Stopped in here a few years ago and had a blast. I think it was the barrel shaped door that intrigued my wife and I. Brion, the bartender at the time, introduced himself and ask our names. Then he would introduce us to everyone else in the bar by name creating conversations and instant friends. What a neighborhood dive bar is meant for. Well, as of our most recent trip, it has now become a tradition for my wife an I to pop in. Spent this past early Saturday afternoon sipping on 312 beer and a round of shots with Manager/Bartender Kim. We shot the shit, talked some shit and got a good start on our Saturday. Cash only and no nonsense kind of a place. See you next time I'm in town Friar Tuck! read more

I've only been a couple of times in the year.5 that I've lived here, but I'm developing a mild obsession. Here's why: 1. Popcorn 2. Dive bar/hole-in-the-wall atmosphere 3. Ridiculous playlist including: Bad Touch, Beauty and the Beast, Backstreet Boys 4. Not packed. 5. Cheap drinks. 6. Kick-ass waitress. I wish I remembered her name, but she is amazing! If any or all of the aforementioned items appeal to you, then I'd suggest you make the trip. I will definitely be back. read more

I think I'm too nice. Most all of my reviews are four or five stars. And I'm always amazed when people can hate on a place like Friar Tuck's. But this review isn't about me. It's about a bar that feels like home. It's about free popcorn. It's about $5 mini-pitchers (don't be a bitch and drink from a cup, you hold that mini-pitcher and drink from it like a champ). It's about crazy hat night. IT'S ABOUT TAKING A SHOT OUT OF A LAMB'S ASS FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY. Don't hate. In the spirit of the Friar, and of lamb's asses, love. Love this bar. read more

Can you beat not drinking out of a cup, but instead drinking out of a mini-pitcher? I know I can't! Now that Jan. 1 has rolled around and smoking is no longer allowed in the place my biggest complaint has been taken care of. For all those who gave it less than 5 stars, you obviously did not go on a Thursday when there is horrible karaoke, and moderately price drinks. I really don't think I've had more fun at a dive bar in a long time. Long live the Tuck! read more

I have walked by Friar Tuck a number of times. I had always stared at it's interesting facade, the shape of a large barrel of beer, and wondered, "what could possibly be going on inside that humble looking place?" Well, last Saturday was my night to find out. My friend and I had just polished off some crappy pizza from Ranalli's. We began looking for a place to wash the taste of burnt pepperoni out of our mouth. Well, low and behold, Friar Tuck had these huge signs advertising 22 Oz. bottles of 312 for only $6. I said, "Hey friend, let's hit up a cash machine and do some damage over there at that place whose facade looks like a barrel of beer." So we did. Unfortunately, they were all out of the 312. Bummer. The inside is what you might expect, a dark bar room replete with a juke box, small dance floor, and popcorn machine. Interestingly enough, the walls are covered with Polaroids of many a night gone by. The staff should be commended for their attention to detail and popcorn making prowess. I've also never seen a broken bottle cleaned off the floor with such dexterity and willingness, almost eagerness. Hats off to you tattooed waitress lady. My friend and I ran into an acquaintance of his, an old fraternity buddy, who was celebrating a birthday. The bar tenders not only announced the birthday but furnished birthday boy with a blow-up goat doll, who had a shot of jagermeister resting in its anus. Long story short, birthday boy took what looked like a standing 69 body shot from a blow-up goat. Fantastic. After this harrowing experience, I needed a beer. Fortunately, they sell $5 mini pitchers that go a long way towards relieving the awkwardness. Friar Tuck, I will be back. And on a night you have Karaoke. read more

Simple, dirty, cheap. Love it. The first Spring-like day in months and we decided to go shopping. And after leaving Bed, Bath & Beyond with huge bags full of crap, we passed by Friar Tuck and I spied a Shiner logo outside. The spring brew Shiner put out this year is the special this month for $3 bottles? Sold! A good pit stop on the way home. Friendly bartender playing Pandora off the laptop. Board games aplenty. Popcorn popping. And frequenters of the bar sharing pizza in PJ pants. It's character like this that makes me smile in the city. Although I doubt I'll be a regular, I will hop in here anytime after a long day of shopping in the 'hood. read more

