How would I describe Carole's in one word? Comfortable
It's your typical blue-collar-type bar, complete with frosty mugs, pleather stools, trivia, cold Miller Lite, pool tables, dart boards and interesting neighborhood folks, downing one more beer before heading home.
Not surprisingly, it also has a jukebox--boasting such hit tunes as Metallica's 1990s song "One" about a blind and deaf dude with no arms or legs whose only form of companionship is his own thoughts, and a country single called "Red Solo Cup" about one man's intimate and disturbing relationship with one very specific plastic container. I don't have to tell you which song is creepier (maybe I do: It's the one about the cup), but I will warn that they both get stuck in your head for days.
One thing Carole's has that most dive bars don't is free WiFi! Just look for the "Jagermeister" signal and connect (its WiFi transmitter is next to a Jager sign--cute!).
Would I go to Carole's if I was going to get all douchey--throw on some heels, designer jeans and mascara? No, but I never do that.
I go to Carole's when the toddler is off at Gramma's house, and my husband and I just want to hang out, drink some beer, maybe play darts, and people watch or chat.
Why Carole's?
1. Tired of pretentious, snobby, hipster bars. 2. A mix of ages, also groups of both men and women go there.(i.e. not just drunk frat boys or crabby old men) 3. While TVs might have a game on, it's not primarily a sports bar. 3. Juke box has music for almost any musical genre. 4. Buzztime! 5. Carole is cool, always friendly, you never wait too long for a drink even when it's busy, she never stops moving. 6. People you don't know will actually talk to you!
Most importantly, people have fun here! They even dance without caring if they can't do it well!
One drawback, only frozen pizzas or a bag of chips to munch if you are hungry. But, there is sometimes food on holidays which everyone invites you to share.
Carole's is a Forest Park treasure. When you walk in you will immediately think of the good old days - greeted by a large spacious area, several pool tables, old fashioned darts, video games and a super friendly staff that is second to none. Carole's also has a large patio which is friendly to both smokers and non smokers - and rocks in the summer for warmth or a fun game of bags. The bar indeed is still owned and operated by Carole (it has been for more than twenty years) - and if you are lucky you will be welcomed by her  famous "Beer Here" greeting!
Unlike a few of the reviews - I disagree this is an old man bar. While there is a strong crowd of middle aged regulars (a testimony to the great atmosphere and service) - you will often find many folks in their 20s or 30s, especially those involved in local sports leagues. There is a gay bar next door, and occasional visitors from there - but never anyone who is a bother. The bar is very friendly and people get along.
Overall, Carole's is an old school bar - where you immediately feel welcomed and will have a great time. You can also enjoy free wi-fi and a public computer for use in a pinch.
If you like flat screens loaded with Chicago sports, pool, ping pong, bags, darts or bar games, Carole's is your place. Lots of stuff to do in this bar - you won't be bored.
Bring cash - Carol's does not take credit cards but the convenient ATM and more than reasonable drink prices make this place a MUST TRY! My friends and I enjoy Carole's on a regular basis.
Carol's is definitely an old man/dive bar but the people that attend and the staff are all very nice.
It's very large with a full circle bar with tv's lining the top so you can watch your favorite sports team or whatever else you fancy (just ask them to change the channel). There is plenty of seating for friends or large groups, I could see this as a softball team hang out for sure.
Some of the nice features of this place include: pool tables, dart boards (standard and electronic), electronic trivia game and a juke box. Also they have a decent sized patio where you can play ping pong or bags (corn hole). Oh and they also have a bookcase full of books and board games that are open to patrons to use at their discretion.
I admit the selection of beer and liquor are a bit lacking but they do have pretty good bucket and pitcher (normal size not the tiny ones) deals so if you are looking just to have a couple cold ones this place will absolutely work for you. They also offer you a frosted beer mug that will chill your beer to the point of ice chips forming on the top. So good!
Also I don't smoke but I know all the other people that do really apperciate the outdoor patio. They even put up a tent in case it's rainy and there is a TV outside so you don't miss anything you may be watching.
Couple of other things: parking has never been difficult, they offer frozen pizzas and if you just want a snack try the home made jerky.
Major downside would be the fact that they do not accept credit cards however they do have an ATM on site so not too much of a hassle.
Oh and yes there is a gay bar next door but I don't see how that would have anything to do with the service and quality of this bar. It's just plain ignorant not to go somewhere because you're a homo-phob!!! For those of you that may be concerned the bar, The Hide Away, is next door but there entrance isn't even on the same block as Carol's so it's not like you will even be near the other patrons not that it should matter in the first place!
If you want a chill, laid back place to hang out at instead of Madison Street I highly suggest Carol's just remember to bring cash and don't expect a fancy martini.
I absolutely love coming here. This bar is the complete opposite of Madison Street bars and thank god for that!
My parents are regulars so I had my 21st birthday party here, which was really fun and great for Carole because it brought in tons of customers on a Saturday night.
There's ping pong out back as well as bags and a tent to smoke. There's pool and darts inside as well as those strange bar games. There's plenty of places to sit, whether you're with a small or large group of people.
I love bringing a big group of friends here because there's plenty of space and things for us all to do as well as having the pleasure of being served by sweet, darling bartenders. I also hate jumping from bars to bars, and you can stay here allllll night and not get bored.
I wish more people went here! It's like the unknown, mysterious yet amazing secret of Forest Park.
I'm excited for the second annual comb party, too!
Went to Carole's on a Sat. night. Â The place was pretty dead except our crew, which was actually nice. Â There are pool tables, dart boards, Great selection on the juke box definitely a nice place. Â Carole was our bartender of the evening and I must say she is a delight. Â If you want to go to a nice neighborhood bar to hang out with friends this is certainly the place to do so. Â Oh and they have Pac-man/Galaga! Â How can you go wrong with Pac-man and Beer?
**update** Â I decided to go with a friend for a quick afternoon drink. Â We sat at the bar, only one other person at the bar and I have to say the bartender was not too friendly to my Latina self and my African American friend. Â It is really sad that this blatant display of "shenanigans" is still taking place. Â Especially in such a diverse area as Forest Park. Â Oh well, They wont be getting any more of my business.
F.Y.I. Â cash bar only. No tabs No credit cards.
The owner of this bar is one cool lady. i told her tonight she makes the best frozen pizza ever. she is attentive even with a bar full of customers. she always is asking us if we need anything. she offered us more quarters for the games and pool table. she is curtious. out of all the bars in forest park i love going to Caroles. and i dont get out to the bars like i used to being a mother of a toddler, but when i do i always wanna go to caroles.
Review Source:Carole's is a little bigger than the average Forest Park watering tap. Â There's a nice big bar, a shelf of books and games, a horse shoe pit in back, a dart board, a computer, and I believe there's a ping pong table and pool tables!
Carole is very sweet and always keeps a jar of homemade beef jerky at the bar. Â If you're looking for something off the main strip, check out Carole's.
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