We went to this bar for the karaoke and had a blast. There was quite a crowd when we showed up. Everyone was lively. The drinks were great. It is very small so it can become overwhelming when they get busy. This is definitely your spot if you love to sing and have a good time! read more

Loved it here! Great vibes and very cool place. The bar makes basic drinks aNd they're good. Had fries, I sang, and it was awesome. Went on a Tuesday night and there was a bit of a crowd. Will come again whenever I'm back in town read more

Cool vibe. Karaoke was cool when people who knew how to sing were singing. Breathalyzer might be necessary. Unfortunately wasn't able to sing Ignition Remix because it had been recently played (Still not sure if it's socially acceptable). The backroom was cool with the DJ and stuff. Nice people and would go again. Bathroom grade: Don't remember. read more

I love karaoke and always look for a good karaoke bar when I travel (because everyone at home is sick of me singing the same two songs lol). Found this place on Yelp and while on a work trip I convinced some coworkers to go. Most places you have to go up to the DJ and request your song. Here you signed up at a kiosk and it was super easy to use. Only downfall is when you're waiting for someone that can't make up their mind. That's why those big song list books can come in handy. The DJ was awesome has he kept the flow and rotation going. It wasn't one of the biased DJs that let the same people sing two or three songs and you're still waiting for your first. Everyone got their chance. It was an eclectic group of people, and variety of songs were sung that night. It was blast. You know this is a good karaoke bar because everyone is singing along. As the night went on we were all crowding the little stage, enjoying and supporting everyone that rocked the stage! IMO my coworkers really rocked it with "I Will Survive," "Love Shack," and a very long "Paradise by the Dashboard Light." I definitely found the right place for karaoke that night. read more

If you love karaoke, this is a great place to do it! My friend and I had so much fun here on a random Sunday night. We sang two songs ourselves and enjoyed watching the rest of the crowd get their shot at the stage. Drinks are reasonable prices and the mini pizzas are cheap! If you check in on yelp, you get a free appetizer! I always appreciate fun perks like that. There was just one bartender, but he was on it. I felt like I never waited long and he maintained a friendly persona. This spot can be fun for anyone and everyone. read more

We had such a wonderful time here! My fiancé and I came on a Thursday night and we loved the drinks and the crowd. Highly recommend the cuddle party martini and the dino-tini if you are like your drinks on the sweeter side. The boozy chocolate milk feel from the Dino-Tini is great and the fruity flavor of the cuddle party is the right combo of sweet and tangy -- neither overpowering the other. We received wonderful, attentive service and the crowd was just so much fun! 10/10 would recommend and definitely made for a memorable first night in Chicago. read more

Awesome!! We got there around 8, karaoke was already starting, and we got a table for our bachelorette party without a reservation. The client was super diverse- guy with a cowboy hat, 20-70 year olds, great singers, not-so-good singers, people drinking, people not drinking, it was just a lively and supportive crowd! We will definitely be headed back there soon! read more

