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Nisei Lounge
- Nearest Transit:
-
Addison-Red (Red Line)
Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Southport (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 4 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 3 am
Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- 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
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
76 reviews for Nisei Lounge
Review Highlights
"TVs, pool table and an awesome jukebox."
(in 13 reviews)
"...also has pool tables and dart boards for your competitive..."
(in 10 reviews)
"friendly bartenders and regulars."
(in 15 reviews)
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76 reviews in English
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Review from Kelly D.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2010
Well let me tell you, was at Nisei a few weeks ago and had a blast. It totally reminds me of one of my favorite places in college.
There are a few places in Wrigley where the staff is just super cool and Nisei's staff is better than all of them.
Just an awesome place. -
Review from Arlene A.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really like this place, the jukebox is awesome, there's loads of room to play darts as well as to shoot pool. We recently came here for birthday drinks for a friend, and had such a terrific time. The atmosphere is divey for sure, but does everything need to be a bougie affair? This bar reminds me of all the divey bars I've loved before in life before Chicago, and I'm glad it's here.
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Review from Taylor M.
8/17/2011
I came here pretty plate on a Thursday night. Nearby street parking was easy to find. The bar was dead other than my friends and I that were sitting at the bar. The bar is really chill with reasonably priced drinks. Not exactly a place I am dying to go back to since it was pretty uneventful. But you can't beat cheap drinks.
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Review from Damian C.
10/18/2010
I like you, Nisei.
You remind me of my favorite college bar. Minus an overwhelming 18-22 population. And your bathrooms are much cleaner. And there isn't as much writing on the wall. However, I did see one number in case I wanted to "get lucky at 3:15PM" (I wiped it off, though. I didn't want anyone else sharing in my new discovery).
Your staff is friendly and actually socialized with the patrons. Not that I want to spill my life story to bartenders (even though I usually do after a few more than I need), but it's nice to know that you not only make strong drinks but also have a kind heart.
And what a soundtrack! "Sweet Freedom" by Michael McDonald? It may not be everyone's party song but sign me up as a HUGE FAN.
And your cheap. Not like my college roommate... but easy on the wallet.
P.S. Thanks for letting us play beer pong. You're now my new friend. Yay! See you soon.Listed in: The Hoppin' 'Hoods of Lakeview…
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Review from Dustin W.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville has to be one of the best Dive-tastic finds I never knew existed before Chicago Craft beer week. There is no better way to sum Nisei up other than modernized super divey, sort of hip, yet not overpowering in your face you dont belong in our neighborhood bar kinda way. I felt extremely comfortable at Nisei and the extremely pleasant long-haired bartender/manger/owner? immediately welcomed me in and made me feel right at home. Considering I had my golf clothes on from the morning round I just finished up, I had to look like a complete patzer inside this warm dive, and he made no issue or jokes about my inappropriate attire (not-pretentious, I like that). The next thing I really appreciated was his ability to manage all of his patrons while still making time to explain his establishment, a little history, and his philosophy on why, what, when he taps his kegs (or stores for later). While listening I became captivated by the glowing blue Nissei neon sign that reminded me a lot of my old San Diego favorite Pacific Shores in Ocean Beach. Given the nostalgia and time of day, I selected the Lagunitas new dogtown pale, tight and crisp, not uber-hopped like most lagunitas, but no warm-fizzzy beer lovers bev-o-choice either.
Of course to satisfy the true hipsters out their, Nisei stocks a healthy quantity of $4 Old Style and Schlitz Tall Boys. I was also impressed that of all beers I would expect, they also pour Sapporo, not exactly a beer you find on tap somewhere that doesnt have a kitchen or serve it "Bomb" style alongside a vision-bending sake that reminds you oh so much of Everclear.
Nisei lounge is a great off the beaten path gem in Wrigleyville. Well worth the easy stroll of Clark street, head over to Nisei the next time someone wants you to meet up in Wrigleyville but you just cant handle all the douchey fratters and fighters.
A few highlight I pulled from the website:
http://www.niseilounge...
