I like the Charleston's vibe. They play great music, and the overall ambiance is solid. Huge selection of drinks that aren't super pricey. My only gripes are A. it's always top-heavy packed by the door and it's hard to find a spot to sit without being a seat vulture, and B. I've had good experiences with ...most... of the bartenders here, but there are 1 or 2 who have a real pretentiousness to them that I can't get past. Like when you're ordering a drink, you're asking them to pull out one of their own teeth to use as an ice cube. I'm all for the stingy bartender archetype at certain places, but these dudes need to get over themselves. I'd say this bar is solid when it's not packed but can be a bit of a headache during peak hours. read more

Cozy, old school decor, simple corner bar. I loved all the aesthetics and the traditional woodworking in the bar. Cute photo booth in the back, retro bathroom for women that needs a little more light but nice. I enjoyed my drinks. read more

See all

Cozy and cute neighbourhood bar in Bucktown. Great vibes, amazing people and delicious cocktails. One of our favorite places to hang out after dinner in the neighbourhood. read more

Oh my god. I think I found my favorite bar in Chicago. The ambiance, the vinyls spinning, the lively but demure crowd, the filament lightbulbs. It's all perfect. Really can catch a vibe here. read more

Charleston - Old fashioned, mezcal diablo - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's giving neighborhood bar meets speakeasy. The drinks were wonderful. I had the celery gimlet and it was delicious. My partner had one of his favorite old fashion. The vibe was great and would definitely come back. read more

Charleston - Old fashion and Celery Gimlet - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really great ambiance, great cocktails & even better prices. This bar is tucked away in a quiet corner off Charleston & N Hoyne in Bucktown. Really great for dates or just catching up with friends. Great staff and overall good vibe read more

Charleston - Mezcal old fashioned - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute little corner bar in the buck town neighborhood that gets pretty crowded on weeknights and weekends alike. There are no TVs at this bar, which is great for conversations but not so good if you're looking to watch sports, etc. There is no menu to find online which is a little annoying but overall a nice, kind of upscale place. read more

Came in a few weeks ago for our second visit. Loved the vibe, solid music, drinks were pretty good too. Completely unhinged bartender drove us away after one drink. The couple sitting next to us at the bar had been waiting over ten minutes and when they said "can we put in an order?" She looked them dead in the face and said "I need a minute. I just broke a glass." It was bizarre and one of a lineup of totally weird interactions. Probably will be back, but we'll peek in at who's behind the bar before we do! read more

Much like VE Day or VJ Day (when WW II came to a close) tonight, at The Charleston Bar, had the same Vibe as the news reels l've seen about those two (above) blessed events. Pure Celebration! Even though The Charleston Bar was checking I.D. and Vax cards, this place was mobbed with what very much looked like a pre-pandemic crowd. It was like January 2020 all over again. People were drinking, carousing, talking, flirting, and listening to the DJ's spinning records. This was a very happy crowd. I stopped by The Charleston to see a few friends who call this bar home. As soon as I walked in, I felt this gaiety and relief from all of the trials and tribulations of the last two years. It's the first time I've felt this camaraderie in a very long time. Without trying to sound dramatic, it was quite a moment (for me) to step back, observe, and toast our human spirit. read more

Discovered this place on a casual walk through Bucktown that ended in some Sunday afternoon cocktails. Have ventured back as often as possible. For those familiar with this part of Bucktown you already know that hidden gem bars are tucked into a primarily residential neighborhood, which happen to be my favorite type of bars. Charleston could perhaps be my new favorite cocktail bar because it's got a ton of character but it's not pretentious - it's good cocktails at a fair price, and there isn't a line out the door or a 30 minute wait at the bar ending in a lousy interaction with a hard nosed bartender treating you like a second class citizen. I've been here three times now and every visit I have been impressed with how friendly the bar tenders are, and how they even willing to answer questions about the drinks, or even have a conversation- what a novel concept! The inside is dark with dim lighting and a great ambiance. Highly recommend! read more

Great selection of cocktails! Just found this spot while out one night. Love the decor and vibes of this place. Easy to get drinks and table! read more

