I could not be more disappointed. We were having a great time until... My experience is: my friend made a reservation for St. Patrick's Day to be seated inside and our table ended up being outside in a tent that had small heaters. One per table. Whatever. Not the worst of it. Unfortunately, a friend of mine tripped over an exposed cord and she was our DD. Totally sober. Her face is bruised and busted up so she approaches the server and the manager. The manager Sean was responsive and heard her out but the bouncers were absolute assholes. And used a derogatory term (fa*gg**) toward another friend for no reason? He was inquiring about the situation (because it was his girlfriend who fell) and the bouncers responded that way. It ended up being a whole situation but the main issue is the way the bouncers responded. Truly laughed at my friend who was very generous and didn't try to sue or press any charges and still the bouncers made fun of her and victim blamed the shit out of it. How do you reconcile this? Quick edit: our server Maddie was PHENOMENAL, perfectly attentive and served us perfectly. She has nothing to do with this review! read more

If semi-quiet day drinking and peanut shells on the floor are on your agenda, this is your place and if Alex is tending, it's like the cherry on top of a sundae...Enjoy & Cheers! read more

The Lodge Tavern - Alex, the fun bartender at The Lodge...day drinking at it's best! - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We started off the night at Mothers Too, then came across the street for a couple of beers here. It's old. It hasn't changed in forever. If you think there's something cool about that (I do), you'll probably like it here. Honestly, there aren't many places like this left in St. Louis. Anyplace that hasn't move on from the 70's has been left to the geezers and lonely drunks or shut down. Chicago is a big enough place that there are enough sentimental curmudgeons to keep it going. Next time you're I, take a look at the art. It hasn't changed since the 60's probably and it's kind of warped and faded. Maybe they dust the frames once in a while. If you've ever been to Tootsies in Nashville, you know what I mean (old stuff NEVER dusted) (EVER). But I digress...the place was pretty packed, but the server kept a great attitude. Nice traditional watering hole. read more

Always friendly service. Safe and calming atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon. Patrons and staff make the vibe. Don't change it up. It works for many years now! read more

You are on crack of you give this anything less than 5 stars. Feels like I'm on an episode of cheers. F-ing nailed it.

Me and my group of 7 had a blast here recently on a chilly ass Thursday evening! You can eat very good peanuts here and throw the shells on the floor. Pretty good beer on tap here as Bells 2 Hearted Ale and Allagash White was my drinks of choice...hella good time here! read more

This place is adorable. Cute atmosphere and the hot toddy's are great! Good service and plenty of tvs to watch the game.

I should know better. For when the suggestion comes, "let's go to the Lodge", that should ALWAYS be my clue that it is time to go HOME as most of the places I might want to be seen in are usually closed. But do I ever? Nope. I head over to the Lodge, sidle up to the bar and watch in amazement as the people pour into to this place to eat peanuts, drink more when they really don't need to, and get turned away by the bouncers. But all in all, it's harmless fun in the wee hours of Chicago. The bathrooms are a joke. The floors are sticky. And the ogling is high. But as long as you know that when you walk in, this place is A-Ok! For what other choice is there at 3 o clock in the morning??? read more

Some things in life are consistant. You almost know any time you have mac and cheese that unless someone f's it up pretty badly you are going to have a great meal. That peanuts will be all over the place at The Lodge. This place is the mac and cheese of division street- staple if you will If you want to relive your glory days from 1971 when you could drink 21 beers and 4 cocktails and do it the next day and not feel like shit, this could be the place for you. You should come here for the people watching and for hijacking the juke box. I did this last year and no one bothered me. I dont know if its that time for my yearly visit yet. read more

Okay I had my first drink here 20 years ago...Yelp did not exist back then but all of the bars on division street did...it is sad to see all of the bars that are no longer here and are turned into banks, stores and/or restaurants...but some good ones still remain. The Lodge has not changed...it still looks the same. In the old days there use to be a guy on Division handing out poker chips that said Free Shot and you would fight your way in to get that free shot. The bar would be so crowded you would stay and order a drink...the free shot definately worked. Do they still do that? I have no idea...I am probably not coming back on a Saturday night to find out. Recently we have rediscovered this place as a great stop to have a beer or two. The peanuts on the bar and the shells on the floor...what a nice touch and no other bar does that. They also have a nice free app station too...a few weeks ago it was chilli. Can't beat some free food with your drinks. Recently we met the bartender Jennifer and she was really cool...it was empty in here and we had a great conversation with her. She even got our trick or treating off to a good start with some candy. Sweet!!! Back in the days we would come here to meet people from out of town...because locals never went here...it was always a good time. In the 90's this is the street where that fun angry mob turned over that poor taxi cab after the Bulls won a championship. That is a real bright spot on our history. If you are looking for a fun area to hang out and you do not want to go far to hop to the next bar...typically across the street or just next door then Division Street is for you. And make sure you stop by the Lodge becaue you will actually feel like you are skiing when you sit inside here. No lift ticket required!!! read more

