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Cleos Bar & Grill
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
1935 W Chicago Ave(between Damen Ave & Winchester Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
(312) 243-5600
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 4 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 3 am
Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
252 reviews for Cleos Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
"Oh, and the nightly food specials are certainly great."
(in 21 reviews)
"And a bloody mary to try out their bloody bar."
(in 17 reviews)
"And I've been there for Pizza night on Thursday."
(in 10 reviews)
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252 reviews in English
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Review from Brian L.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
I used to live a three minute walk away... I seldom came here for drinks at night, but came here often for Sunday brunch. I moved a little further away, about 10 minutes now... but it played a factor in my decrease in coming here - mostly because it slips my mind on a Sunday morning.
So I managed to come here a couple weeks ago, and again today. Their brunches have not slipped in quality. In fact, I believe they added some more selections since then and they are fabulous. The breakfast sandwich is quite the item! Definitely a great place for brunch if you're in the area.
As far as evening activities, I haven't been quite enough to say one way or the other but every time I have come on a weekday it's been really laid back and easy going. There are a few screens which do play games, but I think they favor soccer over nfl. But even if they play nfl you don't get too much of the douchbaggery of other neighborhoods. -
Review from Nichole M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/2/2012
I've now been for trivia many times and while I still enjoy coming here, it's not as fun as it used to be. Multiple times some fill-in trivia guy has been there instead of the usual awesome host. This substitute is slow and makes the process slow and isn't funny. Also, the trivia has become so popular that if you don't get there early, you can't get a table and therefore, no trivia. Sad face.
I have no officially tried their nachos, with chicken, and they are quite delicious.
So there's the good, the bad and the eh at Cleo's.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/5/2011
Went for trivia night last night and had a great time. Not only was the trivia fun and didn't lag… Read more »
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Review from Melinda V.
Chicago, IL
1/1/2012
I will start by saying nothing is open at 1am on Sunday.
I called this shithole to see if the kitchen was open. They said yes.
I got out of bed, changed out of my pjs and drove over there. My boyfriend has manners and always pays, I have no need for a purse. You can imagine my surprise when they try to card me. Yeah... I am in my 30s, stone cold sober and I just want some nachos and a water.
No.
Um... seriously?
I have been to every state in the union and so many countries I have lost count. Maybe I am just one of the privileged few that has gotten to live in a REAL city where do don't have to deal with BS like showing an ID to eat some food and real restaurants are open Sunday at 1am (and they have real public transportation, but that is another rant). Now I live in this dump where 1am gets you a dive bar that wont let you in to eat. Awesome. I obviously need to move back to New York. I miss my 3am beef bourguignon. -
Review from Bri A.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012
My girlfriends and I stopped by Cleo's on a Saturday for our ladies' night out. We intended on bar hopping a little but stayed here since we were having a great time! It's a nice, chill bar with good drink specials. They had $4 Sapporo drafts and Bloody Marys! Our waitress was awesome and even gave us a round of bloodies on the house! We will definitely be back. I would like to try their food.
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Review from Irene G.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
The next time I come here, I will not drink so much! $4 bloody mary special -what do you expect?! I liked the low-key atmosphere and the service was good. The 4th round of bloody marys was on the house! :) Good place if you're looking for a chill night. Daily specials are great here.
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Review from Matt L.
11/20/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Okay, let's be honest, no one gives a shit what anyone has to say in a 3 star review of a ho-hum establishment like Cleo's... "Then I exchanged money for alcoholic beverages." In fact, I really don't even care to talk about it.
I'm just writing this because someone alerted me to a tweet (I cringe even typing that word) about how some mystery person brought up their favorite yelp reviewers at a party, and I was at the top of their list. Mystery person's attempt at conversation quickly went South at that point. Yay!!! I don't like twitter, but I love you. As more than a friend. Come forth and I'll give you a caleb handie at the next elite event or something. I'm not exactly sure what that is yet, but it will probably be on urban dictionary soon. -
Review from Arlen M.
