Came here after the Bulls game and had a great time. The ambiance was super chill but fun, even though it was late night on a cold Monday. They allow you to byof, but they also serve chips at the bar. I was in the mood for something sweet and asked the bartender what he recommended. He suggested the Spring Break which was quite fruity. This bar has a plethora of options from beer to wine and everything in between. It's in a great location, too, so I'll be sure and visit next time I'm in town! read more

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PhD always has good music, I love the outdoor space. It's usually not too packed. And they have darts which is fun!

We came here to celebrate my friends birthday. It was pretty chill. They do not sell food but you can bring food in. The drinks were strong loved that the bartenders were also nice, attentive, and fast. read more

They don't serve food but you can bring food in. The service is good, it's your typical college park, and the ambiance is nice! read more

I visited this establishment on several occasions and every time it has been a pleasure great staff ambience is nice and parking was great!

Finally, a bar that makes you feel smart, at least compared to most bars. It's surrounded by UIC buildings so there's always faculty and students hanging around here. Ph. D Pub gets an A for effort, with high marks in prices and service. Maybe there's not a whole lot to choose from. The stuff they do have is pretty good though, and while there's no food, you can bring something to munch on. As I already mentioned, there's not that much of a variety of beers and liquors. It has some basic stuff. They have a pretty good amount of whiskey. It's about $7 for a pour. There's the usual things, but among Irish whiskey there's also Proper Twelve. A thing to be aware of is this place is on a college campus. Gets pretty busy when UIC is in session. Even so, waiting for service usually isn't long. They don't have a food menu, however they allow you to bring some things. Bad thing about it is no food. It's usually okay to bring something, and there's a few places around here. The bar can get crowded with college students, but come here in the summer it seems too quiet, and you'll wish there were some hooligans causing some chaos and whatever. read more

Ph.D Pub - Proper Twelve - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I rated this 5 stars just based on what it is! A little dive type bar in the heart of the University district. We landed here by chance. Stopped in to have and appetizer at 11:30 on Sat morning, Well they don't serve food so just went with a drink. Moonshine Lemonade served in a cute little plastic cup. Old school bar and backbar decorated for St Pattys day. 7 TV's all on March Madness. Welcoming and friendly bartender. Its nothing special but I think thats what makes it special. read more

Ph.D Pub - Trust me...Im a doctor and the drink was perfectly fine - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My friend suggested that we come to this bar. I hadn't been back here for 5 years ever since graduating from UIC. So, it was nice to go back to our old stomping grounds. The drinks here are decently priced, and it is bring your own food. The bartender was really friendly and efficient. It was super busy for a dive bar, and she took care of everyone. Our drinks were accurately made. Me and my friend were wanting a Moscow mule, and while I was slightly disappointed that I wasn't served it in a copper mug, the drink did taste authentic even though it was in a plastic cup. I don't mind it too much since they give you a new cup each time, though it is kind of bad to the environment. I do get it though due to Covid, and it's probably for their's and our protection. My partner had a couple of beers. It came out to anywhere between $7-10 per drink, not bad. I'd return, and I'd recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a dive bar / hole in the wall. They open late, and there's also limited seating at the bar and at the high tops. read more

Ph.D Pub - Moscow mule - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The PhD Pub was everything we hoped it would be ... quiet, intimate, and a place to regroup and talk with fellow PhD grads. If you're looking for a special and unique spot to meet, try this one. read more

Ph.D Pub - a jar of liquid on a table - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Did u know they that they have a cigar tent? People are chill and friendly- good vibes. Drinks are reasonably priced- $6 IPA.