The Lodge Tavern - 4 buck fat tires!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We were visiting from out of town. Tried to go to a nearby bar that was closed and then decided to try The Lodge. Little did we know, that this would turn out to be one of the coolest experiences on our trip. The locals inside were especially nice, rounds of shots were had by all and Alex the bartender was f'n amazing! After chatting it up we found out she was leaving to Arizona which is sad but if anyone else coming in is like her, this place will forever be amazing! Just when we thought that the locals and the bartender were enough to write home about, she granted us access to The BullPen. This was the icing on the cake to an already spontaneous yet awesome adventure. Thank you Alex! Thank you The Lodge and thanks to the locals who made us feel like part of the gang. This is going to be a must every time we come visit Chicago. read more

The Lodge Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Was in Chicago on business. 2 co-workers who used to live in Chicago recommended The Lodge for somewhere close to our dinner restaurant Hugo's Frog Bar (http://www.yelp.com/biz/hugos-frog-bar-chicago#hrid:FNkX3LOmdXqAHBgF-omWXA) to hang out a bit before hitting the sack.. Cool bartenders, free peanuts, plenty of room for our group of eight (It was a Tuesday night). It was either jet-lag or extremely heavy pours (punishment for ordering Manhattans in Chicago), but I was pretty much useless until noon the next day. "Andrew, you're not saying much." [grunt] read more

My hubby and I stopped in tonight. The vibe, the decor, the atmosphere, vibe was just awesome! The music was AfroMan then Metallica. Our server, Angie was super nice, dressed like classic pinup model. She was always checking on us. We had an Amazing time!! Oh!! Bathrooms were SPOTLESS!! We definitely will be back!! read more

Never been a fav. Just a sausage party everytime. Mostly older men, 35+ sounds right. Too damn small. I think they need more bar help. When I need bar help I hold large bills in hand. Still nothing. Good place to pass gas and move on. read more

I enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of this place although there was this creepy man pacing back and forth outside on the night that I was here. Luckily, there is actually security here so I felt safer. I love you that they provide you peanuts and that can throw peanut shells on the floor. There seems to be many locals that frequent this bar. Everyone seems to know each other. In fact, I actually did know one or two people here as they also frequent this bar too. The staff was extremely friendly. I recommend ordering the drink specials so you can get the most bang for your buck. read more

I love next door ... literally next door ....I Love the cozy dive vibes. Feels like home. It's just a level of comfort in this bar like NO OTHER! Noel was my bartender two weeks ago and killed it on random unique drinks and killer service and every single time I've walked past the bar since then and we've made eye contact shes smizeing away under her covid mask waving! Seriously her energy is so amazing and genuine I wanna be her friend before chicago closes again and I don't see her. Promote this girl ... thanks girl for being you! read more

This is a cozy bar in the North Coast area and a great place to stop in for a drink. It is not pretentious or trendy and more casual with lots of locals stopping in. As with most Chicago bars, you get carded as you enter and you can sit at the bar or find a table or chair on the side or just stand. There are baskets of peanuts and peanut shells on the floor. We were there around the holidays so everything was nicely decorated with gifts and tinsel and lights. There are local beers on tap and we were happy with something from Revolution. read more

The Lodge Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a standby. You cannot wrong, period. It's great daytime easy bar. Servers like George a so A+. Gotta love it. Guinness on tap. Peanuts can be tossed on the floor Even a better late night it's really the place for an adult to go to in the area. Everything about it is amazing. I like Gibson's, Tavern etc too but Lodge is special. Go for at least one drink. Secrete tip:l get a drink from Jenna. read more

Stopped here, just by chance to get out of the rain. Noticed they had a bloody mary bar, right there at the bar where I sat down. And wouldnt you know, after 4 bloodies this morning at 2 other places, i decided to try one more. The bartender asked if i wanted to make my own, but I let her have a go. By far one of the best bloodies I have had in this city, perfectly done, with a great salad mix. And just for 5 bucks. Great deal. And the place looks like a Barn from the outside, and with peanuts on the floor made it sure felt like one too. But the music was bad, old school throwbacks to the 80's. This place has seen better days. Just go for the bloodies.... read more

The Lodge Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I felt violated. SEVERAL people saw this man touch my back pocket and steal something out of it. Even people I didn't know and when we all tried to tell the bartender (Brunette) haired girl she said he was joking????? Excuse me since when is theft a joke. Also saw her shake hands and was friends with this man beforehand. Sorry I'm not going to a place where the bartenders let their friends act touchy and creepy to girls. Inexcusable I do not recommend going here and if you do I'd stay away from that bartender. This place is beyond messed up. read more

