I keep on going here expecting a better visit and it is continuously bad...rude bartenders. Like really rude. Mid selection. Just another weird dive bar under a train. Except this one sucks!!! read more

Laid back bar. They don't serve food but you can bring your own in. Drinks were not expensive.

Bartender tried to start a fight with us because we were "slamming our drinks on the bar and annoying him all night". There's plenty of good dive bars in the area to go to where you won't get treated like this. read more

Solid neighborhood dive, great for a drink before or after a show at the Old Town School.

Laid back and chill, nice bartenders. No food but plenty of options in the neighborhood.

If you're looking for a good dive bar, this is it. There's a good selection of drinks but don't expect anything too unique or elaborate. Lots of TVs around, so we've gone there to watch games a few times. I've never had any issue with the service, but it doesn't stick out to me as superior. read more

Stopped in to this bar to grab a drink since I was having dinner in the area with the expectation of grabbing a decent drink or two before heading home. Boy was I wrong....had to be the weakest pour I've had in a very long time. Ordered a Jack and Coke with lime and tasted like coke with lime. If I hadn't watched him make my drink I would have thought it had nothing at all. The prices were cheap for two whiskey cokes; it was about $15 bucks. Overall looks like a recently upgraded dive bar with a local crowd. The staff was attentive enough but the place gave me some iffy vibes. read more

Solid dive bar that you can have a great time with friends in. The bar tenders are quick and responsive. They have darts in the back. They allow dogs too! I've been here a couple times for friends' birthdays and always had a great time. It's bring your own food too which is convenient if you're trying to host something casual. TVs too if you're trying to catch the game and a nice $5 Shiner Bock special. This place isn't too special, but it's solid and definitely worth stopping in for if you're in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way to go though. read more

Great place to their a few games of darts...I wound up 3-0 by the way in those contests. The place is quite dark and has the small TVs, but they have just about everything you need to drink. Guys behind the bar were pretty cool and quick with getting the drinks going...good spot! read more

Still a okay with me. Good Beer selection, got a seat at the bar, kind of crowded, nose level appropriate, bar service slow (almost felt unwelcome), good conversation with my date, included the neighbours later. Neighbourhood bar for sure. read more

UPDATE: Although the vibe is still pretty much the same (no kitchen, high tables), a few additions have been made since my last review. Most importantly, the owners increased the depth of the bar overall, which allowed them to add new ADA-accessible bathrooms with multiple stalls and a third ramped exit. They also added a rear "dart room" that has extra boards and doubles as a meeting/party space. They've increased the numbers of TVs to include two projectors with 6-ft. pull-down screens. Lastly, where the staff used to park their cars in the rear on a gravel lot, the owners had the area partially fenced in and finished with slate pavers, which can be used to hold patio parties in the summer (if their licensing permits). The drinks have also increased a bit as well, but that's partially due to the expanded drink menu that include many craft beers. I'd still say it's less expensive than a lot of other bars on Lincoln Ave. I love the place. read more

See all

I used to not be a huge fan. It's a divey bar; which I love, but it was so dark and run down. I always reeked of decades old stale smoke when I left. Fast forward to two weeks ago and I met some friends here for a drink, wow, I was so impressed by the improvements. The space is much more roomy. The lighting is a little more illuminated without being awkwardly bright. There are dart boards in back. The guys behind the bar were quick and courteous. I have a whole new opinion and it is this is a perfect place for this neighborhood bar. I will certainly be returning often! read more

Great place! Bartender is friendly and they have darts here! Place is very spacious too. Highly recommended to visit! They have TVs too

Richochet's seems to be one of those places we hit up when we're in the area and want something familiar and somewhat predictable. I've been here a couple times and, as others say, it's cheap and casual. Though they have expanded the beer menu, so there's more craft beer on tap and they are really good at describing what each is like if you ask. We've found it does get crazy later in the evening, but it's a more manageable crowd and noise level compared to other bars nearby. read more

