I just wrote a review of Best Intentions, which to me felt like it was really trying to be a dive bar by collecting all the vintage crap they could find, and paying a lot for it. Meanwhile Whirlaway felt like a true dive bar, in all the ways that I know and love. The bartender, who I think is the owner, was very nice. Beer is cold. read more

Classic small dive bar located in Logan Square, very much has that homey no frills vibe if that's what you like, but certainly not dirty or grimy by any means. There's lots of cool Chicago sports memorabilia on the walls. I see pictures of people watching games here and I'm sure it'd be a nice group atmosphere watching a Cubs playoff game here. They actually have a pretty decent craft beer selection, more than I was expecting. The bartender was very nice, and kept giving us free snacks at the bar. Cash only so just be aware of that. There aren't a whole lot of seats, so maybe not ideal for a huge group, unless they don't mind standing. It's a few blocks from the California Blue Line L stop, that'd be the closest train stop. read more

Clean. Small local bar. Many people seem to know each other. I have no idea if they have food. Great choices of drinks. Right on the main drag. read more

Whirlaway Lounge - Ice cold ice water. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love a good, dark dive. The owner was attentive and obviously knew everyone. Clean bathroom was a welcome surprise.

This cash only bar is the best dive in Logan area. Maria the owner is such a sweetie and knows her regulars by name. If you get lucky there may be food you can grab and eat. People are friendly there and like to chat. read more

This place is amazing, they have very cheap drinks served by the sweetest woman and she provided free bar snacks. Will definitely be back read more

Whirlaway Lounge - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's like a bearded old man bar, at least that what it seems from all the regulars that are there late night

Fun little bar. I enjoyed the darker, more in intimate feeling this bar gave was giving. Maria was very friendly and we shared a pleasant conversation. The drinks she made were perfect. I enjoyed my time here. Will come back just to talk to Maria again about hockey! read more

My first visit was years ago with a friend to discuss music and politics on a snowy cold winter night. Maria kept the beers flowing and actually took an interest in our lives, and wouldn't let us out the door without a "warm up" shot for the road. That's a strong-point to the Whirlaway. Their other strong suit is the great jukebox, stocked full of local Chicago music and some from her Logan Square Indie Hipster clientele, I'm sure. Whirlaway is a very relaxed hang, not much space to sit on the weekends and standing in the middle of the room leaves one feeling exposed...I can't say it's really better than any of the other bars in the neighborhood, it serves it's purpose; to provide a place to drink with a sense of community. So, if you're looking for that place where everybody, (or perhaps just Maria) knows your name; you'll always be glad you came! read more

Even though Logan Square is gentifying all around it with the accompanying loss of community, this is a place where Logan Square really feels like a neighborhood. It's wonderfully divey just blocks away from the new, shiny bars on Logan Boulevard. Maria, the bartender, still doesn't know my name so that's sort of a myth but she does know most people who I've gone there with by name so it's probably my fault. The best time to go there is during a political event. My friends and I went there yesterday for the Barack Obama acceptance speech and, just like for Super Tuesday, Maria lays out quite a free food spread (including themed cupcakes). And the crowd, being a local neighborhood crowd, is actually quiet during the speeches and results. I will definitely be there on November 4 hoping that the local flavor of the election continues into 2016. It does get pretty crowded on the weekends (which is why it took a bit to grow on me) but that's to be expected due to its size. Still it never feels like a room full of strangers and is well lit (especially for a dive bar). If you get there early, there is plenty of seating even on the most crowded of days. read more

Whirlaway Lounge - The remodeled decor of the Whirlaway. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

UPDATE: Revisit!! This place rules. Maria, the owner, runs a clean, friendly joint. The bar itself is dust-free, despite a considerable amount of sports memorabilia and well - bottles. There are TVs, but they do not blare. You can watch a game if you want, but it's also possible to ignore. The jukebox is why this place is fantastic. It's incredibly well curated. The requisite 70's hits, plus Dead Kennedys, Rocket From The Crypt, Rage Against the Machine - to name just a few of my selections. At one point, the night I was there, everyone burst into singing "Bohemian Rhapsody". Cheesy, yes - but still really fun on a late summer evening. The bathrooms are spotless. SPOTLESS. Also: $3 Schlitz. read more

