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Categories: American (New), Sports Bars
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River NorthSee all your College and Pro action @ District Bar. Sun, Booze Brunch and Bears! 40 flat screen tv's for all your viewing needs!
Chicago (Purple Express, Brown)
Grand (Red)
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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NFL Sunday and the Bears resulted in mass chaos and packed bars in the River North area this lovely day. We hit Bull & Bear (at capacity), English (closed on Sundays) and LaSalle Power Company (at capacity). All fails.
Low and behold, DISTRICT BAR.. to the rescue! It's a bit off the beaten path and a newer establishment so that's why it wasn't too crazy busy. Great specials-- $5 scrumptious bloody marys (garnished with bacon, cheese, pickles, peppers, etc) and $2 gourmet sliders.
Our sliders were a little slow getting to our table so the kitchen sent an order perfectly seasons fries accompanied with a garlic mayonnaise sauce. Brownie points! Our server was also very friendly and provided us with optimal service.
I had bites of the sliders (District Burger, Bacon Burger and Meatball Sammich)-- all yummo and the Mac & Cheese. I'd highly recommend it all.
It's only a block from my office so I'll be heading back there for lunch sometime or another Sunday Funday. They have great flat screen TVs, comfy tables/booths and was a great place to catch some Sunday Football.
Urgh why did I even botther giving this place another shot. Seriously the crowd is like I stepped into an episode of Tool Academy.
Excuse me sir, your Aqua Di Gio stings the nostrals and your blue striped button down is exposing way too much of something you don't have.
I really don't like this place. The set up is really weird, the location is weirder and the only… Read more »
Watched the Niners crush the Bears last night at district (10-6, what a barn burner). Of course that was bound to be a drag on my night. It was my first time there and I was happy to see the number of TV's they had and the good looking menu.
The food turned out to be pretty good as well. I split an order of wings, an order of sliders, and the Merquez flatbread with a few buddies. All of the items were good.
What I didn't like was that the food and drinks were on the pricey side, and that they had a pretty weak selection of drinks. Seating sucked also, and most people had to stand. The TV's were sort of high as well, which left me looking up the whole game and with a stiff neck by the end of the game.
The crowd was an after work river north crowd. Not my scene, and full of meatheads. If you are into that, enjoy. I won't be going back (unless forced). Maybe it was a bad night, but there were very few ladies to look at as well.
If you want to go out in River North, there are much better bars.
Thank you District for making Halloween miserable. I have been to District before and did not review it because even though I had a bad time, I thought it had some potential. At this point, it is a lost cause.
We were part of a wristband deal last night and it cost $20 for 3 hours of drinking. We thought it was going to be a great deal until we realized why they do it. It took us 1 hour (no joke) to get our first drink and by that time I had already gone to the bar and bought a couple of beers because the bartenders do not except the wristbands. Our group was about 30 people and I am not sure if anyone got more than three drinks from the waitress all night. So all in all, the $20 wristband ended up costing me $70 because we had to buy our drinks at the bar most of the night.
That wasn't even the worst part. I went up to the bar about 30 minutes before we left to get some water for a person that was not feeling well in our group. The bartender said, "Sorry, the nozzle for water is not working. You'll have to buy the $5 Voss if you want some water." Seriously? The sink was broken? The guy in front of me ordered a scotch and water and the nozzle seemed to work then. Since the girl needed the water, I had to buy it and I did, but I only did knowing that would be the last drink I ever buy there.
Checked out District with some gal pals last Friday night. We arrived around 11pm. I was most impressed with how spacious that place was. It had a nice bar area, but music was too loud to have any sorts of conversation. Music suggested we dance, but not many people were. There was room to dance so we did anyways. I like that there are loungy, couch areas for those who want to just chill and observe/try to chat and an open space for those who do want to dance. My gal pals and I stuck to sitting at the higher tables with the stools around them and just would dance in the area. One thing that was rather frustrating is that sometimes the DJ wouldn't play the best part of the song. He would spin the track and just as it was getting good, he would change it. Oh well, he played a good mix of 80's and current, mainstream hip hop. All danceable -- so thumbs up.
District feels very "high end, sports bar"-ish. Great decor. Clean. Comfy bar stools. Sports were playing on the many plasma screens and you got the sports bar feel, but it still felt like a downtown bar and not a neighborhood Lincoln Park bar with beer all over the floor. I also saw a gaming room on our way into the main part of the bar and I think that is something I would like to check out on a repeat visit.
