Gotta say, really enjoy this place. I've done karaoke here a few times and never had an issue. Staff was super nice and all around had a good time! read more

Alright, so I've been here a few times, it's in the neighborhood, a quick bee line from the red line on my way home from work and open late. Granted, this should mean that it would be ideal for me, but this bar might classify as one of the worst bars in the city. First off, there wasn't a drink menu, which I think is a terrible thing, so I ask the waitress if I could then pick anything my little heart desired, and obviously, she didn't get it, maybe it was because the bass level in the bar itself made her somewhat unable to understand humor... but then my friend ordered a pomegranet martini, and the waitress yells down to us (seeing as we're seated in this booth that makes us feel like we're in studio 54) and says that they don't have pomegranet, okay no big deal, she just decided to switch to peach, but the waitress tells her that they don't have REAL peach... just syrup.... Ok, but maybe it's me, but would you really want your staff saying that? It kind of takes the trend out of trendy... this might be okay if it was a dive bar, but it's not... I won't ever come back here, I'd take Crew over this place any day.... or Fat Cat's which are both right down the street. read more

Perfect easy going lounge in the middle of my uptown. I've lived here for over twenty years and this kind of lounge wasn't happening back in the day. Nice staff too. Be sure not to get shooshed, music is very serious here, they will actually turn a spotlight on you. Of course NOT ! But you will get shooshed read more

Desperately wish I could give this place a zero. Just came here after a concert at the Riviera with my best friends visiting from northern Michigan (the actual kindest people) and the owner of the bar (a woman- larger dark haired lady) got in our face for accidentally taking the wrong drink. That's real. For 10 minutes, losing her mind. Left there so confused and bummed. Not Chicago's finest :/ please don't bother going here if you want to have a positive environment. Thanks for reading. read more

I went in for a couple drinks the other night and really enjoyed the atmosphere. I was happy it was not a concert night because it can get pretty packed in the bar as people try to pregame before a show. I will definitely be back! read more

The uptown lounge turned out to be the intermezzo stop for me while heading over to the aragon for the flaming lips show. And, what a nice intermezzo it was. Granted, it was hard to switch from hopleaf, but that can't be held against the uptown lounge. It was clear that a lot of the people there were doing what me and my friend were doing. There was a decent crowd, but it wasn't hard to find a seat. While the beer selection was solid, it did feel like a better selection would really make the uptown lounge. Its in a great place and can draw a good crowd read more

My friend Sarah and I always come here when we need a late night option. Michael always takes great care of us. Not only is he a great bartender, he also genuinely cares about his regulars as well as his new customers. I have enjoyed getting to know him and Uptown Lounge. They also always have a great special going! read more

This is my favorite neighborhood late night spot! The bartenders are always attentive and make sure my drink is full. Even when there is a show at the riv or Aragon, the bartenders always take care of everyone, including their regulars. Jen, Mike, Cheryl, and Nora are my favorite bartenders and always ensure I leave happy. On the weekends this late night hot spot offers karaoke! Come by and have some fun! read more

Located in uptown right off of the El near Riviera and the Aragon. Its a small loungy room that's framed with tall-backed couches and a long wooden bar. Music is hit or miss. Karaoke as well. Open late the whole week. Hours: 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 4 p.m.-5 a.m. Saturday read more

I have only been here on a Wednesday night. Its usually not too crowded even after the other bars around close up. you'll see a handful of regulars sitting around, nose in their drink, or staring at the television which usually has some sports channel on. The Dj's spin a mix of new wave, synth pop, industrial, and shoe-gaze. I love the fact that it is roomy even for a small space. That plus it IS a late night bar, which I haven't found too many of this far north. Parking can be a bit tedious, especially if the surrounding venues are having events on that night. read more

We needed a place to keep warm before a show- and Uptown Lounge was that place. Good drinks and comfortable atmosphere. I'll definitely stop by again next time we're in the area. Great location! read more

This place is a cool no frills bar. Not really a sports bar. But they do have tvs. Looks like its been through a lot. Lots of character (and characters). But its a fun crowd for the most part. Karaoke is big there. So if u like that (or not) check the calendar or call. No food but delivery choices. Its a good place for a few drinks. read more

LOVE this place! Fun atmosphere and The staff was friendly and accommodating. We happened to be in the bar at the same time as a couple of one star yelpers. These people were out of line and the manager handled the situation professionally and appropriately. We had a super fun night and will be back. read more

