West On North

So nice to finally have a decent bar/grill in out neighborhood.  Very nice interior, lots of TVs, great music and a nice patio.  The staff is very nice and the food is good.  

What else do you expect from the people who started Cleo's?

This is a simple neighborhood bar. The back patio is nice in the summer. The beer is cheap. There are cheap food specials too, but from my experiences the food is really hit or miss. Lots of TVs for sports watching. The service is usually friendly, but I think they might have a bit of turnover, so I have been there on an off day too. I have gone a bunch since the place first opened since I live nearby.

Go for the cheap beer and sports!

"Yeah, there's this bar I go to that's West of Western..."  At that point, people tend to look at me with a "Hell no!" on their face.  I've lived in Humboldt Park for several years and if I wanted a decent bar to go to, I had to go to Ukrainian Village or East of Western.  Ukie Village isn't bad, but it's not my neighborhood.  When I first noticed this place open, it seemed like it would be just another seedy Humboldt Park bar.  Finally, I went in and found out...it's not seedy?!?! Technically, it's a restaurant with a bar.  

Here are some of the details:

Environment:
* It's clean and open.  
* Great patio that also serves as a great place for private parties.  It's comfortable.
* I dig the fireplace and lounge chairs in the front.  
* The crowd is blended and never had a problem with anyone.  Most of the people that go here are regulars or live in the area.  
* Bad behaviors are not tolerated by the staff, which is nice and keeps the place comfortable.  Again, it's not just a bar.  Yes, you can bring kids in.  However, I don't recommend it later in the night.
* Like sports? There are enough TVs to catch a game at just about any time.

The Food:
* Daily specials and full menu.  Remember, it's not just a bar.  You could go each day and have something new if you wanted.  
* Sunday has become my Wings and Beer night at West on North.  Half off wings Sun/Mon.
* The ribs are pretty good.  I'm from KY and know good barbeque when I taste it.  It's close, but much better than what I've had from other so called BBQ shops.  
* They do have several options for salads.  I've had the Caesar Salad a few times and it's good. I'm trying to eat more greens and veggies.  You will find these options on the menu.  

The Staff:
* I've only met a few, but they have a great staff.  I've met Joe, the owner, a few times and he comes out to mingle with everyone.  His goal: make sure you are having a good time and enjoying the food.  John, Scott and Arwa are awesome.  If you ever go in and you hear someone yelling how bad the service is and how slow the server is, that's probably me.  However, slow and terrible service is far from the truth.  Arwa is actually quite prompt and keeps up with the banter as I'm told I'm the worst customer ever.  I probably am!

I'm glad to see West on North in my neighborhood and have always enjoyed going there.  Good food, great staff, great location.  What else could you ask for?