Stanley's On Racine

Here I am reviewing another closed bar.  In fact, I believe Stanley's successor, Ethyl's, has already come and gone.  Now I'm feeling my mortality.  Gonna need some bourbon to finish this one up.  

As West Loop bars go, Stanley's was a pretty solid choice.  There was decent beer, peanuts, and comfort food.  The jukebox was heavy on classic rock tunes, and people handled it responsibly.  

However, Stanley's was a place to be enjoyed in spite of its location and not because of it.  It sat over the Eisenhower and across the street from a gas station.  A brutal spot for a bar, really.  Still, I thought they were doing alright.  

I once decided to be Johnny thrift and take the Blue line from here to Wicker Park.  I ran to catch the train and quickly realized I was going in the wrong direction.  I alighted at Ogden.  Instead of getting on the next train in the right direction, I started walking in search of a cab or the Damen bus.  This is not recommended.

No complaints here.

For the most part the food is standard, but better than a lot of bars and they have great mac and cheese, good beer specials and cheapish beer all around. Friendly service, tons of room, and plenty of TVs. If you are looking for a bar with good food near UIC/United Center, this is better than most.

I went here for a work Christmas party even after stating I would never go here again after a poor performance this past summer.

Service was terrible both times.
Food was mediocre.

We had wristbands for AYCE food and drink at the Christmas party and the food was put out late and bartenders were well-trained at avoiding eye contact. We were offered sliders, pizza, and chicken strips for the AYCE portion. Drinks...when you could score one, were made with top shelf alcohol and placed in a plastic cup...meh.

This time I mean it....I will not go back!