Last night I was removed from the bar for throwing water on the guy that sexually harassed me maybe 30 minutes prior by the bathroom. I had gone to the bathroom with a friend. I went to check to see if the other bathroom was open and as I was coming back I squeezed past a guy. His hand at first accidentally brushed against my butt but then he grabbed it. So I grabbed his hand and dug my fingernails into his hand as I passed him by. He gave me a look and I gave him one as well acknowledging what just happened and why I responded the way I did. Then I went back with my friends and told them what happened. The guy who sexually harassed me ends up standing right in front of us and I'm drunk by now. I tell the bouncer that the guy standing in front of us sexually harassed me. I'm a black woman, the bouncer is white and so is the guy who grabbed me. The bouncer goes to him and they are talking. The guy is obviously denying it and then they both start laughing. So by then i knew i didn't have anyone's support and that I was going to have to leave for my own safety, I decide to go out my own way. I threw my water at him and then the bouncer told me I had to leave, which i gladly did. I'm not sure if it was a gender thing or a race thing or both. As women, don't come here because you won't be taken serious if you report sexual abuse. Black women don't go here because the person hired to protect you and the guy who assaulted you will probably have a nice laugh about it in your face. I wish I didn't have to give this place any stars. Update: Apparently it's not the bouncer but actually the General Manager that laughed with the guy who sexually harassed me. So the General Manager of the club allows sexual harassment to take place and then finds it funny. This it to reply to the General Managers comment below: Brando's Speakeasy: after this situation, those were not my friends, clearly. I was there with a group of people and I don't need anyone speaking for me. I completely stand by my statement. I saw you and the man who assaulted me laughing together which is why I threw the drink. I don't care about what you and the girls are talking about when you gave them your number to them for personal reasons. I'm my own person. But I hope you and Jess or you and Ke have a great relationship. And I will not come back to your establishment or delete this post. And I'm also not skewing the situation. I'm telling the truth about what I experienced for myself. You feel that I'm skewing a situation because you're building a personal relationship with one of the girls I was with. Which is why you have a screenshot from your text messages. I'm no longer friends with her and I will not let her speak for me. I believe you laughed at the situation and it's why I threw the drink. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you really did kick the guy out, I wasn't aware that you did. My "friend" never checked on me after I left the club. She never gave me an update or reached until you texted her. So if it is true the confusion lies on Jessica. She would be the reason for the post because she never called to explain. So speak to her. But next time I'll just call the police. read more

Came here for the first time today for their happy hour. Their happy hour deals are pretty good! 4-5 dollar Moscow Mules and other popular cocktails along with some good beers. They also had some good food options. Even for a Wednesday this place was really packed and really loud so we could barely hear each other talk which is not what I expected when I first looked up the place. Will probably give it another try some other time. Definitely am interested in doing karaoke here! read more

-superbly crafted $4 manhattan -cute, friendly staff -sweet karaoke (great setup) -impromptu disco dance competition -dark, cozy atmosphere -comfy booths -awesome patrons -occasional burlesque shows please read the above list and ask yourself why you would go anywhere else in the loop on a tuesday night. from personal experience, i can tell you that the stage has enough room to fit at least 6 busty backup singers while you belt out the jams! read more

Cocktails and karaoke: two things that habitually cause me to make a fool of myself. Quality control on the cocktails can vary. I ordered an Old Fashioned with rye whiskey and I was surprised with how smooth the drink was; no one went overboard with the bitters or tried to water the drink down. The margarita, however, was a different story. I'm assuming the margaritas come from a mix just based on the "manufactured" sour taste the drink had. My bartender could tell that I wasn't particularly pleased and she offered to make my drink over again. Although the second was better from the first, a cocktail bar should be squeezing limes and adding agave nectar if it wants to make a REAL margarita. Another first world drinking problem: there are no beers on draft. Just by the can or bottle. And none of them are microbrews. And on a separate occasion, I've dropped by Brando's for karaoke. It pretty much felt like the catalog consisted of three songs, none of which were Ace of Base. Someone managed to find the gem "Video Killed the Radio Star" in a myriad of not-very-karaoke-friendly tunes, so I guess there is some hope if you haven't had too many PBRs and have some semblance of patience while searching through the catalog. Even when it's not karaoke night, the clientele is an interesting mix of tourists, people who look like they just got done with work in the Loop, and people who look like they're from the suburbs. At least there's a watering hole that can bring all of these people together. read more

I tend to forget about this spot sometimes, because I don't always hang out near the Loop very much on the weekends. But I do love me some karaoke and this place never disappoints! They have a kiosk/screen where you can put in your song request and it automatically routes to the DJ on the stage. Pretty high tech. Drinks are reasonably priced, staff is friendly, good location. They have a back room with a separate bar too, so that helps if it's crowded. I like coming here because it's always a mixed crowd, and that keeps things interesting. I've never NOT had a great time here. Come out with your friends and come ready to SING! read more

