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Dive bar for rich people, is right!
But even this broke joke could get down with Clark Street Ale House. They have a pretty rockin' massive beer list... and that makes my spidey sense tingle in the best possible way. We sat on the back patio to start and the service and server were great. I would have love, love, loved if they had some better lighting though. There's just one tent with a single string of x-mas lights on a timer strung up and when it goes off it gets pitch black until someone on the patio stumbles their way over to timer and pops in another half hour of light.
Inside, is nice... but warning to the ladies #1. With one girls bathroom, I ended up standing in a looooooooooooong line holding my junk for 30 minutes while waiting to pee. SO not fun. Warning to the ladies #2. There's a whole lotta douchers up in here... not all douchers, but a lot... and they don't quit. Just one example:
Guy: Hey I like your hair
Me: Thanks!
Guy: Who's that?
Me: These are my friends, and those are our boyfriends.
Guy: Boyfriends, Eh?
Me: :::blink, blink, blink:::
Guy: Oh, hey I like the tattoos on you ladies.
Me &Co: thanks.
Guy: Can I feel them?
Me & Co: No. :::in unison:::
Guy: :::makes sure his collar is still popped:::
Me & Co: :::blink, blink, blink:::
GUY: :::reaches in to feel us or feel "at" us:::
Me & Co: Sooo... let's get outta here.
I would go back if I ended up in the neighborhood. The bar an waitstaff are great, it's just some of the clientele that may irk you.
How does one not fall in love with the Clark Street? Comfortable decor, beer garden, friendly, knowledgeable staff, jukebox full of solid tunes, pretzels, large beer selection, scotch (scotch, scotch, scotch... I love scotch), open to 4 or 5 am, laid back crowd etc, etc, etc.
I take all my friend here when they are in from out of town and it's been a resounding hit, every. single. time.
Our waiter at Kerryman suggested Clark Street Ale House as a "dive" with really great drinks. Being that it's on CLARK STREET in River North, I have to disagree with the "dive" designation. I do, however, have to agree that this bar is pretty awesome. (Again, maybe only on a chill weeknight basis.... I haven't been on a weekend to put this to the test.)
Clark Street Ale House has a HUUUUGE beer selection. We each had 3 different beers that were awesome. (They have a bunch of really good IPAs, and one blueberry wheat beer stands out as a winner too.)
I'd definitely go back to this place on a weeknight.
I've been here a couple times, on weeknights only though and the drinks are really cheap here.. it's a great low key spot to down a few away from the tourists. I disagree that it's a dive. NOT!! It's just quiet.. sometimes dead, a pretty freakin clean place with clean cut looking people that look like they have probably showered in the last 24 hours. Not a rough crowd at all, but it's not a to be seen place and sometimes that's what you need after work. There is no food here though, just pretzel rods on the table.
Great atmosphere, fun crowd, and nice beer list. Really nice and knowledgeable staff. Definitely a good hangout spot.
This is my only five star review thus far. And well deserved by the way. When looking for a long wooden bar, a juke box playin some jams, and a beer list that can stave off or cure any disease this is the place. The doormen, bartenders, and staff are friendly and knowledgable. I prefer to come here on weeknights and sunday nights because you can sometimes feel if you're with a group of people that you have run of the place. It's quiet when you want it to be, and if want to switch that up after a shot and an amber ale, you're more than welcome. Oh yeah, they're also an after hours bar. So my only complaint is that the weekends invade one of my favorite drinking spots.
I can't say enough good things about this place.
With a comfortable, laid back but upscale atmosphere and a very deep beer menu the Clark Street Ale House has quickly become one of my favorite places in the city of Chicago. The staff is friendly, personable and attentive.
The list of beers on tap is huge and changes every night and is usually complemented by pretzel rods in cups for drinkers. If you're looking for a Bud or Miller however you're in the wrong place. The Ale house is a beer drinker's and puts an emphasis on flavor and taste instead of simply pounding brews. They also have an extensive selection of whiskeys and other liquors.
The music selection is typically a nice mix of rock that you've heard before but hasn't been played out.
A major plus is the beer garden out back which on a nice night is open until midnight and provides a relaxing place to hang out.
Be warned though, you are far from the only person to learn how great this place is and it can get a bit packing on the weekends. (Though not overcrowded like the Map Room). Weekdays are when this place really shines.
If i had to fault it for one thing i'd say I wish it had a kitchen, the wide selection of beers just beg to have a burger to complement them. However, if you ask at the bar they have a full selection of all the local menus that will deliver and invite you to order something.
Ok, well the good news is that this place is open late. 4 am is a huge advantage. They have a phenomenal selection of beer and scotch and I do appreciate that. They have a very nice beer garden which is pleasant to sit at on a nice day. So why only 3 stars??? This place is a complete and utter sausage fest and that's just not my scene. Great place to enjoy beer late, horrible place to meet women.
Hand-pulled Pale Ale? I'm sold. Plenty of beer on tap and open until 4 for me to try them all? Again, sold. So much selection you might forget that almost everyone there is a dude? Ahh, not so fast my friend, not sold, lose one star. This place does get the opportunity to gain that star back if I go back and the beer garden is open or if Chicago ladies start appreciating ordering beer off a chalk board. PS - A little disappointed at the handful of gentlemen drinking Miller Lite... seriously, please tell me you are kidding.
If you can get there when they're open (and the hours on the door often lie, twice in two days they opened 30mins "late") then it is worth the effort to find the CSAH.
Quality selection of 15 or so taps, with a large focus on Midwest beers, yet also having a few select goodies from both coasts. Chicago is great for having access to many Pacific coast beers yet also having Victory on tap. Wow!
Atmosphere is a classic and relaxed pub feel on the inside. Good bar itself, with nice display of tap handles. Tap menu was mostly accurate.
No food other than complimentary pretzels but hey, I'm here for the ale anyway.
Did I mention they have a hand pump as well?!
Upon turning 21, Clark Street Ale House was one of the first bars I was told to HAVE to go to. Too bad those people didn't know I'm not a beer fan. But that didn't stop me from having the second best night since turning 211 at this place!
Although it was very loud inside, it wasn't too badly crowded for a Friday night. The bartenders are very attentive and even remembered my stupid girlie drink everytime i stepped up to order.
If you're a beer fan, this is the place for you. I sat up on the bar and you just see a zillion beers on tap.
over rated over priced. It did have the best beer selection in chicago.
I heart this bar.
Dogs are allowed inside, so if you love your pet and love your beer, you should come check it out:) It just goes along with the character of this place.
Awesome selection of beers on tap. So many good ones, I had a hard time choosing what to drink first!
They have an extensive scotch, bourbon and wine selection as well. Did I mention pets are welcome?? How cool is that??
Love it!
Clark Street Ale house has an authentic feel to it, it's been around for ages, and has a…
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Words do not encapsulate the love I have for this place. My absolute favorite bar in the city of Chicago.
This is EVERYTHING a bar should be. Bartenders wearing slacks and ties. A no-nonsense, no-bullshit atmosphere. Dozens of top-notch beers to choose from. 30 on tap. Lagers, stouts, ales, IPAs, ciders. Always something different on the hand-pull tap.
Did I mention your dog is allowed inside? AND there's a beer garden? Fuck, I love this place.
Good beer, good foods. You will not be disappointed. I took my girl there last weekend. It was a bit crowdy but can you blame them. The place is great. We had a blast. Jim.
If all you're looking for is a regular bar with a good beer selection, a bar without all the chic decor, without the super-trendy clientele who think they're better than you, and without overly attentive and annoying wait staff (or unattentive wait staff for that matter), then this is your bar!
Sure, it's your average bar, but it's definitely one of my favorite bars. This place has good beer and good people, which makes for a damn good drinking atmosphere.
This place is small, so it's really hard for them to forget about you. In fact, I can't recall ever having to ask for a refill... what can I say, they take good care of you at Clark's!
WARNING: DO NOT COME HUNGRY! CSAH does not serve anything but a mere bundle of pretzel rods (however, they can be quite satisfying!).
Here is another bar I wish was more convenient. I rarely get to go here, but any time I hear it mentioned, I always look forward to the next time I can go back. Unfortunately this classic, friendly ale house is smack dab in the middle of a very crazy area of town, with Excalibur, Rock and Roll McDonalds, and a ton of other "hotspots" in all directions nearby, making parking very difficult and the chance of running into some hardcore area douchebags very likely.
But the bar itself? Awesome. They have a cask ale featured prominently, the bartenders I've dealt with are extremely adept at helping you pick out new beers to try based on other ones you know you like, and the vibe is... timeless in a way. It's easy to imagine drinking in a bar exactly like it fifty years ago.
They also have a nice beer garden and dogs are allowed, which is a plus if you live nearby and like to booze with your pooch.
Why did I miss 3 (yes 3) yelp elite events to go to Chicago??
For Clark Street Ale House.
Well no, not really, but I felt a little better about missing a weekend filled of NY elite events.
Clark Street Ale House was exactly what I was looking for. The bartender was more than happy to turn on the BC v USF football game so I could cheer for my fellow eagles while sipping a variety of great local draft beers. When I couldn't decide on what to order, David the bartender gave me lots of free tastes, so I was basically buzzed before I even starting drinking.
The crowd and atmosphere was laid-back (the bouncer even had his dog walking around nuzzling people's legs) but by 11:00 the place was jumping. We only left to satisfy hunger cravings, and I wish I would have stayed. It seemed like the place only got better as the night went on.
I WILL NOT BE IGNORED!
Unless you're a 10, you will certainly know what it's like to be passed up at a busy bar counter. You're sitting there, bill in hand, with that silly expectant look on your face desperately trying to make eye contact with the bartender. I know how it goes, I've been behind that counter myself, completely in the weeds trying to make one complicated order after another. I empathize and am happy to be patient.
Then there are bartenders who just flat out suck at life. Two of these were working on Thursday night when I came in.
The time I sat at the bar waiting I could easily have finished a drink. At one point Dozy Cow #1 gave me a fleeting glance, I opened my mouth and made the mistake of saying "Hi.." before I launched into my order and then she was gone, filling the order of the fuckface behind me waving an empty pint glass yelling "HEY!"
Meanwhile Dozy Cow #2 is being Chatty Kathy at the end of the bar with some locals. Oh how she laughed and laughed! At this point my boyfriend wanders over and inquires why it's taking me so long - it's not that busy.
Him: What's up?
Me: This f(udging) c(oconut) won't f(udging) serve me, g(osh) d(arn) it! F(udge)! I'm not just craning over the bar holding this 20 for the fun of it.
Him: Want me to beat her up, huh? That make you feel better?
Me: (irritable) Yeah...
Eventually Dozy Cow #2 wanders over and asks "Do you need something?" Hahaha! No, I just love leaning against bars watching you waste my fucking time, you butt-faced cooze.
"Hendricks and tonic please." I was over heated from moving tables in a restaurant with broken air conditioning - Ale wasn't going to cut it. Yeah, that's all I said. And you wonder why I'm so pissy in writing...
Once I finally got my libations I managed to calm down. This place allows dogs and had a decent (albeit 90% American) beer list. Pretzel sticks too.
My next round only took me 5 minutes to get. But then I watched my boyfriend score a drink in about 20 seconds.
Puta.
Clark St. Ale House is everything a bar should be. Laid back atmosphere, no one is out of place here (unless you are looking for Bud Light) and there are always new and exciting beers to try.
Stopped in the other night on one of those rare 70 degree nights in April to grab a beer in the beer garden and to catch up with friends.
Clark Street Ale House is for the beer and scotch lover in all of us. The bartender told me that there are over 95 beers that they carry (25 on tap) as well as 40 different kinds of scotch. Hmm . . .sounds like a challenge to try them all!
The crowd is real, the music patron picked, and while the beer garden lacks some of the ambiance of other places around town (rather stark although it could have been due to it just opening for the season)- it was my first night of the '08 season drinking outside and for that I liked this place!
Service can be a bit spotty- we had to get out first drinks at the bar- but once the server caught on to the fact that we were there- things got much better. When a brief rain sprinkle moved us indoors, the service got much better for as crowded as it was- the bartenders were working it well.
They do not serve food - so if you are hungry you'll have to go elsewhere. And make a note- this is a 4am bar so pay attention! Or if you're like me- you just might find yourself caught up in the beer and out later than you would have liked!
A few of us decided to split off from the Bachelorette party that was headed to Division bars (um, no... that is where I draw the line) and met up with a friend's husband and his friends here. After passing a ton of other bars with lines to get in, all I could think was "this place better not suck." It did not.
Wow, what a great place! I pass by this place 5 days a week on my way to work and had never been inside before, and I was pleasantly surprised. This is welcome change from all of the other bars in the area. We walked in and some random guy in a Cubs jersey high fived us as we entered. Hilarious. We quickly found our group, and we went up to the bar to get drinks. A bartender quickly came over to us and served us quickly and with a smile. She also poured my drink very well, which was a refreshing change of pace from the weak drinks I had been drinking at our previous stop.
This bar was crowded without being crowded, if that makes any sense. There were a ton of people there but no one was being obnoxious, you could walk around without having to fight your way through the crowd, and everyone just seemed to be having a great, laid back evening. It was perfection.
We didn't stay here long, but we had a great time. I am definitely taking a mental note to come back here if I find myself in the area.
Until recently, my many experiences here have been LATE late night so I never had any solid memories to report. Ooops. As I age, my nights get shorter so I came here around 10 p.m. on a Saturday to meet an old college friend. There were plenty of people there (lots of lonely ladies looking for love it seemed) but it wasn't too packed. I like that -bustling but not busting.
Since my friend's date was buyin' and drinkin' the tinis I knew I had to partake. I ordered my favorite - Belvedere straight up with a twist. There are two sizes - small and large. I went large with my first guy and let me tell you - forget burritos as big as your head, vodka is where it's at!
Many thanks to Clark Street Ale House for its good pours and solid late night (or earlier night) vibe.
Everyone loves this place. I too, want to gush. After all, I specifically sought out Clark Street Ale House on Yelp. Maybe it was an "off" night, maybe it's just me... but I didn't love it.
Small but extremely well done beer menu. Reasonable, too-- mostly $5 pints. And free pretzel rods! Beer garden out back, and an unbelievable (as in, didn't think it existed in this neighborhood) atmosphere for just sitting, talking, and savoring a great beer.
The only ingredient lacking? The beer. They were out of 4 of the beers my heart so desired. Luckily, I really enjoyed the Allagash White from Portland, ME and was able to repeat 3 times. Belgian Whites have always done me right and this was no exception.
I'll update this review after my return visit... please replenish your stock, Clark Street Ale House!
Came into this place on accident, but had a great time!
We had just finished dinner at Wildfire, and though my martini was great, I can't afford to put those away like I wanted. I didn't want to go to some cheesy downtown bar, so we walked a bit and saw this place.
I was a little scared of the shady place next door with no signage and just a dude standing outside in all black (sunglasses at night too).
Anyway, back to the Ale House. It stayed comfortably empty well into the night, which I liked because it was small, and had only one toilet per gender. The bartender was quick to replace my dwindling Harps one after another. The boyness with me tried several of their rare beers on tap, and they were tastyyy.
Best part by far was the shot glass at every table filled with pretzel rods. I think I had upwards of 20. Why do free salty snacks excite me so?
What this place lacks in selection of draught beers, it makes up for in atmosphere! The inside of the bar is great and there are plenty of seats at the bar. They have a good amount of well chosen beers on draught. The bartender we had was awesome but was not too knowledgeable. The prices are great for good beer bars. Even with "ale house" in the name, Clark St also provides a great selection of scotches that are quite reasonably priced. This place is the perfect joint for anyone that enjoys savoring a good beer and/or good scotch in good company!
1 star for the beer list and beer tasting option on the menu - 3 beers for $4
1 star for the back patio seating
1 star for being an unassuming yet awesome place, esp in this neck of the woods
1 star for service
-1 star for no kitchen here. a gir's gotta have chicken wings when she's drinking
What a surprise to find a legitimately awesome bar downtown! The bar is pleasant to look at with dark wood, beveled windows and old fashioned beer signs. The bar tender was approachable but not hovering over the table. But the real highlight of my trip was finding Rogue Hazelnut Brown Ale on tap. I've never had Rogue on tap and it was delicious. The other plus, was the prevalence of local beers from Three Floyds and Two Brothers.
What a great place to grab a beer before heading out to paint the downtown! I can't imagine that there is a better bar in the area.
My boyfriend's parents suggested we go here, as they're beer fiends and had read a lot of good things about this place. They were right on. There are around 25 beers on tap, all from microbreweries. They have everything from porters, ales, and stouts to fruit beers and brandywines. There are also 70 or so bottles to choose from, most of which are also microbrewed.
For $4 you can get a sampler of 3 beers on tap, which is a great way to try several different beers. The prices are pretty reasonable with most of the beers going for $5-$6 a pint. No food to speak of, but there are pretzels at every table. Our waitress obviously knew what she was talking about and gave us some great tips about what to try and what to avoid.
I'm amused this is listed under "dive bars". I don't think it was divey at all. It's just a nice neighborhood joint with a great beer selection. I'll definitely be back. We went around 9pm and it wasn't crowded, but it was getting there by the time we left around 12:15am. They also have a nice beer garden in back - great for sitting out in the summer.
So disappointing, even after two times. Overrated beer selection. Mostly populated by little sophomoric "party" groups that do things like pull the chairs away from the bar seating area for no apparent reason. Quality bartenders, if you can see them. The taps, six inches away, run along about half of the bar seating area. It's got that scrubby worn wood look in an area that lacks those types, so I guess the party meter has to be jacked, even though it's located about three blocks from the Loop. Dumb.
Wow how did I forget to review this place? I have only been there once but I don't think the experience could have been better!
First of all, they have pretzel rods and bartenders in smart outfits. I really love the beer sampling option. You get 3 small beers for $5 I think? Its a great way to sample the many, many micro-brew beers they stock here. Plenty of TV's and a great interior that's old fashioned but not in a rotten, mold infested sort of way. The owners really take care of the space.
Oh and they also have one of those video touch-screen game machines. You know...you can play poker or the photo hunt game. I know this because my friend insisted we play the nudie photo hunt game and dragged me over to it. The machine happened to be next to the table where the guy I had been exchanging glaces with all night long was sitting. Thank you nudie photo hunt for breaking the ice. He came over and introduced himself and joined in our game and the rest - as they say - is history.
Who says you can't me a great guy at a bar (playing nudie photo hunt)? I did! And I happen to think he's the greatest. :)
Update: and now I'm married to that guy!
Like the famous Dave Chappelle Samuel L. Jackson phrase..."it'll get you drunk! You'll be f%cking fat b*tches in no time!"
This place is a great kickback. There are plenty of other reviews to explain why.
I really love this bar.
Great beer, great to go for a couple.
Love the back area too (I've only sat outside here once, it is almost more of a favorite in the colder months...warm and cozy inside). A couple of years ago, I walked in to have a drink on a Sat afternoon with a couple of friends and they were having a neighborhood dog birthday party, there were dogs everywhere inside just strolling about, I thought that was a lot of fun (being a dog lover and all).
I always drag my group of friends here for at least 1 when we're down in the area. Just a great low-key spot.
Cheers!
I work right around the corner from this bar, and I'm glad I was brought there. I'm a total beer aficionado, especially darker beers, and this place has a great variety (and the prices aren't crazy, considering the neighborhood). The atmosphere is cosy and calm, there's a jukebox, and the wait staff are pleasant (but take their time).
This seems like a neighborhood bar that would have lots of regulars. It's a chill (but still cool) place to grab a beer and hang out with friends.
I love this place! It might be mostly due to the location - it is right by my place and therefor my choice for when I want to go out for a drink, but am feeling lazy or it is super cold out. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back - I have been here in sweatpants (in this case, extremely lazy)!
The best thing here are the beer "flights" they have a ton of beers on tap and you can get a sample of any 3 for just $3. So much fun!
Always a good weeknite hang - on the weekends, though, be prepared to deal with an undue number of overgrown frat boys and trinas.
Great beers, including a hand-pull tap. Good service. Outdoor garden for the warm months is a nice time...
I love beer. So I love this place.
Being from the Northwest, where you can't spit without hitting a microbrewery, I was a little bummed that this isn't the case in Chicago. Yet here my cravings are fulfilled. This place, for a good price, has a wide variety of all sorts of beers.
In this way, it's a great place to chill and have a few beers after work or whatever. Nice and casual. I don't think there is much like this place in River North.
Also, after a night of partying, a great place to finish off the night, and they are open late, even on Sunday's, which is a plus.
This is a drinker's bar. You go there to drink. End of story.
Maybe there's music, maybe there's not. The mahogany bar is inviting and smooth, matching with whatever brew you've decided on for the evening. They don't have food except for some pretzel rods in glasses on the counters to which the barkeep fills generously when you run out.
I think when I die this is what heaven will be, but for now it's my new spot.
A true homage to great American beer and spirits, Clark Street Ale House is the place to go in River North for a good beer. The tap line-up is always great with a wide sampling of beers made across these great states. And they always have some cask-conditioned beer available. Which is a huge plus in my eyes.
I used to go to Clark Street with some regularity in my first couple of years in the city. Over time, I found that the location isn't that great when you work in the loop and live in Lakeview, or now, in Humboldt Park. However, I still make it a point to go when I can.
This most recent visit saw Two Brothers Cane & Ebel Red Rye beer on cask. And it was fantastic. They also had Three Floyds Alpha Klaus Xmas Porter. Due to time limitations, that was enough for me, but I saw they even had a few Bell's beers still available in bottles.
My only gripe, and it will probably be a gripe for some time, is the smoking. I hate that stuff and it seems to be pretty strong here, regardless of the boxes in the ceiling meant to clean the air. Other than that, it's a great place to go to enjoy a couple of truly craft beers or to have something from their wide selection of whisk(e)ys.
Beer and whisky are good.
Fun beer selection, and plus you can get little baby samples of stuff on tap. They have free pretzel sticks at every table, which I'm always sort of wary of because they're just sitting there at the table - have they been there for days? Weeks? Who knows, and after a few beers, I don't really care and end up eating them anyway.
I have to take away a full star, though, because every single damn stool in the place is so freaking rickity I'm always convinced they're going to fall apart on me. So listen up, fatties: Don't sit on the stools.
Food Specials
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
$4 x $4 Every Day
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Irish
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Pubs
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Pubs
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