Echo great bartender review. Nice guy, quick service, not much chit-chat. Perfect to watch NFL playoffs. Add beers, burgers and passionate fans ("Effin' Kurt Warner!!! Effin' Cardinals going to the Super Bowl!!!!?!?!"), and you have the simple but absolutely necessary formula for sports bar excellence. read more

An awesome place to go to before/after a softball game at Winnemac Park... Gio's has: a pretty decent size patio cheap beer A super nice staff A solid selection of food to feed hungry softballers Lot's of seating inside (if you're unlucky enough not to get a patio seat) read more

This is a nice, local spot in my neighborhood. It's nice to go to Gio's when you want a beer and want to avoid pretentious bars. They have a nice patio. Their specials are great - today (Sunday) is $3 Sloppy Joe and Fries. Who doesn't love a sloppy joe? They have great specials other days of the week as well. Their staff is always courteous (even with there are stupid, drunk customers). They now also have brunch on the weekends. It's not my favorite brunch, but it's decent. Gio's is your neighborhood bar that you like having in your neighborhood. read more

Great outside patio under trees. Great bar food. Service was excellent. Happy hour $4 well drinks. $5 wine or craft beer. Recommend the wings. Also enjoyed the veggie quesadillas. read more

So, Sarah B. and I were here last Saturday night after our Ribfest plans got rained out. Just wanted to play a game of darts and enjoy a beer or two. After we were accosted by a skeevy drunk in a wife beater who demanded our darts so he could get us a bullseye, Sarah B. turns to me and says "Yeah. This is definitely a dive bar." But that's okay. Because sometimes you need a skeevy guy in a wife beater (who you later finds out lives in your building, great!) to laugh at to liven up an evening. Gio's gets points for the super-friendly service, the tasty jalepeno artichoke dip, and the hot bartender who dashed outside to break up a fight (guess what? Skeevy guy in the wife beater again. Did I mention he lives in my building?) Also, the outdoor seating area is nice and great for people watching. I'll be back. Skeevey guys or no skeevy guys. read more

I enjoy small bars like this, it has more appeal to me then those that are jammed to the walls with annoying people. Prices were reasonable and the bar was well kept.We didn't stay for to long cause the karaoke was blasting in our ears but next time I'll probably get up there and embarrass the heck out myself. I mean you have to when the place says it's "The Best Karaoke in Town!" Trivia night (Tuesday's) and Karaoke night (Saturday's) Seem to be the best days to stop by. read more

Found it because it's a friend's neighborhood bar. Which pretty much captures it -- a local bar, pretty typical place. We go for karaoke on Saturdays, which is a pretty fun time. You'll see a lot of the same people week to week and the song selection is good. On the other hand, I once heard La Bamba performed 3 or 4 times within a half hour, a feat accomplished because the group was tipping the karaoke guy well. Luckily it was the very end of the night, because one can only withstand repeat karaoke like that when one is very tipsy. read more

I've been to this bar twice. Once, a few years ago, in the summer right after the air and water show (how I miss warm weather!), I sat out on the patio, munching on a fancy cheese burger and fries. My cousin had suggested we stop at Gio's, and I was glad we did. It was tasty! I really enjoyed it. However, I didn't live in the city the, so I really had no clue where this place was located. A few nights ago, the same cousin wanted to go out to dinner. He suggested Gio's, and I realized that now, as a city dweller, I lived only a few blocks from this bar! Awesome! Unfortunately, it's not patio season, so we sat inside this time. And of course, I had another burger. Everything was great, the server was very attentive. I'm happy to now live close to such a great neighborhood bar. We will be back soon! read more

My boyfriend and I just moved to the area and were looking for a local spot for good drinks and food. We came in on a Friday night and it wasn't too crowded. The food is pretty great! I had the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger that was cooked perfectly and my boyfriend had the pulled pork and really enjoyed it. I thought it was interesting they have cornbread casserole on the menu so I tried that out and it was fantastic! The woman serving us (I think her name was Rebekah?) was very helpful, polite and quick. We will definitely we back to take advantage of some of the specials! read more