A comfy, dark, family-owed neighborhood bar with a warm and wonderful owner, a congenial crowd, rabid Blackhawks fans, and a wide array of bottled beverages. You gotta love the history of this place -- named for a rarely winning racehorse -- and a tradition of feisty female owners. For more than 50 years, the Whirlaway has weathered sea changes in the neighborhood while maintaining its reasonable price point and welcoming aplomb. (If you really want every detail, here's Whirlaway's history, written up for Logan Square Preservation: scroll to the bottom of this page: https://us19.campaign-archive.com/?u=5dfc3f8276f0d1645258a26d7&id=5e016eee3f ) As part of it's unpretentious vibe, it is cash only, and does not sell food, though there is an ATM and the owner, Maria, is happy to let you bring in your own grub (Maria or her son are likely to produce paper plates and napkins from behind the bar if they see you need one), and often there's a gooey local pizza being shared, especially on game night. Conversations here are always interesting, and the diverse clientele is certain to play something you like -- and something you've never heard -- on the Touchtunes box. Get there while you can. In this neighborhood, it's an increasingly rare bird: an elevated dive and a communal comfort zone. read more

See all

Popped in here for a quick drink before a dinner reservation at a restaurant down the street. As others have mentioned, the place is a total dive bar and I mean that in the greatest way. The physical space is that of an old school, Chicago neighborhood corner bar and nothing more nothing less. There is some random Chicago sports memorabilia scattered throughout, and a TV in the center of the bar. What was a bit surprising was discovering the great beer selection Whirlaway boasts, and the owner Maria's beer knowledge and input. She is uber friendly, too. I would certainly come back if in the neighborhood again! read more

If your looking for a small friendly bar this is the place! We decided to grab a drink before the Musical Of The Living Dead started and a member of our group suggested here. When we walked in there was only 2 other people in there so we could sit pretty much where ever we wanted. We sat at the bar(although the couch looked comfy) and ordered our drinks. I ordered Original Sin hard cider, it was very good and perfect for the fall! Everyone else got the Margarita, they said they were pretty strong, I mean the bartender did take them back to add more booze! The prices are reasonable, just a friendly tip: cash only!! We ended coming back after the musical as well. I ordered Little Sumpin Sumpin.....I love this beer and not a lot if places have it so that was exciting for me!!! If your in the area stop by and grab a beer, I know I will be stopping in there again! read more

See all

Yay Whirlaway! I visited Whirlaway recently and had a blast. This is a relatively tiny spot, but very welcoming. Love the tin ceiling! Maria is adorable and super sweet. Great spot, good drinks, and a ton of tvs to watch the game! read more

Maria is the best and this place is a great neighborhood no frills bars. Prices are cheap, drinks are strong, and the vibe is immaculate.

A charming dive bar with a really friendly vibe. Great spot for a quick drink with friends both new and old. Great prices and very friendly service too. read more

love the owner, she is super sweet. i was there for soup Tuesday and it was delicious. beers are reasonably priced, plus there's a good selection. perfect neighborhood hang out read more

My S.O. and I were in the mood for a low-key evening. The only requirement I had was that I wanted it to have a decent jukebox. As much as I love Richard's, I just wasn't in the mood to hear Lionel Richie or Neil Diamond played ad nauseum. Whirlaway fit the bill: it was close, had a jukebox, and a decidedly subdued atmosphere. Bonus that the beer menu was extensive and the drinks were cheap. I was bummed that the only cider on the menu was a Wyder's raspberry, but I ordered it anyway, but they may want to re-think their cider choices. If you're only going to serve one, at least make it something a little more mainstream. It kind of tasted like a wine cooler, and not in a good way. Moving on to the jukebox. Sure you've got your White Album, your London Calling, your Aja, but I was just, you know, hoping for something more. We stayed long enough to have a few drinks and listen to some tunes while seated on the comfy loveseat. I liked Whirlaway just fine. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to go here, but it's good enough for a spot in the neighborhood when you're keeping it toned-down. read more

I hope that after writing this review I don't need to buy a black wig and get the hell out of town but here goes: Whirlaway used to be a 'for-real' dive bar a few years back. It was dirty and cheap with a great juke-box. Seemingly overnight it was transformed into a haven for the d-bags that can't afford their 'new construction' condos in Lincoln Park but have been forced to settle west of the Mississippi (that's Western Avenue for you non-Chicagoans). These kittens congregate here because they think that the Burlington, although created with this genre in mind, is for hipsters. As if... Why I say NO THANKS: 1) Bright lighting 2) Bad music 3) TV (yes, every bar should have them especially when Chicago sports teams are playing but it is ALWAYS on and usually playing some sort of nonsense) 4) Maria----yes, I said it, Maria. If you aren't a regular or a favorite you may stand at an empty bar for inordinate amounts of time whilst she finishes a round of UNO at the other end of the bar. Once she does come near you (all fake smiles, of course) you may as well order a Shirley Temple since that just may have more alcohol in it then anything else you would order. 5) Draught beer, wherefore art thou? Is that the official difference between a 'lounge' and a 'bar'? It's spitting distance from my house but I'd rather spend an evening getting drunk alone on boxed white wine. read more