Rarely am in the Loop these days...ever since vacating my cubicle at 311 S Wacker, I've not needed copious amounts of alcohol 'round these parts ;) However, last night I had the chance to check out Brandos...a gem in the barren wasteland of downtown watering holes. A delicate, and beautifully decorated balance of posh and comfort, design and style. Not overpriced, not overdone...not over everything, as so many spots in the Loop are... A great place to grab a drink after work or hit up on the weekends when the Loop has all but fallen asleep. I was drinking vodkatonisplashberries. (vodka/tonic/splash cranberry), and though I could not detect the alcohol...it was certainly in there according to my state this morning. Good stuff. Great staff, very cool vibe....I vote for this place to be around for a long while, so do your part and go kick a few back there...you'll be glad. It's my new destination for downtown drinks going forward...yay Brandos! read more

Brando's is a low-key lounge in (gasp!) the Loop. I was impressed with the comfy, vintage-inspired space, the fast service, affordable libations and of course the affable Dino! Also, Brando's boasts a lovely martini, cocktail and wine list. A mix of patrons from mid-20's to more mature keeps the scene fresh. My only gripe was the music-- all over the place and as soon as people started dancing, the DJ changed it up to Snoop! read more

My first impression of Brandos is that it doesn't want to be found (and I don't think I'm that far off as they call themselves a speakeasy). Honestly, how can a place that you can practically fall down the stairs to the blue line's Jackson Street stop from after too many cans of $2 PBR (and, yes, I know, it takes a lot of cans to get stumbly from PBR) have this few reviews? The first time I laid eyes on Brando's was actually on St. Patrick's Saturday Walking up Dearborn from the natural disaster movie that was Printer's Row, we stumbled (from sunburn, we were still sober) upon a little bar just north of the brown line with a signboard out. We were looking for food and peeked inside the door to ask if they served it. "We have pizza and calzones. It's kind of a neighborhood place here," said the guy working the door. In the time this vocalization required, I was able to look around and see one person in the bar that I was sure didn't work there. On St. Patrick's Saturday. But we ended up coming back (after a few pitchers of Guinness at a more crowded bar) and had a good time bullying the internet jukebox with plastic St. Patrick's hits (the bartender actually asked my friend for a lesson in Irish music to better draw a St. Patrick's crowd in 2010), watching the employees play Wii bowling on the giant (this thing has to be seen to be believed) television, and getting pissed on $2 PBR. I stumbled to the brown line happy and knowing I'd be back (mostly because Kellie K. already had an event scheduled). There were definitely more people there the second time around; but our group almost completely comprised the after work crowd. One thing that I did discover coming back is that at about 10:00 p.m., Brandos turns a little more nightclubby. The lights get dimmer, the music has more beats, and the crowd around the bar becomes more small-talky. I also discovered that the pizza they advertised on St. Patrick's Saturday, it's pretty darn good. I can only imagine it's totally different on a karaoke night as well. So while there seems to be a few different Brandos personalities depending on the crowd and the night, they all had one thing in common. They were all very welcoming. The seats (hooray couches!) were plentiful and comfortable, the staff is about as talkative as it gets in the loop, and it really does feel like a slightly classier neighborhood lounge out on the northwest side (but still with $2 PBR). And, shockingly, without the crowds that even a place like that would have. Maybe if the outside were more inviting than the inside, it might help to draw more crowds. But I sort of like this place the way it is. Hidden. read more

Here's my belated review from the yelptoberfest after party... aka yelpers gone wild. I had a great time, we packed the place, and I couldn't get enough of the crazy yelp karaoke. I wish it had been videotaped... specifically Katie H working the microphone stand to the tune of Sweet Child of Mine... pure, unadulterated, genius. I'm a total fan! read more

I went to Brandos last night. At least I *think* I went to Brandos. I just followed the crowd in a post elite event drunken haze. There are few things I never do. Or so I say. *Do shots *Dance *Sing If I do those things - the bar was THAT good. And yes, Brandos was THAT good. And the company wasn't bad either. Oh, and the $2 PBRs in a can was a saving grace on the wallets of those who bought me them. Thanks to all of you who treated me. I'd thank you personally, but I can't remember who you were. And I hope it was Brandos that I went to. If it wasn't, can someone please tell me where we went? read more