They have $2 coat check (boo -- but it's worth it if you are coming straight from work or something and have a coat and bag to check) and the drinks are in line with downtown prices ($10 per mixed drink), but I like that it was not too overcrowded and they don't charge cover unlike their counterparts in the area. Can't really attest to the food quality, but for a place to go downtown on Friday, it was a just what we needed that was a change of pace from our usual locations.
I Went to District for lunch today for their $5 burger special (available as of this writing on Tuesdays). It's normally $12 and is served with grilled red onions, Bleu cheese, and garlic aoli (mayo). I ordered it medium and as described. It was pure dynamite. The brioche bun holds up surprisingly well to the sizeable burger and toppings. Fries were excellent. Crispy and well seasoned. Don't miss this special.
Service was great. I was worried when our very cute waitress didn't write anything down, though the 4 burgers we ordered were all ordered differently. However, she nailed it.
A lot of places near the loop offer lunch specials to drum up business, then treat you like the cheap a-hole when you come in to take advantage of them. District is not one of them. Great service, and this special is a STEAL.
Probably as bad an experience as I have ever had in a bar and I won't be going back to District. It is worth noting that if you go to a restaurant/bar (or whatever district is trying to be - they claim not to be a sports bar even though there are plasma screens everywhere you turn playing sport) you should probably turn around if there is 3 times the amount to staff to customers.
I arrived on a cold and wet evening hoping to get something nice to eat and was soaking wet. As soon as I entered the door I was asked did I have a reservation. I look at the completely empty restaurant and avoid the smart answer of "does anyone have a reservation" and say "no". I then wait while the host plays with the Opentable computer system as if she is organising the Illinois budget deficit. Two minutes later im seated.
I order the Lollipop wings and my server corrects me and says " you mean the Chicken wings". I look at the menu again that says Lollipop wings and say "yes". I then order the steak and frites and I get corrected again "you mean the steak and fries". I look at the menu again where steak & frites is written down and reply "yes" still confused why the waitress is being a smart ass with me.
The food arrives and it is just as confused as the menu. The Chicken wings are nice but you can get better (and for about $3 cheaper in a number of bars in River North). I wouldn't rush back for them in other words.
My steak & frites arrives and it is terrible. The steak hasn't been trimmed so there is lumps of gristle in the steak. There are these big lumps of tastless spinach on the plate and it smells really badly as if it should have been thrown out instead of being served. The garlic and herb fries are just as bad as the steak and instead of getting a nice sauce or garlic butter with the steak there is this after thought of a plate of ketchup. I ordered the steak medium and it came out very much well done.
I look around to see where my server is and she has gone a.w.o.l. I look to see if there is a manager around but I think he is flirting with the 3 hostess' that are by the main door. I ask a bus boy for salt and pepper and the salt comes in a glass tub with a tablespoon in it (if you go down that route surely you should have a small spoon so that a customer doesn't ruin their food by putting too much salt on their food by accident).
I force half of the steak down me, wait 5 minutes for my server to stop hanging out at the server station and then get the bill. I pay my bill and run across to Al's Italian beef as I'm still starved.
My experience in District was so bad I thought that it had to be a once off. I went back again and had a beer at the bar. After 10 minutes, one of the bar tenders puts a shot of Whiskey in front of me. I tell him that I didn't order a Whiskey but he says that he wanted a shot and that his manager can't see him drinking on his own or else he would get fired. I neck back the shot, leave and think that the lunatics have really taken over the asylum at District bar.
I've been to District a few times, all being work related outings. I will never recommend this bar to anyone, nor will I go there if I am paying for my own drinks. At $14 a pop, martinis are out of the question. As expensive as their other mixed drinks are, you'd hope to see some sort of a juicing machine with fresh fruit behind the counter, not the bartenders opening bottles of juices you can get at a gas station. (And what a WASTE of plastic!)
Maybe their strategy is to charge as much as possible to only attract wealthy and well known customers,. If that's it though, it doesn't seem to be working too well.
My biggest complaint is that the bar tenders are horribly rude (that is when they speak at all). I can't imagine anyone wanting to go there more than once. Don't waste your time with District, there are too many other options in River North that will not only promise a fun time, but save your wallet from being completely emptied.
