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    The Drop In

    4.1 (53 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    The Drop In Photos

    THE DROP IN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Hipster
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Drop In

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    Japan Air and Tokyo Fruit Punch
    Gabriela N.

    The Drop In is an absolute gem we feel very lucky to have in the neighborhood. The ambiance is casual and laidback, while still being very intimate. It has a divey feel, but elevated. The menu is limited to their signature burger (the Not a Damn Chance) and two fries options (simple or loaded). The burger is legit. One of my favorite smash burgers in the city. It seems to have undergone some changes for the better recently, with the new burgers being a bit smaller, less oniony and maybe also less saucy. The result is an equally flavorful, satisfying and comforting burger with less mess. Service is just fine. Come here for a spontaneous chill dinner with someone you enjoy having long conversations with. The Drop In is above a sister omakase restaurant, Sushi by Scratch. I think that the owners could further cement their place in the neighborhood and the connection between both restaurants by rewarding regulars to the Drop In with priority access to Sushi by Scratch reservations. Just a thought!

    Burger
    Marlene S.

    My friend and I really wanted a burger on a Saturday night, and apparently so did the rest of Chicago. After many tries, we landed in the drop in. I walked in and managed to get the only 2 available seats in the whole place Bar is pretty small/narrow. Our seat faced the kitchen so we watched their burger making process. Everything moved pretty quick. I had a pornstar martini, the burger and beast mode fries. They take their burger very serious, no changes are made. It was a delicious burger and. Not over priced.

    Inside- seating
    Ron T.

    One of the best damn burgers in town. Small cozy bar with friendly staff. This is not only a delicious burger for a bar but this is up there with Au Cheval. The burger is pretty damn heavy so beware but gat damn it's delicious. Very juicy and flavorful with all the toppings. Also had the beast mode fries which comes with all the toppings of their cheeseburger. As delicious as they were, I was so full from the burger, the extra toppings on the fries were a bit much for me but on their own they're like a 7.5. Fries were nice n crispy just how I like'em. Next time I'll get the burger and plain fries. Bartenders were so hospitable and talkative. Will most definitely return. Highly recommended.

    NADC burger
    Tammy W.

    One of the best burgers I've had in Chicago! So so good. Fries were crispy and tasty, as well, and the ketchup tasted like it was made in-house. We came on a Sunday shortly after they opened and seating was already slim. There was a group of 6 of us. We were able to snag 4 seats at the bar and 2 people stood. Right after we ordered, a table in the back opened up, so we squeezed in there. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and service was friendly. If you go at a peak time, you'll like need to wait as it's a small dive bar. It will be worth your wait tho!!

    Jacqueline M.

    Cool drinks and the burger is really good! Definitely on my list of top burgers in the city

    NADC burger with a side of fries
    Samir K.

    After walking past this place almost every day on my way to work I finally dropped in. The smash burger wasn't fully smashed and wasn't overly flavorful. I also couldn't taste the jalapeños at all. The burger as a whole just tasted like a typical smash burger (meat, cheese, sauce, and pickles) with nothing sticking out. On the side, the fries were battered which gave them a good crisp, however, they weren't hot or tasty.

    Molly C.

    Delicious burger, vibes like the name, drop in, don't question or try to modify the menu. Order the burger, order the fries, have a beer and head on. Great spot.

    Burger and fries
    Harina J.

    Been here a few Sunday's in a row now and the burger it the perfect lazy Sunday meal, delicious and keeps you full for your day on the sofa of just relaxing. The jalapeños give it a nice little kick and the house ketchup is delicious with the fries!

    Cheeseburger
    Connor D.

    Great lil neighborhood bar, no frills. Solid beer selection, good service. But the NADC burger... that's why you really come here. She ain't pretty/IG-worthy & not the most aesthetically-pleasing but WOW she's so tasty. Two wagyu patties with some pickles, cheese, & a secret sauce (I might be missing something else?) make for some delicious bites. Definitely in my top 5 burgers of Chicago for sure, check them out!

    Chris W.

    I've been trying to try this burger for about a year now. Finally had the chance with the family and it didn't disappoint. This is a classic perfectly cooked smash. The jalapeños give a nice touch without really bringing any heat. The ketchup had a kick that my kids said was spicy but I loved. My wife and I had a couple happy hour espresso martinis before dinner and it all really hit the spot. Great to have another good burger option in town.

    Bourbon Sour! (keepsmilingphoto.com)
    Michael W.

    Not A Damn Chance Burger, a bold statement, wrapped in simplicity, this burger makes quite a statement. Every bite is a griddled delight, expertly cheesed with a nice sauce along with understated grilled onions and jalapenos. Classic, soft bun, could get messy, but somehow I managed pretty well, either way it was going to be a glorious experience. I recognized this as soon as I saw that special package drop in front of me. French Fries were nice, cocktail excellent, can't remember the name, some sort of a bourbon sour, bitterly sweet. Interesting space, love the open kitchen in the rear, quite nice, this is a burger you are not going to forget, Not A Damn Chance! (FDV Approved 4.6 - Food, 4.8; Design, 4.6; Value, 4.5).

