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- Nearest Transit:
-
Western-O'Hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 2 am
Sat 7:30 am - 3 am
Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Rick T. said: "This is some old school stuff right here. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the creamed spinach. Be aware that the ribs are slow-cooked, NOT smoked. Have you ever cooked ribs in a Crock Pot? No? Well, you should. Once. Because then…" read more »
538 reviews for The Map Room
Review Highlights
"The beer selection is wonderful too."
(in 146 reviews)
"International night is the shiznit."
(in 26 reviews)
"book cases filled with national geographic magazines."
(in 8 reviews)
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538 reviews in English
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Review from Alicia S.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
This sounds stupid but don't get a mixed drink here. It like a monetary slap in the face.
The beers and the tamale man...I like it. -
Review from Nina G.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2012
This place is for serious beer drinkers.
I ended up going here on a thursday night with a friend. While I was waiting for my friend, I figured I'd order a beer. No one offered me a menu, so I went up to the bar to see what I wanted. Honestly, It was a little intimidating because the bar literally had EVERY seat filled with big men that looked like scruffy truck drivers. It had to be a row of at least 25 guys in their early 40's. I felt a little out of place to say the least. Anyways, the bartender didn't even glance at me and slid me a menu, so I just went back to my seat. Eventually, my friend arrived and even then no one came to our table so we ended up ordering at the bar. I don't understand why they even have tables if they don't have servers. Makes no sense to me. The beer selection was interesting so I'll give them that, but I don't think I'll be back again unless I grow a beard or a penis. -
Review from John H.
Chicago, IL
1/1/2012
"You come back later, we have beer here, too."
- guy selling me a coffee here one recent morning. -
Review from Ronnie L.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2011
It kind of scares me how so many places in Chicago with great beer selection have shitty bartenders.
No offense. But I have been seeing this trend. Is it cool to somehow be a passive aggressive prick when you pour beer (the EASIEST bartending job on this planet) all night long?
No smile, no nothing. I order a Maudite and want my usual water back. One of the bartenders, this pasty guy with a monk beard, goes to get my beer. Cool! I was happy they had it.
The other bartender, a girl comes and asks me if I needed anything and I said, "Do you guys share tips?" She said yes. So I smiled and said, well if you wanted you could always get me a water.
She ignored me.
"OK..." I thought, "Maybe she didn't hear me."
So here comes the monk dude back with my beers. I was thankful, and asked with a smile, "Hey can I get a water too, please?"
Looking at me with that passive aggressive prick expression, "Water's at the end of the bar."
My brain thought, "Huh? I'm not in a coffeeshop where people come in and ask for water so they just put a jug of water out with small cups. I'm not at taco bell. I'm at a bar. I'm a bartender. I have NEVER worked anywhere in my life where we didn't provide water to people."
So I said, "Come on man... You can't just grab me a water in a glass?"
"Ya but the water's only 20 feet away and you could grab it yourself. I don't see what the big deal is..."
And my Maudite just started to taste a little less amazing. I have yet to have had someone ruin my Maudite experience.
I said, "dude.. I'm a bartender. I think at all of the places I've worked at if I said that to my customers, the least that would have happened is I would have gotten chewed out by my managers."
"Cool man," said the monk with that same passive aggressive bullshit expression.
And it's true. I probably would have been fired. This, to me, seems like if the management is letting cats like this work at their bar, then maybe they are thinking, "You know what? People are gonna come here and drink whether we give them shitty service or not so who cares..."
And apparently that's true. But not me. The reason I decided to write this is because next stop was at Revolution Brewing in Logan Square, where the Bartenders did the same thing, pour fancy beer in a glass..
The difference was, they were happy, charming and the service was great. And there was not one moment where, once my water was in front of me, I had to even ask them to fill it up again. And I drink a lot of water...
The only reason I give the Map Room a 2 is because of their beer selection. otherwise it would get a 1.
My buddy, who's idea it was to take me there for my first time, actually apologized to me for bringing me there. -
Review from Andy J.
Onalaska, WI
1/28/2012
As a lover of beers from around the world, geography and the city of Chicago, this place seems to be made for someone like me. Great beers. Any beer drinker should visit this place. I especially enjoy their selection from Germany/Austria and Eastern Europe. And if you are in luck you may time it out where Claudio stops buy and you can purchase a bartime tamale ... that is worth it too!
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Review from samantha G.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011
The amount of great beers here is overwhelming. I tend to give the bartender a list of things I like and trust whatever they suggest; it works every time. I try new beers here I've never heard of which makes for a great excuse to do your own beer tasting. Try pairing the beers with their pretzel rods for a real treat!