Chicago, IL
12/20/2011
I can't believe no one has posted a photo or two of the back patio / beer garden. easily the most interesting part of this bar. maybe we're trying to keep it like a secret? it's not often crowded. and it's even usable in the winter with an outdoor gas fireplace set up now. solid vine growth and large outdoor tvs with table service back there in summer.
other desirable features:
- $4 burgers or salads on Weds / $5 one topping pizzas on Thurs
- generous beer specials pretty much daily
- weird mural in the back room (looks vaguely like a Chinese garden scene)
note. they no longer have a pool table. -
Review from Amanda G.
11/18/2011
Two friends and I wanted to meet for a cocktail and a light bite to eat, but were coming from various directions. We decided to head into the same direction and see where it would take us. So glad it was Cleo's!!
I instantly fell in love with the rich red hues through out the space and the quirky embellishments added to the ambiance.
Lance, the bartender, was patient with my indecisiveness and met my every whim! The dirty martini?!? Dee-lish! The spicy bloody mary?!? Double dee-lish! Nachos?!? Comforting, but not too heavy nor greasy. Sliders?!? YUM (what my friend told me)!! With the wallet happy prices and great service, what an awesome addition to Chicago Avenue!
Did I mention the tunes?!? Cure, Thrill Kill Kult, and other 1980's favorites in the mix!!
My kind of watering hole!! -
Review from Lauron K.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
If you must do anything in life, you must go here
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Review from Marc R.
12/23/2011
As a historian, I should hang out here all the time right? You know Clio is the muse of history. My last muse nearly killed me so perhaps this is why I usually stay away from muses. Well, I had been planning to visit the place called Cleo's (not Clio actually) for $5 pizzas on Thursday but it is usually so busy here then that I never have made it. Well, a friend came down and hung out with me and we were actually here at 4 pm and I finally took the Cleo plunge - and on cheap burger Wednesday!
So, the thing about this place is that they have good specials every day of the week. Friday Fish Fry (very Milwaukee), to the famous Pizza Thursday (still got to make this one!), to the Wednesday Burger deal. So what is the deal. The burger is $4. Fries are $1, and extra toppings are $1. So, depending on what you do, you are looking at say $6 and up for your meal, but the price is still a great deal. I really think these might be some of the best burgers I have had in Chicago. I am not a Kuma's devote, but I will say that the Cleo's while perhaps lacking some of the uber-gormet options of some other places certainly makes a $4 burger to rule them all. Is this the one burger patty to rule them all? This I cannot say, but at $4 they rule, and in fact, I think that for the price probably everything here rules. I am writing this review on a Friday and I am considering going here for Fish because at $5 the fish and chips seems like a steal!
Drinks were good. Selection was solid. The old fashioned Schlitz globe over the bar I would like to steal. -
Review from Candyxxx C.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2011
After we moved into the neighborhood in June, Cleo's became our neighborhood go-to joint. We were lured in by its decor, low-lighting, great jukebox selection, and chill attitude. Nowadays, we frequent the place. The bartenders are always polite and courteous, as are the door men who took the time out to learn our names. They also have nightly food specials and a decent menu.
It's rare you will find people here that are being unnecessarily obnoxious and loud, but when they appear they stick out like sore thumb. There are a handful of regulars that you will always see sitting at the bar, and for the most part, everyone minds their own business. Cleo's has the perfect atmosphere if you want to avoid aggressive atmospheres, loud partiers, and pretentious f**ks - on any given night of the week. -
Review from heather l.
Chicago, IL
9/6/2011
One of my biggest pet peeves is bars that don't have specials on the weekend. What is probably the most redeeming quality about Cleo's is that they have great specials every night of the week.
Sure, the place smells like pee - always. And fine, there are usually a ton of bugs flying around, but that's all apart of the charm!
Cleo's is a dive done right. 25 cent wings and $10 pitchers on Mondays are deadly. I'm not proud of the gluttonous acts I've performed there.
I'm super excited to go there for a $5 fish n chips on Friday. I'm sure I won't be disappointed! -
Review from Adrienne G.
