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Handlebar

4 star rating
based on 403 reviews

Categories: Bars, American (New)

Neighborhood: Wicker Park
2311 W North Ave
(between Claremont Ave & Oakley Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-9546
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Fri-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Mon, Tue, Wed
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Upcoming Event Nearby

Chaise Lounge

Category:
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood:
Wicker Park
Sparkling Sundays - Brunch

2-5p Sundays featuring design your cocktail cart and menu items including Sunday Mac n Cheese, Fried Chicken and Waffles and Morning Tacos.

403 reviews for Handlebar

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Smoked gouda mac n cheese, garlic mashed potatoes." (in 30 reviews)
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"A bit pricey, but the Green Meanie was delish and big enough for two meals." (in 38 reviews)
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"particularly their vegetarian chili cheese fries and the black beans maduro." (in 20 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Ariel L.

 

4

47

Ariel L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
Updated - 11/18/2009

I give in, you get 5 stars.  I had a grilled cheese with tomato's and a side of butternut squash soup last night.  Delish!  And Rach had Veggie Maduro.  No idea whats in it,, but that is some serious flavor.  And their beer selection is extraordinarily outstandingly awesome.  I'm not sure why I only gave you 4 stars to begin with?  I was wrong.  You've been gunnin for that number one one veggie spot and i believe you have it.  

I'll be braver though and try the fried pickles next time...

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/14/2009

    I am not a vegetarian, but when i want to eat like one and still enjoy my food I come to the Handle… Read more »

Photo of Natalie H.

 

3

21

Natalie H.

Arlington Heights, IL

4 star rating
11/16/2009

Hipsters unite!

This place has delicious vegetarian and beer options. I ordered the Buffalo "Chicken" and it was delicious. The mac and cheese was also high on the list. Many unique beer choices you can't just find in any restaurant.

The back outdoor dining area is the place to be on a beautiful summer day.

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Photo of Megan B.

Elite '09

76

125

Megan B.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/1/2009

My favorite part about Handlebar is the atmosphere.  It is cozy and hip all at once. I almost feel like I am sitting in a hipster's kitchen at a dinner party - and that's a good thing.  

A large amount of my close friends are vegetarians, and I feel that most of the places we go to eat when in groups are meat heavy and only have a few basic meatless options (salad, mozzarella sticks, etc). Handlebar is a perfect place to go pay them back for all that patience.  It has options to make vegetarians and meat-eaters alike happy.  I always get a few appetizers - my favorite is the cheddar grits.  The tostadas and samosa are good, although not the best I've ever had.

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Photo of Sonja S.

Elite '09

17

56

Sonja S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/15/2009

I had the best dinner! Fried pickles and ranch sauce was dead on.
The vegan ranch I can eat on just about everything; I dipped the rest of my meal in it as well. BBQ Seitan sandwich was fantastic as usual and I love the switch a more sandwich-type bread (sourdough?). With garlic mashed potatoes. I like my potatoes more buttery and whipped (vs the handlebar version which are chunky, peppery mashed potatoes) but that didn't ruin it for me. Overall very satisfying comfort food, which is very hard to find in the vegan world.

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Photo of David S.

 

29

83

David S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
Updated - 11/20/2009

OMGWTF VEGAN FRIED PICKELS ARE OMN THE MENU!~!! Even better than the New Awwleans floppy ass grease slices. YUM!

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    9/25/2009

    Vegan Fucking Bliss.

    Goose Island Sofie. Awesome!

    Black Bean Seitan Chorizo Nachos. Excellent!

    Buffalo… Read more »

Photo of Ebs B.

Elite '09

107

132

Ebs B.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/23/2009

I probably wouldn't ride my bike out of the way to get here, but I would definitely ride on someone's handlebars there. No need to sweat to get here.

The Tilapia with a Dijon sauce was solid. I loved the Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese and the Aged Cheddar Grits! The veggie burger was a complete miss for me (all the combinations together on the burger did not make for anything tasty).

Being a casual place, the atmosphere was relaxing and chill. Paintings of figures with lifeless eyes graced the walls (not only did I enjoy the art, I'm looking into buying one).

We went here because I didn't feel like being in a crowded pretentious place, and Handlebar delivered. Although the food is not outstanding (at least what I tried, but I've been told Brunch is good), it's a great place to go to have the taste of home cooked pescatarian/vegetarian food.

