Jacqueline's

The other reviews & reviewers have truly overrated this establishment.  If you can get past the glassware (which is far from clean), improper & unsanitary food serving methods, self-righteousness of the regulars and narcissistic bartenders this may be the place for you.  Bottom line = there are far better "dive" bars in this neighborhood,  do yourself a favor and keep walking.

I had the pleasure of Jacqueline's a few times on my last trip to Chicago, thanks to one of my friends who frequents this amazing establishment on the regs. Being from out of town, I had some reservations walking up to this bar that oozed 'neighborhood bar' that Thursday night, I know that some of my regular haunts can be a bit hard on new people. All of my fears were smashed as soon as the door opened. The bartender, Jason, greeted us with a welcoming grim and sassy wit that immediately let me know I was in the right place. Drinks and conversation flowed, everyone was welcoming and inviting, and the music was great. It was a place that you feel comfortable and welcome in, regardless of it being your first time, or your 50th. We also visited for New Year, it was after midnight, and people were in great spirits. We were able to find room to join the celebration, welcomed with open arms, and encouraged to enjoy some of the amazing food that Jason had made for the bar. Jacqueline, who is as beautiful as she is personable, was in the bar welcoming all, being a most gracious hostess (dressed to the nines of course). Prices are great, selection is wonderful, and music selection is brilliant. Anytime I can crush Chumbawamba under the boot heel of Metallica and the masses are pleased, well then, that is an amazing time to be had. I can't wait to go back!

I loathe Lakeview, but love the hell out of Jacqueline's. Why? Because I get the best of the town assembled here, as opposed to everywhere else where drunken frats and young professionals are puking in rainbows.

It's a no-nonsense easy-come, easy-go, down to earth bar with loud people willing to make friends and drink together. Greg is about the most knowledgeable bar-tender I've ever had (he defined entropy to a scientific journal-quality [why I asked this I don't remember {I'm beginning to think I was being lame/drunk}]) and can make drinks out of a dive's usual suspects. When asked "Sweet, Dry, or Perfect" I shed a tear of relief. It may be small here, but the occasional shoulder-to-shoulder style atmosphere isn't ever cluttering or uncomfortable.

The people make this Dive though, they're down to earth and come from every background and every life style and are a riot. Most of the time they're yelling at the TV, or each other, or just cracking jokes. Case-in-point, it's easy to make drinking buddies here. Last time here, they had the Bears game on and it came with a free buffet of Chili and Hot-Dogs brought in by the regulars. Talk about community right?

Make a point of coming here, because it's not only free of any douche-baggery, it's just simple fucking fun.