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This dark hideaway serves up ribs by the rack-full to an adoring Old Town crowd.
(312) 957-4490
1655 N Sedgwick St
(North Avenue)
Chicago,
IL
60614
41.9124
-87.6385
Neighborhoods: North Side, Lincoln Park
Hours:
Mon-Thu 5pm-11:30pm
Fri 5pm-12am
Sat 12pm-12am
Sun 12pm-10:30pm
Price:
$$
Twin Anchors Restaurant
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern
The Owner
Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern
Owner
Located in an historic Old Town building that dates back to 1881, Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern is one of the oldest restaurants in the city of Chicago. Since its founding in 1932, Twin Anchors has always been known for great, tender, barbequed baby-back ribs that can be enjoyed in a quaint neighborhood tavern. A favorite of Frank Sinatra's in the 1950's, to Conan O'Brien more currently. Partners, Paul Tuzi and his sisters, Mary Kay Cimarusti and Gina Manrique, are celebrating 75 years of keeping the tradition alive. Paul states, "We aren't just running a restaurant. Every night, we are…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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.
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
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
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.
The Details on Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern
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.
Category:
Bars & Clubs, Barbecue Restaurants, Restaurants, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Celeb Hangout, Lunch Spot, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Business Dining, Group Dining, Carry Out, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Message from Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern
- 75 year anniversary
- Slab of ribs, slice of history
- A true neighborhood favorite
Located in an historic Old Town building that dates back to 1881, Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern is one of the oldest restaurants in the city of Chicago. Since its founding in 1932, Twin Anchors has always been known for great, tender, barbequed baby-back ribs that can be enjoyed in a quaint neighborhood tavern. A favorite of Frank Sinatra's in the 1950's, to Conan O'Brien more currently. Partners, Paul Tuzi and his sisters, Mary Kay Cimarusti and Gina Manrique, are celebrating 75 years of keeping the tradition alive. Paul states, "We aren't just running a restaurant. Every night, we are throwing a party for 300 people in a living museum. That is what makes it such a pleasure." Dine in, enjoy the outdoor cafe in the summer, or carry out, just make sure you take time to enjoy a cold beer, a zesty slab, and Old Blue Eyes on the jukebox. But remember . . . "Positively No Dancing."
