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Emerald Loop
- Nearest Transit:
-
State/lake (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Lake (Red Line)
Randolph/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, 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
174 reviews for Emerald Loop
Review Highlights
"I'm definitely going back for after work stress relief."
(in 31 reviews)
"Good burger, and AWESOME corned beef."
(in 10 reviews)
"They have some of the best spinach/artichoke dip in town."
(in 6 reviews)
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174 reviews in English
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Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2012
Piggy Mac was very good (not as thick and unctuous as I was hoping for, but yummy all the same). The bacon and pancetta and andouille saved it!
Fish and Chips are another "go-to" dish here. Nicely breaded fish, very flavorful tartar sauce.... -
Review from Christine H.
Irvine, CA
9/26/2011
We were in town visiting from California and wanted a nice patio area for lunch and great food. The concierge recommended emerald loop and even though we were slightly turned away from the fact that it was an Irish pub, we decided to give it a try and were impressed.
The chicken and arugula salad was fantastic with it's raspberry dressing and the shepards pie was good, not as tasty as I like and had to add more salt and pepper. The rest of the menu looked great though, there was something for everyone.
Overall I would definately go there again. We were able to enjoy people watching in a busy part of town with scrumptious food. -
Review from Michelle F.
Mission, KS
9/13/2011
My husband and his buddy stumbled upon this place about 4 years ago and it's been a staple of our Chicago trips ever since. Just to make sure, I was in last weekend to check up on them.
They have great specials, make a mean Bloody Mary (spicy, salty and generously garnished) and the service has always been top notch. It's a great place to hang out for a bit and recharge those shopping batteries. I'll take a Bloody Mary over a nap in the hotel any day.
Famous last words of the Trophy Husband: "I'm one Bloody Mary from being naked in the street." -
Review from Jen M.
Saint Louis, MO
1/10/2012
I actually stopped in for dinner on NYE because it was super close to my hotel. They were preparing for a NYE (free and open-to-the-public) celebration, but I still got a ton of attention from the wait staff. The food was delicious - I got a bison burger and haven't had a burger that good in a while. Add in a few draft beers, and I was a happy lady. My husband was equally happy with his selections. The place is a lot bigger than I thought it'd be, including a nice big bar area. Would definitely go back next time I'm in Chicago.
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Review from Hema K.
8/29/2011 9 Check-ins Here
Crazily awesome food and drinks here. The best part is they are open late till 2am. We arrived Chicago midnight and asked the concierge where we could find resto open at that hour. And their suggestion was Emerald loop on Wabash. There were a bunch of people still hanging around on a weekday.
Sandwiches were served with option of mash potatoes or french fries - super like :) of course i went with mash potatoes with gravy(ask for the gravy).
Not just another sandwich but more like a super stacker. There were 3 layers of bread and meat in between and cut into half. We ordered the chicken wrap, blackened sandwich and grilled burger.
Very lively and great decor. Good for late night! -
Review from Andre W.
Updated - 7/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Came back again yesterday and there was lots of available seating outside. We were able to grab a seat and enjoy the warm weather. Waitresses made sure were attended to, but we didn't want food as we had just come from the Taste. We just wanted drinks before we headed to the AMC. I went the Ralph C route and got a pear flavored Magners cider. it was ok, I guess...LOL! Like last time it took a little while for the drinks to come out.
Tip from the waitress: If you are seated close to the sidewalk on the patio and you back is facing the street, do not let your bag or purse hang on your chair as shady individuals walk by and will snatch and run.Listed in: Out in the Open!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/31/2011
Stumbled into this nice sized bar on Memorial Day around 10:30PM
They told us they were not allowing… Read more »
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Review from Amy H.
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Emerald Loop is your average "faux-rish" bar. My friend and I popped in for some light grub and a beverage.
The Guinness is nice and they have a few nice beers on tap. The menu is pretty average. My friend and I split the slider combo. The only thing that I remember about the sliders is that the corned beef was really delicious and tender. Other than that, everything was pretty forgettable. -
Review from Susan W.