My friends and I decided to check out Friar Tuck this last weekend, mostly as a result of the frigid weather and not wanting to travel far. I had been there once before, but it was daytime, so I didn't get the full "experience" shall we say... Anyways, we get to the bar, and expect it to be kind of empty, like my previous visit, only to discover it was PACKED. Ok, so no table for us, that's cool. Then I learned they had $6 mini pitchers, which at about 2 1/2 beers per pitcher is quite reasonable for Chicago beer prices. Good music, interesting crowd, and close proximity to my apartment pretty much guarantees my return. Dive bar-tastic!! read more

Pretty low-key joint with cheap beers on tap and bottled. At one point, the barkeep asked me if I wanted another beer and I said I was fine. He poured me another beer and said, "$5." I just drank it and laughed... Good times, Mr. Tuck. Good times. read more

I love this place. It is everything you can ask for in a bar. Cheap beer. Easygoing bartenders. Raucous, fun, crowd. Karaoke. Even a tiny little dance floor. There are no pretenses in this bar. And it's not one of those "Pretend we are a dive bar, but really we aren't, so let's cater to Trixies" types of places. It's a real dive, and I mean that in the best way possible. read more

This place is so close to home...I wish I could like it more! It's fun on quiet nights--a nice little nook with beer and a fireplace. On busy nights, it's full of a really weird crowd where there's usually: A Birthday Girl (who has to drink a shot out of an inflatable sheep's ass), a Bachelorette (gahh), a Creepy Old Guy with a Man Purse, and a Really Drunk 40-Something (male or female) trying to grind with either The Birthday Girl or The Bachelorette. Those are not my cup of tea. However, I do enjoy a place with affordable pitchers that celebrates Mardi Gras. Where else in the city does somewhere *really* celebrate Mardi Gras? I'm talking getting the colors up more than a day in advance, offering authentic New Orleans decor and lingo, and actually advertising with the Fleur de Lis? Very cool, especially when they skipped Valentine's Day hubbub for Mardi Gras this year. read more

The first time - 2 stars - I went it was alright just went in for a little bit. A friend and I were bar hopping the neighborhood bars one Saturday. afternoon. The Second time - 4 stars - Went on Trivia night. It seemed like everyone knew each other but that created a cozy atmosphere... Bartender was chill and there was good 70s music playing . It was very quiet but quaint and the last trivia category was Harry Potter! Plan on going tomorrow too... tomorrow's experience will decide weather I stay at 4 stars or bring it back down. . read more

This place is just ok. I get it, it is a dive bar. I was not expecting much. However, this place was OVER packed. I think they ironically hung a fire code sign on the wall. It said no more than 50. From my vantage point, I counted double the amount. It is a bar, I know, but it was so uncomfortable. The music was also weird. Once second it was upset and then the next three songs made me want to sleep. read more

In reality, there's nothing ground-breaking about Friar Tuck, but that's sort of what makes it special. It's a simple, come-as-you-are establishment serving a decent enough selection of beers, playing great music, and handing out free, warm, buttery popcorn. It's the type of place that balances laid-back and lively such that you could go there to start a long evening out, do a simple night cap, or anything in between. read more

Fun place to go - at first, I was a bit surprised at how much older most of the customers were but really friendly and Karaoke on Wednesday & Thursday night is definately crazy but lots of fun. read more

Friar Tuck - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is one of the best hole-in-the-walls I have every been to!!! I think everyone needs to become attuned to the wonderful-ness that is Friar Tuck! (Especially since I can't get anyone to go there with me!) I heart kareokee Wednesday with rasberry vodkah and pink lemonade drinks!! And the kareokee chick is soooooo funny and SUCH an amazing singer! This is actually a great place to go during the winter because they have fires going in the fireplaces, and it really feels like an old-fashioned tavern. read more

Dive bar. Tons of fun. $5 mini pitchers Not that many draft beers. Hat night (where people are encouraged to wear funny hats) Karaoke happens. Free popcorn. read more