The dj wasnt very kind. He was literally playing the club mix of every song, which is ok iust not my kind of music, lol. I asked for a request ( Rihanna- Disturbia) and his tone while speaking seemed was very condescending. I knew he wasnt going to play it and he proved me very right. I wasnt enticed to drink at all. Music is a big part of my nights out and the fact that i couldn't hear one song to dance away stress was a big let down. I got makeup on my mask for nothing. Everyone I was with just wished he switched it up just a little bit. Noone seemed to be listening, but him and the ppl he was taking shots with. I cant say that I'd come back on my own as I was there celebrating a birthday. Chill atmosphere. Tvs everywhere. Tables were cleaned promptly. There is a dart area and a smokers area too. read more

One of the best local bars that my friends and I frequent for many occasions: games, farewell drinks, and simply I-can't-right-now drinks. The atmosphere inside is very chill, and you've got ample seating indoors and outdoors. They have a BBQ grill in the back which you can reserve for various occasions. The beauty about Ph.D Pub is that they are BYOF (Bring Your Own Food), so you can feel free to grab some small bites to enjoy with your drinks. The beverages here are cheap and stiff. They have daily specials including $4 shots, so it makes a good spot to start the evening. There are a ton of games to keep you and your friends entertained, such as life size jenga. Or if you just want a good spot to catch the game, then you've also come to the right place. Surprisingly very few UIC students frequent this spot (at least that I know of). I am okay with that! read more

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Quite frankly - most people are confused when I say Ph.D is a BYOF joint (Bring Your Own Food). However, it really doesn't impact the experience too much. You can always stroll in with whatever you're craving from nearby restaurants and enjoy a great brew with the game on. There's a lot of seating options, high top, regular tables, couches, and of course their outdoor seating area. Sports fanatics do not fret -- for there is a projector and 2 TVs outside always streaming some game that you don't want to miss. One of the best local bars that's a hop skip and a jump away from work. I highly recommend any of their mules - you don't get drowned in ginger beer when you're really hoping for the vodka bite. read more

Ph.D Pub - Mason Jars... Need I say more? - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is great to grab a drink and catch up with friends for a good time. Awesome place to hangout in their patio, anytime of the season. Good drinks, nice beer selection, and bring your own food! Gotta love it! Did I mention they have Mario Kart on N64?!? Go Wario! ;) I've held events here, and even a fundraiser with at least 50 people. It was a success. Bartenders and the owner, Marc are all awesome people. Thanks to Ph.D Pub, my softball team and I had an unforgettable season! read more

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We came to Pd.D after an event at the UIC Pavilion. It is in walking distance from UIC, so yea! Not at all pretentious. Good beer list, with specials. Good servers. Outdoor area has some heaters which is pretty nice. Prices reasonable. They have no food (no kitchen) so you have to ask the server for menus to local establishments that deliver to PhD if you are wanting food. read more

I am not a college student, and this place is pretty obviously aimed towards the UIC crowd. I still, however, appreciate what they are doing. 'cause it's not a college bar in the "ohmahgawd drunken frat party," it's the college "sit back, drink a beer, and play a game of bags on the patio." The patio rocks. The beers in mason jars rock. Of course, the patio is of limited use in the near future, though there is a neat fire pit out there so maybe they can salvage a few more months out of it. Friendly people, super laid back. Hope it does well. read more

Ph.D Pub - Bags set up on patio - Pubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My favorite bar! As a UIC student I appreciate the fact that I found this gem drinks are always fire and service always excellent! Super chill and cool vibes! read more

These people are all Thieves. Never leave your tab open because of they see your having a good time and they will try to Run your card more then what its supposed to be charged. They have people who work for the bar, walk in as customers and figure out who's card they are taking advantage of next. Alex and mike both scum-bagz and the fat fu%# too read more

Came here with some friends to watch the Hawks game chill spot and not too crowded. The BYOF option was perfect. Moxee has some great food and is a short walk. We had Ryan as our bartender and he was fun to chat with and made some good cocktails. Great spot to chill out at. read more

Cool bar, but they don't have any food. If you come to Ph.D Pub, make sure you eat before you come....or, they are actually ok with you bringing in food from one of the other local places. Do come in for drinks... read more

Don't dare to ask the bartender any questions. There is a sign with specials posted, and if you fail to notice it, you might be treated as though you are idiotic and annoying. I guess you also should avoid telling the bartender you respect her for confronting your colleague, who suggested she try to be nicer. That gets you cut off, called names and, thrown out of the place. I guess it's probably also rude to tip $5 on a $4 drink. Honestly not sure what happened there. read more

Very cool spot. Definitely a locals joint. Cool patio. Patrons are friendly. Bartenders pour strong good drinks. Covid precautions in effect. 2nd time here in the past few days. Love it. read more

This place was great. Visiting from out or town and went there with friends. Drinks were delicious, including some gins I'd never heard of before. Atmosphere was great and staff a lot of fun. read more

I just moved to the neighborhood and i think the friendliness here is fantastic. If i go out for a drink it will be here.

