Small Bar
| Address: | 2958 N Albany Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-509-9888 |
| Site: | thesmallbar.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 12PM–2AM 12PM–3AM 12PM–2AM |
Location
Photos 93
Reviews 20
ZA
Zach Stuckmann
Small Bar has a big taste. The vitalizing eats menu offers great-tasting bar food standards, but also incorporates a menu of ever-changing selections of delicious specials, including a unique and filling bowl of macaroni and cheese that is always tossed with a slew of new ingredients that (seemingly) change every day. Drop by often for the drink menu too, its always changing with daily drink specials. Theyve even offered exclusive brews not typically available to the public. In the Summer the patio opens up offering a little bit more room to spread out for lunch, a late afternoon drink or two, a date, or dinner with friends. Things can get louder and fairly crowded on the weekends but generally speaking, its a homey environment with a diverse demographic of people, and the staff absolutely rocks.
JU
Justin Bassett
Sit out on the patio with your dog in nice weather! I was surprised to find that the food at Small Bar was top-notch. Its a great pub dinner in a relaxing atmosphere. The bartenders are more than amenable to changing the TV to whatever obscure sporting event youre trying to watch. Favorite menu items: 1) Fried Cheese Curds - served with mustard, this plate has enough for two to snakc on while watching a game or waiting on an entree 2) Buffalo Chicken Sandwich - An enormous chicken breast fired and smothered in buffalo sauce, served with fries and not-quite-enough blue cheese (just ask for more!) I usually eat half and bring the other half home for lunch the next day.
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joseph guerrero
Truly great beer list. Always friendly service and I really like the vibe of this place. I had sliders (with cheese, $1.50 each on Tuesdays). I wouldnt get them again. A soft, tiny pretzel bun and an even smaller patty, with a few slices of pickles on the side. The patties were extremely well (over)done. I also got to try the veggie burger, and waffle fries with beer cheese, which was all good. Perhaps the food is hit or miss, but the beer and environment is reason enough to return.
GE
Geoffrey Adler
The worlds most perfect neighborhood, corner bar features a fantastic beer selection that will likely have something even your most snooty of beer snob friends will be excited about. They also have an insanely talented kitchen cranking out burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups and snacks--including a towering plate of pulled-pork nachos that must be seen to be eaten. If you stop in, do a shot of Malort with JJ at some point because that dude rules and you should drink more Malort. :)
JI
Jim Kobylinski
Went for the beer on tap, website keeps it updated as well as beer finder. Great little bar, very friendly people. Pulled pork was great but a tad spicy for BBQ and burgers had a delicious char taste to them. Kudos for a proper medium temperature which no one seems to get right anymore. Only thing is I felt that the beer wasnt quite served cold enough. Other than that, Ill come back again at some point. Oh cheese curds! Yum.
MI
Mimosa Shah
Its been a little while since my last visit, but the patio of this hidden outpost of Small Bar is the best in terms of laid-back vibes, great brews, and standard bar food. Staff are extremely knowledgable about whats on tap, what pairs with what, etc.. Meanwhile, the fried foods are, well, densely crisp and exactly what youd need on a warm day with a cold, crisp IPA. Definitely prefer this Small Bar over its other locations.
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Garbage Man
Great "Small Bar" neighborhood pub. I dont live around here but a buddy does. Afterward I stopped her and had good conversion with the people and staff. Super and rate IPA selection. The local told me that they "rotate the great beers almost too quickly!" You cant go wrong there. Loved it so much I came back a second night from seeing my friend. Warm, friendly, good spirited energy around!
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Kevin Ware
When I go to small bar I get a bunch of well bourbon and cokes. I also enjoy getting sliders and pretending that they are full sized burgers. Making me a giant if you look at the size difference of burger to hand. Feeling like a bridge troll is the only way I can truly unwind after a long day of not drinking trash. Love this place.
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Jennifer Zurawicz
Looks like your average run-of-the-mill cozy neighborhood dive, but it was so much more! An incredible beer list (they had Burbon County on tap!), and the food (I had the fried cheese curds appetizer and a burger with waffle fries) was easily the best I have ever had! I am going to make this a regular stop, and you should too.
A
A Private User
slow service. there were 3cooks and 2 bartenders with 25 people TOPS in the whole bar. not a HELLO or WELCOME... and we practically had to BEG for beers on a saturday night. not sure what all the buzz is around. i guess the bartenders were jealous because non of the girls were paying attention to them...
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Connor Heckler
This bar is made for people who love craft beer and classic Chicago bars. The food here, in addition to the beer, is also amazing. The hot wings are so extraordinarily hot I could not finish them. It seems they have every beer in Chicago here. Every part of going to small bar is a wonderful experience.
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A Private User
Heard the burgers were the best in Chicago so I really wanted to try them. Definitely didnt live up to the hype but they were still good. This place is great overall. Love the soccer atmosphere and all the unique beer on tap. It was a little understaffed a couple times Ive been though.
PA
Patrick Behrens
This is a good bar. Previously I had a 4 star rating, but after going here twice changed it to 5 stars because you can bring your parrot inside. Their appetizers are good and the staff is very friendly. I would stick up for them in a prison shower fight
M
M Reaves
A fun, hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bar. Yes it does live up to its name because its only one, smallish room (30 people maybe?). The craft a very good cocktail and have a smallish but very good tap list. The food is tasty and decently priced.
DA
Dane Freeman
Best hidden bar in the city. Staff is great and is willing to take the time to work with you on great beer recommendations. Beer selection is ever changing and great. The back patio in the summer is a perfect place for weekend day-drinking.
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A Private User
They have a big ugly bartender who seems to hate his life and want to place the blame on any patron that walks in the door. If I didnt live so close Id never come back. Oh, and the beer is overpriced. And the service is slow.
AA
Aaron Zimmerman
I love every single thing about this place. The Tuna Casserole Mac & Cheese might be one of the greatest things to happen ever. The wings always hit the spot and their Thursday night wing night will put you into a BBQy comma.
TO
Tom Schumacher
Great food, amazing beer selection, friendly staff that genuinely seems happy to be at work. A wonderful and quiet outside patio that is one of my favorite places in Chicago. Possibly my favorite bar, at least in the top 3.
ZA
Zach Zuber
Just had a beer, but was impressed with the staffs knowledge and recommendations. I had a Dogfish Head 120 min. IPA, by the way. Glanced at the menu and was intrigued. Definitely going to come back and try it.
CH
Christine Stiely
Great locals bar! In the summer they have a back patio thats nice and relaxed- you can have a conversation without yelling. Bar staff is knowledgeable about the beer and recommendations. Go if you can!