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Photo of Quantas G.

Elite '09

68

238

Quantas G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/17/2009

Definitely a great nieghborhood joint. It's complete with kitschy decor, strange artwork, sizeable beer selection, good service, and a menu that seeks to please. The black bean nachos were devoured quickly by our table. The beers kept coming and the vegetarian in the group was pleased with her entree. The dark lighting and the homey service will probably makes this place even better as the temps drop. I will be back to try some of the other items on the menu.

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Photo of erica w.

 

5

9

erica w.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/9/2009

If you are a vegan: get the Buffalo 'Chicken' Wrap.

If you are not vegan: get the Buffalo 'Chicken' Wrap.

Enjoy!!!

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Photo of Tom M.

 

0

12

Tom M.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
11/13/2009

I've had more mediocre meals here than any other place in Wicker Park so I quit going about 3 years ago even though I live right around the corner.  the last straw was a lukewarm catfish sandwich, cold fries and a really gross samosa.

The bikers can have this place for themselves.

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Photo of Sara A.

Elite '09

36

82

Sara A.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/10/2009

Five Stars, firm. And there is a lot to love.

In Chicago, its normal to go into a restaurant and order a vegetarian sandwich and all you get is a white roll, sprouts, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes. Or at least this was my experience. However, here, they know that it doesn't have to be bland be be veggie.

First thing I liked about this place is that when you ride up(yes, take your bike there), they have bike parking right in front, attached to the face of the building! Its pretty nice to not have to worry about my bike being knicked, since I can see it at all times.

Inside, the decor is funky, with stuff taped up everywhere. eclectic, but it has lots of stuff to look at, in case you get bored with your dinner partners. Like the bull horns on the wall(funny bc they don't serve meat!!!)

The food is awesome. And not pretentious. I dig the fact that they can make most dishes vegan, and yet still serve fish, all without having to offer gratitude.  They are blending 3 worlds into one! And its good! Real good. I got the Asparagus, Portabello Gemeli, and I ate the whole thing. Just the right mix of cheese, and oil with the veggies. My friend got the grilled Tuna steak with roasted garlic allioli. Seared just right.

Their beer/drink selection isn't as extensive, but good. They have Original sin, which is all that I can ask for. They don't have a full bar, but do offer margaritas.

Overall, the staff was friendly(and all dudes, which was really nice) and quick. Food was awesome and ambiance fun. I will be coming back.

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Photo of Mez L.

 

1

5

Mez L.

Weld, CO

5 star rating
10/27/2009

I see a lot of mixed reviews on here, but for some reason no one has anything bad to say if got the biscuits and gravy.  Maybe it's because as a vegetarian, I haven't had biscuits and gravy in years, but damn. That shit is good.

Nice enough atmosphere, I'd go there again if I'm ever to revisit Chicago. And I'd get the biscuits and gravy again.

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Photo of Edie J.

 

0

6

Edie J.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/13/2009

Really like the Handlebar, good food, the service was very patient and good.  the atmosphere was really nice, I ordered the bbq seitan, huge!!  it provided me with a few meals afterward.  Really want to go back.

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Photo of alicia b.

 

5

11

alicia b.

Lombard, IL

4 star rating
9/20/2009

Handlebar is a fun hipster type place.My gurl Candy pie took myself and another friend mini to get some veggie dinner.She had told me they had great vegetarian/vegan food and she sure was right.I instantly like the place just from walking in. I liked the server we had he was very friendly and gave us the attention we needed. I ordered the a salad with seitan chicken it was really good and I have to admit my first time eating seitan. It was better then I expected and actually crave it since!

Oh I almost forgot that all 3 of us got a really good blueberry flavored beer that was a delight!

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Photo of Shradha A.

Elite '09

79

458

Shradha A.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/6/2009

I don't say this often - but I wish there was a 2.5 stars! Or wish it was a 1-10 scale so I could give it 5!

The place was loud and noisy on a Tuesday night, making it impossible to talk!

The food was uber-bland and just not interesting at all - salads, appetizers (tostada) or sandwiches (tofu). I appreciate the effort at vegetarian food, but I wish they didn't make it so boring and bland.

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Photo of John M.

 

6

15

John M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/18/2009

I'd give it 4.5 if i could...