We have lived in the area for 6+ years and decided to give this place a try for a drink after always driving past. This review is about the very tall older bartender. He was unfriendly and rude from the minute we sat down. Now I know people sometimes are having a bad day and not very happy but this wasn't that, u could feel that he did not want us there at all. I asked him a question about a drink and he replied very blunt and rude then I told him I wasn't quite ready yet and I need a few minutes and he literally stood straight in front of us just death staring at us...very uncomfortable. Needless to say we left as we did not feel comfortable and didn't want to spend our money at a place that treats people so bad for no reason. read more

This place is awesone. Grills on the patio its Bring Your Own Food! Great group of bartenders Raj is the best we tried to leave & she started pouring Tequila down my friends throat & motor boating my face. Best bar ever! read more

Amazing atmosphere! Amazing staff! Definitely a chill place to go anytime of the year or night. Thank you for a great time Ph.D!

When I saw the Ph.D Pub sign, I thought this would be a bar/lounge where the UIC professors would go to sip on red wine and Cognac while reviewing thesis' and dissertations. I was delusional. The only decor that connects with the name is the bookshelf containing an array of books - but it's too dark to read in there. Other than that, it's just a bar... Well, not really. According their website, they have a large beer garden in back with cornhole. Kind of like a bars in Wrigleyville without all the shitheads. Drinks were good and inexpensive, the bartender was friendly as were the customers so that is always a reason to go back. read more

This place is in a great area with lots of foot traffic yet it was kind of empty when we arrived. A group of us went for some drinks and realized why no one goes in there. A quick shout out to the security guy cause he was on his game. He carded efficiently and politely which is nice. We arrived starving only to find out that they don't serve food at this bar. BUMMER! However we are allowed to bring in outside food, which we did. The server was nice but a complete mess! She came to our table maybe 3 times. Dropped off menus, took our order, brought our drinks then disappeared. One of our guys actually went to the bar twice to get more drinks because our server never came back. She did come back in the end to charge our cards but that was it. One thing that did gross me out was that some of the glasses smelled like wet dog. Not the greatest smell in the world. read more

Asian woman bartender Discriminate against black patrons! Was very rude and unwelcoming! She let another patron disrespect our group for over an hour! And said we had to go. She was Very RUDE to us and we spent over 200 dollars! Don't waste your time. read more

Pretty much your standard bar, pretty decent craft beer selection and reasonable prices and they had a videogame area with couches that was cool, pretty dead, but then again was a sunday afternoon, bartender seemed nice, you can also buy beer to go which is cool, i'd go back to watch a game or something read more

Wow - loved this bar. Best kept secret in this part of town. I've never been to a bar where I felt so comfortable in and the drinks are DOPE. The people are fun and the customer service is top notch- definitely recommend! Katie is the bomb! Hey read more

Wow, what a difference 3 years makes. Stopped in with my wife for a drink. Beer garden looks awful. Have a 1968 coffee pot with a padlocked refrigerator out there. Sat there close to 10 minutes and not one server came over to take our order. They were, however, playing a great game of darts. Was so happy when this place opened. Gone right in the crapper.... read more

I held an event at Ph.D Pub for our kids wrestling club and we had an amazing time. Marc set us up with our own reserved section in the back and let us bring our own food in. They have bean bag toss in the back patio area as well as a ping pong table. The waitresses were super nice and very helpful. I would definitely bring a big group here again. read more

