This place is fun! It's different, and the people are friendly. I don't think you'll find another bar like this in Chicago, and I definitely think everyone should experience it, at least once. I've only been here one time, but I definitely plan to go back. This place really is like a matchbox! It's long, but not very wide. There's enough room for the bar, the stools, and a "walkway" which is usually filled with people standing and drinking. Be prepared to get very close to the other patrons. You'll be rubbing against them to get to the other end of the bar. Be prepared to get very close to people. If you like your "personal space", this probably isn't your spot. But, have a couple drinks and you'll be too busy enjoying yourself to mind the people brushing past you. The drinks are GOOD! The bartender really knew what he was doing. Plus, he gave us the shaker with the left over drink that wouldn't fit in our glasses for us to pour out when we downed our drinks. Awesome! Overall, it's definitely a cool place to have some good drinks and interesting conversations, with some cool people. read more

Alexandra made me the best cosmo! Danae made me an amazing gin and jam. Such an amazing ambience and excellent workers.

Yay for the Matchbox! How can such a tiny little place be such a huge draw to so many drink lovers? It's easy when the drinks are this good. It's true this bar is really small. You'd think the designers of it thought they were in Tokyo. Basically the bar and bar stools and about a foot of walking room between the stools and the wall. In the summer months they have an expansive patio set up, but don't expect to find an open table during happy hour. Back to those drinks. All the martinis and froo-froo cocktails are made with the best ingredients, measured out perfectly, and served straight from the shaker into your chilled glass. It seems like there's always a little extra leftover in the shaker, so they leave it out in front of you and come back and top you off once you've sipped down some of whatever hoochy goodness you ordered. Some recommendations include their margarita (up), a gin and elderflower concoction they invented, their cosmo (divine), or simply their standard but perfect vodka (or gin) martinis and Manhattans. The bartender Jackie is very friendly and easy to talk to, so don't be shy. I saw someone on here complain about one rude bartender, but so far I've never had a bad experience. I've found that people who get "rude" service have it all in their heads or think service people are happy robots. Talk to the guy like he's a human being, and chances are you'll get treated like one in return. And yes, this is a "unique" place that won't be for everyone. But its individuality is what makes it charming. It's a hole-in-the-wall that actually gives a shit about serving good drinks. Oh, and it's pretty cheap too compared to nearby River North joints. Martinis are $8, I think. read more

It's good for you. The ginger. Ok, so that wasn't in the description for my drink, but it was a line on the menu about another ginger drink. I ordered a ginger vodka gimlet, and it was amazing. All of the drinks at our table came out in metal shakers. I would say it filled the little martini glasses about 2.5 times. Not bad for $8.50 drinks. I will try to explain this, but when I tried to explain it while I was there with my friends...I pretty much got a "that's what she said". So, the ginger isn't very noticeable when you first sip this drink. It won't be overwhelming. However, there is an after taste that kind of dances over your tongue. I don't know if that makes sense, but hopefully it didn't sound as wrong as my last attempt at explaining it. All of the drinks at our table came out in metal shakers. I would say it filled the little martini glasses about 2.5 times. Not bad for $8.50 drinks. We sat outside on the patio rather than in the teeny tiny bar (my friend is claustrophobic....I just learned that when we got there). The only downside to this place was our waitress. She rarely came around to check on us, and when she did she wasn't very helpful...or nice. Bottom line, I loved that drink! One of the better drinks I've had recently for sure read more

Excellent place. Was recommended by Jeremiah (sp) from Twisted Spoke to see "Tony" and to try the Margaritas. I'm glad I did. The place is very small and intimate. The drinks are delicious and I was told that you can order food from bar next door and have it brought in. Place looks like it has much history behind it and I would not be surprised if I go back in there again and make it a night. Definitely will be back. read more