8/4/2011
We were checking into the Hyatt Regency down the way & asked the front desk clerk where she might recommend for us to go grab a quick snack & a drink. She at first pointed out the 3 bars inside the hotel but it was a nice night & we wanted to go out. She gave us a card for a free appetizer with $15 minimum purchase. ( no problem with 3 drinks)
We shared the chicken nachos & they were great. Light crispy chips, nice amount of chicken. We ordered the vegetarian chili that normally comes on top of it on the side as one friend has a severe bell pepper allergy. I'm glad we did that as I thought the "chili" tasted like a funky bean soup.
Our server Holly was fantastic. Very friendly. Had all our drinks right, offered refills of water & other drinks at proper intervals.
Would go back there in a heartbeat! A very hip pub with a good looking menu including daily specials. -
Review from Justine M.
Chicago, IL
7/29/2011
Pretty good, many dishes to choose from. The service was very friendly. Food was priced reasonably.
The burger I got was unique and satisfying; drinks are also good - sweet so if you're looking for something a little stronger, you may want to ask for extra alcohol.
My burger had goat cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, mushroom aioli. -
Review from PJ H.
10/28/2011 6 Check-ins Here
The Vaughan family have done it again with another wonderful GastroPub. It's been open some time now and it still packing in the punters. Emerald Loop has a very nice patio to while away the lazy summer afternoons. The food is great, an extensive drinks menu and the staff are super friendly and helpful. The only drawback which I guess is a positive for the owners is that the place is always busy so getting a table can be difficult.
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Review from Gina K.
2/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh my heavens! I forgot what Chicago sized portions were like! Having been in London for a while, I got used to getting a few model-on-a-diet size courses when ordering.
The 2 of us ordered the combination platter appetizer and gosh. It came out with so much I didn't know what sauces went with what! Spinach and artichoke, popcorn shrimp, pita, bruschetta, chicken fingers and then we also ordered Buffalo chicken fingers. We finished maybe 1/2 of our order. Oooh the gluttony!
I don't know what a true Irish Pub is supposed to be like but it did remind me of the pubs here in London and their Beers on tap and in bottles collection was really extensive. It was nice to find a neighbourhood pub in the Loop. -
Review from Jordan K.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2011
If you are looking for a late night fix, the emerald is definitely for you. It's hard to find a place around the theater district that is open late so this is my joint. Decent prices for the food you get. Not the best food I've eaten in my life but I usually come here when that is the last thing on my mind.
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Review from Matthew W.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a pub with pub food, pub decor, and pub atmosphere.
The menu has a few surprises but nothing ground-shaking. The service was fast, contrary to popular remarks. The food was ok. Nothing amazing but not too shabby for a regular old lunch out of the office or laid back dinner.
If you get a sandwich, they cut your meat fresh for you. That's pretty fun. Otherwise...average everything. -
Review from Justin O.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2011
I've eaten at the Emerald a handful of times and have always thought the food was average pub fare and the atmosphere quiet (never seen the place very busy). The service is hit or miss, unfortunately. An okay lunch option in the loop.
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Review from H G.
Chicago, IL
9/26/2011
Stopped in for 30 minutes last Friday for a friend's birthday gathering after work (so about 4:15 p.m.). I would have never noticed or entered this place if I hadn't been invited.
It's conveniently located, not far from the Clark & Lake Blue line stop downtown. I loved the dark-wood decor, but I would have loved it better if the vibe was a bit more homey. It was pretty crowded towards the front & bar area. I felt more tables and stool seating would have been in order. Service was decent - plates taken away; waitress noticing my arrival after I came back from the bathroom; and everything arriving promptly.
I ate one piece of cheese pizza along with one chip & dip in the guacamole. I drank the "weed & ?" cocktail ($8.50) -- a mix of lemonade & sweet tea liquor. All of that got the "niiiiiice" reaction in my head. You can tell that this is a bar that's trying to do a bit extra with the food. The thin-crust pizza had a solid crust and good sauce. The guacamole -- served with what seemed to be very good house-made Mexican style chips -- had enough nerve to have a kick to it. More than ample amounts were served.