I absolutely love this bar! While it's dimly lit with candles, big windows in the front that make it a perfect place for an afternoon cocktail. Great cocktail selection (I LOVE the celery gimlet) and plenty of room. I would give it five stars, but the regular bartender who is usually there is extremely rude which kills the vibe a bit. read more

You know you found "the one" when you can come inside, order some drinks, have a cool conversation with the staff, listen to some good tunes, and stumble home. The Charleston offers all those great features. The best part is, there's plenty of barstools or tables if you choose to go that route. The Manhattan was made perfectly, and the wine by the glass options where great. read more

A great neighborhood spot. Can't get enough of the old-fashioned. Joel is kind and offers great service. My Bucktown go to!!

Super fun bar! But honestly I am giving them 5 stars because they had a secret stash of tampons under the sink in the women's bathroom. Thank you. read more

Charleston - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place earns another star. I recently went here (and almost forgot to update, I'm clutching my pearls and gasping!) to see the lovely and talented Kyle "Nachos!" H. play with his jazz combo and to dish the evening away with A list Yelpers (Roger & Joan!). This bar is so great! I wish it was closer to me, as it's got a real laid back neighborhood vibe that I just love. It doesn't get too crowded with hipsters and everyone is very friendly (for example, if you happen to be gesticulating wildly and you spill a bit of your drink on the patron next to you - oops) and chatty. Great prices and lots of character. Bueno, indeed. read more

Whoa! Talk about a change! Went here last night, and the walls and moulding are painted black. There are new chairs and tables, and all the old bartenders are leaving. This is surely, no bueno. Don't get me wrong, I asked for the new seating options,I did, I did. I like the new ones, but the black walls take away from the beautiful architecture of the bar, the back bar, and the tin ceiling. Owners, what was wrong with off-white colored walls and black trim? Aesthetically, it would have made the place more welcoming. And where is the deer??? This place still has the feel of a great neighborhood bar. I hope all the bartenders dont leave bc of the new management. They are an ASSET! And I hope the owners continue to play mellow bluesy music that keeps toes tapping and people talking. read more

I felt so comfortable here that I nodded off to sleep. I mean, it's possible that it was late, chilly and my belly was full of beer and food, but I am sticking with the comfort zone. Yes. That. I will agree that this is in no way a dive bar. The surrounding neighborhood homes are big 'n lovely, the bar has that gilded stuff on the ceiling (new, I hear) and there's a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Not once did I feel suspect in having my bare flesh touch any of the physical environment and I never considered peeing outside over using the bar lavatory. Not a dive bar. What it is: dark, high ceilings, good beer selection, comfortably crowded, and strangely familiar. If I lived in the area, this could become a regular haunt. I attribute all of these good vibes to the name. I look forward to frequenting the Can-Can, the Robot and (in my weaker moments) the Macarena. A'ight? read more

After having a great time @ Dannys me and my crew decided to check this place out as it was suggested by someone who had been here before. We made it over around 11:30 and the place wasn't too crowded, but it was a nice crowd. The music was rocking some 90s and 2000 classic tracks which caused an explosion on the dance floor or what we made a dance floor which is the open space past the bar and leading to the back. There is seating against the wall if you have a nice sized group.Good beer list here which kept us right where we needed to be in terms of mental state. Good neighborhood spot! read more

I like me some live music. And when it's a surprise, it's even better. Last February, my friends and I planned a bar crawl for Bucktown and Charleston just so happened to be on the shortlist. I didn't know anything about it, but it made it onto the official route. As we walked up, slightly numb from our four-block journey, the warm glow of Charleston was a sight for sore eyes. Immediately upon opening the door, we were hit with an infectious, melodic tune that bounced off the foil-covered walls. I probably could've sat there all night if it weren't for the crawl, but I digress. Charleston was the perfect place for a chill night out on the town - good people, good music, oh yeah - and good popcorn. To top it off, the Tamale Guy came in halfway through our stay. If it weren't for the dinner a couple hours back, those would've totally hit the spot. read more

See all

A simple, neighborhood bar tucked away with friendly folks, a long beer list, good music, and plenty of seating? Sign me up. I met a friend here recently and there were enough people there to make it feel like it was a neighborhood favorite, but definitely not crowded and my friend and I could enjoy our conversation in the back. They have a photo booth and ATM (cash only, friends) and it's dimly lit, with hipster leanings but a lot nicer than a dive bar. They seem to just hit this sweet spot of everything you want in a bar (if you're like me and you want the things I've pointed out)! Super chill, easy vibes here. read more

Friendly bar with good cocktails, but they don't shovel their sidewalks. Check the hours before you go.