This place seems like an inside joke that I'm just not a part of. When we arrived around 10:30, the bar was pretty packed with a small party and people at the bar. This definitely seems to be a neighborhood joint and I kind of felt unwelcome just because I don't know the bartenders or the regulars that hang out here. We opted to move to the back, which was quite chilly because of the open door to what I assume is a smoking patio. No one seemed to go out there at all, but it was open the entire time we were in the bar, which was kind of annoying. We at least got a table, though, and had a good view of the dart boards. The beer selection was decent but the prices left a bit to be desired. Their "special" at the time was Bells Amber bottles for $4. Kind of expensive, considering some bars offer the same beer on tap for $4. Blah. Service was kind of hard to come by the busier the bar got - it seemed like there was only one person working. All things considered, this place could have been worse. There was parking up the block on Lincoln in the big lot on the corner which was nice and we were able to sit down, which was also nice. However, it's a bit small and seems to get crowded as the night goes on. Definitely not a place I would like to hang out for an evening with friends. Also, people kept playing terrible music on the Juke Box. You've been warned. read more

Nice basic sports bar to watch sports and drink alcohol in smack dab in the center of Lincoln Square. Which is the vanilla of neighborhoods IMO. Clean place, nice staff, average prices, very homey feeling bar. I don't know this place seemed kinda just OK but the bartenders were very affable and talked Bulls with us, which makes me raise the rating to 4 stars. Good place, would return. read more

2.5 Stars We were warned. Late in the afternoon, a few of the regulars warned us that the hipster eclipse was coming, and soon at that! These guys were spot on! Within an hour, Ricochets was littered with these skinny jeans (legs rolled up), 2 sizes too small button up plaid shirt wearing, skeletons. Look outside, yep- 10 speeds chained up everywhere! You need some WD40? Just ask a hipster, as they were spraying this shit all over the barstools, because they were "sqeaking." A guy at the bar recommended taking a nail gun to all of their bicycle tires. {Think Bubbles forming} All in all, it is what it is. Crappy beer selection. Prices are really high for a dive bar that doesn't serve food. But, don't fret, because there are a few good things about Ricochets: Steel tip darts, with plenty of room. Good service. Natalie was awesome! The washroom. What the hell!?!? This restroom was spa like. Seriously, I think they sunk more $ in the restroom in comparison to the entire bar. Interesting. I'm in no hurry to return. Well, unless I bring in James "Shake & Bake" to rough up a few hipsters... read more

Chill bar, friendly bartenders, plenty of space to relax even on a Saturday night. Usually some interesting movie on the TVs.

I totally dig Ricochet's. In search of cheap drinks and a good place for a group, a friend recommended Ricochet's. She couldn't have been more right. Most nights, I prefer to go to chill bars that have cheap drinks and a decent jukebox. Ricochet's is perfect for those nights. The servers are friendly, there's a good beer selection, and everything is cheap. I went twice in one weekend and felt like a true regular. read more

Richochet's you are still not my friend, your TVs are too small and your dartboard scoreboard from the early 1980s must be replaced! You are close to home and always affordable, but for heaven's sake: get a lock on the door for the men's bathroom! There are some plaques appearing to be from Windy City Darters on the wall so on a scale of 1-10 you can't rate the darts here as 0. Mad respect for supporting leagues, although I have yet to play anyone there from the league. The boards are not so beat up and don't have cancer, so still a legitimate option for darts practice. Neon beer signs are around, little lamps on the tables and there was a juke box playing old timer's 1970s music from the thirtysomethings populating this bar. Mayfest is coming in three weeks, Richochet's will be the most packed bar on the planet: do not try to throw darts there then! read more

Ricochets did a great job with the remodeling. I love the extra room in the back, dart boards, and the projection screen for games. I wish they would have more tables, or even figure a way to put booths into the bar. I heard they were going to be serving food there eventually and would visit more often if they did! I get a great deal of grief for being a fan of this bar from my family that was raised in the area, but for a "dive" its great! Drinks are never over priced.. its about $4 for a Jack & Coke, $6 Patron and reasonably priced drafts, with a generous pour that will keep me returning. I haven't seen these hipsters that "Lincoln Squar-ians" have been warning about in reviews.. but I sure would like to :) P.S The bathrooms are kept very clean as well! read more