Let me start off by saying I have a bit of an indentity crisis. I have the heart of an indie rocker without a collection of flannel or the ability to grow a beard. I have a college kid's taste for booze, but despise the Johnny Frat Guy/Susie Sorority Hookup club scene. I like music mashups and beautiful people, but feel like you should be able to talk over the music if you're trying to meet someone. And so I felt at home and sorely out of place, all at the same time, at District Bar.
a friend was having a birthday party here from 9-midnight: $35 (included grat) for all you could drink well, limited call, and domestic and some import bottles. Having just arrived at 11:30 (worked in Lombard, then hauled out there), I ordered the birthday boy and myself two shots of Patrón, plus a double-tall Captain & Diet for myself. Should've tried to get in on the b-day deal, as my tab was $34 before tip. could've had a V8. hell, could've bought shares of STOCK in V8.
Ehh..stopped by here the other night , and from the cool ambiance and hip clientele i figured the food would be good. Unfortunately, 'twas not.
I had the calamari with hummus - HORRIBLE. the calamari tasted like rubber and the hummus was very bland.
mozzarella logs - decent, but just giant cheese sticks basically.
fries - fairly decent, good aioli dressing on the side.
The brownie was not good and the chicken/apple sandwich was also nothing special.
The decor is really great and the drinks are good. I would recommend for drinks but definitely not for the food.
NEVER get a bottle here!! We came here on a Saturday night, the place was busy but not packed. When we checked in with the hostess she pointed to the bar area and said "you guys are the first couch in there" and that was it. We went to the table/couch area and waited 25 minutes until our bottle was setup. In the meantime I spoke with a manager and 2 waitresses regarding the inability to receive our bottle, or even just a round of drinks. On top of the HORRENDOUS service, the crowd was terrible, it was like a Lincoln-Park Depaul crowd looking to do something downtown for a change, so basically a bunch of young, un-attractive, not very fun kids....I will NEVER go to this bar again, and I cringe everytime I think about how I shelled out $300 for this place (well $400 with tip and shots).
Just a brief Friday happy hour there. Staff was friendly enough. Always seems like I'm the guinea pig for any bartender or waiter in training. Good thing though was I got an free Goose & soda because the barkeep messed up someone else Goose & tonic.
Anywho ... very cool circular layout and plenty of TV's for a game. Kind of a sausage fest when I was there so enjoy ladies.
Went here on Sunday night of Labor Day weekend. We got to enjoy some free Absolut Vodka drinks from 9-10 which was a pleasant surprise, and then I got a really delicious beet and endive salad....I thought it was delicious! It had blue cheese and some kind of candied nut, I think walnut.
My friends didn't enjoy their meals...one got the crab rangoon dip (he was confused and thought it was just crab rangoon and not dip), my bf got the braised short rib grilled cheese and I tasted it and it wasn't good, and our other friend got the turkey burger and he said it was just ok.
After we ate, we closed our tab and decided to go up to the bar area. It just really wasn't my scene. The people that were there reminded me of the people at Vegas clubs. It was a Sunday night and everyone was soooo dressed up. To each their own, I guess.
I probably will not go back, but that salad was really good.
I went to District with 7 other people for some cocktails and appetizers before heading on to something else. The atmosphere is ok -- we sat in the back area with the couches and foot stools.
The wine and beer selection were good -- the wine drinkers with us ordered the Kim Crawford Savignon Blanc and said it was outstanding (it was a 1/2 price wine Thursday, I think... good deal).
The food, though, was HORRIBLE. We ordered every appetizer, and each was worst than the next. The selections sounded interesting, but every dish had an odd flavor, a lot of times a smokehouse-type of taste. One friend who is a vegetarian ordered a grilled cheese. It was literally a hamburger bun toasted with some sort of cream cheese/chive spread that had -- not kidding -- a cinnamon flavor.
The waitress was great -- very attentive and nice, but couldn't tell if she was in a Halloween costume or if they dress like sluts all the time.
I would never go back here -- seriously, the atmosphere isn't that great and the food was so bad I'd consider it some of the worst in the city. How can you screw up bar food? They did!
What is this place trying to be? A restaurant? A sports bar? A club? After having visited the District the other night, I am still at a loss for what it is trying to be.
We arrived around 8 on a Saturday night and appeared to have taken them by surprise as the staff was all huddled at the end of the bar seemingly due to the fact that there wasn't anyone else in the place. Our dinner reservations were for 8:30 so we grabbed a seat at the bar and took a look around.
It's sparse ambiance was punctuated by an abundance of TV's which made me feel we had entered a sports bar. However- in the bar area- there are a handful of high top tables scattered about and lots of space between them for what turned out to be where people stand shoulder to shoulder in this place which made it feel like a club. The bar area is circular and has a few couches in the back to sit with friends.