Monday & Tuesday $2 Can of the Month, $3 Well Drinks
*** Plus free pool all night long on Tuesdays***
*Bingo Wednesday
$15 Domestic Buckets
*Thursday
Nisei Lounge host guest bartenders for charity every Thursday night. A great way to raise money for a good cause while your friends tip you while they drink.
$4 Fancy Beers, $4 Charity Cocktails
*80's Friday
Nisei Lounge has Wrigleyville's only dedicated night to music from the 80's. $3 Mickeys Big Mouth, $5 Vodka Cocktails -
Review from Craig B.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2009 ROTD 7/26/2009
News Item:
Chicago, IL (July 11, 2009)- The Nisei Lounge's burial has now officially taken longer than that of James Brown. While never claiming to be the "Hardest Working Bar in Wrigleyville", Nisei is nevertheless proud of this achievement. Ever since the announcement of the Nisei's demise many yelpers have bemoaned its loss, not realizing that it is still open.
"We have worked hard at appearing dead for a year now" stated bar regular Ronnie R. (who asked that only his last initial be used for this story), "By carefully keeping the lights low, refusing to update anything, and never having more than two patrons in the bar at a time, we have fooled hundreds of people into walking by." The recent addition of a color television concerned Mr. R that it may give the appearance of life until he realized most patrons were unable to lift their heads from the bar to notice its existence.
In this reporter's opinion the Nisei's burial should continue indefinitely.Listed in: Beer Sign Bars
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Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2009
I'm going to be completely honest. If Ronnie didn't have a fantastic party here, I probably would have never come to Nisei. The drinks are super cheap, the bartenders are super nice and the bar is a friendly and happy place. Come with a group of friends for a casual and fun drinking night.
The only problem with super cheap drinks is that they go down really fast. Holy Hangover. -
Review from Mary T.
1/18/2009
Douche-free bars in Wrigleyville? They really do exist!
You know those girls* who like insanely priced frouffy drinks; preferably places with a long list of made-up martinis and other silly drinks? Well, I'm not one of them.
You know those girls* who carry handbags the size of Texas and dogs the size of a cell phone? I'm not one of them.
You know those girls* who get dressed to the nine's to hang out in bars like The Apartment, enclave or Barleycorn's? Yep, you guessed it, I'm not one of them either. Seriously, if I could get away with going out in my sweatpants I would in a heartbeat!
Put me in any bar and I can be happy as long as they have these 5 things:
1) Reasonably priced drinks
2) Beer and/or hard cider, vodka, and real grapefruit juice (not the fake crap)
3) A reasonably low number of chads and trixies. Too many and I want to slit my wrists with a rusty butter knife!
4) Good tunes, but not too loud; I shouldn't have to scream in order to have a conversation.
5) No dress code, line to get in, or cover charge
This is why Nisei and I were destined to meet. So, thank you Ronnie for introducing us!
Nisei is nothing fancy, just a simple bar; an anomaly really for Wrigleyville. Pool, real darts, a few TV's, plenty of booze, and reasonably priced drinks. Nisei, is the perfect place to settle in and do some serious drinking on a cold winter's evening. And that's just what I did.
Thanks Nisei for the good times with my fellow Yelpers! Hopefully, I'll be seeing you again soon.
TIP: It's cash only, but there are plenty of ATM's nearby.
* No offense intended ladies, I'm sure you're very nice. I have a few friends that fall into this category, but it's just not my style and never will be. You can keep bars like The Apartment, I'll take Nisei. -
Review from John B.
7/10/2007 ROTD 8/27/2007
It's a long time since there's been anything Nisei about Nisei Lounge. Ask Alice S -- her dad and uncles used to drink here when it truly was a Nisei hangout.
On the other hand, I have a different definition of "dive" than my fellow Yelpers. I told a non-Yelp friend that we were meeting up here, and she seemed surprised. "It's kind of a pit."
Pit? Dive? Nisei is nice, comfortable neighborhood bar. Nothing glamorous, but nothing divey. Of course, I don't think Simon's is a dive, and Simon's makes this place look like the Four Seasons. L&L is a dive. Friar Tuck is a dive. Different Strokes was a dive. Now that it's Sofo, it's a nice, comfortable neighborhood bar.
