J Noland
Google
I don’t even know where to start. This place rules.
Walked in and thought, “huh, what is this?” It’s like a bar and a weird little shop had a baby, and then that baby grew up to be really cool. You can buy basically everything inside, and I did—left with a stone parrot from, I think, Panama?? It felt right.
The drinks are really good. I don’t know what all was in mine but it tasted fancy and strong in a good way. They’ve got stuff I’ve never heard of but it all just works. Even the soda water felt classy. It’s that kind of place.
The people are awesome. Tall, friendly, funny, chill. Like, you sit down and end up talking to someone and next thing you know it’s been three hours and you’ve somehow spent $90 and also made a new best friend. Or two.
The whole place is just cozy and full of random cool stuff—like someone’s basement, but the good kind. Not the creepy kind.
If you’re thinking about going—just go. Go now. Give them your money. They deserve it. You’ll probably end up leaving with a weird lamp or a ceramic pig or something and feel great about it.
One of the best bars I’ve been to in Chicago. And I don’t say that lightly.