Dashboard

BIZ MENU
0% 0% 0% 0%

Leave a review or a tip...


Reviews & Tips

  • 0

    Oh, this place is so hipster cool.  I love it.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    One day after work some of my colleagues asked me if I wanted to go with them to the Hungry - Brain. Althought I did n't have the mood for drinks, I went anyway. The moment I stepped in it was 80s all over again. The decor, the junkbox and service, everything was there to make me feel at home. That place had so many memories from my childhood: the music my parents were listening to when I was young, the pictures and even the people"s attitudes.
    Really liked it, not to mention that the beer is just refreshing. I went there just to have a drink and I got out of at 2am. The bartender nearly kicked us out so to speak. I will defenitely go back some day. Thanks Hungry-Brain !!!

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I love it here.  One of the best bars in the city.  

    Want a bar where you can go with your friends, catch up, and enjoy the jukebox?  Check out the Brain.  Or maybe you want to watch a man in full clown attire perform his most recent spoken word art project.  Check out the Brain.  No matter what, you'll find a chair or stool at a cool bar with excellent (and inexpensive!) drinks, fun vibe, and an interesting and mixed crowd.  The tamale guy rolls in around 10.  There's still a bit of the old Roscoe Village that comes here, artists and musicians mixing with the new moneyed crowd.  But the Brain is a sort of neutral ground, a place where all can come and have a great time.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Literally the closest bar to my home, and yes, that was a selling point of the place.

    Every bartender is a treat. I would live on the back porch in the summer if I had the chance.

    I love you, Hungry Brain.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    "Hungry...Brain...."

    That sounds like zombie dialogue to me.

    But it's not the theme of this bar. Maybe a hungry brain; one that craves knowledge or culture. While this isn't a high brow salon, this dive bar does host a lot of eclectic events from shows, to open mics, to readings and has a lot of character. It's quite dark illuminated by different colored strings of Christmas lights, candles, and a few interesting lamps. A hodge podge of old or shabby chic furniture. Lots of posters of local events and entertainment on walls. An intriguing collection of art that each invite a closer look. And a Galaga/Pac Man machine in the front by the stage (and most of the time seating area) and an Arachnoid machine in the back. All of this doesn't seem insincere or self consciously odd but inviting. Like we were in a true blue place.

    They have a neat beer list and the bartender was a pip. The jukebox is fantastic with a great selection of classic rock, Motown, 90's alternative, new music, movie soundtracks.

    We found the atmosphere, music, and games a delight.

    Now. Much ado has been made about the cozy couches. On the stage there's 2 couches, a sturdy arm chair, a coffee table, and a stool. These couches either are different than the ones mentioned in other reviews or I'm descended from the Princess and the Pea because one couch is goofy. It's like one enormous mushy pillow. We sat in it and instantly sank to the center swallowed up by the marshmallow couch; our asses were 'bout 4 inchs from the floor. The other red velvet one was better but had a couple wonky springs.

    The ID checker guy who also clears tables was downer. We left a beer and glass of water on a stool by us and our coats. He started taking them and I said we weren't done and he was curt.

    The crowd is mixed you'll see big groups and even a guy reading a book alone with a Guinness at a table. A tamale guy came. Fun, chill place.

    "Hungry Brain!" - no zombie.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Top five in the city(IMO) for chilling with peeps and drinking good beer from the typical "cash only" b.s. in the city of Chicago.

    Reasons I enjoy this place? Good beer, cheap prices, chill atmosphere, comfy couches(please no bed bugs), and a GREAT Jukebox which is a rarity it seems these days as it feels like most bars let the bartenders choose the music or DJ the whole night through.

    Enjoy Suckas'!!!

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Sometimes you wanna go where nobody knows your name, but they're always glad you came. This place makes you feel welcome like an ex gf who's been bootycalling you for months.

    Strolled in here on a Tuesday night for an after dinner drink and happened upon an improv comedy night in progress.  The first guy doing his shtick was a little boring and I honestly felt could tell a funnier story about a visit to City Hall to pay my parking tickets, but the talent got progressively better.  Your night isn't a total waste if you can have some good brews and laugh at lesbian's account of her "first kiss" and her mission to get laid and getting (in her own words) some "Puss" for the first time in college.  A hetero man can relate!