Definitely, it's on the pricey side for an Irish pub. The ambiance was especially LOUD. I could barely hear someone speaking 1 foot away from me. Yet that person -- a lady from Ireland or Scotland -- gave the place her stamp of approval. Also, she gave me the tip of signing up to Emerald Loop's e-mail list for much-needed discounts and a $20 birthday coupon.
Good enough. -
Review from Mike S.
1/26/2011
Ehhhhh.
I'm starting to wonder if the city can ever actually pull off an authentic Irish bar (see: Ballydoyles in Downers Grove as your template). Most don't even try. Those ones just slap an Irish name on and hang a Guinness poster on the way to the mens' room. The rest quickly devolve into Johnny O'Tooligans Irish Drinking Emporium where the decor certainly says all the right things, but the soul is lacking.
Emerald Loop is more of the latter. The decor is certainly nice, but I would see this place as more of a lunch spot instead of a happy hour or dinner spot. The place got loud surprisingly quickly. I'm not sure if that's a function of the music or the crowd, but when I was on the same side of a bar table, and still can't hear the person sitting right next to me, there's a problem. You could probably confess to a murder while sitting at a table with a cop and just have him smile, nod, and pretend he heard you.
The drinks are also on the pricey end. Three beers should not run a nearly $20 tab before tip. Emerald Loop certainly says all the right things. The decor is nice and classy, the beers are solid choices and the service is relatively prompt. It does everything right on paper, but it feels like the soul is lacking to this Irish kid.Listed in: Bar Review
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Review from Miike G.
Novi, MI
8/15/2011
Meh decent late night spot on a Sunday, when no one else in the area is open. Costly and not that tasty. Go only if you have too.
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Review from Lisa F.
Des Plaines, IL
12/10/2010
YUCK!!!!
I'm only giving this place one star because there is a no-star option.
1. Our blond waitress kept forgetting about our table. It took us 10 minutes just to get our drinks!
2. Our food took ANOTHER 20 mins and The curry fries are the MOST disgusting thing i have ever eaten.
3. I ordered the mini-burgers I asked for them to be well done. The same waitress tells me they come medium. I said well tell the cook to make them well done with no pink. Why would i have to argue how the hell i want my burger cooked? Plus they still had pink!
4. Unfortunately there were 6 and gratuity was included because we were NOT going to leave her squat. She barely checked on us and NEVER asked how the food was even considering I was not eating!
Find another place...save some headache time and try Elephant and Castle! -
Review from Greg W.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2010
I couldn't wait to get on here and warn people about this place. BURN IN HELL!
The day started out wonderful. Recovering from the night before, 2 ladies and myself were recommended here from the hotel we were staying at close by. Some drinks and good food were all we wanted. Apparently they had the "I hate my job" waitstaff working that day, and we were un-lucky to be served by a young blond waitress who only further validated the "blond" stereotype. Let's just be frank; she was an idiot. I forgot her name; oh that's right, she never even told us.
After waiting 10-15 minutes for our bloody mary's and my White Russian (the place was empty with only one other table there), we put in an appetizer order. Oysters and mussles, which were actually the highlight of the meal. If only we left after that.
Waitress comes over (nervous-looking), "uhh, wannanother White Russian?" I reply, "no thanks, I'm good." We continue to enjoy our mussles. 5 minutes later a White Russian arrives. "Thanks but I said I didn't want one." The idiot replies, "so should I take it away? I can take it off your bill if you want."
What's the best part about eating mussles? Soaking the juices and sauce up at the end with your toasty pieces of bread, right? "Excuse me, idiot? Can we please have some more bread for the sauce?" 10 minutes later, 2 cold banquet rolls arrive (there we're 3 of us remember). You can tell they were just pulled from the fridge--just awful. Oh and to add to that, when she dropped the food off at the table, we had to wait another 5 minutes for utensils and plates.
So we're putting our main course order in at this point. The menu sounds delicious. All of the items were described very well. "miss? what comes with the slider trio? The idiot replies, "Uhh, I don't know, they just added that to the menu today." So does this idiot think I'm stupid enough to believe that they added a menu item today, printed up 100 new menus and stuffed each one for the addition of one menu item?
