NORM! On weeknights it's friendly locals and pool and beer and a little smokey but thats ok because there's no posers, no trixies, no chads. Owned by the same lovely owners, Connie and Dick for over 30 years. read more

I love this gem of a place. You can sit at the bar and chat with the sweet bartenders, you can sit alone reading a book without being bothered, you can sit with a group of friends in the nice tables they have, you can play pool, you can listen to live music and the list goes on and on. Just go, no disappointment here. read more

I've been going to Ten Cat for 30 years and it remains a classic. Antidote to the Wrigley Field-area sports bars for sure. Lots of niche spaces to hang out and talk with friends. The Tamale Guy brings in delicious food. Definitely an old school, hipster vibe. A true Chicago gem. read more

I can't begin to tell you how much I miss Chicago's Corner Bars. My favorite far and away was (is) the Ten Cat. I spent many winter evenings reading in the back room by the fireplace and many summer nights out on one of the best-kept-secret patios in the city. Chris and Gina are absolute treasures. Tip them extravagantly. read more

After seeing some fairly good Yelp reviews, I decided to throw my birthday party here on a Saturday night. Well, long story short, I had a blast. We had free reign over the back room which was just big enough to house me, my friends, and the cake that my boyfriend picked up for me. We were near the back patio (which no one used because it got too crowded and seemed really dark), the vintage jukebox, the awesome pinball machines, and weirdly enough, the men's room. The women's is hidden along a wall near the bar that can really only house one girl in one spot (in which you can turn 180 degrees because that's all you can do). I loved the at home-in-a-70's-basement- feel of the place, with couches and weird little lamps and pictures along the walls. The drink selection seemed off and on, with several of my friends and I happy with the beer selection they had on hand, but a few of my friends were disappointed to learn that the bar didn't carry cherry vodka in order to make their favorite shots. Mon Dieu, whatever shall we do?? Not to worry, the bartenders were ready and willing to provide other shots to satisfy their palates for the evening (we became partial to Irish funerals because of this)! We were often given extra if too much was made...sweet! The mixture of people just added to the fun quotient here. At one point, I had an elderly gentleman remark that I had nice shoes and then proceed to tell his friend about my shoes...really? Then there were the young college aged guys who stood in front of the men's bathroom for several minutes for no apparent reason and then abruptly leave. Again...really? It made for great people watching. Coming on a Saturday was a tricky thing to do as it got very crowded around 9 or 10 pm, at which point the bar became busy and the wait for a drink increased significantly. However, I wouldn't change a thing. Stay cool, Ten Cat. read more

The Ten Cat Tavern is a true Chicago gem! The staff is absolutely lovely. Every time I've spent an evening at the Ten Cat, I've always been greeted with absolutely amazing service. The bartenders are nice and not afraid to chat it up. Not in an overly talkative way, but nice, light, and casual. The drinks are astonishingly cheap, and the atmosphere is very chill. The pool tables are beautiful, and if you're a beginner (like me) you will not be hassled at all! The back room reminds me of an old-style type home with big comfy couches, vintage looking chairs, and awesome huge coffee tables. Lots of room put to your drinks. In the summer, definitely check out the beer garden outside. It's well kept and wonderful to enjoy a cold summer drink. Also, as many have stated, the artwork in the entranceway is awesome. They need to print some t-shirts with the logo of the cat on the ten ball. I know I'd be wearing. One my favorite bars in Chicago. Check it out! read more

I came here for a birthday shindig last weekend and my only regret is that I don't live right around the corner; this could be my new favorite dive. Actually, it's not a dive at all: the space is artfully decorated, has stained glass and resembles an art gallery more than a bar. There's seating all around the perimeter, a cozy room with a fireplace at the back (available for reservations for parties of 15 or more), 2 pool tables for only $1/round and arcade games. It is dive in price point only, my drafts were each under $5. Well done Ten Cat, I hope to see you again. read more

