After a long day of shopping on Chicago's Magnificent mile I was searching for a nice place to toss back a few, when I came upon Streeter's Tavern. As I walked down the small stair case into the bar a sign on the wall read "the Greatest Bar Below Earth" and it did not take me long to discover how they earned that title, and since that day I haven't stopped going back.
The décor can be described as kitschy, with old tin beer signs hanging next to ancient pictures of the Chicago skyline. Dark wood and metal pylons give it that "bar in your basement recroom" feeling. My personal favorite thing at the place is what the patrons have dubbed "pee and see", I will explain: The men's room urinal trough is placed in front of a two way mirror, so as you pee you can see out into the bar to watch your drink or make sure your buddy isn't cheating at pool. It is quite a sensation, and I highly recommend it!! I was surprised to find a veritable decathlon of bar games here. Staples like pool, and Golden Tee golf were of course present, along with harder to find games like ping pong (or beer pong if that's your fancy), foosball and even Big Buck Hunter! In a ritzy part of town, it's always a pleasure to find somewhere to let your hair down and keep your wallet closed, and Streeter's prices simply can not be beat for its neighborhood.
The crowd is quite a mix, and fiercely loyal to its favorite watering hole. I saw students from nearby downtown campuses mixing with local blue collar, and after work industry people from Navy Pier and restaurants and bars that close before Streeter's 4am last call. The DJ spins in the evening on the weekend playing every pop, rock, indy and hip hop track you think of from any given decade (and yes he will take your requests)! During the day you can grab a table on Streeter's outdoor patio while you enjoy some food from their kitchen (around the corner Downtown Dogs), and watch the hustle and bustle of down town Chicago as you relax. Streeter's staff is friendly enough, and they get along with each other like a family (which generates a really good mood in the place), and they always have good Chicago stories to tell.
Streeter's is like a rough in the diamonds, a classy dive where real people come together for some real drinks, and some real good times!!!
CONTACT & HOURS:
50 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL
Email: Streeters
Phone: (312) 944-5206
Private Party Packages available for gatherings large or small. Click here for more details on planning your next party.
Hours:
Open at 11am.
Sun-Fri
until 4am.
Saturday until 5am.