I'm not a vegetarian, but this place is legit.  Went with my 99% vegetarian girlfriend, and she was loving every minute of it.

I STRONGLY recommend the plantains and the Gouda mac and cheese.  Upgrading to these sides should be a no-brainer.  

Service was attentive, asked if we had questions, but didn't really get into a huge special-list presentation, which I'm totally fine with.  

They have a daily drink special of $5 for a Tecate and a shot of tequila.  Good way to take the edge off.  

Even if my girlfriend wasn't such a veggie, I'd be going back.  

Give 'em a shot.

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Photo of Anne S.

Elite '09

97

146

Anne S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/21/2009

I'm torn about how many stars to give.  This place is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.  But I should point out that I am not a vegan or a vegetarian, so I'm not particularly impressed by lots of Vegan food.

We walked in, and the place was pretty cute inside.  But then we went out to the patio, and it was great out there.  That is the perfect place to spend warm evenings!

We ordered the chili cheese fries as an appetizer, and they were delicious.  The chili was good in fact, that I ordered it as my side.  I split a grilled cheese with tomato sandwich, and it was really good.

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Photo of Sheebs W.

 

2

10

Sheebs W.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
10/16/2009

In their defense, I should have read the limited one-page, two-sided menu more carefully. If I had, I wouldn't have ordered the salad with "fried" chicken because what was floating around in the vision inside my head was a salad with grilled chicken. But when the $10 for two cups "fried" chicken salad arrived, I tried to keep an open mind.

With one scan of the plate my mind closed again tighter than a popcorn fart. No salad dressing on the side (the dressing already mixed in), the "fried" (I heard no frying coming from that kitchen) chicken was microwave-baked hard and dry, and the two half-inch slices of rock-hard complimentary bread on the side may be good for cheap dental work but ain't good for mastication in general.

I looked to my companion (he of the equally sad-looking seasoning-slathered "blackened" fish fillet, cup of lumpy garlic mashed potatoes, and unusually large ice cream scoop-sized portion of chalky brown rice for $13) and said, "It's like a meal some kid thought he once saw on a TV show and is trying to duplicate from memory."

We both agreed that although we haven't been to the Handlebar in a while, the food quality seems to have taken a drastic nosedive and the menu appeared to be whittled down to skimpy portions of food that are more constructed than cooked: cheap easy prepped sandwiches and microwaveable ingredient-rich entrees.

Even by vegetarian standards, the food is bland and has a commissary quality to it that, like most vegetarian/vegan places in Chicago, just doesn't jibe with the prices and no amount of quaint or quirky atmosphere will cover up.

The consensus is that this is the kind of place that really comes alive in summer with loads of beer foam on one's lip (slightly high) and after a sweaty bike (slightly exhausted). It's the atmosphere, not the food, that probably draws folks and made me a fan in the past. But that being so, it's also in a great location, has a great concept, and seemingly has a loyal clientele that wants to be given reasons to return, yet the menu is poorly planned, the food is subpar at best, and the overall execution of the menu makes it hard to buy their greenie-biker-vegetarian friendly shtick.

BBQ chicken wrap and grilled cheese of the same quality can be picked up at a Jewel deli counter and better seitan can be had at Whole Foods' deli counter. So why spend twice the money to get it at Handlebar for poorer quality? And why no experimentation over the years? I vaguely recall these same menu items from my last visit, but if it's truly greenie food love going on here, why no seasonal foods (soups right now, for instance)? Why no local or organic offers? Why no experimentation on the same level as they seem to enjoy experimenting with the decor?

If hipsterism is just the co-opting of symbols without any intrinsic value or meaning carried through to concept, I'd say Handlebar's menu pretty much sums up that aesthetic.

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Photo of Ben C.

 

0

2

Ben C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/7/2009

The only way to start this review of this hip, little, bike-punk bar and restaurant tucked away in Wicker Park is to explain that every person has a certain meal that is their utmost favorite.  Mine is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.  I get it everywhere.  It's my thing.  

So, when I traveled to the vegan-exclusive Handlebar and spotted a vegetarian version of this classic favorite made with seitan instead of meat, of course, I knew I had to try it.  Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the best iteration of my most beloved meal.  Hands down.  Absolutely incredible.  And that means a lot coming from somewhere who has eaten variations of this item all around the country.  This one takes the win.