I was hanging out with a friend of mine on Friday night at the Hideout's block party. After we caught Ted Leo's set we decided to check out a neighborhood bar in the general neighborhood. After two beers we decided it was time to move on to another bar. The classic rock that was being blared out of the sound system just wasn't going to cut it. Fotunately I had just the place in mind for having a couple beers in a great, low key atmosphere. We decided to head over to the Ten Cat. The Ten Cat is one of the best bars in my general neighborhood. The place doesn't stand out and you can easily pass it by on Ashland and never notice the place. Parking can be a little tough as it is located just outside of the hopping Wrigleyville area. There are two big windows at the entrance to the bar that always have paintings on display. Inside, the bar is located immediately to your right, so you don't have to wait long to get your libation of choice. Just past the bar and a couple of small tables there are two pool tables that are always in use. Once you make it past the pool tables there is some delightfully retro furniture that looks like it was picked up at your granparents' garage sale back in 1970, nestled in amongst the jukebox (old school and the catalog is from the same era) and a couple pinball machines and video games. There is a backroom where the restrooms are located and there are a handful of tables. But the real treat is the backyard patio. There are only about 6 tables but the ivy on the walls, the dog on the roof, and the christmas lights that adorn the wall are all really nice touches. The Ten Cat is one of the better kept secrets when it comes to very comfortable, neighborhood bars. This place is one of my favorite bars in the city. If I lived closer it would definitely be my regular/neighborhood bar. To steal Triple H's line "it's that damn good". read more

My new favorite Chicago bar! Ten Cat has a great ambiance: regulars at the bar in the front, guilty smokers and rowdies in the beer garden out back (also occupying much of the living room-style circa 1975 area just inside) with a bunch of hard-core pool players in the middle. It's one of those places where, even if you don't smoke, you'll feel like it's lost something when the ban goes back into effect. Other pulls: cheap beer and lots on tap; cool mosaics on the walls (mosaic-encrusted industrial sink by the Ladies Room serving no purpose other than to look pretty); art/photography in the front windows. read more

Decided to try this place out after reading a few good Yelps and having driven by the sign enough times to spark curiosity. FOOD: We were just drinking not even thinking about food, when guess who walks in? The tamale guy! Bam, I'll pay $5 for six tamales. I get tamales cheper from my coworkers, but if I'm at a bar I'll consider it a deal. Otherwise, I didn't notice any other food form. DRINK: Had a pretty decent selection of beer. Red Seal Ale which is kinda rare, Magic Hat No. 9 is the worst drink ever in my opinion, but it's there too. Think I settled on Sierra Nevada. ATMOSPHERE: Here's where this place only got 4 stars, but had the potential for 5. The place is super cool, but the people in it were a little off. All types of furniture, from patio charis to couches. There was nice art and stained glass in the front windows. Music was kinda dated when we walked in, but it changed up. Good selections overall. Pool tables, outdoor patio area, and overall nice bar. Just couldn't get passed the wierd middle aged men playing pool and eye banging the chicks. Some of the broads at the bar were so drunk it was just awkward to watch them have a conversation while slowly leaning out the side of the chair. A few rockers, lesbians, old dudes, hipsters, pretty much the whole mix. Less creepers and I would have given 5 stars Maybe next visit, the crowd won't make me so uneasy. I like the place. read more

What a cool hangout! We stayed nearby And spent an evening here. Low key vibe, dogs and great drinks

Wow by the name I would have never thought this place would be a pretty good place to drink and hang out. A bit disappointed that they did not have two beers I wanted but the bartender was helpful in finding one just as good. The price was right and the crowd was chill. Not to rowdy and everyone was able to sit and relax and chat. It was bigger than I thought since we were in the back room behind the pool tables. I liked the vintage furniture. I can't wait to check out the patio in the summer. read more

