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Conversation friendly beer bars?

Conversation friendly beer bars?
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  • Conversation friendly beer bars?

    Post #1 - November 27th, 2009, 11:09 pm
    Post #1 - November 27th, 2009, 11:09 pm Post #1 - November 27th, 2009, 11:09 pm
    I've been looking for a good beer bar (significant selection of craft beers) where you can also have a conversation without having to shout over the music or bar noise. I really like the beer and people at The Map Room but it's just too loud for an easy conversation with friends and really, when I drink good beer, the main accompaniment I'm looking for is conversation with good friends. (Also enjoyed the Hop Leaf but difficult to get a seat without buying a full meal).
  • Post #2 - November 27th, 2009, 11:21 pm
    Post #2 - November 27th, 2009, 11:21 pm Post #2 - November 27th, 2009, 11:21 pm
    I'm with you 100% on the conversation friendly part of your inquiry. However, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I'm not sure my suggestion will totally fit your needs. As for conversation, I've found Guthrie's on Addison to be one of the most laid back, low key bars in the city. Very comfortable, warm and inviting, Guthrie's is my ideal setting for some good drinking and good company.

    Buddy

    Guthrie's Tavern
    1300 W Addison St
    Chicago, IL 60613
    (773) 477-2900
  • Post #3 - November 28th, 2009, 8:21 pm
    Post #3 - November 28th, 2009, 8:21 pm Post #3 - November 28th, 2009, 8:21 pm
    I like Guthries, but I wouldn't really call it a craft beer bar. Although, if you are looking for a place to drink and play triva persuit.. I highly recommend it!

    I'd try Sheffield's. http://www.sheffieldschicago.com/
  • Post #4 - November 29th, 2009, 11:28 am
    Post #4 - November 29th, 2009, 11:28 am Post #4 - November 29th, 2009, 11:28 am
    Prairie Moon has a decent, but not quite great, beer list, and with several rooms, so you can choose the most conversation-friendly. It's just a few blocks from the Davis St. stop on the Purple Line.

    Prairie Moon
    1502 Sherman Ave.
    Evanston
    847-864-8328
    prairiemoonrestaurant.com
  • Post #5 - November 29th, 2009, 4:41 pm
    Post #5 - November 29th, 2009, 4:41 pm Post #5 - November 29th, 2009, 4:41 pm
    Have you tried Paramount Room? I was there last night, and it seems to fit all of your criteria. The music was at an unobtrusive volume, and I had no problems conversing with my friends. The beer list is quite good, as is the food.

    GNR Thread
    Site

    Paramount Room
    415 North Milwaukee Avenue
    Chicago, IL 60654
    (312) 829-6300
    "Ah, lamentably no, my gastronomic rapacity knows no satiety" - Homer J. Simpson
  • Post #6 - November 29th, 2009, 4:52 pm
    Post #6 - November 29th, 2009, 4:52 pm Post #6 - November 29th, 2009, 4:52 pm
    Quenchers? I haven't been there in a while, but I don't remember it being loud, and they do have a great beer selection.

    Quenchers
    2401 N Western Ave
    Chicago, IL 60647-2011
    (773) 276-9730

    SSDD
    He was constantly reminded of how startlingly different a place the world was when viewed from a point only three feet to the left.

    Deepdish Pizza = Casserole
  • Post #7 - November 30th, 2009, 9:21 am
    Post #7 - November 30th, 2009, 9:21 am Post #7 - November 30th, 2009, 9:21 am
    I have always enjoyed Clark Street Ale House at Superior and Clark. They have a great beer selection and the noise level is reasonable, though it may be louder later in the night, I've never been there after 9PM.
  • Post #8 - November 30th, 2009, 11:45 am
    Post #8 - November 30th, 2009, 11:45 am Post #8 - November 30th, 2009, 11:45 am
    turkob wrote:I have always enjoyed Clark Street Ale House at Superior and Clark. They have a great beer selection and the noise level is reasonable, though it may be louder later in the night, I've never been there after 9PM.


    I really like Clark Street Ale House, too. I was there for an event a few weeks ago, and the place was full--far busier than I'd ever seen it--but the noise level was still very reasonable. I didn't feel like I needed to raise my voice at all.
  • Post #9 - November 30th, 2009, 11:54 am
    Post #9 - November 30th, 2009, 11:54 am Post #9 - November 30th, 2009, 11:54 am
    happy_stomach wrote:
    turkob wrote:I have always enjoyed Clark Street Ale House at Superior and Clark. They have a great beer selection and the noise level is reasonable, though it may be louder later in the night, I've never been there after 9PM.


    I really like Clark Street Ale House, too. I was there for an event a few weeks ago, and the place was full--far busier than I'd ever seen it--but the noise level was still very reasonable. I didn't feel like I needed to raise my voice at all.


    Ditto for Clark Street, I've been in there right after work and conversation wasn't a problem, but I've also been in there fairly late were conversation would be an issue.

    Plus they get points in my book for letting people bring their dogs in. Though that can be a negative too, since I had a dog steal my ID one night...

    SSDD
    He was constantly reminded of how startlingly different a place the world was when viewed from a point only three feet to the left.

    Deepdish Pizza = Casserole
  • Post #10 - November 30th, 2009, 3:06 pm
    Post #10 - November 30th, 2009, 3:06 pm Post #10 - November 30th, 2009, 3:06 pm
    Not sure if you're looking for a chain or driving out to the burbs, but there are few places that offer a bigger selection than The Yardhouse in the Glen. 100+ beers on tap

    The Yardhouse
    1880 Tower Drive
    Glenview, IL 60025
  • Post #11 - November 30th, 2009, 5:03 pm
    Post #11 - November 30th, 2009, 5:03 pm Post #11 - November 30th, 2009, 5:03 pm
    Are you looking in the city exclusively or are you willing to drive a bit west? Lunar Brewing in Villa Park might fit your criteria...lots of craft beers and very conversation friendly.

    Lunar Brewing
    54 E Saint Charles Rd
    Villa Park, IL 60181-2434
    (630) 530-2077
    "The only thing I have to eat is Yoo-hoo and Cocoa puffs so if you want anything else, you have to bring it with you."
  • Post #12 - December 2nd, 2009, 8:00 am
    Post #12 - December 2nd, 2009, 8:00 am Post #12 - December 2nd, 2009, 8:00 am
    Quenchers? I haven't been there in a while, but I don't remember it being loud, and they do have a great beer selection.

    Quenchers
    2401 N Western Ave
    Chicago, IL 60647-2011
    (773) 276-9730


    There was a time when I was at Quenchers at least once a week. It was always my "quiet place", so I think it should fit the bill for you. They often have live music, but it's in an adjacent room so it's usually not a problem. There's around 200-300 beers there, and they hold numerous "fests" throughout the year, highlighting IPA's, stouts, and sour beers.

    I would also venture a bar/restaurant for your query - Jerry's on Division. They've got a very, very extensive beer list, with a lot of rare 22oz and cool stuff on tap. They also do pitchers, which is a good volume-for-dollar proposition. Food is hit or miss, but I've never been disappointed with beer there. And, its definitely easy to hold a conversation there.

    Jerry's Sandwiches
    1938 W Division St
    Chicago, IL‎
    (773) 235-1006‎
  • Post #13 - December 2nd, 2009, 9:25 am
    Post #13 - December 2nd, 2009, 9:25 am Post #13 - December 2nd, 2009, 9:25 am
    grahamhh wrote:
    I would also venture a bar/restaurant for your query - Jerry's on Division. ‎


    Good call, when thinking about drinking beer I always forget about Jerry's, even though every time I go I am amazed by what they have.

    SSDD
    He was constantly reminded of how startlingly different a place the world was when viewed from a point only three feet to the left.