Chicago, IL
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
i really like Cleo's. it's a classy divey place, they always have a decent group of people here, the service is nice, and they have a good selection of beer. The food menu is alright too- overall I'd say it's a good place to go with a few or dozen friends.
A friend of mine helped me out with getting management to get a good happy hour deal in a pinch for an alumni event at the very last minute. The service was fantastic- we had about 50 people show up. The one thing that irked me, however, was that the server came to me when someone did not pay their entire bill. I really wish that those alumni hadn't been cheap jerkfaces, and that she had talked to her manager also, because I didn't know them and it was a group of 50 people! Still I paid for the difference and she was nice about it.
I will be back here, they have sports on so again it is a nice place for hanging out in a group. -
Review from Brooke L.
Wheaton, IL
1/24/2012
I came upon this neighborhood gem while looking for a Friday night fish & chips online. It isn't far from where I work in the River North area, and it's a great place. When we arrived the loud crowd hadn't arrived yet and we were treated to half-price fish & chips (the Friday special, there is a different special every night). The beer list, both bottled and draft, were excellent. They also post rules for beer pong, which suggests that it's an approved sport at this sports bar. And for some reason it seems to be kilt-friendly. Someone please explain that one to me! BTW, it isn't the trash heap some might suggest, either!
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Review from Kelly S.
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you live in this neighborhood, this is probably your Cheers. Except Sam's not behind the bar with his friendly banter and there's nary a light illuminating the place.
It's like any other dive bar I've been in to -- surly bartenders, hit or miss service with strong pours and a regular crowd. The patio's a nice spot to relax with your buddies but it closes at midnight and you best make sure you aren't lingering or they bring the big guy out.
Stop in for a cover free drink but I'd imagine in a city like Chicago, these spots are a dime a dozen. And make sure you hit up their specials as it looks like they've got some serious discounts. Most boring review ever? Yeah. Sorry guys! -
Review from Damien S.
7/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cleo's is a rock solid watering hole with an interior that mimics Rob Zombie's tattooed torso.
The patio will tan that pasty whiteness right outta you face yous guys, and the $4 wells easily aid in the former, especially when you pass out in your wire chair from a pleasantly heavy pour.
There is an air about their staff, though, that comes across as being somewhat aloof. I'm not sure if it's par for the course, but in our two visits to big mama Cleo, I felt an in-house iciness that made the dranking sessions a little unsettling.
Of course, after seeing what kind of party machines the States have imported from the Balkan peninsula, I might also grow weary of their endless ability to eat, drink and be merry.
Wait, no I wouldn't. That's the service industry. I'd love it.
Like I said, it's a festive, gothabilly punk palace and a return visit is likely. You should definitely check it out; just don't expect pillow talk. Cleo is a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am.Listed in: Chicago Get Some!, Windy City Booze
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Review from james c.
Skokie, IL
9/1/2011
What's happened to me at Cleos:
-Lost an arm wrestling match to a feminist
-Experienced a man passing out and pooping himself
-Have had countless meet ups with friends :)
-Ate many many many $5 pizzas :) :) :)
-Assisted a women in birthing quintuplets
-Saved the universe from the aliens in Independence Day
-Developed a 3 point plan to fix every thing.
Needless to say, I got history here and will always love this place :) -
Review from Jelena Z.
Updated - 7/3/2011 33 Check-ins Here
So, Cleos and I are past the euphoric honeymoon phase. The incessant shagging of yesteryear has been replaced with affectionate dependability. Sound boring? Nah... there's still good lovin' to be had. And relationship experts say that the illogical infatuation phase fades after 18 months anyway.
It's 18 months later and I'm still coming 'round... guess this means it's real!
I can now say I've sampled most of the menu offerings and most of the food is very good. Though the wraps are a bit lackluster, the hummus isn't Middle Eastern restaurant-quality and you'll probably find better pizza across the street. But, it's still solid pub grub and the fish 'n' chips are fantastic whether you're getting them on special or paying full price. That, my friends, is a bold statement.
