I just found out the new owner just fired all the "non new" bartenders. Some that had been there for over ten years. Out of nowhere. Classy. Real classy. read more

Not sure if this is all the time but they had $2.00 bottles last Saturday! A corona for $2.00 is practically unheard of unless youre out in the middle of nowheresville. It's a cozy little neighborhood bar with table candles and a beautful wooden bar, ya know the kind with the big mirrored panel that covers half the wall behind the bar? It makes the narrow space seem bigger, There is a live DJ that spins a variety of mellow music; just background stuff, nothing to dance to. read more

This is a precious place on earth. Good beer selection and very generously priced. I love the live music talent they bring in. I am always interested or amused to stay and listen. I like the crowd here and also like the cat that sits behind the bar. I also like that the tamale guy stops in here too. During the holidays, the Charleston knows how to turn on the bling. Hands down my favorite holiday decor among any other. The one year they basically tin-foiled the whole place and it was just beautiful. I am a little upset that there is now a flat screen TV on the wall, but when I was there they were showing animal planet.... which is acceptable to me....so I'll leave all my stars up. The minute a game gets turned on when I am there....I may have to edit this review. read more

Cool, low key place. Didn't know anything about the place when we walked past it, but it had glowing "C" out front and a neon PBR sign in the window, so we knew it couldn't be half bad. It is pretty mellow inside and we were happy to find cheap beer and an old photo booth. The photo booth sign said "Out of Order", but it worked fine. The photos were a little fuzzy, so I guess that explains the sign, but that is part of the charm of photo booths. They had a fair amount of wines and craft beers. We ended up stopping by after dinner down the street at Duchamp, so we just stayed for one drink. Definitely worth a trip back when we are in the area again. read more

I love coming here on weekdays, when it isn't bursting at the seams with those bro-tastic types that make wrigleyville a summer hot-spot. I've had both great service and bad service, depending wholly on the bartender. The DJ has GREAT TASTE, though. And their selection of beer is quite good. They also have a photo booth. All-in-all, a pretty great neighborhood bar that more often than not promotes a good time for everyone. read more

This bar gets five stars for being the first smoke free bar in Chicago. HEAVEN for a non-smoker (I could say more, but I'll leave it at that). Family run bar, fairly cramped, and hard to find a table during the peak periods, but lots of cool stuff laying around (Check out the abandoned cotton candy machine by the bathroom - big, pink and out of this world!). Silver walls, lots of crazy colorings on the wall (one time there was a blue Elmo - I was so confused! Is it Grover or Elmo?). Big selection of beer - and don't forget to check out the selection for cats - Tunawater Ale! read more

I really like the vibe of this place - has the small, cozy feel of a neighborhood bar, but the ambiance of a slightly trendier saloon. It's very dark inside, but had a really good low key vibe to it. Apparently they also have live music duirng the week - I didn't have the pleasure of being there for any performances, but that would have certainly added to the experience. Great beer / cider menu - I didn't try any of the cocktails, but certainly will next time I visit. Legend has it (or my friend told me) that the place is owned by some wealthy old lawyer, and that's why every year the bar picks a new charity to sponsor and all profits go to that charity/cause. This year apparently all profits go to cancer research. The cash-only nature of the bar does provoke some questions as to *exactly* how much of the profits are going to charity versus "overhead" - but at the end of the day, do I really care? If I get my drink and any of the money goes to charity, seems like a win-win to me! I have a bunch of friends who live over in this area, so I'll definitely be back. read more

Cute place and all, but two stars is the highest any cash only bar is getting from this Yelper. I don't care what tax scams you want to run, it's the 90's, accept plastic. Definitely a fair amount of bearded hipsters, but everybody at Charleston was friendly. Draft beer selection could definitely be improved, but you can find something other than PBR (and they do have PBR if that's your thing). I was also pleasantly surprised the music varied away from indie rock and into Michael Jackson. I'd go back if I were in the neighborhood and were carrying a bag of cash around like the guy from Monopoly. Instead I'll go drink at a bar that makes it easier to spend my money. read more

I like this place. Great to just stop in and have a pint or two. Good selection of beers. Friendly bartenders. Bathrooms are a little weird and there is a photo booth in the back. Bike parking out front. read more

The Charleston is very shiny right now, as the Christmas decorations are still up and largely consist of tin foil-wrapped objects. Everything from the poo box to the piano is wrapped in tin foil. I wish I'd purchased a bunch of those light up spiral lawn decorations in the after-Christmas sales. Then I could have hung them upside down from the ceiling at my wedding like Charleston does and saved some money on lighting and centerpieces. I had a very chill time on a quiet, wintry Thursday eve with my buddy Shawn S, warmed by countless cups of coffee and Bailey's that the bartender Jason was kind enough to keep a-coming. read more

