I like to stop here to get my adult beverages. They have a large selection of beer and wine. Everyone that has ever rang me up has been extremely friendly. They have an old school bar attached to the store. I have not sat down at the bar, but maybe soon. They have a nice size parking lot, which makes it easy to park read more

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A classic Chicago slashie, you gotta stop in to Cardinal and have a drink at the bar before taking your booze to go.

rudest bartender in the city! Bob is a jerk and would rather the bar be empty than to hear your voice. tells people to keep it down. if I wanted to go to a library I would! don't go in on his shift! go Monday Thursday or Sunday when a great bartender works.... otherwise stay away! read more

Man, what a cool concept this place is. I know it's not new, and certainly not the only place that has done it, but it's the only place in the area I know of that's a bar/liquor store combo. And normally I would expect a place like that to be pretty dingy, but Cardinal is actually really clean! I mean, it smells GOOD as you're sitting there at the bar. I come here sometimes to watch sports, and half of the time I'm just enjoying watching the regulars. The bartender, Bob, seems gruff at first but is actually pretty funny and friendly. Don't take him seriously if he hassles you about creating more dishes for him to clean! Once done at the bar, I love walking through the store part and picking from their good selection. You can even pay your bar tab along with your store purchase! So yeah, the downside is the atmosphere is a little cold, and it's not very cozy. I doubt anyone would want to hang out long term in here. It's bright and there's no food. This place may not be for everyone, but it's hard to go wrong here. read more

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The liquor store is great. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. They help me pick out my red wines. The bar can be fun depending on who your bartender is. It's a gross and dirty bar and that's fine, but the smell of urine is a lot to deal with. Also they clean while you're there. So it smells like cleaning products and urine. It's gross. I only go there when I'm in town to visit my brother. It's not my favorite place. I wouldn't recommend going there alone if you're a female. The toxic male energy is a bit much. My brother loves the place. Says it's great. That was not my take. Better bars in the square. I do recommend the actual store. read more

Ha! A bar in a liquor store... a liquor store in a bar? Either way it works for me. My friend, who lives close by, mentioned this fun establishment. Our whole group thought "Hmm I've never been to a bar liquor store before, let's go!" The feel was that of a dive bar (which I like) mixed with the new feeling of watching shoppers and also watching sports on the TVs. We had a round or two or drinks. I ordered a vodka and grapefruit.... which was clear!!! The bartender jokingly asked me if I needed more vodka in my drink. Silly silly!! The other customers were fun loving and casual. Only part I could see people complaining about was the restrooms. Very small and maybe need a little restoring. I had a blast! read more

Its my last ditch when in need of spirits(not wine). Aisles and stock are too crowded which results in the cashier watching as you make your way around. Their usual pricing is too high and the crappy beers seem to always be on sale. Every time I happen here, I meet a strange person or a person in a strange situation. Last time: exotic dancers in need of direction and the misguided guy (that was collecting money on Western and Lincoln) who said the money was for food. I guess he lost his way also. read more

Cardinal Wine and Spirit's is the best of both worlds. You can elect to shop at their liquor store and get shitfaced at home, or enjoy the comforts of the bar area. I'm a fan of both. The bar reminds me of the old shot and beer joints that we're on every corner of the Chicago I grew up in. Long before the City was gentrified with the Chad's and Trixie's of Lincoln Park, there were Saloon's for the hard core drinkers who would wind down with an Old Style and a shot of Old Grandad after a hard day's work. I miss those days. So if you're looking for a taste of what Chicago was like when it was a hard-core, blue collar town, head on down and see the good people at Cardinal Wine & Spirit. You'll be glad you did. read more

This bar adjoins a liquor store. You know, just in case you decide that you can't wait until you get home for a drink. There's also a free parking lot. Just in case you want to stay awhile. My friend invited some people here to celebrate her birthday, and we had a great time. It wasn't too crowded on a Sunday during a Bears game, so we were able to relax and get drinks quickly. Cardinal is more like a neighborhood bar or tavern; everyone here was here for the birthday party, flying solo, or with one other person looking to drown their sorrows. It's not a party bar by any means and not a place you'd dress up for a night on the town. The bartender or management was also really cool with her wanting to bring in decorations or snacks for people. Cardinal does not serve food, but you are welcome to bring your own. They have Three Floyds Gumballhead on draft, so that always scores major points with me. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but I think it's a nice neighborhood spot. read more

Ok folks...hold onto your hats! This is the most fantastic dive bar this side of the Mason Dixon line! I stopped in to pick up a bottle of bourbon at the liquor store and then had a pint of Anti Hero in the bar. Bartender Bob was very charming and fun. My kinda guy and a great conversationalist!!! Actually while I was there he sold me an additional bottle of bourbon- I left with two! Shots anyone? My house? The service was incredible the popcorn rocks! This has quickly become one of my go to bars. Honestly. Love love LOVE it!! Cheers to you BOB! You can quickly put a smile on anyone's face. read more

