Old Town Ale House

(312) 944-7020

219 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610 41.911 -87.6352

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Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side

Old Town Ale House

OLD TOWN ALE HOUSE

What People Are Saying About Old Town Ale House

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

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…

1 Star Rating: Poor

09/30/08

If you're wondering where ptomaine goes to die

by WanderingWanderer at Citysearch

Then wonder no more. The service is terrible, the drinks are watered down and what passes for food wouldn't be attractive to a starving dog.

As well - the walls are lined with this crappy art, and it's a hang out for old hippies who didn't get being a beatnick right the first time around.

Honestly, if you're deciding between going here and staying home, stay home.

  • Pros: None - it's awful
  • Cons: Hippie/pot head hang out. Bad service. Overpriced drinks watered down
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/13/05

Affordable and quaint

by rgk at Citysearch

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

09/07/05

A great tradition

by joandrone at Citysearch

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

The Details on Old Town Ale House

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.

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Bars & Clubs, Neighborhood Bars, Taverns, Dive Bars

Payment Methods:

Cash

Bar & Club Special Features:

After Work, After Hours, Smoking Permitted, 21 & Over

Minimum Age:

21

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

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