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Side Street Saloon

4 star rating
based on 32 reviews

Categories: Dive Bars, Burgers, Pizza  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Lakeview
1456 W George St
(between Greenview Ave & Southport Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-1127
Hours:

Mon-Tue. 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Wed-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

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

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

Wicker Well

Category:
Dance Clubs
Neighborhood:
Wicker Park
Ufc 110

February 20 @ 8pm

32 reviews for Side Street Saloon

Review Highlights   

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"Seriously if you haven't had their thin crust pizza, I highly recommend it." (in 4 reviews)
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"…cool and down-to-earth and there's a pool table that you never have to wait…" (in 4 reviews)
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"It's a great little neighborhood bar, and a fun crowd." (in 10 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Bryan R.

 

1

13

Bryan R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/19/2009

I live right down the street, so it's a very convenient "go-to".  The staff seems great and the crowds are always manageable.  I've had their basic burger, the rodeo burger (bbq bacon goodness) and their italian beef sandwich and all were great.  Nothing at all to complain about here.

edit: just tried their thin crust pizza...  awesome

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Photo of Candice R.

 

45

178

Candice R.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
1/10/2010

This place was pretty cool. I was here on a Saturday night, meeting up with some friends. They were there for a birthday party, and so we go to take advantage of some of their tasty pizza for free. The crowd is cool and prices are cheap. The only thing I can gripe about is that they only have a huge 22 oz bottle of cider, and no other options. I went with a 312, which was less than 5 bucks.

They have games, and it's easy to get to. I'll be back.

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Photo of Jasmine J.

Elite '10

28

127

Jasmine J.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
12/15/2009

I really like Side Street's pizza. The crust is super thin, but doesn't get soggy. I feel like we order it to be delivered fairly regularly. We usually get the Joel or the Anna. When I ordered a pizza tonight I saw that I had written "No half/half." on the menu. That was strange and we wanted a half and half pizza. So I asked the guy on the phone if they offered that and he said they did. So what did my "No half/half." message mean? It wasn't until the delivery guy came with the pizza that I remembered. They charge full price for all the toppings. I got two toppings on each side and was charged for four full toppings. $26 plus tip for a large, two topping pizza. Bullshit. They have every right to charge for whatever they want, but if they are going to charge for all the toppings like that, they should let you know when you order.

So order with caution, yelpers.

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Photo of janice m.

 

2

18

janice m.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/8/2010

So, Saturday night the honey and I were looking for a place to eat for dinner. He wanted a "great" burger and I didn't. I was thinking pizza. Being fro NY originally, Chicago pizza doesn't thrill me all that much, so I am always in search of pizza that doesn't taste like tomato sauce on a cracker.
We got into the bar around 7:30, and for such a small place it was pretty full. That made me feel good. It meant people were braving the chilly weather to go out and they chose here. We ordered a beer and a rum and coke and began looking at the menu. Of course he picked the burger, with cheddar and fries...he is totally a meat and potatoes guy. After watching a bunch of pizzas go by, I decided on the Anna's Delight. We were able to relax and watch a little basketball while waiting, and actually enjoy ourselves as the noise level was bearable. The food took about 15 minutes which pleased me to no end. Sean's burger came and was cooked perfectly, juicy and hot, and his fries were great (yes, I sampled). The star of dinner though was the pizza. Full of cheese, fresh tomatoes and tasty Italian sausage this little jewel was crowned with loads of fresh basil chiffonades...ummmmm. The ultimate yummy. The crust was thin and not like a cracker, had a bit of chew to it, and had a thin coating of cornmeal on the bottom. Reminiscent of NY style, it made not only my mouth happy, but my tummy too! We will definitely be back to try other pizzas and of course burgers. This little place is a gem!!!!

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Photo of Manda H.

Elite '10

22

152

Manda H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
1/13/2010

Stepped in since it was a friend's birthday. I really liked this place. Staff was really cool and we didn't have a problem sitting in a booth. The pizza was excellent and my friend and I split a burger since it was only $5! The pool table was always busy and a few of us decided to play one of the board games they have to offer. Prices were not expensive and it was really close to Ashland so taking the bus wasn't a problem for those of us who would rather spend money on drinking than taking a cab! I can't wait to come back.

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Photo of Jason W.

 

4

11

Jason W.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/7/2009

I've lived in Chicago for 9 years now and the Sidestreet has always been a steady part of my bar diet.  The people are friendly, beer is reasonable and there's a large selection, the staff is cool, and  the pizza rocks at this joint.

Seriously if you haven't had their thin crust pizza, I highly recommend it.  It's definitely a hidden gem amongst the thin crust pizza joints in the city.