Cool neighborhood bar tucked away between house-lined streets. The cocktail menu is pretty short, but the beer selection is huge. They're very helpful and friendly when helping to decide on a beer. Not too crowded for a Friday, which is nice. Cash only, which is a bit of a pain. read more

The bartender/ manager was extremely rude and accused me of trying to leave with a drink. Ask before you grab an item out of a person's hand. Don't assume. Next time you may encounter someone who is much more resistant. Learn the art of descalation!! read more

Drinks are good, vibe is excellent. Bartenders are friendly, accommodating, and fun. Music is great with a different DJ each night. Room to dance and there's a photo booth for you and your friends. It's cash only. Bring cash! But there's an ATM in the Back corner if you need. Like any of my favorite bars, this place has different speeds depending on the day and time. There's slow and conversational (Monday night), and packed and loud (weekend nights). Go already! You'll like it. If you see me there, show me this review and I'll buy you a drink! read more

Since opening in 1986, the Charleston has been a beloved neighborhood stalwart. Family owned by Wendy Pick for more than 20 years, it always managed to feel like family and attracted a large and devoted following. Hard to find, tucked away on a quiet tree-lined residential street in Bucktown, the Charleston, with its laidback storefront, was a cherished bulwark against the encroaching cookie-cutter joints on Division and Six-Corners, a reminder of the Wicker Park / Bucktown that once was. But all that has changed now. The character has been drained out of the place and what's left is a dark, depleted husk, a cheerless black room presided over by an ornery overseer and his snarling hacks. Oh, Wendy, what have your wrought? Before you sold it, it was so sweet! Always patronized by an interesting assortment of hipsters, yuppies, freaks and grizzled old men, the place had character in spades. Eschewing pay phones, video games or coin-operated machines of any kind, the Charleston reached for an earthier vibe, a tie-your-dog-to-the-handrail-and-sit-on-the-front-steps kind of place, a place where you could enjoy the company of your friends, play board games and listen to live music without charge. Well, you can kiss all that goodbye. The new patrons are mostly interested in cheap beer and clean bathroom floors. In other words, the kind of folks that'll be beating it for the suburbs the first chance they get, the kind who need to look up the word "sublime" in a dictionary but will never do it because intellectualism is the disease that's killing this country. Oh, Wendy what have you wrought? Better to have sold it to Bank of America than this crowd. Once upon a time the taxidermied goat named Juan looked out on the street. The house cat named Fred sat in the corner and watched people drink and occasionally, when the mood grabbed him, strolled along the bar. From time to time, the tamale guy showed up, making his rounds, doling out snacks to those listening to the live bluegrass and folk played by bearded hippies tapping their feet in hobnailed boots. Not no more. The funky mélange of weird tsotchkes, from a mounted swordfish draped in Italian lights to a framed photo of Fidel Castro have been deep-sixed in favor of an incompetent attempt at a lounge vibe. Oh, Wendy what have you wrought? I know you had to sell it. I know you needed out. Yes, and in our weird capitalist system all that's really supposed to matter is money, but you and I know that there is something more, because we had it once, at The Charleston, and now it's gone. Those of you who loved this place. Never return. Better it should be shut down and re-zoned. The Charleston should be a pleasant memory unsullied by meanness and a lack of imagination. May the cherubs in the capitals above the vintage bar find a better home. If not, better they should burn than be imprisoned in a black room, filled with dull, ornery people looking for cheap beer and comfortable chairs. read more

I had the pleasure of meeting the new owner, who was working the door one night on our first visit after the infamous redesign. Let me assure you he is a welcoming, charming personality. No "hello, welcome to the Chuck" on our arrival. His first order of business was to yell at us about our parked car hanging 6 inches into the crosswalk. I believe his exact words when we walked in the door were "Move your car, it's blocking the crosswalk. The police will give you a ticket". We moved our car, to another bar, and will not be returning. A small part of Bucktown died when Wendy sold the Charleston. Sad read more

