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Guthries Tavern
- Nearest Transit:
-
Southport (Brown Line)
Addison-Red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 2 am
Fri 4 pm - 2 am
Sat 2 pm - 3 am
Sun 2 pm - 2 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
262 reviews for Guthries Tavern
Review Highlights
"I also like Connect Four and Candyland."
(in 13 reviews)
"Yes, they have Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders."
(in 6 reviews)
"...11 PM, so get there early to grab a table and a couple of..."
(in 3 reviews)
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262 reviews in English
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Review from Molly L.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Guthrie's might be the perfect bar. They have a wide selection of craft beers, a bookshelf full of board games you can play for free, and there's a Taco Bell just down the street for when you find yourself still playing Blokus at 1:30am. It gets busy, so brush up on your table-stalking skills or get there early.
All of this sounds great, but you know why Guthrie's really gets 5 stars? Free tampons in the women's bathroom. Ladies, you know this is worth an extra star. Thanks for looking out for us, Guthrie's. -
Review from Mariah V.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2012
A bar where I can get a good beer while destroying my friends at scrabble has to be great. They have a nice selection of beers on tap including some seasonal beers like Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Even on a Friday night, you don't have to wait too long until a table or some seats at the bar free up. Once you settle in, then you can play games to your heart's content. The only problem is that it's been so long since I've played some of these games that I can't even remember how to play, and then I feel embarrassed that I can't figure out a game that says "For ages 6 and up" on it. Luckily they have copies of all the games' rules in case they're missing.
The bathroom situation kind of sucks. A girl was doing who knows what in the one-person bathroom, and a line was forming. I took a peek into the guy's bathroom, and it was foul. So I waited and waited. Guthrie's really is great, though, because it gives you a totally different experience from the nearby Wrigley bars. It's cozy and great for some rounds of drunken Taboo. -
Review from Aminda S.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2012
My bloody mary here was superb. Spicy with a top off of Guinness. In fact, it was so good I didn't even long for the accoutriments that normally accompany a bloody - olives, pepper jack cheese, shrimp, whatever your heart desires - you don't need it. The drink proudly stands alone. And if a Bloody Mary isn't your drink of choice, they have a pretty decent selection of craft beers to choose from.
And who doesn't like games? Well, besides losers. And then there's the pizza which is clearly of the frozen variety. It really tops off that "i'm at a sleep over in 6th grade" feel - just hook me up with a sleeping bag.
It should be noted that it gets pretty drafty in there, so bring a cardigan or order up a Hot Toddy. Whatever it takes... -
Review from Aimee K.
1/9/2012
One of my favorite bars in Chicago... oh how I miss it!
In my opinion, you can't beat a night with good beers and board games. Okay, maybe you can, but sometimes said nights are exactly what you need.
This place is so tiny and you need to get there early to get a table. The bartenders are all fantastic, but the man with the long white beard is simply the best. Ask him for a recommendation, then try your friends in Candyland, Checkers, Connect Four and really any board game you could ever dream of....
They will let you bring in food from outside places, so consider that an option if you're hungry. I don't believe they have food, though I have vague memories of them maybe serving some frozen pizzas...
One of the best nights I had when living in Chicago was spent with three friends at a perfectly size table at Guthrie's playing Operation while drinking an incredible Pale Ale.
Go... now! -
Review from Tristan C.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
This place has some fantastic beers on tap - but there are plenty of other bars to drink good beers in the area, and they leave Guthries in the dust.
First of all - totally packed on a Friday night with one bartender.
Second of all - was charged $7 for a beer that everyone else was having served in a 12oz glass, but was served to me in a 5.5oz sherry glass because they had run out of glasses.
Don't think i'll bother returning. -
Review from Tyler B.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
Guthrie's has everything I want in a bar. They have cider on tap, a chill atmosphere, and you can usually grab a table (but the place is never empty). Add in all of the board games (I've brought my own in several times) with a nice variety, and you've got a wonderful oasis in Wrigleyville that is nothing like the surrounding scene.
If you're not a bar person, this is the bar for you. -
Review from Lauren V.
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Guthries! Such a cute little bar! Maybe I'm a little partial because the first time I came here was right after I got engaged :) Honestly though, even without the special occasion Guthries was a lot of fun and I will definitely be making a repeat appearance.
