You could say Cole's is great because you can get beer under $4 here. You could say Cole's is great because of its lack of frills, cleanliness and damns given. However, it's overrun by a crowd of 23 year-olds who just moved to Chicago and have to be (don't want to use the H-word) original/poor/90s/vintage/tatted/skinny/high/unique/kitschy/ironic all while decrying the sheeple of other bars. At Cole's, you're surrounded by kids grasping to be a part of a scene that already past. Williamsburg in Chicago. Takes too long to get a drink here. Don't expect to sit down here, either. I laugh at you if you actually intend on going here and you're over the age of 22. I guffaw at you if you arrive here by bicycle. read more

Stopped by Cole's this afternoon for a work-related errand. I had been wanting to check this place out since hearing about it through both Thrillist and DailyCandy. Live music? Divey? Sounds like my kind of place. Well first of all, Cole had a ton of microbrews in the bottle (along which the requisite $2 bottle of PBR). As for his draft selection: Metropolitan Brewing Dynamo, Two Brothers Domaine Dupage. New Holland Mad Hatter and North Coast Old 38 Stout. Not shabby (at all!) for a new place. And of course, I can't wait to check out the live music (big duh there). Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), he left his white collar job to follow his dream and that alone is worth five stars. Good luck Cole! read more

Hands-down my favorite bar in the city, without question! Well poured drinks, and a fantastic beer selection in regards to both quality and price. There's almost always something interesting going on, from awesome live music to hilarious stand-up comedy (for real--the open mic is so good that Tim Meadows and Hannibal Buress have both popped in for a set). This is all aside from the fact that everyone who works here is amazing. Cole will remember your name, they'll all become friends, and you'll want to bring them treats to thank them for being super wonderful all of the time. It's the epitome of a Cheer's bar. I love, love, love this place. Thanks, dudes! read more

Solid. Swung by after hitting up Revolution across the street, talk about a change of scenery! This place is a bit dirty... stuff is worn out, and dark. I was diggin' it though, especially after a trip to the men's room. Holy Awesome Graffiti Batman! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/coles-chicago?select=RhfqNuw5EIR3KcvRnNTPvw And drinks were surprisingly CHEAP too, I don't think I spent more than $20 there... maybe less. Another thing I was surprised at was the fact that even though the place was PACKED (Live Band) the bartenders were ROCKIN' it hard! No waiting around, walk up, get beer, done. The back area where the band's setup gets ÜBER crowded when they've got music... not much moving room back there. Still though, very chill; getcha a spot and listen to the music, that's what we did. Easy enough with beer in hand. I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe this place had. It DOES get crowded though, especially when there's a band playing. I'll be sure to come by again some time. Funny side note: found out what a 'hipster' is/looks like... I approve of the trend. May have to go shopping now. Ooh... second side note, I can check off 'Hipster' on ambiance too I suppose. read more

Cole's Bar - Holy Badass Graffiti Batman!!! - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is where I first hear the word "YELP" used as a verb. Standing outside in the freezing cold, an abesnt minded jerk bouncer held a long line consisting of more people than were actually inside the bar. After 10-15minutes of this, the girls in front of me yelled, "I'm gonna YELP the SHIT out of this place!" After peeing my pants from laughing so hard, we decided to follow suit and take our business elsewhere. read more

I feel kind of bad for the three star rating, but it really is just an OK place. OK in the best, middle-of-the-road way possible, you know? Nothing about Cole's stands out to me. It's just a bar that's usually never crowded and they have some good beer. There's several bars that fit into this category, thus rendering all of them just OK. There's no food (unless you count late night visits from the Tamale Man), the tables are really far apart and I've never been in on a night when the back of the bar is being used. The prices are decent (about $5/beer) and they just started accepting credit cards ($10 minimum). The staff is very friendly and Cole is always around, which I like. The patrons are generally bike-toting hipsters (which is not surprising) and they generally stick to the bar or the pool table. Cole's offers a good alternative to Revolution across the street if there's too long a wait for a table or spot at the bar and you just want a drink. On a list of other bars in Logan Square (by bar I mean establishment that serves only liquor), this is near the top. Definitely a better choice than Two Way if you're not into that scene. Yeah, Cole's is OK in a good way, just nothing more than that. How about we say 3.75 stars. read more

