Cole's Bar

"A classic Logan Square dive bar that survives as the neighborhood gentrifies, Cole’s is a narrow space with beer and shots. It’s often home to live music or comedy shows, with no cover." - Ashok Selvam

"Whether you’re just grabbing a beer after a show at Cafe Mustache or you’ve got your all-night dancing shoes on, a night out on this strip of Milwaukee will probably include a stop at Cole’s. It’s unpretentious and occasionally sweaty, serves reasonably priced drinks, and attracts people from across the city. There’s a weekly comedy open mic in the back, and bands often come through for free shows. If you’re looking to see a band or comic who will eventually blow up and leave Chicago behind for some unthinkable reason, there’s a good chance you can do it at Cole’s." - josh barnett, sam faye, john ringor

"This Logan Square spot is built with what we like to call the “Dive Bar Starter Pack”: a solid draft list, cheap cocktails, a pool table, and a primordial mustiness (even though it’s only been around since 2009). But Cole’s real charm is its live music. There’s a regular line-up of local bands and DJs every week, so if you're the friend everyone bothers for music recommendations, it’s a good place to try and find the next up-and-coming Chicago artist." - john ringor, nick allen

"This dive bar cares about its patrons and hipsters cram into the back room to hear a variety of bands playing their hearts out on the weekend. It’s also the place to meet a special someone if you play your cards right." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman

"No bar crawl along Milwaukee is complete without a stop at Cole’s. In terms of drinks and atmosphere, it’s what you’d usually expect from a dive: solid draft list, cheap cocktails, a pool table, and a slight mustiness from a place that feels like it’s existed before the dawn of time (despite only being around since 2009.) But the real reason to come here is for the live music and events. There’s a weekly comedy open mic in the back, and bands often come through and perform free shows. If you care about being able to brag about seeing a band or comic before they made it big, there’s a good chance this will happen at Cole’s." - sarah freeman, john ringor