At the front entrance is a large bookcase that seems to be incongruous to the space. Pull on one book and the bookcase slides open to reveal a private room with its own bar- good, I guess, if you were planning a private function in the space. I just don't get the connection to the rest of the ambiance.
We were handed the menu of specialty drinks and proceeded to try a couple of them. The mango vodka iced tea was just okay and the margarita served in a martini glass was sickly sweet and lacked the luster of a good margarita. OK. Back to my standard vodka and soda as I know they can't screw that up. And at these prices- you want your drink to be right. 4 drinks at the bar ended up costing $59. A bit pricey for sitting in what looks to be a sports bar. Or is it a club?
Okay. Now on to dinner. We were seated in the front in the open windows next to Ontario street. Great table. The chef (Matthew Moss) is from Blackbird so I had high hopes on the food that he was creating. Figured we'd get great service as there was only one other table of people eating.
We started with a couple of the appetizers- the mushroom flatbread and the crab Rangoon dip. Both were pretty good with the crab dip being the winner of the two. Big chunks of crab and not too much cream cheese. Service was a bit slow as it took a long time for the appetizers to arrive.
As for our entrees- we tried the Amish chicken served with mashed potatoes and asparagus (quite good) the hangar steak served with fries (also good) and the apple chicken sandwich (okay). Service was again a challenge here as we were not done with the appetizers when all our other food arrived- seems like a pacing issue in the kitchen.
Lots of bus staff keeps your table cleared and your water glasses full, though. The manager also stopped by a couple of times to make sure things were okay. But know that the prices charged here are what you might pay at a mid end restaurant with entrees in the $22 range. Our bill for 3 with drinks and dinner was around $220- not necessarily sports bar prices! Or is it a club? A restaurant? I was so confused.
So we continued to sit and drink and watch the people roll in dressed in their "club wear" which made for some interesting people watching from our vantage point. At 11pm the music was cranked and it quickly turned into a "scene" of 20 somethings out for a Saturday night. And it was the only time in the evening that I knew for certainty where I was- a club in the city.
The District is having an identity crisis if you ask me. It needs to decide what it going to be. And if the night I was there is any indication- my guess is that the kitchen will close and they will make it on alcohol sales alone. For the food, while good, was not unique enough to make up for the fact that we were eating it in a club. Or was it a sports bar? And the service was mediocre at best.
Then again . . . I doubt that I am their target audience. Although I'm not sure who their target is. Is it the sports bar enthusiast? The clubber? Or the person who wants a nice dinner out? Right now they are shooting for all three- and maybe hitting one along the way!
A new brunch spot in the River North area! Okay - fairly new to the area...
I met a friend here a few weeks ago not knowing what to expect, and we were pleasantly surprised.
The brunch menu prices were very reasonable. It ranged from $4 (for some oatmeal or something) to $11 (for crab benedict).
We each ordered the breakfast burrito. It was delicious! If you're looking for a hearty meal - and for only $7, this is your answer! It came with this unique salsa that really added some great flavor to the burrito.
It was also fun to sit at the open tables near the sidewalk and people watch. I will be back soon to test out the rest of the brunch menu.
The Restaurant:
District is as good as it gets! Whether you're the adventurous foodie or one who's taste buds are a little more conservative, this place has it all. Five stars for the experience and the quality of food.
The Bar:
District satisfies for all the right reasons: great drinks, hot crowd, awesome decor, lively music, friendly knowledgeable bartenders/cocktail waitresses, friendly door guys, great management and solid mature ambiance.
As we were dining here for dinner on a weeknight we concurred...yep District definitely gets 4 stars on Yelp.
I'm unsure if District is actually a restaurant, or bar, sports bar, new hotspot, nightclub, etc, and I don't care. The place (identity crisis and all) is pretty awesome.
The food and drinks are great. Every day besides Saturday there are some really affordable food/drink specials. Take advantage of those! It's a nice way to sample the menu and get the most bang for your buck. On Wednesdays, it is $2 Miller Lights and $2 Mozzarella Logs, which is like an enormous mozzarella stick. Their turkey burger is arguably the best in the city, and the menu is pretty extensive so you'll find something you like.
I love when restaurants open their glass windows/doors to be open-air. If you can, ask to sit right in the front, next to Ontario. It's great people-watching.