I want to love this bar so bad. It's super awesome inside. Pool tables, comfy chairs, very casual, nice patio. But having been a handful of times, the staff has always been extremely curt or blatantly rude. I think I'm just not hip enough to warrant anyone being nice. Seems like a regulars only type place. read more

Generally, I like Ten Cat. Inexpensive drinks, a cozy back room with a fireplace, an old juke box with BB King and the outdoor beer garden are its strong points. It also has board games so it's fun with a group of friends. Though I'm in the neighborhood and it's only a short walk away, I avoid this place on Thursday nights because of the pool teams. Too crowded for my taste. Overall though, great bar. read more

If you hate enjoyment in the summertime then you should stay away from this chill bar for cool cats. Huge selection on tap, cheap, and you can bring your own food to eat on the back patio, that's like a little secret garden. And you can smoke there too. Plus inside there's a few pool felines who will only hustle you if you let them. Meow. Banging hot tip: there's a depressing peruvian restaurant down the street with good ceviche you should bring with you to this Ten Cat. read more

I'm happy yet sad to see this place have almost five stars, but that is because I don't want it to become too crowded! Ten Cat is the go-to bar for my friends and I. It's very laid back, there is plenty of seating and drinks are cheap cheap! The decor is kind of eclectic/antique but it adds to the homey vibe of the place. They have two pool tables (free before 8pm on Saturdays!) and a nice patio in the back. It is classified as a "dive bar" but it's pretty nice for one! We spent most of the night on St Patrick's Day here and it was never crowded. Who wants to be smashed like sardines in a bar full of drunk idiots anyway? read more

Walking in I could tell this would be one of my new favorite bars. It's a great place to go out with friends on weekday nights- the music isn't too loud, the employees are nice (if you go out in this neighborhood isn't a common thing), and the atmosphere is cozy. I'll be back read more

Like to play pool? Like good beer? Enjoy the friendly Bar Fly? Like good Conversation? Enjoy Music? Come chillax here. Tip: If the Tamale guy comes in get the Queso good snack for 3 bucks read more

Great ambiance, lots of jazz and older tunes on the non-digital jukebox(and thumbs up for going this route), and love the fireplace area and beer garden. Video games mostly seemed to be pinball games(yay for South Park pinball), and the 2 pool table setup in the middle interestingly didn't imped getting to the back as much as I suspected it would at first. The bartender could've been better though, for whatever reason she seemed cold and could've been a little more responsive(but at least wasn't unfriendly) with my questions about what beers they served, and their specials. Service issue excluded, it was still enjoyable enough that (eventually) I'll give it another shot. read more

I've never had a bad experience at Ten Cat. Everything about this place just oozes relaxation. When I need someplace I can wind down from a long day, Ten Cat is the first place I think of. The bar is interestingly decorated. Lot's of cool stuff going on with mosaics. They used to have a lot of cool ash trays. The seating is comfortable. The lights are dim and the music coming from the retro juke box isn't at all obtrusive. The clientle seems pretty chill. A lot of people sick of the usual bar bullshit. No aggressive creeps hitting on every girl, no guys in white hats pounding Miller Lite and looking for a fight, no hipsters giving off holier-than-thou vibes. The bar ha a reputation for being home to some good pool players, so feel free to jump into a game, but be ready to give it your best shot. The bartenders at the Cat are always kind and don't mind recommending something if you look stumped. The bar has a couple good beers on tap, though I usually don't make it past Red Seal. All in all, this bar is an excellent place for a weekend of decompressing. read more

I like the back room. It's cozy and feels completely different from the rest of the bar. The pool tables are cursed, though. I've never played so poorly in all my days. Also, I hesitate to call Ten Cat a dive bar, as there was a dearth of cheaply priced beers. Nothing was too expensive, but I'd like to see a $1 or $2 bottle of Schaefers or whatever swill normal decent people won't touch. read more