Bartenders are assholes and sexist. They said some really rude shit to my friends and I about what we were wearing. Honestly really wanted to love this bar but the disrespect me and my friends were faced with I hope you never experience. They really turned me off and bad vibes all around. read more

Now this is a Bucktown bar held over from the pre-"Lottie's-as-a-sports-bar" crowd. Quaint, reasonably priced, and unpretentious, this place is casual and enjoyable. And it's been non-smoking for a long time. It truly is a refreshing change of pace to go into a Bucktown bar that isn't trendy, just downright homey. Come to play pool, listen to live music, or just sit around and drink. There's also something cool about stepping up onto a porch to get into a bar. Maybe if you're respectful, the bartender will tell you about what Bucktown used to be like before all the dogs and beautiful moms moved in. read more

I stopped in with an old pal who used to frequent this place a long time ago when she still lived in Chicago. As a first timer I, too, now have warm fuzzy feelings about Charleston. The original bar is gorgeous, and the atmosphere is dark and cozy. Our bartender was lovely and friendly. I asked her to recommend a light girly beer, and she suggested Hell or High Watermelon. Loved the beer with a slight watermelon scent and after-flavor. We talked to some other friendly folks while we drank our beers. I had a good experience here. I'd go back to reminisce next time my pal's back in town. read more

Charleston - Good selection. Beautiful old bar! - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This bar is a great find. $3.00 Jim Beam drinks on a Saturdayday night? Yes please. Live music with a country twang at no cover? Oh, yes please. Strange stuffed creatures lining the walls? YES PLEASE!!! I think this bar is an awesome find in both this neighborhood, and city. Great mix of people seen mingling here. Though I live a good, long walk away from here, I will be back. Even in the winter, I feel with the correct outerwear and alcohol in my belly, it could be worth the trek! read more

Been to this bar a handful of times yet had a terrible experience with almost every bartender that works there. Two of the bartenders have made very sexist and inappropriate comments about my friends and I which has created a very unsafe environment. The workers are very unwelcoming, the drinks are overpriced and I do not recommend this place at all. Will not be coming back here again. read more

Love this place. Come with friends or alone and enjoy yourself. Nice list of beers and after a quick chat with the bar tender, you can have yourself a unique and delicious cocktail. I enjoyed two different cocktails and watched the street traffic on a early rainy evening. Lovely. Cash only and priced like you might expect for the area. I'll be back to relax either solo or with pretty much any group of peeps. read more

Charleston - Delicious cocktail! A quick chat with the bartender and he pulled something together that hit the spot! - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's kind of a hidden treasure on a little side street. Chill scene, good beer selection, very unpretentious vibe. They also have 2.50 PBRs if you want swill or are on a budget. Me likey. Not a dive bar by any stretch, this place strikes me more like a coffeehouse that serves beer from an ambiance standpoint. The bartenders are super friendly, and the live bands they choose to play there definitely fit the vibe of the place (you won't find any death metal bands there). This certainly is not a place to hi-five, do shots, and obnoxiously flirt with women and/or homoeroticism, you will be viewed as a rube. I haven't done anything but a weeknight here but I could definitely see this place becoming part of my personal bar pantheon. read more

After needing just one more glass of wine to keep the progress of planning a wedding underway..we found ourselves at "Singer Songwriter Night" at the Charleston. Not normally my cup of tea, but for some reason you can never go wrong at the Charleston. Smoke free, warm atmosphere, good people, great bartenders (a whiskey on the house for my tipsy fiance). Great drink specials any day of the week and they have popcorn if you ask! read more

When all is said and done, this is what I want from a bar -- good beer poured well (I'm a draught snob), a laid-back atmosphere where you can truly enjoy the company of your friends, no smoke, and a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood. When the feel of the place is so soaked and steeped in Chicago-ness, like Goose Island ageing in an oaken cask, a corner tavern that might very well let you adopt a barstool, it's icing on the cake -- or froth on your ale. The Charleston is one of those places, helping Bucktown keep it real even as its old school Chicago-ness makes it a top candidate for hipster scenery. Amidst antique coolers always fully stocked with beer and old pot-bellied heaters always fully stocked with coal, there's a billiards table with felt so seasoned that regulars should know their way around it blindfolded and wooden tables and chairs that conjure the spirit of the Pickwick Arms (no coincidence that one of the cross-streets is Dickens), they make room for a small alcove where musicians play for free. Country, bluegrass, bossa nova and more, performed by independent bands and musicians trying to get heard just loud enough above the drone of conversation. Mid-set, you might just feel yourself getting hot under your collar and a little damp around the forehead. It could be the overactive heater, but I think it's the warmth of many humble folks packed into a cosy tavern with no pretensions (because that's so sang froid) mixed with the passion of musicians who play for you with big smiles and knowing winks to one another. read more