I love this place, probably the most diverse bar in the most diverse neighborhood in one of the most diverse cities in America. Calling yourself "The Uptown Lounge" takes some balls, especially for a bar that didn't even exist 10 years ago, doubly so if you're right across the street from the Green Mill, owned by Al Capone in the 1920s, and which helped make this neighborhood internationally infamous. But it lives up to the promise of its name, by quietly attracting one of the most random and interesting crowds in the city. One night last spring, the place was empty, and then within what seemed like 20 minutes filled up with: (a) a black motorcycle gang, wearing full leathers and patches; (b) a bunch of pasty white middle-aged fat dudes, some in Dungeons & Dragons t-shirts, others in non-ironic Cosby sweaters (not judging, I own both); (c) the Latino crowd spilling out from some narcocorrido show at the Aragon (next door), sharp-dressed Mexican dudes in cowboy boots and their girlfriends in cameltoe shorts and super-short skintight dresses. As I sit here taking notes on my phone, a heavily tattooed blonde with a pixie cut is telling a random person at the bar how she's concluded that the Swans are really just a black metal jam band, while a burly off-duty CTA conductor (the Lawrence stop is across the street), still in uniform, does the NYT crossword, while a UFC bout plays on the HDTV above them. And I considered not mentioning this, but in the spirit of the "information wants to be free" ethic, I'll say it: The Uptown Lounge has the highest percentage of hot, single women drinking alone at the bar in the city. It's like a north side version of The Joynt, but with 20-something neighborhood denizens rather than Gold Coast cougars. It's not a big room, maybe 2000 sq ft, some couches surrounded by votive candles in the "lounge" area, and an elevated space that serves as a dance floor. Usually pretty empty early, gets crowded late nights, but everyone gets along. This can be a very tense neighborhood, but I've never witnessed a tense moment inside of here; if you're here, you're here to get fucked up, and there's an ecumenical camaraderie about that. Music ranges from internet jukebox to dj's just getting started to 80's videos that look like they were recorded on VHS. Beer selection is good, lots of obscure stuff, typical north side pricing. read more

I'd been to Uptown Lounge for a friend's open mic earlier in the year. At the time I thought it was fine, but nothing special enough for me to return. Fast forward about six months and my friends are looking to have one last drink after Beer Hoptacular at the Aragon. Someone suggests Uptown Lounge so we go. It's fairly crowded but we're able to snag a booth as another party is leaving. I look at the menu and...whoa. Everything here seems way more expensive than I remember. We order anyway, but all agree the prices are about $2-$3 more than they should be ($8 for a Gumballhead bottle, $8 for a Breckenridge porter bottle, and a whopping $13 for a Dragon's Milk bottle - normal sized, not the big one). While we sat we noticed the bar tvs playing a weird mix - sports on the bar side, but Tru TV on the booth side. Service was fine, but no one was interested in staying beyond their one drink. I came to find out Uptown Lounge has a "normal" beer list and a "concert" beer list and that, indeed, the concert one has prices raised by a few dollars. That strikes me as really slimy and I don't think the other bars in the area do it. Nothing about Uptown is impressive and I'll be heading over to Green Mill, Crew, or Fat Cat for future post-show drinks. read more

Do NOT go here. They used to be a fun little 4 am bar but not the owner is super rude and sassy. As soon as I walked in, she's giving attitude. This place is not what it used to be. Do not go!!! Go to Fat Cat around the corner where the service is warm, friendly and top notch. read more

I can literally crawl from this joint, to my bed in 5 minutes. I've done the tests. Want to just have a drink or 15 and stay out until 4 AM? Uptown Lounge has you covered. Excellent people watching here. All walks of life, which is reflective of Uptown itself. Great bartenders and nice comfy booths. read more

Awesome neighborhood bar. Always my go to for a plan B or last minute decision. Bartenders are super friendly as well as the crowd.

Stopped in this past Thursday before the Mastadon/Gojira show at the Riv. Met a friend from out of Town for a couple drinks and I must say i was very impressed. For 2 reasons. 1.) They had Anti-Hero which I enjoy and 2.) My favorite band DOWN came on the jukebox which made the experience that much better. I will def come back when i'm around the neighborhood. The bartender was cool and everyone had a good vibe...maybe they were just happy it was 80 degrees last thursday. Rock on ~ read more

Unfortunately, my friends and I had a horrible first impression and experience at this place. The doorman was horribly rude, like on a power trip. As we left, he called me a bitch. It definitely got ugly. read more

Kept seeing signs for Uptown Lounge off the CTA and finally stopped in on a Saturday night. It was a great bar with a good variety of music. It is great you can grab a seat at a bar or even sit down at a booth without waiters coming over and taking your order! read more