This review is for the bar. Great place for locals to catch a Hawks game. Bob the bartender is a hockey nut and a jam up guy. Not a yuppie bar by any means, this statement is supported by a convo with Bob and a non local patron: Patron: Can I have a Cherry Bomb? Bob: What's in it? Patron: Cherry Vodka, Red Bu.... Bob: You're not from around here are ya? Drinks are reasonable and its a basic beer and shot joint. Here's a tip, if you get a draft beer keep your glass because Bob hates washing glasses. If this bothers you, go elsewhere or stick to bottles. This is my kind of place, despite the quirks I've always felt welcome here. For most folks who read this, I'm guessing they'll never step foot in here. But whoever likes a good dive bar will truly appreciate this place. read more

So.. it doesn't help that I literally live next door to this. I almost feel it's like my drinking office. If I want to drink from home, I can pick up whatever drinks or ingredients I need to finish that drinking deadline or experiment. If I want to be away from home and drink somewhere that is stumbling distance, they have a bar. It is the best of both worlds as one reviewer said and the people that work there do rule. You also get a great value to abuse your liver. It's a real solid Chicago, neighborhood dive bar / liquor store with no pretentiousness whatsoever. Like Bob the bartender that works there says, "if you're looking for fast service or some trendy craft cocktail, you can GFY". You've been warned yuppies looking to write unjustified, negative YELP reviews because you don't like the way the service talks to you. This place is beer, booze and attitude straight up. This is a good thing. read more

I love, love the taproom here. It's like your average neighborhood dive but well lit and clean. Bob is one of my top five bartenders in Chicago, he always makes me feel loved, and tonight he gave us some really bitchen broccoli salad. The liquor store part is pretty good too. read more

The liquor store is fine. I mean, it's a well stocked package store, a bottle shop. It's fine. The bar though, that's something else entirely. Bob is one of the best, crankiest, funniest, friendliest bartenders in the area, an old school, tattooed, unshaven, eyeglassed, heart of gold guy who treats everyone the same from first meeting. I suppose that, like all of us, he too can occasionally be a jerk. Though in public, on duty, he's always been an exemplary curmudgeon with no mean spirit evident. He's even a hugger. Yes, guys too. Bob's a bi-hugual. A solid, perfectly cold tap beer selection, and every alcohol you might like. They adjoin a liquor store, fergodsake. If they don't have it now, they can get it for you by next Tuesday. You know you'll be back anyway. Everyone goes to Bob's. I mean, Cardinal. Hey! There's some warmish, serve yourself popcorn in an old style maker over there by the wall. Help yourself, but don't take too much. Last Halloween kind patrons and owners brought in hot food and many homemade cookies and such for the greater pleasure of we customers- costumed or not- and some doggy companions. A generous, good hearted bunch of people, for sure. No pretensions. Best, Peter O. and S. read more

Came here a few weeks ago with my running club after we tapped another local bar out (true story!). The bartender could not have been nicer or treated us better. Good jukebox, free popcorn, and a package store attached. Looking forward to going back! read more

Best dive bar in the area and it's not even close. Bob is the best bartender I have ever known, seriously. He goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. My friend Rob said it best when I took him here: "you didn't tell me we were going to a show!" If you like drinking, hockey (this is a Hawks fan's Valhalla), and good old conversation, this is the place to be. read more

I have nothing terribly new to say about the place, but I just realized I'd forgotten to include it here as one of my long time favorites. I've been a customer here for about eight years. I like the choice of single bottled Czeck, Croatian, and Lithuanian lagers. The variety is less than it used to be but still a fun way to try different Eastern Europeans brews, mostly Pilsener-esque. And as far as other beers go, there is always great variety and always great prices. The hard liquor here is a good value, too. Very friendly and helpful staff. I love the tap room, too, which is a unique Chicago thing. Always festive, friendly, and full of neighbors with names like Marty and Stell. Not a bad Saturday afternoon hang, either. No attitude. Some patrons who kind of yell instead of talk. What's up with THAT!? read more

Cardinal is great, if you are looking a fancy martini bar GET UP AND WALK AWAY! I love this place, they sponsored our softball team last year and treated us like gold, (Uncle) Bob is one of the funniest SOBs you'll ever find behind a bar. Good place to watch the Hawks game seeing that Bobs a hockey nut. Angel bartends from time to time and he's a good time too. This is one of my favorite neighborhood dive bars, but I hate calling it that because I don't want to take anything away from it but it a well-kept secret (YUPPIE FREE) when you walk in the make you feel like a regular after 10 minutes. But if you ask for a bomb or something that requires a garnish Bob will let you know that you might be in the wrong place "No appleteenies" As for the liquor store, they have a good selection of liquors/craft beers including some of my favorite Czech beer. Check it out and say whats up to "affordable bob!" read more