The restaurant as a whole doesn't slack anywhere else.  There is plenty of wonderful table space, including some pleasant window seating.  The bar is decorated in the style of what can only be described as how Mad Max would have decorated a TGI Fridays.  The walls are lovingly decorated with posters and paraphernalia that looks authentically hole-in-the-wall without the smell of urine and passed out homeless at the bar.

Oh, and the food is priced just right.

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Photo of drea a.

 

0

7

drea a.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/15/2009

Buffalo 'Chicken' Wrap - Nothing else tops this in their everyday menu.

Their Brunch Food is great too, Biscuits and Gravy, mmmm, and their french toast, mmmm... they only have it on weekends though.

Dessert wise the Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie is awesome and I think there's only one other vegan friendly dessert, and it honestly never really appeals to me to get it (I think it's a raspberry chocolate tart?).

On the down side, I feel like some of their other vegan dishes, especially side dishes, are a little mediocre... greens, and the chili isn't the best, but you do get a lot of tortilla chips with it. the way to go is the fries with an extra side of vegan ranch.

Not too pricey compared to other entree serving restaurants, but it's not cheap either, look to spend at least $10.

Overall it's a great vegan friendly restaurant and I eat there all the time (solely for the Buffalo 'Chicken' Wrap).

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Photo of Kedar D.

Elite '09

50

375

Kedar D.

Minneapolis, MN

4 star rating
Updated - 9/16/2009

I had brunch at Handlebar and was extremely impressed with the options. Aside from vegan waffles and pancakes and tofu scrambles, they also had a "vegan diablo rancheros" ($8.75) which were excellent---spicy, colorful, crispy corn cakes with seitan, beans and more. The food was fresh and unusually sophisticated.

I'm still disappointed that I tend to be the only non-white person in Handlebar whenever I go, but maybe that's part of the game if you're vegan and in Wicker Park. Or Chicago, in general.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    12/30/2008

    I came here with two non-veg friends thinking it would be a good place for them and it was.… Read more »

Photo of Nicoletta R.

Elite '09

234

263

Nicoletta R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
8/4/2009

There's not a damn thing here that's not delicious.

Yes, even the Mexican dishes. Those tostadas are the real thing.

Handlebar's serving up the tastiest tofu, the sauciest seitan, and fried pies. The collard greens are not to be missed.

Did you see the beer list? You didn't? I'll be happy to go back with you to check it out.

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Photo of nancy f.

 

1

26

nancy f.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/24/2009

I love you, Handlebar.  Why I've taken so long to review you is beyond me. Probably because I have been busy dreaming of your grilled cheese sammiches served by hotties.

I'm not vegetarian, but am a pretty picky eater, so I love all the veggie options.  I think I've loved everything I've ever ordered except for some brown rice dish near the bottom of the menu.

Plantains as a side are to die for.  

Most importantly, the beer selection is awesome.  And, every server I've ever had has been phenomenal.  Bartenders, great!  I have many a great story from this place late night.

It can get crowded on weekend nights, so plan on a wait usually.  Not as bad if the patio is open as it doubles the amount of space.

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Photo of Karen C.

 

1

4

Karen C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/30/2009

I've attempted SEVERAL times to go veg but I'm a big foodie and I always go back to eating meat :(  However, I wandered in here by accident b/c my visiting friend was hungry and it is literally the closest bar/restaurant to my apt.  And this place makes me feel like its possible to be a well-fed vegetarian.

Its really really good vegetarian food.  the nacho's (with avocado) are delicious and have a little bite to them.  The chili cheese fries (and i hate chili, btw) were delicious as well and my friend ordered the black bean tostatas, which were to my extreme surprise, were very good.  i didn't even miss the meat.  one bit.  

My carnivorous BF loved the nachos & chili cheese fries as well when I dragged him here.  My roommate tried the blackened catfish... said the brown rice she ordered with it was weak but the fish was good.  Everyone at our table seemed to enjoy their dishes.  Although the roomie said her omelette at brunch (she went back the next day haha) was greasy.  good, but greasy.  Plus they have Ephemere!  They have a very decent beer selection.  Not huge, but good.  

Also, the first time I was there, I left my new phone on the table.  I went back an hour later and our waiter pulled it out from behind the bar.  thank god!  Oh, and they have a great patio in back during the summer.  highly recommended.