    The decor is eclectic to say the least.  Imagine you have one Saturday afternoon and only $75 to furnish your bar, what do you do?  You hit up every garage sale you can and pick up mismatched couches, tables, and chairs..somehow it all comes together nicely and The Brain has a nice homey feel like drinking in your buddy's basement circa 1970.

    I've been here twice and if you have an affinity for dive bars, add this one to the top of your list!

    Review Source:
  • 0

    My new neighborhood bar, and I couldn't be happier. Great vibe, awesome bartenders, great Chicago beers on tap for only $4.50, so glad this place is literally across the street. Because it's so cool it can occasionally get over hipsterfied. But hey, fuck 'em!

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I love this place. I recently moved to Roscoe Village and this place is across the street from me. It's a perfect dive bar. The arrangement of mismatch furniture and vintage toys is cozy and whimsical. The jukebox is great. The drinks are the perfect price. Bartenders are really nice too.

    There was a really bad experience on Sunday where I got scoffed at by a band member because I didn't have any cash on me and he wanted a 'suggested donation' of 5 dollars, even though my friend donated 4.

    If you wanted a cover, then make there be a cover. I didn't come to see your band play, I just wanted some drinks.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    AMAZING juke box, good vibe, good cheap drinks.
    one of the best dive bars in the city.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Came here for a joint birthday party and I had a pretty good impression, but everyone hyped this place up way too much for me so I think my expectations were a bit high. Hungry Brain itself feels like a friend's basement hangout spot - cozy, dark, and friendly. Everyone here was cordial, and drink prices are relatively cheap compared to other bars in Chicago. They have a killer jukebox machine, and it was a lot of fun looking through the records they have.

    However, this place is in a pretty inconvenient spot that isn't around a lot of "foot traffic" so it's hard to get to conveniently if you don't bike or have a car. There is also not a lot around these parts, so if you wanted to get here from another place or go to someplace else from the Brain, you'd have to rely on public transit or catch a cab (if you don't have a bike).  The Belmont bus drops you off right in front of the bar, but I'd have to transfer from another bus to the Belmont bus to get to this place. Arg! (Yes, I am complaining about this, but it's my review so I can complain all I want!)

    With that said, I had a good time and saw many good friends.  The crowd that comes here is a bit older, like around late 20s - mid 30s.  Just not the kind of atmosphere where you can rage and stuff like that, but definitely a cozy spot for a chill evening with close friends. I think I want to come back on a weekday and see what it's like.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Good crowds, good music. Cash only bar, but the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is especially good - casual with lots of places to sit.
    They have weird hours, so make sure they're open before you head over.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Great atmosphere and a good bar but it's cash only.

    It's a great bar to have a conversation with friends on a crowded night.

    It also has one of the best jukeboxes in Chicago.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I love this place - from their wonky assortment of furniture right down to their $4.50 craft beers (decent selection I may add).

    Jukebox has a nice selection of classic and indie tunes.  But watch it - it only takes ones and fives.  Don't even dream of putting a ten in there.  You're not getting anymore plays than you would for a fiver, but you're losing your full ten spot.  Believe that.  (Special thanks to the bartender who gave us five bucks to make up for our jukebox loss)

    My favorite Roscoe Village dive bar - and really my favorite Roscoe Village bar in general.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Im not really a fan of dive bars, but eclectic/bizarre/craft beer dive bars?? SOLD!

    I came here last week with a friend and was immediately drawn to all the crazy shit on the walls. Random eclectic artwork, craft beer signage, toys, couch sections, 1970's tables, and brain-affiliated items behind the bar really add to the craziness that is Hungry Brain. I had a bells two hearted and my friend had an original sin. At $4.50 for each drink, the pricing cant be beat, especially in Chicago. A couch area to relax and chat it up, good music playing on the jukebox, christmas lights, comfy bar stools, and a nice dark setting all tie in to make this a great go-to dive to close out the night. However, don't come here if you are hungry for brains bc they don't serve any food (as far as i know - i was pretty wasted). All in all, if you are a fan of craft beer like me, and dont want to overpay like most places in Chicago, Hungry Brain is the place. It just screams unpretentious =)

    Review Source:
  • 0

    My brother and his wife were in from New Jersey. I took them here for a drink because I like it so much.