The Matchbox - The bar - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Awesome. Mixology bar, very very reasonably priced, barman is a genius. The menu is very impressive. Many drinks have vodka's infused in house. Bartenders super friendly. Bonus points for accomodating a diabetic friend and still making great tasting drinks for her. Also invented some amazing drinks on the fly for us. Never had sriracha in a drink before and fell in love with the idea. A hidden gem in Chicago. Off the beaten track and worth the entire experience. Caveat - the place is tiny. I think it's the narrowest bar i've ever been to in my life. The toilets are also super mini with the smallest sink i have ever seen. If you sit by the back, things will get a little too cozy for comfort. There is only bar seating - no tables and no standing room. So you have to come here at the right time. As many ppl have pointed out, the name matchbox is intentional. read more

The Matchbox has been a staple on Milwaukee and Ogden for a lonnnnnng time.. I understand change. It has been a lonnnnnnng time since I last went to the Matchbox. Matchbox is a bar that I have always felt comfortable to go by myself. I went to the Matchbox last night by myself. As I sat at the bar, I noticed some changes. I started to speak to two guys sitting next to me. They were super cool. We all have experienced the Matchbox and we started to share our stories. Mind you when I sat at the bar.....i ordered my drink maybe 10 minutes into sitting at the bar. I didn't get my drink...let's just say it tooooook a while for me to get my drink. and the bartender was so rude about my drink. As the guys and I were sharing stories, I noticed the bartenders were uncomfortable with our sharing. It turned out the bartenders were so uncomfortable coupled with my late drink. The guys shared with the Bartenders their thougthts about the late drink. The bartenders turned that into we were being rude and "we" the bartenders don't need to serve you. They took our drinks and kicked us out. In all my years at the Matchbox, i have never ever experienced anything like last night. I understand change, but not at the expense of customers who have been going to the Matchbox for wow lots of years! Such a shame that change looks like that! Shame on you Matchbox read more

If Anthony Bourdain was to compile a "13 Places to Drink Before You Die" list, I think the Matchbox would make the list. It's that honest-to-goodness good. Nope, good isn't a good adjective for this hole-in-the-wall drink emporium. It's like calling El Bulli a nice eating experience. Understatement of the decade! And, Matchbox deserves raves; it excels at what it does. If you visit, pull up a stool and get ready to shoot the shit with Jackie. She's a hoot and a holler. All sass and class. And, if you're the curious sort (and I am), get ready for a master class on mixology. Be sure to try the ginger gimlet or - my new favorite - the gin blossom. (yes, that's a play on the 90s band). Jackie concocted this cocktail for a gin competition and makes it with edelweiss liqueur and home brewed ginger ale. The perfect ending to Yelp Eats #2 at Venus read more

Clever name? Yes. Realistic description? Pretty much. I guess they are right when they say good things come in small packages, because this place is awesome... but man, is it small. A place this great should be at least 20 times it's current size, and they could call it Matchbox 20. ...Nothing? Hmm, well, it you didn't close your browser window already, then let me just give you a bit of advice. Try to sit close to the front door. If you grab a seat at the far end of the bar, it gets really, really narrow. This place can get "packed" and you'll be moving forward even 5 minutes for people trying to get to the bathroom in the back. I say "packed", because a couple groups is all it takes to make this place seem full. So, the total number of people won't be that many, but it'll still be wall to wall people. The sign on the wall says max. 29 people, but unless they mean half balancing on the other half's shoulders, I don't see that happening. When the weather permits, the outside seating is very pleasant (and obviously adds some much needed space). The service is really great here, and you'll always get a good drink. This is definitely a good place to come after work or an event (a little early) with a group and just kinda take over the place for a few hours. read more

I'm still working my way around the area, but this is way up there with my favorites. It's tiny, touting being "Chicago's most intimate bar". That's not a lie, it's very little, like nine stools in a hallway, and it's divey. But the beer selection was very good, they also made Old-Fashions and other cocktails with great care. Silverpalm next door is amazing as well, I believe there owned by the same people. read more