Nice atmosphere, good drinks, awesome karaoke and music. All will cause you to shake your ass like a donkey with epilepsy. read more

With apologies to one member of Team Awesome: People. WHAT is the attraction here? It has almost all the things I don't love about a cocktail-based establishment. Unisex bathrooms. Poorly made cocktails (granted, sometimes the special martinis are delicious... but not my most recent Manhattan. At all). Bad music. Local weirdos (not the good kind). Disco lights when there are only four people in the room. And the worst of the worst of the worst: karaoke. If you guys love it more power to you, but I do not and that's just the way the old ball bounces. read more

It amazes me that I haven't reviewed this place yet. First off, it has a swank interior that just oozes cool. The location makes it perfect for after work drinks that won't break the budget. Enjoy the kind of atmosphere that allows you to sit there on your dressy work duds and next you may be a guy that looks like a union construction worker. A sweet mix for sure. Brandos can also fit the bill when you're looking for a nice place to bring a date for a cozy drink or two before dashing off to a Loop dinner or for winding down the night. My best advice is to go on a no-karaoke night. It's much quieter and you can enjoy your cocktails without having to endure anything you'd rather not see or hear. If you happen to like karaoke, knock yourself out, just don't expect to see me there. By the way, Dino is the best! read more

I have only been here once and I don't think I will go back again. The drinks are overpriced, the bar was super crowded and some people should not be allowed to karaoke... just saying. Hey, I am included in that group and I have the common sense and decency not to subject torture on the other patrons! I ordered a cosmo- not that hard to make. The bartender made it and poured it into the martini glass. As I started to drink it, it had this weird gritty bland taste to it. I assumed that it was fresh lime zest or even little bits of ice floating on top of the drink. After two sips, I realized that it was PAPER! Like from a cocktail napkin that someone how got into the cocktail shaker and when bartender added the vodka, cranberry, lime, ice, and etc. and then started to shake it with the ice it broke down into small tiny pieces that was floating on top of my drink. I went back to her (which took forever!) and told her about my dilemma. She proceeded to argue with me, saying it was ice. I scooped out the napkin from the top and said if it was ice, it would melt, not smear in my hand like a paper napkin! She looked skeptical, so I made her feel it for herself- after she realized that it was a napkin, she didn't even apologize for the mistake. She made me a new one, threw it down in front of me, and moved on to another customer. Rude. read more

Frankly, I'm not a karaoke fan. It's almost my version of hell. However, watching karaoke that involves my beloved Yelpers? Hilarious and engaging to boot. There were massive sing-a-longs and dancing and drinking. The bartender, for the most part, was on top of her game as we are not the soberest of people. She held her own pouring to the masses. My Peroni was surprisingly inexpensive and I heard the PBR's were too. Overall, a decent bar but much more so when you have a slew of Yelpers with you. read more

Fantasic happy hour and drink menu. Although we did not order food, the table next to us had a great looking dinner. I personally admired their whiskey/bourbon selection and the old fashioned I had was well balanced. We definitely plan on returning for many more happy hours! read more

If you are into karaoke, then this place is for you, and that is also probably why you are looking at this review too. This place does karaoke every day, and it is also an interesting set up with a lounge like feel with karaoke all night on one side, but then it connects to the other side which is a nicer more cocktail type of space where you can't hear the karaoke at all, so it is almost like an around the world type of party with different parties in different rooms! Drinks are not the cheapest, but come here with an open mind and you are bound to have a good time, especially if you are into karaoke. A lot of groups clearly come here every week as their staple watering hole which I always love. And if you are feeling like a big spender they have a great alcohol collection and you can get yourself some fancy champagne here too. So don't let the outside almost dive like front lead you astray--Brandos has all kinds of stuff to offer. Just beware that it varies a ton when it is packed with life versus when there are no people in there... read more