On my Yelp-a-versary I am giving out some "West Bucktown" love to a place that in my mind comes close to the Platonic ideal of a pub. I'm thinking of somewhere that could measure up to long gone places like Augenblick and Max Tavern--they just had a great vibe. Well, Charleston ranks up there with the best. PS: Why is it that people insist on calling any establishment more than 10 years old a dive? I just don't get it. read more

Seems like a cool place. I came here at the suggestion of Yelp for a dive bar where I was hoping I could watch the debate. Every place that I had been to before that had the debate on was way too loud to actually understand what was going on. Charleston had the debate on, but of course, it ended the second I walked in the door. Anyways, the drinks seem reasonably priced, however I only stayed for one beer. This comes off as a smaller bar with a tight knit group of regulars, so I felt a bit out of place going there by myself. I would probably come back if I had a group with me and wanted a cozy place for some cheap drinks and conversation. read more

I'm pretty sure that it was Tadao Ando that put a huge importance on the way you approach one of his buildings. He would create these sort of long paved, choreographed "sidewalks" you were supposed to use as you approached his buildings, their sole purpose being to put you in the right frame of mind to be open to what this building had to share with you. It was either very thoughtful, or very bossy, you decide. Anyway, this is what I was thinking about as I strolled up to Charleston on Thursday evening. The weather was perfect, and as I walked down Charleston street I became more and more enchanted with this adorable neighborhood. Single family painted brick houses with yards and ivy growing up the front, everything was quiet and peaceful and really very quaint. You win this round, first date man. The bar itself fits in perfectly with the neighborhood. It's a neighborhood bar perfectly suited to its neighborhood. Of course it's not going to be a dive, this isn't a divey place. It's a sweet quiet and charming place, so that's what the bar reflects. The front entrance has glass from floor to ceiling so as you're walking by outside you can look in, which is perfect because at night they bring out little candles to every table - I digress. Walking up, floor to ceiling glass windows, yes perfect. I walk in, there's chalkboard paint on every paintable surface. The wall behind the bar itself is a giant mirror upon which they've written the drafts they carry and the beers they have. The bartender is this cute pixie of a person who greeted me with a huge smile. I didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure the place is cash only. Never fear, there's an ATM in the corner, next to a -you guessed it - photo booth. It may even be color. I'm pretty sure it's probably the kind of photobooth that makes those beautiful strip photos on the textured paper, not those glossy digital prints. Moving right along - the ladies room. I nearly died. It's so sweet. You walk through a large heavy velvet curtain into a powder room. It's softly lit and there are two chairs. The powder room leads into a single user bathroom. Again lighting here is everything, I don't think most people get it about lighting. These people do. Soft lighting in the bathroom, dark slate colored walls, and again with those cute white mosaic tiles. I couldn't get enough. While we were sitting there the bartender came around and put a little candle on every table and all along the bar, which again just served to create the sweetest most laid back nostalgic ambiance. I wouldn't be surprised if they strung up mason jars filled with fire flies on the weekends. read more

One of the few Chicago bars that stood toe to toe with the late great Bucket 'O Suds! Went no smoking before the ban. If there is a TV, it has never been on. This is the real deal. I LOVE CHARLESTON peace . love . goat www.bucktown.org read more

I love literary readings and once a month on Sunday (because it's more quiet then say a Friday or Saturday) they are the official host of Sunday Salon Chicago! The few times I've actually made it there I've been really impressed with the range of views, talent, and subjects that have been explored. Maybe one day I too will be able to perform there...someday maybe...a girl can dream, don't you know! read more

dive bar perfection. I have lived in bucktown/wicker park for 6 years, and have been to most of em. This is everything a bar should aspired to be. Tasty cold well priced beers. Low key atmosphere. Great people. Music almost 7 days a week. This place makes me happy I live in Chicago. Favorite Bar in Chicago hands down. read more

Charleston is a really cool spot if you're into a late night cocktail in a more intimate setting. The tamale man came through while I was in last which was fun being able to nosh on tamales at the table. Highly recommended! read more

What a great bar! It's dim, chill and perfect for close conversation. I think this bar is more appropriate for small groups (not rowdy) and dates. They have an extensive beer selection and the bartender was very knowledgeable and offered great recommendations. The women's bathroom is luxe. Huge velvet drapes hide the vanity and an area to touch up make-up. Cash only but they have an ATM in-house. read more

Perfect place to unwind after work, where everyone leaves you alone, unless you want company, no left over rank cig smell from last year since they were smoke free before it was trendy, I mean law.... Never get here in time to hear the bands but always get a barstool offered by one of the regulars (gentlemen!) and there is no attitude or pretension here. I was shocked by the great wine they offered the other night, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Not that I'm a wine snob but don't like to mix....and was surprised by the nice offering. Totally unexpected. The cluttered back bar actually makes me feel good about having a messy desk and just the friendliness of the staff and the nice non-judgemental and interesting people that hang there earn the extra star ratings. And the bartender makes a mean batch of microwave popcorn (for like a nickel) and on one recent visit, gifted us with SMARTIES! Amazing with the Sauv. Blanc and popcorn! The prices here are soooo refreshing. Definitely a place to walk to as parking is a drag. Welcome change to my lineup! read more