The Matchbox - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The smallest bar I have ever been in, hence the name. You can sit one guy at the bar and there is only enough room to walk behind him. FOOD: You can have anything you want, as long as you bring it. DRINK: They had an immaculate hard liquor selection. A few taps of which I was not accustomed, but I gave them a try. Very good! ATMOSHERE: Just a few people hanging out. Bartender was a cool guy. The place seemed to get narrower at the back which actually made me think the bar might end up touching the far wall. I had a good time and I will go back. The bartender played his Ipod with some good tunes. See you next time. read more

Back when I interned at a gallery that was down Milwaukee way back in the early-mid '90's during the Salad Days of college, I would walk past the Matchbox every day. When I would leave work, I would peer into the small space of this bar and always see professional people in dark clothes drinking drinks in, "Big Girl," glasses. I was not only too young to go in, but scared. What is in that glass? Why are they all wearing black? Having traveled the world, lived in much bigger cities and gotten a taste for, "Big Girl," drinks, actually visiting the Matchbox was an exciting prospect! Long day at work? Vodka Gimlet with fruit macerated simple syrup. Three into it you'll be laughing at the day and falling off your chair. The preferred gimlet is the pineapple, but they're all quite good. The rim of the glass is always coated, the drinks are always properly garnished (all of them), which I have found something that lacks in Chicago bars. Garnish! The bartender leaves the shaker. Garnish and a shaker -- that's class! I don't think I will ever be able to pull off black but nobody there really seems to care. There is a nice lack of 20-somethings each time I've been into the bar, perhaps due to the time of day, or because I could never bring myself to step foot in the joint when I was in that age category. Youthful folly! I like the mature feel of the bar, it is cozy, a little smelly, but a great place for a drink. The bartenders are quite top drawer. read more

Matchbox is appropriately named. There are 11 bar stools in the entire bar. It's probably no more than 700 sq ft. It is incredibly unique. The cocktails are 2nd to none. Vodka Gimlets, Margaritas, Manhattans are some of my faves. The service is less than admirable. Point blank, the bartenders are a$$holes, but that's because they know that no matter how they treat you, you're going to sit there and wait (sometimes 15 minutes) for a cocktail, because they're just that good. Neighborhood is a bit dicey, which makes parking easy. Silver linings everywhere. Great for happy hour if you can beat the crowd and nab a seat. There is an outdoor patio in the summer as well. I've been multiple times, and I'll be back again. Not bad, not bad... read more

Best cocktail bar in Chicago. A total dive I unexpectedly encountered and wasted away a perfectly wonderful winter Saturday afternoon chatting to locals and admiring the awesomeness of the place. Oh, and getting drunk. Lets not forget that part of it. The cocktails are GREAT and contain all the wonders of fresh juices, top class bitters, large ice cubes and lots of shaking. No, this isn't a swanky place that caters to the "in" crowd. It's better than this. It's a Harley Davidson-driving, black-bearded man with workmans hands and a belly laugh crafting exquisite cocktails in a tiny dive outfitted in knick knacks and paper money collected from around the world. Pull a seat up at the bar and join in the fun. Be prepared to be the butt of all jokes at some point. If you dish it, you gotta take it. read more

BEST BAR OR BESTEST BAR? TOUGH QUESTION. I think this bar sums up all that is Chicago. The bartender has a bit of chub and is cheerful while wearing a Smiths tshirt and a Bulls cap. It is a tiny bar that serves excellent cocktails. What more could you ask for? If you haven't been here then you don't know Chicago. read more

I love this place and everything that it is (and its unapologetic demeanor in things its not). They know how to make cocktails, they make them well, and give you leftovers so you get 1 and a half drinks for price of one. Years, ago, before Yelp, when I was such a novice on cocktails and actually enjoyed Vodka (I can't stomach that anymore), the friendly older woman bartender told me, no, she would not make me a vodka martini. No, instead, martinis should be made with gin and that's what she made me. I was impressed, and that point forward, I have only grown to appreciate gin and left vodka behind forever. Where else can you find a place that will tell you that you don't know more than the bartender? I came last night, and while the evening is cool, this place is perfect for the Autumn and Winter. read more