I have lived very close to the Whirlaway for over 6 years and have been a little intimidated to enter until now. Why? Well, you can't really tell what's going on in there. It looks like the type of dive that is open at 8 am for the third shifters and should be populated by a lot of angry old teamsters. It's not. Quite the opposite, really. The Whirlaway is the meeting spot for the mustache brigade, aka Hipsters. They have an awesome juke box (probably the best that I have ever seen), but the volume is turned down low so as not to disturb the hipsters who are discussing important issues and feeling all superior. I dunno...I just wanted to hear a little of The Carpenters and Tom Petty while I chat with friends and sip my drinkie. The bartender (Maria) is a sweet older lady who was running the bar by herself. She forgot my drink order, but was super apologetic about it. What can you do? She's workin' it by her lonesome and this has to happen often in such cases. I would go back and check out the Whirlaway on a Sunday afternoon (hello football season!!), but probably never again on a Friday night. read more

I'm not a bearded or mustachioed hipster. I'm more one of those "new construction Lincoln park condo" types a previous reviewer was slagging (though I live in Logan Square). I don't really care about the selection of bands I've never heard of on the jukebox, though if that's your thing, Whirlaway excels. I don't care that it's somewhere between dive bar and someone's parent's basement. I don't care that there's not draft beer. I don't care that there are TVs. Here's what I care about: Maria is awesome. She is unfailing friendly. She knows me and what I drink. She is better than I am at pacing myself and will simply hand me water when it's needed. Sure, you might have to wait a couple minutes for your drink, but guess what? She's making someone else feel right at home right now. Your turn is next. The clientele, despite being mustachioed and cooler than I am, is unfailingly polite and friendly. The High Life is cold and $2.50. There is a kick-ass selection of Speyside scotches, all reasonably priced. The music is never so loud I can't have a conversation. The vibe is friendly, welcoming, and warm. I have never brought anyone here who didn't love it. Go here. Go now. read more

It's a Lounge? I don't think so? I call it a dive bar. Outside of the conflicting classification, this "bar" is a decent place to frequent. Nothing fancy, an okay jukebox with songs that appeal to the masses, a bar, some tables and a couch. I'm to the point where I do not dare sit on the couch in a bar. Really, how many people have spilled their drinks, peed on, puked on this couch and probably never cleaned? "Sit on couch at own risk!" At first, I thought Whirlaway was a stupid name. However, after reading into on their website I learned that it was a horse they put a bet on and won. The winnings went into opening this place. Ahhhh, now it's a cool name! Clever. The few times I've been there, I've only had bourbon. Lot's and lot's of bourbon and water. I believe their healthy portion of bourbon is at $5/glass...which is decent. I don't drink beer often and couldn't tell you how they are priced. It's rather hard to screw up a bourbon and water, they did fine. Make sure to bring plenty of cash with you! No, they don't take credit/debit card and the nearest ATM is two blocks down, which is slightly annoying. Nothing worse than have your drinking interupted to haul ass 2 blocks to the ATM and back. Yes, that is a buzz kill. It's not a bad place and can see myself going back, but they need to accomodate the cash/credit situation a little better....that's how you loose customers! read more

The highlight of this place is Maria -- the ceaselessly smiling and charming owner/bartender that will play board games with you and sometimes even serve up some homemade comfort cuisine if you luck out on a random night. She is always happy to see you even if she has no idea who you are. She's always nice and not in that creepy Blockbuster "kill-you-with-kindness" sort of way. The look of the place is very den/dive/dad's basement. A bit of framed randomness, college pennants of such variety that it's likely bar-goers just bring them in and hang them up. There are LOTS of picture collages of patrons -- most of whom will be sporting square-framed glasses, iconic t-shirts or ironic beards. (Yes, it's that sort of crowd.) That said, this isn't an elitist "scene" bar a-la Danny's, it's more of a communal "let's swap stories" spot. If you pull up a stool at the bar expect a conversation from the person next to you... if you know 'em or not. Sitting room is at a premium with a couch on the front wall and two small circular tables that line the west side. The seating situation is very D.I.Y. Ten or so folding chairs lean up against the wall in the corner for anyone to grab and plop down. There's a pool table in the back that is occasionally used but pretty much provides something to lean on when you're waiting in line for their one-person bathroom. This place has a great jukebox. I will probably never stroll into a bar again and hear a Liars song blaring. It's refreshing. 'Cept, one time someone must have put in a $20 and played every Doors song ever. That put a damper on the night. One thing that surprised me a bit is that this place is not cheap. It's DEFINITELY not expensive, but blue-collar type beers run $2.50 which is pretty standard. Overall, a really solid bar. Not that any patrons would care if any walked in, but this isn't really a place for the high-fiving, polo-popped crowd. But, while I'm unfairly stereotyping, The Whirlaway is far enough west that it's kind of off the radar to a group like that anyway. read more

