There's been some discussion of late on this great under the radar Chicago bar but it needs it's own thread. Located down a street where you wouldn't expect there to be any operating businesses left, Loncar's is a little jewel on the Southeast side. The big red brick building without any windows and a big Old Style sign in front might be a little bit intimidating to some from the outside but it's a great friendly vibe inside.
Longtime locals favorite on 92nd a few blocks east of Commercial
Anyone watch the Southside Chicago based series 'Shamless' on Showtime? If there was a bar in the city I could picture a real life Frank Gallagher walking into, Loncar's might be it. It's a diverse and sometimes lively crowd inside. All your drinking needs are supplied whether it be for there at the bar or to take home with you after a long day at the factory. They've been dishing out beverages to the neighborhood since before prohibition. There's a
great article from the Sun Times about Mr. Robert "Bobby" Loncar who spent half of his life manning the bar here. The street now has his name honored on it.
As we enter
Bobby's Croatian immigrant parents started Loncar's in 1924. Family lore has it that his mom ruled the bar with a meat cleaver by her side, throwing out members of Capone's gang when they'd try and capitalize on them during prohibition. Back in the day they brewed their own beer and wine upstairs. At some point the 'hood Loncar's is in started turning Mexican but instead of shutting down shop and calling it a career they just adjusted to the times. Robert learned to make menudo for his hew customers and made them feel as welcome as anyone. These days it's been taken over by some long time customers who wanted to continue it's tradition. They're doing an excellent job.
What you'll see on your left as you walk in, about 10 fryer baskets and a bar
One of those traditions is their fried chicken. When you're walking into Loncar's its hard not to immediately want some as it floods the corner with an amazing smell coming from the vents. It's fried fresh and comes with a crispy heavy coating that I enjoy. It might not be the most highly seasoned bird but they carry the famous Hienie's hot sauce from around this way. Learn more about it from Kevin Pang
HERE. Drown the chicken in this and it's some of the best in the city. It's addicting to many.
Loncar's Famous Fried Chicken
As far as food goes all they have on the menu is that which can be fried including my guiltiest of guilty pleasures, their fried tacos. Every Wednesday this signature item is offered for $1.50 each. They take chopped hamburger meat and throw it in a softshell corn tortilla and put a tooth pick thru to it together. Dropped in the deep fryer and cooked thru til crispy, toppings go on after. You just know they're not healthy because they're so damn good. Any 'best of' taco list in the city should include these gut bombs. Truly the perfect compliment to a bottle of Old Style. If you're a Cubs fan living on the Southside, Loncar's rides with them too. They also seem to have a Kansas hoops connection with Jayhawks stuff on display. A great blue collar place.
Wednesday is Fried Taco Day which makes it the best day to visit
Loncar's Liquors
3201 E 92nd St
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 734-3933