While trend arbiters in the media have been fawning over various bars that triumph the Return of the Serious Cocktail or whatever they call it, the Matchbox has been doing this for years before it was the new big thing. Even better, the drinks here still come without absurd prices and have always been served with a refreshing lack of pretension. I'm especially partial to their sidecars, but nothing here is bad. Juices are fresh, vodkas are house-infused, and their brandy-soaked cherries are exceptional. I definitely prefer to get here early, for reasons that have been covered thoroughly in other reviews. Substantial outdoor seating in warm weather makes things more manageable, but even that space fills up quickly, so be forewarned. Under any circumstances, this bar deserves its popularity, so the crowds are really a small price to pay. read more

Margaritas in a martini glass: fun Margaritas in a martini glass that magically fill up when you put them down on the bar: amaze-balls the place is cute and, as the name suggests, cozy! headed over here after dinner at silver palm for a drink. a friend of mine said that they had the best margaritas in the city so, of course, we had to stop by and check it out. they did not disappoint: POWDERED SUGAR AROUND THE RIM OF THE GLASS! it wasn't too crowded to our party of 6 was able to get in and find a spot by the bar. i have a feeling this is a VERY rare occurrence on a saturday night. if i was going to venture out here again i would definitely do it with maybe one other person to be sure we had a shot at a place to sit. all in all: cute, cozy, and good drinks. definitely worth a visit. read more

Terrific, tiny, old-school bar with great drinks. A great spot to meet a friend for a drink, but you may have to stand in the crowded little place. When I say tiny, I mean tiny--there's barely room for a row of people behind the barstools. Get there early or plan to get cozy to enjoy the welcoming, neighborhoody ambiance of The Matchbox. read more

Writing my review FROM THE BAR because I like this place so much. My fiancé and I just moved to an apartment less than a quarter mile away and walked down this evening in search of good cocktails. We started with some gin gimlets, had a couple Zombie Dusts, then finished with margaritas. The bartender with the badass beard also made a tasty tasty concoction with mezcal for us... He said it had cilantro and lime and balsamic vinegar. Top notch. Can't wait to come back. read more

The Matchbox - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh, Matchbox. If only you'd been five minutes closer to my apartment -- then, I really would have been a regular. This place is small (ok tiny, but everyone else's review can hit this point), but it feels more comfortable than that (except when you're skirting by five people to get to the bathroom). It looks like a dive, but it feels more like a no-nonsense bar where you go for some drinks. It doesn't have a specific time or occasion -- it is there for whatever you may need. I don't know how to explain it, but I just felt welcome here. I'm not big into cocktails, but the cocktails here came in a reasonable end (all of the normal things) and a higher end (fancier drinks). I had something made with jelly and gin that was shaken up and it was delicious and I would get it a million more times. Good beer selection too! Some interesting things, some normal ones, more or less reasonable prices. When it comes to it, five star reviews are reserved for places that force me to give them. As a consumer, I really value feeling welcome and belonging -- and I got that sort of calm, no-nonsense vibe here. read more

Great place. The matchbox used to taunt me everyday on my commute home from work as I exited the Chicago El stop. Am I in a great mood and want to have a drink? Did Lumburgh totally screw up my day and now I need to drown my sorrows? In either scenario, the Matchbox works perfectly. Add in a nice patio and you have one of the better bars in Chicago. If you're hungry, you can get some great food from the Silver Palm next door. I highly recommend the smoked ribs. I will also say that this is one of the better pours in Chicago. Not to mention that they keep a decent selections of stogies behind the bar. Sure, there's not much room to move, but if you're looking for a great, low-key bar, with good music, and good people, you can't do much better than the Matchbox. read more