Minus one star because, like other reviewers have griped about, the music is really loud. For no reason. I mean, I feel like a grandma here but, does the music need to be that loud? At 8:15pm?
I would recommend District to the after-work crowd, the people that like to travel to bars in packs of 12, and anyone that loves good food!
I tried this place out last night with some friends. I heard mixed reviews from people I knew so I figured I would try it out myself. It was pretty crowded since it was a Saturday night but it cleared out nicely by the end of the night. We stayed until closing.
The drinks were very good and strong. In fact, the bar only serves top shelf liquors. When I asked for a vodka tonic I got belvedere or grey goose without asking for it. It was only $8 per drink as well. Not bad when other bars charge that for sub-par liquor.
The environment is nice. There were plenty of tables as well. The chairs are cushy and leather and rather comfortable. It is really fun to get a window seat and people watch since there are drunks everywhere.
Sure you have your typical douche-bags in attendance but it was a fun time. I would go again.
I've been here for both lunch and for dinner and it's pretty decent. It's a great looking restaurant bar, with a good amount of space and friendly and helpful waitresses.
Lunch review:
I just had their burgers and fries combo for $12, since many of their other sandwiches do not come with fries. At a lot of places, you have order a cooking temperature down to get your desired temperature. (Medium Rare to get Medium, or Medium to get Medium Well). I ordered a Medium and actually got a Medium like I wanted. The burger came on a soft tasty bread and some melted cheese. The fries are thin style fries that were lightly fried in a different type of oil than usual.
Dinner review:
On weekdays, they do a half-off appetizer special. Although we didn't intend to turn this into a "tapas" night, it quickly escalated into one. Of the appetizers, I really liked the mac and cheese one. There was a bacon pancake one, which is really pulled pork that was ok too. Mini sliders were about $2 and came with a little piece of crispy bacon. There was also a crab rangoon-ish type of dip, that used thin and crispy wonton wrappers as the "chip". Very delicious too.
You basically are paying for what you pay for, no extra value here. I'll update this review once I get a chance to review it as a "bar" rather than as a place to eat.
This is a great place. The layout is amazing. The drinks are unbelieveable. There are some very unique and delicious combinations that are reason enough to come here. The food is also excellent, the crab rangoon dish is so fresh and the chips are even a bit spicy. The sandwiches are a good sized portion and the prices are very reasonable.
Great place..can't wait to go again
I had a good time here. Decent crowd, lights were a little bright for it being around midnight, most places dim the lights as the night goes on...one of the owners bought my friend and I a shot, so that equals instant bonus points in my book. I didn't stay long, so I'm not sure how the place progresses later on into the night, but the hour or so I spent at District was fun.
So, we visited the District last night for the Cavs game, I have to upgrade my rating to 4 for the following reasons:
- Creative and delicious deconstructed crab rangoon.
- Awesome server Nichole who gave us honest feedback on the food and drinks offered on the menu. She steered us in the right direction with the Mango Iced Tea that was refreshing and Root Beer Float that was topped with pop rocks for a bit of elementary school nostalgia.
- Attentive manager - he came past to see how the food was and stayed to chat about the game. We even caught him on the way out with a high five for the win.
- TVs, and lots of them! I like how the TVs are everywhere and big enough to get a good view of the game. However, they are set high toward the ceiling so patrons not concerned with the game don't have to feel like they are in a sports bar only atmosphere. (But who in their right mind wouldn't care about the game?!?)
Still not a 5 because:
- Although the crab rangoon dip was good, there wasn't enough dip for the wonton "chips." I hate having leftover chips!
- Limited menu based mostly around bar food.
- No coffee! What?!? A bar/restaurant doesn't have coffee? All you need is a $30 Mr. Coffee and some grounds.
I'll have to give District a lukewarm rating til I can make it back for a second visit. We met up… Read more »
Went here the other night with a group of friends just to have a couple of beers and grab a bite to eat and I have to say that overall, I was disappointed. I think they are confused as to what kind of bar they are trying to be but since they have just recently opened maybe they are still working out the kinks. I certainly wouldn't make this my destination for the evening but would maybe pop in for a quick drink.
Pros:
Cool, sleek design
Comfy couches in the bar area, if you can snag one
Super cool "secret" party room hidden behind a bookcase
Flat Screen TV's that you can see from anywhere in the place......great if you want to watch a game.
Hostess, server and manager were all very friendly.
Cons:
Not enough seating in the bar area.....so if you're going with a big group it could be hard to get space....other option is to sit in the restaurant side....but feels a little formal if your just meeting for a few beers.