Our food comes. I won't go into detail about the food, because this review will never end. Let me just say I will eat almost anything--but not this. I bet if I gave it to my dog, he would whimper and turn away. Dry burnt chicken, overcooked meat, dry everything, slimey turkey, cold brie cheese, undercooked fries; the list goes on. We all continue to reminisce about the previous night--we begin to wonder why we've been in this restaurant for almost 2 hours at this point. We should not be here this long.
The waitress at this point looks scared. She avoids our table and keeps walking by with the check (afraid to drop it). By the way, she never once asked us how our food was. Probably cause she know it sucks and that we would tell her. Did they hire high-school dropouts to run the kicthen? Because that's how it seems. All she said was, "want anything else?"
She was never going to drop our check. We had to call her over. We asked for the manager. Manager comes over and asks us how the food was. We explain our disappointment. She replies, "I hate it when people complain about their food at the end, why didn't you say something sooner?" "Well, the waitress was seldom at our table and she never asked us how we like the food. Additionally, we never even saw you walk by. We didn't even know there was a manager on duty." She replies in the most fake sounding way possible, "oh well I'm so sorry to hear that. Tell you what, next time you come back, I'll take care of you guys." This lady was not even going to comp us on the food. It was clear we only took one bite each. We had to ask her to remove the food.
There wasn't any other comps and our bill exceeded $80. 4 bloody mary's, a White Russian, Mussles, Oysters, and she still charged us for the side of cold bread.
I hate this place with a passion and I will actively tell people to avoid this place at all costs. I will be surprised if this place is in business 3 months from now.
If you want horrible service accompanied by dog food while watching FAT waitresses eat spoon-fed whipped cream at the service bar, then this is your kind of place. I hope this place burns to the ground. And if anybody wants to debate me, then bring it!
Love,
G -
Review from Melanie S.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2010
This place is a near clone of that other quasi-British Isles pub, Elephant and Castle; they should just combine these two places and call it Elephant Loop, you know, kind of like those mediocre bands of the 70s: Kansas-Foreigner-Boston that all sound the same.
I went here with zero expectations.
I wasn't disappointed or wowed; it was exactly as I expected - a menu that's kind of all over the place, a bunch of beers on tap, and swift service.
Nothing on the menu thrilled me so I ordered a relatively safe dish: the southwest chicken salad, which now appears on every menu from Cheesecake Factory to McDonald's.
The salad was okay, The greens were fresh, and there wasn't an abundance of dressing, which is ok by me. My only complaint is that the chicken was ice-cold, like it was sitting in the coldest bowels of the fridge for days, which -- let's be honest -- it probably was.
This place is fine for what it is. It's a perfectly serviceable restaurant with decent food at prices that are probably a couple dollars more than they should be.
In short, it's your average Loop sit down restaurant that caters to the masses.Listed in: Keeping you in the Loop, Stuck in the Middle with You
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Review from Jane L.
Philadelphia, PA
11/1/2010
Why did I eat here on a 4-day visit to Chicago!! Oh right - it was right next door to our hotel and we didn't want to walk more than 10 steps in the wind. Alright - this is my fault.
The problem with this place is that everything looked better than it tasted. The sampler appetizer platter came with popcorn chicken and shrimp (good!)...but pita but NO humus, chips but NO dips (with ketchup instead), and bread. what are those things supposed to be for?
I really tried to swallow more than three bites of my shepard's pie (recommended by our waitress) but it was just soo salty..my friends had better orders, but nothing spectacular. The burger was ok, but the fish and chips were a little hard. To be fair, this place is a bar and it looked like it could be a great bar - I just came here with the wrong expectations because the staff at our hotel across the street recommended it as a great place to eat Chicago food!!!! They must get some kind of commission for tricking the tourists...shame on me for not yelping it first! -
Review from Sang H.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like to go to the Loop after work with couple of friends. The staff is always nice and the food is good. One of the few places in the Loop area that is open till late in the evening and they have a great selection of beer.
The only thing that I may change is the selection of music, it is always so random. -
Review from chris g.
Things are much better in Chicago, but once upon a time not long ago, it was very difficult to find veggie and turkey burgers on menus across the city. Happily there are many delightful choices and at the top of that mountain is Emerald Loop Bar, just steps away from Trump Tower.