The patio I'm still passionate about - it's one of my favorites as it's more garden and less makeshift sidewalk show. It's landscaped and far enough from the roaring motorcycles and ambulances of busy Chicago Ave. to forget the relentless bustle (for at least a La Fin du Monde or two).
Specials seven days a week are the seduction but the people, music and space will keep this fire lit for the long haul. Don't forget about the massive $4 mimosas on Sundays! Here's to another eighteen, boo.Listed in: Alfresco? Al Yesco!, Beer Me Over: Chicago, Fries, please!, The Bar Exam, Bring on the Burgers: Chicago
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/12/2010
I can now officially vouch for the fish 'n' chips. Nothing to scoff at my friend, oh no no no... for… Read more »
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Review from Adam K.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Solid dive bar across from High Dive which made the switch from dive bar to high end bucktown bar.
They got a decent deal on Wed for $4 u can get any salad made into a wrap, I got the Cleo's salad with grilled chicken made into a wrap and it was splendid. Attentive waitstaff, busboys were on the mark also. I like comin in here usually three sheets to the wind, but since I came in here sober, I thought I could write a conscious review.
To recap:
Food - B
Service - A
Ambiance - B (for a dive bar)
Specials - A
Also they have a pool table. -
Review from Juliana R.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here during west fest. Seating was good, $2 for PBR tall boy, beats paying $6 for a dixie cup of beer from a tent!
Our server was on top of it despite how busy she was!
Bathroom lines sucked of course but it happens! -
Review from Tanny A.
Saint Louis, MO
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool, down to earth place. The only thing I wish they had was indoor smoking and midget bowling.
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Review from Amanda C.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2011
Yooo, I fucking love Cleo's! Went for the first time tonight and will absolutely return. I'm picky about service and food, and left Cleo's extremely satisfied with both!
When you first walk in, there's a long bar and a few tables in the bar section. Then you walk up a small ramp (where the bathrooms are) and end up in a large dining area with an outdoor patio. The bar area is pretty dark, and the back dining area has some natural light and tons of murals all over the walls. Very eclectic and fun decor.
We were thrilled to sit down at a regular dining-area table on a Saturday night - our waitress put no pressure on us to order food, unlike a lot of places. She made us feel very welcome and at home. Even the guy checking IDs at the door was incredibly friendly and congenial.
Our waitress was a total doll, totally funny and on-the-ball. Never went long without a drink or a check-in to make sure we were doing okay with our alcohol and food. Had a great sense of humor and never felt hovering or uppity/neglectful.
Bus-boys were on top of everything - our table was always promptly cleared and cleaned, but we were never interrupted.
Food was typical pub fare, but with standout items - their burgers and mac & cheese are totally delish. And, um, $1 sliders? Yes, please!
Absolutely AWESOME music - would go back for that alone! So rare to find a bar with a decent playlist. Social Distortion, Beastie Boys, Ramones, Clash, Peter Gabriel, Kinks? Yes, please!
I wouldn't necessarily call it a dive bar, but definitely more low-key and relaxed. It didn't feel "divey" or dirty, but definitely a great place to just hang out without pressure to spend your money or get in/get out.
Easy parking (regular meters but free after 9) and accessible via public transport. Very quick walk to several big intersections if you want a cab.
4 stars only because I wish the drinks had been stronger. They weren't exactlyyy weak, but just not as strong as they should have been. I should have been totally ripped given how much I drank, and I was barely tipsy. (And yes, this is a place you go specifically to get drunk.) -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
8/7/2011
Dive
With large
Backyard that
Closes at 12.
Cheap tallboys, tvs on sports, and food deals. -
Review from rhea w.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2011
What a difference a new owner makes! Lance, the new owner of Cleo's, is great, and so are his changes to this local establishment.
Service has improved, the clientele seems less frat-ish and more enjoyable, and most importantly, it's cleaner...and they knocked down that silly wall in the middle of the front room, which completely changes the way the room flows for the better.