GREAT BAR! Great date bar, great hang out with yourself bar, great "get away from your phone, your computer, there's no TV here either" zero screens bar. This is the model of how bars should be. There. Said it. No taking it back now. Fab music, fab people, fab location tucked away on a residential street. Yelp note: posted IRL new hours in effect (May 2016). read more

I enjoyed our time here. They have great Old Fashions and Manhattans. The decor is cozy wood and random lighting. The bar tenders were unmemorable and patrons were friendly. I would not call this a dive bar like it is listed as. The only way it is dive-y is that they are cash only. This is the reason they have 3 starts versus 4. My friends and I would have stayed much longer had we been able to open tabs. Dealing with cash while out with a bunch of people late at night is a headache. read more

Awesome neighborhood joint, average prices for bourbon, occasional jazz singers and billiards unite to make a good mix of sweetness. I'd give them a five-star rating, but that fascist down there complaining about smokers made me a bit rough around the edges. Oh and the bartenders that I have had experiences with don't know how to make Old Fashioned's with Maker's Mark. At this point, it goes without saying that they serve bourbon -- which is a huge bonus in my book. I just wish that I could go to a bar, please ANY bar without having to throw my sanity out when I get home because it stinks of intolerant hate-mongers who don't even realize that I would normally be a perfectly considerate smoker if intolerant and inconsiderate non-smokers wouldn't make my ears bleed with razorblades every time I light a cigarette. read more

Great neighbourhood bar with an excellent selection of beer, bourbons and whiskey. It is a cozy, intimate space during those colder months here. Please bring your flashlight if using their restroom: it's uncomfortably dark and potentially anxiety provoking. read more

The Charleston is to neighborhood bars what really good homemade mac & cheese is to comfort food. If you've never been, I promise you, The Charleston will charm you. Very casual (smoke free!) atmosphere loaded with character. A local gentleman comes through on weekend evenings selling hot tamales for next to nothing. And then the live music starts. It's not a big place, so 2-4 people is probably the right number. You might walk into the Charleston a newbie, but you'll leave feeling like a regular. read more

Things I love about the Charleston: - No smoking. - Skilled, mellow bands playing for the love of the music - A 9 foot pool table - The honor system pay-for-play on said table (they also pass a can around for the band - if you like, you drop a few bucks in) - The complete lack of pretension - Macallan behind the bar read more

This may be one of my favorite bars. Beers are well priced and they ALWAYS have a good beer special- even if its crappy beer, I can drink for $2.50 or less every day. The bartenders have always been overwhelmingly nice, friendly, and accomodating. The tamale guy stops in here frequently and they also don't care if you order in food to the bar. They also have a black cat that lives there! read more

Very relaxed vibe. I'm a numbnuts smoker; I've tried to quit several times, but my mother told me to never quit anything. Smoking is the one thing that I've stuck to. I like the way the smoke coils when I'm thinking of the right word to say. It's stupid. I still come to The Charleston. I've got no problem stepping outside for a quick smoke. Generally, the other smokers are huddled around the same grill ashtray talking shop on the side of the building. Come by during their summer block party for grilled corn, penny beer, volleyball and smooth rock. read more

Probably one of my favorite bars in the Bucktown area! It's small, quaint, unpretentious, and everyone is welcome! Yes, even you frat boys, as long as you keep the rowdiness to a minimum. It's a great spot to have a drink and chat with friends during the evening, or hang out with a book during the day time. Some nights they have an open mic, and the musicians are usually pretty darned good. The only thing I guess is that previous years they didn't have the AC going during the summer, so it got kinda gross. Hopefully they added more fans this time around cuz I'll definitely be back for more =) read more

Great neighborhood place. Unpretentious, good drinks, cash only. The drinks are very good, the bartenders do a nice job mixing up the cocktails, and they have a very good beer selection. Two caveats about this bar - first, it is pretty hard to find. It is right on Charleston and Hoyne, in Bucktown. But there is inky a "C" sign that indicates you are in the right place. Second is the cash only policy. There is an ATM in the back, but hopefully you have a bank account that refunds you the fees! With that said, I still like it. Especially since it is 3 blocks from where I live. read more

One of the best looking bars I have been to classy and understated. Our bartender was awesome. Thank you for not having those horrendous TV screens. The sound system and music is brilliant. read more

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Great customers and great place but bartender was a racist who kept bringing drinks to the white people around us and kept acting like he forgot our order. read more