I went there on a Tuesday night w/my girlfriend. We wanted somewhere close that had good burgers/barbecue and was quiet. I liked it. I drive past this joint every day on my way to work, so I wanted to stop in. After reading the other reviews on here and checking their website-I thought it'd be a great fit. The space isn't huge, but didn't feel cramped. There's a fairly long L shaped bar, and then a smattering of high bar tables throughout the rest of the place. They had a few video games, and an ATM as well. The feel was that it had been there for a long time and had been taken care of, but probably not updated in a while. This wasn't a bad thing to me though, it worked. The food was great. We split an order of nachos (massive plate), my girlfriend had the chicken strips and I had the pulled brisket w/fries. Those are all items I plan on having again!! The brisket was covered in a great tasting barbecue sauce. Not too sweet, def a mild sauce, not too much of anything, but with a great flavor! The chicken strips tasted good too-nice and light with the outside having a nice breading. We stuck to the special beer wise. Twas bottles of Blue Moon for $5. I looked at their website before going. I saw someone getting a bucket of beer...so I think next time I'll ask about a drink menu or ask more questions. I wasn't in a picky mood that night beer wise though. The waitress/bartender/front person was extremely friendly. I think there were only 2 people on staff that night-the guy doing the cooking and her. We never had to wait for another beer, plates to be cleared, or anything....all the while working the bar, the other tables, and maintaining an extremely happy and friendly demeanor. I plan on going back, probably a few times a month. The joint is too close to where I live and was exactly what I was looking for in a bar. Good food, fairly quiet, has beer (not overly picky about the kind), and is friendly. read more

****Update***** Good place to go on a rainy, Saturday night--not crowded at all. Although the a/c ducts leaked a little as we played darts. $6 22oz Fat Tire on Saturdays too. Karaokee on Saturdays, but we didn't stay. As Alyssa said, "Bars still have karaokee?" ******************* Gio's is doing a good job straddling that fence between old man/blue collar dive and hip place for casual hanging out Many pros here: drink and food specials (cheap is good!), enough tv's--and not too many, clean bathrooms, dart and pool tournaments, and an outdoor patio on the not too busy Damen. I thought the service was decent, although we just went to the bar (didn't see a waitress/er). Good place to meet up with locals. read more

Gio's has morphed from what seemed like a hangout for underage drinkers with gang affiliation to a bar with a 10% hipster count in a span of less than 2 years. They serve decent bar food of burgers, chicken with fries to go with that. The ubiquitous golf, pool table and televisions tattoo the place. They also have free wireless connectivity (I don't get it either) should the need to surf the web hit you while you are drinking. Their bar has your run of the mill brew, but I always cheer for ANY bar that stocks Goose Island beer be it tap or bottle. So kudos to Gio's. read more

Went here the other night, and had a great late dinner. I got the appetizer plate, which was a good variety: onion rings, mozz sticks, fries, and chicken strips. Not the healthiest option, but it's the weekend. Also got a Guinness. The server was attentive and friendly. Overall, I think it's a very nice, simple corner bar, not too far from where I live. I will go back again to get an entree sometime soon. read more

Great neighborhood dive bar. Buffalo chicken wrap is beat item on menu. Highly recommend.

This is a solid 3 star bar. I am giving them an extra star, because I live a block away and tend to go there more than I go anywhere else. I also feel that during the summer, their patio is a solid 4 stars. They bring two large flat screen TV's out with glare protectors, so you can watch games outside. It was really nice for this year's baseball season. The cheeseburger and tots is my favorite thing on the menu, but their wing special and their nacho special are also decent on their respective days. If you like karaoke, then go on Saturday nights. I kinda don't appreciate it, but to each their own. ***They have really stepped up their brunch game. Cheap bottomless mimosas, buckets of beer and delicious food. I am such a fan! read more

I like this place but I dont know why the owner is changing the bartenders all the time. Lis and Ryan are very friendly but didn't see them any more. Anywayp, harmony feels different read more

Brunch was very good and unexpected. My wife and I were going to over easy cafe which was down the block but they were closed which can be expected because it is Christmas Eve. So this place was are second choice but should have been are 1st food was great and atmosphere is even better. The brunch was great and the potatoes are to die for! I had the Gloria's special!!!! And a Bloody Mary I would definitely come back to this place especially for the brunch. read more

Great for games and events, they have a large projection screen on east wall. May pull it down if not used if requested. Karaoke on Saturday nights. Great food and drinks recommend staying away from entry doors during cold weather. Watch out in the back, the bathrooms can grow on you or swallow you, and water to wash hands is spotty including the dryer. Our favorite in the bar is the Nachos, Burger, and Appetizer Combo plate, got to stick with bar food in a bar. The waitress staff can fix you about anything you want. The staff may help with a suggestion if you are lost on a drink mixture. ATM and games also on site. read more