So awhile ago, you could mosey on in here and get a whiskey drink for $2. I was floored. 2 BUCKS? Hello, new favorite dive-ish bar. And the pool table is fun. And the mix of people you'll find (or did find) in Lincoln Square is always a pleasure. And once, near close, my friend and I found ourselves suddenly engaged in a very interesting political discussion with the rest of the bar. About 20 people. Seriously, it was awesome. (Last I heard the drink prices went up - there goes the neighborhood!) read more

This tiny corner bar really doesn't do anything better or worse than most bars. The bar staff are attentive, but i attribute that largely to the fact that as a small bar, it doesn't have thousands of boozehounds pressing to the front that a place like say John Barleycorn would have. However, Richochet's real charm is that it is one of the few bars I know of in Chicago with steel-tip darts and a cork dartboard. Not those crappy plastic darts that fall apart four throws in. Very old-school. I love it. read more

This was the perfect place to close out my birthday evening. After a night of cocktails and burgers, I wanted something super casual and cheap, and this fit the bill. We grabbed some tables in the back to play darts, and made nice with our neighbors. As drinks were being purchased for me, I didn't venture up to the bar myself, but the beers sure made their way back to me quickly! And the Jameson girls circling the room were incredibly friendly, bringing over birthday shots and a Jameson t-shirt that features heavily in my rotation. No pretention, no price gouging, all goodness. read more

Yet another spot to get loaded with friends for an inexpensive price. Ricochet's is your average bar, but made to make anyone feel like this could be "their" bar. No pretenious people or prices for that matter. A few friends and I were planning on attending Mayfest, right around the corner from Ricochet's. Except the babies, crowd and rain deterred us. We found solace at Ricochet's. Service is cute, quick, and friendly. I ordered a jack & diet coke...three and a quarter. Good deal. Go here for a good time with good friends. If you feel yourself getting a little too plastered, head to the coffee cafe just across the street. read more

I love that everyone seems to know everyone and even if they don't know you, they pretend to. So yeah, they don't have a huge beer selection on tap but at the prices they're served, who cares?! The bartenders are attentive and like to involve you in great discussions (usually with the rest of the bar). I usually come during the week after my last class to wind down... and it is so worth it. No pretension, absolutely bottom cheap prices, friendly friendly crowd. Give it a chance... you just might end up loving it. read more

This is a great place to go to get a pitcher and just hang out with friends. They have snacks for those hungry drunks and trivial pursuit cards to settle the awkward conversations. The regulars are generally pretty nice folks too. I guess my only issue is the jukebox, which I never bother putting money into because I don't think my songs will ever get played. But I have the same issue with the Holiday Club and it doesn't really sour my feelings on that place. read more

Best place for a chill night out drinking. I frequent many north side bars and this place is by far the best when you want a chill night. No hoods, no punks, no thugs.... just the locals. If you looking for loud, rowdy, and crowded, then this is NOT the place. Wrigleyville is probably what your looking for. This place is were you go when you want to enjoy some drinks and chat. I usually meet my dates here, drink and chat then move venues depending on the night. The crowd is older, regulars and this place has a "Cheers" kinda vibe. The place is pretty small but I believe they were expanding. The jukebox is okay, mostly classic rock, but NO Rap or crude hip-hop. This is probably why there isn't any thugs. ( a good thing). The dart board is old skool, metal tip and cork board. Every so often there are private partys but it adds diversity and usually ends well for me.....lol read more

Great location and a fun place to get a drink in the evening. The owner was great and the service was superb! Nice part of town. read more

I spent my fair share of time in bars throughout my life. I know it's a dive bar when I see the bartender checking the glass before he fills it. Great prices. Real chill music and a friendly staff. Even if I didn't live across the street this would be my go to spot to relax and have fun. read more

Always a good time. They let us bring food in from the Taco place down the street. Cheap drinks, good company and TVs everywhere!!!! read more

