Old Ale House is everything an individual like myself wants in a local dive. A Great 4am dive with a lively late night crowd. This totally unassuming bar brings characteristics unlike others you've been to. The first thing you will notice upon walking in are crass, I'm talking wholly NSFW, political satirical portraits donning the walls of the establishment. That barely precedes the jazz standards that you will hear above the loud chatter of the bar crowd. You will come to know this jazz is being played out of an old school juke box that only holds jazz and classical music to be chosen. The bar offers a small but satisfying variety of options at reasonable prices. But by the time I get there I'm usually just sticking to some PBR. Also be prepared and bring cash as the Ale House is cash only. If you get hungry you're typically out of luck, however, there is a friendly fellow who comes by every night selling hot, delicious, homemade tamales. The service at the bar is focused on the efficiency. If you want friendliness talk to the door man, they are always friendly and respectable even with all the hammered mid-20s aged kids around. Speaking of that the crowd is typically pretty diverse and gets younger as the night wears on. It appears to also attract the second city crew from across the street. All of these things combine to make for a fantastic late-night experience (like after 11 pm). Don't ask me about what it's like before 11 because I don't know.

Have you ever wanted to get into the "Dive Bar" scene but don't know how to get your foot in the door. Well, how about "diving" feet first into the Old Town Ale house. Located on North ave, right across the street from the famed Second City, this quaint bar fits all your dive bar essentials: eclectic decor, friendly regulars, and not a bad beer selection. This bar isn't first date material, unless you're the adventurous type or a motorcycle enthusiasts. For you see the "eclectic decor" includes various political artwork that would make your mother or father blush, unless of course they're the adventurous type or motorcycle enthusiasts! I would recommend this place of perhaps the 4th or 10th date or you're in a relationship where bodily functions like passing gas is a "no biggie." Plus, you can actually have casual conversations at this bar, as the music is never too loud and patrons tend to be less rowdy types.... although adventurous, not sure about motorcycle enthusiasts, but hey why not. (Note I do not mean to make marginalize or judgmental comments about the adventurous or motorcycle enthusiasts community.)

A classic Chicago cash only bar. This place has an amazing crowd and everyone seems to be very friendly. The bartenders on the other hand only seem to like the regulars which I understand, but a smile here or there wouldn't hurt. Everytime I have gone to this place I meet new people and we talk like we are friends already. A lot of Second City people come in here too since it is right across the street. They can certainly make you laugh! The drink are the typical cash only bar drinks. They have about 8 beers on tap and lots more in bottle and cans. You can get a mix drink and depending how you talk to the bartender you will probably get a decent drink. I have never had a bad experience here I just wish the bartenders were as friendly as the people that go there.

One of the great dives in Chicago and therefore perhaps anywhere. Tony Bourdain's favorite Chicago bar, the Parts Unknown episode is great. Cash only. Known for the strange crude and lewd original paintings of politicians engaged in obscene acts that adorn the walls, won't find that anywhere else. Also known as a Second City bar so there is plenty of history here. 4am bar which is extra cool since that means it got grandfathered in. The taps are 8 and a rail drink was 9 but a tallboy of Old Style is still only 4 which after covid is pretty great. Absolute must-visit in Chicago if dive bars with character are anything you seek - many of them get too rowdy or full of douchebags whereas this is always cool and easy to get a drink at. Total gem.

Been visiting here since I first moved to Chicago, practically across the street, was my go to when getting off my own late night bar shifts. Tim was one of the first guys to ever serve me a drink in town. Have had my fair share of drinking into the late hours of the night here. It’s the kind of place you wanna be when it’s 0* outside, with piles of snow of the ground, and you’re packed in shoulder to shoulder with people who’ve had a totally different life experience than you have. A place to hear stories, make new friends, celebrate with old ones, and just take an opportunity to be present. When you’re at Ale House, it feels like the only place in the world there is to be.

