Whiskey Thief Tavern
| Address: | 616 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA |
| Phone: | +1 847-859-2342 |
| Site: | whiskeythieftavern.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–1AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 15
MI
Michael Shin
Went 3 days ago to grab a drink and food with some friends. The decor is warm and homey - warm lighting, leather-bound menus, and a good whiskey/bourbon selection. Food was above average for pub fare. Heres where things went south: The place was fairly packed for a Friday evening in Evanston. We were a table of 6, a table of 4 was next to us, a table of 8 adjacent to them, and behind us a table of 4. Solid crowd. The clock struck 10p and the hilarity began: the DJ starting playing a set that was reminiscent of a bad wedding reception. He/She was scratching and dubstepifying oldies and crappy top 40 songs. It would have been fine except the volume was cranked up to 10/10. Sure, Im an older guy (in my 30s), and I love my loud tunes as much as the next guy (of note, I played in a rock band for the better part of my 20s and early 30s), but this was obnoxious. If the goal of the staff was to clear out the place, they succeeded. The tables around us all cleared out quickly. We tried to get the waitress to get our check, but they pretty much ignored us and couldnt hear what we were asking for when we walked over to them. It was almost funny - it felt like a joke. We quickly paid out tab and ran across the street to World of Beer where we could actually hold a conversation. After the night was over, walking to our car, Whiskey Thief was empty. On a Friday night. At around midnight. World of Beer was still at around 70% capacity. Ill be very surprised if Whiskey Thief is still in business in 6 months.
DA
David Shih
Great place for casual drinks with friends or a fun date night. At first, we were turned off by all the flat screen tvs and thought it felt like a sports bar. But once we got inside and sat in a suitably dark booth, we appreciated the low-lit vibe of the place as well as the reading library with fire place at one end of the room. Our server was friendly and we really enjoyed our splurge on the churros. I mean, churros! Its a good place to escape the winter blues and feels more grown up and sophisticated than we had first thought. So check this place out!
DA
David Schultz
I came here for drinks once and really loved their whiskey selection. I came back for dinner and everything was absolutely perfect from the time we walked in till the time we walked out. I got the Thief Burger which was really tasty. It was cooked to perfection and each topping was really high quality and thoughtful. I think that was the most well-executed fried egg Id ever seen on a burger haha! This place screams hipster gastro pub, and as much as I want to not like it, they have yet to disappoint me, so I plan on coming back.
A
A Neahring
The food was great! It was almost empty at 12:30 on Saturday, very nice and quiet but I hope business picks up so this place doesnt go the way a lot of good restaurants are going downtown (closing after a few months). The decor is really cool and there are plenty of TVs without really feeling like a sports bar. It kind of has a similar feel to bangers and lace. We didnt get drinks but the food was great, and we had no problems with service. Easy parking in the Sherman Plaza parking garage, across the street and west one block.
TJ
TJ Edwards
Downtown Evanston bar and grill, what could go wrong???? EVERYTHING! The staff treated my husband and I like we were pestering then. Wait times to order drinks were insane, couples with the staff nasty attitudes takes the cake. Spending my hard earned money and time in an establishment that does not respect their patrons is a no go! Ill take my desire to dance and drink to another great Evanston location that values their customers! They would have a zero but Im forced to give them a star.
AI
Aiylin Vargas
This place is fake news! Went out with our friends on Saturday and not only did they attempt to overcharge us on drinks, the staff was really rude. Roll my eyes, why do you come burden me kind of rude. Pushing and shoving you around. Also, need a drink? dont hold your breath, waited at the bar easily for over 30 minutes with no service. Well take our patronage where I can at least get a smile and maybe a thank you for the decent tips we were leaving.
FR
freddie kim
Whiskey Thief normally is a real fun place to hang out with friends. They have good music, good selection of drinks, and a great atmosphere. However, I was here this past Saturday night with about 80 of my friends (locals and out-of-towners), and we were all very disappointed with the service, rudeness, and negative attitudes of the staff. I would highly not recommend going here on the weekends!!
MA
Matthew C. Cataldi
Every time Ive come here its been very good. Ive read some not so good reviews on Yelp, but it must be only on the weekend. My wife and I have come on the weekdays and the staff are very friendly and outgoing and the food and cocktails are VERY good. The decor in here is simply outstanding and very unique. Its definitely worth a visit! Well be back for sure :-).
OU
Out of jokes
As an out-of-towner, this place is very welcoming and feels like a place Id visit all the time at home. They have a strong, curated beer selection and pretty good food too. Of course the whiskey is flowing as well. The bartenders are very friendly from the start and thats very appreciated as a non-local that will frequent this place every time hes here on business.
TI
Tiffani Ng
Im so glad they opened the Whiskey Thief Tavern in Evanston. I love the interior - a combination of cozy and cool. (They have booths inside of giant barrels!) The food is good and the cocktails are even better! Id highly getting the bacon wrapped dates with any of the burgers. Service is attentive and friendly. Would definitely return again and again!
DA
Dan Kulpa
I had their version of a bloody mary which is called a bloody rebel. There was Guinness and bourbon in it along with bacon, cheese pieces, and of course bloody mary mix. It was so good I wish I had another. The cheeseburger was excellent with thin sliced pickles and a tasty dijon mayo sauce, for sure would have again.
ST
Steve Weir
I really wanted to like this place, I probably will be back, but nonetheless it was disappointing. The food was very average, and the service was not very good. The decor of the building is amazing, and it definitely got crowded for the bar crowd. I just want the food to be a little better.
JO
John Keating
Horrible experience on Saturday. Stop in to grab a drink with a few friends only to be ignored by the staff. When they werent checking their phones they were talking their friends at the bar. Stay away from this place on the weekends! Plenty of better options in town.
TI
Tim Breitberg
Birthday dinner with family. Food was outstanding, decor was comfortable, bourbon list had many choices. Bourbon served in glencairn glass (fancy!). Live jazz was pleasant & unobtrusive to our meal, sat perfect in the background. Staff was amazing.
WI
William Reigle
A great new addition to downtown Evanston. Excellent food menu as well as unique cocktails. The thief burger and salmon are particularly well prepared, flavorful, and juicy. Definitely check our Whiskey Thief!
