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Arts & Entertainment > The Redhead Piano Bar16 W Ontario St # 5, Chicago, IL | Directions 60610
41.893538 -87.628748 View Website
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“The people watching is fun.”
“This is a great place to take someone from out of town if you want to keep an eye out for celebrities, or a nice place for locals who want a change of pace from the usual bar and dance club.”
“Its a great piano bar that is always filled with a nice variety of locals.”
“The crowd seems to vary in age depending on the time of night and it's always a great place to people watch.”
“The people watching is fun.”
“When my husband returned from work, we decided to walk and find a place to eat, so my husband slipped on his comfortable (not inexpensive) running shoes.”
“The service was good, quick refills and frequent ashtray emptying (probably because we got a table).”

It had been years since I had step foot in the Redhead Piano Bar, simply because it struck me as a more tourist-oriented spot. So when my 65-year-old uncle was in town for a visit and suggested we stop in for a drink, I wasn't surprised. What did surprise me is that I had a blast inside as we belly-ed up to the piano, grabbed a beer and sang along to some Elton.

Shake your groove thang in typical Chicago fashion w overpriced drinks and the best piano player this side of the Chicago River.
Classy Chicago Piano Bar. I have been a patron of The Redhead for years and have enjoyed every visit. Comments about the dress code are absurd. It says "Proper Attire Required" on every ad I have ever seen and at the front door. If you do not want to dress like an adult, go to Division Street. There are plenty of places to wear sneakers and throw peanuts on the floor but if you want a nice, classy piano bar with a fun crowd and unmatched performers, go to The Redhead!
Don't waste your time!. Chicago was ranked the ?Best Restaurant City in America? ? GQ magazine (2006), but the Redhead Piano Bar didn't contribute to that award. If you are looking for a friendly upstanding bar, look to any of the other great bars around the city. The only customers this establishment cares about is wealthy old businessmen. My friends and I were treated rudely by the bouncer, waitresses, and even the manager. They wouldn't even let us in because my friend was wearing nice-looking tennis shoes because she has foot problems. Don't waste your time on a business that obviously does not care about having your business.
Not the best place if you are of a different race..
I have to agree with the previous rating of this place...My husband & I went there, and to be honest, they were not that nice to my husband...the so called bouncer at the door, was as rude and ignorant as one can be..Ususally when we smile our make a joke before entering a place, one always smiles and laughs back...not this jerk...I'm not saying that the whole staff was rude, or did not like mexicans, but the bouncer sure did not...And of course, he was a white guy..bald/glasses....
The music was the best part of the evening..
HORRIBLE SERVICE. I came here w/ a group of out of town friends/family from LA. The staff was rude to us and completely disrespectful and discrimenatory. My group was predominantly Hispanic and we felt very humiliated by the way we were treated. We noticed how another group of predominantly white individuals were treated differently. Even after asking for a manager they were just as rude. Little did they know we were accompanied by a State Attorney who works with the Department of Human Rights. Complaints were entered immediately. STAY AWAY AND DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME/MONEY.
Asinine dress code and rude battle-axe doorperson.
I was trying to entrertain my wife, and two grown sons ( one with his wife) on a recent shopping trip to the city. I had seen the sign for The Redhead many times and decided to venture in. What would best be descibed as a crusty old broad "greated" us outside and informed us the coat check was "mandatory". My wife had already entered the place when Ms. Charming began yelling hey!! Yo! you cant come in!! Although we were all well dressed and just come come from dinner in a nice restaurant nearby, she decided to turn us away because my youngest son had a pair of Nike shoes on. I understand dress codes...but come on!
I suggested to our delightful hostess that she check into the 21st century.
If you like rude service and snobs, go to Red Head Piano Bar!. Talk about a want-to-be-classy bar. If you're going to expect customers to meet a dress code, the aura, building, and service should at least meet it. the impression from the interior and exterior of the building was one of a brothel and the interior is anything but classy. The service was one of the worst experiences I have ever had.The first time, I went with my friends, one of my good friends was not allowed in because his shoes did not meet the dress code. (They were trendy looking Sketchers). I understand the idea behind a dress code and that's fine. Just the way the bouncer and other staff members treated my friend, looking at him like trash, told me a lot about the service. The next time I went, I hoped it was different but was even more disappointed with the wait-staff. All that could be seen was a superior, unfriendly attitude. The music and bartenders are fine, and I would have no problem with the older crowd, but terrible service from the staff is too high of a price for me to pay to have fun. I even gave it a second chance because I had high expectations for it. You can go four blocks south to Hubbard to Howl at the Moon for music that is just as good and waiters and waitresses who don't ruin their customers' night out with rudeness. I find it interesting to see a review from a bartender who just so happens to think the bar he works at is great. It makes me wonder if the other good reviews are written by its rude staff members. It is definitely not worth your time or money and clearly a bar that gets its business from first-time tourists who are lured by what it claims to be (a classy, fun atmosphere) and not repeat business.
Best drinks/ Best piano. Strong drinks, sophisticated people, fun fun fun! Best music to hang out and chat...sing along...drink and socialize!
Best Late Nights. I love this place!!!! Great Drinks, Great Bartenders, Great Hangovers! Sure, there is an older crowd early in the evening, but by 11 it's a bar that anyone who has even the minutest ability to have a good time will love. Service was impeccable, despite the craziness. And the bartenders know how to put on a show! Two guys and one girl in that small space, singing, laughing, and having fun, and never taking a break..Amazing! If you can't see the piano, watch the bar! There's a show no matter where you're at. Long live the Readhead!!!
Best Bartenders...Ever. I must admit...I bartend at the Redhead.. I've only worked there for about a year, but, after 15 years in the service industry, it has proven to be the most respectable, fair, and fun of all my endeavors. I have a degree (and an 'almost' master's), and no one understands why I don't use it...All I can say is 'How many people go to work everyday doing something they truly enjoy?' I love my job....I get to entertain people, and be entertained at the same time...in a bar that is true Chicago, through and through.......Life is short.... Why not stay up all night and get the most out of it? Oh, and the piano players like to strip for shots. (Just kidding....that's only at the after hours party).....
BE READY TO PAY !!!. The service was poor and drinks were small. The manager seated us in the back of the bar, when I asked to move closer to the front he told me that it would be $ 50.00 to get a table towards the front of the bar. I said "there is no one here and I have to pay $ 50.00 to be closer "he said yes and gave me a nasty look. Listen to this ,ONE hour later he came back and wanted more money for the next hour. I asked him if I was in a stip club.This place should wake up and realize they are not the only game in town. Maybe it was my suit or that we were under 60 years old, either way it's know way to treat anyone.
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