If you're ever in Hegewish, the southeast corner of Chicago, then you should absolutely make time…read morefor a stop at Old Time Tap.
This truly is a neighborhood bar like you might remember from your childhood or that you may only see now in older movies or tv shows set in the 70s or 80s. Everybody knows everybody else. They laugh with each other, get annoyed with the guy who is there a little too long every day (but also love him), and just enjoy leaving their cares outside and being with each other.
In that way, as well as the group outings they do and the nondescript exterior, this really is an old time tavern. But, in some ways, that name misses something.
The old time may be in the vibe or the original floors or ceilings, but there's something fresh here, from the surprisingly great selection of drinks (at half the price or less of the places up here on the north side), to the way this neighborhood staple has been ushered into the 21st century by its newer owners.
We stuck out like a sore thumb but were made to feel at home within 30 seconds. You could feel the family vibe, and it immediately made you wish you had something similar in your neighborhood. And, maybe you can't - there's something that can only come from a bunch of people who have lived in the same corner of the world for decades convening in one spot. I don't know, it was kind of beautiful.
Not everyone there has the same views on life, the same income, or the same goals. Some are old timers reveling in their glory days, some are middle aged parents, and some of twenty somethings trying to live their best lives. It didn't matter - it was like one big family reunion.
Again, the bartender was incredible, talking to us, answering questions, filling us in on the neighborhood and giving us some tips. There are bars we've been going to in this city for seven years where they may know our names, but where we've never been treated with such kindness and welcoming.
I don't know how often we'll get down to Hegewish, which sort of reminded me of the old port neighborhood of Baltimore, Canton. But, I'll tell you what; if we're ever even remotely close, we're going to pop in here. Maybe even make an afternoon of it alongside skipping over to Hammond, IN.
Go in and (temporarily) be a part of the family. If you're just looking for a nice place to have a drink, watch a game, listen to some music, and have fun conversation with some locals, you'd be hard pressed to find a better place to do it.