Ridiculously small inside. I almost had a panic attack from being wedged in this place like a sardine without the oil. Never again!!! If you do decided to visit, do so in the summer when the outdoor seating is available. read more

This is hands down the smallest bar that I've been to since moving into town and I'm fairly sure I'll be hard pressed to find smaller. This is not a bad thing to me. I'm from a small town and this smaller then my small town bars. For sure the best cocktails in town. Go for an old fashion or a margarita. It's not going to be what you expected but in the best possible way. Get selection of all your boozes and a fairly above average beer selection. I'd give their tap a 3 outa 5 but I generally go for the booze not the beers. The music is always rad, bartenders are always top notch too. I've always got a good laugh from all of my bartenders and 9 times out of 10 I'll land some sort of free one on the bartender and its not like I'm a big spender or a great beauty. A great choice for start or end of a date location. Just one of those type of places. Being directly (no joke you can see it from the window) across from the Chicago Blue Line stop makes it just too easy to get to not to go, at the very least, every once and again. The vibe of this something to experience as well. As small as it is it doesn't get claustrophobic. Its more of a homey / intimate setting. Its old as hell too which makes checking the bar and behind always fun. I always notice something new. Try and find the cranes. Want something mellow, no crowd, go home with a nice layer of booze coating your brain night? The Matchbox is your ticket to happy town.....now boarding. a great choice for start or end of a date location. read more

We had a blast spending the afternoon with "Tony" he was a friendly bartender that made the best margaritas and we loved the tiny atmosphere and locals that visited daily. Great place, highly recommended. read more

The Matchbox - Great prices and a very cool, old-school, laid back pub. Highly recommended. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They served my favorite cocktails and has excellent service. One of the best bars in west loop.

I was in there tonight in a two person party with my wife and I got my bill but it wasn't itemized and they already added tip in. The server did not tell me this and I added extra tip in. Who the hell adds tip in for a two person party? I won't be back to these scammers. read more

Favorite cocktail bar in Chicago! Every cocktail is top notch and the bartenders know how to make them! They always have cheap beer and a shot special. Saddle up and grab a drink at the most intimate bar in Chicago! read more

Chicago has mainstream bars a dime a dozen, but this little gem is worth going out of your way to try. The bar is small and as you walk back narrows even further so that you can barely open the bathroom door wide enough to fit through. This small atmosphere makes it great for meeting new people and winding down from a tough day. The best part about their drinks is they coat the rim of all their martinis with powdered sugar, a trait I have yet to see copied in all my travels. This makes all the cocktails delightfully sour and sweet - going along with the theme of this tiny neighborhood bar. read more

We stumbled (literally) into this place Friday night. Wow, what a great bar. Sure its about 3 feet wide, but that really lends itself to meeting new people, especially when they have to squeeze past you to get to the can. "Excuse me, I really have to go" "Hey, be my friend?" "Sure, just let me get by so I can take a leak!" "Call me" The service was great. The bartenders friendly. The crowd was very eclectic. Their margaritas were rimmed with powder sugar. L didn't like it, but T couldn't get enough. Great late night ambiance. We loved it. read more

This place is GREAT! I have been going here since it first opened in the 90s -back when the stuffed taxidermy Border Collie use to be put outside for people to look at and and try to help. "Here doggie doggie" over loud speaker was called outside until the cop put an end to it. Great drinks, great bartenders and a great cozy place with a very unique feel. I love it here brings back very fond memories. read more

"Chicago's most intimate bar" indeed - this place is great, just for the type that appreciates fitting bars into whatever space is available. It's really long, skinny, and makes for some close human contact. I really only had a couple beers here, so I can't review all the food and such, but the staff was nice and the decor is fun and kitchy... Lots of old.... wait for it.... Matchbooks! and cigar/cigarette paraphernalia. Great stop on a bike-pub crawl... read more