Crowded when we first walked in, but the bartender got to us quickly. That was nice, then someone opened the bathroom door and OH MY IT STINKS IN HERE. It honestly smelled like someone had dumped in the middle of the bar. We moved to the back of the bar and landed a table only to be next to the women's bathroom. Ugh. Not my style being married, but there were cougars on the prowl. Rar! read more

...more of a 1.5. Went here for drinks with an old coworker after we got done with our dinner elsewhere. We basically went because it was nearby. When we walked in, the place was silent. We felt bad asking if they'd mind if we sat at the bar because we knew we'd be talking but everyone was rather welcoming and friendly. Drink prices aren't bad at all but the place doesn't have a great vibe to it. It reminds me of what I'd expect driving through a smaller town, complete with really bright lights on inside (a fooler if you look in through the window, as it always seems so dark in there). read more

I think board games in a bar is brilliant. Unfortunately, that is largely overshadowed by the overall ambience to the place or lack thereof. My beefs: -The lighting is only a shade dimmer than the office where I work, which is odd. -It's very, very small, and some of the precious little table space is eaten up by those big machines that play the card or matching games, therefore obscuring people from talking to each other. -The crowd is pretty old. -The jukebox has a bizarre selection. Furthermore, when the song "Hot Pants" is selected, I expect to hear James Brown, G*dd*mnit!!!! Anyhow, I got nice and loaded there anyway but would prefer elsewhere. read more

My bff and I came here for drinks, the place is divey, but a good place to watch a game. We only had a beer, but the staff was nice, the beer was cold no complaits and I had no trouble finding a parking spot. read more

I wish I could give Ricochet's more stars because it really is my go-to bar in Lincoln Square. Huettenbar is too expensive and crowded, the other places are more food oriented. Ricochet's is really the only straight up bar in the Square. I love the way it looks, the low key vibe, that unless it's a Saturday night you can always find a place to sit. I hate that despite all these appearances of a "dive bar" prices are higher than I'd like. I think it's $4.50 for a bottle of Amstel and I've never been there for any beer specials. I'm the oldest young person I know though, maybe kids these days are ok paying $5 for a bottle of beer. I guess my only complaint is the price and that it gets crowded on weekends. Shit I'm old. read more

Ricochet's has hung on as the area gentrified from working class to somewhat hip. I wouldn't call it a dive-bar more than true to its roots type of place while still recognizing the necessity to embrace the changes going on around it by certainly remodelling, cleaning it up (including the restrooms). Yes, no food, but you can bring in your own and they even let in the Mexican Hot Tamale solicitor and make the rounds. True Chicago style, and compassion. Beer is basic, and the wine is boxed. A nice earthy place reminiscent of the old neighborhood bars. Some of the old time locals resistant to change are a bit judgmental of the newer patrons, but if you ignore their alcoholic asses you won't have an issue. read more

Our local go to dart bar. Not bad beer selection either. Usually room to get comfortable. For some reason if I'm in the middle of a long night at some point it includes this place. read more

In the interest of full disclosure I help run a weekly event at Ricochet's . . . but now why would would we do that if we didn't love the place to begin with? Ricochet's becomes a home base for all who know it. It's a stronghold, true neighborhood bar and a cornerstone of the Lincoln Ave strip near the Western stop. It's the easiest place to meet for a drink, the juke box is way above par, you can get lost in darts, PhotoHunt, PBR on tap, conversations with the down-to-earth staff or any game on the big screens. In other words, it's a real bar. And word has it food is coming soon... read more

This is right by my place and I've stopped in once or twice and had a fine time. My friends and I usually go for the pitcher of Leine, which is nicely priced at 10 bucks. The atmosphere is super casual, and doesn't seems to get too crowded, even on weekends. Bonus: They have a couple board games, which I'm a total sucker for (see: Guthrie's), so we play loud and annoying games of Yahtzee, and no one shuts us up. I appreciate that. Particularly because I was kicking my buddies' asses. It's a pretty solid dive, overall - there's usually one lackadaisical barkeep working, but the wait's never too bad. A nice place to chill with a few friends and drink normal-priced alcohol. read more