This place is a hidden Gem (no really hidden), walked around the block a couple of times trying to find it and when we finally did, its amazing how big the place is especially for being on the second floor. (They need to invest in better signage) Its a bowling alley but has much more to offer like a stage and massive island bar good for group events or watching some local bands. Drink prices are fair and comparable. read more

I've passed by here many times and finally went to Ten Cat based on the high ratings here on a Saturday night and because my friends and I didn't want to deal with the hipsters and/or chads/trixies inhabiting our other haunts. First, we walked in and there is NO PLACE TO SIT (and there weren't even many people there but I'll get to that...). The place is divided in threee sections but there is no seating in the pool area and the back room (with it's nice cozy fire) was overrun by what seemed a private party (?). So, we had to sit at a small table right by the door. Whenever someone sent out for a smoke, the -10 wind would whip through the single door, which didn't make me comfortable. Second, we were there on a Saturday night around midnight and the place was DEAD. Most of the patrons there seemed like regulars and it was quiet which, if we had been in a less socialable mood, would have been perfect. But it sucked on a Saturday night when we wanted to be socialable and meet new people. I will say their bar is very good (nice stiff drinks!) and the staff was personable though. One of my friend's drink was a little too stiff and the bartender was more than happy to remix it for her. Finally, there is NOTHING in the general area, so don't think you'll be able to hop someplace a few doors down if this place is dead or to get cash at a bank nearby (yes, they have an ATM there but I'd rather not pay the $3 fee + my bank fees). I might go back to give Ten Cat another try when I'm in a more "leave-me-alone-to-drink" mood. read more

Although located on one of Chicago's large North-South thoroughfares, Ten Cat is off the "beaten path" drawing patrons serious about cool kitchy dive bars, with witty decor and stiff drinks. Pool table, challengers thereof, and outdoor patio included; bros excluded. read more

I was on a cross-country road trip and stopped in Chicago for a couple of weeknights so, naturally, I consulted Yelp when deciding how to spend my nightlife budget. Ten Cat popped up as the highest rated bar in the Lakeview neighborhood, so my friend and I decided to stroll on over... When we stepped in, we were pretty surprised to see that it was a Billiards Bar (Yelp describes it as a Dive), but it was cool because we simultaneously noticed the August specials... Now I don't really remember what they were, but they sounded pretty good. All that said, it turned out that there would be no pool playing for me and my friend... We could only be spectators because it was Monday night and--at least on this particular Monday night--they play league games then. Nevermind the fact that I wouldn't have played any pool anyway because, uhm, I suck... So we decide to play some Golden Tee, which was fun, but expensive... 25¢ a hole! After we spent entirely too much money playing virtual golf, we decided to post up on some barstools, which turned out to be a wise decision... We were in an excellent position to meet the legitimately cool and interesting patrons and order up some drinks. My hipster friend went for the tall can of PBR while I went with a delicious summer ale whose exact name I forget. Regardless, both were delicious in their own way. Additionally, after vigorous debate, I persuaded my friend to actually try some good beer, and the bartender was super helpful in helping him choose one that he would like. BOTTOM LINE: The Ten Cat Tavern is a quiet but happening place to hang out and knock back a few quality beers while talking to your friends (or the locals) or playing some pool or Golden Tee... Overall, a low-key spot with good beers, friendly and helpful bartenders, and some great monthly specials. Check it out. read more

Honestly, the bar is a cool atmosphere, pretty lively, and fun. I enjoyed my first time there a lot. The music is good, the people were nice (for the most part), they have a nice patio and pool tables. BUT during my second visit I was very rudely approached by the bartender (I believe, Amy?). Please keep in mind that I had yet to be up to the bar that night. I went up to order and was almost refused drinks by Amy (?) because other people on my pool team didn't tip her at all. She then goes on to state that she needs to be tipped every time a drink is ordered. WHAT?!?! Since when is it appropriate to address customers like this. I was shocked and baffled at the same time. First of all, I understand that bartenders are paid on tips. But why is she rudely speaking to me about other's actions?? Then pretty much told me she demands a tip every drink is ridiculous!! Second of all, if she wanted to say something she should've spoken to those individuals in a polite manor. The attitude from her has continued since. It's just unfortunate that such a cool bar is brought down by this type of customer service. read more