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Photo of Liz K.

 

8

112

Liz K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/13/2009

I'm a pretty big fan. I really like this restaurant but I need to try more things. I had the BBQ seitan sandwich. I think how seitan is made in a restaurant says a lot about it, because it can be complete shit or it can be awesome. This was awesome. It was delicious and the bread was awesomely toasty. The sandwich is huge and I was even cool with paying extra for one of the special sides. So I got the gouda mac and cheese which was fucking delicious.

Either way, I like the style of this restaurant and the people I was with both loved their food too. I'll be back!

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Photo of Leah M.

 

2

22

Leah M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/25/2009

Handlebar is one of those go-to's.  The food is reasonably priced and certainly palatable.
I'm all about the BBQ Seitan, which eats more like a pulled pork than not, and the salad with the 'chicken' strips - lovely greens and crisp veggies make for a great salad, pretty sizable too.
There are several lovely things on the menu, but this place excels at providing veg-friendly comforts as well as great drink specials.  It's hard to resist a good beer and some eats on the patio on a mild summer day.
"Reminds me of Portland," my friend said.
It just reminds me of moments such as those: comfortable, full, and slightly well-beered.

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Photo of t.n. t.

 

0

57

t.n. t.

Cook, IL

3 star rating
10/29/2009

Decent vegan food! Love the concept!!

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Photo of julie v.

 

1

9

julie v.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/24/2009

Y-U-M.

im not currently vegan (although i have stuck to a vegan lifestyle for large chunks of time), but i am absolutely veg-friendly and was excited to try this place.  

i was not disappointed -- the flavors and textures were amazing.  i ordered the black beans maduro *its one of the dishes for which you have to request vegan preparation* (it was a tough decision, but if there are plantains on the menu, i will ultimately gravitate toward them :)).  it was phenomenal.  it was crazy-spicy, though (the menu did warn that the sauce was spicy, but damn), and id recommend that if you typically like medium-level heat (as i do), you might want to request a milder sauce (because the kick from the sauce had me tearing and i had to take a long-ish break from eating and then eat around the sauce when i was able to get back to eating again.  sad, cause from my brief moments of non-pain, the sauce was yummy). since ive only ordered this once, i have no idea if its typically this spicy, so i guess id suggest erring on the conservative side if ordering this.  despite all of my whining about the spice, i would absolutely order this dish again.

other thoughts:
-its a pleasant walk to and from the blue line.
-it was surprisingly loud/busy on a wednesday night at 9.  (bear in mind that i dont like crowds, so if you dont particularly care, i wouldnt worry about it.)
-i was, by far, the lamest person there.  if youre at all prone to feeling self-conscious in situations where youre, e.g., the lamest-dressed (:P), steel yourself before going in :)

will absolutely go back (albeit shooting for an 'off' time).

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Photo of Christopher T.

 

0

14

Christopher T.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/23/2009

This place has some of the best veggie food in Chicago. It's a little bit of a walk from Wicker Park proper, but well worth it. You can always find parking outside, which is another plus. I highly suggest the meal of three sides, with mashed potatoes, veg sausage, and gouda mac and cheese.

On the downside, its way too loud in there sometimes.

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Photo of Matt O.

 

3

7

Matt O.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/14/2009

Great, vegetarian-friendly food.
Wonderful beer selection.
Amazing art on the walls.
Reasonably price.
Good music.

Tim Kinsella from Make Believe walked in while we were waiting for our food.  I had the buffalo "chicken" wrap w/chili fries and mac'n'cheese.  Everything was delicious, and I usually don't care for fake meat.  Overall excellent experience.  Will return soon.

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Photo of mervin j.

 

0

11

mervin j.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
8/29/2009

Why is it that whenever you are with 3 or more people someone always insists on going to Handlebar? Seriously this happens all the time, over and over, year after year. I have had so much bland food and tons of tude thrown at me over the years that i can't believe that I fold into going here from time to time.

Sweet patio dude!

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Photo of Mathew P.

Elite '09

33

38

Mathew P.