Gio's Bar & Grill - Menu logo - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

New and improved wings and Gio's? DANGEROUSLY awesome. They used to taste like they were a mix between buffalo and BBQ with some weird peppers thrown in. Now? Butter and hot sauce, like the goddess of chicken wings intended it to be. Also, the bartender is everyone's friend. I think he should be alderman or something. No one doesn't love that guy. He can somehow serve to the entire bar like he has eight arms or something and still make you feel like he's your buddy and likes your table best. That's a talent. Hello, fifth star, Gio's! read more

I dislike this bar. It's florescent lighting makes me feel uncomfortable. It's dirty and smells like an old ashtray. I also ordered a Stella that was on special and it tasted old and scummy, like pond water. I would not order food from here. It may have games to play and tv's to watch but it's so uncomfortable and there are better options in the area. Not a fun dive bar experience. read more

I've only been there on a Saturday for Karoake. But it's quite good. First of all, the bar is just that; a bar. Very lackluster, but they have a decent beer selection. But.. Their Karoake is top-notch. I would say it's mostly due to the guy that runs the show. He's a rather stout kinda short dude, but he sings a great tune between the lulls when the audience gets shy. And as a host, he's great. He keeps it going even when it get slow. It's a tough job, & he does it brilliantly! So go for their Karoake (sat I think?) and u will be very happy with thelevel of keraokeosity. ;) read more

I came to this place for food and drinks with friends last weekend and we sat outside. Our server was intoxicated to the point of being nonfunctional. I suspect that it was more than just alcohol. She seemed pretty strung out on something. Pain killers? Heroin? Not sure but it was obvious. She couldn't remember any order. She dropped our food. She could barely talk or stand. Half way through the meal, the bartender came out and apologized, saying that he had to fire an employee. He comped most of our meal and was pretty professional. We just wanted to get out of there. Bad experience but he did his best. The only reason that I wrote this review is because I walked by this place again today and saw the same junkie server serving tables outside. I like the laid back vibe of this place but...junkies and liars...come on... read more

-Server: Very nice and appropriate. -Beer: Good value, good selection, good draft. -Food: Won't be coming here to eat again. Burger bun was stale. Lettuce was white. Sub par even for bar food. -Inside: Dive bar feel, though kept clean enough. read more

Their food is great, especially the weekend brunch. If Over Easy is too busy, come here instead and chase that hangover away with an Alpha King or another beer from their great selection. Service is quick and friendly and I distinctly remembering the bar picking up a round or two during a marathon happy hour outing. The outdoor seating is nice, particularly on the shaded Ainslie side. Gio's holds a very special place in my heart. The first time I was here, it was still "This Is It" and I was maybe 6 years old. Mom worked here and we lived in the apartment that shares the building with Gio's so any time I'm back here, it's quite nostalgic. read more

In this review, I talk of karaoke. I went here two Saturdays in a row, just for the karaoke. I don't know much about nothing else but the, karaoke. Food, drinks, service? Naw, naw, naw see. . . karaoke. This is my new spot for singing into a mic along to music of songs written and usually performed by others. The books are listed by artist AND song. I knew I couldn't be the only one that thought this should be an automatic provision. Other places. . ketch-up mustard! The song selection is extensive too which means plenty of variety. The place is small and rather doesn't make for a lot room to move around, but I happen to like that here. Gets you interacting with more than just the people you came with. The only thing is waiting your turn, which can't really be helped, but it's hard to get in more than one song in your visit. Oh and Jeebus!, there is this one chick that was there both times I went who I very much hope isn't the next time I go cause I will just walk right back out. She seems to be a regular and is beyond obnoxious. Steadily yelling and ruining other patrons' time. She can clear out the bar when she gets up to sing and last time had to have her mic cut off since she wouldn't relinquish it. It's like she's injected Red Bull into her veins!! Regulars are grand and all, but not when they run off your other customers. Outside of the crazy-super-hyper chick, this bar is great for karaoke on a laid back Saturday night. However, if she's there (trust me you'll know within 5 minutes if she is) don't think you can wait it out. She doesn't leave nor does she shut-up, lol. read more