But I digress.
Nisei is just what you want in a corner bar (even though it's not on a corner). Good selection of beers on tap, PBR if that's your idea of cool, a couple of pool tables and a rockin' juke box. Smart, friendly, and attentive bar staff. (If I was Joe Biden, I'd call them "clean.") Couple of TVs, good selection of regulars. A good place to hang out if you don't care about "the scene."
After we closed Nisei, I walked out onto Clark Street to catch a cab and was hit in the face with cold reality. Drunken 12 year olds walking down the middle of the street trying to hail cabs. Oh, that's right, we're in Wrigleyville! It is to Nisei's credit that it allowed me to forget that.Listed in: Drinks for Drunkie, The Best of Me
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Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
5/4/2008
Well, is anyone SURPRISED this place is closing?
It's the unique, loner, individual in a sea of sports bars. It just doesn't "go" in Wrigleyville, and I'm sure it has a hard time hanging with the "cool kids."
Alas, this review is far too late, as I really did enjoy this spot. Despite the odd lighting, it was actually somewhere I would go to Wrigleyville for, and that is saying quite a bit.
So, ta-ta Nisei. It was nice to meet you, and so long. Better to go out in style than conform to fit in, tis what I think. -
Review from Jelena Z.
7/14/2008 9 Check-ins Here
Meet my new friend, Nisei Lounge.
Good selection of ice cold brews? Check.
Attentive bartender? Check.
Casual, mellow feel? Check.
Easy conversation with unassuming patrons? Check.
The very antithesis to a typical Wrigleyville bar yet somehow thrives in the belly of the beast? CHECK.
Plus I can walk to and fro (okay, at least "to"). Check. -
Review from Jerry M.
Chicago, IL
6/22/2008
Nisei appears to be among a dying breed of bars, or in Wrigleyville at the very least. Situated just south of the Cub's ivy confines, it seems to miss the drunken debauchery that's so prevalent amid the strip of bars on Clark and Sheffield on game days. I went there after a game, and on the way I was dodging drunk men who were leering at me rather comically (side note: why do men only hit on me when they're three sheets to the wind? Am I really that unattractive?). I was worried that Nisei would be overfilled with the same, but to my relief, it was the same mellow place to get a beer and conversation.
The charm of this place lies in the fact that I've been to this bar less than a handful of times over a span of a year and the regulars and bartenders remember me and welcome me like an old friend and a regular. Seriously? I don't even get this at my regular coffeeshop where I've been a loyal customer for years. It's time to trade my daily coffee in for a daily Old Style. Too bad that coffee breath is more accepted in the working world than the smell of cheap beer.
And as most yelpers probably know, Nisei was supposed to close back in April, but due to a few snafu's, it will stay open until the end of baseball season. So GO! You won't regret it. -
Review from Angie M.
1/20/2009
I can't believe I lived in Lakeview for as long as I did and never made it to Nisei, so I'm glad that our favorite Irishman Ronnie R., decided to host an event at Nisei.
It's a bar... nothing too crazy, nothing too fancy. The best selling point of Nisei is that it TOTALLY lacks the Trixie/Chad factor that other bars in the 'hood can possess. And as a gal in her late 20's, I didn't feel old here, which is also important. Lots of room around the pool tables. Pretty bitchin' juke box.
Oh yes... drinks are VERY reasonably priced.Listed in: Cocktails
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Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
The owners/managers at Nisei ROCK! My friend and I had an event there raising money for cancer research. Tim, the manager on duty, was extremely nice. Helped me get setup for the event. Supplied us with wristbands and scissors for our guests.
It was a successful event. Thanks, Nisei! -
Review from MaryAnne M.
Chicago, IL
6/18/2008
I now believe rumors of it "closing" was to generate more customers.
It worked.
Well played, Nisei.
Well played indeed.Listed in: I think I sprained my liver
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Review from Amy H.
7/4/2007
Let me preface this review by saying that I'm a snob. I don't like dive bars. I don't hate dive bars, but if I had a choice I would go somewhere that doesn't reek of dirty ashtrays.