Dallas, TX

3 star rating
10/13/2009

very fun but very loud. Went here on my recent visit to the windy city. The decor and music are your average variety hipster cool feel to it. The food was great but not the best. I had the buffalo chicken wrap which i loved. I tried my GF mac and cheese and in no way though it was worth 4 bucks. They had a decent selection of beers but a pretty small menu. I enjoyed what i ordered but some of my friends admitted that the food was a bit too spicy for them. the waiter seemed to careless that we were there but in his defence they were uber busy.

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Photo of Millicent H.

 

4

22

Millicent H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/21/2009

I really enjoy the food, and that's not just because they get me drunk.  But it needs to be said that Handlebar's liquor license is a big part of its charm.  They have rotating specials, tasty brews on draft, and a decent bottle selection.  I've discovered a couple good new beers here.

On to the food: Almost everything is good.  I'm fake meat-averse (since I can have the real thing), but the seitan chili fries are pretty damned tasty with a beer and Cholula hot sauce.  The Black Beans Maduro, which is more "maduro" and not many "black beans," is probably my favorite dish.  I'd also recommend the fish tacos (the only dead animal on the menu), the Meal of Three Sides with smoked gouda macaroni, and, um, one of the non-fake-meat sandwiches that slips my mind at the moment.  The samosas are tasty, too. I've never had brunch, but they serve that here on weekends.

Handlebar will satisfy both your vegetarian friends and out-of-towners looking for local flavor.  It's a biker bar, as in bicycles, so I guess you could also bring any bike-riding friends who feel marginalized and alone.  They won't seat you until your entire party is there, even if the place is fucking empty.  This is a relatively new policy.  For shame.

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Photo of Mike M.

 

0

1

Mike M.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
10/3/2009

My meal: Blank Bean Maduro
The verdict: terrible.
Cheaper, tastier, healthier alternative: http://www.ricearoni.com/

The salsa was weird and gross, the black beans and rice were the saltiest I've ever tasted, and there was a flavorless brick with the consistency of some cheese/bread/potato amalgamation resting atop this pile of garbage that neither I nor my girlfriend was able to identify.

My girlfriend's meal: BBQ Seitan Sandwich
The verdict: wow, even more terrible, somehow.
Cheaper alternative: http://www.pupperoni.com

Really nasty stuff.  Indistinguishable from pupperoni using all 5 senses.  Enough said.

Bottom line: the food at this place is really overpriced and tastes terrible.  With so many better dining options nearby, there is absolutely no reason to go here unless you are a vegan desperate for options.  Don't buy the hipster hype overrunning this yelp page.

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Photo of Elaine C.

Elite '09

74

207

Elaine C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
Updated - 9/7/2009

You've redeemed yourself, Handlebar. Black bean tostadas with avocado and tomatillo salsa and fully tamale-style tostada = win. Extra points for the extra spicy bloody mary, too.

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    8/4/2009

    If the main component of my sandwich is avocado, and all the avocados you have aren't ripe, don't… Read more »

Photo of L L.

 

0

15

L L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/11/2009

I really love meat, I just like my protein, I do. So when I went to Handlebar the first time this morning it was me being nice to my Vegan friend, I do love veggies but I like to have meat with it. So the three of us split the samosas which I believe were baked and the flavor inside was really nice. They were a bit hard but I believe its because they were baked. I had the special for the day shrimp, spinach and pesto fritata, the shrimp was so well cooked, not fishy nor salty. Everything was yummy and I will go again for brunch and love it.

Hip hip hooray handlebar!

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Photo of Chris M.

Elite '09

6

77

Chris M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/15/2009

I was really disappointed that I was not greeted by a host with a handlebar moustache. Instead I was greeted by a funky, hipster with a mesh hat and long tube socks....alas.

I decided to try out Handlebar after I had heard some great reviews and I had a meat filled week. I've noticed that I can eat a lot of vegetarian food and never feel overly full unlike when I have a Kuma's Corner burger.

My girlfriend and I started with the chorizo nachos, faux chorizo of course. The dish was loaded with black beans and wonderful chorizo. The major difference I could taste was in the fact that it was less greasy than a ground beef nachos. Overall they were really good.

I then had the tofu fajitas. For some reason, I went with a Mexican theme. The tofu appeared to be lightly fried and accompanied by some wonderful grilled vegetables and soft corn tortillas. They also serve it with a green salsa which is a nice accompaniment. My meal was great, I cleaned the plate and didn't feel overly full at all.