WONDERFUL experience, had delicious dirty martinis and Maria sang us HAPPY BIRTHDAY. If I lived in Chicago, I would definitely go back daily! read more

I am a 30 year old guy. I like to drink my beer in the vicinity of well mannered adults, situated within a lively atmosphere, comprised of mutually respectful townspeople. I like board games and a good jukebox. I like Maria...because she is nice enough to remember my drink, every time. (I only make it by once a week.) If this is your neighborhood...This is your bar. No less, no more. read more

As a non-Chicagoan, winter can feel pretty frigid and lonely sometimes. Whirlaway, for a lot of little lonely drifters with a penchant for them dark liquors, provides a home away from home. I suppose I'm biased, seeing as mainstream bars with their daily drink specials, vapid staff and glossy, generic appearance suck the life out of my soul, but I don't care. Maria is always warm and welcoming. Someone is always there to make for silly, drunken conversation. Someone always offers me cake. I always leave refreshed, tipsy, and exclaiming to my boyfriend that Whirlaway should never close. It's a fantastic neighborhood bar. read more

Whirlaway is the best local neighborhood bar a gal could ever ask for. when i moved to chicago 4 years ago i lived in wicker park. the second i saw logan square i wanted to move. at first i lived down by the fireside bowl and didn't ever make it to the whirl-- even though my manager told me if i was sick of dating bike messengers i should hang out here to meet aging hipsters with actual jobs. soon after, i moved across the street, became a regular, and have met my last 2 boyfriends here (still with #2). i love the whirlaway, i love maria, i love connect 4, mix cds, birthday cake, my photo on the wall, and friendship. if you're still into bike messengers (really, dating someone who doesn't sleep on a mattress on the floor is awesome!), may i recommend the burlington. read more

I hesitate to speak of my love for this place lest it be more overrun with more... well.... yeah, you guys that know, know who I'm talking about. I have my picture on the wall. Maria makes me a birthday cake every December. I get a kiss and a hug when I see her. I met my love there. I moved out of the Square because it got too expensive, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her or it. I'm looking forward to the non-smoking Whirly, but not the more popular Whirly. read more

This, folks, is a dive. In a good way. It's been there for years and years, thereby allowing it to serve drinks on the cheap. It's nice, comfy and lived in. The bartender was extremely pleasant, and the juke was decent as well. Not crazy crowded, just right. It's not hell-on-wheels like old Tuman's, nor is it exclusive old-man & nodding heroin addict territory a la some other ones I won't name. It prowls the same forest as Bob Inn up the street, but seems less sports-oriented. This struck me as one of those homey places where you can just walk in alone and strike up a conversation. We mixed and mingled easily with the other patrons, no one seemed pretentious and there was no Rainbo-like provincialism. No beers on tap, sort of a bummer but what ya gonna do? Comfy though. Enough so that I ended up getting totally shithoused without meaning to, time just flew by. I'd come on back here for sure. i dunno if it will become part of my own pantheon, but it's not out of the question over time. read more

There seems to be a trend sweeping the Chicago area with little gems and dive bars that so many of us sing in chorus, "we like our drinks strong, the staff friendly, and the event cheap for our pockets". That I was doubtful about adding to the golden stars on this location for fear of the place losing its shine. Being a new resident who is use to everything in walking distance, I was a little hesitant to see what this neighborhood would bring. Then I met Maria... Maria is like my new found mother behind a bar. Warm, welcoming, and has the darnest things to say about current events. It felt like she baked my friend and I homemade cookies, the way she poured our whiskey drinks. The atmosphere was enjoyable with buzzed conversations, laid back vibes, and a plethora of gorgeous beards 2 females could fantasize about. My newly transplanted best friend, walked away asking the whirlaway (or in her case the whirlyroom) it's hand in marriage. I found my new doorstep to head too. read more