We've been to this posh bar a few times and despite the fancy bar and furnishings, it's quite welcoming and friendly. There are many things on the menu that hit the spot, but my favorite is their juicy and flavorful turkey burger, on toasted pretzel bun with cranberry mayo.
The meat is well-seasoned and cooked perfectly. You won't think much about the red meat you opted not to have. It comes with a generous pile of steak fries on a huge, rectangular plate. Take it with lettuce, tomato and raw red onions. It compliments the patty and then some.
I keep a personal, Chicago turkey burger rolodex and Emerald sits at the top, never disappointing. I think I'm in love! :) -
Review from Don H.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2010
After spending a lot of time in the same ol' places, we decided to jump on the opportunity to check out EL. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea because, as always, it's hoppin'. Not overwhelmingly busy, but busy.
One thing I noticed was the immense beer selection. We went on a Tuesday night and, again, it wasn't insanely busy but just right. The server was attentive and informative. They have amazing food, including but not limited to the mac 'n' cheese.
Great place to hang out with co-workers and get a meal on the outside patio when it's nice out. -
Review from jenna c.
10/24/2010
YUMMMMY!!!!!
Incredible bison burger and nachos! Just what we wanted! great service, great location, great staff!
It gets a little loud after 11... but that's expected in a pub. brilliant for post-theatre drinkies. -
Review from Robert S.
12/15/2010
I'll show my age when I tell you the last time I ate here, Clinton was still governor of Arkansas and the restaurant served Chinese food. I remember it was regrettable then, and it's regrettable now. They've done a good remodeling and scrub down from whatever this location's been since 1991.
I'll be honest: these obnoxiously noisy places aren't my thing. Crammed full of 20- & 30-somethings trying desperately to yell from three feet away to their bosses they're trying desperately to suck up to. This is definitely not the place you go with a friend for an intimate drink and dinner. It's just a pseudo-Irish bar on steroids. The food was barely above Houlihan's and Friday's in both fare and quality. The drinks and taps are similar to what you'd find anywhere else.
The service was the pits. I ordered water and a club sandwich, and--I am not kidding--the waitress never spoke to me again except to say "thanks" when she dropped off the bill. -
Review from Pamela V.
10/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
The food is mediocre but the drinks and ambiance are superb. A perfect date night getaway. The quintessential Irish pub. Kennedy posters in tact.
Skip the menu and head here for drinks.
Beer lovers, start with the Affligem. -
Review from Jade G.
Honolulu, HI
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Emerald Loop is a great place for drinks but probably one of the worst places I ate in Chicago.
The atmosphere is quaint and pub-ish with sturdy wooden tables and stain-glass windows. The late night staff was very attentive and welcoming.
Though their menu boast lots of tantalizing verbiage - the manifestation of these items leave a little bit more to be desired.
I ordered the mushroom and Gruyere quesadilla and a bowl of onion soup. I thought I had made two great choices but was rather disappointed with both. The food arrived hot but the actual flavors left more to be desired I kept waiting for Gordon Ramsey to walk in..
My waitress was very friendly but the food sucked. I don't know if its just the late night cooks or the actually menu but, the next time I'm around the Emerald Loop I'll be ordering drinks only! -
Review from Nicole C.
11/3/2010
The Emerald Loop is in my office building, so I've spent quite a bit of time here having lunch or grabbing drinks with colleagues after work. This is a great spot for both.
Some of my favorite dishes include the fish and chips, grilled cheese sandwich, smoked salmon salad, and the chicken sandwich. A little higher quality than your typical bar food.
They have a great outdoor patio with views of Trump Tower and the Tribune building -- a great happy hour spot if the weather is nice and you work in the Loop.
I hear they have a big St. Patrick's Day celebration - can't wait! -
Review from Jeff L.
Bloomington, IN
1/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a bar, I would add a star or two, but I'm reviewing the dining experience I had recently. A group of about 15 people on a Tuesday, no problem with reservation, got right in.
Let me start by saying the service was great. Delightful server, very prompt, perfect attention level. She even split the checks with a smile, which is a royal pain.
The food, however, didn't impress. Menu had variety, but it was a pub so fish and chips was the obvious choice for me. Wish I hadn't. The portion size was enormous (that's a good thing) but after a bite or two that didn't matter as much. It's not that it tasted BAD, it's more like it didn't taste like much of anything. Blah, no flavor, didn't excite me in any way. Others said similar things, it was decidedly so-so I guess.
I'd give it 2.5 stars if I could, but since that isn't an option, I'll go with 2.0 stars.
The bar, by the way, is a different story. Had a great time there later in the evening. Probably less about the bar than the people and alcohol, to be fair!! -
Review from Sarah L.
Updated - 5/28/2010
Emerald Loop has a glorious outdoor seating area. You can enjoy eating & drinking outdoors in the loop. I just had lunch here today with my husband. I had the Dixie BBQ Chicken Wrap and the Mr. had Turkey Brie sandwich. He loved his and mine was less than OK. There was a pound of cheddar cheese in each half of the wrap. I ended up taking most of the cheese out. Hell, I'm a born and raised Wisconsin-ite and I love my cheese. This was a bit much.
Service was kind of slow but I waiter was over-worked. He was running back in forth between tables. Poor guy! I would think twice about getting the Dixie Wrap. If you love cheese, get it. But don't say I didn't warn you!Listed in: Lunch in the Loop
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/21/2008
I have been here a handful of times so I think it's time for a review. I just ordered take out here… Read more »
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Review from Michelle C.
Chicago, IL
11/7/2010
Emerald Loop is a solid restaurant downtown. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the interior is spacious. I doubt there is ever a time where it's too crowded for comfort because it's so big. I'll be back for more.
I was actually pleasantly surprised after we decided to come here for lunch. I think it is a decent choice for a sit-down meal. I ordered the turkey entree plate, with slices of roasted turkey, a side of mashed potatoes with gravy, and steamed vegetables. The veggies clearly are of the frozen variety, but that's ok. The turkey was moist, juicy, and well-seasoned. The mashed potatoes hit the spot that day. It was the perfect plate for a chilly November day. One small gripe, the menu said there was cranberry sauce, but it didn't come with any. When I asked the server, she brought out a side of a sour cream-like concoction with cranberry in it, which is not quite what I was expecting. We sat by the window, and there was a really cold draft coming in, so be aware of window seats.
I've also been here for after work drinks at the bar and enjoyed it. There's a nice beer selection here. Bartenders and servers are friendly. I'll be back for more. -
Review from Brantley F.
Spring, TX
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nothing special, nice appetizers, and the ability to get me a tv screen with football on it from just about anywhere in the restaurant. That is all.
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Review from KELLIE K.
9/4/2008
If you're near the loop and are looking for a good pour of whisk(e)y, this is a good stop. As luck would have it for me, they carry Powers and there's no skimping. Cheers to that and the friendly bartenders that serve it up!
The beer selection is large and ranges from Bud Light to Goose Island 312, on up to some fine Guinness.
Hungry for a late-night snack? Try the curry fries. -
Review from Andrea R.
3/18/2007
Emerald Loop may very well be a very cool place for drinks/happy hour, but my negative experience is based on a Sunday brunch (which also happened to be the day after a very busy St Patricks Day).
We had a very large group (about 10 people including a little girl and a baby). I usually expect bad service in these situations, but not this bad....it took the waiter about an hour to take our order (after we tracked him down). Although the menu looked like it had good options for lunch/dinner I wasn't impressed w/ the brunch options, but settled on an omelet and hash browns.
We waited for our food, waited some more, and then some more...another hour later our food FINALLY arrived. Whoo hoo! By this point I was so hungry anything would do...including the cold hash browns on my plate. The omelet was OK, although I did bite into something hard that I'm doubting was a mushroom or green pepper. ewwwwww. I could be convinced to come back to The Emerald Loop for happy hour, but I don't think I"ll be eating here again! -
Review from Helen C.
4/22/2009
To be fair, I have been a few beers past coherent both times I've been here, but that's kind of the point of such a place, so I feel qualified to review it.
It's ok for an after work drink, but there's nothing exciting about it. our waitress was amazing at remembering everyone's tabs at the end of the evening. It is reminiscent of pubs at home, so it gets points for authenticity, but I guess this also counts against it for me, since it would have to be a pretty special pub for me to think anything other than A-OK.
Also I'm biased by my lingering hangover. -
Review from Matthew S.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2009 1 photo
I went to an Irish bar downtown during St. Patrick's Celebrations! Was I crazy?
Astonishingly, no.
I had just left the Elephant and Castle, having felt that the discussion I was having
a)merited more alcohol
b)would be enhanced by one more drinky. Or two.
c)deserved to be held in a bar
So, walking - this was the first place that we came across that was still rolling at 12 am.
The man in the kilt out front, groping his green haired Trixie kind of scared us, but we braved it. Again, as at Elephant and Castle, the bouncer was glad to see sober people entering.
It was amazingly empty inside - a nice crowd, but no where what I was expecting. We got a table right away, near the bar. Which was very clean. The crowd seemed to be mostly young (read 20/30 something) professionals having a good night out. A very non rowdy crowd. This pleased me.
I was surrounded by ambient Irish folk music, which kind of scared me. I thought that maybe a leprechaun would pop out and start jigging. But that never happened.
I was actually able to have a conversation at the table, without shouting. And having had several beverages, needed to use the mens room.
The toilets were very clean - even if there was some guy on the can having a full on cell phone conversation while doing a number two.
The lost stars come from the fact that I stood AT the bar and had to wait for almost 5 minutes for service - despite the fact that there was no one else waiting for a drink, and there were 4 bartenders behind the bar. Perhaps they were bar backs, and couldn't serve - I don't know. When I was finally waited on, another bar tender came up and asked us what we were having. We informed him we were served - and then turned to each other and noted "when it rains it pours". Beer was served in plastic cups...maybe they ran out of clean glasses because of the holiday.
Overall - clean, non-rowdy group of people, not too loud, lit well enough and nice bathrooms. I'd pop in here for a drink again.
I still can't believe I went to an Irish bar on St. Patty's weekend! -
Review from Kelly M.
Chicago, IL
2/10/2007
I like this place for happy hour, but can't give it more than 3 stars because there really wasn't anything that stood out about it. I didn't notice the drinks being particularly strong, and the waitress was a little slow, but it was fairly crowded and I didn't see many servers in the place, so that could be why. Full of groups of guys in suits, which was cool to me :)
I like how open it is- kind of minimizes the effect of the smoke and takes the edge off any claustrophobia caused by the crowd (but it wasn't overly packed, which was also a bonus in my eyes!). I had a piece of someone's quesadilla and it was pretty good- other people I was sitting with had real food which also looked good, particularly for bar food (someone's fries smelled amazing)!
Check it out for happy hour if you work in this part of the Loop, but the other reviewers are right- not really worth going out of your way -
Review from Penny S.
5/31/2008 1 Check-in Here
Amazing Guinness pour.
Very cool bartender that defends patrons from overly-served patrons.
Industry discount.
I approve.Listed in: WiFi for the Moochers
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Review from Carrie S.
12/31/2008
It's an average, Irish-style pub/restaurant in the Loop. That's my best description of the place. It's by no means authentic or mind blowing, but it does the trick. I came here yesterday for a lunch with some old friends in town.
Emerald Loop has a gorgeous interior of rich wooden accents and dark green furniture. You're definitely not at Bennigan's when you're here. For lunch, I had some of a combination appetizer plate that our guests got before the fiance and I arrived. The apps were pretty solid with the basics of spinach-artichoke dip, brushetta, breaded fish something or other with cocktail sauce. For my entree, I had the burger special. You can't go wrong with a $6 burger. It seems that they're the ones who took over the mantle of the cheap burger meal after Bennigan's disappeared. The burger was good and tasty. I had no complaints. Our service was good, not too pushy, but right on target for a relaxing lunch with friends. Overall, it's a solid lunch and late night spot for the Loop. It's a good in between for those looking for quality food without the downtown prices with great decor to boot.
