Chicago could do better, such a disappointing experience!!!! Four of us attended this establishment after a business conference still dressed in business outfits. (We live outta state)) Good: close to uni of Chicago -Bad: cash only --Bad: service is terrible ---Bad: treatment is borderline agism ----Bad: bartender very rude female from second we walked in, looking us up and down as if she is the fashion police and when asked if there's an ATM she pointed to the "cash only" sign at back!!! ------Bad: being talked to like we are in our 20s or children -----Worse: 2/4 not served by the blond older lady bartender, stating 2/4 were already drunk due to red eyes and looking drunk ---- all that was NOT true at all. --------Worst: being told no drinks or food would be given to us, she cut us off after just one beer! I've never been cut off or told by a bartender when they think wine can drink. We are business professionals not college student or novice to a drinking establishment. Chicago really let us down! read more

This is a nostalgic quintessential neighborhood beer bar filled with some of the smartest least engaging people on the planet, yet I love Jimmy's!!!! The FOOD is bar fare and delicious to sober you up--lol read more

Huge bar with three different rooms of seating. The owners are incredibly nice and friendly! A true UChicago staple. Their cheeseburgers are simple (with no condiments) but yummy, and the Chicago dog is so flavorful and juicy. I love the shoestring fries, so addicting!! read more

Woodlawn Tap - Chicago dog - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good Ole Jimmy's. Cash only, delicious bar food, and some of the most affordable drinks in the city. It's a local institution, it really is an excellent dive bar. read more

Great bar, cash only. Good deals on beer and bar food. Service is great and also a good spot to catch a game

Great neighborhood bar! Good cheese curds, not too expensive drinks. It is cash only so keep that in mind.

Solid neighborhood bar. I hadn't been to Woodlawn Tap in years, but recently, I've found myself there on more than one occasion. My brother loves the place and had been trying to get me to join him there. He loves the friendly vibes and cheaper than average prices. The food is decent for bar food, and the drinks are tasty. I had a grilled cheese, and my siblings had the burgers. The fries were hot and tasty, too. The employees were very friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was lively and carefree. The decor isn't fancy, but it's comfortable and fitting for a dive bar. My only complaint is that the establishment is cash only. I rarely carry cash nowadays, so having to intentionally carry it if I want to stop in is very inconvenient. read more

Woodlawn Tap - Margarita and beer - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love this place! We come here all of the time. Bar staff is hit and miss with friendliness but it kinda adds to the fun part of the experience! read more

Woodlawn Tap - Chicago dog - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The service sucked me n my friends were ignored for about 15 min. The owner was rude af cursing at us, called us out our names. The owner was berating an elderly lady in my seat and i patiently waited for him to finish but after 20+ minutes i began to tap my fingers n he went off calling me rude and unnecessary. He told us we could get tf out loudly so everyone could hear. The ambiance was that only certain types of customers are wanted and not new people or black women. We never got to try the food due to the rudeness. read more

Great bar, great food, great ambiance. The blonde bartender is genuinely the rudest server I've ever encountered. My friend and I were sitting at the bar, we order a pitcher, and my friend pays in 1's. The bartender gives a smug look and tell us "This is the weirdest way anyones ever paid." What could possibly be weird about paying for drinks in cash at a cash-only bar? Absolutely unacceptable. Is she trying to not get a tip? read more

Jimmy's is nothing fancy, but it is like a comfortable old shoe that fits just right. They serve Guinness and a decent selection of macrobrews. Don't expect your gastropub experience here. They won't have three kinds of gose and the latest release by Pipeworks on tap. But you can drink perfectly fine mainstream lagers or European/Brit stuff (they had Newcastle on tap at one time as well), and get a pretty good corned beef sandwich. Come in for lunch and enjoy the historic atmosphere. read more

This place had a nice vibe and ambiance to it. I went here with a couple of girlfriend, so we can catch up and talk I'm shy ourselves. It was the perfect mix of music volume for enjoyment and conversation. I personally did not eat there, but one of my friends had some fries and she seemed to enjoy them lol. Overall, if you are looking for somewhere to chill with friends and relax after work, this is a great place. read more

Came here to watch the USA vs. Wales soccer game on a Monday midday. There were a good number of people there watching the game so good energy! My friend and I ordered the Jimmy's Reuben sandwich and the Black Bean Burger (w/ cheese) as well as fries to share. No drinks for us this time around so can't speak to that. My burger was pretty good and for being only $4.50 I was happy with my choice. Adding the cheese was a game changer. Fries were plain and didn't taste like anything so we added a lot of salt, pepper, and ketchup. A good amount of TVs and we got a table right in front of one so it worked out quite well! read more