Hands down my favorite bar in Chicago. Not only are the drink prices fantastic, their staff is absolutely AMAZING, and the atmosphere is perfect for either meeting up with friends or making some new ones. There is almost consistently a great band playing in the backroom and on Wednesdays there is a always hilarious open mic comedy show hosted by the wonderful, always funny Rebecca O'Neal. Seriously, the comics are hysterical and once while I was there, Hannibal Buress even took the stage. Awesome. If you're a stuck up jerk who likes to pass judgment on anyone young and creative, then by all means, go somewhere else. More church pew space for us! But if you're cool, into music/art, and would like to have fun at a laid back place (or are generally just a nice person) come to Cole's! read more

SERIOUS LACK OF SERVICE HERE Bouncer was rude and didn't let our friend in believing her IL state ID to be a fake because it "didn't look like her". Refused to get a second opinion from another employee, boasted of his "I'm head of security here", and lost customers and purchases. We're 30 dude, why would we be 'effin around with fake IDs?! I suspect we were not hipster enough to his liken so whatever, smelled like pee-pee anyway but these suburban transplants love that kind of stuff right? read more

Cole's is a perfect balance. There are $2 PBRs, but there is also Mad Hatter and Matilda. It looks like someone stuck a bar in a random storefront, but it's clean and pleasant. There are plenty of customers, but it's not so crowded that you can't find a seat. I also like that there are no televsions in Coles. More than that, a new bar in Logan Square is always welcome, especially when it doesn't seem that Lincoln Park, which has already absorbed Wicker Park, is moving into Logan Square. Right within a couple of blocks from each other will be the Logan Bar and Grill, Cole's, The Whistler, and the upcoming Revolution Brewing. My liver hurts just thinking about it. read more

Is it possible to be a hipster about a hipster bar? I did love you, Coles. Circa 2008-2009 you were a hidden gem. Great drinks in a dive, cheaply priced. Since Logan Square's gentrification this place has become hipster heaven though. Coming here turns into rubbing against sweaty people, sans-deodorant, in a non-air conditioned oven. Unless a really good band is playing (protip: they're not) I probably would decline an invite to come here. Or perhaps I'm just becoming old and lame. Maybe a bit of both? read more

Cole listened to what us drunks wanted and nailed it. This place is a personal favorite of mine and there's so many reasons why. I typically go during the week, when there's a good crowd but it's not too crowded. It's the perfect place to sit down with friends and just hang out. The atmosphere is laid back, there is local art on the wall, there is usually a local band playing in his spacious back room, and the prices are great. Hook me up with a $2.50 Old Style Tall Boy any day and you'll make me a happy man. Aside from my addiction with Tall Boys, there is an excellent, large selection of beers, most not more than $5. There are no tv's, which makes it a great place for catching up with friends. Just be aware in case you want to watch the ballgame. Cole's also doesn't serve food, so when you get there, you get right to business, drinking a cold one. read more

Logan Square has been waiting for a bar like this. On the strip of Milwaukee where Cole's set up shop, you can choose between hipsterhaven + fancy drinks at the Whistler or raucous dive bars like the Two Way, and I find myself often wanting something in between. Oh, and I never find myself wanting to go to Logan Bar. EVER! What can I say? I guess I just want a place WHERE I CAN JUST BE ME!!!! Cole's let's me be me. Cole is a friendly and unintimidating fellow who just wishes to facilitate your good times. In addition to the beer on tap Maria mentioned, he's got Matilda. Among bottles, he's got a good selection of American microbrew stuff and some bottles of the Belgians (Chimay, Leffe, Delirium Tremens). The place hasn't had its official opening yet, as Maria mentioned--that'll be happening on July 31st. Maybe then Cole will add new wall art. For now, I am enjoying the dog painting and gaucho portrait. I am hoping that the combination of rock shows, location, and real nice bartending will make this place a fixture of the neighborhood. read more

I wish Cole's had been around when I lived in Logan Square. Once everyone discovered the Burlington, it was hard to find a decent, chill place for an alcoholic beverage. Cole's has a fine selection of beer on tap and in bottles. I had a yummy pint of Two Brothers Red Rye beer and followed that up with a couple of Maker's and sodas. We arrived early (8:30) for a birthday gathering and were able to push a bunch of tables together for a large group. We didn't have to clamor for service even after the bar got quite busy later in the evening. All in all, Cole's is a nice, friendly bar (and music venue) that I'm sure will be a mainstay for the hipsterati of the Logan Square area for years to come. read more

Literally took drinks out of our hands at 1:45 and shoved everyone out of the bar. Supposed to close at 2. Drink menu lacking. Full of the typical stuff. Not a very fun atmosphere. Lacking. Used to be way better. read more