Holy crap I miss staying in Pilsen and coming here - this place is, as Yelp so eloquently puts it, "As good as it gets!" We were sitting in our apartment in Pilsen and looking for a bar close by. We stumbled upon this gem and I couldn't figure out how this place had almost 5 stars - that's unheard of. I guess we had to come see for ourselves. The first night we were greeted by Mike who kept us company and kept great conversation with us. He offered a LOT of advice on places to go, things to see and do in the area. I was stunned by how impressive their beer list was, not only cans and bottles but also amazing beer on tap. The second night was even more fun than the first. We walked in and noticed a different bartender at the front.... Mike came out of nowhere to welcome us back and make us feel at home with an intro to our bartender that night, Ryan over a round of shots. Wow, where else do you get treated like a regular on your second visit?! This night was also sick. Ryan did an awesome job of getting our drinks, making recommendations and helping us navigate what we were doing in Chicago. The last night we met yet another new bartender, Ben. We asked about Ryan and were told he was on his way. Ryan later joined us and he and Ben did a great job of service and keeping us company - they have a great sense of humor and play subtle tricks on regulars there which is hilarious to watch play out. In true PhD form, we ended the night with a round of shots on the house (I was getting used to this - really miss my nightly free shot =/) We were really impressed by the atmosphere, drink list, lounge in the back of the bar and the outdoor patio (which I never spent any time on and somewhat regret it.) The one thing that makes this place absolutely incredible is the bar staff who I can't wait to come back to visit. If the weather is good, this place is poppin' inside and out. read more

Well this pub was the highlight of my trip to Chicago. Mike, Ryan, and Ben were the best bartenders you could ask for. They were helpful with giving us tips for where to go and what to do. Though watch out for the one that apparently kicks them in the balls! Hahaha. It was welcoming environment and one we very much appreciated. The place has an excellent Beer Selection. Tons of craft beers in bottles and a great tap selection. The bar itself is very nice, love the outdoor part as well and the dart board. Plus the little lounge area with the books are nice touch to the place and it's namesake. Next trip back to Chicago I'm looking to stay near here so I can keep coming back on a nightly basis! read more

13 beers on tap, endless more in bottle form. Everyday a new beer and drink special. Reasonable shot prices and a few moonshines to choose from. Newly paved patio area complete with cornhole (or as you Chicago folk call it "bags". Great bartenders, Jessica and Hope RULE!! Jukebox for drunken sing alongs and 4 TV's perfect for sports watching. Great addition and new option for the University Village area. Check it out! It's in the area formerly occupied by Lush. read more

One of a few places open at 1:30 on a Monday night in an unfamiliar (to me) area. We cruised down to the city on our bikes and after a while got hungry (and thirsty). Saw some people inside so we parked up and gave it the old college try.... The inside is pretty cool. A bit nicer than I expected, actually. They have a sweet looking lounge area with a school-themed bookshelf and coffee table. Comfy bar chairs and other seating in the back. I had a watermelon moonshine cocktail and my friend had a beer. I thought the cocktail was adequately strong and overall pretty tasty. Everything here seems a little pricey, I know it's the city but apparently UIC/Taylor Street warrants a little bit more hefty pricing. As mentioned in other reviews, it looks like you can bring your own food, have stuff delivered, and even grab a drink to go from their giant fridge (at a likely higher than your corner liquor store price). Our bartender was pretty cool, he gladly welcomed us in even ~25 minutes before close and warned us about last call just in case. I would imagine on a certain Friday or Saturday night when class is in session this place gets popping. 4/5, unique. read more

Haven't been back to UIC area in couple years and again, not surprised to see another new bar in university village. However, this is place looks like it can stay afloat. Beer selection is above average, good liquor selection, friendly staff, and a great patio / garden area where you can play bags / cornhole. Pricing also seems to be on par with bars and seating is not bad. Go check it out. read more

Truly a shame I never even stepped into this bar during my 4.5 years of school at UIC. When I think of bars in this neighborhood, I instantly think of frat dudes and sorority chicks who can't handle their liquor and are so righteously belligerent that they'll disrupt anything that'll stand in their way. Thankfully, this place didn't seem like it was that type of bar. Granted, it's summer and school has been out for these UIC kids for well over a month, but it's still Saturday and students do still live in the vicinity of this area. This bar was pretty calm throughout the few hours I was here, thank God. Hella chill atmosphere there. Just some people relaxing, having nice conversation, watching various sports on the TVs, what more could anyone want in a bar? Plus their menu ain't half bad! Drinks were on point. Apple Pie Moonshine shot for $4 should be mandatory for anyone stepping in the bar. Delicious. Maybe this UIC grad needs to go back for their Ph.D.... read more