Soon as you walk in you will be skeptical. Skeptical of just what goes on here in this establishment. Then you'll hear the jazz and blues piping through the old antique jukebox and you'll know you're in a great spot. Not to mention, that the booze is reasonably priced. No matter how much time you spend here you will never fully get a good look at all their glorious artwork on the walls. Just when I think I've seen everything I discover a new painting or sketch on the wall. Nothing bad to report here at all. Good environment, good mix of clientele, staff is on point. What more can I say and they're open late.

Old Town Ale House is a relic of the past, the present and an uncertain future. A bar that is old as the building, the jukebox to the left hand side as you walk in. It’s illustrious and vibrant collections of Impressionist portraits. Whether from regular guests, staff members, or celebrities; the bar doesn’t hold back with their attitude (whether good or comically, satirically bad). The bar is a testament of time, no matter where you are, who are, when you are born; it’s stay there as a reminder to sometimes it’s best for you let go of your stress. Come in, grab a beer, sit, chat, look and relax.

The title says it all... Old Town Ale House. Truly a watering hole with a salt of the earth feel and bartenders who are leery of new patrons until they get to know you and then open up and are willing to share the history of the Ale House. Chairs made up of whatever could be found, interesting nooks and cranies for conversing and walls filled with paintings of celebrities and political mischief. Beer is cheap, at least for Chicago and it is said this was Roger Eberts favorite hang-out, understably so. Worth a stop in before or after visiting Second City!

This is the closest thing I can think of to a modern day "salon" where people of all ages (well ... 21+) sit around appreciating art, music, and each others' company and insights. The beverages and provocative paintings are just fuel for better conversation... I've oftentimes found myself deep in dialogue when everything falls silent around us and surprisingly, people are comfortable in the quiet interstitial spaces... (I've found that's pretty rare). My only criticisms are: beware of the limited, uncomfortable seating and cash-only bar.

Nothing says "we prefer grown-ups" like irreverent paintings featuring naked politicians. No Party is safe, no cheek too outre. The beer list is pretty good, doesn't try too hard. Really, the place is more about the magnificent juke box and the dive-bar atmosphere, which seem to bring on a synesthetic perception of cigarette smoke and old-guy after-shave. Come here on a first date if you are confident in the first impression you'll make and your date's sure-footedness in the world. But heads-up: it's a cash-only joint.

Yes, I am one of many out-of-towners who went here due to Anthony Bourdain and its history that is tied to Second City and many SNL cast members that have probably blacked out in this very establishment. Bartender was really friendly and the drinks were well priced. It s a nice little dive bar with some great music playing at just the right volume level. The paintings are also part of the ambiance and its hard to explain but it just reeks of history and character in the place. A must stop for Bourdain and SNL fans.

This place is iconic and awesome. CASH ONLY!!!! Great alcohol and beer selection, the political paintings by the owners ex-husband, artist and blogger Bruce Cameron Elliott are simply hilarious. This is where the old Second City cast of SNL used to hang out so get your John Belushi vibe on. It's a real institution. BRING CASH!!! (There is an ATM on site).
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Malort Shots
Kid-friendliness
Not even a little bit

There is a feeling, where you don't quite know, but there is an overwhelming feeling that you are in the presence of greatness. That is this place. You walk in. Everyone tells you Anthony Bourdain was here, he did a set. He was great. There is all this great art. A ton of wonderful reviews. What is going on here? Tons of art. Who are these portraits? Wonderful portraits. Drinks and art. What more could one want? It's great. Lovely. Just go.

I went feeling a bit insecure.But then Kim waited on me and made my time there feel much more relaxed..thank you Kim!!! My whole reason for going was because of watching Anthony Bourdain show and I just moved to Chicago so this was an experience for me and she made it great. Thanks again Kim and thanks again Anthony Bourdain for giving us the most amazing insight of the entire world, your energy will live on forever XOXO

Great bar. Yes yes, I did come here because of the late Mr Bourdain, but that doesn't make it a good bar in its own right. It has well priced beer, a good jukebox and passable staff. The walls are covered in amusing, and at times racy paintings. All painted by the proprietor, who can sometimes be seen at the bar chatting to regulars. I come everytime I'm in the area, sit yourself down, grab a Shlitz and enjoy the place

A very nice place to go for a beer. The place has lots of drawings and paintings on the walls, giving it a unique look. It's a simple place, don't expect fancy stuff. Beers are affordable, but you may find that the cheapest options are not that tasty. Of course that's not bad, cause options are a plenty. Oh, the bar does not serve food, so bring your own, or buy/get something to eat nearby. Recommended!