The bar is pretty small, we got there around 8:30p on a Friday night and it was pretty packed. Luckily we found a table by the window so we were set. They have a great selection of craft beers, free pretzels on the table, and a HUGE bookshelf full of board games! This was probably the best part-who doesn't love a good game while having a few drinks (about a couple more sets of Jenga though)?! They were also totally decked out for Chirstmas so that made it even more special. Loved the music, the atmosphere, the crowd-Guthries was just an all-around good time. -
Review from Lindsey O.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2012
I love coming here because they have 3 types of Belgian style beer that I love, and board games. Sure the place is a little divey, but I love the painted ceiling tiles and the almost home-like environment. If you are looking to get away from the main stream high end cocktail bars, give this place a try. Guthrie's is a great change of pace. The only thing I will warn you against is the bar is usually packed. You may have to wait for a table and fight with other groups to land one. You should be able to avoid this if you get there early enough.
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Review from Liz K.
Updated - 1/8/2012
Unfortunately, I have to update this and knock down a star. The truth holds about the board games and the beer selection, but I guess the word is definitely getting out about it being a good, chill place to go, because one waitress serving the entire seating area is NOT enough. We were there for a good 2.5 hours and she only came around often enough for us to get two beers - it was a decent 15 minutes in between the order and the arrival of our drinks. Nothing against her; I know it must be difficult to serve that many people. But Guthrie's needs to get a second server for the tables on the busy nights.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2011
The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me is because it's a place you definitely have to get to… Read more »
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Review from Anna P.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2011
First time here tonight and had a great time. We came early (about 7) so we easily found a table.
The space is pleasant and unpretentious. Patrons played board games at most tables. Guthrie's encourages people to order food in as they don't have many offerings.
The alcohol menu is not extensive but you don't really go there for that anyway. It's a great hangout place. -
Review from Katrina R.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2011
Full disclosure: my boyfriend's name is Guthrie.
So, okay, we had high expectations when we went in. The boyfriend had just moved to Chicago and I kept getting bombarded with "There's a tavern that has my name! No one is named Guthrie!". So we went. It was cold. It was a walk. You brave those kinds of things because you have to.
Surprisingly, it was really nice there! Great beers on tap, this really warm and cozy spot--it felt like the perfect place to be while it was chilly out. I'd love to see the summer vibe-- I can't imagine it's more perfect.
There are lots of old board games and the crowd is laid-back. New hangout? Methinksyes. -
Review from Amanda B.
Champaign, IL
11/27/2011
Boardgames and beer? Awesome. I was going to give this place 4 stars only because we came here at 9:30pm and there was absolutely nowhere to sit. Get there early if you want a table or you'll have to stand around for quite awhile until someone leaves. Once we finally sat down though, our server was really nice and always came by at the right time. The beer I had was on special so it was a decent price. Overall, this is the perfect place to start off on a long weekend night.
So why did I end up giving this place 5 stars? Because they have free tampons in the ladies room. BONUS! -
Review from Sarah M.
12/13/2011
i've only recently figured out that guthries is where it's at. silly me. it's unique but comfortable at the same time....i.e. you can sit at the bar, and stare up at the ceiling and see a (mostly) nekked lady. or you can grab a table and a random board game and order delivery from the tin can of menus.
stars all around for not being clubby, hipster, dingy, or wanting to be any of the above.
a+ for drinks, especially the winter cocktails, but -1 star because the bathrooms = boo and service was slooow. -
Review from Alexandra L.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2011
Board games! Great beer! Weird art!
Basically, a great little bar for talking, playing games, and hanging out with friends. -
Review from Calvin Y.
There are a few things I love in life:
1.) Friends
2.) Board Games.
Guthries is a great place to have a board game night with friends.
Over 20+ board games and access to a full bar? Hell yes.
Not only does Guthries have 1, but 2 excellent signature cocktails priced between $6-8: Rum Cup (loads of rum?) and Pimm's Cup (Pimm and Ginger Ale).
For those who are adventurous, try downing a few cocktails and then testing your hand-eye coordination via Cranium. Everything we sculpted looked like a hot mess.Listed in: Chicago Showcase 2011
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Review from Brittany P.
Chicago, IL
12/15/2011
Guthrie's is a local treasure. Good beer list, fun atmosphere, solid music (Bill Withers as we were leaving...so good) and a tall bookshelf of well-maintained games. A great date place or a group of friends looking for a chill evening somewhere you can actually hear one another. And you can order takeout or bring in food from anywhere. Almost every table was full on a Wednesday night at 9pm. Love this place!
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Review from Carrie R.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2011
GUTHRIES!!! Best:::Bar:::In:::Chicago.
