Lone Wolf

I was able to sneak into Lone Wolf for a bite and a beer opening week (Thursday). I have very mixed reactions, but will reserve final judgment until they've hit their stride a bit more.

The feel of the place upon walking in is great - it's dark, cozy, and laid back with a lot of bar seating, as well as a lot of cushioned seating along the exterior of the restaurant. Unfortunately, that's where cozy ended. The place seemed to be full of overly intoxicated and very loud males in their 20s, most of whom seemed to know one or more of the bartenders. It was ridiculously loud in the place for being 8:30 pm, and was such a putoff that we spent as little time as possible after ordering here.

They have double doors for an entry, which I actually liked, as each door has a circle window that reflects light in a cool way on the back wall of the bar. Unfortunately, every time the doors opened (which was very often, as there seemed to be a very heavy smoker contingent (including staff) exiting and re-entering after a smoke break), we were blasted with cold air. Par for the course in Chicago, but they'll need to get those doors covered quickly.

The pies were good, although a touch on the dry side (certainly a result of getting used to the flow of things). Welsh rarebit was really good - mustardy and on a very dense bread. Everything was served with plastic utensils in paper boats, which was fine by me. I'm not sure if they intend to update that at all or not in the future.

Cocktail list was heavy on the bitter cocktails, beer list ran the gamut, although not much on the malty side given the time of year. I did have a Nitro from the UK, although it slips my mind. It was served from a can, and was delicious.

I really like the potential for this place. Perhaps we went on a weird night where the crowd belied the true nature of this bar. I'll head back for sure out of sheer hopefulness, because I could see myself cozied up at the bar with a cocktail many nights this winter.

Lone Wolf
806 W Randolph St
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(for reference, between Au Cheval and Olympic Meats, at time of posting)

jordanhojo wrote:The place seemed to be full of overly intoxicated and very loud males in their 20s, most of whom seemed to know one or more of the bartenders. It was ridiculously loud in the place for being 8:30 pm, and was such a putoff that we spent as little time as possible after ordering here.

Granted we were only at Lone Wolf from 4:30-6pm but thankfully we didn't see/experience any of the frat boy atmosphere on a recent visit to Lone Wolf.

jordanhojo wrote:Welsh rarebit was really good - mustardy and on a very dense bread.

I was quite giddy at reading this as Welsh Rarebit is a personal favorite of mine, however it was not to be, basically the only food items served at Lone Wolf are hot dogs and some bar snacks. http://www.lonewolftavern.com

Mrs Willie & I certainly enjoyed our drinks though, really tasty cocktails.

FROZEN ZAMBONI - Hanks Vodka, Campari, Lemon (I was so so on this, Mrs Willie really enjoyed)

WOLFS BLOOD - Beefeater Gin, Salers, Raspberry, Lemon (excellent summer drink)

PHOSPHORESCENT DREAM - Santiago Queirolo Pisco, Passionfruit, Lime (our favorite of the evening, delicious)

Looks like they changed their food menu. They use to serve Pleasant House Pies and Welsh Rarebit. Pickled eggs too. Their cocktails are right on though. But weekends the frat boys come out for sure.