The Parades Bar

Based upon my own travels, experiences and finally giving up to give in to this particular establishment - THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE that I was able to find within the confines of the airport, prior to going through the security checkpoints. I was on a very long layover from Frankfurt, Germany to Salt Lake City, Utah and I had the opportunity to ride the Tram to every terminal to attempt to locate another pre-security lounge. This place does not serve any food, but there are many other establishments nearby that sells food items AND this lounge will allow you to bring in the food from the other nearby establishments. The price per beer was outrageous and served in a plastic cup. Service was fairly non-existent, unless you were at the counter with money / card in hand. Sitting at one of the tables, I never received a server to come by to ask if I wanted another drink, or if there was anything else that I would like. BUT, they are pre-security and the customer can enter / leave as they wish to be able to smoke a cigarette at the nearby "Smoking Area" located outside the entrance doors.

This is a bar found in the arrivals area of International terminal 5. Situated cozily towards the North end of the terminal, most walk through this area many times and never notice that a bar resides here.

A relative was traveling for his marriage and wanted a last shot with us that couldn't attend. If you are familiar with this terminal you'd know that there is a bar in the departures area of terminal 5, but that area is a bit too visible. In this case to the elders and the youngsters. We had a lot of extended family around so we needed a place more discrete to have shots before his departure. "Mapala" (or groom) wanted Jameson's. One shot of whiskey for $8.25 served in a plastic tumbler. Bartender was pretty accurate with her pours; she'd given us slightly more than a shot. Still I've never ever paid so much money for Jameson's ever. So says me $66 bucks in the hole. Four shots, two rounds, 66 is excessive.
The bar is quiet with low sound coming from the two TVs which are tuned into sports. Bartender is usually reading or something. It's the kind of spot you can meet with a friend or family member and enjoy a quiet drink. There aren't any random hookups happening in this bar, not likely. Upstairs bar hookups?.. I could see that possibly happening.

For us international travelers out there, this bar is a must.  It's also goes without saying that if ORD plays a role in your traveling agenda between the months of November and April, House Money says you are going to be there a lot longer than you anticipated. Thanks for checking in Ladies and Gentlemen, I have your solution to this problem. It's called Parades Bar in Terminal 5.  

It isn't overpriced, has a solid/well rounded-menu, and most importantly it's spacious.

Let's be honest, you're already ticked off about traveling-gone bad to begin with.  The LAST thing you want is to be jammed in some little room with a sign that says "Airport Bar" above it with a bunch of guys with bulky carry-ons standing shoulder to shoulder with you because all the seats, stools, and tables are taken.  The tables are numerous and widely spaced. They also don't allow McDonalds traffic to take the empty tables, which is a huge plus, because for some reason people in Terminal 5 treat McDonalds like it's crack and all the public seating for their steroid induced value meals is taken.

In any event, this is the best of the best amongst airport bars.  Traveling on the international circuit with time to kill?  This is your spot. Enjoy!