Visited from SF- This bar is full of friendly faces and really antique and cool chachkies. You can make your own Bloody Mary or get a little bottle of champagne for $4! The owner is super nice and the bouncer even gave us some great tips on where to visit. They had free hot dogs and chilly! They are open until 4 or 5am depending on the night! They have jukebox, so play whatever music you please. The bar is full of fun and entertaining locals that are ready to chat it up and hear your story. I am normally not into dive bars, coming from San Francisco, we have one too many but this place was good fun for day drinking. I read some of the other reviews prior and was a bit unsure about the place but just didn't come away with the same experience as the others that had some negative things to say. We also stopped by around noon when the bar first opened. I would come back no question. read more

The Lodge Tavern - Make your own Bloody Mary! - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh the Lodge, so many years , so many memorable memories. They are another in my OG series of favorite places, if I , in fact, have a series, which, one could argue, I do. You can feel the history when you enter this establishment, too. There's a good deal of brown decor from perhaps it's last remodel, in 1973? It's definitely a strangely upbeat, often late night, we're all somehow in this ship together, kind of place. It almost feels Canadian . It kind of feels also like a party for a peripheral friend who just recd a promotion, or something. Like, the possibilities are endless! You know what I'm talking about. Don't pretend you don't.. I can see your heart. Your heart is strong. So, the beer is decent and fairly priced. You want wine, you say? Well you may need to read a different review. I know nothing of their wine collection. They had mixed nut cups out, for the taking, too, which I really didn't need, but was powerless against their beckoning. So,you really must experience this experience. Ok? read more

If you're young and dumb and full of piss and vinegar then this little dive is for you. If you're a little older like me then stay away. I'm absolutely over being in super crowded bars where you can't even order a drink and drunks are picking fights with their alcohol muscles. Free peanuts and shells on the floor everywhere. Those allergic to peanuts beware! read more

Very cute and efficient place. The outside seating is great as is the food selection.

One of the best Dive bars in Chicago. You never know who you'll run into here....including very attractive older women. Cougars or Milfs is the correct term I believe. Place allows dogs and used to be covered in Peanuts BC (Before Covid), but now the whole street is closed and it's a giant party. There are TVs outside to watch all the games. Next thing you know you could be surrounded by seven single women or drooling on yourself on the Red Line home....and you probably missed your stop. But that's The Lodge BABY!!! read more

Amazing service and drinks! Also great with covid protocols and safety! Love the laid back but safe vibe!

The Lodge just isn't a great place to go for drinks, but they've partnered with Weber grill to offer a great menu of food items. Since the Lodge doesn't have a kitchen, they used a 3rd party delivery service to deliver your food to The Lodge. The food came fast, was still hot and was so good! read more

This bar on Division Street packs 'em in. Lots of conventioneers and other visitors come here and make it crowded literally from wall to wall. Have a beer and hope to get it in the maddening crowd. read more

The Lodge Tavern - The Lodge - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Beer in small plastic cups. People throwing peanuts at each other from across the bar. What a dump. Never again. read more

My favorite part about this place has to be the endless supply of peanuts. This was a great spot to catch up with friends and just chill out. It wasn't too loud so we can hear each other talk without yelling. The only thing I didn't like was you had to go to the bar to get your own drink every time. There was no type of table service or any customer service to assist you. Other than that, cool spot. read more

What a pleasant little divey joint! Now it does get a bit busy most days of the week because it's in the little bar district on Division. But I like the vibes and atmosphere of this place. Very simple, domestic beers for the most part, well-trainee bartenders that actually KNOW what they're doing... I'll be back again soon! read more

Stopped in Sunday night for a quick drink. From the street this place looks rather inviting with the peanuts on all the tables. If you are allergic to peanuts do not come in this place. Ordered some beers and pulled up to the bar. Everyone was welcoming if not funny about us wearing Packer and WILD gear. There is a giant old school jukebox you can use to select some music. The bar itself is super cool with all the wood working. This place is like solid wood. Prices for drinks are average for the area. read more

The Lodge Tavern - Bar nuts. - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best bar in division! Best bartender in the city (noelle). Always great energy here and service is second to none. Some people might mislabel this a dive bar. It's not. It's the best bar - locals and visitors alike - Sean's cool too. FYI- they don't take cash but Apple Pay is good. Your welcome in advance. read more

It started off great, but when I asked for help the "bouncers" talked sh** and didn't care. I never leave reviews but I felt like I just had to this time. They were legit a**holes. The reason why I'm speaking this way is because one of our friends tripped over the heater and hit her face on the concrete. I will never go there again. That scarred me. read more