Let me share with you all a little conversation that Ronnie R. and I had at the beginning of the Yelp party.
Ronnie: I'm surprised you picked this place.
Me: I didn't.
Ronnie: Yeah, it's not really your type of place.
Me: No, it really isn't.
Ronnie: So, what do you think? Do you like it?
Me: Not so much. Sorry.
The reasons that I didn't like Nisei Lounge were my own, and not because of anything that the staff or the owners are doing wrong. Well, except the ladies bathroom. How come it smelled so bad?? There weren't that many girls in there that early in the evening and it was horrible! Light a match!!
P.S. - I forgot to add that I thought the bartendress was AMAZING!!!! She handled a pretty big crowd and I never had to wait too long for a drink. Plus, she did it all with a smile on her face. Too often at bars the bartenders get overwhelmed and start throwing a crappy attitude around. This didn't happen once. GREAT JOB!!!!
Edited 5/4/08 - I have been back to Nisei a few times since I wrote this review and I've really started to appreciate it. Ever since the smoking ban I have been enjoying dive bars a lot more than I could with all the smoke. Now that I can truly appreciate Nisei Lounge, it is closing. So sad. :( -
Review from Matthew S.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2007
Kinda dirty. Kinda divey. Kinda cheap. I like it.
We tend to go here after a Links Hall performance - its never too crowded, and lots of locals hang out here.
The bathrooms are super gross, so after a few beers - you know you are going to have to use it. I think I have a perennial fear of public toilets anyway. Its a pot shot. Sometimes its clean, sometimes its not.
It tends to be smokey as hell in this bar, but that will end soon enough. As a smoker, I still go outside to have a ciggie (yeah yeah, I know its a disgusting habit, I know that its bad for my health, etc.)
If you can hear above the music and TV's, and other excited bar goers, super. If you can't - are you surprised? You're in a Wrigleyville bar.
I'd suggest going here to start, and then moving on. Get your buzz for cheap, and when you quit caring about how much money you are spending on booze, go somewhere a bit more swank. -
Review from Colleen S.
Fishers, IN
11/6/2007
There are a lot of bars in the wrigleyville area that are exactly the same. This place is a diamond in the rough. It's a dive bar yes, but it's an especially good dive bar because there isn't another dive bar (worth a shit) for many many blocks.
The juke is fantastic. God damn, it's like my music collection at home with some CD's I don't own but always wished I did.
I'm always impressed when a dive bar has a large number of pool cues that are all straight. Not a single bent one on the wall. Impressive.
I guess I do have to mention this place is exceptionally smoky but I don't mind, I expect no less and it'll be a moot point anyway after 1/1/08. But there, I said it...in case that sort of thing bothers you. -
Review from Jo W.
1/18/2009
A bar in Wrigleyville that I actually liked. Who knew such a monster existed?
I'm a simple girl. And Nisei is a simple bar - huge bar, good drinks, fair prices, good bartenders, good jukebox, pool table... Really? That's about all it takes to make me happy.
They don't take plastic though, so bring cash.Listed in: I'm a 'no frills' kind of gal.
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Review from Danielle C.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2008
Why do all the decent, non gentrified, casual, friendly, laid back places have to close? SERIOUSLY?!!*!*!*!*! I WANT TO KNOW!
I rarely go out anymore, I cannot take the noise, however, when I do, I do not want to venture into a "fake" Irish bar. You know what I am talking about- if not, let me describe it for you.
1. Fake- or real- wood facade on the outside.
2. Gold lettering- often in the old English style (nice oxymoron- I know) with a name typically referring to either A. a building type B. a type of liquor C. something that sounds like the "home land".
3. Often ONE true Irish person who works in the bar- and tries to lend some authenticity.
If you are familiar at all with the current Chicago bar scene, quite a few places should be coming to mind. Don't get me wrong- I actually like some of them- but every bar does not need to be created by the same cookie cutter!!
