Old Town Ale Housesimilar businesses >

312-944-7020
Picture for Old Town Ale House
City's Best

219 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610
Fax: 312-944-7020

Find this business under: Bars

  • Credit Cards Accepted: Cash Only

Located almost directly across the street from Piper's Alley at North and Wells, the late-night Old Town Ale House decks its walls with ornamental clutter -- such as a stuffed bear playing a trumpet or dozens of photos -- as well as an orange-hued mural of the bar's past regular customers. The bar's light-colored woody interior is reminiscent of a worn ski lodge, and the overflowing decorations provide a vibe that restaurant T.G.I. Friday attempts to emulate.

Overall, the Old Town Ale House exudes a rustic, urban and slightly standoffish vibe -- standoffish only in the sense that with a history spanning more than 40 years, it's required to prove nothing. Tables stand upon stepped tiers in the one-room bar, each drawing a different type of clientele: Theater buffs and artists appreciate the decor while Old Town's up-and-coming... er... "already-there" locals appreciate the scene. The jukebox isn't shabby, and there are a few video games for patrons looking to pass the time. -- David Glines

4 Ratings and Reviews

  • " JOINT"

    Review rating : 5out of 5   scratchud - 08/16/2004

    great place with people of"character"...rare in today's world!!

  • Old Town Ale House

    Review rating : 4out of 5   mchughx5 - 04/14/2004

    Great place, love to visit there when I go into town

  • GSAA Aluminator's Review

    Review rating : 3out of 5   gsaaaluminator - 04/26/2003

    Great memories from the 70's and 80's. Now it is too trendy to be cool. Too many wanna-be types now. Too bad.

  • F Mulvihil's Review

    Review rating : 5out of 5   fmulvihil - 02/11/2003

    A long time favorite hang out for Second City actors, the Ale House was also a favorite with the Chicago 7, depicted on the mural painted on the East Wall. The Juke Box is by far the best collection of jazz in the city.Check out KILLER JOE.

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