It sits dangerously close to Wrigleyville, but somehow doesn't attract the Wrigleyville crowd, which is awesome.
Most awesome thing about it? You can hear your friends talk! The Tamale guy cruises through regularly, you can order food from nearby restaurants to be delivered, you can watch the game if you sit in the back, it's cozy, they have board games, lighting is good. Just an awesome place.
Guthries!!! -
Review from Laura E.
Chicago, IL
7/18/2011
Our bitchy bartender pretty much ruined it for us (short brunette wearing a dress). Group opinion pretty much went from people not being sure if she was being rude to a consensus of "she's a rude bitch."
First she came outside and went on some antagonistic spiel about how the bar was going to get busy later (cubs game) and she couldn't have us "taking over the bar." The bar was pretty much empty at this point and we told her that we'd "condense" if needed (we really weren't taking up much space).
Second she came over and was like "just do you know, there isn't table service and you guys will have to come inside to buy drinks." Given that everyone was drinking a drink, I think we had all figured that out.
Third, she told someone in our group who was at the bar buying his second drink that each of us needs to be drinking. We were drinking and most of us were on our second drink (8pm on a Monday night in an empty bar).
She basically just put out a hostile vibe and gave us the impression that she didn't want us to be here. Considering that we were about half of the people in the bar and it wasn't like we were stealing space from other customers, you wouldn't have thought she'd want to antagonize us so much. Also worth mentioning is that we were sitting in the outdoor area on a muggy 90+ degree day while the air conditioned inside remained pretty empty.
It's like...I get that you make your living on tips. That doesn't mean like you can look at your customers as tip jars with legs. Just because some girls put out after being bought dinner doesn't mean you could put a $20 bill in their hand, tell them to order a pizza, and get the same results. I'm sure she goes home and bitches about how people don't tip her very well and uses it as an excuse to hate the world. -
Review from Garrett A.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2011
Awesome bar, very chill and without any of the fratty, obnoxious people Wrigleyville is known for. Even on a Saturday night around 11 o'clock there were open tables. It was noisy but not earsplitting, you can actually have a conversation with the person next to you without yelling. My gf and I had a drink each and an order of perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks, and the tab came out to be around $17 with tax and tip.
They lose one star, however, for the utterly inattentive bartender who ignored us for 10 minutes even when all she was doing was sitting there. -
Review from Christy S.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2011
Im sad to give my old favorite gem two stars but theyve really let things go downhill. First off we grabbed a table and were planning to order food and there was a waitress walking around but she never came over to us to get our orders. Then we went to the bar to order food and drinks and the lady took our order then went and was talking to someone in the back and didnt come back for ten minutes, AND THEN started taking someone elses drink orders. We were like hello its been 30 minutes now we at least want our drinks and then she tried to give me jack and coke instead of jameson and coke which i know the difference. I confronted her and said i saw you pour jack into it can you fix it? and she told me i was mistaken. I cant drink jack...i hate the taste.
So then we decided to play a board game, well needless to say they are all grimey, stink, and most are missing essential pieces to even play the game.
Im really sad I used to love this place, havent been there in two years and I can see its a complete shit hole now and I wont be returning. -
Review from Bobby D.
Chicago, IL
12/18/2011
Not a bad bar. The clientele is pretty friendly. It's pretty old line, When it comes to corner bars. Even though the ceiling is quasi-modern eclectic. With it's unusual artwork, A few that are 2-dimensional.
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Review from Richard D.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2011
What a fun little place!
Bored on a Friday night? Grab a friend and play board games while drinking pints of Stella. Guthries, you have pleased me tremendously. -
Review from Kim N.
Chicago, IL
6/6/2011
I first visited Guthries this past November to celebrate my friend's birthday, after looking on Yelp for a nice bar with board games. I chose the place because of all the good points reviewers mentioned:
- Accessible location near Wrigley that doesn't carry over obnoxious drunks
- Large selection of games + good selection of drinks
- The ability to get almost any kind of food delivered from their big tin of menus
- Really chill atmosphere and good vibes
We arrived around 8 to have a surprise party/game night and were really lucky to come to a completely empty back room, a nice additional space separated from the main area. One of the walls here is decked out with board games! It was great having our own private party room. No one visited/bothered us (no waiters at the time so we went to the bar to order drinks). We played all kinds of games, took pics, played music, had some beer and their special warm winter drinks, ate pizza and Mexican, and all in all had the best time.