I mentioned Woodlawn Tap to my UC alum friend and she immediately regaled me with stories of coming here underaged and it not being a problem. Well, I don't have that problem anymore and I have to say that even though I'm not a college student in need of a place to drink that isn't overly critical about fake IDs but I still enjoyed Jimmy's. The bar is large and when I was there the tvs were playing the Bears game while I sat down. I ended up having a beer while my friend got an old fashioned, why you would do that I don't know. I would just get a beer, their selection is pretty decent. We were hungry and we got the hot dogs and split a massive order of their fries, which were thin and crispy and the dogs, were solid, like if someone made a Chicago style dog at home. Decent beer and food and easygoing. read more

I haven't been to Jimmies since about 1995 for about an hour visit, and prior to that I left chicago in 1980 and moved to Florida. I had been a bartenderand regular from 1975 to 1979. in the year prior to my moving, three regular patrons died of alcohol related illness. John Davey, a former bartender, died of sclerosis of the liver, Pete Olson died of a hole in his stomach eaten by his continual Tom Collins glass of straight Gin, and Steve Remington, a University employee, died of a blood clot in the brain. He had acquored a job interview with a Martin Luther King Foundation in Atlanta and decided to get sober. During a seisure of the DT's he fell and hit his head on a cast iron radiator at his job and died soon thereafter. After that several regulars and bartenders decided to quit. Some with help and others on there own. On the occasion of my 1995 visit, the bartender, Bill Callahan, shared that several of those were successful in their efforts to quit. Most notably a gentleman who was a carpenter and fighter, was successfully involved in AA and was known in AA circles as a Big Book (the handbook or bible of AA) thumper, or a dedicated AA member who was passing it on to newcomers. This individual had been a champion boxer in Golden Gloves in the Pacific during the Vietnam conflict and even then, before sobriety, engage in fisticufs at the drop of a hat. As for me personally, I eventually got sober in 1986 and by the Grace of God have now accumulated over 38 years clean and sober. Even now I sometimes enjoy reflecting on the old days at Jimmie's and the wonderful gentleman Jimmie Wilson and his lovely wife Helen. read more

Cash only joint. Great place to catch up with friends in a lively atmosphere. A little difficult to get a seat when busy and food is a little slow but once you settle in it's a good time as my burger and fries were a great value along with the drinks. read more

Woodlawn Tap - Burger and small fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Took my son here on Saturday, June 3rd for the best cheeseburger and 16 oz Hamms beer ever. It was the kick off for a University of Chicago campus tour, which my son thought was OK but would have preferred to stay seated on the bar stool for more Hamms or maybe a PBR. The service was excellent, just excellent. Plus, it's cash only (there's an ATM in the bar). I would go back every day if I could, but life being what it is, I'm settling for once a week. Just Love Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap. Plus, here's another cool thing. By paying cash, you don't get nudged to tip at the electronic kiosk. My response was to tip more, which I did, and the barmaid loved it - she earned it. Plus, no tourist accoutremade to burn cash like t-shirts, hats, key ring, etc. Laid back, cool karma, Chicago tavern with chill crowd. read more

Top notch location with wonderful staff and great ownership. I love places that keep prices simple, without extra fuss from taxes and fees. The place is cash only, but that's awesome, because it helps you only spend what cash you have instead of just swiping away. The options for food are also very good, and the sizes of food are huge. Definitely enjoy spending time here when I'm sneaking away from studying. Please stop by and have a hotdog from this amazing establishment. The daytime staff is very friendly and efficient. They remember your order and make sure you're well taken care of. Very amazing people! The ambiance of location is very old school and feels like you're going back in time. Great place to post up and get some work done. read more

Woodlawn Tap - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great hang-out for U-Chicago students and friends. Like Howard Street is for Northwestern.

TBH I haven't been here since the late 90's, but I just found out Matt Martell now owns the place? Well hell, he's one of the last true gentlemen I was honored to share a drink with, back in the day. "It's Martell, like the cognac." -Matt Martell Matt, I'll always be a fan. read more

Full of college kids, but you simply can't beat the prices of food and drinks. The food was shockingly good, especially for the price. If your over 30 (like me) you'll love the food, and if your under 30, you'll love the vibe and will actually be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about spending the next week eating Top Ramen because you spent all your money. read more

Woodlawn Tap was a great overall experience. The food was hot and yummy. I had a burger and Chicago hot dog. Both amazing. The drinks were good but the tequila Sunrise was too strong. The Service was different, because there's the bar area ( normal) but tabletops had no wait staff. You had to leave ur spot to order. Which I found weird and disheartening. Ambiance was typical dive bar; loud music and loud talking. Sports on tv which I loved during the World Series. I'd come back but not a hot spot due to the service read more

This is only the pub in a few blocks. Barmen seems to be overloaded with Ben on Monday afternoon. It is like a best collage bar/pub. Maybe, I'm not a student, so a bit sceptical read more

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Great spot with fun vibes, one of the few places you don't have to pay too much for food.