    "I like this place," my brother says. "All the girls are wearing glasses."

    I looked around.

    "Not true! That girl's not." I nodded in her direction. "Astute observation, but what are you implying?"

    His wife looked at him, waiting for the answer.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I don't know of many dives where you can get a bottle of Dogfish Head for $3.50.  Holy crap.  What cruel god kept me away from this place for so long?  

    Whenever you see a bar selling a beer like that at a price like that, you know you're dealing with owners that are more interested in seeing their patrons have a good time than anything else.  I'm a fan.  

    Bring your flashlight.  It feels like an old neighborhood power outage shindig.  Fortunately the power is still on, though, and you get to reap the benefits of a phenomenally good jukebox.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I came here for the 1st time this past Saturday. Whenever I come to a place like this for the first time, I always get pissed about the fact that I hadn't discovered it earlier.

    Hungry Brain is right up my alley - low-key, unassuming, great tunes, great atmosphere. A great place for drinking and socializing. I really like the fact that here you can enjoy the tunes while still being able to hold a conversation. That alone will always earn a place my business. That and reasonabaly priced booze. Staff was quick and courteous.

    Bar has all of the standard beers and then some. I started out with PBR bottles and I think they may have been $2.50. They've got a random assortment of taps, Harpoon IPA, some kind of Bells, and I forget what else. It doesn't really matter, they've pretty much got any beer that will make the standard drinker happy. Oh, and to keep in the theme of my past reviews, they do serve high life here.  

    The bar itself is your standard dive, non-descript on the outside (you have to look kinda hard to find it), and an assortment of barstools, tables/chairs, and a couches/lounge section. I seem to remember a ms. pac man game being there as well. Oh, and check out all of the weird/cool brain artwork all over the place, especially the Jagermeister IV into a brain over the bar.

    This is also a stop for the Tamale guy, so be on the look out for him. I sampled the fare this particular evening, and it was delectable.

    Conclusion: Hungry Brain has made it into my bar rotation. Give it a try if you are so inclined.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Just went there last night for Letters X, Letters XXX would be better but I had a good time just seeing it with the one X. There isn't a reason in the world you shouldn't go see this show, it's free and its good. A little too short but again, free.

    Not a bad bar otherwise either. The jukebox rocks! We heard Ramones, Gogol Bordello, Fugazi and all kinds of other shit.

    They have a respectable enough beer selection as well but nothing too elaborate.

    Even without a production going on I would hang out at this bar...If I lived anywhere near it.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Coming here I was hoping it would be a wee bit more chill but honestly I was pleased after I got over how loud it was. Not just the music they were playing but the people were just obnoxiously loud. That's my number one complaint with certain bars is the noise factor. It's dim, there's a bunch of tables with relatively comfy seats but the best place to chill is up on the little stage like area which is elevated where they have sofas and tables. If you sit there, you're bound to have a good time. The bartender we met was a badass, he was a younger guy with longer hair. Everyone in this joint looks like a hipster by the way.

    We were going to take some umbrella that somebody left and he went, "hey man I don't see anything!" which was cute, then when the guy who lost his umbrella came back and we returned it to him we told the bartender later and he ended up joking about ridiculous ways we should have given it back to him. Haha, he was a fun guy and made some sick whiskey sours. Art and décor is cute here. I wish it was more horror and or/smartly decorated though. For a hungry brain bar and all. My brain was still hungry leaving, but that's what late night Mexican food and conversation on the ride home is for I suppose.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    There's a bar for every personality type and the Hungry Brain is exactly what I need it to be. The times I've been here have been miniature-sacred experiences. I'm afraid I'll come here too much and end up taking it for granted.