Cole's is the quintessential Logan Square bar. It popped up around the same time as the whole intersection of Milwaukee and California started exploding with new business. There was some confusion which direction the neighborhood was heading in, scene wise, as you had Whistler on one end and Logan Bar on the other. Fortunately, there's a lot to appreciate about Cole's. Of all the things, I would say the most important attribute is the bar's inclusiveness. The clientele is fairly mixed (well, for Logan Square), and the bar has shows, open mics, comedy nights, local political fundraisers/events, and so forth. Some businesses benefit from niching themselves into catering only to one crowd or scene, but Cole's has done a great job, in my eyes to appeal to a broader base. They have a great beer list as well, and really represent the Chicago brews. It's certainly a place I would take a friend visiting from out of town to get an idea of a Chicago neighborhood bar. Cole, the guy, is extremely courteous, professional and good spirited. I wish more of the small business owners in Logan Square would take some cues from him. Yes, it does suck having to wait outside during the winter, but they make it up to you by buying you a beer. It's a nice touch. read more

If I lived in this neighborhood, I would totally be a regular here. I mean, what's not to like? Casual atmosphere, really good beer selection, reasonable prices (most beers are $5 or under and a well vodka soda was $3.50), friendly bartenders. Even when the bar got crowded, we were able to snag some stools at the bar and had no problem getting quick refills. My only gripe is the setup of the bar. I have a (personal) aversion to the skinny bars where there isn't really much room for large standing groups. And I suppose we could have gone into the back room, but there was live music playing and it was, um, interesting but not a great place to catch up with friends. read more

Coles is authentic hipster. It's so hipster the patrons here actually look like they're avant garde in a fell-out-of-bed way, rather than a trying-so-hard way. It's pretty divey and dark, but they have a good beer selection. The room in back can get loud with live music, and people actually dance if the mood is right. I sang here once and had a fun time. The sound system is decent and most people pay attention, so that's cool. read more

As dive-y as it gets. PBRs are $2, wells are $4. There are portraits of Abe Lincoln on every wall. It's a good time. Enjoy

Short review - Cole's is cool. It's sort of divey-ish in a nice way. Not a dump by any means, and unlike a true dive, they offer a good selection of beers on tap and in bottles, along with the PBR and Miller staples. The bartenders, owner and patrons all seemed really friendly. No pretensions here. The bar is mostly populated with local Logan Square kids. And everyone is having a good time. There was an open mic comedy night when I came here, which was fun, but not necessarily funny. They actually have another room at the back of the bar which surprised me because from the outside, I assumed it was just one room. This place felt very comfortable. And I like having a place like this in my neighborhood that is not overly fancy or hipsterish, no douchebags, but not a complete dive either. I'll probably be making this one of my favorite go-to bars as it is close to me and has everything I need. The only time when I might not come here is if there is live music. I haven't been there to see it yet, so it might be ok, but I just get a little tired of every bar in the city hosting live music when all you want is a place you can drink and talk at a reasonable volume. read more

Great beer, lousy bands, weekly comedy nights, pool, local art work, and a well thought-out juke box: Cole's is a fantastic new bar for the neighborhood. Since it's basically the closest bar to my house, I've been frequenting since its opening last August. The word has spread fast. Come here on a Friday and you might have to wait in line. Yep, just like those cocktailin' hipsters across the street sweating with anticipation to dance their little leggings off to ironic early 90s jams at the Whistler. However, Cole's seems to sympathize. The last time it happened to friends and I the bouncer doled out free drink tix to those willing to freeze their asses off. I think that consideration really makes Cole's stand out. There is never a cover allowed, which I find refreshing. And necessary given half the bands who play sound like they just meet their drummer last week. Cole's has been around less than 6 months and from the start they seem to me very community-oriented, like hosting a holiday bazaar for local LS artists whose work also adorns the walls. But all in all the best time to come is early on a Tuesday evening. Chat up the charming Cole or any other friendly face working behind the bar. They'll actually try to remember your name. Maybe offer you some pizza. It's that kind of a place. read more

Cheap drinks, nice owner. Live music and comedy- AND I can walk home. read more

You may ask yourself "Why am I here" You may ask yourself "Who is this girl with with lenseless glasses" You may ask yourself "Why is the beer so expensive and people so friendly" You may ask yourslef "Why does it smell horrible" Then you may tell yourself "This is not my beautiful home" you may tell yourself "These bands need a better soundsystem" you may tell yourself "The beer is fantastic and pool is 50 cents" but this is logan square!!! As the days go by....You'll probably just end up going here As the days go by....It's cool to be seen here As the days go by....Make sure you know its $10 minimum As the days go by....Everybody is friendly here. read more