This place was scortchingly hot! I had to take off my jacket before I had a heat stroke. It was smelly..the floor was sticky..the staff wasn't overly friendly. I do like that there was a dance floor even if it was a small one.. there wasn't any karaoke last night which is what i was looking for but that was nothing that I was promised by anyone..just strolled in hoping to sing. We left in about 10 minutes. I would probably give it another chance if there was karaoke. read more

I only go to Friar Tuck for karaoke because it is one of my favorite places to rip out some tunes. I hate karaoke when there is a host DJ who hogs the stage every other song because they are trying to "get discovered" or something. Friar Tuck is no such place - everyone is so friendly (sometimes I find myself on stage singing with some new buddies). The mini-beer pitchers are genius. AND if you are lucky to go on your birthday there is a special treat in store (I will not say what this is. . everyone loves surprises). read more

Can a dump be a dive and vice versa? Because I'd say that depending on what time you're here and how drunk you are when you're there, Friar Tucks could be either or both. I'm pretty sure I've always had fun at this bar, but I can safely say that I've never been anywhere close to sober when I'm here so I can't say for sure. This is one of the most affordable bars in the immediate vicinity and for that reason, I've been a frequent customer every time I enter a new cycle of alcoholism. I haven't been here since the smoking ban and I'm curious as to whether this will be an improvement or not. My gut tells me not, because I think the haze of smoke helped mask some of the general dinginess and dirtiness and all that crisp, sparkling air might be too much for a bar like this, but who knows? Dirty Things that are Good at this bar: -The electronic Chihuahua that humps the tap. -The blow-up sheep whose butt you take shots from. Dirty Things that are Bad at this bar: -The bathrooms. The women's bathrooms are pretty bad but I've heard that the men's room is even more atrocious. My fiance used to walk the two blocks home to pee and then come back just to avoid the "barely there" crusty urinal. I don't blame him--because if you could ever catch herpes from a public restroom, it would be from this place. read more

DIVE! YeS! - comfortable atmostphere - board games available - pictures from the bar all over the walls - cheap drinks - fairly well lit, surprised me a bit - the door is sweet. read more

This place has become my favorite neighborhood haunt. It's divey in every sense of the word so expect nothing more. Anytime I bring friends they always have a good time. Staff is always wonderful and friendly. They have karaoke a few nights a week which is not my thing but others really enjoy it. They also have a no cover trivia on Tuesdays with pretty ok prizes some of the time. Definitely a great place to experience the city without having to do the whole Wrigleyville or downtown thing. They never charge cover for any of the major events such as pride or cubs playoff games. No longer cash only which is every millennial's dream. read more

Look, it's a tiny dive bar that attempts to have a theme. They usually have good drink specials, and the crowd is pretty chill. The wait staff and the bartenders are good people, and they don't fuck with the formula that they've set up here. They've also got free popcorn should that be your thing. My only problem is that it's cash-only, but after running up several hundred dollar tabs in the past...I can see how that might be a good thing. read more

Not sure why people love this bar so much. Maybe because I'm neither a) a hardcore alcoholic or b) in my early- to mid- twenties, it just doesn't appeal to me that much. A cheap mini-pitcher of cheap crappy beer? Maybe at the end of a big rowdy night when I don't care what I'm drinking, sure, but I probably won't remember that I don't have cash. If you want to drink anything decent, it's actually more expensive than any other not-so-gross, takes-credit-cards kind of pub. $5.50 for a bottle? No thanks. read more

To everyone who wrote about the floor being stick and the bathroom being dirty, what were you expecting. The facade of the bar is a barrel and its a bar. This place has that perfect townie vibe that you can't get enough of in East Lakeview. Is this bar the most amazing place I've ever been in my life. No. Have I ever been to this bar and not had a good time? No and that's what matters. Maybe I'm partial to having this place being right around the corner but this is one of the bars that I always get excited when someone mentions wanting to go to. Plus, its the closest bar to Taco Burrito house for some late night Tacos. Pro Tip: Go here if its your bday you get to take a shot out of a inflatable sheep's bum. read more