    It's this beautiful secret spot, quite removed from any neighborhoods that have busy nightlife foot traffic. It feels like a little far-out space station where everything outside temporarily goes on pause. Or maybe a submarine at the end of time. Or somebody's basement from an alternate dimension. Something like that.

    I like this bar because you can walk into it and be able to find a seat no problem, be able to talk, and get a drink without a long wait. The empty weeknights are the absolute best. The bartenders are just amazingly normal, nice people. No attitudes or elitism. Drinks are relatively cheap. You can play Arkanoid and Ms. Pacman. There is some amazing artwork on the walls.

    The Sunday night jazz shows, or at least the one I saw, was amazing. So good.

    And any place that has a jukebox where I can force the entire room to listen to Ween gets an A+ in my book.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I only recently found this place, which is unfortunate as I moving from Chicago soon and would have liked to spend more time here. It's cash only, which is somewhat inconvenient, but that's a small price to pay for such a cool bar. The jukebox is well stocked, the lighting is just sparse enough to make it cozy without being ridiculous and the couches are older than I am, in a good way.

    I went on a Saturday night and was pleased to find that it was not jam packed, but rather sparse. Those that were there were very friendly and seemed to be enjoying themselves. They also have a stage area that has seating so its a great place for people watching.

    Added bonus? Lady Pacman.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    The bartenders remember your drink - and, often - your name.  Bar and door staff are very friendly.  The place rarely gets so crowded that you can't find a seat - even on weekends, even on amateur drinking nights like St. Patrick's Day and NYE.  And it's a really good place for mid-week drinking.

    The live music is exceptional, the beer and liquor selections generous, the drinks stiff, and the jukebox, well, damn - the jukebox really is the best in the city.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Letters/X was kick ass last night at the Hungry Brain. Hilarious.
    Sure sure, the hungry brain was as crowded as can be, packed to the brim during Letters/X, but no one was pushy.

    The beer is so cheap, with plenty of options to choose from. It's comfy, cheerful, and has a great stage. Moreover, the fact that it is called THE HUNGRY BRAIN just about earns it 5 stars on its own. We had a friendly bartender too.

    And the Tamales man came, and made us even cheerier.
    Bit of a pain in the ass to get to if you don't have a car and don't live near the Western bus... but hey, I'm glad I suffered through the torrential rain and long soggy bus stop interludes.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    LOVE Hungry Brain!!! The drinks are cheap and strong and the bartenders are usually friendly.  I really like that they have shows going on, whether it be music or small theater, but it's awesome.  I did, however, see a really really bad experimental jazz band once- but other than that it's been great.

    The atmosphere is laid back and comfy, but get there early as it's small and fills up fast.  I also recommend double fisting if you can, because sometimes there's only one bartender and you can lose your buzz.

    Anyway, I always have a good time here!
    Oh! and take out cash- they don't take credit cards.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I went for a birthday party.

    Just looking up the address for a place called 'Hungry Brain' (two stars)

    Went to bar to order and saw scrawled on a small chalk board for specials "Harp $3" (up to three stars)

    Free theatre, great attitudes and cash only - which sticks to bar top as you order up (four stars and counting)

    I went to order a girlie shot for the birthday girl (chocolate cake to be exact), the bartender looked me in the eye and said, "I don't make that." (that's right, you've just gotten Woohoo! 5 stars)

    It feeds my hungry brain.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Sometimes, at some bar in New York full of screaming people, desperate to prove that the $12 they just paid for some variation of a decent whiskey/vodka was totally worth it, I dream of the Hungry Brain.  There, if you get there early enough, you can stake out something comfy and warm, it's like the greatest basement in the world, and watch the world go by with some friends, or somebody you like.  And you can just talk, and occasionally get up to go to the jukebox - they used to have every Material Issue album there - and that made it feel like home, even if they only get played once in awhile - and I wonder if they still have all the Material Issue albums there.

    It's not O'Rourke's, may O'Rourke's rest in peace, but it'll do while we wait for the heaven that has O'Rourke's.  You can drink cheap here, cheap and good.  And they don't mind if you go down to the burrito place on Damon and Belmont and bring back something tasty.  And that burrito place is good.  