Service was dece. Saw a lot of people hotter than me making out and it made sad. But the quality of service made up for it. Would definitely go here again. I am a big dumb baby man. read more

Open mic was so fun it seemed like a Friday. I laughed and drank like it was a Friday. I just woke up and it's Thursday. Turns out last night was a Wednesday. I'll be back next week to ruin my Thursday, again. Bravo. read more

I approve of this place. Even though they're popping up with intensity, there clearly aren't enough bars in Logan Square to hold all of the hip 20-somethings in this quickly changing neighborhood. It started with the Whistler, then came Coles and now Revolution and Longman. New bars all the time, but the weekend lines get longer and longer. I hate waiting in line, but I hate it the least when waiting in line at Coles. Once you get in, it won't be overcrowded. There will be room to breathe. You may have even earned a drink ticket for the inconvenience. It seems that all the ladies have a crush on Cole, but to be fair, he is rather charismatic. For the most part, the bands are bad. But the pool table in the front will make up for that. read more

Cole's, I'm happy with. They have good beer on tap, you can hear your friends talk over the music, and the vibe is right. This is probably my favorite bar in the hood at the moment. It has none of the pretension of the Whistler, none of the weird crowd mix on the Two Way. The prices are right and the place is outta sight! Ahem... sorry. The place is huge, so you can usually mingle up front with people or play pool if that's your thing, or you can mosey on to the back and find a quiet place to talk. It's definitely a great alternative to the bars in the immediate area. read more

Been here three times now, and sorry dude, but the jig's up. First time was the opening week, good band, decent drinks and good times. Second time, music was ok, drinks were fine. Third time, the drinks were so bad that our friend had to request a full shot be added to her supposed vodka/cranberry. Then came our two drinks which tasted like straight up ginger ale (instead of jameson and jack). Sad to say the least (I think the dispenser of the drinks knows who he is). We had to resort to the 2.50 tecates, which was fine by us, but won't keep us coming back... read more

Usually crusty and full of ppl just the way i like it coles gets my soul drunk for cheap whenever i walk past it kevin is there smoking a cigarette what an angel they dont let my friends in with their fake id's tho thats the only downside read more

Wow. What the what? I haven't set foot in this place since right after it opened, and hot damn is it different. First off, we showed up and the place was at capacity, which I just couldn't believe. I mean, how much room can a bunch of skinny-jean-wearing hipsters take up? The door guy, however, was wonderfully bearded and quite accommodating. He offered us a free drink if we waited, so of course we did. I mean, free booze. Come on. Also, we didn't wait for more than a few minutes and were sent inside, beer vouchers in tow. It still looks mostly the same inside as it did a little over a year ago, except that now it was crammed full of bodies. I took my little free drink ticket voucher thingie up to the packed bar and within moments one of the kindly beer servers came over to ask me what I'd like. Even though they were busy and I was using a free drink voucher, they gave me a taster to make sure I ordered a beer I wanted. Now that it some service ladies and gents. My companions were also promptly served and after about 5 minutes of standing, a table opened up for us to grab. The band was pretty terrible but since they were in the back of the place and we were seated way up front I was able to ignore them (well, except for my ears bleeding). I can see why the locals like this place. The owner is cute, the bouncer is appropriately furry, and the beer selection is great. Me likes. read more

ENTROPY......yes, quite the state of entropy. Ended up here after the adventure of going to a "concert" at the "friendship fortress" Yeah, exactly...dont get crazy. It was basically an acoustic show in someone's apartment....literally. Kind of sweet for a random night. Cole's was conveniently located right downstairs after to grab some beers...needless to say it warped me back to in college and the hippie-ish bars I would frequent every once in awhile. Now, I am not sure if it was a crowd of hippies, hipsters, artists (starving for sure...they were skinny) or just straight up bums....jk :) The aroma of patchouli and B.O. wafted in the air as a band jammed out in the back and we chugged our Old Style cans....greatness. Of course, lets not forget the amazing dancers there....dancing like no one is watching...the best way to do it. Ahhhh, this is the life.... read more

Very very hipster crowd. However, the few times I've been to Cole's, I noticed a lack of pretty girls. The beer selection is surprisingly good, as they have both cheap/crap beer and higher end beer. read more

