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Old Town Ale House

219 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610-1224
Phone: (312) 944-7020
Citysearch
Cross Street:
Wells Street
Directions:
El: Brown Line to Sedgwick
Best of Citysearch:
Dive Bar 2007, Dive Bar 2006, Dive Bar 2005
Hours:
Sun-Fri 12pm-4am, Sat 12pm-5am

Editorial Review for Old Town Ale House – by Citysearch Editors

The Scene
Walls are a jumble of knickknacks, Halloween masks, old Chicago photos, discarded toys and found artwork. More than 100 friends are immortalized in the portrait mural and in the head-shot collage of lesser-known Second City grads behind the bar. There's even a lend-one-take-one library of paperbacks.

The Draw

Everyone's here. Grizzled regulars heatedly arguing movies at one end, a young couple chatting in the front window nook, a few frat brothers playing pinball near the back, the lone visitor swapping stories with the bartender, the eccentric playwright nursing coffee in a corner. More Second City alumni have wound up face-down here than in any other bar in Chicago. Everyone from John Belushi and Bill Murray to well-known TV barfly George Wendt have awakened in a daze, vowing never again to be lured by the Ale House's grimy siren song.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

The jukebox's classic jazz and blues made it a local legend for years, though it's now expanded to take in some rock and pop music.

The Extras

This spot is so dog-friendly, bartenders keep a supply of Milkbones behind the bar for four-legged regulars.

User Reviews for Old Town Ale House

Citysearch (6), Trip Advisor (1 ), All (7)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/13/2005 Posted by rgk

If you are looking for a place to take a moment and unwind with good music and an affordable cocktail, then the alehouse is the place. Nothing fancy about it, but a place to feast your eyes on strange memorabilia, unique art and interesting conversation.

Pros: location, price, atmosphere

Cons: parking

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/07/2005 Posted by joandrone

The Old Town Ale House is a neighborhood treasure, has been there for many years. The clientele is as varied as it gets and always interesting. The juke box has always been one of the best and most eclectic in the city. All the greats from nearby Second City have frequented it. Hope that it will continue in its unique tradition.

Pros: Unique, Inexpensive, Untrendy

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Editor's Review

One of the weirdest and most entertaining cross-sections of Chicago humanity.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

The jukebox's classic jazz and blues made it a local legend for years, though it's now expanded to take in some rock and pop music.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Smoking

  • Yes

Atmospheres

  • 21 & Over
  • Smoking Permitted
  • Tavern
  • Neighborhood
  • After Hours
  • Bars
  • Pub / Tavern

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Sun-Fri 12pm-4am
  • Sat 12pm-5am

Dress Code

  • Casual

Minimum Age

  • 21

Payment Types

  • Cash

Recognition for Old Town Ale House

2007 Editorial Winner - Dive Bar
2006 Audience Winner - Dive Bar
2005 Audience Winner - Dive Bar

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