It's just like the Big Head Todd song... "It's bittersweet, more sweet than bitter, bitter than sweet It's a bitter sweet, surrender." Boy meets girl. Boy asks girl on a date. Boy and girl proceed to have an amazing dinner (worldly score-- girl has never even heard of the eatery) and afterwards, boy suggests they go enjoy her favorite beer (gasp! how did he know?) at a neighborhood bar and listen to some live music. ::::melt:::: I've said it before-- beginnings are beautifully simple, right? Especially walking into my version of the idyllic bar... sounds daunting, but my requirements are uncomplicated. Books! A fantastic beer list. Genuinely cool patrons. Relaxed vibe (so I can talk to you). And, the ultimate starry-eyed soundtrack: sweet, sexy jazz. "But it's different than my dream. Morning light fills the room. I rise. She pretends she's sleeping. Are we everything we wanted?" The Charleston was supposed to close that night! But no, they're still open though boy + girl no longer exist. Maybe-- though I'm not superstitious-- the black cat that lives there had something to do with it. And that is how I discovered this magical little bar. Whether love or the tamale man's regular visits bring you there, it's waiting for you. read more

I miss the old Charleston. I don't know why the new owners felt the need to bastardize what was once a nice neighborhood bar with an eclectic vibe. Now when you walk in the walls are painted a dark color (is it black or dark green?!?) and TJ Maxx art hangs on the walls. It looks like someone attempted to make it look like an old English library. The stage, which used to host an incredibly wide array of musicians, is gone, replaced with more seating in the back (where it's incredibly dark). The board games are also gone. Even with a fair number of people in the bar, it feels completely cold and empty, like the heart of the Charleston was completely ripped out and it's been left to die a slow, dwindling death. I sincerely hope some life can be brought back into what was once my favorite place in Chicago. I asked one of the bartenders if the stage was going to be returning and he hesitated when answering that it "might" be coming back. Oh Charleston, how do I miss thee. read more

Gone are the days where customer service included attentiveness and respect. At least in the Charleston's snotty little world. Last night we were refused service by the tall, salt and pepper, long-haired bartender. Our Manhattans were not drinkable whatsoever, which was also apparent to the customers sitting on either side of us at the bar who observed the creation of the terrible concoction. It was overloaded with bitters and tasted like cough medicine. So one would think that politely explaining that the drink isn't to our liking and would like something different would be a simple request, yeah? Not in the Charleston's world. The bartender aggressively and rudely disagreed, saying that not in his "4 years" of bartending experience has anyone complained about the Manhattans he's made. We tolerated his attitude at the moment, hoping that he would grant our request of a pint instead of the drink he made as he took them away...but 5 minutes and several other customers served later proved that he decided to completely ignore us instead. Mind you, everyone else is just as shocked as we are at the gratuitous, arrogant display of ego. After finally getting the attention of the other bartender, she not only poured us the beers (which she accidentally spilled all over me, but that's not what I'm upset about), she refunded us for the price of the drinks. Well played, my dear - but you all still have our tip for those god-awful Manhattans. Enjoy it, because we will never be back. read more

I'm so upset - the charleston is no longer the dive friendly bar it has always been. New owners have gone in and redone the place - no more deer in the front window, no more board games or darts, no more stage - the whole thing has gone from dive bar to "duche" lounge!! I went there the weekend of New Years with some friends in town...they were dying to see the place that i'd always raved about - to my surprise it wasn't the same place that holds so many fond memories. Instead the staff - 5 minutes after last call - we'd already finished our drinks & were waiting for a few ladies to finish using the restroom starting yelling at us to get out. I was like we're going, how about the other 15 people sitting in the bar. He explained that all 15 of them "worked there" - right the only people who worked there were the 2 bar tenders & you - jerk! I will NEVER go back to what was once my favorite dive bar in the city. This breaks my heart, oh it breaks my heart!! Oh & if you're wondering the drink prices have sky rocketed - BLOWS!! read more