As a mac n' cheese affiocionado, I'd like to encourage Cleos to upgrade this dish- maybe something baked, with breadcrumbs....or maybe just a thicker, more interesting cheese sauce?
Eitherway, the new energy, improved demeanor of the staff, and mimosas and bloody marys will have me coming back! -
Review from Roberto F.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Who can deny Cleos a good review. They are solid 4 star and easily working their way up to a perfect 5 in my heart. Great service and good beer as well as great prices and daily deals. You can't beat 4 dollar 1/2lb burgers on Wednesdays as well as the Pizza deal on Thursdays, 5 bucks. If those two deals don't convince then I don't know what will. Oh yeah $2.50 Goose Islands on Tuesdays. But hey, you can read the specials just as much as I can. So I'll leave it at that. Just remember go home or go hard.
P.S. You can't beat all the available tv's to watch the Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs or Sox kicking some butt. -
Review from John Y.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/4/2011
I've witnessed a few places in my day purchase established, successful businesses and alter them so greatly in the process they turn off the very clientele that came along with the space.
If a potential owner wants to make his or her mark, then take four walls of an empty space, pick your own original name and decorate the interior as you wish setting the tone of your new business but..... Why buy an established business and make all these changes? Makes no sense to me when you're paying for the name and buying a very established business.....ie: Cleo's
A fabulous beef sandwich being replaced by a basic hamburger...
Where did the Tuesday night slab of ribs go?
No Heineken?!?
The old Cleo's had great bar food and to replace it with average fair may not be the wisest move, the verdict is still out. It sure isn't as crowded and bustling as the old Cleo's was... Is it the sluggish economy? Did Cleo's fizzle out? Are they at High Dive where the food is said to be superior ? We're all not sure yet.....???
But sometimes, changing a good thing too quickly and radically isn't the wisest course of action to take to ultimately succeed.
Good Luck!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/1/2007
This is best bar in East Ukrainian Village! Cleo's is an eccentric mix of people in an eclectic sea… Read more »
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Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
5/23/2011
I dig cleo's. I stopped in with a friend yesterday while doing more beer rounds. It was a sunday afternoon so I didn't expect a big crowd, but there was a decent amount of people there which was nice.
Pretty solid beer list with summit being their featured beer. The list wasn't extremely deep, but it was well focused on quality domestic beers with some good foreign standbys like guiness and stella
Both of the bartenders my friend and I talked to were really nice and it was no problem getting another beer. I'm not down in this area much and would like to have a chance to sample the food the next time I come here -
Review from JENNY C.
Brooklyn, NY
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a dive when you first go in, but it has a VERY nice back area with lots of seating for warm days. They have big screen televisions for watching games, etc.
The highlight of this place are their daily specials, can we say 25 cent wings on Mondays! Also $4.00 bloody marys on the weekends.
It is a great local hang - especially in the summer. -
Review from Eric H.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/11/2011
So we went to the bar called Nightmare Deville where people think growing a mustache and wearing a flannel shirt will automatically make you interesting and it was( as it mostly is) over run by hipster and bro zombies so we ran for our very lives to the first open door, Cleo's home of my( previous) one star review. We immediately noticed something was different. First AC/DC wasn't blaring from the speakers and two women were sitting at the bar having a conversation about Chinese economic policy with out being harassed by bros who think any women( including Lesbians) who comes to a bar alone is looking for a bro. As a matter of fact every one there seemed to be mature and interesting, it kinda had a Danny's vibe with out the cool music. Then I found out that it was under new management.
The bartender/owner Lance seemed really cool and friendly but not in a grab you in a headlock and give you a nuggie way, but in an cool urbane way of someone who actually has something to say and hopefully a vision of a neighbor hood bar with character as opposed to a place to come and get fu*ked up dude!" I will be back Oh and they have Chimay! We will be back soon!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2010
o.k. the fact that yelp reviewer
"Cubbie Fever forever" and her "hubbie trek" into the city( yes she… Read more »
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Review from Erin H.
Chicago, IL
6/27/2011
It's good for drinks (decent beer selection) but have never enjoyed the food. There is something really funky about the veggie burger which is unfortunate since it's housemade...Oh well.
Overall, I'm glad to have it as a neighborhood option but it's always the back up plan. -
Review from Brett D.
11/18/2010
What more can be said... just look at those reviews, everybody loves Cleo's!
And what's not to love? Whether she's your favorite psychic friend (ayyyeee, Miss Cleo!) or, as in this case, a damn good spot to grab a cold drink and some good grub, Cleo does no wrong.
The specials are always on tap no matter what evening of the week you pop in. The famed Cleo's 25 cent wing special on Mondays' perpetually tugs at my spicy heart strings while Friday night's fish 'n chips for $5.99 actually provides quite the superb sustenance at just a pittance of cost. This bustling fun food factory stays open quite late - ahem, 1am nightly - and there's pretty much nothing I adore more than their loaded potato skins with crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, mozzarella, olives, jalapenos, homemade salsa and sour cream as a night cap. Y.U.M.
Lest I forget to mention the extras... a lovely garden deck out back, really solid brunch effort on weekends, totally relaxed and kickback atmosphere and an absolutely affordable and more-than-decent brew selection. I'll take a Pale Ale, please!
Cleo's has been the shiny neighborhood bar jewel for years now and it's more than easy to see why.Listed in: Drink. Drank. Drunk., J'Adore Al Fresco
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Review from Gen T.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2010
No More Italian Beef are you nuts?????
The new ownership got rid of the Wednesday night special-an awesome sandwich with a cult following. Nice work. Now you can go there and get a mediocre burger for $4 just like every other mediocre bar in the city.
The italian beef originated in Chicago and you can find it at lots of lunch places and hotdog stands but few bars. Cleos was the only place I knew of that you could get a beef in the evening along with few beers. But not anymore. It was really unique and they made it really well and now its gone.
But I guess I'll have to take my business up to Marble in Logan Square where the former ownership of Cleos were wise enough to keep the italian beef on the menu. -
Review from Angela S.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2011
This place is a good stand-by. Service is good, the patio is great and the food is average.
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Review from Kiki M.
12/6/2010
Cleos. Why do I keep coming back? Because you are right next door, and I am really lazy.
The food here is:
#1. Way too expensive, but also way too PLENTIFUL.
#2. Makes me wish we'd stayed home and cooked
#3. Very similar to the food made by my WASPy grandmother, who mostly prepares meals out of the General Electric Microwave Cookbook.
Maybe this would seem better if I were already drunk when I arrived.
In Cleo's favor: once the bartender bought my drinks (in the afternoon) because I was talking way too loudly about men's anal sexual health. -
Review from Imran A.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2011
oh Cleo where have you gone. This place used to have great food and great specials, but they've since cut their menu options and food quality to go with it. Last night's $4 burger special wasn't great and the baked beans cold.
As a bar though it's great, love the mood, just won't be back for the food. -
Review from Louisa L.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2010
I was going to begin by saying "I'm sorry".....but I'm not.
This place seemed cool enough. We had a party of five people gathering together to celebrate a friends birthday. I bought a ridiculous cake. We were longing for Sunday brunch and bloody marys.
Before the group of friends arrived I went in to ask the manager to hide the cake in the fridge to surprise my friend later. I was greeted by a woman who was completely upset and rude to me and quickly interrupted me to ask me how many people were going to be in our party. She turned to her co-workers and said "I love it when people call ahead of time."
NEWS FLASH: You're a bar & grill......not the Walnut Room.....get a grip!
After suggesting that we just take our business elsewhere, she gave me a smug look and offered to put the cake in the fridge. (How thoughtful) I considered calling the rest of the party to inform them that we should go to a different place....but I decided to not stress everyone out.
We stayed.....experienced a two hour wait for food.... had the joy of putting up with a bit more sass from the waitstaff....and plan on never returning again. -
Review from Matthew S.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2010
So where do you go, when a date is going really well, and you don't feel like going home yet?