i totally forgot i went here it was so low key. Like a scene in an indie movie i walk into a room where I know nobody, yet everyone seems so familiar, as if cast into these roles of souls who shall forever haunt me in purgatory. The cool hipster chick who is too cool to hold a conversation with me, but nevermind as I rather gawk in awe like a 12-year old kid with his first hard-on. The tired, but still cool mamma figure with unfiltered camels hanging from her bottom lip and downin shots of jameson. The rockabilly dude chattin up some college kid about the socioeconomic impact of corn prices to 1950's blues. and then the backroom leading to the patio. one time i was here, there was a lit birthday cake..almost surreal as people watched the fire, yet nobody was ready to blow anything out it was so pretty... anyways, i think this all happened here, and if not its still a cool place for a cold beer, warm patio underneath the stars mixed with the sound of pool balls on green felt and ...I think i need another drink;p read more

The Ten Cat is one of those place that I've always wanted to become a regular of, but because of its inconvenient location (with proximity to me) I've never really became a regular. However, I do love this place... last I went, they had a dog-friendly environment... pool tables... three different drinking environments (i.e. - back room, mid-main, bar area)... this is a nice place just to relax. The bartenders have always been nice enough, knowledgeable on their drink recipes, no-nonsense and cool. The relative cost of the drinks is decent, not great but decent. The music is usually pretty chill, not exactly my cup-o-tea... but not really offensive. Besides... any place that offers more types of bourbon than either the accursed Jim Beam or the foul Jack Daniels is swell in my little'ol book. read more

hey this is a nice little bar. Not bad for the neighborhood. When I'm north i'm a fish out of water- quite the stranger in sports town USA, but Ten Cat put me at ease. Sure there were some hipsters but after a twelve hour work day i wasn't looking for drama, just a chair to sit and put my mind at ease. It's homey, quaint and from the looks of it the back room used to be a house, nice little fireplace. It's quite cozy. Decent brew selection and beer garden. I like this place. read more

Ten Cat is old school. They were well established even back in the day when the old Ten Cat BBSers would meet there. It's a great neighborhood bar with the regulars including the dog that will greet you on the sidewalk and sometimes pace along the roof. There really are ten cats in the back! The beer garden is nice and intimate. We usually grab a few pitchers of some great beer on tap and drink the sun down. read more

Drinks made with care on the cheap, a true retro feel, and a fireplace? Sign me up! The very first time I went to Ten Cat, already feeling very at home, I checked it out on the Chicago Bar Project. The quote something to the effect of: "Those who enjoy The Hungry Brain, The Gingerman, and Jake's, will feel right at home at the Ten Cat" And my oh my is that true. Ten Cat takes elements of some of my favorite spots in town and rolls them into one. The entire bar simply gives off an "at home" vibe, from the welcoming couch right at the front, to the amazing beer garden in back, with a simply incredible den-like rear room, complete with mod era furniture and a blazing fireplace. Add in a jukebox that guarantees that you'll be hearing blues/jazz all night instead of Top 40, and you really have a winner of a bar. And all that doesn't get into the pool tables and retro arcade machines set up in the mid section of the bar! To be honest, I keep trying to figure out a reason why to NOT give Ten Cat five stars, as in some strange way I feel it doesn't quite stack up to my favorite spots, but really...there's nothing wrong or missing at all. A quality laid back place with a great atmosphere & layout to start or end a night of drinks with friends, what more could you want? read more

