A Barfly's Guide to Chicago's Drinking Establishments (Paperback)

~ Tony Gordon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gordon's (Barfly managing editor Tony Gordon) labor of love features reviews of bars for every known taste." -- Pat Butler, Lerner Newspaper

This book is amazing! -- Pete McMurray, WCKG 105.9 FM Chicago, July 31, 2000

Product Description

The most comprehensive guide to Chicago's drinking establishments ever published. There are 400 bar reviews, neighborhood tidbits, photos, additional drinking info, and an amazing index. Explore taverns located throughout Chicago. Learn tavern history, meet quirky bartenders, discover new drinks, and read tales about goofy patrons.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 487 pages
• Publisher: Barfly (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966320905
• ISBN-13: 978-0966320909
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,338,168 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shitfaced, June 20, 2000

By A Customer

I found the greatest bar in the world through this book, Resi's Bierstube. It has 150 different bottled beers, a ton of imported German beers on draft, and the best bratwurst this side of Sheboygan.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Chicago Bar Guide Ever!, April 2, 2005

By	Pilsen Books "Industrial Strength Literature" (Chicago Book Depository) - See all my reviews

It's getting a little dated, but the nice thing about Barfly (I think that they went under) is that they reviewed a lot of neighborhood bars along with the popular places which everyone knows. Some of the reviews were a little off (like the one of Rossi's Pub, best dive in Chicago), but they generally gave you a pretty good idea of what to expect and would have you going to places that you normally wouldn't have thought of. Even if you don't drink, it's a fascinating snapshot of Chicago that will be of interest for generations to come.

Here's my partial list of bars you should go to in Chicago:

1. Berghoff (classic standup bar, liquor license #1)
2. Weeds (latino bomenian blue-collar)
3. Old Town Ale House (beatnik)
4. Billy Goat's (Lower Michigan) (journalists, tourists)
5. Goose Island (brew pub)
6. Quenchers (beer bar)
7. Clark Street Ale House (another one)
8. Rossi's (dive, bike messengers)
9. Laschet's Inn (German)
10. Empty Bottle (live music)