Cleo's.
After having passed nearly a dozen other bars on Chicago Avenue - this place just seemed to call my name :
"Matthew! Come drink more here!"
"Matthew! You know you want ONE more drink...."
"Matthew! Drink up old boy!"
Finally, the call of Cleo reeled me in.
First, they checked my ID at the door. Which made me feel special. I don't look twenty one. OK, why lie to myself? They even checked the ID of the guy that looked like Samuel L Jackson with a bad jerry curl.
The insides were kind of down home, diner style. Formica tables with metal legs, and old school kitchen chairs. I had a pint of beer - and great conversation. There was music playing, and people around me were enjoying the all you can eat late night buffet. I decided, having eaten dinner earlier, that I was done eating until at least Passover of 2011.
Another group (a big one) needed the table, so we moved to a high boy. The crowd was friendly, and I found myself talking not only to my dinner companion from before, but to total strangers. It was just the atmosphere there - it just felt right.
A few more beers later, and I would have probably talked to the bar stool I was sitting in. And of course, due to massive consumption of beer...I had to make tinkle.
The bathrooms leave little to the imagination. The urinal is next to the toilet...which is a bit awkward, but hey, when ya gotta pee ya gotta pee.
I did appreciate the fact that they were well stocked with soap.
I will totally return to Cleo's given the opportunity. I love the buzz of the city, and dig the feel of Ukraine Village / Noble Square. -
Review from Johnny T.
Updated - 7/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Still awesome.... although I don't remember much. Last time I came here, i was already in bad shape. I was screaming out to the heavens for help and mercy (no, really; I was). We landed at Cleo's and the folks here took care of me. 1.) Doorguy John: awesome. He saw I was in a sideways dimension, so he helped ease the check-in process. 2.) Our awesome waitress (blonde with glasses): rather than being annoyed at the whiny inebriate in front of her, she talked me into water and food. Pizza wasn't on special, so 'how about some fish and chips?' Yes, please! 3.) Bathroom: I'll always remember our special time together. 4.) Patrons: many thanks for not beating me up.
If you come to Cleo's and don't have a good time... I can't finish that sentence. I honestly don't know how anyone could not like this place.Listed in: Funny, Pizza zig-a-zig-ahh
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2010
Any bar that shares a name with one of the greatest rip-off artists in recent history ("call meh… Read more »
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Review from Paul K.
Chicago, IL
10/14/2010
My problem with yelp is that by telling everyone my favorite places, those places will get to crowded. Cleo's is one of those places!
Knowing that they have daily food specials I went there last night thinking it was $5 pizza night. I was mistaken. Thursday's are pizza night and in my opinion they have great pizza. Lots of variety and the portions are a good size. If you are not to hungry and if your date's ass doesn't spill over the side of the bar stool you can probably split one pizza, but at that price you might as well get two and send her home with (Censored by yelp) and the leftovers in the morning like a true gentleman.
Plenty of beers on tap to choose from, there is always a beer of the month on tap that would probably cost 6 bucks elsewhere but is usually in the 3.50 range. currently they are also running a PBR Tall Boy special in honor of my friend Todd that lives in Charlotte.
I'm not a smoker but their outdoor patio does allow smokers to hang out in the back of it. I don't mind the whiff of a cigarette outdoors and it keeps the front sidewalk clear of butts unlike some other establishments.
Not the kind of place you would expect people to be in stiff suits after work, that's what Boundary is for. Chicago ave is what Division used to be.
I've not been there for the Saturday late night free buffet, but will definitely have to try it soon. -
Review from Reuben H.
6/26/2010
Oh Cleo's...
Thank you for being THE bar that is close to my house and delivers a little bit of everything, and everything is done a bit better than most places.
Oh- and your patio is pretty rad too.
Rad.
I am glad to know that I can come to you every night of the week and not only see some very familiar faces, but to also know that there will be a different food special every night of the week.
Which reminds me- complimentary buffet going on right now... Gotta run!