Dive bar with an old school jukebox filled with great music. Cash only and you have to order at the bar even if you are sitting at one of the tables. The art on the walls is hilarious and raunchy at the same time. Beer was cold and atmoshphere was very laid back. Good chill spot if you don't need the frills of a full service spot and enjoy being able to pick your own soundtrack.

Nothing else like it. A dive bar grown ups. The character of the place between the walls stacked with paintings and curated jukebox give this place truly unique vibes.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Malort Shots
Wheelchair accessibility
Accessible entrance and some accessible seating

I had so much fun here! They played Jazz early in the evening. You could be casual or dressed up and blend in. It wasn't too crowded and the waitstaff was helpful. Full bar and I didn't try anything fancy, so I can't comment on whether or not they are mixologists.... It was hilarious watching people's faces as they noticed the art work. I will definitely go back.

This is a great spot always fun has a lot of photos on the wall with very interesting meanings and interpretations. this is cash only FYI but the staff are great and the bartenders are awesome a good selection of beer. I find myself looking at the photos and wondering wow did someone actually draw that. That’s pretty cool. I highly recommend this spot for a beer

Chris working the front entrance was abrasive and rude in is comments toward patrons upon entry. He proceeded of accusing customers of behavior which was inappropriate, vulgar and biased in bigotry. I found this defamation of character offensive and disrespectful. He needs a lesson in how to do his job or find something better suited for his abysmal attitude

Was looking forward to visiting this bar since I'm from Michigan, doorman told me I was too intoxicated and he wouldn't let me in. Hadn't even had one drink yet, it was my starting point. Very upset since I took a $15 uber ride to get there. I told him I just came from dinner, he said he had to keep a short leash on everyone. A very nice welcome to Chicago.

Loved the ambience, it's really got the vibe of an old town ale house so you can take the name literally. The artwork is great and they have a really old jukebox too. It's definitely one of my favorite bars in Chicago from now on. The prices I'd say are similar or slightly lower to any other bar in this area. An old fashioned cost us 12 including taxes

Good bar, but some bad patrons. Watch out for the one guy I think he calls himself Jay has a dark just for men colored beard, I caught him creepily staring at my Girlfriend, later on after we left she said she caught him taking pics of her. Someone told me he is a regular. Anyways like I said great prices on drinks but bad creepy patrons.

My favorite spot is the window seat by the bar with a Dry Manhattan and the Sunday edition of the New York Times. The acoustics are such that you'll inevitably be privy to either a rather vehement argument over Belushi's casual hygiene practices or the pivotal role played by the neighborhood anarchists in the Democratic convention riots.

I just couldn’t pass by…. This is a very atmospheric place form 60s or 70s. A very dark lites, jukebox, old fashioned bar and it fells like and old Chicago style place. $8 for Lagunitas IPA seems to be a regular price for a place in this area. If you want to dive into Chicago classic bar - this is a place. Definitely recommended!

*CASH ONLY BAR* Stumbled upon this dive bar before a second city show across the street. It was so funny, the bar owner is a painter and the bar is filled with his art. Thankfully he's good the the art is funny (there was a lot of anti-trump commentary). Drinks were cheap there were comfy chairs, so I liked it.

Very small ancient dive bar, basically the perfect atmosphere. The walls are decorated in enough elaborate nude paintings of celebrities to keep you entertained no matter how long your boring date goes. Cash only but drinks are cheap. It's a mainstay of Chicago so if you're in the area be sure to check it out.