I'll admit that Gio's was not our initial destination. But after being told the wait at Over Easy down the block was at least 1 hour for a table for 2 (no thanks) we settled on this place after checking out their decent-looking brunch menu. Service We walked in expecting a typical neighborhood corner bar but came out pleasantly surprised. The service was awesome. Our server was so friendly & great - even while doubling as both bartender and waitress. She also did not even flinch when I asked if I could make some substitutions to my brunch order (think "When Harry Met Sally" kind of ordering) and even joked that my order was not difficult at all. My order came out quickly & perfectly :). Food/Drinks The brunch menu has plenty of options - from omelets to French toast, sandwiches and burgers; you'll be able to find something for everyone here. I looked over the lunch/dinner menus and they also have a huge selection of food and even a whole "healthy choice" section. I ordered the spicy chilaquiles and will have to admit they were some of the best I've tasted; I felt like I was sitting at my mom's kitchen table. Definitely didn't expect to find that authentic taste here; it's rare to find a place that makes the salsa just right and this was the case - tasty, spicy & smoky. Topped with queso fresco, red onions, eggs and a delicious red spicy sauce - they were delicious. Portion size was also very generous. Good selection of beers (from dive bar beers to a few popular craft beers) and $2 mimosas for brunch - can't beat that! Atmosphere Good seating options - both indoors and outdoors (large patios both in front and on the side), and adequate amount of flat screen TVs make this a great destination to catch your favorite sports. Looking for other activities? They offer trivia, karaoke and darts among other activities. Yeah, this bar has probably seen better days and it's pretty no-frills, but the excellent service & food certainly make up for it. Looking forward to coming back to this friendly neighborhood bar! read more

Yet another post work hang-out! Am I an alcoholic?!? nah, just enjoy the occasional beer is all. This place is chill, it's not too big, plenty of bar space, has a pool table and darts. it's a great drinking spot and fun place to hang out in a total neighborhood bar feel. I hear they have a patio, but in the crazy heat lately, I prefer the air conditioning. read more

Phenomenal staff!! Here's my incredible story: I was drinking on a Saturday night and my purse and coat were seemingly stolen out from under me. I was panicked. HOWEVER the Gio's staff went ABOVE AND BEYOND to find and return my belongings. It turns out a regular who they knew BY NAME had mistakenly walked off with them. They suspected it had been her because she was sitting near me, so they tracked her down using like seven forms of social media and she returned everything intact. I LOVE them for helping me like that! They take pride in their business and want to take care of their patrons. I will undoubtedly be back and you should visit too! read more

Gio's, once an old man bar with NO windows and a slightly scary clientele, it was not exactly a place most would want to go to. That was back when I lived on Winchester from 1995-2000. When I moved back to the 'hood in 2006 I was STUNNED to see how Gio's had changed! The outdoor patios in the spring/summer are great for people watching. The food is cheap and plentiful and there are daily specials like Tuesdays are $1.99 burgers w/fries and Wednesdays are $.10 wings, etc. The beer is fine and the drink specials are always a good deal. The bartenders/servers are attentive. Only downside for me is the cruddy jukebox. Too much Aerosmith and Dave Matthews...it's just not the music I like. Lots of flat screen tvs, so if there's a sporting event (like a Chicago Fire game) on that you want to watch (and they have the channel) they'll put a TV on for ya! Overall, Gio's is a fine neighborhood bar, with decent food/beer and prices! Sit outside if you can and enjoy the weather! read more

Recently moved to the neighborhood and this was one of the first places I went to grab beers with a friend. Just a few blocks away from both of our places, it was unpretentious and the perfect basic bar with a good jukebox. I've been here a handful of times throughout the winter, but the last time I went was a random Sunday night with the boy - and this was what made me write the review. I was in a pissed off mood but the staff turned that around pretty quickly. It's hard to stay pissed when the bartender is such a good sport about your bad mood; making jokes, and serving you his "special amazing salsa and chips unlike anything you've ever had before". The good humor and sarcasm abt my attitude def won over the bf and me in the end, turning around our night. Decent beer, decent food, and great people. Pretty much what you need in a neighborhood bar. It's not heaven, but it will def continue to get my repeat business. read more