    Deepdish Pizza = Casserole
  • Post #14 - December 2nd, 2009, 10:05 am
    Post #14 - December 2nd, 2009, 10:05 am Post #14 - December 2nd, 2009, 10:05 am
    Jerry's can be conversation friendly unless they have live music going -- I was walking by last Sunday evening and something was blaring loud enough to be heard nearly across the street. And it wasn't exactly good music, IMO. That being said, Jerry's does have a great list -- and it's all domestic, too (or was, last time I paid attention)

    Small Bar can also work (just west of Damen on Division). Unless there's a ton of people watching soccer, it can be pretty chill. They also have a great beer list.

    Goose Island (on Clybourn) could also work, though they're more restaurant than bar.
    best,
    dan
  • Post #15 - December 2nd, 2009, 10:14 am
    Post #15 - December 2nd, 2009, 10:14 am Post #15 - December 2nd, 2009, 10:14 am
    I'd throw Village Tap into the mix. They have interesting beers and decent food. I'd also suggest the Edgewater Lounge which has always had a good Rogue selection.

    Village Tap
    2055 W. Roscoe, Chicago
    773-883-0817

    Edgewater Lounge
    5600 N. Ashland, Chicago
    773-878-3343
    -Mary
  • Post #16 - January 15th, 2010, 1:37 pm
    Post #16 - January 15th, 2010, 1:37 pm Post #16 - January 15th, 2010, 1:37 pm
    Jak's Tap, while not really a beer bar, tends to have a much better than average selection of beers. It has never been loud in my experience, though the waitstaff can be hit or miss some nights.

    Jaks Tap
    www.jakstap.com
    901 W. Jackson
    Chicago, IL 60035
    (312) 666-1700
  • Post #17 - January 15th, 2010, 7:45 pm
    Post #17 - January 15th, 2010, 7:45 pm Post #17 - January 15th, 2010, 7:45 pm
    Just visited Shire Public House last night and believe it fits nicely into this category. Decent beer list and conversation friendly. They play music but it is at such a level that we never had to raise our voices the entire time were there.

    Buddy

    Shire Public House
    3328 North Lincoln Avenue
    Chicago, IL 60657-1108
    (773) 935-6391
    http://www.theshirechicago.com
  • Post #18 - February 4th, 2010, 12:50 pm
    Post #18 - February 4th, 2010, 12:50 pm Post #18 - February 4th, 2010, 12:50 pm
    Anyone have a suggestion for a place near DePaul or along Halsted (south of Fullerton)?
  • Post #19 - February 4th, 2010, 1:28 pm
    Post #19 - February 4th, 2010, 1:28 pm Post #19 - February 4th, 2010, 1:28 pm
    jblth wrote:Anyone have a suggestion for a place near DePaul or along Halsted (south of Fullerton)?

    Off the top of my head:

    Black Duck Tavern
    1800 N Halsted St
    Chicago, IL 60614
    312-664-1801

    The Local Option
    1102 W. Webster Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
    773-348-2008

    Tavish
    1335 W Wrightwood Ave
    Chicago, IL 60614
    773-529-8888

    Sterch's
    2238 N. Lincoln Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
    773-281-2653

    These might not all be the nicest bars, and might not have the widest beverage variety, but I think they fit into the "conversation-friendly" category very nicely.
  • Post #20 - February 4th, 2010, 2:10 pm
    Post #20 - February 4th, 2010, 2:10 pm Post #20 - February 4th, 2010, 2:10 pm
    The Local Option
    1102 W. Webster Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
    773-348-2008


    A hearty second on that one. Really great beer selection, far under-recognized for their killer taps.
    One thing you should be sure to be wary of is that the guys that run this place will crank up the metal REAL LOUD to piss off the Trixies and Chads when they wander in later on Friday and Saturday. I'd recommend coming in earlier in the night (grab some of their really good food while you're at it) or avoiding the weekend.
  • Post #21 - February 4th, 2010, 3:13 pm
    Post #21 - February 4th, 2010, 3:13 pm Post #21 - February 4th, 2010, 3:13 pm
    grahamhh wrote:
    The Local Option
    1102 W. Webster Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
    773-348-2008


    A hearty second on that one. Really great beer selection, far under-recognized for their killer taps.
    One thing you should be sure to be wary of is that the guys that run this place will crank up the metal REAL LOUD to piss off the Trixies and Chads when they wander in later on Friday and Saturday. I'd recommend coming in earlier in the night (grab some of their really good food while you're at it) or avoiding the weekend.