It gets soooo crowded here on weekends thus creating the perfect reason to day drink. -
Review from Bill E.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2012
Years ago this was my favorite bar in the city. But somehow they managed to hire the most pretentious D-Bag's out there as servers (they can't make a drink to save their life, hence calling them servers).
The only reason they get a second star is because of their Sunday spread which is fantastic for chowing on while watching the Bears, but man those weasels behind the bar know surprisingly little about beer and have an attitude about it so I can't bring myself to dole out more than two stars. -
Review from Nader F.
Mountain View, CA
12/12/2011
Fantastic bar! Very neighborhood-y.
I stopped in here on a Sunday afternoon to catch some football and try some craft beers not available in my home of San Francisco.
The bartenders were extremely friendly. Prices are very fair and the beer selection is unparalleled.
Also, you can browse old copies of Nat Geo here and drink Intelligentsia coffee. -
Review from Jenn G.
11/14/2011
I thought The Map Room was a solid bar, and you'll have to take my review with a grain of salt since I'm not exactly a beer connoiseur. The ambiance is that of a typical bar - has lots of seating though which was a nice change. It got VERY hot in the back of the bar - could totally use some fans to help with circulation.
If you're a big beer person, I think they have a lot of good options on tap, which would probably make this a more appealing bar to visit for you. If you're like me and don't know the different between Bud Light and Bull/Dog/Cat/Fish-Head Brewery, then it's a solid enough place but nothing special. -
Review from leah s.
Akron, OH
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Perfect Sunday afternoon place to hang out and enjoy some tasty beers. I like to sit near the doors with the windows open and enjoy the breeze.
Good service and prices are great! GO NOW! -
Review from Marc R.
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has one of the best beer lists in the city, and always has an interesting mix of beers on tap. The map theme is a part of the place, but not that much of a presence. The only problem I have is the crowd can be a little in your face. Not rude mind you, but it feels like it is shifting to a Lakeview like scene in here. I come for the beer not the atmosphere. The staff on the other hand are always helpful, and nice, so like all things in West Town you have to realize that the place is always changing.
Beer. Beer, and more Beer! -
Review from Sofia B.
Annandale, VA
1/26/2012
Lovely, lovely, lovely beer. Enough said. I went early November and the service was excellent. Really helped me make a decision, and the blokes at the bar were friendly and had a bit of a laugh with me. Maybe I went on a good night with nice bartenders!!
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Review from Sara R.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011
Love this place. Lurve the beers. Lave the cool maps across the walls and ceiling.. however usually not so keen on the bar tenders with the tude.
Its half and half sometimes theyre nice other times theyre just rude.
okok it was a friday at 6:00 and a ton of prople stalking the bar trying to order and i got pushed of a few time esp when it was my turn.
Whatevs they still give me delish beers so ill stop complaining. Get there early and getsa table! And snag some pretzal rods if your lucky!
SO many delicious beers...if your a beer head HIT.IT.UP.
Make sure to bring cash cuz i hate those atm charges or make yo man buy you a drank like i did ;) -
Review from Albert H.
9/6/2011
This place was quiet on a Sunday afternoon, which suited us just fine. Which is to say that the actual bar was full and that there were several tables occupied. Comfortably happening.
The beer selection is, indeed, quite good - especially in the number of Belgian and German selections on tap. They also have a lot of hoppy stuff. When we were there, the tap list did not feature a big local selection ( important for a couple of tourists ), but what was there was very good. Large bottle list as well.
The guy sitting next to us was drinking Trumer Pils, which is a relatively light though solid German lager brewed in Berkeley, CA. I guess this means there's something for pretty much everyone here.
They have a single beer engine for serving beer on cask, which had a local IPA when we visited. It was good.
One thing they don't have is food. We brought in some pizza, and it would seem that other patrons had brought in some other things for lunch. They do have decent pretzel sticks in glasses on the bar.
The place is cash only - and the way we were helpfully pointed to the ATM in back before we even finished asking about this indicates they get that question a lot.
They appear to have a full bar, coffee and wine available too, but it *is* all about the beer here. -
Review from Mike B.
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I need a map with all the places I drank beer at while drinking at the map room. Maybe I'll remember them then.
cheers -
Review from Cristina C.
Chicago, IL
12/26/2011
For the perfect chill atmosphere, definitely check out the map room. The place is always filled with a good crowd who love the taste of craft beers. This place only takes cash, which only adds to the chill vibe
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Review from Katie L.