Came here for the first time the other evening. It's only a few blocks from our house and we wanted to go somewhere with dog-friendly outdoor seating. Gio's seemed to fit the bill, as we were getting bored of T's and the Edgewater Lounge. There was no beer menu, so the waitress (very, very friendly and attentive) listed off what they have on tap and we ordered from that. I would much preferred a menu or list on the table, so we would know what was available in bottles, too. That said, the selection was fine, but not great (-1 star). We ordered the "ridiculously hot" wings which arrived with little flavor, not terribly hot and not cooked correctly. The meat was watery, which makes me think they were either boiled before being fried or had been freezer burned (-1 more star). Might come back for just a beer, since the service was great, but certainly not for more wings. read more

This was my first visit to Gio's, which is only a short walk from my apartment. My roommate loves their bottomless $2 mimosas on weekends. Figured it was worth a go, since their website advertised $3 16oz Bitburger pints for the night. I offered to buy my friends a round, and we took a seat on their outdoor patio near a comforting, modern fire tower. Our first surprise was that the special beer was neither a Bitburger nor $3... something else was on special for $4. I accepted but was disappointed that their website hadn't been updated. Trivia night was advertised but ill-attended on this particular visit. My roommate said hello to our server, whom she recognized from weekend visits. We ordered a chips/guac/salsa to munch on, and we ordered wraps for our dinner. The wraps came out quickly, but we were never given the chips/etc. Server was friendly and full of recommendations - but next time, I hope to get my appetizer. Maybe I'll stick to my roomie's suggestion and just come for cheap, unlimited weekend drinks sometime. read more

I have lived in Ravenswood for three years now and Gio's has always been a fun, reliable bar to relax and get sauced at. Ravenswood is slim pickins as far as bars are concerned, so it is quite a relief to find this local bar enjoyable and the clientele tolerable. The service here has always been spectacular. About every other time, we are served by a middle aged gentleman who I believe is the owner. He is attentive and knowledgable of the goings on in Gio's which makes me want to support this bar even more. I am a firm believer in supporting local businesses. Without mom n pop shops/dive bars, we wouldn't have the diversity and character in the various neighborhoods that Chicago is known for. In short, residents of Ravenswood: go out and support your local speakeasy!!! read more

My wife and I just moved into the neighborhood (right next to Gio's). Coming in, we were really hoping for a solid local pub with good craft beer and a good menu. I'd say we got pretty lucky with Gio's! There are always at least 10 good craft beers on tap, and they have a really good menu; really good BBQ, great buffalo chicken (our favorite), golf burgers, and most importantly, FRESH CUT FRIES. Not expensive (~$9 burgers). Lots of TVs. Good environment. Would highly recommend. read more

Reasons why I like Gio's Friendly and fast bartenders Cheap wings Outdoor seating in the summer Right in my 'hood If you live in the area its a great spot but I wouldn't travel across town to go. read more

Gio's is a great corner bar. I was without Comcast (no surprise) for 2 weeks and when I needed to sit and watch the Bulls, Gio's was there to save the day. They have good food, great local beer (Metropolitan) available and a good TV set up. If you are looking to catch up with friends, this is the perfect place! Everyone there is very nice and no one will bother you! I'm a fan! read more

This place is underrated. Very nice beer selection. Dan Lino agrees. The zombie dust is phenomenal.

My partner and I just moved to the neighborhood and Gio's has quickly become one of our fave spots to hang out. The service is excellent, the food is pretty good, and the crowd is diverse and very laid back. It is a great place to relax and have a few drinks with friends. As for the food, the guacamole is excellent, close to the best I have ever eaten. The rest of the food is OK, normal bar food, no complaints. Great neighborhood bar! read more

On the surface, Gio's is your average corner, neighborhood bar. Pretty good food. A decent beer selection. Nothing fancy on the decor. ...but what markes Gio's special is the people. The staff is incredible. There's usually only one or two bartenders working but somehow they give quick attentive service and still take the time to make you feel special. I think I had only been there once or twice before Jason, one of the bartenders started to recognize me by sight, started welcoming me back with a handshake and asking me where I'd been lately. Since I had just moved into the neighborhood, he once gave me advice on an alternate route to take to work. Sure enough the next time I came in a week or two later, he asked, "How's the new commute going?" Service like that keeps me coming back again and again.... read more

Saturday nights are EPIC. I have been a regular there for many years. So, just like ANYTHING that can rock a boat at a bar, Chris handles karaoke Saturday's like a true professional. GO! GO! GO! Not a cheer but a mere suggestion. HC you rule for keeping him as an ambassador for your establishment. Rock on Northside CHICAGO! read more