What a great idea. Bar and a liquor store all in one. And the prices are great. $2 shock tops. TV's. And yeah some of the people are regulars and older, but sit down and talk to them, you can learn a lot about shit you never even realized. It's like a clean dive bar that has plenty of lighting. Honestly, if I lived in the area, I'd be here every night. read more

This review will be in two movements, followed by a coda that may have no relation to the rest of the Yelp. Cardinal Wine and Spirit is actually a liquor store attached to a bar. It's a little bit of alcohol overload. The liquor store side of things was noticeably better lit than usual and remarkably hobo free. Good selections of the hard stuff and beer and it looked like they had a ton of wine but I hardly ever buy wine away from TJ's. The bar side has an almost uncanny townie feel with a couple of over 40 watching sports alone with a friend. Girls showing up here without some dudes of their own will probably feel pretty creeped out by the leering. But the specials here are AMAZING. $6 domestic pitchers on Thursdays included 312 which is pretty unmatched in town. Other nights have their own deals going, but Thursday might be the best of them. The bartenders are also reported to be quite friendly and one is a secret old man nerd. Screw Flanders. read more

The people here are the best. It feels like walking into a friend's house. They welcome my dog, always have a great selection of beers and just know how to make me feel like I belong. Always love coming to the bar or the store. read more

Cardinal Wine & Spirit - a dog in a liquor store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've never been to the bar, but the liquor store part of Cardinal Wine & Spirit is great. I'm a beer fan, and I consistently find brews for seventy-five cents to a buck-fifty cheaper than other stores in the area. Selection could be better, but the prices are right and the staff is friendly. read more

I love our little neighborhood liquor store. Prices are as good or better than other places, inventory for its size is great, sales are terrific, and if the staff doesn't have the encyclopedic knowledge of say the folks at Binny's they still know enough to satisfy my modest needs. More importantly, the entire staff is unfailingly friendly and helpful. read more

A liquor store & a bar in one? what? yes! You heard me, you can go shopping for your booze AND have a drink under the same roof. Bob might be one of the funnest bartenders I've ever come across. You know you've found a great bar when the bartender is going to bust your chops, take pics with you, and buy you a drink (or two)... p.s., the place ain't pretty, but it's a damn good dive! Christine approved! read more

For my 100th review I pick... Cardinal? What can I say, I stopped in here yesterday. These guys have a decent selection of Italian and inexpensive California wines, with an emphasis on Romanian and other european wines (catering to the neighborhood I imagine). Some gaps, sure, but you should able to find something to meet your needs. They also have a huge old-school wooden beer refrigerator packed with a nice combo of cheap stuff, European beers, and microbrews. The folks that work here are real personable-like too, which makes up for the stale-beer-and-smoke stench wafting over from the bar area. read more

I like this place. They have a good selection, and no one looks at you weird for going there twice in one night or purchasing alcohol before 9 a.m. (Uhm...not that I've done those things or anything...yeah...) I'm a little sad they don't have "Just Desserts" brand liquor anymore. This was pretty much the only place in the tri-state area that sells it, but it was like a tease. They never brought it back. Still, I've had some great wines from here and the employees are helpful and cool. I'm not sure about the adjacent bar, though. I walked through it once, and the scent reminded me of the cleaning products we used to use to clean the dog grooming shop where i used to work. I may be a little oversensitive in the olfactory realm, but dog grooming and bar just don't go together in my nose or head. read more

Just like everyone says. Dive bar is awesome and friendly. Bob the Bartender is the quintessential Chicago tough guy with a heart made of sugar. Beyond that though, ALL the staff is really friendly and the prices can't be beat (in the liquor store side too). Top notch joint. Have been going there for a good 7 years now. read more

This is my neighborhood liquor store/bar.I love this place! The selection of wines from all around the world is great. This place doubles as a bar and a liquor store! Can it get any better?!?! The people who work here are warm and inviting. It's like a "Cheers" sort of feel where everyone knows your name and each others. There is a good mixture of ages of customers and the drinks are really cheap!!! read more

I love this place. I opened up a business on the same block back in May 2011 and we stock up here all the time for business and pleasure. The staff is fantastic, they have a great selection of booze and mixers, and they always help me carry the enormous amount of alcohol I've purchased to my car. I wish they had a frequent buyer card! Haven't frequented the flourescent-lit bar that is attached, but that's...okay. read more

Great local beer/wine/liquor joint, reasonable prices for the area and some great specials. Labatt Blue 12 pack bottles are always only $7.99! As for the bar, Jason's review is spot on. Bob is a hockey guy and even tolerates Red Wings fans like myself. Very cheap specials (look on chalk board via liquor store entrance) and just a very mellow easy going place. Only time it seems to get a little busier is when the bowling alley closes across the street but other than that there's always a table or seat at the bar to be had. read more

Gets the job done. All the greatest beer hits available and most are in the cooler. Prices are reasonable. Plenty of parking.

Long story short (to quote bar patron Steve) this is the place to go for cheap beer. The store has very competitive prices and the bar is far cheaper than the other bars in Lincoln Square (at least the ones I've been to). The reviews below are all accurate, so I won't repeat those details, although I do want to say that both the staff and patrons were very friendly to us newbies. If you are a sports fan and are looking for a bar where you can actually hear the TV, and not obnoxiously loud music and people, this is the place to go. But they don't have food -- this is purely a drinking establishment. read more

Great selection for your everyday craft brews with good customer service and friendly folks, but this is unfortunately overshadowed by the fleecing that the establishment has begun to undergo whenever a rare craft brew hits their inventory. Example: Release of Goose Island Bourbon County Bramble Rye Stout the first week of February 2012. Binny's sold the bottles for this release at $12.99/bottle, which was the MSRP from Goose Island. This same bottle was selling for $29.99/bottle here. (231% over MSRP) Other similar liquor stores in the area (including Armanetti's and a smaller liquor store near the Diversey Brown Line station) sold their bottles of Bramble Rye for under $20. I have only been here a handful of times over the course of the past couple years, but if I am in the area to pick up supplies I will make sure to avoid contributing to such an opportunistic establishment, and instead settle on the numerous competitors found close to this location. read more

Great local spot with easy to find parking. Prices are reasonable and they have all go to beer in the coolers. Weather you're a hard core alcoholic or just the casual Wednesday drinker- this is the spot for you. read more

I've got mixed feelings about this place. They've got a moderately good selection of craft beer and wine. Most of the prices are fair or a little better. Occasionally they'll have amazing sales, and that's when Cardinal becomes something special. I once got a 12-Pack of Goose Island for $10, a sixer of Red Hook for $3, and a 30-pack of PBR for $11. The problem is that sometimes the advertised sale prices will suddenly change when you get to the register. Its not the best liquor store in the city, but a discerning shopper can score some good deals on occasion. read more

We live a few blocks from here and love this place! Best prices around, great beer selection, anything from a nice bottle of wine at low prices to a cheap wine for even less than normal. Some hard-to-find micro-brews mixed in amount rock-bottom-price big-name beers. Friendly staff, and great place to grab a quickie drink in the bar in front. And can you say p-a-r-k-i-n-g? Note: Not for the snobby at heart. What you won't find here: Romantic setting at the bar, or that Binny's beverage "I'm at a mall" feel. What you will find: A treasure trove of beers and wines (oh and liquors!) at the best prices around the hood, open late, with a place to park for those big pre-party errands. read more

This place is flat out awesome! We went here to kill time before our reservation was ready at another restaurant. Bob the bartender figured out it was my birthday and bought me a bottle of wine from the liquor store side of things. How nice! The bar itself is nothing to get excited about, just a local watering hole, really clean and remarkably well lit for a bar, a few video games (Buck Hunter, Golden Tee, etc.). But the owner is super nice, they have the games on, they had a good selection and enough kitsch to make you chuckle. Where else am I going to get skinny cans of La Batt's beer? :-) I would totally go back to this place on a random Friday night and hang out with Bob and watch the game. He made definite future customers with our group last night! read more

Cardinal is my neighborhood liquor store. On top of the convenience, the staff is very friendly and they have a pretty wide and varied selection of wine considering their size. Their beer selection is also pretty good. They run monthly specials which are usually pretty good, though their prices are already extremely reasonable. I haven't spent any time in the bar, so I can't comment on that, but I highly recommend the liquor store. read more

Cardinal is a great place for beer, liquor or wine. They have a wide selection of everything. I personally like their whiskey section. So many whiskeys to choose from. But I know I'll always get Powers Irish Whiskey, my favorite. This whiskey can be hard to find a conventional liquor stores and I am so glad they always have it in stock just for me. Customer service is always great. The gentlemen working there will always grab a cold pack of beer if you can't find one already chilled and are great behind the counter as well. Cardinal's bar is also great. Great drinks and beer, for really cheap, served by very friendly bartenders. Cardinal is great liquor store/bar, has Powers Whiskey and great prices and has some of the nicest employees/bartenders around. read more

I've been going here for a couple of weeks, mostly to catch the Blackhawks game in the lounge. Staff is friendly and attentive, $2 tall boys and hockey? Best lil' bar in the city. Bob for president! read more