Milwaukee, WI
11/26/2011
Certainly the bar to visit if you are looking for an expansive beer selection. Very laid-back feel, large enough to have a place to sit with your friends despite how busy it can get. Perfect if you are looking for an inexpensive, low key place to kick it for an evening.
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Review from Mike N.
Lombard, IL
9/1/2011
This place is the tits. Great beer selection, funny bartenders, old National Geographics on the back wall. More then just funny, the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the beers they serve and beer in general. They even have Rochefort 10 in stock, which I don't see too often. Its an incredible beer, a little pricey unless you're buying directly from the liquor store, but worth it.
My only issue with this place, and Wicker Park and Bucktown in general, is all the damned hipsters, at least they're not as bad as yuppies though, so theres that. -
Review from Sandy N.
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ventured here on a random Sunday afternoon with some friends after a trip to the Maxwell St. market. They have a huge selection, which was great because I am admittedly not very adventurous when it comes to beer. They also serve espresso which was perfect as alcohol induces sleepiness for me. The decor is wonderful, very 1920's explorer, and the vibe is really relaxed. Just a bunch of people who really like beer.
I would say the only bad thing is that there was only one waitress and she seemed very very busy, which meant her demeanor wasn't super pleasant (I can't say that I blamed her). Would have been better if they had more people behind the bar.
On our way out, we met the guy who organized this year's Alphabeer event. Definitely a good sign! -
Review from Valerie S.
Indianapolis, IN
7/26/2011
My first encounter with The Map Room was as I called my best friend, hurling down the interstate toward Chicago, and a blast of noise overwhelmed her voice saying, "hang on, let me step outside." My goodness, The Map Room is loud.
Other than that, I haven't got a single other complaint. I have a feeling things like seats and service are a bit spotty depending on how jam-packed The Map Room becomes, but from my single experience, I can't complain.
Highlights:
- A beer selection that is other worldly: The Map Room is truly a beer bar, and they do it correctly and they do it very, very well. They notice the details too: the glasses different beers require, the proper temperatures. These details show me that they care about beer. Hey, whaddya know? I care about beer too! Nice to have that in common when I go to order.
- Entrancing decorations: flags, a topographical map of the world painted round three walls and a ceiling, good lighting that doesn't blind nor hide my friends and I from one another. And, unique details, that make The Map Room distinct in the mind of every patron. You gotta be remembered to be re-visited.
I bet parking and transport associated with The Map Room can be a bit daunting, as it's not near an El stop and the parking nearby is all parallel city parking. I lucked out by getting a spot on the first block south of Armitage on Hoyne, but I'll bet others walk, ride or cab it. Just worth noting when you go the next time.
I'm excited to hear that The Map Room doubles as a coffee bar during the daylight hours, because I think it's too neat of a place to only be open for the night owls. I look forward to returning. -
Review from Kent S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 7/18/2011 18 Check-ins Here
Over the years, this place has become my favorite coffee shop / bar combo. I'm actually a bit more inclined to come here for coffee in the morning than I am for a beer after work. For such a tiny place, the beer selection is phenomenal and the is pretty much always the best.
The main reason I felt compelled to write them up today: $2 iced coffee!
Too many places in the neighborhood like to try and claim they use to unconventional, fancy ass way to create more splendid cups of iced coffee than the place across the street. Not here! They do it right and still remember that it's just a cup of coffee.
And any place that is designed for the traveling spirit is always go to win me over.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/18/2009
I've been here a few times at night, and it's busy. Reeeeally busy. Once the smoking ban had hit, I… Read more »
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Review from Jonathan M.
Arlington Heights, IL
1/11/2012
Tons of craft beers on tap, as well as an even longer list of bottled craft beers. Interesting character with the maps and overall great place. I went on a Friday night and it was busy but not too crazy crowded. I was able to get a seat at the bar at one point but tables were almost all occupied. It thinned out by the end and we stayed until close (2am). A guy came around selling tamales from a cooler at one point. They allow this because they don't offer food for sale. Had some TVs with various Chicago sports on, but they were not intrusive at all.
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Review from Cecilia T.
San Mateo, CA
8/26/2011
For a Beer Snob like moi, it means something when i say this is one of my fav bars in the city for beer selection. You get a huge selection on tab of beers from all over the world and they know their stuff! Plus it's amazing how cheap their pints are for the quality and variety that they offer. They serve the beer in logo glasses and the bar is lined with taps. Seriously, Beer Selection is SO impressive here and I've never had anything that tasted stale. I find plenty of dark beers to suit my taste buds! Menu changes all the time so you're always entertained! This place is more for the casual non fru fru type customer.