I like this place. But be forewarned...it's a late night, after hours bar which tends to attract an unusual mix of people desperately seeking that "last" drink of the night. Kinda campy, but very fun, and the staff is wonderful, laid back, and friendly. The specials change all the time and the food is decent. And they are accommodating. Last time I was there I stayed for hours and found myself dancing ridiculously around the entire bar with my friend. Although we were the only ones dancing at some moments, nobody seemed to care (or maybe it just seemed that way to me!) Either way, the staff remained friendly, and the customers there are usually good natured. Happy to have this place in my hood. Recommend you go take a look. read more

I'm drunk so brave the story and spelling errors. Being new to the Uptown Neighborhood and used to the Wrigley night life and bar scene, I decided to check out the late night fun of the only busy place in Uptown. Around sixty people were in this place for the most part having a great time ( a couple in a booth were having too much fun...just go home and f~€k). The door guy checked my I.D. (weird cause I'm old, and look old) but he made me laugh cause I fell on my way in, and I thought for sure he was gonna push me back out the door. He has an intimidating look about him, almost a "I know how to make you regret your actions quickly and painfully" type of look but don't worry he's sociable. So, compass tattoo door guy remember me. The bartenders are beautiful, almost like you can pick the girl next door, or be whipped by the dominatrix. Regular prices are a bit high, but they had a show that night, and Karaoke is fun, but I wasn't drunk enough. Certainly has a dive bar atmosphere but with a little 70's flare thrown in with the booths. If you sit and people watch you get to see every bar patron stereotype within a few minutes being played out right I front of you. The creep taking pictures of the bartenders ass, the alcoholic, the recovering addict, newly 21 loud chic and her guy friends who pick up the bill, the quiet lonely guy who is looking for friends or anyone to talk to. Oh wait that was me this time, oops. Everyone working there was really cool and fun to talk to, even the massive dude near a creepy side-room. He is like a large teddy bear, but can probably hit like a grizzly. I recommend a bar seat near the entrance for people watching. The door guy will make you laugh as he scans every I.D. One girl didn't know her own middle initial, and instead of physically tossing her, like i see in wrigley, he just opened the door and pointed out. They left but kept trying to come back and argue with him calling him everything they could, still, he kept his calm and suggested another bar for them to try. They threatened to write a report even.. for what? If you want to get into a bar act like your able to get into a bar haha I was drunk, but i still know my middle initial. Staff makes it fun, and I even made some new drinking buddies, hell, they bought me enough shots and fed me cookies. read more

My boyfriend and I decided to go out for Martinis so we tried Uptown Lounge for the first time. They have $5 Martinis on Thursday, which is a pretty great deal. I got a fruity rum martini (suggested by the bartender) and it was pretty good. It had a good amount of rum and it and was tasty. For my second drink I had a Banana Chocolate Martini and it was amazing. The chocolate martinis here are no joke. It's so refreshing to have a chocolate martini that's not nasty. The vib here is chill and was pretty open when I was here. I will def be going back for $5 martinis. read more

I love this place, not only is it close to home but every other Friday Gene Hunt spins w/other dj's!! The atmosphere is always chill and the crowd is laid back. Jen has got to be the sweetest person (just don't get out of pocket! LOL) the whole staff is very friendly and attentive. I grow to love this place/staff more every time I go there. I am now claimin them part of the FAM! Wanna a place to kick it w/laid back peeps & good house music every other friday....This is where you go :) read more

This is definately the place to go late night on Fridays. I'm not sure about the other nights, but if you like house music, their Friday night dj is amazing. He's incredibly talented and knows how to please the crowd with great funky Chicago house music. Drinks are super affordable and as an added bonus they are open until 4am. There is a bar, a dancefloor and even some couches/booths for lounging. I like that it's not a huge place and is busy enough to have a lot of fun, but not too overcrowded. You won't wait forever to get a drink and there's room to dance. Everyone who's there seems really chill and I feel like it's a great place to go without having to worry about random obnoxious people hitting on you all night. However, if you are in the singles scene, there always seem to be a good number of hotties there that aren't super pushy =) Even the door guys seem to be having fun and joking with people as they check ids. Which in my opinion is a nice added bonus in place of the guys who stand there looking tough, glare at you and your id and then let you in. The only reason this place is getting 4 stars and not 5 is because I have no idea how it is on any other night. ;) read more

A pretty uninspired lounge that Chicago has too many of. I'm certain that I'm not the target audience for this drinking establishment. 6:00 PM, Friday night, music too loud for an empty bar, no decent gin. And a bit pricey for what you get: $6 for a half (small glass) bombay sapphire and tonic water. A great neighborhood deserves a quality drinking establishment and this ain't it. read more

This is the definitive North side bar - especially if you are going to a music venue in the area like the Riviera or The Aragon. There is tons of space and the beer is good and cheap! read more

So very chill. No cover charge, 1/2 off days. A simple but spacious place to chill and converse!