They didn't have a big beer selection and were out of 2 of the 5 beers they had on tap when we were there.
Food was way over-priced......the $13 truffled mac n' cheese that we ordered was literally only a cup full and honestly not that truffle-y delicious.....our friend ordered the Tuna Nicoise Salad ($14) which had excellent tuna but was also super small.....another friend ordered the chicken sandwich that came with fries ($10) and while it was sizable...it was still just okay....I've had better chicken sandwiches for less.
I tried the burger and the turkey burger - both are really good (and huge) and so are the fries.
If I were running this place I'd definitely fire the hostess who was busy on a personal phone call when we arrived and tried not to look at us until I just went ahead and seated myself. Still I'd go back for the food.
I was so excited to check out District, and I left feeling that it was all a bit lackluster. I'd heard about the patio, the cool "bookcase" room, and their laid back feel. I'm going to break my review down into areas:
Experience: 2.5 stars
The decor is cool enough, but nothing about it stands out. Everything is that typical modern and sleek, and then have this large bull pen area in the middle of the bar. They also had the token guy in the front checking ID's in the front with a checklist, which gives me the impression of District being a club more than a bar. The waitresses are all outfitted in these cute t-shirt outfits, but to be an upscale bar, they just sort of looked tacky. They also have this huge bookcase right when you walk in, but you pull one of the books down, and it opens a secret door to a party room. Very cool, but entirely misplaced given the decor of the rest of the bar.
We went here in search of a patio which they provide, or rather they open the large windows of the bar facing Ontario. It was a terrific way to enjoy the weather, and they sat us in a table right by the window.
Food and Drink: 2 stars
Our drinks were outrageously expensive ($12 for a mojito and $15 for Ketel One and Red Bull). They were good enough, but for that price they should have been out of this world. What else was lacking was that they didn't have a drink menu (or at least they didn't offer me a menu)... no house drinks at all. Unless it's some sort of house specialty, please explain to me why a vodka red bull is $15?
We got the crab appetizer which was pretty good, but the portion was really small. 4 girls killed it in 2 bites each. The rest of the menu is interesting, but I think "pretentious" would be a better word to describe it. I'm a foodie through and through, but some of the combinations they were offering in the menu sounded down right disgusting or totally unimaginative. A turkey burger with corn relish and bean sprouts or how about a beet caprese salad? No thank you. Truffle macaroni and cheese? Wow... what a novel idea... NOT! (thank you Borat)
Service: 3 stars
Our waitress was polite and friendly. She seemed a little nervous which is understandable considering it was their second day open. The wait for drinks was too long, it took us about 20 minutes to get our drinks, and the bar was fairly empty when we were there (more people working there than patrons). The manager or owner came over, but he didn't seem as nice after we told him we'd be waiting for our drinks and didn't be appear to be having the best experience.
Overall
Really, my review of District is a 2.5. It wasn't a memorable experience, but nothing horrifying or so off-putting happened that I can't say I won't be back. In comparison of other bars in the area (Zed 451, The Kerryman, Bull and Bear, Martini Park) I'd probably put them at the bottom of the list, but they've got some stiff competition. With some changes, District could be a better bar,
Five stars probably sounds like alot, but I honestly am really excited about District. I have lived in River North for 4 years, and its about damn time we had a place like this. I have been there several times, both for dinner and just for drinks.
The food, I think, is really good. For starters, its not your typical bar food. Personally, I hate eating at most bars because the food is just so average and unimaginative -- not to mention greasy. Then I start thinking about what their kitchens might look like and it really starts to add to my displeasure. District is brand spanking new. Everything is spotless. The menu is very inventive and has a ton of range. The chef is from Blackbird and it defintely shows. Both times I've eaten there everything was delicious. I was in a big group both times and we basically had a little bit of everything.
What is best about this place, is the atmosphere. Yes its a sports bar with the feel of an upscale lounge. I read some reviews and people seemed like this was a problem? If watching a game at a place that has a razor-sharp look, great food, and ton of flat-screens, and is also filled with well-dressed, attractive looking people and waitstaff is wrong, then I don't want to be right!
The vibe at this place is basically just higher-end than most places. Along the same lines I think another great thing about District is that it doesn't have that cheesy, touristy feeling to it that almost every place in this area seems to have. As I said before, this is the haven in River North that I've been waiting for for years!
