Bar Louie

emerge077

Illinois

3.15/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | $$$

Bar Louie... Back in 2008 the health dept shut down the 3 Chicago locations, but apparently they're back like a bad rash. The company that owns the chain also owns Captain D's and Boston Market. It's a generic chain bar with a surprisingly decent selection, but that was about it. Past the revolving door into a dim grotto with exposed pipes on the ceiling, dark reddish wood panels on the walls. Black bar top, track lights and tv's overhead. Well behaved after work crowd on a Thursday night. Lots of vodka behind the bar, and clubby background music playing. A dj booth and speakers on a riser past the bar area, thankfully silent on this night. Sort of sterile feeling in general, didn't really have it's own vibe despite the "upscale" design cues they employed.

Service at the bar was fairly quick and friendly, they handed over a beer list when asked. The printed sheet of xerox paper listed 20 bottles with notes and abv but no prices. Taps were not listed, but half were crappy macros. The few craft highlights were Torpedo, Rev Eugene and Anti Hero, SA New World Tripel, Matilda, and GI Xmas. Bottle list was more redeeming with seasonal craft options like Fistmas, GL Xmas, FFF Alpha Klaus, Breakfast Stout, even T'Smisje Kerst. They mentioned a $5 craft special on weds starting in 3 weeks. Unfortunately a draft Eugene was $10 after tax and tip.

Overall it's your typical after work bar in a touristy spot of River North, just another mediocre bar jumping on the trendy craft bandwagon it would seem. If its near your hotel, you could do worse but there are plenty of better beer options in walking distance, like Melnicks, Monk's, Stout Barrel House, Clark St Ale House, Rock Bottom, Gilt Bar, Farmhouse, etc. Bar Louie staff submitted this place, just to be clear... personally I value the BA community enough not to waste their time with a place like this, but hey that's just me.

11-09-2012 02:39:53 | More by emerge077