Friar Tuck has a lot to offer - authentic atmosphere, cool location, refreshing drinks and a unique design. Bar owners really care about the environment . Five stars read more

I visited Chicago for the first time last week. I was taken to Friar Tuck by one of the locals after we visited some of the other local bars. The round door was by far the best attribute, but I will visit again next time I'm in town. It was a little bit of a sleazy time, but that's always fun!!! read more

Friar Tuck - My Sleazy - March 2007 - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Dive bar. Free popcorn. Cash only. Shaped like a barrel. I've been going to Friar Tuck for almost 7 years now. It always busy, but you can still move around. Slap down some cash, get a beer, and relax. Go here to hang out and relax. Go here to chat with friends. Go here for a beer after a long night or a big event. Don't go here to pick up a lady (or a guy). Don't got here for a cocktail. Don't go here without cash. Oh, and they have some decent karaoke on Wednesday and Thursday! read more

Much like the Friar Tuck in Disney's Robin Hood, Friar Tuck is unattractive, drab, yet still in possession of a positive attitude. On the whole we're not talking about anything special here: typical selection, free popcorn, juke box and a teeny-tiny dance floor. You're not going to go here to dance the night away, but you're also not going to go here to have in depth conversations with friends as the music is just a bit too loud for that. It's your quintessential bar, and there is nothing wrong with that. I'd have no issues returning, i just wouldn't be the one to bring it up as an option. Friar Tuck get an extra star for the staff. Not only are the servers attentive,I left my messenger bag (with my laptop inside ) there at closing time, and they chased me down on foot to return it to me. read more

Who doesn't want to enter a giant barrel to enter a bar. Yes it is a bit of a dive, but it has great decorations! There are Christmas lights everywhere. hey have great music too! T I enjoyed the nice fire and look forward to karaoke sometime soon. read more

First I cannot believe I went here. From outside it looked like a place full of barely 21 year olds. After a girls night dinner we decided to go to a place nearby for drinks...and we ended up here. At first I was thought "umm we don't belong here"...but wait...I actually had FUN at a "dive bar"?? Yes!! Yes!! I did! First the music was switching non-stop...country..pop...hip hop..oldies...house...etc. Then there was free popcorn! (Good buttery kind too!) They also have these $5 mini pitchers that are reasonably priced and are fun to carry around. What was weird is that sometimes people would yell and I would turn around to see a guy chugging beer out of an inflatable cow...whhaat!!? Yes what a funny sight! Overall drinks, free popcorn, loud fun crowd, and good music =pretty decent place to be even though it looks like crap from the outside! read more

Looks, smells and taste like a dive and I'm fine with that. My buddies and I had been out marathon drinking and decided to go to Friars to end it out. When we walked in, I said to the bartender that I would sing any karaoke song that she chooses for a free round of drinks. At first I was kidding but she replied OK. She then has the DJ announce to the entire bar that I was going to sing a song and if they all liked it, the whole bar would get a free shot. No pressure right? I get to the mic and "It's raining men" starts up. I do my best shot at trying to sing it and thank god everyone was drunk and/or tone deaf. I some how pull it off and its free shots for all. I wish it had been whiskey and not some green apple liquor. It was fun and I was too drunk to care so I can't complain. Good times, free popcorn, and where else can you do a shot out of an inflatable sheep's butt. read more

I have walked by this place at least 100 times and always pegged it for a dive bar. Recently my group of friends (all neighborhood residents) were heading back up Broadway and drunkenly stumbled into Friar Tuck and had one of the funnest nights in Chicago. The place was jumping - it was a Thursday night I believe - and there was karaoke going on. The crowd was very diverse (gay, straight, people of all ages) and everyone was drinking $5 beer pitchers and signing up for karaoke. Everyone - both patrons and staff - were extremely friendly. My friends and I signed up to sing a couple songs, but by the end of the night the whole bar was singing like a drunk, off-key, high school choir. If you are looking for an unpretentious, fun, and active bar along Broadway (or Lakeview in general) stop by Friar Tuck with a group of friends. It's a small bar so you're forced to meet new people. read more

