Hidden Gem: Second Story Bar In Chicago - Reviews & Details

Ever found yourself yearning for a hidden escape, a place where the city's clamor fades and the promise of an authentic experience beckons? Chicago's Second Story Bar offers precisely that: a dive bar with character, a haven of strong pours and enduring charm, tucked away from the glitz, ready to embrace all who seek its embrace.

If you're of the opinion that the city's more ostentatious speakeasies possess a certain allure, consider this: Second Story Bar offers a distinctly different charm. It's a place you might easily overlook, a secret whispered amongst those in the know. You won't find it with a simple search; it requires a bit of exploration. Perhaps a casual query to a local, or maybe a quick scan on Yelp, is enough to set you on the right path. But it's the climb that truly sets the stage.

The Second Story Bar, at 157 E. Ohio in Chicago, is a venue of intrigue. Its a testament to a time when bars were about conversation and unpretentious enjoyment. This bar, a fixture since 1984, exudes a gritty yet welcoming ambiance. A single disco ball, a beacon of joy, casts its glow upon the scene, casting patterns on a crowd of regulars.

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The allure of the Second Story Bar has been acknowledged in numerous reviews, with a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. It holds a ranking of #1,929 out of 5,073 restaurants in Chicago. The bar offers an intimate, almost secretive atmosphere. One must climb a carpeted stairway, following the rhythm of the thumping bass. Hidden in plain sight, it's just steps away from the famed Michigan Avenue.

The bar's reputation is built on several key pillars. The drinks are known for being strong and reasonably priced. The atmosphere, often described as dark and cozy, fosters a sense of camaraderie. The staff and the regulars are part of the charm. It is a place where one can people-watch, observing a cast of characters that make each visit unique. Its a place that, despite its unassuming facade, is a hidden gem.

For the uninitiated, the Second Story Bar's location above Sayat Nova in Streeterville, near the Magnificent Mile, adds a layer of intrigue. Decades before, the area was a different place, part of a different narrative, but the bar has remained a constant. It has retained its allure and its charm through the years, a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity.

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The bar is a favorite among those who seek a laid-back atmosphere. Its small size contributes to its cozy and relaxed feel, often described as "divey." Service is consistently praised, and the prices are considered great value. The bar provides a haven for those looking for a quaint escape in the North Side or River East areas of Chicago. The bar is known to attract an older crowd, owing to its discrete location in the Gold Coast area.

The reviews consistently highlight the bars friendly, mixed crowd and its fun, nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of dive bars from past decades. The bartenders are skilled at crafting excellent cocktails, adding to the cozy and welcoming vibe. Many mention the convenient location, making it accessible even during rush hour. The staff is frequently mentioned as embodying the style and character of the place. The bar is frequently described as a small gay dive bar just off the Mag Mile, and is a frequent haunt for regulars, office workers, and downtown visitors.

For those who find themselves nearby, it is a place to discover. One person mentioned a personal experience and offered criticism about an interaction with the door staff; however, this stands in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, which often mention the bars welcoming environment. The bar is a haven of conversation, a place to connect, and a refuge from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.

The allure extends to the basics: according to visitors, the beer is delicious and the food, if offered, could satisfy. The advice to visit the bar, by default, is often provided in reviews, especially those mentioning the nearby Tribune Tower. It's a place where the unassuming exterior hides the inner treasures of a well-run, friendly bar.

In a city that is constantly changing, where trends come and go, Second Story Bar remains a reliable constant. It's a place where the drinks are strong, the company is good, and the atmosphere is just right. It's an authentic experience, a true gem that is worth finding.