This is a favorite of mine to come in for a pint and good conversation. The servers are great. Cash only but amazing prices. read more

Woodlawn Tap - Back bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So I'm not much of a bar chick. What does that mean? Some people like chillin' at bars as their form of entertainment. I like restaurants and concerts...that's my shit. However, Woodlawn Tap is a great place to have a drink, unwind and chat with the bartenders and patrons. This Hyde Park watering hole is across the street from my job and after a busy day cooking for the future leaders of America at U of C, I can always count on Woodlawn Tap to take the edge off. My fave bartenders, Evan and Justin, know what I like to drink and as soon as they see me, they pour me up. That's some cool shit to me, seeing as I'm not a bar chick. So if you ever find yourself in HP and you just wanna chill, watch a game and converse with smart, cool-ass people, mosey on in to Woodlawn Tap. They won't let you down. read more

Good neighborhood joint for a shot & a beer. TVs to watch the game & grab a burger and fry... no frills.

great service, friendly staff, the only reason it's getting one star is the alarming amount of underage university students that crowded the establishment. so many students that were noticeably underage or were openly talking about how they were using fake ids read more

Would be five stars, but the bartender is just too rude ("cankerous" as the sign in the bathroom says) for my taste. The food is great, prices are awesome, atmosphere is homey dive bar. read more

Woodlawn Tap - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This Hyde Park "institution," known as Jimmy's (only uninformed out-of-towners call it "Woodlawn Tap"), is a true dive bar in the spirit of the old, skid-row 55th St., of which it is the last living remainder. The clientele is a mix of grad students from the U of C and local folks. The atmosphere is quiet, the drinks are cheap, and the food, though almost definitely heated up in a back-room microwave, somehow always manages to hit the spot. Matt, the new owner, has pulled a 3D-chess move and brought back jazz on Sunday nights: simply awesome! Try the resurrected cheese curds, too. read more

There actually aren't a whole lot of bars in the Hyde Park area, surprising since it's such a well-known neighborhood. This one (also known as Jimmy's) is a fine bar, it's nothing special, but I elevate it just based off the few bars to drink at if you're wanting to go out near here. It's got cheap beer, food too, good amount of space to sit, easy to get to right on 55th st (if you're driving that is) I know it's pretty popular in the area and I can see why, it was pretty well attended when I went. If I lived near here I'm sure I'd frequent it. read more

It's a college dive bar, it provides exactly what is promised. A variety of reasonably priced good beer, and can give you a basic cocktail if you want one; tasty burgers, fries, hot dogs, and even vegan sandwiches to satisfy drunchies; and some really pleasant bartenders keeping the annoying grad students and crusty local regulars happy. read more

My sisters and I wanted to try out a new spot and decided to come here. we found seats pretty quickly and made our orders. while the cash only was a bit inconvenient, they had a ATM. after we order drinks but our food never comes and the bartenders never comes back. While we wait, the owner comes tot he bar with an older white woman who looks to be homeless. Right in front of my sisters seat that's vacant while she gets money, and her drink is clearly on the table, he barks at this woman for harassing the staff. he threatens to call the police. we are just breaths away. It's completely inappropriate and ruining our experience. when my sister gets back, she waits patiently for her seat. this whole thing is at least ten minutes. He never apologized for the inconvenience let alone acknowledges that he has paying customers right in his midst. my sister rightfully upset at the sorely lacking hospitality, begins clicking her nails to calm herself. The extremely rude white bar owner states that she is being rude and unnecessary. We defend her after he begins verbally attacking a paying customer and defends the woman he spent the last 15 minutes threatening and then coddling. he tells all of us that we can feel "however the fuck we want. What-the-fuck ever". This was unbelievably the absolute worst experience have ever had. The owner and the women played victim almost as quickly as his demeanor changed when the second white woman approached him to vouch for the woman he started off reprimanding. He had absolutely no decorum or concern for the inconvenience he caused. Disappointing but not surprising how quickly black women have to defend themselves after stating the obvious. read more

And then, it came to pass that the Woodlawn made my Reuben sandwich list. What a sandwich, for only $4.50! Super value! A good size, plenty of corned beef. The ratio of sauerkraut to beef is excellent. Could have had a touch more dressing, but that's a fine point - I like Reubens moist and SOUR. Buttery rye bread, and served very hot. Perfectly paired with a cold Schlitz. Delicious. I pop in here about every two weeks before radio. The remodel was a big success - it's much brighter and open, without losing the appealing urban grit. Same friendly bartenders. Same chill, academic vibe. read more

Nice chill spot when you're an insomniac like me. Closes late with good bar food and my favorite part is the drinks!