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Photo of Ben W.

 

1

10

Ben W.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
6/28/2009

If your looking for a solid neighbourhood bar which serves top shelf tasting pizza (no really it is very good thin crust pizza) then this is your spot.
Tucked away just off Southport this place is a very decent place to hang and have a few easy beers with friends, or on your own when you just need to get out of the house. Leave pretension at the door, bring a healthy thirst and you will be sorted.

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Photo of Eman S.

Elite '10

0

91

Eman S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/25/2009

Went there for a party on Saturday and had a lot of fun. The bartenders were really good and quick to get to you (it wasn't really packed though) and they actually had fun with you. I did try their pizza and thought it was good, but not great.

Being in a neighborhood, a cab was a little difficult to get right away, but I only had to walk three blocks to get to a main street and then got one right away.

I am definitely going to go back and try the other food people are talking about on here.

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Photo of J R.

 

5

44

J R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/20/2009

This is my favorite MSU bar in Chicago!

It is low key and not obnoxious like Barley Corns.  In fact, I have been hesitant to review it as I don't want the word to spread to the other rowdy Spartans :)

The prices are pretty low and the food is really good.  They have some of the best bar food I've had.  While it has been depressing being away from MSU, this place makes me feel right back in East Lansing! They always have the MSU game on and play the fight song throughout!  

The italian beef sandwich is one of the best I've had since living here for sure.  The portions are huge as well.

This is definitely my fave MSU bar.

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Photo of Brett D.

Elite '10

686

571

Brett D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/20/2009

It's sorta twilight zone-ish when you stumble into a place like Side Street Saloon... it's like reaching an unknown dimension of divey drinkin' that you never even knew existed right under your nose, in your own backyard. Wait just a minute... Where did all of these people come from?? Where am I?? There's folks eating, drinking, laughing, playing Willie Nelson - Willie!!!! - on the old jukebox, throwing darts, shooting pool... how did they find this utopia?

Lucky for me a friend of mine lives right down the street from Side St and suggested it as last call for us on a Friday night or I'd never have stumbled into this Lakeview vortex. Side St is most definitely a great neighborhoody spot for a chillax evening of friends and fun... or a little mix and mingle with the locals doesn't hurt either... hit up the pool table for some hustle action and down a few of their cheap jack and cokes. Tasty!!

Apparently they serve up some great pub grub here as well (who knew?), they boast tons of nightly specials like dollar tacos, steak chili, their famous thin crust pizzas, italian sausage sandwiches and nummy fish 'n chips. I'll surely be back for the fiesta burger and more Willie, natch, provided I can find the place again... anyone have an extra map to the twilight zone?

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Photo of Kristin C.

Elite '10

218

475

Kristin C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/13/2007

Say buh-bye to overpriced burgers.  "The burger" has become somewhat of a trendy menu item lately with the Kobe beefs, mini-steaks, and portabello premiums.

If you crave a no-nonsense, cheap but tasty slab of moo, I suggest the Side Street for a $3.50 weekend burger (this is no Tuesday-only deal).  Burgies come with a side of fries, a pickle and some spot-on service.  This place is not the diviest of dives, but its mellow vibe and beer specials ($3.00 IPA pints) will make me a regular on Fridays.

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Photo of Amy H.

Elite '10

392

575

Amy H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/26/2007

I came here last night and thought it was a pretty cool place!  They have my favorite beer (Miller Genuine Draft Light) and I really liked the atmosphere.  It reminded me a little of Cheers.  Just some good people hanging out at the bar.  

They also have a pretty spacious backroom, which would be great for parties.

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Photo of Brooke A.

 

5

49

Brooke A.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/22/2008

I live a few blocks away from this place and visit about once a week (at a minimum). Great place... never crowded... never a bad crowd, just cool people hanging out with friends enjoying a drink. And don't forget about the pizza. It's my favorite thin crust in Chicago.... and we all know there is a surplus of compitition in Chicago. They just know how to keep it simple and good.
The staff is also very friendly.

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Photo of Christiana S.

 

82

118

Christiana S.

Wheeling, IL

4 star rating
9/26/2006

Since we're both trying to save money, my boyfriend and I are all about going on super cheap dates as of late.  Side Street has a $3.50 cheeseburger on Fridays and Saturdays, so we stopped in this past weekend to check it out.

First, I must say that I LOVE the dcor of this place.  It's very Wisconsin tavern-ish, right down to the wallpaper.  It's nice and dark and not too crowded, and there's a pool table and a bunch of trivia machines and Golden Tee.  Just your average bar.

We decided to drink Point since it was on special for $2.50 a bottle.  Mmmmmm Point!  

It took forever (well, maybe more like a half hour) to get our burgers, but we were pretty pleased once we did.  While it's not the best burger I've ever had, it was decent, especially considering the price.  The fries (plain or cajun.... I had plain) were okay too.  

Our waitress was sweet, but she accidentally overcharged us for the beer.  This irritated my boyfriend ("$3.50 for a bottle of Point?  Ha!"), so he complained and she fixed it and then all was well.  

We'll definitely be back.

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Photo of Adam F.

 

0

11

Adam F.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/17/2009

Definitely a big fan of Sidestreet Saloon! Love the pizza, and especially the "Gardinera"  pie they do here, don't miss that~!  Also, the Pork Chop Sammy rocks as well, and the Brew Buddies are a must have appetizer.  Also, on Mondays they have a burger special that is out of this world!  Though they don't offer much in the way of party packages here, they do allow parties.  Sidestreet is more of a neighborhood bar, with that low key feel.  They have a good jukebox, and people are always trying to play their stuff, so it's backed up for awhile. They have a beer of the month as well, that I usually try and it's a great way to get introduced to some good craft beers that are on the market.  All in all it's a fun place to stop in for lunch, dinner, or a drink when you have the chance.

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Photo of Aaron S.

Elite '10

46

240

Aaron S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/22/2008

I have fabulous memories of dinners at this place and doing scratch-offs in the back room at Christmastime (long story).

Really nice service, and good homestyle food.

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Photo of Max S.

 

2

32

Max S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/10/2007

I've been going to the Side Street for years and it never disappoints.  I'm not sure why people on Yelp love to call everything that isn't a club or Joe McFratboy's Irish bar a "dive bar," but they do.  This isn't a dive bar, it's a neighborhood hang out that is still kept up quite well.

This is the kind of place that truly appeals to all ages.  On any given night you can see people from their early 20s up through people in their 50s bellying up to the bar for a reasonably priced drink.  They've got your standard draft and bottle selections so don't expect to find anything too unique here, but that's part of the neighborhood appeal of the place.

The food menu is surprisingly extensive given the very tiny kitchen next to the bar.  I think the kitchen in my apartment is actually bigger than theirs.  I've had the burgers and pizzas and haven't had any complaints.  The food is all reasonably priced, just like the suds.

They're still remodeling some of the inside, but have recently added a number of booths instead of their old high round tables.  Luckily the old bar remains in tact.  There's a jukebox with an OK selection and 2 megatouch trivia machines.  If you're looking for a nice place to grab a beer and have some good conversation, Side Street is probably it.

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Photo of Court R.

Elite '10

19

66

Court R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
4/3/2009

As far as off-the-beaten-path saloons go, Side Street rocks. It's a favorite hangout of actors doing shows at the Atheneum Theatre down the street. I've been here several times for drinks after shows but only last night discovered the menu. We ordered some really tasty chips and salsa to snack on (the chips were hot!) and then got a $9 pizza special.  I loved that they had carmelized onions as an option for a topping. It was a really nice, thin crust. Crispy and salty. Just right. We were with a large group and everyone had enough space to sort of take over the booths, wander around and many played Photo Hunt, the clean version here. The staff is so friendly and the vibe here is just chill. It's a great little neighborhood bar, and a fun crowd. The jukebox was a big hit also-   great tunes.  If you're looking for an easy choice- a place to actually hear who you're talking to, listen to music and drink a beer or 3, Side Street is a fun option!!

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Photo of Annie T.

Elite '10

48

188

Annie T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/11/2008

Free pool on Sundays!!! Rack 'em up! We took full advantage and played 2 games after we demolished a thin crust pizza. Delicious fresh basil. I'll definitely be back for more. They also have Megatouch and we played some Photohunt like old days! What an untapped resource. Such a chill dive bar with great, friendly service and tasty eats. The pool, darts and Megatouch also kept us well entertained.

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Photo of Regan B.

 

30

45

Regan B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/9/2006

Sidestreet is an awesome after-show watering hole! A very chilled-out neighborhood bar.  Lots of greasy bar fare, yummy burgers, and french fries with ranch dressing!  A word of warning for the bar gamers - there can be a bit of a wait to play Golden Tee here. Christmas is the time to go for a good laugh - that's right - they have yuletide bar carolers!

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Photo of Andrew b.

 

0

75

Andrew b.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/6/2007

Very good neighborhood shot and a beer joint, Genuine crowd and staff, Refreshing, Will be back soon!

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Photo of Robin B.

 

3

36

Robin B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/23/2008

This is a great little dive bar, the night I was there they had sloppy joes and they were awesome!

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Photo of Megan G.

Elite '10

163

135

Megan G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
1/3/2007

Two words for you.  BREW BUDDIES.  These tasty little morsels will tempt anybodies taste buds.  It's a tater tot with cheese and jalapenos inside.  Served with ranch.  All my bar food dreams wrapped into one tasty little potato sensation.  It makes me sad that this is no longer my neighborhood dive because the food is really good.  The chicken cesar salad is great too.  There is usually only one person working behind the bar, 2 at most and the place is usually pretty full with pool and dart leagues so it can be slow.  They have games, golden tee and a generally laid back atmosphere.

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Photo of Courtney B.

 

4

49

Courtney B.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/28/2007

I recommend there pizza it is delicious.  Came here on a Friday night not wanting to deal with crazy crowds and it has a really nice atmosphere.  Very laid back. But seriously good pizza.

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Photo of Michael C.

 

7

17

Michael C.

IL

5 star rating
2/18/2007

This place is GREAT. We live right across the street, and this place has saved us from some crappy meals at home with their nightly dinner specials - the spaghetti is awesome, as are the burgers and the random cheap bears that are on special each night. The staff are all cool and down-to-earth and there's a pool table that you never have to wait very long for. It's a very neighborhoody joint, so people are pretty comfortable and nobody's snobby.

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Photo of molly c.

Elite '10

245

750

molly c.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
7/24/2006

nice folks, wonderful food.

monday = $1 tacos.

only negative is that it isn't close to my house!

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Photo of Sara F.

 

26

232

Sara F.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
12/10/2007

Used to live a block away. Great, people, drinks, food and fun. They have a dart turney every now and again. A great place to just chill.

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Photo of Josh S.

 

2

23

Josh S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
4/10/2007

With a decent selection of beers on tap and a better than average list of bar food items, Side Street Saloon is what it is.  A dive bar for yuppies.  While the place has tacky wallpaper and more writing on the bathroom wall than a stall at a rest stop, maybe that's what makes it charming.  By no means is this a destination hang out, but if you need a beer and are looking to catch a ballgame, Side Street probably has what you need.

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Photo of R M.

 

6

68

R M.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
2/7/2008

Great neighborhood bar.

Good food, and good prices on daily specials.  The pizza is worth a try.

Real darts in back.

Try the deep fried mac 'n cheese.

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Photo of John R.

 

0

7

John R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
1/26/2009

I used to live down the block from the Side Street and I had to make it my first review.  The Side Street Saloon consistently has great food and service in a super laid-back atmosphere.  This is the kind of bar that is busy at 6 on a Saturday but by 9 is half-empty as people move on to other bars.
Beer -- good selection.  They have several decent choices on tap at all times like Rogue Dead Guy, Guinness, Saporo, maybe 10 in total.  The deal here there is the beer of the month which is always a great seasonal choice for $3-$4.  
Food -- I will never know how they make everything on the menu in that tiny space.  The burgers are some of the best in the city for only $4 on Fri and Sat (that's right, the weekend, not Monday night).  The pizza is also great, way better than standard bar pizza.  Brew buddies, fried potato, cheese, and jalapeno balls, go down smooth.
Service -- Some of the friendliest bartenders in the city who definitely remember you after 1-2 visits.

Side Street also just became a Michigan State bar which is great if you want to follow the Spartans but don't want to have to fight for a seat or a beer.  this is a great place if you live in the neighborhood and are looking for a place you can drop in any day of the week and have a great time.

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Photo of Simone G.

 

39

118

Simone G.

IL

5 star rating
3/13/2007

Came here for an afterwork meal.  I found this place to be quite the establishment; a reflection of both the physical environment and the food available.  I started out with a white owl IPA, but it was such a nice day outside that it just seemed like overkill.  I asked the bartender to surprise me with something containing orange juice.  While I don't normally drink fruitty concoctions the Mai tai that was served up was pretty damn delicious, I would go so far as to say that it hit the spot.  Finally I got down to ordering some food.  I was enlightened to the $1 monday burgers by the courteous bartender and decided to order a couple of them along with the Cheeseburger I heard I had to come here for.  The tacos... Normally I'm not a fan of the crunchy shell style tacos, but I have to admit that I thought these were better than alot of other quick sling taco joints a-la taco bell, jack in the box, etc.  The burger... medium-well, cheddar, grilled onions (no extra fee), lettuce, and tomato.  I will say that while not being the greatest burger, I found this bovine by-product to be very delicious.  I would definitely come back here.  In fact they have some really good looking things on their menu that I really want to come back and try.

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Photo of J P.

 

0

10

J P.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
12/30/2007

One of my favorite neighborhood bars.  Great atmosphere and food.  Good place to hang out.

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