    Menu boars
    Ashley S.

    If you like Mezcal, do yourself a favor and get the disco flip. Hands down best burger I've had in Chicago. Great staff, super friendly. Small, intimate setting but the do everything well. The tip is included, but that's stated on the menu and the bartender also made us aware. Would go back and would recommend!

    Burger
    Angelina I.

    Limited tables/seating around the bar area with the kitchen in the back. It took a while until we were able to place our order with the bartender, but the food came out fairly quick. The burgers were good, and the ketchup was homemade. The fries were average.

    They pretty much have just this one thing on the menu.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Kale J.

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    3 years ago

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    Matt W.

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    2 years ago

    Cheeseburgers are so good. This place is the real deal. Love the story of the owners. Oh and they play skate videos!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    burger was deece, but no power to beer taps and ran out of fries. the waiter also calls his guests 'dude'.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Drop In

    How do I order for takeaway?

    We only offer take out orders that are ordered at the bar.

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    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    2.0 miLincoln Park
    $$$

    Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

    Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

    Photos
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

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    Gemini - Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls

    Gemini

    4.0(773 reviews)
    2.1 miLincoln Park
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    Over all this place was okay, and when I say okay it was mediocre…read more How ever I would like to point out that the staff and I repeat the staff was very friendly not to mention very welcoming. I came here with three others and we all ordered different things from the brunch menu along with a few drinks. The atmosphere here is open, modern, and pretty eye catching, we all heard a few negative comments about brunch here and rather than just taking words of advice we came anyways. To be honest we should've went elsewhere, the only thing about the food that actually seemed to have any flavor was the fries and even they were a little salty like my wallet when we left LOL The Jumbo (not so much) Lump Crab Benedict at $25 was honestly boring lacking any flavor also it didn't even come with potatoes I ended up sharing my Lincoln Park Turkey Club that was good but even it was pretty basic at $21, the Burger at $21 literally looked like something off the kids menu the bun was bigger than the patty LOL and the Blackened Chicken Caesar at $19 was more like an appetizer size and the chicken at least it was juicy not dry. Other reviews about brunch here seem to be about the same and honestly I think it's funny they don't even try to elevate their food when so many say about the same things. I think the only reason why people come to this place is 1. It's located in Lincoln Park and 2. that makes it a trendy spot to eat. So why bother fixing anything when it's just trendy and flavorless Their brunch is mediocre but apparently dinner is where it's at. However after the experience with brunch I'm not even sure I would even go back. Come here for the staff eat at your own expense maybe your food will have flavor or not but honestly do what you want and keep it trendy

    Photos
    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

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    Burrata crostini

    Esme

    Esme

    4.0(154 reviews)
    2.3 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

    This review is for Restaurant Week!…read more I really like Esmes vibe overall. It's chic and minimalist. I love that the tables are widely spaced out so you don't feel like you're on top of another party. I loved the bowls everything was served in, and the silverware was unique. And the service was great. I appreciate when they left everyone finish before they clear the table. While I thought all the food was good, I think it overwhelming fell flat flavor wise. I don't think anything blew me away like I was expecting which was disappointing. We had the caviar supplement, which they accidentally gave us two of (amazing), which was good but also didn't blow me away. I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavors of the soup but that's probably a personal problem. The sturgeon and wagyu were alright. I wish I left being amazed but I left thinking I wouldn't come back, not even for RW again. I think my favorite bite of the night was the sticky date cake. I think it was the most flavorful but it wasn't the best dessert I've ever had. It lacked SOMETHING but I couldn't tell you what.

    Photos
    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Dearly Beloved - Zeal without the rest

    Dearly Beloved

    4.3(133 reviews)
    0.8 miNear North Side
    $$$

    Genesis was our server and she was absolutely amazing and attentive. She offered great suggestions…read morewhich we adhered to. Smash burger was . Caesar salad+ shrimp was a hit too. Fried chicken was crunchy and good. A touch sweet for my liking but very good. Truffle fries were a big hit. Also had warm crab dip wish had quite a few shells/cartilage but flavor was good. The drinks were all very good too. Music was nice. You good hear it a vibe to it but it was too loud. We didn't have to yell or talk loudly. We were were celebrating all 4 of our upcoming June/July birthdays and she treats us like rock stars. Great job Genesis

    I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

    Photos
    Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

    A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

    Dearly Beloved - Interior

    Interior

    Dearly Beloved - Bubbles

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    Bubbles

    The Drop In - wine_bars - Updated September 2026

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