So- the Nisei lounge- I am coming here a few more times before it closes. Why? I can come as I am. I do not have to get dressed up, made up, hair done. I can be myself. I can sit in the large front windows and people watch. I can talk with regulars, sip with friends, or enjoy a COLD brew by myself. The bartenders rock. The place is cozy and friendly. The prices are good. Pretension is nonexistent.
I hope the new owner keeps it real. Somehow, I doubt it.Listed in: Places that I have had a few…
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Review from Andre W.
9/7/2009
The first I came here it was to wait on the Cubs game to start and it was cool because I just got a couple of Bud Lights and I was off to Wrigley. This past Saturday was my buddy Ronnie's party and it was a bloody good time.
They had my new favorite belgium beer. Delirium Tremons. This place also has pool tables and dart boards for your competitive pleasure. As everyone else said this place is totally different from most bars in the area. I don't have anything against the other joints in the area, but I would say its a more mature crowd.Listed in: Great Bars, View of the Lake
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Review from David R.
9/21/2008
A strange bird indeed. On a night when all the brah bars are packed, this place is deserted. Consequently, it's a haven for those of use who desire something more sedate but for some reason can't choose another neighborhood (usually this means some jagbag friend visiting from out of town). It's a strange juxtaposition to the riotous douchebaggery nearby, but thank goodness for it. I'm glad to hear that they didn't close as expected.
I also like the place because of the X-Files Season 3 episode "Nisei" in which Mulder and Scully trace a thread of the alien conspiracy plotline from an alien autopsy tape to a secret train car and a group of female abduction survivors in Pennsylvania; this of course comes into play later in the series during the Scully cancer subplot. -
Review from Penny S.
2/24/2009
YES!
Nisei is the kinda joint that if someone knocked you over the head with a brick, dragged you inside and woke you up, you'd never guess you were down the street from Wrigley and some of the Worst Bars Known To Man. It's more kinda like your buddy's basement in high school. Good music, functional bathrooms, plenty o' beers and that one guy that's always there.
Cheap, so very friendly, easy to get to, never packed.Listed in: Go [Favorite Sports Team]!
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Review from Carol J.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2009
This is where I lost my Yelp cherry back in April of '08 at Ronnie's premature farwell party.
This is where I lost my mind at Ronnie's last party. Sorry folks, long day + boozy night=trainwreck.
But I did love hearing every song I love off the kick ass juke box! I should have been sedated. -
Review from Carol K.
7/4/2007
This place is so far off my beaten path that it needs it's own road!! Hah!
All kidding aside- Nisei was fun. I met up with the Yelp crowd last night and again had a great time. The beer was cheap and the bartender Jenn remembered all our names. How does she do that?
There are dartboards, a couple of pool tables and a jukebox loaded with all the tunes I wanted to hear. Couple all that with a few regulars that, while they were a little surprised at the crowd we brought in, quickly got into the swing of things and embraced us warmly. Translated- that means they bought me drinks!! Woo-Hoo!
They serve no food but you can order from a wide variety of restaurants- just ask Jenn to get the folder of selections for you. We had pizza delivered- it came within the hour and was quite good (at least the piece that I got- we Yelpers can scarf down food faster than anyone!!)
Even the bathroom for a bar like this was not bad. And the beauty of a woman bartender? When I told her they were out of paper towels in the ladies room- she had it fixed in about two seconds!!
Go for the cheap drinks but stay because it's a friendly neighborhood place where at least one person knows your name!!Listed in: The Diviest of Dive Bars
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Review from Mandi G.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2010 1 photo
New owners, same vibe.
Least douchiest of Wrigley.
Got to love the pole. -
Review from W.I.N. A.
Chicago, IL
7/4/2007
Every time I enter this delightful little hole of a bar, I get into trouble.
I drink too much. I spend too much. And most of the time, I'm on the giving or receiving end of some vaguely inappropriate groping. Too much.
So, yep, it's pretty much perfect.
What? You want more detailed, relevant info? Fine.
Pool tables, darts, jukebox and TV keep you busy.
Several good beers (and a few dirt cheap so-so beers) are available by the bottle or on tap to quench your thirsts.
The bartenders really do remember your name the next time you come in (Jen is awesome!).