Woodlawn Tap is a great "no frills" dive bar. Our family of 4 stopped by for lunch and it was pretty empty, but the setup is nice and spacious. The decor is simple and "worn", but I think that's the look they're going for. The staff was really friendly and accommodating for our 2 little boys. They ordered sprites and the bartender added a splash of grenadine and cherries which they loved. The food was decent.....typical bar food. One large order if french fries was more than enough for our family. I wasn't too thrilled with the cheeseburger, because it's pretty small and the beef isn't high quality, BUT Woodlawn isn't trying to be a "gourmet" burger joint either, so I can't complain. My husband had a tuna melt and he said that it was very good. Our boys had grilled cheeses, which looked good and they gobbled them up. The prices are fantastic, so I can see why U of C students would frequent this place. read more

Came here last weekend after meeting up w/some homies at Jolly Pumpkin 'cause we got tired of paying $8 per beer and wanted to get f**ked up on the cheap. Woodlawn Tap is good for that. Of course that didn't stop the lady from ordering $9 shots of gin, but oh well. I was curious what the crowd would be like being that it's close to campus. But my boy, who lives in the area, assured me there's plenty of older locals to balance out any annoying college-y presence. Aight, I'm in. The only thing I didn't know upon arrival is they're cash-only, so I got stuck paying a small fortune in Chase and ATM fees. But it was all good. One thing I enjoyed is my Lagunitas on draft tasted hella crisp, so their tap lines are obviously nice and clean. Also enjoyed they offer pitchers of these particular beers. Though I didn't grub aside from a few fries, I couldn't help but notice how modest the food is. Ain't even saying that pejoratively. It added to the divey-ness that I was pining for. You're coming here for the wrong reasons if you're expecting a Michelin star meal any damn way. Who is Michelin to give out food awards. Yo, don't they make tires? Next time I meet up with my Hyde Park friends, I honestly might skip Jolly Pumpkin and suggest coming here instead. read more

This place isn't five star dining, usually dark and packed to the brim with people...it's a typical pub. The staff is friendly, the drinks aren't bad and the prices are just right, considering the clientele of this place. I've had a few meals there, in a dark corner, usually with a guy after a concert, night out or event...and while the food wasn't memorable, the fries are little bits of potato heaven. As long as they are fresh. If you get not fresh fries, you will miss out on the magic that is Jimmy's...um, I mean Woodlawn Tap. So make sure you get fresh french fries. I've had burgers here too, that were consistently OK. Not finger licking, but if you're drunk enough, it'll take the edge off the hunger pangs going on in your belly. Served with melted cheese on a toasted bun, it's warm and somewhat juicy. Just make sure to not order it over medium. If you do, like my friend did, you will end up picking at a piece of beef looking leather. I usually hang in the room that is meant for the musicians, and when it's not loud full of music pumping, it's just quiet enough to actually hear the other person. When the music is pumping, make sure to take notice of all the friendly patrons. People here don't start mess, they are just out to have a good time. You come to Woodlawn because you're in the area and are turned off by the wanna be kara-chokey at Bar Louie, don't want to sit at Starbucks and The Cove is too scuzzy for you. You come here because you want good drinks, good music, good company and a good time. But you stay for the GREAT fries. read more

Long-standing Hyde Park watering hole. Great place to stop in for a cold one! People are great (especially Matt) and service is terrific! Kind of a neighborhood joint but we felt very welcome from the first time we came in. Not a huge menu (burgers and fries) but they are cheap and excellent! Sometimes we stop just for the fries (well, and a drink...) would go here all the time if I lived in the neighborhood! Cash only but they have an ATM! Stop into "Jimmy's" as the regulars call it, next time you're in HP! read more

Up until two years ago, I lived in Hyde Park for 12 years and this hole in the wall was our favorite bar. Yes, you have the bowling alley up the street and The Cove further east near the lakefront on 55th and a couple of other bars. But, Woodlawn Tap, with its cheap drinks and laid back atmosphere has us coming back ever so often. We just like the vibe of the Tap.. If you want a bright bar, with fabulous decorations, fancy tables and chairs, this isn't the place for you. On Sunday evenings, they have a live jazz performance. read more

Woodlawn Tap - Jazz @ The Tap.. - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois