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Clark Street Ale House
- Nearest Transit:
-
Chicago-Red (Red Line)
Chicago-Brown (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Grand-Red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 4 pm - 4 am
Sat 11 am - 5 am
Sun 11 am - 4 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
156 reviews for Clark Street Ale House
Review Highlights
"It did have the best beer selection in chicago."
(in 30 reviews)
"Free pretzel sticks at the bar and the tables."
(in 5 reviews)
"They also had Three Floyds Alpha Klaus Xmas Porter."
(in 6 reviews)
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156 reviews in English
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Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
12/23/2011
Man, this place is old school. In a completely good way though. It certainly doesn't come off as some swanky river north bar, and that is entirely fine by me. I had been meaning to go here for a while, so being out on a bar jaunt was the excuse I used. It works for me.
As expected, the beer list was very good. The draft list was pretty big, almost overwhelming to be honest. The bottle list was also pretty impressive too. The choices were tough because I wanted to try so many different things.
I should also note, there was a dog here. How sweet is that. I'm not exactly used to things brushing up on my leg when I'm at a bar. So, I look down and there was a dog that was just saying hi. It put a nice smile on my face and increased the general good vibe here.
I liked it here a lot. A relaxed feel with a big beer list will always get my attention. Food will have to happen on my next trip. -
Review from Angie M.
1/27/2012
Do you still find yourself falling into the category of a Trixie or a Chad? Do you still live in Lincoln Park and enjoy going "downtown" every Saturday night? Still rockin' that black Kate Spade shoulder bag or workin' Dep hair gel?
This is your home.
If you're like me, you've moved past your lame city beginnings and have branched out in terms of scene and apparel. Probably even haircare products. And since you're probably more like me than the Trixies and Chad's of yesteryear, you probably won't really like Clark Street Ale House.
Cause it's pretty much chock full of the sad leftovers of the Trixie/Chad subculture.
But because I was due to party at a nearby bar and didn't want to show up totally unlubricated, my friend and I decided to grab a few beverages at Clark Street Ale House. Since we got there early, the bar was totally dead and we easily snagged a spot at the bar.
Yes, the bartender was very nice and served up my Effen Black Cherry and sodas with the quickness. But aside from that? Nah. There are too many other bars not brimming with douchiness.
Not only that, but there is ONE ladies bathroom in the entire joint. Yes, that is ONE single stall bathroom. For the entire bar. Expect to wait in line when nature calls.Listed in: Cocktails
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Review from Chris L.
Wilmette, IL
1/9/2012
Well I have to say this place was pretty lame. I went there with a group of my baseball alumni after having a great dinner down the street, I'm pretty sure we all wanted to leave the second we got in there. I guess I'm only 22 and the crowd looked like more late 20s to early 40s ages but the one thing I did not see was a single good looking female. I mean it was packed with people but it was a barren wasteland. The only thing that kept me there was that I was with a group of my best friends but as Aaron Newman(an annual elite Yelper) would say, "this place is a Dudddd"
I guess it was just not my kind of crowd and the only entertainment that was in this place was a Golden Tee video game. Definitely thought that a place in such a prime downtown location would be crawling with smokeshows.
The fact that they don't serve any grub too makes me want to scream...Its a BUST -
Review from Mike D.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
Nothing special about this bar, just a good old bar that's not too classy, but not too grimy either. Just a bunch of younger, calmer, normal looking people trying to enjoy their evening. Decent selection of beverages. Will likely return.
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Review from Nader F.
Mountain View, CA
12/12/2011
Dropped into this amazing pub on my visit to Chicago to try some craft beers not available in San Francisco. The selection here is great!
The bartender working this particular Sunday night was excellent. Not only did he give me a comprehensive history of Malort, he also gave my friend and I a shot on the house.
If you want a true old-timey pub with great beer selection, look no further! -
Review from Andy J.
Onalaska, WI
1/28/2012
Great selection of beers and great atmosphere! I was surprised when 2 guys belly-ed up to the bar next to me and ordered a Bud Lite. I should have said something ... honestly with the great selection of beers they have why would you go with a something you could get in any liquor store in America! I like the dive bar feel of it too.
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Review from Liz K.
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has pretty good reviews...am I missing something? Wait no this place is missing something...it is missing food!!
I know it is an Ale house but I would have loved to have food to munch on while drinking. The service was decent and the menu of beers and drinks was pretty good. It is also a great place to actually have a conversation since the music wasn't too loud...actually I don't even remember if there was music....
Unfortunately, I was too hungry to focus on the drinking...I will try to go back soon with a full stomach and update my review...:-) -
Review from Catherine G.
Lansing, MI
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
We stopped in Sunday afternoon before a concert at the Metro, after our Yelp search came up with "great beer selection" and "dog-friendly." We didn't have our dog with us, but being from Lansing, it was nice to see some friendly pooches when we were away from home.
Great cozy little place. I loved the atmosphere - relaxed, classic design. The dogs sit at the bar and walk around behind it. Definitely feels like a comfy neighborhood bar, and would be our choice hangout if we lived in Chicago.
Great selection of beer - stouts/porters for my husband and fruity wheats for me. Pretzel sticks on the bar were a nice addition as there's no food here, but they were mostly used to lure the dogs over for pets.
The only thing keeping this from a five is the service. Definitely not bad, but our female bartender didn't provide us with the warm, friendly service I hope for in a small place like this. I like to be able to talk about the beers and get recommendations, and I didn't feel much of that. -
Review from leah s.
Akron, OH
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent beer with a non so excellent person to serve it to you.
Checked this place out on a Friday night and found 2 spots at the end of the bar. In this spot were 2 empty waters so we figured it was fair game. Soon after sitting down the bartender greeted us and said, "you cannot sit here, my friends are sitting here". In which I said that was fine but it surely didn't look like it since all there was, was 2 empty waters. So, we decided to stay and see if they came back.
Sure enough they did. The women told my fiance we were in their spot and so I made a comment that I didn't know empty glasses were spot holders on a busy Friday night. So after we exchanged some words (all pretty friendly), the bartender told us to move. And what did the couple continue to drink? Water.
So, instead of letting to 2 sit at the bar who actually want to order beer they let their friends sit there and drink water. They clearly had no interest in drinking anything else since they were too busy sucking face. Shit, I get that they are your friends but really?
This was chance #2 we gave this place and there isn't a #3 because I prefer to drink by beer by bartenders who aren't asshats. -
Review from Ben B.
9/9/2011
A dog-friendly dive bar with a jukebox and a nice beer selection? Works for me!
I got to spend a casual night with great friends in this hole-in-the-wall and have no major complaints about anything besides the metalheads that held the jukebox captive for the first half of the night. I mean, c'mon: Rammstein? Goodbye forever.
The place isn't much to look at but the vibe is good for a night of beer-drinking. I can't remember much about the selection since I mostly chose at random to avoid holding up the line-up for the attention of the two very busy bartenders, but whatever it was came out cold. So who cares?
We spent most of the night out in the patio off the back of the building. It's a nice way to get some air but is unfortunately walled in on all sides. Unless you look straight up, there's not much to see out there either.
My favourite part? The fact that the dogs of beer-drinkers no longer need to feel neglected on weekends. Actually, they're more than welcome to come along for the night on Clark Street...or at least this spot. Nice for this dog-guy to get an occasional visit from a well-behaved pooch while away from his own for a few days.Listed in: Chicago!
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Review from Bri A.
Chicago, IL
12/15/2011
I came here for some drinks with my girlfriends around 8pm on a Friday night. The place was pretty empty which was good for us because we got a table. They have a good selection of affordable drinks but food would make this place better! Don't come here on an empty stomach! I would come back for drinks though.
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Review from Brian Q.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I see so many wrong reviews about this place it's funny.
1. No kitchen so anyone claiming anything about food is either thinking of another bar or just plain wasted.
2. With the exception of Guinness no international beers. This is a DOMESTIC MICROBREW bar, if you want Belgian or German beer there are plenty of places to go that specialize in that.
3. There are reviews stating the staff is physically or verbally abusive to customers, how long would a place be open if that were the case? Never have I witnessed that except for an occasional fight between two fratboy douchebags. Who deserve to be thrown out anyway.
4. Two fruit beers at any given time 1 cider and 1 rotating other (blueberry, raspberry, peach) not half a dozen like some others will review.
Overall I love this place, 24 drafts 1 cask handpull dozens of single malts and bourbons. Something for everyone. -
Review from Amanda F.
Smyrna, GA
6/26/2011
Awesome place to stop for a couple of drinks. Impressive selection of beers, and you can make your own sampler using three five ounce glasses of whatever you choose. Nice beer garden in the back for thosewho smoke and/or prefer a nice urban oasis. I will definitely stop here again when I am in town.
Reminder: this place does not serve food! -
Review from Bryn G.
Oak Park, IL
7/20/2011
Love this place for the awesome beer selection and proper pub atmosphere (I am from the UK - I know Pubs!). I had my leaving party here and we were able to sit by the door with the big windows open which was refreshingly cool on a hot day.
Although my dog couldn't make it I love that this place is doggy friendly; Lambchop will be visiting for a doggy dark ale someday soon*!
*This statement is intended as a joke - I would never feed alcohol to my, or anybody else's, dog. It would be an irresponsible waste of the good stuff! -
Review from Brandon Y.
Minneapolis, MN
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really really wanted to like this place more. The beer selection was great! It's dog friendly which may be a con in some circles, but to me there isn't much I would rather do than drink beer and hang out with dogs. Now the bad part...I was really excited to try the different beers but had issue with some of that tap lines not being quite up to par and giving the beers an "off" taste and could potentially make someone sick. If you're billing yourself as an "Ale house" and you're known for your beer selection you HAVE to keep your lines clean. That being said, maybe it was an off night/week and I understand that. I would definitely try this place out again.
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Review from Melissa G.
Winnetka, IL
11/27/2011
The ultimate beer bar and it is dog friendly! If you want beer and only beer this is the place!!! If don't like dogs or beer then don't show up!!!
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Review from Stella Y.
6/29/2011
We came here when all the bars closed up in Wicker Park/Bucktown.
We enjoyed jovial laughter, drinks and a packed bar at 3am! :)
I'm a fan!! :) I'll def hit this place up again with my pals :)
Thanks Clark Street Ale!! -
Review from Nicolas H.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2011
Pretty great selection of brews and a decent sized patio makes this one of the better bars downtown. Only problem is everyone else in the city seems to agree with me so its jam packed (at least when I've been there)...
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Review from Courtney S.
Chicago, IL
11/16/2011
Great domestic microbrew selection in an environment best described as a cross between a pub and a dive bar. (The arcade games lining the wall push it toward the latter.) Staff can be a bit short with the customers, but they seem to know their beer. Worth noting - since there is no kitchen here, they'll give you a book of local menus and you can order food to be delivered. A great option if you're looking for a casual night with friends and you want the focus to be on good beer - you don't have to sacrifice with pub food if that's not what you're in the mood for.
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Review from David O.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was packed when I walked in around 8:30 PM. They have an insane selection of different kinds of booze. I asked for the Four Roses Bourbon but, sadly, they were all out... I ended up drinking a couple of Jameson 12 year Reserves... They tasted quite good and I walked out of this place pretty lit. Thankfully, I managed to find a cab that took me back to my hotel.
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Review from Alfredo L.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2011
I was there this past thursday night with a few friends, we ordered a round of drinks, the cocktail waitress brought the drinks and said 'it's twenty one dollars', I gave her two twenties and she only brought eight dollars back. I made sure she knew about it witch she said 'sorry' and gave me the rest of the change. A few minutes later I order two more beers, she charged me eleven dollars, I gave her a twenty dollar bill and she never came back with my change. I would have thought that after been caught the first time, she would have stop, but no, she still robbed me. Very "classy", way to take advantage of your customers.
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Review from Cindy D.
Chicago, IL
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cheap drinks!
Always a seat!
Stop and Drink!!!!
Just go :) -
Review from Steve G.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2011
I've always really liked Clark Street Ale house. Terrific beer list, strong old-school "ale house" vibe w/o pretensions, and a nice outdoor patio in the back open during summer. Free pretzel sticks at every table, and it's a dog-friendly bar (at least it was the last time I was there) too!
Recommended. -
Review from Meghan O.
3/25/2011
Please see Candice G's post. I echo all she had to say, wow.
Every one of The bar staff here had a smile on their face. They were really great every time I've been in, makes it a fun experience.
LATE NIGHT! -
Review from Randi K.
Shabbona, IL
3/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I like to visit this place when I'm downtown.
It's small and always has a chill crowd but the best thing is the cask beers. It's a good spot to start the night out at, maybe even a before dinner drinks kind of place. -
Review from Aliyah K.
San Antonio, TX
Sunday, early afternoon before picking up our luggage and heading out of town.
One last drink?
We entered and were patrons # 5 and # 6. Not counting the dog. They allow dogs! Love!
Unlimited pretzel sticks.
Pumpkin beer on tap.
Good day, good bar just not enough time for two drinks. -
Review from Craig R.
One of my favorite bars in Chicago, though I will admit a lot of that has to do with the proximity to my apartment. All in all a good place though.
-Great beer list available
-Prices range from 4-10 bucks a beer depending on your choice
-The staff is consistent and have always treated us well
-You can order food in since they don't have their own kitchen
-Since they don't have their own kitchen dogs are allowed in
-Free pretzel sticks at the bar and the tables -
Review from Valerie R.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2011
I just saw this place allows dogs. Nice!
Great juke box + great drink selection + free pretzle sticks + nice servers= win.
Nuff' Said. -
Review from Kyle H.
7/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Maybe I, too, went on an off night when service was just shorthanded and meticulously slow. Okay, it was July 4th and one detail-oriented bartender was tending bar and many bars on the street were closed due to the 4th. Still, waiting at the bar I never once got the "hey, bud, I'll be with you right after this gal" bit. In fact, chatting with another waiting customer, the barback who had previously been ignoring us and supposedly was just a barback, took a drink order from some pushy trader-type behind us!
huhWHat? When did Clark "Barback" Kent become "Super Bartender", and why did he choose to wait on trader guy after ignoring us for twenty minutes? Impossible to get a drink, then the Martini special for the night was "out". No biggie, I can let it go without questioning it. The beer list is not that impressive for an ale house though. Your standard Matildas, Dogfishes, and Allagash Whites amongst the Usual Suspects.
I was really hoping for a nice ending to our 4th of July celebratin', but Clark Street did not deliver.Listed in: What, Meh Worry?
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Review from Viet T.
Lansing, MI
11/22/2011
Awesome selection of craft beers at reasonable prices. I like that they have a flat $6 menu for select beers.
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Review from Jeff P.
Columbus, OH
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great local pub in River North. An oasis among tourist spots. Great, dark, old classic pub to meet up with friends and have some drinks. Great beer and liquor selections.
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Review from Steven R.
8/13/2010
As far as I have experienced this is finally that elusive downtown bar that serves good beer. It's all relative of course.
I didn't find anything too impressive here but there is a way better beer selection than other downtown bars by far. Two Brothers stuff including Bitter End hand pump and Dog Days lager, had decent Bell's stuff including Two Hearted and Oberon on draft and Cherry, Java, Expedition and Kalamazoo stouts (nice!) in bottles at decent prices ($5-$7), Allagash White, Dogfish Festina Peche and a few others. I mean it wasn't a bad list necessarily it just wasn't interesting not to mention there was nothing very strong on the list (I like me a strong stout or Belgian). It seemed safe like if you normally drink Bud or Bud Light and they want you to try a few other things.
Unfortunately I think my biggest gripes were the crowd and the service. Tons of bros and other folk of ill repute, including some douche bag who wanted to speak loudly and at length about how cool he was for playing hackey sack while waiting in line at Six Flag (yeah, I was 16 once upon a time too). One guy totally interrupted me while I was talking to the bartender and after she went and took care of whatever he needed she totally didn't even come back until I finally waved her over. Our original server at our table probably set a record for managing to set down drinks and then run away before we could ask for glasses of water.
I will be back, tough to blame a place for your customers but I'll be looking forward to a different list and improved service. -
Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I always get a great feeling when I walk in here. Beer and whiskey connoisseurs mingling (some with their dogs since there is no food.), and excellent music like "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap playing in the air.
An amazing selection of beers but I am surprised they only have 24 on tap. Plus they have a full bar so there is something for everyone.
So why only four stars? I've never seen the bartenders smile or heard them say "thank you." -
Review from Michael R.
Wheaton, IL
5/30/2011
We''ve been going here for years and I've discovered some pretty amazing beers on their extensive menu. I especially appreciate the specials which are often cask-conditioned, hand-pulled real ales. The bar itself has a lot of character, dark, old, worn. The layout is typically narrow and long like most Chicago bars. The beer garden is fairly small but pleasant, just be on the lookout for the occasional rat. Dogs are welcome throughout the bar and beer garden, which can be a plus or minus depending on your feelings for dogs. The main thing here though is the beer. Huge variety with many unique brands on tap. Don't think I've ever even seen a bottle there. Couple notes: it's easy to grab a cab out front or it's a short walk from the Chicago red line stop. Also, try to go when the weathers warm and the big front windows are open, the breeze is wonderful.
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Review from Sejal P.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2011
love this place, it's right around the corner form my bldg, very easy to get into. Love the fact they are pet friendly, and plenty of ale for every taste. I like the atmosphere at this place more than anything else, it's a friendly neighborhood feeling. Try their Raspberry ale, it's pretty good.
The only set back for me is no food! would be nice to have small plates to share. -
Review from Helena B.
3/14/2010
One stall in the Ladies' Restroom!
You heard me - ONE STALL!!
That means that the patron-to-potty ratio is about 100:1. Hope you can hold it, pal.
Generally, I am an affable person. Not so much, however, when I really need to wee. I was shaking the bathroom door so hard that when the disgruntled girl in there came out, she sneered, "Could you not tell it was LOCKED?!" NO, lady, I'm just beyond disbelief that there is really only ONE STALL in this entire joint. BTW, thanks for freshening up your make-up while the rest of us waited in near-tears to use the bathroom. You look fab!
Sure, the beer selection is decent, but really, I was so scared of whizzing myself waiting in the bathroom line that I couldn't imbibe. -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2008
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. -
Review from Jeff A.
2/21/2010
Yeah That Good! Really Good!
Off the hook service!
What is up with this liquor selection? Seriously unexpected!
An atmosphere where you can here your friends, and make some new ones, a list of liquor and beers that is unparalleled!
Simply Put
Rock and Roll!
I will be back! -
Review from Dustin W.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
We decided to start off day-2 of Chicago Craft Beer Week at Clark St. Ale House as it was opening at 4PM and Jake's was not tapping the double dry-hopped firkins till 6PM, so why the heck not. I called ahead to see what was on tap, but as the bartender was not in yet, and in his own words, the man on the other end of the line responded "dont speak English good sir" so surprise surprise time. I did however appreciate the immediate honest answer from the kind gentleman and we figured there had to be something good on board for craft week so full speed ahead. We arrived shortly after 4 and were very pleased with the large selection of rare finds flowing heavy. To put a twist on things, I ordered the dogfish head aprihop (wonderful beer first, fruit second blend that hits crisp and was a great starter) and shortly thereafter we spotted the ever so glorious hand pull tap. But what could that beautiful girl be attached to too? Well its CCBW, so clearly something local and yummy. Sure enough one of my absolute favorite go-toos you can find at just about any decent liquor store, bells two hearted ale. Simply put, hand pull + 2-hearted = smooth rich hoppy love lather. It had me looking like chester the molester as I absolutely fondled this juice in my mouth.
were very pleased with Clark Street ale house and the bartenders were extremely nice and more than happy to help out with the beer descriptions and schedule of upcoming beer events.The bar is riddled with rotating tappers and bottles that you expect to find at a great ale house. Ill just have to come back for food and atmosphere at a more social hour (ie when most people are just finishing up the regular work week) for that fifth and final star. -
Review from Lola T.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/19/2009
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??Listed in: Best places for good brews
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/15/2008
Love it!
Clark Street Ale house has an authentic feel to it, it's been around for ages, and has a… Read more »
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