So this week would be "Cocktail Appreciation Week" After the yelp Lush event, on a quest to keep the momentum going before our 10:30 time to go to the Violet Hour event... ..we stopped by Matchbox. I always want to go there..and never get the chance.. finally we did, we even got a seat outside, which is nice.. not beautiful or serene..but interesting nonetheless.. The margaritas are Awesome!!! and very very strong.. my husband had a Side Car, which he said he had had better. We ordered some food...Goat Cheese with marinara and Calamari... mmmm...both really delicious, it made we want to come back to try the food at the restaurant next door...from the sites of them menu...it seems tasty.. The waitress was a little slow and a bit spacey...but luckily we were happy and patient and found it a tad endearing. read more

Classic! Even though it looks divey, and that's the appeal of this place, PBR isn't the only beer under $4. The space is small, thin, and long, so just politely push your way to the bathroom. Even though I had a horrible experience there last night where I was yelled at by a very drunk, very disgruntled man after I told him that he was breathing on my neck, I will continue to come back for the cozy, crowded quarters that allow for conversation with friends, even if there is the occasional drunk asshole. read more

Nothing but great things to say about the Matchbox. It has everything you can want in a bar: friendly, knowledgeable bartenders; a superb drink list featuring classic as well as modern cocktails; a great beer list with a couple of cool Belgium beers; and shockingly good wine should you be in the mood for that. We've never had a bad time here, and it really is thanks to the bartenders, who couldn't be nicer and make a mean cocktail. Word to the wise: it is very small, so get here early and snag a seat. It opens at 4pm, so it's a great early bar should you want to get the day started before the normal 5pm bar opening time. 79/365 read more

As much as I hate how I feel the next morning after a night at the Matchbox, I can't stop coming back here. Gimlet, for the love of Pete, get a gimlet. Or a Manhattan... Or whatever!! The cocktails are phenomenal and the bartenders get it right. 6 months ago, I brought my high class, out of town friend (why do I have a high class friend, I have no clue) here and he ordered a rye Manhattan. He STILL raves about it and asks when he's in town again to go there. read more

Solid drinks that are not wimpy, great atmosphere and always interesting people in there. Great selection of spirits! Patio is nice in the summer. The service is consistent. The place is small on the inside. read more

My wife and I live in west town and love to patronize local joints. Stopped in the matchbox for a quick drink, and were served promptly by Ryan, a nice fella with a dark beard and glasses. His partner, a burly guy with a red beard and sleeve tats comes in and takes over bar operations. My beer empties and I try to flag down red beard. Now if you've ever been to this bar, you know he doesn't have a lot of real estate to cover, yet somehow this gentleman can't seem to spot me sitting dead center of the bar on a slow Monday night. I wait patiently for ten more minutes as he mixes a few cocktails and I attempt to flag him down as he passes right in front of me three more times. My wife finishes her glass of wine, and I say it's time to go. Left a 25% tip which I should have earmarked for Ryan, but didn't feel like having a conversation with lumber jagoff. Now I'm not sure of the reason for this discrimination, but if I had to guess, I would say it was because my wife and I didn't fit in with the second bartender's particular taste in alternative fashion. Perhaps my button-up shirt and her casual dress were offensive to his tastes. Whatever the reason, it made for a poor first and last impression of a place I really wanted to like. Good business starts with good people, and I'm afraid I expect the bar staff at a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall to bat better than .500 in that department. The good news is that there are plenty of other good spots around west town to spend my beer money. Red beard, you had one job. You're a disgrace to the industry. read more

This place ooozes atmosphere/character--whatever you want to call it. I now have a sense of what the bars were like when my grandfather hit the town because he drank here, and the aside from the outdoor seating, he said the place has not changed in 50 years. Bartenders are top-notch, not just some little hotties that can do nothing more than serve beer. Outdoor seating is a plus--but service can be a tad slow when the weather is nice and the tables are full. Also, great people watching! read more

This has been our favorite go to bar for years. Go here. Order a vodka gimlet. Drink and repeat. You're welcome. read more

The Matchbox - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois