, but definitely a lot more yuppified than this place was a few years back. I never made it here when I used to live in the neighborhood, but from what I gather, this place used to have a lot more atmosphere and personality, which seems evident.
But I love quiet neighborhood bars, so I'm sure I'll be back before too long.
One of the better spots in Bucktown, if not the best. The beer selection is impressive and the bartenders are more than friendly. The music is great and the patio is a nice bonus.
Bucktown Pub is a clean and pleasant bar to go hang out with friends. If you're looking for dancing, don't look here. One of the guys working noticed that my friend and I were going to get a new basket of (free) popcorn and he handed me a fresh basket on my way to the machine. The staff is nice, the beer garden is clean and spacious. They have karaoke, trivia and comedy nights during the week.
Are the rumors true about a photo booth making it's way into the bar?!
This would be... an amazing thing.
Love this place, Love the Schlitz !!
And the Sunday nite open mic's are amazing. Once I get a little better
I'm gonna step up to the stage here! Meanwhile I prefer to sing on Tuesday Karaoke Night...
I left my glasses at Bucktown Pub and called frantically the next day. The girl on the phone assured me they would keep my glasses through the holiday weekend. I returned five days later and the glasses were still there, with a note with my name on it. I don't know why, but this really impressed me. Seemed honest and genuine... and I think that speaks for the BP too.
I went on Karaoke Night (Tuesdays) and had a lot of fun! I was even convinced to sing when I HATE SINGING. The crowd was kind enough or the drinks were strong enough - either way, it was a good time.
Well... it's a bar. You drink beer here. The summer patio is open. The Tamale Guy stops by here every once in a while. 'Nuff said.
Edit: Apparently the Bucktown Pub is haunted! Eeek! http://www.youtube.com...
when there's free stuff i always expect the worst so i was super surprised and impressed by the fresh, tasty, hot popcorn on hand!
i have no clue about the staff because my dude (that would be my husband, i'm just on a 'dude' kick these days) ordered our beer but they have a nice, varied selection and it's a cool atmosphere to chill and chat with friends. plus if you really want food just wait for the tamale guy to come on by
The Bucktown is a laid back kind of place, perfect for an after work beer or three. There's a decent beer selection, but the "specials" never include the good beer. Still, it's not terribly expensive.
There is a neat beer garden out back. I'd say this place was almost a sports bar if it weren't for the old concert posters on the walls. Just a regular kind of place- clean, free popcorn, nice people, etc...
I ordered a Manhattan with two cherries: $8. Drank it.
Went back up to the bar and ordered another Manhattan with two cherries: $6.
Beats me. It's a cute little place to hang out in Bucktown though that's not overly crowded and thankfully lacks the frat crowd.
I've been here a few times and I enjoyed it each time. Got a seat at the bar. A strong whiskey drink. Spicy popcorn. HD football. Tough to beat that in the fall.
However, I must say Bucktown Pub's biggest slice of genius pie is served on a plate of "I accidentally went to Cortland's Fucking Garage and I need a shot of something strong to wash away the horrible memories".
The runoff crowd from that shitshow must be a blessing for business.
I enjoy this place. It's a place to go at the end of a long day and you need a place to have a beer and chat with friends. It's the little things really, I love that there was a dog in the bar......i use to live in flagstaff, arizona and dogs in bars were a normal thing. I felt at home here. The free popcorn was a bonus and since i stayed long enough, there was an open mic night that turned out some pretty good talent. It's a pub i can stand behind.
OK, firstly to my other oh-so-cool reviewers, this place has not been "replaced by a loft condo" or whatever other gibberish they were spouting since they lived in Bucktown since the 1700's and my, how things have changed.
Deal with it. Why do you think you moved to Bucktown? Well, that's the same reason everybody else did, dingobrain.
It's still a fine spot and still has plenty of character. You want no character - go across the street. Go to fucking Debonair Buttfucker Club.
It's a great place, great beers, great beer specials, great location, great ambience, great beer garden.
Go here.
5 stars if this bar was in my Los Angeles. Transplants and Angelinos alike would adore the high ceiling, red brick yet small tavern feel. $5-6 per pint. But, these places are dime a dozen in Chitown. I adore the cortland-paulina area. Here's what you do when you visit your folks/friends in Bucktown. When they fall asleep at 9PM, bring your laptop here. They have free wifi. Chase that with drafts. Now you have the munchies. Many midwest farmhand yelpers rave about the neighborhood guy who comes around with tamales. First, he sells in bulk. 5-6 for $5. Secondly, it's not that good. Tastes a bit chewy and not much flavor. You'll know what I mean if you ever come to Southern CA. Overall, it's a cool experience. Be careful not to write any drunken reviews or emails....ooops. too late...
This place has grown on me. It's still really cliquey and the drinks can get pricey but trivia on Thursdays are really fun. Wouldn't go there any other day though. Thursdays get 4 stars.
This place is alright if you are already friends with people who know people there. Sorry, that's a… Read more »
I went here for St. Patrick's Day last year and more recently after a KU game because Cortland's Garage was packed to the rim and cabs were scarce around there (and it was cold!)
It has a decent selection of beers and spirits. Never had a problem getting what I wanted to drink in here. Jukebox was cool - even lost a $200 bet to a friend of mine over a song - but I digress. Popcorn has flavored salts and there's Golden Tee in the back.
My only problem was this young, inexperienced bartender who when I asked to tab out, said "We have a problem." That problem was that he gave my debit card to someone "with a similar last name" and tabbed them out for the night. Never had that happen. Convo from there on out:
Bartender "It's a good thing, you don't have to pay your tab!"
Me "Yeah, but he has my DEBIT card."
Bartender "He has a lot of money."
Me "And how do you know that? And what does that mean anyway???"
Bartender "Well he lives around here. I'm sure he won't charge anything to your card."
Me "And, how do you know that? Okay.... Let's talk about how we're going to get my debit card back."
Bartender "I'm sure he'll be in here tomorrow; he's a regular."
Me "So I shouldn't cancel my card?"
Bartender "I wouldn't until tomorrow."
15 minutes later...
Bartender "I talked to his friend!!!"
Me "Okay, and...?"
Bartender "He left a message on his cell phone that the cards were switched."
Me "Okay, well I guess we'll solve this tomorrow."
Tomorrow came and went, I ended up getting a call from the bar telling me that my card had made it back to the bar and I could pick it up whenever. Then ended up crediting the $36 he had put on it, and didn't charge me for my tab. Not sure if the headache was worth the $60 tab I had, but hey, it was a free night out!
Open mic nights can be scary - as in drive me and my drinking $$$ right out of the door scary. That, however, is not the case at Bucktown Pub - I actually show up specifically FOR the open mic. Best Sunday night open mic in the city...dare I say the BEST open mic in the city? I think I will - nice work, John Kimmler! Show up with your pedal steel, your guitar, fiddle, a harmonica, whatever, and sign yourself up for no more than 3 songs. Bring a friend to accompany you if you want. It's a talented and friendly bunch here on Sunday nights, I tell ya.
Cheap beer, nice crowd, good popcorn, easy parking, good staff. I don't come here as often as I used to, but I like this place. Don't order wine here, though, it tends to be a bit off.
I gotta say, I'm a fan of B-Town Pub!
My friend and I end up here pretty much everytime I'm out in Chicago. I like that I live halfway across the country, and yet I always feel like one of the locals whenever I'm there. The digital juke keeps me pretty entertained, and the strong and abundant drinks make that even more so! It can be really crowded on weekends but I definitely do think it's still pretty much a local crowd. I'm a sucker for a simple bar so you won't hear me complaining about B-Town!
Bucktown pub is a nice bar to chill out and have a few beers. When you walk in you notice that this place is inviting and has good vibe unlike the bar adjacent to it Cortland's Garage.
When here you get free popcorn, an internet jukebox with a great selection music, and an unpretentious feel, all make a good combo for a neighborhood hang.
Not sure about this place yet. It has tons of potential. I really enjoyed my night here. I was looking for somewhere more subtle than my normal "drunk-fest" establishments case in point "Lotties" only 3-4 blocks west on Cortland ave.
You walk in and everyone is sitting at tables or at the bar. the Jukebox is loud enough to here it but not too loud that you have to shout.
Free popcorn. Good beer. Nice crowd.
I really can't wait to see it this summer when the patio is open.
We stumbled into this bar after attempting to to get into Cortland Garage. After realizing that CG was 3 deep to get a drink, we walked across the street. I got that instant cozy neighborhood bar feel. It wasn't very busy, and and we had no problem getting drinks and finding an empty table. The guys played Golden Tee and the rest of us hung out and ate free popcorn (which we drunkenly ate dropping 1/2 on the floor). A good mix of an older 20/30 something crowd. Not many hipsters, which was also a plus.
The jukebox is one of the better ones I've seen. It's electronic so you've got a good chance of finding anything you want. A few of us are into the Wilco-Arcade Fire-Kings of Leon type music, which they had. One of my friends likes country rock and played some Nickleback and Kenny Chesney. You can really mix it up which is one of the great things about small pubs. Someone is likely to have the similar taste in music as you or play a track that makes you say "Wow, I love "Loser"! I haven't heard it since my days of underage high school drinking in the parking lot of McDonald's!!"
The only downside is my roommate started a tab and at the end of the night the bartender accidentally gave her card to someone else. The silver lining was she got it back the next day and only had $30 charged on it (the tab was at least $50).
Great place to chill out and listen to great music.
Man this place is a tough review... Wednesday nights have always been vintage motorcycle night here. Plenty of unused one-way street parking so everybody can meet and chat bikes-
take your pint outside if you like. Inside is was a cartoonist hangout. Lot's of weird and supposedly rare cartoon art, plus original vintage 60s show posters.
Like much of the city's cultural drinking spots, it got sold and gentrified a few years back, and me and my mcycle buddies stopped going.
Now you'll find a much cleaner space. A couple of the left-over concert posters got framed. New paint everywhere, cleaner taps, fresher faces working there. And for lack any other spot a bunch of loosely connected motorcycle collectors might find, Wednesday nights have once again become some kind of biker hang out night. If the old place weren't so good, I'm certain this place wouldn't be judged so harshly by yours truly... I'm learning to like it again for the scene- no more pints on the corner and smell of motorcycle exhaust anymore, however.
*UPDATE !
I went in this Saturday (02.16.08) and had an AMAZING time! We got there early enough to snag a table and had a blast. The drinks were stiff and the bar staff was very cool. It's a completely unpretentious bar, which is nice with some any douchebag caves steps away. This may be my new regular bar!*
Cute outdoor seating area! The door guy was very friendly and I liked that the crowd was laid-back.
We got there around midnight on a Friday, so I think we would have better luck coming in a bit earlier - then we'd have a better chance at snagging a seat!
I took my little sister to this bar when she came in town. It was the perfect place. We were looking for a spot to grab a few beers and chat, and Bucktown Pub fit the bill. The free popcorn is a nice perk, they have a great selection of micro-brews and there was an appearance by the Tamale Guy that everyone here has seemed to mention.
Overall, it was a great time and I will definitely be back!
Bucktown Pub is a fun place! It is definitely a bar that has differentiated itself from others by 1) providing free popcorn (yummy!) and 2) good atmosphere (aka the music isnt too loud you cant talk to someone and the decor is cool). It isn't an over the top place.....just chill like me!! = )
Pretty crowded on Fridays when I usually go. Music is good, bartenders are friendly and the crowd is a mixed bag. The biggest complaint I have is the ventilation is bad in this place and you REEK of smoke afterwords. I know that any bar can make your close smell, but this place makes you feel like you were "ash tray wrestling" before you left.
The free popcorn is addictive, so watch out.
I really like to hang out at the Bucktown Pub on a weekday night. It's just a local hangout, not fancy but not a dive. The space has a bit of character and the crowd is usually pretty laid back and cool. I don't typically go there to socialize, but sometimes it just happens. Decent beer selection, karaoke night, adorable little patio... what's not to like?
I haven't dared to drop by on a Friday or Saturday - I think it's probably a different, younger crowd on the weekends.
Too noisy and too smoky on weekends, but the rest of the time it is a nice friendly 'hood joint. A good place to go when you want a drink, maybe meet someone new, and feel connected to a city or 'hood.
But easy on the popcorn, Ace. That stuff'll kill ya.
Food Specials
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Neighborhood: Bucktown
Category: Bars
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Category: Pubs
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Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Category: Pubs
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