Matchbox
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 666-9292
- Cross Street:
- Ogden Avenue
- Directions:
- El: Blue Line to Chicago; bus: 56 Milwaukee
- Hours:
- Sun-Fri 4pm-2am , Sat 4pm-3am
Editorial Review for Matchbox – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Kitschy pop-culture memorabilia and candlelight add even more character to this unbelievably tight corner hangout. The bar and a dozen stools consume all but a few inches along the length of the narrow, window-lined room; a handful of tables and chairs accommodate patrons out front in warm months. Music is bartender's choice, which generally runs the edgy-rock gamut from the 1960s to now.
The Draw
Human gridlock is part of the bar's odd charm--20-something fringe types mashed together with older neighborhood regulars--but beverages are the main attraction. Besides impressively large selections of bottled beers, wines and top-shelf liquors, Matchbox boasts acclaimed (but reasonably priced) cocktails incorporating fresh ingredients and mixers made from scratch; popular offerings like margaritas benefit from hand-squeezed lime juice, and bloody marys are custom-built with horseradish, patron-chosen seasonings and pickled veggies. Food is limited to bagged snacks at the bar, but the adjoining Silver Palm restaurant serves supper-club favorites.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoThe place is always packed--literally--so anytime is prime (if you like crowds). Some stick to visiting only in spring and summer, when outdoor seating is available.
Know Before You GoThough it's not a consistent problem, the bar can get very smoky, as it's a popular hangout for cigarette- and cigar-smokers.
The ExtrasThe bar shares owners and neighborhood space with the Silver Palm restaurant.
User Reviews for Matchbox
05/11/2008 Posted by astandsforactual
To the last reviewer: Take a hint!! you get lousy service because your a lousy tipper...obviously you've never worked in the industry!!!
09/05/2006 Posted by tracybartels
I have frequented the Matchbox in the past in hopes that I would have a good time there. I was there one night and was actually accused of being a "bad tipper!" How hard is it to tip a bottle of wine into a glass and how much do you think you deserve for that talented maneover? Get over yourselves all ready. My husband went in just last Saturday - 9/2, and could not even get someone to wait on him in what was an very uncrowded bar. Whatever happened to service? If I can avoid it, I will never go there again simply because the service of most of the male bartenders is appalling. The girls, great, always helpful. But the guys seem to think they only have to wait on the pretty, single girls and the guys who are big tippers, and let's face it, you're working at a bar and you're almost 40 years old. Get over yourselves.
Pros: Most of the drinks are expertly made
Cons: Service is not a word that applies to this establishment
Users Like You Also Viewed
Jilly's
1007 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611-1207