We recently had an office happy hour and chose Brandos for its great drink specials advertised online. A handful of us arrived a little after 4 and were able to get the drink specials, but when more arrived, the bartender immediately went to the board and erased the drink special prices. Umm..what? I'm not a big drinker so I can't comment on the quality of drinks, but this idiotic customer treatment is what deserved the lack of stars. We bring business in (this was on a Monday when the only patrons were some regulars sitting on bar stools) and the bartender decides to be cheap and remove the specials they advertised?? Dumb. read more

We made the horrible mistake of coming here with a groupon for 4 cocktails and 2 appetizers. I'd been sold on the multiple cocktail menus and thought it would be fun. http://www.groupon.com/deals/brando-s-speakeasy Walking in and asking for a cocktail menu we were stared at blankly. I showed my groupon to the bartender and the guy standing next to her at the bar started saying "You can't have anything top shelf. Nothing top shelf. There is no cocktail menu. We are making a new one." I said their website said they have a classic cocktail menu and a menu of special drinks and I had seen both menus on it just that morning. I could remember the Pimm's Cup on the menu so I said I wanted that. The guys said, "Pimm's is top shelf. So no, not that." Um...what? We asked what food they had because they had a whole menu on the website and they said only pizza or fries. Do not go here looking for the cheese plate that was mentioned specifically on the groupon or expecting any of the drinks that were mentioned either. I again asked what drinks we could order if they didn't have a list. Then he said "Bring up our website on your phone and show me what drinks you are talking about." So he wanted me to tell him what drinks his business served? Like, um, a Pimm's Cup??? This was all so freaking bizarre!!! After pretty much barking at us just for showing up the owner's son walked away never to return. The bartender apologized and tried to make us feel better but we left without using our worthless groupon. Sometimes I watch Kitchen Nightmares and say to my husband, "Who ARE these people that are so crazy to their customers and make them feel like crap?" Now I know. You've been warned. Next time I want to hear someone say, "'No TOP SHELF for you" I know where to go. The one star is for the bartender. She was really nice and I felt bad she had to work for such a rude person. Maybe I should give two stars because this was such a bad experience I know my husband and I will be laughing about it for years to come as we drink in other bars. read more

Brando's allowed several items to be stolen from regular patrons who supported Brando's on a weekly basis. All in all several backpacks and winter coats were stolen from a group without any recourse from Brando's. Our group of 15-20 regulars will no longer be attending Brando's or supporting any Brando's event - full stop moving forward. The blatant disrespect and unresponsiveness to our requests will not be supported. Brando's went from a regularly respected local hangout to a place that none of us will mention or support based on our negative experience engaging with employees on a variety of issues. read more

I am a very big fan of Brando's and a very big fan of Dino! I didn't realize this was his place but it all makes perfect sense now: laid back chill atmosphere, outstanding service and great music. Exactly what I would expect from anyplace he has anything to do with. Very low key, after-work-have-a-martini or a good glass of wine type of place. No pretentious attitude. No rowdy, frat boy mentality. No smug doorman. Comfy banquette seating to kind of curl up in. Perfect for a girls night out, when you really want it to stay that way. Watched some folks enjoying the Guitar Hero and Wii and while I don't get the appeal of doing those things in public it seemed to make everyone laugh. And I'm all about a great martini and a laugh. read more

I thought this was the best bar in town the first few times I came here. But now it has gone down hill. WAY downhill. Sorry Dino, I brought a few friends here to show them the place I had been bragging about, What a mistake. My friend bought two drinks that came out to $16. He gave the bartender Malena a 20 spot and she just threw the four bucks change into her tip jar. Then we were sitting at the bar and the guy who was handing out the microphone for karaoke was sitting next to me. He was busy talking to someone so Malena asked me to hand him his drink. I tapped him did so and he rudely said, "don't touch my drink." I told him I was asked to hand it to him, but he accused me of trying to take it. Then while we were trying finish up our drinks, couple of guys came up to us telling us to buy them drinks. WTF is going on here? read more

Had a blast here hanging out with a few of my favorites after the awesome yelp event on Thursday night! Drank a few Corona's with lime. Belted out Madonna's "Material Girl" and Cyndi Lauper's "Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun" with the help of my lovely lady backup singers and dancers. Ate a mini pizza and stayed out a lot later than I probably should of on a week night. Thanks Bailey and Megan G. for the ride home. I really appreciated it and can't wait to hang out again soon! read more

Went to Brandos for a Happy Hour after work with the girls on Thursday night. I was very disappointed. The location did not seem as big like some of the shots on Yelp, so we were confused. The cosmos the ladies had were not mixed will during the 6pm hour. However, they said the candy apple drink was much better at 7pm. So I am not sure what the lady bartender was doing mixing drinks. For me, I got a white wine for the bar and I was happy with. Red and black decor was cool and seating was nice. We found us a lounge spot towards the bar. Bathroom were clean and really nice with a large mirror. The place was somewhat dead until the game came on, about 7pm. About 30 minutes later, they started Karaoke. That was our cue to go. Not sure if I would come here again for a girl's Happy Hour if invited. read more

A bar that is in the loop, has $2 PBR cans, offers you local restaurant's menus, has great bartenders and the coolest bathrooms I have ever been in....ahhh Brandos. Went here for the first time to hang with some of the most interesting people I know [Yelpers] and had a blast! We were here during the round of sweet 16 action and had our pick of like four tvs to watch the games on. Another point about how a lil place called a speakeasy is even cooler since they have some sports on too. A good lil jukebox kept me amused and also took all my cash - damn internet searches... The drinks were flowing, cheap and good helping our 'invasion' of Brandos be successful - who likes sober speakeasies? The decor of this place is really fitting of what a classy speakeasy should be. Fancy lil chandeliers, posh padded seats lining the walls and did I mention the bathrooms? They are unisex since they are both onesies and have solid locks once you are in to prevent a different 'teammate' from entering. They are huge, have sweet bamboo~esque flooring in them and make me drool because I think bathrooms are highly underemphasised (is that a word) by architects nowadays. I am a George Castanza fan, hence the bathroom obsession. If you need a cool bar to hang out at downtown that is laid back, inexpensive and fun to be at choose Brandos. It rocks... read more

There really have been NO bars in the loop area that have ever tickled my fancy. The ones that I have been to so far either have been good for a quick drink in passing or just places that I would just not want to hang out. Could it be that this place is fairly new in the area. I have walked down this section of street several hundred times and I have never noticed it before. To be honest here I probably could have walked down this section of street a hundred more times and still not noticed it. There is no large sign, neon lights or excessive noise outside to clue you in that there is a bar here. I love the atmosphere here. It is dark and the lighting is somewhat low but not low enough where you can't see a thing. They play a good mix of music but not so loud where you can't hear the person next to you. I like the layout also. It is very comfortable and the seats are not so close together where you would feel cramped. If I worked in the Loop, this is exactly the place that I would frequent on a regular basis as it would be a perfect place to go unwind after a crappy day at the office. The bartender was super nice, super friendly and super efficient. they had a good beer and wine selection. Now all I need is a job in the Loop so I can have an excuse to come down here more often! Still if I am in the area this is the place that I will recommend for a drink! They have won my repeat business. read more

I forget what this place used to be, but after talking with some local residents they tell me its been a few different things which so needed the changes that my friend Dino put into this place now called Brandos. Featuring a small stage to hold live performances during the week and djs for dancing on the weekends, projector screen and flat panel tvs around the bar showing different eye candy visuals, a beautiful hand carved bar, higher end wines and champagnes and soon light appetizers and meals, this warm and cozy place is designed to please those that enjoy simple, but well executed service. The bathrooms are even clean and comfy enough for mama as this place was created to make her proud. Take the Red or Blue Line to Jackson/State and head southwest, or the Brown, Orange, Pink or Purple Line to State/Van Buren and head northwest. Street parking is iffy in this area, though parking garages are only a block away. Drink prices are very reasonable and special events with free stuff soon to be announced. I myself am scheduled for some monthly dj gigs here so be on the lookout for posted events. read more

I had quite the time when I visited Brandos, but I'm not quite sure if it was all the yelpers, the free food & beer from the event leading up to our move to Brandos, or the fabulous singers serenading us as we boogied the night away! It's a downtown bar that is tucked away from all the glitz & glamour of many other downtown bars. Not overpriced-$2.00 PBR's & $4.00 Corona. Can't comment on the cocktails since I had work the next day & didn't want that headache associated with the numerous Gin & Tonics I would have consumed. Free karaoke on Wednesdays, which many yelpers did. I myself indulged, but quickly regretted it once I was up there. Thanks to those who sang along :) I liked the bar & wouldn't mind going back if I'm in the area. Only downside was the guy they called "McLovin". Yeah, he was that bad. He was either screaming into the microphone, singing way off key & tempo, or talking about the price of steak. Get him off the mic & out before he gets too obnoxious. read more

Fun spot. Decent priced. Fun staff and atmosphere. Drinks made well. Bartenders move through rush quickly. Karaoke is fun. Wouldn't come back frequently but it's a good spot if a karaoke bar is what youre looking for. read more

My business partner and I came across Brandos after having each had 2 drinks at Hackney's, 1 drink at Kasey's and 1 drink at Manhattan's... and we thought this place was fab. No, we weren't totally inebriated (it was after all still the middle of the business day). I will admit however that at first, I was shocked to come across the bar. I didn't realize that anything relatively new had opened in the area. We walked in, paralyzed by the fact that it was in fact a lounge type bar and slightly, just slightly, wondering if we were a little out of place (everyone else seemed to know each other there). As we were still getting our bearings, the owner, Dino, introduced himself, told us to feel free and take any seat in the house and proceeded to alleviate my curiosities about the bar. Stats: He had opened the place in November, had some issues with heating and temperature during the winter months in the space, so shut down for a temporary period, reopened recently and was looking forward to serving not only cocktails, but a short menu of panini and other euro style snacks. The bartender was wonderful - very nice, very attentive. And our cocktails - were unlike typical loop drinks. In other words, they were well balanced and enjoyable without the sticker shock. In fact, the french martini's we had were on special for $5 a piece! If Dino can keep this up, us Loop workers are in for a treat - most likely after hours, but from time to time, during work hours - at least for me :) read more

Nice, relaxed vibe and not crowded (a plus for the loop). The booth in the back was so cozy I didn't want to get up. I have heard legends about the karaoke night, but it wasn't going on when I was there. Good jukebox. If I needed a chill place downtown to go for a drink and be able to converse with companions, I would go here. read more

You'd be hard pressed to beat the drink prices at Brando's, especially in downtown Chicago, but don't be confused about what Brando's is. It manages to be inexpensive, yet remarkably classy. Its nice inside, though small, with a capacity of only 50. The couple of times I've been there, they've had karaoke going on, and when there isn't karaoke, they play decent music, but it manages to stay quiet enough so you can still have conversations with people. The house cosmo my fiance had was good, especially for a $5 cocktail. If you work around here, you should definitely check it out for happy hour! read more

Love this bar. It is decorated very nicely and the bar tenders are very friendly and fair in concerns to getting everyone drinks. Obviously love the karaoke. Was here at something like 2am on a Thursday and some group of guys came in who apparently were the "karaoke gang" that called earlier. Weird but they were super fun. I've only ever been here on a weekday and they have awesome drink specials. The drinks are always very strong and they're pizza is decent for a bar. Overall, love the laid back feel of the patio joined with the energetic inside. Only thing that could be better is if the crowd was a little younger but I guess what do you expect for a bar in the South Loop. They're still a hoot and hey, let's face it, if the crowd were all my age, it would turn into something like Trader Todds read more