Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern

In Short – Once a Prohibition speakeasy, this low-ceilinged, dimly lit space nearly always has a wait. The dining room seats 60, while the bar squeezes in another 15 around curved leather booths. Baby back ribs are the main attraction, served with extra sauce--zesty or mild. Choose baked potato, ridge-cut fries or onion rings on the side. Other entrees include broiled tiger shrimp, burgers, pulled pork and a half-chicken that's fried then quickly broiled and basted with barbecue sauce.

Editor's Tips

Fun Fact:: Star-spotting abounds at this place. It used to be Frank Sinatra; these days, you might see the Second City performers or Bonnie Hunt, who used the restaurant as an Irish eatery in her film "Return to Me."
Parking:: Side streets are permit-only parking; use valet or head to the Piper's Alley pay lot on North Avenue instead.
Where to Sit:: In the summer, sit outside in the outdoor cafe and enjoy the downtown ambiance.

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User Reviews (42)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Be perpared for a wait and enjoy the atmosphere.” “The atmosphere of the restaurant itself is quite fun, busy, and an assortment of all ages of people.” “The place was very cozy and warm.” “go here often because the charming "seafaring" old tavern decor/atmosphere and fine food keep me coming back.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“love this "old man's bar" and the ribs and friday fish fry are superb” “Go with a bunch of good people who want to eat, drink and have a good time- and go during Christmas time when they put lights up around the windows and it's snowing and you can sit in the corner booth- amazing.” “this is the famous bar for ribs.”
food quality	78.26000213623047% positive	“The ribs were inconsistant, very dry meat in sections.” “love this "old man's bar" and the ribs and friday fish fry are superb” “The food is good and the help is very nice.” “love the ribs and onion rings the sauce is so zesty.” “And, the ribs are indeed delicious, but they aren't the best in the world - or even in Chicago.” “There ribs are mediocre, their barbeque sauce is nothing to rant and rave about, there ranch dressing is the worst I've ever tasted and I felt as though I was sitting on the patron's lap behind me.” “The sauce is so good, I wish I had brought home a case when I visited your great city.” “have just recently moved to chicago, and everyone has been raving about the ribs at Twin Anchors, and I was sadly disappointed, the ribs were dry and lacked the tenderness and flavor one would expect from one of the city's best rib place, although in sp” “The have the best ribs and bbq pork sanwich ever to be had.” “However, you can request your ribs dry with the sauce served on the side.” “the pulled pork sandwich is quite good too.” “It is not fancy but it has the best ribs in the world; tender and tasty.” “Best ribs let alone good food.” “found it delicious and the baby backs were great, also a fantastic hamburger.” “Good service, better food.” “side dishes are fine-nothing outstanding.” “go here often because the charming "seafaring" old tavern decor/atmosphere and fine food keep me coming back.” “loved their sauce, nice and zesty!” “love the onion rings also long waits take out is a good option.” “have to say that I normally don't complain poor food or poor service or both, and I haven't with Twin Anchors, until now.” “My ribs were slightly dry and the sauce doesn't hit me as a world-class sauce.” “Loved it, great food, cant remember having eaten so much.” “Whatever- they're great and the onion rings are perfect.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“also recommend the chili on the menu.”
overall	75.0% positive	“have just recently moved to chicago, and everyone has been raving about the ribs at Twin Anchors, and I was sadly disappointed, the ribs were dry and lacked the tenderness and flavor one would expect from one of the city's best rib place, although in sp” “No surprise that the late great Frank's favorite place for Ribs still makes them better than anywhere else.”
service	95.0% positive	“So many people told me these were the best ribs in Chicago.” “Good service, better food.” “The service is prompt and the enviorment is inviting.” “The atmosphere of the restaurant itself is quite fun, busy, and an assortment of all ages of people.” “The service is great.” “Still, the place is great and the people (and there are plenty of them) are friendly.” “The cost is very cheap and I have received great service from there.” “have to say that I normally don't complain poor food or poor service or both, and I haven't with Twin Anchors, until now.” “The cost was low and the service was great.” “Go with a bunch of good people who want to eat, drink and have a good time- and go during Christmas time when they put lights up around the windows and it's snowing and you can sit in the corner booth- amazing.”
value	100.0% positive	“Well-worth a trip, but don't go expecting great BBQ.” “The cost is very cheap and I have received great service from there.”
wait time	100.0% positive	“love the onion rings also long waits take out is a good option.”

11/24/10

Hands down the best ribs

by Kev C at Citysearch

All you need to decide is spicy or mild. Incredible ribs that just fall off the bone.

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01/25/10

Chicago staple

by italiaP1 at Citysearch

Before I moved to Chicago I would always come here. Since I live here I have only been once but I will definitely be back. If you are entertaining guests from out of town or just want a really good dinner - Twin Anchors is never a bad choice.

Pros: Really good Barbecue

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03/08/09

Not sure what the fuss is about

by chitownjerry at Citysearch

So many people told me these were the best ribs in Chicago. I didnt find them to be that great. Maybe just a bad night? The ribs were inconsistant, very dry meat in sections. Inexcusable for the price and the hype.

Pros: the beer was good
Cons: the ribs were just OK

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07/07/08

Sinatra didn't know his ribs

by catchris98 at Citysearch

Historic...yes. Total dive (in a good way)...yes. Worth experiencing...yes. Best ribs let alone good food...no way. I never understand why people who rave about this place always start by raving about the food. I totally agree that it's an institution steeped in history, but every time I come hear the food totally lets me down. The food should not be the reason you come here.

Pros: Historic
Cons: Food

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01/18/08

The ribs are fall off the bone good.

by patrickhayes at Citysearch

Now that being said if you are into southern BBQ this is not. The food is good and the help is very nice. But this place really is more than just the food. I really liked the feel of the place. We sat in the front corner of the bar and a cold Saturday morning. It just felt right. I felt like I was from the neighborhood and this is the place we hang out. There are better ribs out there but these where still very good. I have to recommend trying it. I may try to go when it is busy to see how the atmosphere is then.

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Editor's Tips

11/24/10

Hands down the best ribs

by Kev C at Citysearch

01/25/10

Chicago staple

by italiaP1 at Citysearch

03/08/09

Not sure what the fuss is about

by chitownjerry at Citysearch

07/07/08

Sinatra didn't know his ribs

by catchris98 at Citysearch

01/18/08

The ribs are fall off the bone good.

by patrickhayes at Citysearch

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