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The front room feels like a fancy den and provides a refined spot to hang out with friends. It’s also good for sports fans who want more than typical pub fare. The Old Town Ale House boasts an array of beers, ranging from craft brews by breweries like Revolution Brewing and Half Acre Brewing Company, to our favorite cult brands like Guinness, Stella Artois, Corona, PBR Tallboys, and more. The pub is also known for bartender Tim’s cocktails, including the classic Michelada.

Glunz Tavern
As Doyle gets ready to turn 80, he's scaled back his schedule to one day a week, but he's now worked for three generations of owners, and his tenure has spanned eight Philadelphia mayors. He's also served then Vice President Joe Biden and many other national politicians, athletes and celebrities. Now the bar plans to open weekdays at 5 p.m., weekends at 1 p.m., but their hours may change, said Polk. Per city rules, all in-house alcohol sales must end at 11 p.m. The food menu at The Old Town Ale House consists of small plates and bar food like nachos, tamales, carnitas, and even poke bowls. Over the years, the pub has become a staple spot for many, including those coming straight from the Second City theatre across the street.
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A gem of a Thai restaurant sits inside the Marshall Hotel. The menu is standard compared to most Thai spots, the old suspects like pad Thai and satay are available. But the affordability and dependability make this an essential spot for the neighborhood. Old Town can be homogenous at times thanks to a stretch of sports bars packed with recent college graduates.
Rush partners with top-ranked MD Anderson, aiming to give patients more access to the latest cancer treatments
Receive the latest updates from Chicago Drinks Guide on the drinks industry, informative stories, and drinks reviews. This restaurant may be the epitome of the neighborhood, with Italian-American classics and a nice patio tucked in behind Wells Street. Find old-school items like clams casino, an underrated Italian beef, and more. The Old Town Ale House has been called "The best bar in the world that I know about" by Roger Ebert[13][14] whose biographical film Life Itself contains several interviews within the bar, and ends with a portrait of Ebert in the bar that was painted by Elliott. "He's very personable, he loves people, and he comes home with stories and stories and stories, it's so much fun, it really is. Somebody's gotta write a book, I don't know who, but somebody has to write a book. He's amazing," Laura Doyle said. "He's a very dedicated man, very nice man; everyone loves him. I know he doesn't work full-time now, but still, he's very well-liked as you can tell by the turnout," said friend Robert Devitis.
The Old Town Ale House, not to be confused with recent newcomer Old Town Pub found nearby on Wells, can be found at the southeast corner of North and Wieland, at the base of a nicely appointed red-brick four-flat. The original caught on fire on February 9, 1971, at which point the bar and remaining furniture was shuffled across the street to 219 W. North Avenue in a “temporary” move that has lasted until today. Perhaps indicating that the move was less than temporary, in addition to the 36 years that have passed, is that the Old Town Ale House exterior was recently remodeled. The clapboard façade, showbill font, shingled west awning, and paned glass with yellow trim that gave the Old Town Ale House its signature dive-ish saloon feel has been replaced with a nicely wood-paneled forest green façade with matching awning. At its core, Old Town Ale House is a funky dive bar and historical hangout full of locals and comedians because of its location near Second City.
Near the front of the bar, you’ll find the “Curiosity Shop” that features a large bulletin board of various notices. Less famous regulars who have passed can be found honored on the northwest corner’s “Dead Wall,” which is kitty corner from “Crazy Bitch Wall,” above the pinball machine. A disturbingly large head of papier-mâché, found on the back wall and originally from a defunct establishment called Figaro’s, rounds out the décor. I’ve found it difficult to recall details of Old Town Ale House visits as, mysteriously, my memories seem a bit clouded the next day. However, what I can remember is that the Old Town Ale House has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that is quite difficult to find in this part of town.
The waitstaff is friendly and they’re pros at dealing with large crowds, private events, and customers just grabbing a drink on the patio. Kick back with a plate of pasta with a glass of red and people watch. This historic restaurant was one of filming locations for Batman Begins, and it gives off a bit of a gangster vibe. While they are broiled — not smoked — the pork is tender and the zesty sauce has built quite a loyalty. The bar also sports one of the better beer lists for the area.
Step into the historic goodness at the Old Town Ale House.