Cash only, Old Town Ale House has a very dive bar feel but that's not a bad thing. Good price on pitchers, we came in the early afternoon and felt like we could have just hung out for hours. Plenty to look at while you're here, the owner has some of his hilarious artwork pinned up. If only it was for sale...

Wow…wow. This place is great. I appreciate their hours and how kind their staff treats me. I feel like I found my local bar for the first time. It feels like I found my spot like the characters in friends found Central Perk. I highly recommend. Special shout out to Preston and John who work behind the bar.

CASH ONLY! Don’t let that message scare you away, just come prepared. There is also an ATM inside. Good selection of beer and drinks. Small, slightly stuffy but relaxing and nice atmosphere. This seems to be a classic hangout after second city so when you’re there keep an eye out for comedians. Nice place!

Great little dark bar that allows you to melt in the shadows if you like. Very interesting pictures everywhere, you won't get bored looking at them. They even have a bathroom that reminds me a little how a prison bathroom would look, lol. Great little place with a lot of history and worth checking out.

Such a fun little dive bar. We went there to pregame before Second City Show the location was perfect. The beers are reasonable, the crowd was eclectic, the artwork was absolutely inspired! We saw the bar on the Anthony Bordain travel show. We were not disappointment - it was better than expected!

2.5. Quiet little bar with quirky, entertaining paintings all over the walls. Limited selection of brews. Service not exactly with a smile, but got the job done. Basically a dive bar. If not for the odd-ball paintings (and being the only place not blasting football), would have passed it by.

One of the most interesting bars I have be in anywhere. It is amazingly chaotic with some of the most amusing paintings I have ever seen. A must hit if you find yourself in Chicago, heck even if you find yourself close. Dive bar taken to the extreme, this would be my place if I lived near.

Old Town Ale House is an amazing bar if you are in the mood for an authentic experience with friends. The old feel to it with unique photos on the wall will surely make for a fun memory with friends. This is also a great location for some drinks before a show at the famous Second City.

Good drink prices, entertaining art on the walls, a much more relaxed atmosphere than many of the club-like bars in the area. The fact that this place is open until 5am on weekends means you can easily arrive after midnight and still sit down at a table and spend several hours here.

This is my kind of place. Pretty divey, cheap beer, good crowd. It's awesome that it's right across the street from Second City, too. This place doesn't have the clubby vibe (literally at all) that almost everywhere else on the nearby strip does. It was a breath of divey fresh air.

Cash only!!The owner is an artist, which is great, however a lot of them are severely anti-trump. I don't care what your political views are but I don't need to have them thrown in my face when I'm out trying to have a nice time. I go out to try to avoid all this political drama.

The Old Town Ale House is an excellent dive. There aren't a bunch of fancy beers on tap or elaborate mixed drinks, just cheap beer, stiff drinks, a jukebox full of jazz and blues, and obscene paintings of regulars and political figures in compromising positions on the walls.

Classic Chicago. Gotta go. Be warned: there’s a “NO SHOTS” list! Great spot to visit as a local, regular, or out-of-towner looking for a good conversation. Highly recommend if you’re in the area. Great addition to a show at The Second City which is right across the street.

Ale House is a staple of Old Town.. on weekends it can get packed with a mix of tourists & locals. It’s a popular spot for folks to stop by after a show at Zanies or Second City. It is CASH ONLY and it’s a 4am/5am spot so remember to be patient & courteous to the staff

A great bar with good drinks, fair prices, and great environment and staff. Finally being able to come after seeing the bar from Bourdain's episode in Chicago was a sad/melancholy experience, but I couldn't have had a nicer time trying Malört and and enjoying a beer.

Man what an awesome place. Led here by the Anthony Bourdain segment on Chicago foods. It’s an amazing place, rich in heritage and soaked in good humor painting. Friendly patron. Excellent staff. Really enjoyed the visit. Full bar. Cash only with an ATM handy.

Yeah it's alright then. Jukebox is pretty specific, and the place is definitely going for dive energy. Like the folks are saying the paintings will make you chuckle if you're not a far right nutter. Indeed is cash only as you might expect from a bar like this

Chicago’s best dive bar in my opinion. Cash only, late night and always buzzing on weekends. You can feel the history when you’re inside. Good beer, wine and drink selection. If you’re a regular or visiting from out of town you won’t be disappointed.

Its a great bar with a really great atmosphere and interesting decor. Definitely has a bit of a hole in the wall feel which is great if that's what your looking for. Be prepared to see some risque wall art that may be offensive to some.

The perfect dive bar. The drinks are reasonably priced, the bar staff is friendly, the music is played at an appropriate volume, and the lights aren’t too bright. No frills, no bullsh*t, no credit cards accepted. Perfect in every way.

The atmosphere gets at 3, especially if dive bars are your thing! Awesome old school juke box, cheap beers and strong drinks.Located right across from Second City you can often spot comedians here after Saturday night show. Cash only!

I used to like coming here 10 years or so ago. Last couple times in the bartenders were such pieces of $hit I hated it. I suppose some people find the attitude charming, but I'm not into it... it's not the fu¢king Wiener's Circle.

Great chill place with easy jazz in the background. Definitely go see the art above the bar. Anyone who feels disdain towards the Trump universe will appreciate all of it. Second City fans will love the portraits of the alumni.

Cash only classic Chicago establishment. Great hangout on a late weeknight or Saturday night when the Second City crew rolls in. Old School jukebox, interesting paintings and a friendly staff make this place a great hang out.

Decent beer selection, but not my personal taste in terms of style. Very electing and dive-y at the same time with some original art on the wall. If you like dive-bars you'll probably like it but it's not my cup of tea.

Finally made it out to this place after years of my friends recommending it. The atmosphere is great. Laid back, no one trying to be "cool", everyone enjoying a good beer. Will definitely be returning. It is CASH ONLY!

Saw this place when the late Tony Bourdain visited on Parts Unknown and was not disappointed. Dimly lit with unique art keeps the conversation fresh. Bartenders were excellent and quick with the drinks. Worth a visit.

Definitely all about the paintings on the wall! Simple drink and beer selection. Efficient bar staff. It was packed!!! Good respite from all the 20 year olds and boom boom music around the corner on a Saturday night.

First time I am actually leaving a review. Atmosphere is terrific, layed back. Bar staff left a positive vibe. Bar where locals relax and everybody can feel welcome. Thank you for the best barvisit I've had in years.

The best little seedy bar in Chicago. The art work on the walls is great. The staff is awesome, and the prices can't be beat. If your tired of the trendy bar scene, then the old ale house is the place for you.

Beautiful bar! It has an amazing atmosphere! Visited after seeing Tony Bourdain was there before. Highly recommend a visit. Bring cash
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good place to hangout. A bit crowded but that should be expected on Friday evening. Open till late, so that's a good thing.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Dive bar near Second City that has cool slightly pornographic artwork on the walls, some good local craft beers and a jukebox that's a jazz lover's dream. Service was friendly and overall the vibe was great.

Great vibe for a dive bar in this area. The walls are covered with interesting artwork and the lighting is dim for a very sexy boudoir feel. Drinks are strong. Seating may be a prob for big groups at times.

Fun dive bar with intriguing art and a killer music selection on the Jukebox. Right across from Second City, so you get a more artsy crowd. Had a good time listening to Edith Piaf and chatting with friends

Quirky, interesting and weirdly fun place. Its a popular place among the locals. You will like it if you are ok with naked portraits and all you wanna do is drink (no food options except chips )

CASH-ONLY. Definitely a fun place to check out if you have never been. Good for a beer, but also for a cocktail which are generally made very strong. You can get a great value for a drink here.

Bourdain-endorsed bar in Old Town that is dimly lit and home to walls stuck with posters of famous celebrities. It’s cash only but the bar has an ATM machine. Beers are around $7 a pint.

The place holds up to it's reputation. Got in at 2am and you would have thought it was 7pm. Make sure to take time and look at the sketches of famous Second City performers on the walls.

