Pepper Canister

(312) 467-3300

509 North Wells (Grand Avenue)
Chicago, IL 60610 41.8911 -87.634

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Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central

Years in business

Established in 2003

Hours:

Mon-Fri 11am-2am

Sat 5pm-3am

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Restaurants, Singles Bars, Food Stores, Bars & Pubs, Taverns

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Bar & Club Type of Music:

Techno & Industrial, Rock & Pop

Bar & Club Special Features:

Outdoor Seating, 21 & Over, After Work, Smoking Permitted

Minimum Age:

21

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

What People Are Saying About Pepper Canister

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Borrowing the unusual nickname of a Dublin church, this loungey pub from Garrett Ripley's owners opens beyond its stark black and red exterior into an expansive, high-ceilinged room thronged by area 9-to-5ers and younger trendsters. The clamor of the crowd and blasting alternative music energizes the reverent, candle-lit brick space. – – The Draw – A long, high table parallel to the bar accommodates after-work groups and those comfortable talking to strangers; three storefront booths, a back cubby and a cram of tables throughout provide more intimacy.…

Editor's Tips

Save Time:
The martyr's dip is rich and generously portioned, so ask for extra bread when you order--you'll need it.
Know Before You Go:
Unlike most bars, this one has defined sections for non-smokers and smokers--saints up front, sinners at back. This means the coveted booths accommodate Wells Street people-watching, but not cigarettes. On the upside for puffers: Their seats are closer to the bar and the bathrooms.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. It's a great dark and cozy spot with smoking in the back and a non-smoking area in the front.
food quality
93.33000183105469% positive
  1. This place has the best Boddingtons and their burgers are to die for!
  2. My boyfriend loves the scotch eggs and all of the English food including authentic bacon and sausages.
  3. It always helps when the wait staff provides not only excellent service but has a huge authentic smile behind it.
  4. was surprised to find they had really great food though.
  5. Great food at extremely reasonable prices have hours enjoyment and socializing written all over them.
service
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. It always helps when the wait staff provides not only excellent service but has a huge authentic smile behind it.
  2. Great crowd of happy, friendly patrons adds to the mix.
value
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. It always helps when the wait staff provides not only excellent service but has a huge authentic smile behind it.
  2. Great food at extremely reasonable prices have hours enjoyment and socializing written all over them.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/17/06

Great lunch or after work spot

by samanda3 at Citysearch

I've been here several times after work for drinks. It's a great dark and cozy spot with smoking in the back and a non-smoking area in the front. It's always been a good time, although it can sometimes get outrageously expensive with a group (but what place can't). I was surprised to find they had really great food though. I now go about once a month with co-workers to get one of the very good salads and appetizers they offer.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/21/06

ALL AROUND GREAT

by the______d at Citysearch

AS A BEERFUL FELLA, SHOCKED AND AMAZED WITH HOEGARDEN ON DRAFT. FOR ALL YOU YOUNGENS OUT THERE WHO HAVE THE TASTE FOR BLUE MOON YOU HAVE TO TRY THE BELGIUM ORIGINAL FOR WHICH IT WAS MODELED AFTER. KNOCK, KNOCK. WHO'S THERE? AWESOME STAFF. FUN AND NOT AFRAID TO HAVE ONE WITH YA. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, BEEN THERE SEVERAL TIMES. TRIED SEVERAL ITEMS OFF THE MENU. EVERYTHING WAY BETTER THAN EXPECTED. CHEERS LADS- NICE JOB DONE. I'LL BE BACK AGAIN FOR SURE. THE______D

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/23/04

Good Irish Hospitality

by mike_archie at Citysearch

The boys have always welcomed a stranger with open arms and a rinsed pint. Great food at extremely reasonable prices have hours enjoyment and socializing written all over them. Great crowd of happy, friendly patrons adds to the mix.

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

10/24/03

Best Beer and Bar Food

by jules1477 at Citysearch

This place has the best Boddingtons and their burgers are to die for! My boyfriend loves the scotch eggs and all of the English food including authentic bacon and sausages.

  • Pros: Beer, Window view, Burgers
4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

09/04/03

Always a ton of fun!

by kwakey at Citysearch

Great place to take your friends for happy hour! It always helps when the wait staff provides not only excellent service but has a huge authentic smile behind it. They are all for everyone having a good time, and if you're not they'll make sure you do. You'll always find a good mix of people as well. I definitely would recommend this place!

  • Pros: friendly staff, good food, good pub
  • Cons: TOO smoky

The Details on Pepper Canister

Place Categories:

  • really great food
  • authentic smile
  • authentic sausages
  • great crowd
  • great spot
  • very good salads
  • not excellent service
  • awesome staff
  • loves all
  • authentic bacon
  • recommend place
  • happy patrons
  • extremely reasonable prices
  • best boddingtons
  • loves scotch eggs

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