Downtown Pub Search

Have an office next to the Palmer House. Buncha co-workers are gonna meet / work there next Fri, and then we're gonna go grab a few drinks and apps before heading home. Looking for an interesting pub-like place, no need to be seen. We are NOT that crowd. Couple of beers, maybe a spirit, apps to share, possibly a meal. Somewhere between the Palmer House, and Ogilvie Transportation Center, or not far off of that path at all. Contenders so far: Millers, Elephant&Castle, South Branch, Madison Tavern. My vote would be for somewhere with cool food, cold beer, and NO crowds, but I never hang around those parts. Anyone got a hidden gem nearby? It's cold, so not looking to walk too far off the path.

Contenders so far: Millers, Elephant&Castle, South Branch, Madison Tavern. My vote would be for somewhere with cool food, cold beer, and NO crowds, but I never hang around those parts.

You're asking a lot for downtown. Out of your list, I can speak to a few of them. Miller's would be high on my list. Haven't been to Elephant and Castle. South Branch is loud and not particularly inspiring. Madison Tavern can be a zoo after work.

Other ideas: Franklin Tap (great beer list), Ceres Cafe, the Berghoff. I hate the name, but Stocks and Blondes has a surprisingly good beer selection.

For a good beer list and apps (wings too), give 2Twenty2 Tavern a look. Just 1 block south of the Palmer House on Wabash.

Avoiding crowds is next to impossible at the time you're planning for, but this is an unpretentious spot.

2Twenty2 Tavern
222 S Wabash
(312) 878-9994
http://www.2Twenty2Tavern.com

222 looks nice - apps look way better than standard wings and rings and such. Once you use the words grill, brussels sprouts, and bacon in a menu description, you have my attention.

We'll sneak out of the office no later than 3:30 to try and score a "happy hour" table somewhere.

Worth the walk.

The Shamrock Club
210 W Kinzie St.
Chicago, Illinois 60654

It's a block south of both your office and Ogilvie, but I like Jackson Tavern for drinks in the Loop. It's a cool space -- the bar is literally almost a half-block long. I haven't eaten there, but the menu looks decent. Can confirm that the beer is cold, though.

Jackson Tavern
216 W Jackson Blvd

Miller's is a classic.
Exchequer is also classic.
2Twenty2 is surprisingly not a bad place to hang for a minute. They usually have live music in the evenings as well.
Elephant & Castle is genericAF

Shamrock Club in River North is a great shit hole. Cold drinks, decent sysco food. Unlike practically any other bar in River North.

Not exactly a pub, but you might consider Revival Food Hall. It's on your route, it has a full bar, it is usually not too crowded in the afternoon and there are food options for various tastes. I think the bar also has happy hour specials.

I'll add:
Monk's Pub
205 W Lake St,
Chicago, IL 60606
312-357-6665
https://www.monkspubchicago.com/

DJH wrote:Not exactly a pub, but you might consider Revival Food Hall. It's on your route, it has a full bar, it is usually not too crowded in the afternoon and there are food options for various tastes. I think the bar also has happy hour specials.

Yup - Revival was our last lunch when we met down there. Probably going for lunch there this day as well. That fried chicken...

Nice to know about that bar. Thanks!

Monk's, Jackson Tavern or Franklin Tap would be my call. I've only eaten at Monk's - they put out a great burger.

Rossi's and Pippen's are my go to's.

Miller's Pub
134 S Wabash Ave, Chicago

The classic

lodasi wrote: Miller's Pub is a classic.
Exchequer is also classic.
{edit}

dave148 wrote: I'll add: Monk's Pub; 205 W. Lake St.; Chicago, IL 60606 | 312-357-6665

Miller's Pub is really good. Monk's Pub is very good. Be aware it is closed on Sunday - even those Sundays with the local gridiron team having a home game.
I put in the keenest plug for Exchequer. I have managed to dine & drink here so often, I triggered a Spring Rewards rebate threshold. (If anybody in Chicago is not registered for Spring Rewards - you're really missing out.)
For a change, here is the all-you-can-eat fish and chips I ordered at Exchequer one Friday.