    I had one of the best conversations of my life here.  No, I had two of the best conversations of my life here.  I've seen friends perform here and when I moved to New York, this was the bar where I said good bye to Chicago from.  Unlike some of the other bars in Chicago I used to like a lot, notably the Hopleaf, the Hungry Brain has continued to be pretty great and I'm happy there every time I'm back.

    A bar should be comfy.  A bar should be a place where you can drink in peace.  A bar should have music that doesn't make you feel like an asshole.  A bar should only rip you off a little, just enough to make you know the world's not a sucker.  A bar should be a place where you can get a bit too passionate about friends, lovers, politics and art.  A bar should have bartenders who don't make you feel like you've got a bit of snot hanging from your upper lip.  A bar should let you bring in a tasty burrito when you haven't gotten around to eating.  On all these things, I've got to say, the Hungry Brain fulfills every hope one can have.

    There are some bars, where even when you're drinking alone, you don't feel lonely, you feel pretty good about the world, the Hungry Brain is one of those.  God bless it.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    IPA on tap? Check
    Brain motif? Check
    Awesome bartenders? Check
    Good music? Check
    Completely great? Check

    Five checks, five stars, end of review.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    The first time I was at hungry brain was new years eve - the night the smoke cleared to be more accurate.  In spite of that, there was a wonderful sign fashioned from the corner of a pice of cardboard in the window reading "Smoke 'em if you got 'em - ban starts tomorrow."  How glorious it was to have a reprieve for one day on jeopardizing the health of local bar waitstaff.  

    I returned for a second visit last weekend, as with all the city, puffing indoors is now a ticketable offense.  However the laid back environment of Hungry Brain remains.  There is likely not a single piece of furniture there less than 20 years old.  Aside from the music on the jukebox, all there is to entertain is the company of others.  The beer selection is also favorable for you (us) beer snobs.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I want to keep you a secret, Hungry brain, but then how would I shout your praises from the rooftops?

    I suppose I could go to the rooftops and shout "I HAVE A SECRET!" really loud, but that's almost as annoying as those people who giggle or snort loud enough for everyone to hear but go "Nothing" or "Nevermind" when you ask them what's funny, even though they purposely made a noise so you would ask them what they're laughing at.  It's like a game they play where you're supposed to keep asking until YOU look like the annoying one they have to put up with, like you finally pestered the secret out of them, which is ridiculous because they're usually ugly, lonely looking people and you didn't care or want to know in the first place but they kept giggling and it was disturbing you and finally you're like WHAT IS SO FUCKING FUNNY? and they go "Nothing."

    I hate those people, Hungry Brain.

    Do you know what I don't hate?  You, Hungry Brain.  I don't hate you at all.  You are so dark, like a mysterious Arabic man.  Like Sayyid on LOST or something, only a bar.  Your jukebox is full and sexy, like a woodsman's beard (not a hipster beard).  You have Galaga, and a stage full of sprung couches and thrift store coffeetables (and a piano).  You serve PBR in BOTTLES, Hungry Brain, because you're fuckin' classy, dig?  

    What I'm trying to say, Hungry Brain, is ... well-  Would you-
    *gets down on one knee, proffers very large, building-shaped ring*

    Will you marry me?  I love you so much.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    My friend jumped up off a couch and knocked a woman's drink out of her hand. He didn't get booted.

    Then I saw Batman at the bar ... in January. Finally, I nearly broke my ass plopping down in an arm chair.

    Hungry Brain is like a strange dream, and I wasn't drinking.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I once heard you can judge a place by where it lingers...in your heart, in your soul...in your hair.

    Please let me preface this by saying that I had a terrible cold while here, and I should apologize to any hipsters I infected with my germs on Sat night.

    That being said, I'm looking forward to checking out this place again when I'm well.  The bartender was very nice, but not in that overly nice creepy way...just cool and attentive.  Even to the point of asking my friend how many shakes of bitters he wanted.  I felt very comfortable in the place itself, as I felt my butt sink ever so nicely into the green couch in the corner.  If you are allergic to smoke, or perhaps hypersensitive you might need to avoid this place cause damn it gets smokey up in herrre.