Good grief, I may have just set a personal record for longest times between visiting a bar. I grew up on and around Division/Rush Street so I am more than familiar with the likes of places like The Lodge, Mother's, the old P.S. Chicago and Butch McGuire's. Suffice it to say that I had a fake id back in the day and since I didn't know any better, The Lodge was one of the places my friends and I would frequent with some regularity. Pretty sure the last time I darkened the doorstep of The Lodge my hair was a lot bigger. The Lodge hasn't changed much, which is a good thing. Too many of my childhood haunts have fallen by the wayside so it's good to see this place frozen in time. Same great jukebox (although the Top 40 back then are now considered golden oldies), same peanuts on the floor, same strong drinks, and best of all, the same old dudes trying to pick up young girls. Four stars for a bona-fide, old skool Chicago bar. read more

Time to update my review of The Lodge. People I've seen in The Lodge over the years: - Rick Sutcliffe - Jay Cutla (what a drip) - Greg Olson (dude is huge) - Bruce Froemming - Jimbo Covert - Wee Man - Amy Jacobson - Brian "I don't play defense" Campbell - Mike Haviland - Chris Chelios - Pedro Gomez - L5 (Ladies Love Lucky Larry Legend) - Crazy Denise - "Marty Scorsese" - "Freddie Kruger" - "The Captain" - "The Wig" - and several exes, friends of exes and exes of members of my crew. __________________________ The Lodge. It's still mostly scoffed at by the locals and filled with out-of-towners. But it's still a decent late-night joint. I've just grown to like Rich's House of Ciggies more, even though it's not open until 5 a.m. Nice job on the bathroom renovation, which was desperately needed. Lllllll-ine 'em up. read more

Stay long enough, you'll experience people GONE WILD on the dance floor!! This was absolutely one of the funnest and entertaining bars in Chicago. We actually met a patron that has been coming here for over 15 years. He undoubtably said that hes been all over the city and this is the funnest bar with best energy. Drink prices were decent. If your ever near division/clark stop by! read more

Just an average dive bar. One of my friends from home was pretty much yelling at me to go check this place out, so of course I had to stop in, even just for the photo op to say I went and prove it. After spending an arm and a leg on drink prices all week, this bar was actually a little relief because it is much cheaper than all of the other typical bars in the area. Was the bar fun? No, not at all. Mainly it's to sit and have a drink and talk to a friend about whatever. Nothing really goes on here. They also have peanuts in the shell that you break open, eat, and throw on the ground. So I guess it's cool if you like stepping on peanut shells. The bartender was nice, and made a nice strong drink for me. I also didn't like that the woman's bathroom stalls don't have locks on it. It's like old western style, you push open the two doors, do your thing and push the two doors to go back out. Cute idea, but I'm not overly enthused with the fact that someone can just walk in on me, it's kind of weird. Would I go out of my way to come here again? Most likely no, however, it is good to keep in mind if your trying to save some cash for all the other awesome places Chicago has to offer. read more

I avoid the Division St. bars like the plague. Well, or more like I'm afraid of getting herpes/listeria/ebola/pick-your-unfortunate-disease, which is probably a fair bet at any one of the fine establishments along this strip. But not you, dear Lodge. You are my shining beacon among the filth. Don't get me wrong, the Lodge is dirty as well. There are peanuts all over the floor, skeevy 50+ year old men staring at your ass, and strange stains everywhere you look. But it's comfortable. It's real. It's low-key. And it's cheap. I'm not sure if AARP sent out a notice to all Chicago visitors that the Lodge is the place to hang out on Division st if you are eligible for their benefits, but somehow the Lodge attracts a crowd that is 15-20 years senior than everyone else running around Detention, the Snuggery, or (ugh) Shenanigans. Even though I fall in between those two demographics, I'll take my leering old men any day in order to throw peanuts and chug moscow mules. Now the highlight of the Lodge is definitely the alley in the back and the tiny little bar that the bartender has to crawl over to stand in there. I've spent hours in that alley chatting with friends, not realizing how late it's gotten. I say that's a sign of a good bar. read more

The Lodge is hilarious. The median age of the crowd here is about 35, but you can always find a few youngters such as myself who are there to enjoy the music, peanuts, and hoping to get picked up by some cougars. Everyone has always been very friendly at this bar, it never takes long to get a beer, and I always end up hanging out with funny older people. It's not necessarily that they are funny individuals, but more that older people are funny per se. One time I was standing outside after they closed, and we kept hearing a big "clunk" but couldn't tell where it was coming from. After about 5 clunks we figured out it was the jackass in the back of the paddy wagon throwing himself against the door. We later saw him crumpled in a heap on the floor in the wagon. Awesome. read more