There are so many, shiny new toy-bars under the Logan Square Christmas Tree, that their openings have produced a new industry of glossy twee "magazines" were 22 year old star-struck columbia college graduates dress up as journalists" to cover their "arrivals" with enough sugary commentary, to cause diabetes of the brain. And I'm talking generally, not specially about Billy Sunday, that has a bouncer at the door who seems to think he's auditioning for the tough repo guy of cars in a reality TV show. But one day when the real story of Logan Square gets written, The Whirlaway Lounge will get it's own chapter. And yes, like all great legends I reckon, things will get written based upon the lore of fact and stories retold again and again over the years that may or may not be completely factual. Like some old timers at Weegee's Lounge swear on a bible stored in the photo booth, that back in the old days when Fullerton was the dividing line between Hell and the blazing Red Badlands,( and the gangs had even infiltrated the local police) Maria her self wore the same ammunition belt attached to buntline drop loop quick draw double holsters( adjustable for a Colt Single Action Peace Maker and a Winchester) worn by Wyatt Earp, himself. But what we do know, is while other businesses closed their doors and fled for the highlands and investors fretted, hemmed, and hawed, Maria got off the side lines rolled up her sleeves and determined, which way the neighborhood was gonna go, deciding on community over chaos. And like a the legendary black smith John Henry who built the railroad, Maria wielded the Whirlaway Lounge like a great cast iron mallet ,forging, molding and shaping a new Logan Square on the steel anvil of Chicago. In fact for years before all the trendy "man bars" arrived following on the long strings of Maria's well worn bar apron, Whirlaway Lounge was not just the multi culture flag of all Logan Square, but a light house beacon in the night of the middle of a rough sea of urban destituteness for many a broke college student who once a week, could put away their cracked bowl ( continuously repaired by crazy glue) and instead eating off- brand ramen noodles, could go to Whirlaway for a full home cooked meal, for free. I should have written this review years ago. But I don't think that it was simply fortuitous that I chose Women's History Month to write about True Logan Square Institution not lead by white boy beards/ mustachioed mustached flannel hordes lost in following the "In" thing. But a Logan Square Original, a Caribbean women named Maria with a ready smile and an infectious laugh of a forever young endless summer who deserves her own statue in Logan Square right beside the statue of General John A. Logan who is soon to be relocated back to Logan Square from Grant Park. read more

Whirlaway is one of my favorite neighborhood joints. Cheap drinks, jukebox full of tunes, and BOARD GAMES. Seriously, I don't usually go to bars because I can have more fun sitting around my house. But Whirlaway is even better than sitting around my house most nights. It can get pretty crowded on weekends after 11 or so, standing room only. But by then, I've had a few beers and have already won at Apples to Apples. The decor is amazing. Maria took my photo on Halloween and I wasn't even wearing a costume. read more

Dude, if you haven't been to the Whirlaway in a while, you should check it out again. Maria has redone the place, and it looks great. The floor has been waxed, the walls painted, a new bar added along the south wall. You may lament that the pool table is now gone, but I've been going here for about 3 years and NEVER seen anyone do more than lean or place drinks on it (although some of my friends claim otherwise). My favorite new feature is the lighting. Not that it was too bright before, but now, under the new softer lightcones, even the fugliest Whirlaway patrons look almost fuckable. Not for me...but maybe if I had a fat friend or something. Anyway, check it out. New decor, new couch, same great Maria, same jukebox, same walkable location. Best weeknight bar, ever. read more

As my absolute favorite bar within stumbling distance from home, The Whirlaway always provides me with: . Frosty beers . A great jukebox . The sweetest mom-tender ever (Maria) . Good people watching . Lots of laughs . A place to sit . Clean bathrooms . The desire to eat a chicken burrito . A wicked hangover read more

Fun bar, it's a Hawks bar and if you talk during the game you'll get shouted down, but like, I dunno, That's Show Biz Baby.

I love Maria. I love the crowd. This is my kinda place. I can play Boggle and Catch Phrase (though I may treat the bar to the game of HuggerMugger as it is my fave) and have a stiff one (drink) w/out ordering a double. Cheers! read more

Far and away the best thing about Whirlaway is Maria. Everything else seems totally average, but in a good way. It's a dive bar with good drink prices, no frills, no meat market, and not too many annoying angsty teens. As far as bars in Logan Square go, it is the best! read more

Relaxed vibe earlier in the evening, fun pick-up joint later in the evening. The juke box is stocked by regulars and always has something new. Most importantly, the owner Maria is an amazing woman who will go out of her way to introduce you to other people in the neighborhood and make you feel welcome. This is the type of place where you can go watch a football game, play a board game, hang out by yourself or in a group and always feel at home. read more

Been coming here for years, even before I relocated to Logan Square. Maria, as stated is great, genuine and always attentive. Good juke, decent prices, eclectic patronage. If I had one gripe, it would be the lack of good American Craft beers; but then you have Weegee's and Quencher's for that lark. Great place to go for a quiet drink after a long day. read more