Gino's East Sports Bar

emerge077

Illinois

3.36/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | $$$

Located in the former Edwardo's Pizza space, the bar has had a makeover in attempt to compete with Kasey's and Hackney's down the street. Most unusual here was a "to-go" beer cooler full of craft bombers and 750s in the front entry hall. These beers weren't on the beer list or available to be served at the bar, according to the bartender. What? Pretty derptastic. So order up a Bolt Cutter with your delivery pizza I guess, but you can't drink it here. /rant

The bar seats about a dozen to 15 patrons, L-shaped and dark wood laden. The space is comfortable, worn wood panels, even on the ceiling next to exposed ductwork, and a brick wall opposite the bar.

Beer selection was ok, seemed to focus on local beers, 5 Rabbit in particular. Bottle selection was bigger, and seemingly doesn't rotate much. It's online on their site, not going to list 50 beers here, but its pretty craft focused.

Service was a little slow, it seemed the bartender was also waiting tables even though there were two other waiters. He wasn't really available to chat, but agreed with me about the cooler being a weird thing. It's almost like they want to compete with area beer stores too or something. Warehouse and Printers Row have the same beers.

Go to Kasey's and Hackney's instead for a beer, unless you like Gino's for deep dish, and can't get out of the South Loop to Pequod's or better deep dish places.

01-04-2013 14:47:00 | More by emerge077