Everyone left expressing how much they liked the place and wanted to come back. Definitely makes a great hang out spot, so bring a date or your friends! -
Review from Joel M.
4/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Probably my favorite bar in Lakeview or anywhere in Chicago for that matter. It has a neighborhood feel, a great selection of beer (~10 on tap and ~40 bottled), BOARD GAMES, an outdoor patio (summer months), and a ton of character (look at the ceiling when you get there).
This is the default place I'll go with a small group of friends for a great time. It gets really crowded after Cubs games and after 11 PM, so get there early to grab a table and a couple of your favorite games.
Pro Tips:
- This place is in Tamale Guy's regular rotation
- You can have food delivered from anywhere (they have menus)
- Balderdash + Booze = Hilarious
- No waiters until around 9 PM (go to the bar for drinks)Listed in: Best Beer Menus in Lakeview
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Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011
I usually volunteer to go to a tavern early and establish territory for my group so that we have a table and no hassle. This is especially necessary at Guthries because it's small and popular with nerds like me. The waitresses don't mind if a lone person camps out at a table for 4 as long as they keep ordering drinks and I am happy to oblige.
Guthrie's has hit upon a rather interesting combo - booze and board games. It cuts the testosterone content of the bar in half. It makes Guthries a cute place to take a date or drink with mild-mannered friends.
There is limited spillover from the frathouse bars on Addison and Clark, so Bros 'n' Hoes drama is rare. Nobody gets rowdy, nobody gets mean, everyone's laughing and drinking. The worst you see is an good-natured argument over someone cheating at Monopoly. Guthrie's game selection has swelled recently to include some of the more intellectual/adult strategy games along with the Milton Bradley rainbow of fun. Settlers, Quelf, and Apples to Apple have been spotted there.
With cheap beer, drink specials and hot drink concoctions that made me purr, Guthries was a joy to occupy space at during winter. I can't wait to see how it plays out this summer. -
Review from Jess L.
4/11/2011
Guthries is definitely divey, but it is also surprisingly intimate for a potentially loud, rambunctious setting. You can pretty much make the experience anything you want it to be -- even down to ordering food in.
It definitely can get crowded, but I think it's a quintessential Chicago dive worth experiencing. Get there on the earlier side, if you must! -
Review from R R.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
Diamond in the rough.
I know everybody who reviews places in Wrigleyville says "I'm not a Wrigleyville type person, but..." but I'm really not a Wrigleyville type person. Still, I live here. And Guthrie's is one of my favorite places to go. Everybody needs a neighborhood bar, and this one is mine. People are friendly, there are board games, and the art on the ceiling is a pretty decent conversation starter if you're on an awkward date or something. -
Review from Jeremy S.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2011
Epic Jenga games go down at Guthries... Be ready to play on a slightly slanted table, which makes the game a lot more fun and more unpredictable
Guthries has a wonderful atmosphere, and is quite a pleasant surprise to have in Lakeview. I have to admit that yesterday was my first experience, and I could easily see how this place becomes packed most nights of the week.
I don't really like bars, but I have to say the atmosphere was really outgoing and fun here. Everyone was out with a friend or two, and they were casually drinking and having a great time.
I will definitely be back to Guthries, and I'm glad to know that it is here in the neighborhood. -
Review from Marvin A.
2/20/2011
Big fan of Guthries. Great place for small groups (if you can get a table!) to drink and play games. They have a very large selection of games on their bookshelves.
I recommend this place for small groups not willing to have their own home to host a game night. I also recommend this place as a place for introducing new people to your circle of friends, such as a significant other, co-worker, or just a plain new friend. The board games provide excellent ice breakers and the alcohol of course is the social lubricant. Sounds like a good combination to me.
This place gets very crowded during the weekends. You will probably not enjoy this place if you aren't very outgoing, uncomfortable with your body touching another stranger's, or just plain claustro. -
Review from Dana D.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2011
Guthries is an oasis of fun.
It's a week night go to for a low key evening of board games and brews.
- Local pub feel.
- Easy to get to but not in the mayhem of Wrigleyville
- Large selection of board games - most with all their pieces.
- Funky decor. Look up!
- Attentive staff. Table service (thought probably faster at the bar)
- Cool, friendly patrons of all ages. Need a fourth or another team to compete against? Making new friends is easy here.
- Decent beer selection and prices
- On the "tamale guy" route! They've recently started serving food but I'd, um, still wait for the tamale guy or order food delivered.
- It gets crowded on weekends, but just the right amount of people on a week night. People often come before or after doing something else so tables open up regularly.