    All I had to drink was a 4 dollar Guiness (so you know I was really sick) and my friends had 2 mixed drinks that totalled to 7 bucks.  Sweet deal!  Just make sure you have cash on you, or you'll be hitting the ATM across the street.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Great, great place. No TVs on the wall, great, Chicago-centric indie jukebox. They even have a tiny beer garden outback. The thrift store furniture is top-notch. They even have pinball! Lots of actors/jazzhounds hang out here. Last place to have bottled Schlitz in a bottle *sigh*. You won't break a 20, and you'll go home drunk and happy. Highly recommended.

    Note: You must pick your nights carefully, however. I've come here occasionally looking for conversation, and instead got a crappy one act play or a jazz show where everyone was real quiet.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    There is a sign I want, an instance of which adorns the wall above the bar at the Hungry Brain. It's a very old Dewar's ad, depicting a nattily dressed gent reclining on a chaise lounge.

    The caption reads: "A philosopher is someone who can look at a glass that's half-empty with a smile."

    Given how intertwined alcohol and philosophy have been, attested to in works ranging from Plato's Symposium (and elsewhere in his corpus) to Nietzsche's snide remark in Twilight of the Idols regarding "how much beer there is in German thought," I can only conclude that advertising at some point may have aspired to loftier heights.

    But if you've argued too long over whether Hegel is an idealist because of his epistemological and metaphysical principles or because of his conception of how and why world history develops in the way that it does, you can always play a game of Galaga or Arkanoid (with the dial control!).

    All the bartenders here are very friendly, and the drinks are made well and reasonably priced (and what true student of philosophy is not on a heavy budget?). It can get a bit smoky, but in a few months that'll be over anyway.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    Hungry Brain is one of those places that I can never describe correctly to people in other cities. "So the sofas are on a stage?" "Yes, and it's totally perfect".

    Something gets lost in the translation. Amazing, and totally Chicago.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    DAMN, THEY GAVE ME A VERY HARD TIME ABOUT BRINGING MY KIDS IN THERE TO HEAR ONE OF MY OTHER KIDS PERFORM.

    My 15 year-old daughter was performing here last night for her banjo recital along with her Old Town School of Music class. She was to be on stage with her entire class, consisting of about ten adults, for about ten minutes.

    I arrived at the front door right at 8 pm when they open; the door was locked, so I knocked. The bartender came to the door, pointed at my boys, (ages 19 and 6), and says in the rudest of rude tone of voice: "What are THEY doing here?"

    I explained that my 15 year-old daughter would be performing with the Old Town people and that we were here to hear her and would be leaving when she was done performing. Then the bartender says, "Well, if she is only 15, she can't even perform here; you can't come in."

    I looked at my boys and said, "Come on, we're going in." and we did. We just walked in.  The bartender said "I can't believe you just did that."  I said, "believe it." She said, "you can't do that."  I said: "we just did." The bartender stormed away in a huff. And, we proceeded to sit at a table in front of their stage.

    As promised, we left forty minutes later when my daughter's class, first to perform, was finished.

    I probably wasn't here long enough to give the place a fair shake, and I might go back after reading the many other positive reviews before I sat down to write this one.

    But whatever happened to a little common sense and some manners?

    EDIT: 10/29/07
    Today, someone sent me the review below about the Hungry Brain, and suggested I remove my Hungry Brain review . This new review was written yesterday by Hollie S., who by the way as of today has no other reviews on Yelp:

    10/28/07
    Okay, just so I get this straight, you brought you kids to a bar, were told you couldn't bring them inside, and then you took them inside anyway? And then you have the nerve to complain about it?

    And about the door being locked in a semi-secluded area at night while the bartender was there alone? [NOTE: HOW WOULD THIS REVIEWER KNOW THAT THE BARTENDER WAS THERE ALONE? I DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS ALONE. MY REVIEW SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THAT AT ALL!!! AND IT'S GERMANE, ...WHY, HOLLIE?]

    You can go back to "give the place a fair shake," but I doubt you'll be welcome.