Amazing bar. Amazing hangover. Amazing times. Photobooth, delicious beers, salty bartender. read more

This used to be a welcoming, comfortable joint. But sadly that is not the case anymore. After the recent sale, the new owner has decided it would be best to transform this once vibrant, quirky pub into a cold, dark, black hole completely void of any personality, no live music, no art.... The real kicker was eliminating the only rays of light in this place--the old staff!!! Talk about burning bridges and alienating patrons, really the community--so much for not wanting to change a thing MR NEW OWNER. The heart and soul has been surgically removed from this once sweet place--no reason to ever go back. FYI, the photos up here are not accurate anymore. They are just depictions of a place that is dead and gone. read more

As some recent reviewers have mentioned, the Charleston recently underwent a major face-lift. Or perhaps, a punch-in-the-face is more appropriate. I don't know the ownership status, I just know that most of what made the Charleston a much-loved neighborhood dive bar is gone. The kitschy décor, chalkboard of great brews, stage with live music, and familiar staff... nowhere to be found. Now, having said all that, I am not anti-change. It's just that, I don't know what this place has changed into. They took down all the cool stuff, slapped up some black paint, took away the live music... and there ain't much left. I dunno, I just don't see any reason to stop in here anymore after my last trip. There are just a ton of other spots in the area with something unique to offer, the Charleston no longer has anything that I noticed. Also... this should re-categorized, I don't think it's a live music venue any more. Bleh. read more

PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE RUINING THIS BAR Me and my non-skinny jeans, my lack of cool seemingly pre-owned hobo/Cuban revolution hats, the fact that a PBR hasn't touched my lips in years, my cozy role as a cog in the corporate machine, etc. I know I don't belong here, but I love it so. The beer selection is solid, the Tamale guy is a regular, and they have interesting live music acts. Stop by and give it a try before my kind turn this place into the next Boundary. read more

Dark, wooden, and divey. $3 Powers special. This is the place for me! I have only been here since the new management has taken over but I enjoyed myself (after I waited forever to get the bartender's attention- but I liked the place enough to assume that was an oversight.) From what I hear they used to have live bands, it would be great if that brought that back. Great place tucked in the Bucktown neighborhood, removed from the Damen craziness. Loved the old fashioned wooden ice box for the beer. Can't wait to return. read more

Probably my favorite side-street bars on the NW side. By day, it is a quite place to go with friends and play some board games. By night, it is full, but you can still usually find a seat. No food is served, unless you count the Tamale Guy. So if you are hungry for anything else, I highly recommend walking a few blocks to Nick's Pit Stop on Damen and bringing back some tasty grub. The owners do a great job of bringing in unique entertainment - bands, poetry readings, etc - all without cover. Just be nice in throw in a few bucks when the entertainment tip jar comes around - it all goes to the entertainers. And you should have a few bucks to spare since the beer is so cheap. 2 PBR every day! And they also have a decent selection of my interesting beer depending on your mood. read more

Bar & atmosphere is on point. We stopped here because it looked so cool. We loved it, were remarking to the bartender how cool & unique it was. Only the bartender had ZERO personality & acted like we bugged her. We won't be back. You have a cool bar. Hire cool bartenders. read more

Not sure why "dive" is listed as one of the tags for this bar. If this is a dive, then Charlie Trotter's is fast food. Anyway, there are many things to like about the Charleston. First, there is not a television to distract a person from drinking and discussing important topics such as bowling or recalling how difficult it was to use a typewriter. They also make excellent drinks, which are a little cheaper than at most places; I highly recommend the Old Fashioned. The atmosphere is good, the music can be excellent, and the staff is friendly. read more

Came here for a first date the other day and this place quickly made it to one of my favorite date spots in the area. If you get there early enough, it's the perfect noise level to actually hear each other. The drinks are great and lighting is just dark enough to be "datey" without being "dive barey". I don't overly remember the music so it must have blended in with the vibe. However, the location does make for an awkward goodbye. Being that it's on a residential street, after you down a few drinks, you have to either walk/drive a bit to go to another spot or cut the date short. That being said, it forces you to make a decision which is kind of a cool feature for a bar. read more