- Back sunroom can accommodate larger groups.
- Definitely recommend it for: dates, small groups, mixed groups.
I heart Guthries -
Review from BD C.
Austin, TX
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bars that have board games are dumb. Stay home and play those stupid games.
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Review from Chrissy P.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2011
I can't tell you how much I miss having Guthries as my local. The board games, the crazy ceiling art, the back patio, the food deliveries inspiring your own greasy take out cravings (and ordering) - all signs of a great Guthries night. I can also say from perhaps too much experience that this is a great date spot - what more do you need than one good game of "Would You Rather?" to decide if a relationship is going to pan out?
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Review from Eden S.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Games galore. I went here to meet my friend for a greeting and was very happy to see this place packed with people having conversation and playing board games. How cool is that?!
They have a wonderful beer selection and the staff is great! Very friendly and inviting. The number one thing I love about this place is that you can bring your own food or order food from nearby restaurants...sweet!
Great prices on drinks, not to loud, and a relax atmosphere. Enjoy! -
Review from Nicholas W.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome!
I feel like I'm back in Northern Wisconsin hanging at a local pub. This place is excellent for small groups. But get here early because it gets crowded. -
Review from Owl E.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
Oh Guthrie's, you are a part of the neighborhood in your own world away from the craziness on Clark and Addison, or Southport. I do not have to Risk mood or see my wallet crap out at the end of a roll. Not another here today and gone tomorrow place but a familiar friend in a top hat, with a cane, car and dog (and a battleship too, very impressive). Oh, I love a place that is old enough to order a drink in its own place (tip of the hat to Robin Scherbatsky, major cutie). Classic first date place (go fish) because of the board games and chill location. Pleasant front bar with normal folks with a good selection of brews and spirits. They don't have Marshgammon but there is Jiffy Pop. Cool art work in panels all over the ceiling that gives you some interesting trips after you've had a couple of belts. Just don't turn over the Bower or you'll lose for an hour.
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Review from Krystal C.
Oakland, CA
1/24/2011
I was brought here while visiting a friend and we ended up spending the entire night here. She's been here so knew to come early so we can nab a table and have a better pick of the board games.
This place has an entire shelf of board games that are still in decent shape (considering how much play it gets). It's also got a good menu or beer and other beverages. I came here during a cold winter night and got a hot peppermint schnapps. It really hit the spot. We ended up playing 4 different board games together and it got packed really quickly through the night. Luckily they usually have at least 2 of each game so turnover was pretty good for the game you want to play. -
Review from Sarah B.
Champaign, IL
2/14/2011
This place is a blast.
I came here with a friend of mine pretty early on a Saturday night. The place was already packed. There was nowhere to sit at the bar and no open tables. We stood around awkwardly pressed against the wall looking like we were standing in line for the bathroom for about a half hour before a table opened up. Totally worth it.
Guthrie's is special because it's not just a bar. It's a place to go to play games. They have a huge bookshelf filled with all sorts of board games and stuff. Connect 4, Trivial Pursuit, Clue, Would you rather... so great.
It's not only a great place to go with friends but it would be perfect for a first date. Built in ice-breaker? Yes, please! Just make sure you get there early because the tables fill up fast and people tend to stay awhile when games are involved. -
Review from Chris C.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2010
Love this place. Even more impressive considering most of the frat boy drivel surrounding in this area.
Great beer selection, very relaxed vibe. The only place I feel comfortable bringing our own boardgames and nerding it up with some great beers in hand. Oh and you can bring your own food.
Definitely my bar of choice in the area. -
Review from gfiddy f.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2011
Fun, random little bar.
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Review from Amanda K.
9/28/2010 3 photos
I don't want to say why we came here because I think it might be a Chicago kind of secret.. and now I understand why. I was worried it might be "touristy" based on what we knew but I'm soooooooo glad it was not for what we experienced! We got there at 4 on a Thursday before a Cubs game - and they weren't open til 5... however the owner saw we were standing there at the door (we were kind of sad at this point for making it this far and trying to think of our next move) and he opened up early for us! THANK YOU!!! :)
the place is interesting.. definitely your local chill bar. They have shelves and shelves of games you can play with your friends! a ton of beers on draft and delicious sangria! :) The owner was incredibly nice and the bartender too.. talk about a fresh breath away from Wrigleyville.. and only a few blocks down. I never knew this land but am going to make it my staple now.
THANK YOU GUTHRIE'S!!!!!!!!!!! :)