Cole's is alright. The front bar area is nice and the drinks were super cheap (3.50 for a well gin & tonic). The back room is a wreck, design-wise. There's a lump linoleum floor, a one-step-up stage for bands that is half the size of the room (very very large), very few chairs or tables and no decor except for what was leftover from its previous incarnation as a pool hall. I went here to see a friend's band and the sound was atrocious. The band was acoustic guitar, bass, cello, piano and vocals. All instruments went direct through the house sound except the bass, which had a small amp. The sound guy could not stop the feedback through the entire set. How it was possible to have that much feedback with that setup, I don't even know. I had to wait to get inside (what? it's Logan Square?!?) but the door guy gave us drink tickets. Thanks dearie! They were well-appreciated. I guess there are some zoning issues with Logan square and capacity limits because I had the same problem at the Whistler. When we finally got inside, the back room was half-empty, even though they were at capacity. read more

My favorite bar in Logan Square, hands down. 5 beers on tap may not seem like much, but they always seem to pick exactly what I want: strong, dark beers. The place is totally laid-back and unpretentious (sooo much better than Revolution across the street), the bar staff are super friendly, and prices are totally reasonable. That's all that needs to be said, right? Good beer, good prices, good staff. read more

hmmm... Cole's? Making your way in the world today Takes everything you've got; Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, And they're always glad you came; You want to be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same; You want to be where everybody knows your name Cole's is kinda like that...Seriously. read more

Cool dive bar for hip folk with lots of delicious beer and mixed drinks priced cheaply. I love the hipster chicks and oh man, shaved bob-cuts, fishnets, and tattooed wrists everywhere. Those that love hipster boys and their black hair that flops around like a prancing pony will find themselves titillated here as well. The music level is not so loud that you can't talk, so it's a good place to actually socialize. I start my OkCupid dates here and they always go well. Thanks Coles. read more

I only go to Cole's about once a month, tops, but I feel like it's "my bar..." and that's what makes it so special. They have great beers on draft (unusual craft choices and old favorites alike, with rotating specials on week nights... i.e., you can almost always get something fancy for $3 if it's not Friday, Saturday or Sunday) and in bottles (a regularly updated list of brews graces various chalkboards, and the prices is nice). It's not just beers, though--they have a full bar and the drinks are always just as you order them (no "surprise" strengths) and reasonably priced. A cheap pool table, a rad jukebox, and super-friendly bartenders round things off in the front room; and in the back room, they almost always have a live band, an open mic or comedy. There's usually no cover... bonus. At first I felt like I had to come here every week for it to succeed, but it's clearly found its legs. And well deserved! It's my favorite bar in Logan Square. It gets crowded and hipstery on the weekends... but that comes with the territory. It ain't my speed, so I prefer to go on a Wednesday night after work and knock back a few. read more

How can I describe this place? It's like a "Save Mor" or one of those Liquor Store/Bars that always have Undesirable Barfly's hanging around but this place has lots of good looking young hipsters?! I think that best describes it.. Total Dive inside/ Spacious/ Good Beers/ Good Service... GTFJD read more

Went to Cole's to hear a band play. I wouldn't classify this as your "typical" city bar at all which is a nice change. My only complaint is it lacked seating. My friends and I were able to find a table and even some chairs as well, but it was only because another table didn't need the chairs and the bouncer was nice enough to give up his. Otherwise, nice environment and friendly staff made for a nice time. All in all, I'd go back to Cole's another time. read more

Absolutely killer Logan Square bar. I'd love if it were to sum up the neighborhood in character. It probably used to. Not so much anymore, maybe, but it's not going anywhere, so cash the hell in. I'm just going to parrot someone else a bit from Nov2011... "...cheap, friendly service, and quintessential logan square clientele -- doesn't that sound like an ideal bar? cole's has an amazing beer selection, both in bottles and on tap. adding to that, everything is about 30% cheaper than it would be elsewhere..." I mean if that doesn't sum it up enough right there, you've got issues. They don't serve food, but there are two 24/7 Mexican joints a block or so away (El Charo n 2 Amigos). They have a backroom for bands, and the sound is sub-par, but who cares. This place, in my opinion, is what could be the definition of a lovely neighborhood dive bar. Coles, I couldn't quit you if I wanted to, which is good, since I don't want to. read more

I have found my neighborhood bar. I'm even Yelping this from the bar - free wifi, baby! Add to that, $3 stout and a friendly barman/owner and great music...I'm in love. :D This place is great!! On my short list definitely! What a find! I haven't used this many exclamation marks in EVAR! Seriously though - this is a great neighborhood place. Come. read more