I was also at a small corporate-type outing that was hosted in one of the VIP tables in the back. It was basically for drinks and watching the Bulls game. The area was very comfortable and we were basically surrounded by large plasma TV's. We asked if they offered bottle service (kind of as a joke), and believe it or not they did! Next thing you know we had a cute waitress setting us up with the whole spread -- bottles, mixers etc.. just like at a club. I thought it was a really cool touch. It had the feeling of being in a swanky place in Vegas or something. Definitely not your typical Chicago sports bar.
I recommend District to anyone who is looking for something a cut above the usual places in Chicago. This is the place River North has desperatley needed for a while.
P.S. They have Peroni on tap. Where else do you see that?!!
I'm giving this place three stars because maybe I just don't understand what the owners are trying to accomplish with this place. I couldn't tell if it was supposed to be a lounge or a sports bar. I mean there are a ton of TVs with every sports game on. However, there's awkward lounge seating in the bar area with one random chandelier. So its not even comfortable to watch a game.
Before I go any further, there's something that you must know if you're going to eat here. If you want "bar food", this is not the right place for you. The food isn't bad, but when I order "fish and chips" at a bar, I expect beer battered fish. I love nice restaurants, but don't mix the two.
Secondly, I have to say, the service was TERRIBLE when I went. I don't know what the deal was but my waitress was the worst. At first, even the hostess was kind of bad. We showed up and she said that they didn't have any more tables for the night because they were all reserved. She's like, "Well you can hang out in the bar area and check back with me every once in a while." Mind you, there was hardly anyone in the bar area at the time (which is literally 10 feet away from her post). So I asked her if SHE would be so kind as to tell us if there was a table free. Why would you not want more business for your bar??? Now the guy, whom I am assuming is the manager, was awesome and attentive (he's the reason for one of the stars)!
I just don't see myself going back here...unless I get a Groupon :O)
I agree w/the whole identitiy crisis thing but do'nt mind it one bit.
I 've been there a few times in the past just for a brief happy hour and decided to go for a girls night this past Friday to see what it's like on the weekend.
They had specials going on and we took advantage of them. Order 2 appetizers and get one free, best part, we ordered 4; got 2 for free.
When we first got there they had a decent selection of music playing and plenty of space at the bar. Challmar and Joseph were really nice people, she was very sweet and outgoing, he was not too bad to look at, did some cool bottle tossing which I have never seen and hooked us up w/some type of jamison shot (red and tasted great).
As the night got later, around 10:30 it started getting busy and the bartenders still took care of us . We had a really good time on our girls night will definately start to go more often!
The food here is horrible. We ordered 1 of everything on the appetizer menu and everything tasted weird and not good. Drinks were good but still pricey.
i agree with the other reviewers when they say district is having an identity crisis. sports bar, lounge or club? if they're trying to be upscale, maybe they should stop letting anyone in no matter how they're dressed (i've seen a few doosies.) anyone who thinks this place can compete with bull & bear is kidding themselves. that place is on another level compared to district.
i tried a few things on the menu and was sorely disappointed. i love crab rangoons so i had to try the deconstructed crab rangoon chips and dip on the menu. it was awful. i don't know how you get crab to taste fishy, but they did. the only reason i forced it down was because i shelled out $11 for it. and how are your small plates, sandwiches and large plates all around the same prices? that doesn't seem right to me.
my friends that ordered at the bar next to me waited about 45 minutes for two sandwiches. although their food ended up being comped by the manager, the bartender kept rolling her eyes and giving attitude ("there's nothing i can do about it,") when they inquired about the long wait, since everyone else's food was coming out.
skip it!
Great atmosphere for an upscale sports bar (competing with Theory, Bull & Bear; as well as other swanky bar food scenes like Hub51 & Rockit). But PAINFULLY loud. C'mon, really!?! Is this honestly necessary?
Unfortunately, that is ALL that is appealing. Saturday nite is already Lincoln Park Depaul sloppy drunken losers & ditzy bimbos with no style or class. If I wanted to hang out with college kids, I would frequent Lincoln Park.
I am still in my 20s, but want to be in a young professionals' hot spot, where people aren't a shitfaced mess, raucous, & American Eagle tasteless, spending on Daddy's credit card.
Perhaps it's like Bull & Bear... successful corporate types... ONLY during happy hour.
And even more pathetic....the food at Rockit, Theory & B&B slaughters this overpriced sewer ratshit.