    Thanks a lot. I just need a place that is quiet enough to talk comfortably and a couple decent beers.

    edit: Great place, exactly what I was looking for.
  • Post #22 - July 21st, 2020, 9:47 am
    Post #22 - July 21st, 2020, 9:47 am Post #22 - July 21st, 2020, 9:47 am
    BuddyRoadhouse wrote:I'm with you 100% on the conversation friendly part of your inquiry. However, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I'm not sure my suggestion will totally fit your needs. As for conversation, I've found Guthrie's on Addison to be one of the most laid back, low key bars in the city. Very comfortable, warm and inviting, Guthrie's is my ideal setting for some good drinking and good company.

    Buddy

    Guthrie's Tavern
    1300 W Addison St
    Chicago, IL 60613
    (773) 477-2900

    After 34 Years, Guthries Tavern to Close Thursday in Wrigleyville

    https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/21/213 ... oronavirus
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #23 - July 24th, 2020, 10:58 pm
    Post #23 - July 24th, 2020, 10:58 pm Post #23 - July 24th, 2020, 10:58 pm
    OK; this thread was started a long time ago, before any threats to civilization by a pandemic occurred.
    Because, honestly, if you are in a licensed venue, and you want to have a conversation with somebody | anybody else, you will have to be within six feet of one another, and your facial covering will probably be disconnected because you are consuming a licensed beverage.
    Is an in-person conversation worth risking your life? :shock:
    I respectfully question your presence at an on-premise location. But I do understand you want that venue to survive until this pandemic is deemed ‘manageable’. In which case, go there. But don't encourage other people to get within six feet of you.
    Yes, this is harsh. But this is an attempt by me to be pragmatic. There are a number of licensed venues I would appreciate visiting again. But not if it is going to cost me my life. :(
    Valuable links for survival, without the monetization attempt: https://pqrs-ltd.xyz/bookmark4.html
  • Post #24 - April 21st, 2021, 8:19 pm
    Post #24 - April 21st, 2021, 8:19 pm Post #24 - April 21st, 2021, 8:19 pm
    Dave148 wrote:
    BuddyRoadhouse wrote:I'm with you 100% on the conversation friendly part of your inquiry. However, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I'm not sure my suggestion will totally fit your needs. As for conversation, I've found Guthrie's on Addison to be one of the most laid back, low key bars in the city. Very comfortable, warm and inviting, Guthrie's is my ideal setting for some good drinking and good company.

    Buddy

    Guthrie's Tavern
    1300 W Addison St
    Chicago, IL 60613
    (773) 477-2900

    After 34 Years, Guthries Tavern to Close Thursday in Wrigleyville

    https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/21/213 ... oronavirus


    Guthries Tavern Set To Reopen After Closing Last Summer Due To Pandemic
    https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/04/21 ... -pandemic/
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #25 - August 23rd, 2021, 5:08 pm
    Post #25 - August 23rd, 2021, 5:08 pm Post #25 - August 23rd, 2021, 5:08 pm
    Dave148 wrote:
    BuddyRoadhouse wrote:I'm with you 100% on the conversation friendly part of your inquiry. However, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I'm not sure my suggestion will totally fit your needs. As for conversation, I've found Guthrie's on Addison to be one of the most laid back, low key bars in the city. Very comfortable, warm and inviting, Guthrie's is my ideal setting for some good drinking and good company.

    Buddy

    Guthrie's Tavern
    1300 W Addison St
    Chicago, IL 60613
    (773) 477-2900

    After 34 Years, Guthries Tavern to Close Thursday in Wrigleyville

    https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/21/213 ... oronavirus

    Both Guthries and the California Clipper closed during the pandemic. Now, they're on the verge of reopening under new ownership that's eager to preserve the past. https://flip.it/Vn9BZN
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard

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