They have a great beer selection and a diverse menu. I even had half my grilfriend's buffalo chicken wrap today and it was very good. Although, I could swear that the brown rice is identitical to the bag brown rice you can get at Trader Joe's.

My major complaint is that it was awfully loud in the restaurant. Maybe I am getting old and losing my hearing but it was hard to keep a conversation with my girlfriend. On the plus side, we were in and out in 45 minutes and we had to probably wait 10 for a table. The service is good and fast.

I would like to go back and try brunch because I bet it would really hit the spot but if you are looking for an eclectic vegetarian delight, Handlebar is your place.

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Elite '09

45

214

Meghan B.

Bloomington, IL

2 star rating
6/14/2009

This review is for brunch only, as I know from the last time I came here YEARS ago the menu is a lot broader.

But for brunch?  I'm just underwhelmed.  Maybe it's because I don't really like eggs, which knocks out half the menu. Still: black beans, avacado, seitan chorizo: I love all those things.  But for a vegetarian and vegan focused place, I suppose I expect something....yawn... not so.... yaaaawn...... nyeh.  (gum smack)  I mean really, with a menu like that, why come HERE for brunch?

To be fair, I'm not a huge fan of breakfast food.  So I opted for a sandwich, and went for the thing I make less often at home (a BBQ seitan sandwich) over something I make a lot these days (grilled cheese with avocado, tomato, etc).  Wrong move.  The sandwich tasted only like BBQ sauce, was way too big to manage, and just bored me.

Don't get me wrong.  We sat outside on a lovely sunny day.  We had a party of six and were happily accommodated.  Our server was super friendly.  Good beer on tap.    Great samosas and nachos for an appetizer.  I'd come back for the seitan chorizo and black bean nachos alone.

I know from experience their African ground nut stew and other entrees are worth the trip out here.  But the brunch menu which hangs around like a clueless guest until 3pm on weekends?  No thanks.

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Photo of Dan R.

Elite '09

32

83

Dan R.

Ypsilanti, MI

5 star rating
9/19/2009

The seitan chorizo nachos were absolutely fabulous. What is it about seitan chorizo in this town? I recommend you skip the avocado slices and go straight to the guacamole--also fantastic. Friday's drink special: tequila and Tecate for five bucks. Lots of great beers on tap. Very attentive and friendly servers. After one visit, I'm convinced this place can do no wrong.

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Photo of Candice G.

Elite '09

994

394

Candice G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/28/2009

3.75 stars as a restaurant but 4.75 stars as a vegan/veggie/seafood restaurant.

Really, there should be different scales. I just got back from dinner here with my two lovely lady friends and had a pretty damn good time. We got the darkhorse raspberry beer- I loved it! Not sweet and not dark- perfect! I was quite impressed with their unique beer selection none of that mgd and bud crap. They also have drink specials every day- veddy nize (Borat voice).

We got the nachos as an appetizers and I wasn't a huge fan on the topping ratio... LOTS of beans, one 2 oz cup partially filled with sour cream, no salsa unless requested, and not much (portion wise) of anything else. Still good but I would defo get the chili cheese fries next time.

For dinner I got the green meanie with the smoked gouda mac and cheese. The meanie was veddy nize and veddy big. The smoked gouda mac and cheese was DELISH and huge as far as a "side" goes. Next time I'm getting the grilled cheese though... just crazing one on this cloudy day... maybe with avocado for a nominal extra $1.50. Both of my friends got the fried "chicken" salad... I tried it and thought it was fabu as well.

For dessert we got the apple crisp... I thought it was good but not fab. Next time I'll get the PB&J pies or the plantains foster.

So maybe my first time there was more a learning experience. I now know what kind of direction to take the next time I go and order and I defo plan on going back on a sunny day so I can enjoy their beer garden.

PS- parking is a breeze here- SaWeet!

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6

TK K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/19/2009

My second visit to Handlebar took place last week.  I had the black bean tostados-vegan style.  This was the tastiest lunch I have had in ages!  It was so delicious I wanted to learn how to make it and eat it everyday.  
The interior has a casual, rock and roll vibe.  One could imagine the Grateful Dead hanging out here.  During my first visit, I enjoyed the samosas, which were also delectable.
Having been a vegetarian for seven years, I recently became a vegan.  Vegetarians, vegans and meat lovers unite!  This place is dynamite!

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