This is a great little bar. It never seems to be too crowded, and the beer selection is great for a bar of its size. The prices are a little higher than some other neighborhood bars, but not too bad, and the people are generally friendly. The location is great for public transportation. read more

I had a very good time here. I was surprised to see how busy it was on a Saturday night. I guess I never think of Uptown as a destination spot, considering I usually leave my neighborhood to go out. The have really nice round booths. The juke box is pretty annoying I think I heard "American Girl" three times. But on highlight was the entire bar singing to Styx "Come Sail Away"- Which I guess could be pretty annoying but really its Styx so you kinda have to smile. This place was pretty much a drunken debauchery. So it was pretty fun to people watch. And it is some what chill- I mean the Lesbians making out in the middle of the bar where pretty quiet. No all and all it was a variety of people, most likely cause it was on a Saturday. But if you are ever in the neighborhood to see a show at the Aragon or the Riv its a pretty nice spot. read more

I've heard about how great this bar was, so I decided to check it out. Upon entering, I was greeted by the owner, and I explained to her that it was my first time there. She thanked me for coming, introduced me to her staff, and found my friend and I a seat at the bar. Super accommodating! And our bartender Megan was absolutely wonderful. The entire staff was incredibly welcoming and the relaxed atmosphere was refreshing. I'll be returning more regularly. read more

I love Uptown Lounge! All of the girls who work here are awesome. This is the place to go if you feel like having a night out on the razzle, meaning being able to drink until 4 in the morning! Different specials every night, and always filled with regulars. A+ compared to all the other four am's! read more

"Nice and easy", that's how it feels at Uptown Lounge. This is usually my intermediary stop before hitting Green Mill, so I don't spend a lot of time here. The bartender is usually nice (and cute), and so (for that shallow reason) it gets four stars. read more

Been trying to explore more Uptown dives, and I really want to like Uptown Lounge. Music is good, atmosphere isn't bad, but I'm not a beer person so I decided to get two neat bourbons and friend got a single cocktail: $32 total, way too overpriced. It may be a better place for beer lovers, but liquor is too expensive read more

The first time I visited I loved everything about uptown lounge! It was karaoke night and the host, Zach was so much fun! He knows how to get the crowd going and he sings and raps too!! The staff were all friendly and it's a safe space to have a good time with friends! I loved it so much I decided to have my farewell party there! Many of my friends live on the north side so it's really convenient because it's central to most of the neighborhoods and easily accessible via public transportation. The drinks are great! The ambiance is wonderful and overall it's a really clean, casual, laid back place to chill even after work. Love this place! And the manager, Jen was so kind and accommodating! One of the best bars up north!!! read more

This is small, with the modest design bar, however with the friendly atmosphere. The bartenders there really nice and can surprise you with their own special recipe it cocktail if you ask, which are pretty good .the other thing i like about this place is it works every day till 4am so if you desired to drink before go to bed, this is a good place to stop , unless you're looking for something fancy read more

Came in here for karaoke night with some pals. Open late, which is a big plus for me. The bar itself was pretty bare, but staff was nice and everyone in the bar watching karaoke was supportive of the people on stage. Chill vibes. My only tip is watch out when you're drunkenly leaving because the step out to the front door is lifted and I totally crashed in front of a group of strangers smoking on the sidewalk. Oops. read more

Decent bar to hit up during the weekday. On Wed. they have $4 Guinness, however, my bf said they were water down. I just don't understand how Uptown, Fat Cat, Green Mill can charge so much for thier drinks when we are at 4800 North! We aren't downtown, we are in the heart of sketchy neighborhood and viet town, so I'm not sure how they lure people. read more

This is a decent bar, with decent people but in a inebriated moment I posted a 1 star review because I'm not a fan of karaoke. The manager came up to me and reamed me for the review. I deleted it and apologized. She explained how things like that hurt a business and she was irate with me. I deleted that post and apologized. But that didn't garner much forgiveness. She told me I was a jerk and I'm sure she stands by it. I asked her to provide me redemption. She wasn't willing to provide it. End of story, this is a nice bar with a good staff. They attempt to provide fun even though bad karaoke isn't My idea of good. That's ok. I went outside and had a cig and a guy came up and said they won't let me in. I'm like, you too? Don't criticize because they don't take it well nor will they be willing to accept an apology. I shouldn't have flippantly made a review over something so trivial. But when you're willing to take ownership of it and delete it, they shouldn't continue to be rude and unforgiving. I'm sorry. I am not welcomed back at their bar. I'll be fine without your tone deaf patrons torturing your clientele. And I say a sincere apology deserves more than a rude owner that is bitter and has her own issues that she can't let it go. Bad karaoke is just the tip of her iceberg. read more