If you can, come here during the day or off peak times - the atmosphere is cozy and intimate off peak but pretty loud on busy nights since it's a small skinny bar.
Oh yeah, it's cash only and it definitely gets crowded here on peak nights/weekends. -
Review from Conly D.
Glenview, IL
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Where to begin, this is heaven on earth for a beer freak. They specialize in craft brews and go above and beyond when talking to you about them.
Went in on a quiet weekday afternoon and was able to sample some beers that are typically hard to come by. I try to go here whenever I'm in the neighborhood.
Be warned, they do NOT accept credit cards. For your convenience, they do have an ATM inside the bar. -
Review from dan l.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2011
Amazing beer selection, always. Open in early AM serving coffee, espresso, and locally baked goods. Always have several daily papers, televisions with the news, usually awesome music and smiling faces! Fast free wifi! Great ambiance! I love The Map Room a great deal! If it weren't for a couple bartenders and their crumby attitudes I'd have given 5 stars. On the other hand, there are several bartenders here who are always positive and respect people...true pleasures to see nearly everyday. Some of the others need a lesson in manners.
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Review from julie a.
8/8/2011
Love, love, love the Map Room although I have and always will find it to be intimidating. I took my friend to Beer School, and honestly I HIGHLY recommend it. We learned so much and I was wasted. I have learned that I cannot handle barley wine.
Anyway, I love establishments that have smart bartenders and great beer, and this place is just a classic to me. -
Review from Matt M.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2011
A haiku:
Where I go to drink
Great beer and be surrounded
By nothing but guys -
Review from Maureen S.
Chicago, IL
8/3/2011
Great beer list, comfortable seating, and a really friendly and unpretentious staff. The tap selection is great and methinks the prices are fair enough. They have a large list of rotating beer selection that sways with the seasons, which is great. If you like pale ales or Belgian beers, this is your joint! They have plenty of those hanging around on draft.
The ambiance is kinda funny is a weird, tacky, high school bedroom kind of way- the shelves are stacked with a National Geographic collection that reminds me of an episode of Hoarders, the flags hanging from the ceiling are oh-so college dorm room, and the painted globe-esque walls a sort of sloppy attempt at a mural, but all of this adds to the charm of this lovely little bar. I'll be back, many many times. -
Review from Rachel F.
4/20/2011
Wicked cool winning beer-centric bar in Chicago.
I am a beer dork. I am a dork en totale, but I am also a beer dork. I'm a wine nerd, a bourbon nerd, and a beer snob. I can't help it. My background in the bar/restaurant industry has done nothing but if to keep my palette in an ever-more discerning state of being.
The Map Room has so very many beers it made (and still makes) my head spin right round faster than Regan MacNeil's.
Duvel GREEN? Whaa? Fine, you don't distribute in Wisco, whatever. We're the land of beer -- get on it! And don't think I don't know what I'm talking about, either. I mean, yes, it is CHI and it's bigger and faster than MKE, but we have more than our share of beer nerd havens up here in the 414. The Map Room stacks up, selection-wise. Most certainly.
Vibe-wise? They've taken the hipstery-dark and somewhat dingy-organic/real approach w/ their vibe. I am a fan of this. Let the selection speak for itself.
I like to try to make it a point to stop by The Map Room when I'm in Chicago. I like maps, I like rooms, and I most certainly like good beer.Listed in: Favorite Beer Nerd Hangouts, Chicago-a-go-go
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Review from Katie R.
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favorite features of Map Room:
1. Maps on the walls
2. The glass-topped table with a computer under it - ideal for Wikipedia-ing with friends
3. Bearded bartenders who give you samples so you find something you like
4. Tamale guy is ALWAYS HERE -
Review from Dan S.
Streamwood, IL
11/21/2011
The Map Room is a cool little pub with a great selection of beer, both bottled & draft. I'm not as experimental when it comes to trying new beer, but I was feeling adventurous & wanted to try a couple. The bartender was very knowledgable & helpful, I told him what beer I usually drink & he made a couple suggestions. We didn't stay for very long but I enjoyed the atmosphere while I threw a few back. I'd come by again if I'm in the area
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Review from link b.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2011
The thing I like about this bar...is that usually if you are there before the sun goes down...everybody is in an in depth conversation about...something. Sports, work, love, mayor daley etc etc!
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Review from Samir P.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Make sure you bring cash, they don't take credit cards here. I'm pretty sure they have an ATM in the back though. I've been here a couple times now, really like the extensive beer list. If you're a fan of trying new beers, check this place out. The place was pretty loud when I was there, but I could still hold a decent convo with the person right next to me.
If you want a simple bar with a large variety of beers on tap, give it a try. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Heather k.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
How have I not written a review for Map Room yet? Probably because I'm undecided but today I decide on a four star after next week, it might be a two star. That doesn't really help you does it? Well here's the low down, down low, you know..
1) Stellar beer list, great bartenders, board games, good set-up, great location.
2) this place PACKS IT! If you're going to go here, go early or go on a random week night. It can get weird when it's so crowded.
That being said they hand pick who comes in so the crowd is in good shape. How do I know this? Well, I'm notorious amongst friends for being denied access on three separate occasions. In summary, start your night at Map Room, don't attempt entry so you can piss away delicious beer when you're too drunk to even know what your ordering. -
Review from Erika K.
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Map Room has a great selection of craft beers, specifically Belgian beers. I was so excited to see they had kriek (a cherry lambic) on tap, which I haven't had since I was in Belguim last year. It was a delicious day drinking option for a Friday afternoon in July.
No kitchen here, but the bartender was quick to share menus with us from places that would deliver. There were also pretzels on the bar, which we ate our fair share of.
Being that it was 3 p.m. on a Friday, it was not uber crowded. Along with their great beer selection, they also had a full bar and coffee and espresso drinks.
I would most likely be a regular here, if only I lived in Chicago. -
Review from Kristina K.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2011
Horrible service!!!
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Review from Terrence B.
Elgin, IL
4/1/2011
This is the bar that sets the bar for all other bars!
The beer selection is fantastic and constantly rotating (rotating to the point I've stopped in during the afternoon and returned at night to find out most of the taps had changed). And the pricing of their stock is very aggressive. Your likely going to pay about the same for some very top shelf tap selections as you are a miller lite at most other establishments. It is a cash only establishment so keep that in mind but I have a hard time spending more than 20 bucks without getting eye soakingly drunk.
The bar staff for the most part is quite out going (just don't order a miller lite). Unless your a beer snob, be prepared to try something new. If your intimidated, just say your out of your element and for them to surprise you. Oh and be prepared, they are aggressive about carding.
To get the most out of the maproom, time your visit. They get absolutely slammed on the weekend. Also tuesday night is international night which involves a lot of free food, but be prepared the place will be mobbed. I recommend checking this place out on a saturday or sunday afternoon. -
Review from Andrea R.
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's probably not fair for me to be eviewing Map Room because I'm not really a beer type of gal. Wine gal? yep. Martini gal? Hell yeah. But beer...not so much! And The Map Room is ALL about beer.
For those who are into beer...The Map Room is pretty awesome because they have dozens and dozens of unique brews. My husband and I arrived here around 8pm on a Saturday night to meet a bunch of friends. We were immediately told by the bouncer we'd have to wait (in the cold!) cause they were at capacity. My bar waiting days are waaay behind me so I was just about to protest when a few peeps left the bar...making room for us. Phew!
The hubby hit the beer list immediately while I decided against ordering a drink. They do have drinks besides beer here at The Map Room, but I felt a little silly ordering something else...and I had my fair share of sake at Mirai earlier in the evening.
All of our drinking companions seemed to be enjoying their beer and one of our friends claimed that his beer tasted like meat. And he seemed excited about that? Hmmm...
I'd much prefer a night at The Violet Hour, but have to give them props for being a beer lovers heaven. -
Review from Kate W.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2011
Whoa, this places is popular.
My brother was visiting me and he's really into beer. I thought taking him here would be a good place for him to try some brews that hadn't yet made their way to Upstate NY where he lives.
We got there around 8:30 on a Saturday night and there was already a line. We didn't have to wait long (under 10 minutes) and when we got in the place was packed. It took quite a while standing in line to finally get drinks, but while we were waiting a table near us opened up and we snagged it.
The bartenders were cool and friendly, their selection of beers is huge, and the crowd was friendly. We also liked the map theme of the place, there are National Geographic magazines there to read (should you get bored) while you're drinking!
I would most certainly go back, but I would try for a weeknight where I don't think it'll be nearly as crowded. -
Review from Jim C.
Cook, IL
12/2/2011
Great beer selection but go there for the beer, not the women...about a 5 to 1 ratio of men to women.