It's got almost none of the spill over clientele from neighboring Clark Street bars, so none of the usual Wrigleyville attitude filters in.
Again, it's pretty much perfect. -
Review from Jackie P.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2008
Hmmm...what to say that hasn't already been discussed? This is the tricky part and besides the bar is closing at the end of May (Yes! Just like everyone else also mentions!).
So I guess if you want some really great views of this place read everyone else's reviews. I would agree with pretty much all of the three and four star reviews.
But I would say I like this bar. They make a great amaretto sour and don't even look at me funny when I order it. This place is after all a beer bar so making an amaretto sour is probably not ordered regularly. Oh and they serve their tequila cold, just like tequila is suppose to be served. But if you need the "training wheels" don't forget to ask because they may just forget to offer it to you.Listed in: Dive Bars I have visited
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Review from Ellie B.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2007
I fear that this place may have me cheating on the other local dive bars in my repertoire!
I really like Nisei Lounge. I feel it's a rarity to find a place in Wrigleyville that isn't overwrought with drunken buffoons who believe this neck of the woods is just an extension of their frat houses... that they left 10 years prior.
Good selection of brews on tap as well as bottles, friendly staff, spacious location, pool AND darts, excellent company - what more could a girl ask for?
I do have to agree with Amy about the bathroom situation. It smelled like a Bulimic Convention rolled through town before we got there. Ick! -
Review from Linda P.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2008
This bar is way too cool for Wrigleyville.
The non-pretentious vibe that permeates this place is a refreshing change from the annoying yupster joints that seem to pop up in the neighborhood like zits on a teenager's face. Large area with plenty of seating and a really cool pool table. The beers are cheap and the bartenders friendly. The only negative thing I could think of is that the music got SO loud I couldn't hear myself think. When I leave a bar and I feel like I got cotton in my ears, yep the music is too loud.
It's a shame Nisei has to close :(. Probably going to be bought out by another douchey sports bar and grill...boo. -
Review from Erika G.
1/18/2009
Great neighborhood bar. This is probably the most real place in the area, and blissfully free of the usual suspects - drunk frat boys. It's a large, basic bar with cheap drinks - great for a gathering of a large group.
The jukebox seriously rocks. A whole album of L7. YEAH!!! -
Review from Vanessa D.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2007
This is one of the few tolerable bars in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area. I've been going there for the past 7 years or so and have always had a good time. The drinks are priced fairly, the music selection is good, and I make use of the dart board.
It's definitely a laid-back, casual atmosphere, but I wouldn't exactly call it a "dive". Come here if John Barleycorn's is not your thing. :) -
Review from Joe B.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2010
Pros: Great Location, not the typical Wrigley-ville Bar, Good Prices, Big Bar, fantastic Jukebox, New TV's, Darts and good service
Cons: Don't have any backup bottles of Green TY-KU liquor. -
Review from jessica c.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2007
One word: Comfortable.
A fan of the dive bar, I'd have to say that this one's my favorite. Not exactly a regular (anymore), but let's just say I've had many late nights here, chock full of inexpensive booze, trips to the jukebox, rounds of pool and great conversation. On some visits, my pal MO & I (almost certainly hungover) would just sit and stare at the jumbo screen TV behind the bar, condensation-laden bottles lounging right along with us. Great place to hang w/the hubby on a Sunday afternoon after a late Irish breakfast at the Oak, or stop in for darts night to feel the (slight) charge of competition in the air.
The atmosphere here is cool and unpretentious. Sure, it can be a little rough around the edges, but isn't that part of the dive bar appeal? Despite that, I've never had to worry about being hassled by creeps. Bartenders are just the right amount of friendly and seem to recognize when you do want a refill and when you don't want conversation.
Go to the Nisei, kick back and relax your ass off.Listed in: cocktails
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Review from Dennis L.
Washington, DC
10/5/2009
Nisei is easily my favorite bar in Wrigleyville, probably due to its amazing invisibility field. Somehow, no matter how busy the rest of the neighborhood is, all the ridiculous Chads and Trixies walk by this place like it doesn't exist. With the darkened front window, it's easy to assume that nothing is going on inside, but you'd be wrong.
Nisei is the dive bar I've been looking for in Wrigleyville - the watering hole for drowning my sorrows after a Cubs loss, or celebrating a Cubs win. It's quiet enough (and usually slow enough) to have a conversation but there's always good music on the jukebox. Two dart boards and a pool table stand ready for drunken challenges, and they have a bottle of malört for further drunken challenges. The staff here is awesome.
Nisei has theoretically been closing for a long time now, but I hope it stays open (and douchebag-free) for a long time to come. -
Review from Shinji K.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2007
"Nisei" is Japanese for "second-generation" -- colloquially, it refers to the children of original Japanese immigrants to America. Nisei Lounge is a relic of the Japanese neighborhood Wrigleyville was, long, long ago.
These days, Nisei Lounge offers little to the actual nisei. They've got a few bottles of Kirin in the cooler; the walls sport a couple pieces of garage-sale Edo prints.
It's sort of like being an Irish person at Bennigan's; you're struck with cognitive dissonance at a place that celebrates your heritage without being the least bit interested in it, but two beers in, who cares? The pool table's open.
It really is a good neighborhood hangout, and as noted above, it is a million times better than the frat-boy monkeyhouses which typify the neighborhood.
Nothing official, but neighbors provide sporadic free wifi. -
Review from Sarah W.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2008
This is the kind of place where the bartenders are also regular patrons. You know, like Cheers, but with less Ted Danson.
When I first started coming here six years ago, all draft beer was $2.50 Monday-Thursday, but those days are long gone. I regularly pass up pretty enticing specials at the neighboring Dark Horse to drink at the Nisei, just because I like the atmosphere, which is mercifully non-frat boy and non-hipster.
Given the proximity to Wrigley Field, the crowd varies greatly by night, and by season. Sometimes I'll show up to find a chorus of drooling Bon Jovi fans singing "Living on a Prayer" and I promptly turn around and walk right back out. Other times the place will be dead and I'll end up watching The Simpsons on the ridiculously huge CRT above the bar.
The bathrooms are frightful and sometimes their Christmas decorations stay up through July, but the bartenders are great--friendly and efficient--and you can almost always find someone to shoot pool or throw darts with. I almost want to give the Nisei 4 stars for switching to the digital jukebox, but this place is like family, and with family, you forgive and move on. -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2007
To me the best dive bars make you feel like you aren't really in a bar, but hanging out in your friend's basement playing pool and listening to music.
That's the vibe I got an Nisei. They beer was cheap and cold, they had a good selection with hefewiezen and Rogue on tap, the bartender (Jenn) was awesome and really quick depsite running the bar herself with a large crowd, and the jukebox had some good tunes.
Oh and I met some awesome yelpers, so what more could I want?
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Goodbye Nisei. I never went there as much as I should have, but you I will miss it. My last outing was just as much fun as my first - I drank cheap beer, I talked to awesome yelpers, and I got waaaayyy to drunk. -
Review from Lindsey C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/26/2009
Went here for my birthday on Saturday night. Had an awesome time. Lou is the best. Mini-guinnesses are where it's at.
I swear she bought me half my drinks that night. Just please please buy some Jack Daniels for your shelves, then I'll give you 5 stars all day long!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2009
Ok I LOVE NISEI LOUNGE.
This is the one awesome place in Wrigleyville and the damn drunk asses don't… Read more »
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Review from Brett G.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2009
I love Wrigleyville solely because I love the Cubs. I do not care for most of the trixies and chads that frequent these establishments, but I usually do my best to ignore these types and pretend they're not there.
That said, Nisei was a pretty good place where you didn't have to spend time imaging some people didn't exist. I think had the yelp event not occurred, the bar would have basically been empty. But 3 dart options, a pool table, nicely stocked jukebox, and cheap beer prices = good times.
No frills, check your attitude at the door, and be prepared for the hangover the next day. Of course, that could have been due, in part, to the fact we didn't eat dinner and downed 4 beers each on an empty stomach. The morning after wasn't so fun.