One of Chicago’s oldest sushi spots (it opened in 1967) has found life at their new location. While other sushi spots may be more inventive with ingredients, Kamehachi has become a party restaurant for older customers. There’s karaoke and other themed nights to cater to more of the Old Town’s nightlife. While a younger crowd fills this Element Collective space on weekend nights with music pulsing and a make-shift dance floor emerging, Old Town Social has one of the best beer and cocktail lists in the neighborhood. The charcuterie is made in the kitchen, and the burger (get it with an egg) is a force.
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“My boss drove down to the City Clerk (office) and got a copy that they said we could post and be legal,” said Tim Polk, bartender and manager of 20 or so years. The bar obtained a retail food license from the city, which allowed it to sell the pizza. In true pub-style, The Old Town Ale House puts down daily specials on a chalkboard, which include the day’s drinks and food. There is also a celebrity wall, where Elliot has painted portraits of the famous and not-so-famous stars that used to come in, including Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, John Belushi, and Dan Aykroyd to name a few. The Old Ale Town House was established in 1958 by entrepreneur E.J. Vangelder’s idea for the pub came from his visits to San Francisco, where he often visited the Vesuvios saloon on North Beach.

After taking over the bar, Tobin started sprucing the bar up and decided to extend the famous Ale House wall mural which was painted in 1971 by Maureen Munson. The mural contains the portraits of fifty or sixty old-time customers. With the help of Elliot’s talents, soon enough, every corner of the bar was covered in pictures of a present or former regular.
This space was once the tasting room for The House of Glunz, the historic wine store located next door. It’s a neighborhood wine bar with rare spirits and a Bavarian-inspired menu that’s runs laps around the boring sports bar fare offered at most of the other restaurants on Wells. The Bavarian food is tasty, but the burger is a guilty pleasure.
Michael Shannon watched the Oscars from a Chicago dive bar - Marcus Leshock Chicago WGN News Reporter
Michael Shannon watched the Oscars from a Chicago dive bar.
Posted: Tue, 06 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]
A newcomer to the area, Forastero is a fast-casual spot along North Avenue that mixes Mexican food with Korean flavors. The chef-owner worked at Jane’s in Bucktown, and the BYO spot features tacos, rice dishes, and spicy “Kung Fu Wings” with habanero and apricot. "I met Chase Utley, Moose Johnston came in one night," Doyle recalled. "When I first started working here, I didn't know how long I'd be here. Then I got the job as a doorman, eventually, I became a bartender," Doyle said. SoNo Wood Fired is a casual Italian restaurant and pizza restaurant that’s always reliable. Two Lights is a seafood-focused restaurant in Old Town that's good for drinks and a light bite.
THE OLD TOWN ALE HOUSE IS PLANNING ON REOPENING TONIGHT!!!! ” wrote artist and self-described mascot-in-residence Bruce Elliott publicly on his personal Facebook page Wednesday morning. Elliott painted the infamous political wall art behind the bar. The series debuted with a naked Sarah Palin holding an assault rifle, progressed to a portrait of Mitt Romney wearing what the artist calls “Magic Mormon Underwear,” as well as a work titled “Cavity Search” featuring convicted former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.
Vangelder was good at building bars and hiring bartenders but wasn’t one for customer relations - due to which he sold the pub to Joe Diaz. Diaz’s ownership immediately ran the bar into the ground, and he sold it in 1970 to Art Klug and his group of Rush Street eccentrics. “The Old Town Ale House is as close to the Old Town of the ’60s and ‘70s that you are going to find, making it a neighborhood landmark, classic Chicago joint, and generally a pub that you’ll not want to miss,” said Sean Parnell from the Chicago Bar Project. When you step into The Old Town Ale House, the first thing you notice are the paintings that fill about every inch of every wall, made by the part-time owner and blogger Bruce Elliot.
Chicago is home to many pubs, but one that has left a mark on many is the historic Old Town Ale House. Old Town Ale House has attracted many, from blue-collar men, college kids, and even the more affluent crowd. Everyone wants a pint at the Old Town Ale House, and the pub has something for everyone. This affordable Middle Eastern spot has been serving shawarma far before Tony Stark had ever heard of the meaty dish. The falafels are crispy, and there’s a nice selection of salads, wraps, and entrees. The hummus with chicken shawarma — add some hot sauce — is a winner.