Old Town Ale House

stopped here randomly before catching our train back to michigan. this place has so much character and you can feel the history in it. our bartender was attentive, personable, and poured them right. had some good chats with a few patrons and everyone was friendly. there’s always something to look at with all of the artwork on the walls. felt like i could spend all day in there. cash only!

Pray allow me a moment to extol the singular virtues of that most estimable establishment, The Old Town Ale House, a house of mirth and restorative spirits unmatched in all this fair city. Upon a recent Saturday, in the gentle light of day, I found myself received with a civility so rare and noble that I felt as though I had crossed the threshold not of a mere tavern, but of a venerable salon. The daytime bartender, whose countenance bore both wit and welcome, dispensed not only the finest of gin and tonics and malörts, but conversation of such warmth and discernment as to elevate the very soul. Each glass was presented with a flourish befitting royalty; each exchange, attended with the utmost grace. And as for the proprietor, may fortune ever favor such stewardship! One could scarcely imagine a more attentive and benevolent guardian of revelry. The bar owner presides over this cherished house with the steady hand of a seasoned captain and the genial spirit of an old friend. Their hospitality is neither hurried nor hollow, but genuine as hearth-fire and twice as comforting. In truth, I declare without hesitation that the service rendered therein is the most excellent in all the land. Should one seek strong drink, spirited discourse, and the comforting assurance that one is precisely where one ought to be, let them repair at once to The Old Town Ale House. Five stars, and a toast raised high. 🍻

The environment is fun, with neat artwork adorning the walls. It’s cash-only, but the prices are reasonable.

*CASH ONLY BAR* Stumbled upon this dive bar before a second city show across the street. It was so funny, the bar owner is a painter and the bar is filled with his art. Thankfully he's good the the art is funny (there was a lot of anti-trump commentary). Drinks were cheap there were comfy chairs, so I liked it.

Cash only with a cd based jukebox. It feels like stepping back in time. The laminated sign noting all of the years when Stephen Colbert drank there is a nice touch.

Man what an awesome place. Led here by the Anthony Bourdain segment on Chicago foods. It’s an amazing place, rich in heritage and soaked in good humor painting. Friendly patron. Excellent staff. Really enjoyed the visit. Full bar. Cash only with an ATM handy.

Cool old dive bar. Cash only. Funny political pictures. Not conservative if that would offend you and risky. Cash only. Definitely a stop. Antony Bourdain filmed a clip there.

Enjoyable, laid back dive with classic jukebox tunes and cash only bar. The decor/artwork is certainly something to experience. It's a small joint but certainly manages to cater, at least when we were there, the turnover is regular so people were getting seats and filling the place up with good atmosphere. The malort is expertly poured here, 5/5 would malort again.