A group of friends and I stopped in for a couple of drinks to start the night off. You first walk in to a decor that you may think would be a lounge type of bar, but then you notice the TVs playing every sports game that was on that night. Honestly, we didn't care. We just thought we would check the place out before heading out. While waiting to get a drink a girl turns to a guy (didn't really know if she knew him or not) and tell him she wants a drink. He pulls out a huge stack of $20...umm really?! This place is not a cash only bar, so why the need to flash your money?! Kind of pathetic, but whatever. We waiting a normal about of time to get a drink. But the girls around us were for sure desperate for attention and a free drink. It was around 9pm. As we walked to a table, a group of asian girls basically bumped us out of their way...again, how desperate can you be at 9PM!!! I don't' recommend this place unless you are looking for desperate, snob asian girls and a bar that has no idea what the heck it wants to be.
Had a great time here on friday night. Bartenders were nice and music was good. Nothing really to say about this place... nothing really special... just like any other trendy place downtown. Very similar to martini park... except not as fancy.
Had an issue with their valet company tho. I know they have nothing to do with them but when we went inside to solve the issue (since the valet people wouldn't take responsibility), they told us to get out. I guess once they close and we can no longer spend our money at their establishment, they don't give a rats ass about us.
In the end, I've come to a conclusion that if you hired a valet company to take care of your guests, you should take responsibility for what they do. Therefore, I don't think this place has the professionalism that they should have... but then a lot of places that sell liquor as their primary source of income is like this so why even complain.
Great food (try the pork wings and turkey burger - THE best in Chicago, fun people, good music, great staff... always a good time.
I am stuck between a 2- and 3-star review. Went here for a girlfriend's birthday and was prepared to be weirded out by the club/sports bar combo, but it was actually fine. If you're in the mood to throw back some beers in a ratty t-shirt and watch a Cubs game, this isn't the place for you. But if you want to get dressed up for a night out and don't mind sports in the background, District will do. And, I enjoyed my drinks - champagne spiked with plum vodka, hard to screw up.
So why only 2 stars? Our waitress was a HUUUUUUGE bitch. She gave us attitude for every request, from starting more than one tab to bringing me a glass of water along with my next drink. She actually brought everyone's cocktails, including mine, jabbed me on the arm and told me she'd "bring the water later." It was appalling! Probably the best part was when she stabbed by boyfriend in the hand repeatedly with her pen after bringing him the tab because she wasn't paying attention to us.
District management, if you are reading this - implement a staff training program immediately! I don't care how good the food/drinks/decor are, if your waitresses are treating the customers like crap and stabbing them with pens, people aren't gonna give you a second chance.
This place will not last for more than two years. First, the drinks are overpriced and watered down - a lethal combination for any aspiring club. By the way, this is not a bar. It is a club with flat screens. Service is indeed poor. Asked the oddly dressed "manager" to give us the shots that the bartender forgot to hand us and he ignored us. By the way, the 5 star reviews were clearly written by owners - where else do you see so many compiments to management???
I have been to district twice - once for drinks and another for food. Both times I thought this place was impressive. The drinks were typical for Chicago - overprices but what else does anyone expect in the Loop.. really. The food was Incredible and our service was top notch.
The decor - was totally different and really you can make it what you want. Chill, hang out, party, sports etc.. the DJ seemed to pump it up more as the night progressed and I thought the crowd was cool also. Good looking people etc..
The private room looks cool if you want to rent it out and there is a section with couches with a few big tv's that Im sure you can get a group together to watch whatever you want. Doesn't just have to be sports... Right?!?!?
Anyway - I was glad to see a new cool place and I would definitly go back to hang and have dinner!
I went there last Friday for a happy hour with coworkers and the place was great. Service was right on point and we barely waited for our drinks. Friday was 1/2 off raspberry mojito night with appetizer specials, and we definitely ordered our fair share. There were plenty of quality beers on tap and LCDs hanging as well. It was the first time for many people in the group and it was safe to say everyone enjoyed the food and River North scene. It's NOT your usual bar food either. The chicken quesadillas and mozzarella sticks/bricks were the best I've had, and I will be back to try the dinner soon. It's a great option for another happy hour especially to beat the usual packed places in the loop. There's plenty of space too with a pair of secluded lounging areas and a huge private party room behind the bookcases!
I was here recently, it's not bad if your there with a group of friends. Service was OK and the crowd was so so. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here unless it's for a special occasion.
Chicago, IL
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Irish
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Wine Bars
Neighborhood: Belmont Central
Category: Dance Clubs
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