    Hollie: Thank you for your feedback.

    Out of curiousity, today I checked with the Alderman's office about their understanding of applicable law, and I read the pertinent provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code myself. Apparently, there is an Illinois statute that makes it legal for minors to perform (as opposed to drink) in bars. So, according to the Alderman (not a lawyer, I realize) it was legal for my minor daughter to perform at the Hungry Brain.

    Am I nuts or is there something ironic and a little messed up about a bar allowing a minor to perform but giving the minor's parent a hard time about that minor's minor sibs, accompanied by an adult, coming in to see the performance? That is the gist of my complaint about the Hungry Brain (even if they have legal discretion to refuse service to anyone, adults included).

    I think the Hungry Brain's exercise of discretion in this particular circumstance was awful, because (a) it was legal for me to be in there with my minor children and (b) one of my minor children was performing in there  - legally.

    The City of Chicago Municipal Code expressly permits a bar owner to allow a person under 21 into the bar if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Here it is:

    4-60-140  Prohibited activities.
    (a)     ... It shall be unlawful for any person licensed to operate a tavern to permit any person under 21 years of age to enter or remain within the licensed premises unless such person is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    Review Source:
  • 0

    As jaded as I am about most dive bars that turn trendy in Los Angeles, the Hungry Brain was a pleasant surprise and change of pace while I was in the Chicago area.  Hanging out there with friends was further sweetened with the ample seating area, cheap-ass drinks and the lack of overbear music that usually requires shouting in a fellow's ear just to carry a conversation.

    Big props to my boy, Makoto, for introducing my friends and I to this speakeasy-like dive bar.  The atmosphere is both warm and inviting due to the unpretentious patrons, the dim lights and seating arrangements.  It was nice to move the various seats around so that we could all sit in a circle and carry on a conversation.  The bar was roomy enough to make frequent trips back to the bar for more and more drinks.  Did I mention the drinks were cheap?

    Review Source:
  • 0

    At the moment, this is my favorite bar. And I'm NOT a pothead...

    Maybe I like to keep things low-key. Maybe I like to feel like I've stepped back in time. And maybe, just maybe I dig dim-lighting but no matter what the reason is for my attraction, this place rules!

    You walk in and immediately your shoulders hunch just a bit, your hair becomes unraveled and your craving for fine wine is out the window. This is the type of bar you bring friends to and also the type of bar you MAKE friends at. The beer is cheap enough. The music is good enough. And those deep, vintage sofas make you feel cozy enough.

    It also doesn't hurt that John, the bartender is seriously cute... My sister and I both agree. WINK!

    Review Source:
  • 0

    If Eric Foreman's basement had a baby with a retro diner you would get the Hungry Brain.  There are couches on one end and diner-y booths/tables on the other.  Strange, but brilliant.  

    I like this place.  It has a very laid back vibe.  I was waiting for someone to stand up and recite poetry but it never happened.  Shoot.  If you sit at the bar like I did, you can stare at all the kitschy brain-themed items on the shelf.  Brain cave, pretty pretty brain cave. . .

    I found the beer selection to be average- there were the usual hangover-inducing offenders and some nice mid-range beers.  I actually forgot what I drank but it was cold, relatively cheap and bubbly so does it really matter? I would also like to give major props to the Juke Box.  How did they know I LOVE Steely Dan???

    Review Source:
  • 0

    I like the kitschy ashtrays. A lot. I think they are what keeps me coming back.

    Or is it the cheap drinks?
    Or the nice bartenders?
    Or the couches?
    Or the abundance of seating?
    Or the awesome jukebox?

    Or how I love coming here any day of the week with one person or 10 people.

    Wish it was closer to my house. Thank god for the Western bus.

    Review Source:
Nearby Suggested Listings Close

Warning: include(/home/indulgery.com/htdocs/db_down.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/indulgery.com/htdocs/classes/database.class.php on line 157

Warning: include(): Failed opening '/home/indulgery.com/htdocs/db_down.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php:/usr/share/pear:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/indulgery.com/htdocs/classes/database.class.php on line 157