Our server had a Stephen King tattoo. 'Nuff said. I love this place. The mini pitchers are not all that mini, and being the tiny person I am, one is just fine. Great prices and specials and free popcorn. We came in with people from the cast of the show I'm in and it was a blast. The staff is fun and the atmosphere friendly. I mean, I showed up in sweatpants and nobody cared. "Dive bar" without the awkward "divey" clientele. Kyle, the bouncer, even chased me down two blocks because I dropped my sweater on the floor as I left. Class act! read more

Went to this spot for a few drinks after dinner. If you're looking for a casual dive bar to have a few this is a perfect spot. Good spacing around the bar and the service was great. Very old school place so you definitely need to be in the mood for that, but if you want that then it's great. read more

Great Dive bar, it reminds me of a bar you would find in the hobbit. Great prices and the staff is nice, I would recommend this place. I would like it if they excepted credit card it's Cash only. I would totally go there with friend to just hang out and have a good time. Go check it out. read more

I swear, I've been wanting to go to Friar Tuck's since I was underage. It just looks like a ridiculously fun bar from the outside. Well, now that I've finally been of age for 7 years, here's what convinced me to go: My compadres and I left Cesar's one Wednesday night in August after their $1 customer appreciation night and stumbled Wilde, only to discover Wilde was packed on a Wednesday. Um...what? This isn't Spin... Anyhoo, we'd passed Friar Tuck's on our way, and saw their cute sign celebrating the anniversary of the 19th amendment. Being the feminist I am, I screeched at my friends that we needed to go patronize Friar Tuck's. Once we went in, we saw that the beer special was $2 Busch. Heh. Celebrate the 19th Amendment with Busch cans. Around 9:45 they started passing out karaoke song books. Oh helllll no. How did I miss that Friar Tuck's is a karaoke bar?? Yes, I've been living under a rock. I've never done karaoke, yet somehow, I was born for it. So, I munched on the free popcorn (sans mysterious flavor spray a la Monsignor Murphy's) and prepared myself to slaughter Lady Gaga. Best Wednesday night of my life. read more

Best dive bar in Chicago! And it's even better now that they accept credit cards.

this place is amazing!! Always a fun time, always a crazy crowd. They have $7 mini pitchers of Miller lite when a bottle is $4. Always an interesting group. they have a lot of regulars and seems like a lot of events. One of the bartenders will be super mean if you don't know what you want. good tunes, good time, it's a party! read more

Probably my favorite dive bar in the city. Drinks are cheap and without frills. Crowd is always friendly. Karaoke on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and I try to go to at least one every week. Go on your birthday and drink a shot out of the sheep's butt. read more

For a friend's 25th birthday we had dinner at nearby Cesar's. Afterwards we were meeting her brother for a quick beer and when surveying the nearby bars we were discussing which one she'd like to go to. A passerby heard us and said "You know, if you go to Friar Tuck's they'll make you take a shot out of a sheep's a** on your birthday". That was it, my birthday girl friend was sold. We headed down and she was so excited that it was the first ever trivia night! The entrance looks like something you'd see at Disney world but we headed in. When we got in (around 9pm) it was fairly empty. The friendly bartender introduced himself, asked for our IDs, learned our names, and introduced to everybody in the bar... this continued most of the rest of the night. I admit that I was impressed by his memory! We sat at the bar but there were about 5 or more tables along one wall. We were quickly served our brew and were told more about trivia night. My friend HAD to stay... so we did. More and more locals and regulars started to fill the bar along with an awkward date and others. The trivia night began, took a little too long... but our team ended up WINNING! We were given a t-shirt and a big bottle of some unopened vodka... not a bad prize! Oh, and the sheep... so, about halfway through the trivia night the bartender cleaned the inflatable sheep, filled a small cup with a certain alcohol and placed that cup in the sheep's butthole... literally! It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen and an awkward shot for sure! (To the chants of "Suck that a**"). I think I'll have it coming to me on my birthday, I wouldn't put it past my friend to drag me back through those old world doors for another shot from the famous sheep! Overall, a nice change up from the regular bars blasting overplayed pop music and filled with sweaty and wasted people. You'll feel happy but not annoyed at Friar's... check it out! read more