This may be my new favorite bar in all of Chicago (definitely rivals Coles in Logan Square and Skylark in Bridgeport/East Pilsen). Free pool, good drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. It really feels like you're in someone's house the whole time with comfy chairs and private nooks. Just make sure you discuss the rules w your adversary before shooting pool, definitely some sharks here, but overall good competition and good company. read more

I have been coming to this bar since I moved to Chicago in 1994. It has changed very little in the intervening years- and the subtle changes have been for the better. I initially came for the free pool in the afternoon, pinball and decent priced drinks. They all still remain. In a time when pinball is quickly being eclipsed by the insipid Golden Tea- it is refreshing to find the Crypt Keeper still menacing me from behind the glass of the pinball machine. The beer selection good. Nice verity of craft brews on tap- when I was there last they had Stiegl, Stella, Capitol City Supper Club, Scrimshaw Pils, Sierra Nevada IPA, Half Acre Over All Brown Ale (only local brew on tap), Fat Tire, Guinness, Schlitz, Stone IPA, and Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold. The vibe is definitely laid back. Cool mosaics on the wall around the expertly maintained pool tables. Awesome back room with a fire place and an cozy outdoor patio- where I once had early afternoon Bloody Mary's with a couple of hot twins. Go here if you are not a douche or if the Longroom is too packed. read more

Like others, wanted to like, but - First, very small. What is this multiple rooms things? Uh, no. Small bar maybe 10 seats immediately to the right as you enter. Nice old time swivel back chairs. But the pool tables are right next to the bar. I mean, RIGHT THERE. To say they are in a "separate room" is ridiculous. Beer selection quite limited and the ones they do have are common for the most part. Nice older bartender, yeah muted crowd and all, but the truth is, this could be a bar in a strip mall in Stickney. read more

I had passed this bar several times while visiting family and finally decided to drop in after going to another loud trendy bar in Lakeview. I personally enjoyed the vibe and loved the fact that they have pool tables. They also had a nice craft beer selections for $6 a glass. I've found me new end of the night. read more

This is really more of a casual lounge than a dive. Couches, a respectable draught beer selection, free pool, and good music make for a fine atmosphere. It's funny how so many joints labeled as "dives" happen to offer better beer, music, and seating than countless places pretending to have a modicum of class. Grab a table in the beer garden if you can. You'll feel like you're drinking in a secret garden. Compact, but it comes with a relaxed feeling very much missing at the other outdoor meat markets around town. This is a neighborhood bar, too, and you might even feel like you're having a drink in a friend's backyard. Don't let the neighborhood fool you; beware the occasional influx of hipsters. We had to deal with a surly bunch of fat hipsters there recently, and I think we can all agree that they're the worst of their species. read more

Good spot to grab a beer. The peeps and I have spent many a New Years Eve here and always enjoy it. From the pool tables to the Jukebox, to the cheap prices, this place always delivers... Enjoy Suckas'!!! read more

This place needs more stars. Everything Al B said is dead on, except that I have no idea about the tamale stuff. Essentially: super cheap drinks (and pretty strong) friendly staff humorous gas fireplace (with fake log) classic jukeboxes, pinball machines Put all this together and I'd suggest this place to anyone really. It's a nice little bar. Very chill, good for pool, good for a drink. I could see people becoming regulars here without breaking the bank. read more

Am I the only idiot who doesn't go here for a while and consistently forgets where the hidden bathroom door is?! Yes, that was me a short while back, walking around every perimeter twice, much like a cockroach follows the perimeter walls of a room, until I finally found the door. I'm an idiot. Beer selection isn't the best but the prices are pretty reasonable. It has a good vibe and doesn't get overbearingly crowded if you go there on the right night. Plus, pool tables are always a plus - if you're lucky enough to grab one. So go! And grab! read more

Cheap drinks, cool people, affordable pool, and a neat shabby-chic atmosphere. I feel like I'm in my grandmothers basement in 1977 when I hang out here...with delicious draught beer. Look for the cats in the tile mosaic! read more