Cork & Kerry

Wow... What can I say about this place? My husband and I walked in looking for a drink or two and were stared at like we were both giving birth to baby elephants. He's Mexican, although  very light skinned, and is often mistaken for Greek or Italian, and I'm white. Everyone else in the bar was white. Like frat boy, drinking beer out of a funnel, jäger bomb drinking white. Diversity is a no no at Cork & Kerry! If you have tan skin (not orange), you probably won't feel comfortable here. Actually if you're white and know anyone with tan-ish skin, you will immediately feel ashamed of your race.  

The service absolutely sucked! The bartenders were lazy and full of attitude. Many of the bar goers were served too much, some visibly underage, very loud and annoying and others were in flip flops on a snowy, 13 degree night in Chicago - yea, it's THAT kinda bar.

I would definitely skip this place!!!

Oh Western Bars...

Lots and lots of choices all along that tiny strip of Western that puts a smile on the faces of many a person.  The place has decently priced drinks, stage, and an outdoor patio equipped with a bar.  I find that the staff does a pretty outstanding job taking care of the patrons and will go the extra mile for you.  I feel like it has a very casual ambience and it's one of my favorite bars on Western.  It is especially fun around St Patrick's Day and all the shenanigans that go along with that.  It's just a really fun bar to have a drink, or ten (if you have a designated driver of course) and you'll leave happy more often than not.  Check it out!

-Papa Bear

My parents live not too far from here and I have been going here for the past 15+ years.  There is a decent beer choice and endless spirits opportunities.  The bartenders have always been welcoming and the Southside crowd is always entertaining and makes me giggle.

Who doesn't love popcorn?!?  There is a popcorn machine, in which you can help yourself to a basket and get some hot sauce from the bartender for an extra zing, if your heart desires.  At Christmas time, they usually go all out, which helps you get into the Christmas mood.

Recently, they bought the space north of them and built a spacious second room.  Now you don't have to be on top of each other during peak hours!

As for the beer garden?!?  Not so bad.  You forget that you are on Western Avenue on the Southside.

This is my go to place when seeing family, for sure!