Really great neighborhood bar that was made famous by the one and only Anthony Bourdain. We were there on a Monday, so wasn’t crazy busy, but it is worth a stop if you are in Chicago.

Cool old dive bar. Cash only. Funny political pictures. Not conservative if that would offend you and risky. Cash only. Definitely a stop. Antony Bourdain filmed a clip there. More

This is the the BEST bar in the city. Walk, run or crawl, if you like a REAL bar - not some plastic piece of sh@@, drink here. It has character, characters, jazz, and a real soul.

The Best Dive Bar in Chicago, hands down. One of remaining 4/5am bars in the city. Cash only, ATM inside. great art, great bartenders, Preston rocks. This is the real chicago!

I’m glad that I found this place. This is very lovely, cosy, old fashioned bar. Bartender was very helpful. Paintings on the walls are worth to see! I’ll definetely come back

Best place to go hangout with friends and provides a welcoming and clean atmosphere! Definitely will be back soon. Every staff member was friendly and provided great service.

Had our first sampling of Malort here. And then the bartender poured us a whiskey soda drink that made us tap out.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Probably my favorite Chicago bar. Plastered with brilliant paintings that give you plenty to talk about. Barstaff is charming as hell, and understanding. Go to here.

Come for the cheap drinks, stay for the eye-popping “political” artwork. Perfect late-night spot for pseudo-intellectual conversations with good friends. Cash only!

Huge beer selection! Only complaint is cash only and at the time, the ATM was not working. Other than that, I enjoyed it. Laid back atmosphere Old Town Ale House

Very casual-laid back atmosphere and very eclectic. It is truly the Premier Dive Bar in Chicago with wonderful beers on tap, but remember, it's a cash only bar.

Very great place to drink great music yes cash only but there’s an ATM machine. Very friendly people and very friendly. Bartender definitely will be back.

Great dive bar! Preston and the other staff were very friendly and gave quick, attentive service. Definitely check this place out if you’re in the area!

Fun and easy-going dive bar. Lots of paintings on the walls (apparently created by the owner of the bar). Fair pricing, decent selection, chill vibes.

Layout/atmosphere *Dive bar; cash only; one TV; portraits/drawings all over the walls by owner Bruce Elliot; tables; jukebox Food/drink *No food menu

This place only took cash just aheads up very interesting paintings of Trump nice if you just want to sit and get away from people for a little.

Place is awesome!! The Artist and the political art was amazing! Drinks and bartender were very good. A very old Bar with lots of character!!!

Expect strong drinks and a strong smell at this bar. Not my favorite style but the place was packed and everyone seemed happy. Cash only.

A legendary dive bar that more than lives up to its billing. It's easy to see why Anthony Bourdain, among many others, loved this place.

Loved it here. Tim is the BEST. A must stop neighborhood tavern.
Price per person
$30–50
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent old fashioned, cool atmosphere. The artwork behind the bar is particularly enjoyable.
Food: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place for a drink late night. Lots of history. Political satire cartoons on the wall. Dive bar wth nice locals. Cash only.

Hands down the best bar I've ever been to. It was homy, good beers, good music and good guests. Come here if you have not yet!

I walked in and was like this is what a bar should smell like. Great environment great people and cheap beer. I loved it

Interesting portraits, good selection of beers. It's annoying that it's cash only for a bar at this central location.

Cash only but open until four, stumble in and end your night the way you should here, great last stop for any night

Classic Chicago bar. Cash only. Jazzy juke box. Clientele is diverse. Great mural of the old neighborhood regulars.

It's a nice atmospheric place to hang with friends or even take a date..
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I don't really drink but came here because Bourdain recommended it. Love the portraits along every wall.

Well (dimly) lit, friendly bartender and crowd, great music, amusing portraits and paintings all around.

Very old antic design by full of famous picture. Atmosphere is ok. Good music. I enjoy my craft beer.

A beautiful bar! It feels like drinking in history. Also, there are great selections in the jukebox!

Cash only, old school, incredible. The place to go! Can throw you back to any era. Not one to miss!